Our Pro Shop is now
strictly an e-commerce site.
Order online and products will
be shipped within two
business days.
We carry professional products available to everyone!
Industry discounts are available.
Visit the Make Up First® Pro Shop today!
We are extremely proud of all our students and everything they have accomplished over the years at Make Up First! Throughout our 15 years, we’ve been fortunate to teach incredible artists, host workshops for the industry’s best MUAs, and lectured at some of the country’s biggest trade shows. As we look back at some of our favorite memories, we would love to see some of your favorite photos and videos from your time here as well! Tag @makeupfirstschool on Instagram with your favorite photos/videos and let us know what those memories mean to you.
Shop our two day limited-time-only Summer Super Sale and save big!
Book your exclusive, in-store shopping appointment with us on July 22nd or 23rd from 10am-2pm today!
We are giving away free products with all purchases, as well as offering bundle deals, deep discounts, and more!
PLUS—Pro Members receive an additional 10% off all non-blowout items!
Use the button below to email with your desired day/time. We hope to see you there! Thanks for shopping small.
The NBA All-Star Weekend is coming to Chicago! Starting today, you can find great events all over the city. Even if basketball isn’t your thing, there are dozens of awesome pop-ups, parties, and more—including a weekend full of activities at the St. Jane Hotel. All Star Weekend Chicago at the St. Jane celebrates women in sports & entertainment by offering leadership symposiums, brunch, beauty and wellness demos, and more!
On Saturday, you can find Make Up First at the Sip & Style Pop Up from 12pm-4pm, where we’ll be offering free mini makeovers, discounts for our Pro Shop, and giving out exclusive gift bags to event VIPs. Come out and sample some of the best in makeup, skincare and body services, complimentary spirits, and participate in giveaways! General admission is free but space is limited, so make sure to grab tickets now!
We’ve just announced our Mini Monday schedule for 2020, which features some familiar favorites, as well as new topics we’re excited to share!
Our Mini Monday workshops are a great introduction to our courses and other workshops here at Make Up First. These workshops are quick, affordable, and open to the public—so the whole family can attend. Each month we host a workshop featuring a different topic that we’ll teach you about, and then demonstrate various looks, products, and techniques. For our cosmetologists and estheticians: these workshops also count as Continuing Education hours under the IL Barber Act for keeping your license active and up to date!
Check below for a preview of some of our upcoming Mini Monday workshops. You can view the entire year of workshops on our page here!
Our Certificate Program, approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, is a comprehensive, in-depth makeup artistry-training program taught by industry professionals. By offering instruction in all areas of makeup artistry, we prepare the students so they can accept work in all avenues of the industry: editorial, bridal, theatrical, media, clinical and more. Our Certificate Program is specifically designed to allow our students to enter the field quickly and launch their career.
Ready to see the school in person? Book a tour here!
Check out photos from some of our classes below!
We are so proud to have launched our line, ATTN! Beauty, this past year! Our goal was to create professional grade products using clean, natural, and safe ingredients. The first three products we developed, the ATTN! Beauty Trio, were designed to be practical, easy on all skin types, and kit-friendly. Each product serves a purpose, from pre-application all the way to makeup removal.
As a special thank you to our customers, for the rest of 2019 we will include a FREE bottle of ATTN! Makeup Sanitizer Mist with all purchases over $50 at the Pro Shop! Once $50+ of products have been added to your cart, add an ATTN! Makeup Sanitizer Mist, then head to the checkout where the Sanitizer will show up free!
And don’t forget to grab your ATTN! Beauty Trio which is on sale now for a limited time only! Check out which of the ATTN! Beauty products are right for your kit below!
The ATTN! Makeup Sanitizer Mist is a natural and effective sanitizer that cleans and disinfects all powder, gel, and cream-based cosmetics, as well as tools, palettes, and spatulas. The product dries quickly without leaving any residue on tools or cosmetics for a gentle, safe way to eliminate cross-contamination of products without affecting the integrity of the cosmetics.
The ATTN! No-Rinse Makeup Remover Foam is an aloe vera-based product that moisturizes the skin while removing all makeup, including waterproof cosmetics! The safe, all-natural formula leaves the skin hydrated, while also safely cleansing and soothing the skin.
The ATTN! Makeup Mixing Medium Drops are an essential, versatile, multi-use product that intensifies, binds, and revives makeup products. The aloe vera gel-based liquid is waterproof, sweat-proof, safe for the eyelids, and moisturizing for the skin.
Your favorite Pro Shop promo is back! Spend $50 or more and receive a Mystery Bag worth over $50 in products for FREE with your purchase! Spend $100 and receive a Mystery Bag worth over $100 in products! Make sure to add the Mystery Bag to your cart before checkout using this link!
The Mystery Bag promo is only valid until Wednesday, December 18th at 11:59pm CST, so get your holiday shopping done today! Check out Part 2 of our curated gift guide for more ideas below!
*Online orders only. Gift cards excluded
Our Certificate Program, approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, is a comprehensive, in-depth makeup artistry-training program taught by industry professionals. By offering instruction in all areas of makeup artistry, we prepare the students so they can accept work in all avenues of the industry: editorial, bridal, theatrical, media, clinical and more. Our Certificate Program is specifically designed to allow our students to enter the field quickly and launch their career.
Ready to see the school in person? Book a tour here!
Check out photos from some of our classes below!
Maquillaje Glam avanzado
¡De lo ordinario a extraordinario! con Paloma Guerard.
Al realizar este taller, llevarás fácilmente tus habilidades al siguiente nivel al aprender técnicas avanzadas de ilusión óptica, dimensiones y creación de lifting.
Para aquellos maquillistas que busquen un look especial de “Alfombra roja” para sus clientas.
Learn next-level glam looks this winter! Join us for our Holiday Glam Workshop where you’ll learn multiple glam-inspired looks that work perfectly for any date night, red carpet, or office holiday party.
Learn advanced techniques in blending and how to create the illusion of dimensionality and lift for your ‘red carpet’ clients. Taught by international makeup artist Paloma Guerard, in both English and Spanish!
This workshop includes both demo and hands-on portions.
Paloma Guerard is an international makeup artist with more than 13 years of experience. She trained at Blanche MacDonald Centre, a world-renowned makeup academy in Vancouver, Canada. She is widely recognized as one of the premier bridal makeup artists in Mexico and has also worked with superstar artists such as Alejandro Fernandez, Diego Torres, Camila, Maná and Eugenia. Paloma is also the founder of Colombe Makeup School in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Paloma Guerard maquillista internacional con mas de 13 años de experiencia, estudio en la prestigiosa escuela Blanche MacDonald Centre. Paloma Guerard es conocida como una de las mejores maquillistas de novias en México y ha trabajado con artistas como Alejandro Fernandez, Diego Torres, Grupo Camila, Maná y Eugenia Leon, a su vez Paloma es fundadora de la escuela de Maquillaje Colombe localizada en Guadalajara México.
As the new year approaches, now is a great time to take inventory of your kit. While you may have a preferred set of brushes and a go-to palette, you may be missing game-changing tools to make your job easier. Before you stock up for the holidays, take a look at some of our favorite picks below!
Brush belts or easels are a great way to make sure you can grab any brush quickly while on the job. Small, folding mirrors can be a life-saver on the go when working in cramped or less than ideal spaces, while makeup capes keep your clients clean and camera-ready.
Each product in the ATTN! Beauty Trio is made to fit easily in any kit and allows you to sanitize, remove, and improve your makeup with ease!
Disposables are necessary for every job—making for quick, sanitary applications without worrying about messy clean ups and cross contamination.
There’s a Vueset palette for any size or purpose. De-pot, store, and customize your own palettes, or salvage the last of your product in one of these easy-access containers.
Keep your clients flawless with these adorably small kit additions. Eve Pearl’s finger-sized puffs keep your applications perfect while you work. Tweeze out any stray hairs with these travel-friendly micro tweezers. Tiny spray bottles work to keep your sponges wet and ready to use.
Looking ahead to 2020, we want to hear from our incredible Make Up First community about what we can do to improve. What do you want to see next year—different workshops, new products in the Pro Shop, more guest speakers?
Please leave your feedback in the comments section below and let us know what you think!
Congrats @makeupbyninaelizabeth, you are our winner! Each year breast cancer research, detection, and treatment gets better because of donations from organizations and individuals like all of you.
Thank you all for supporting #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth by spreading awareness, reposting, and shopping with companies who donate!
Want a second chance to win?
Answer the two questions below in the comments section, as well as your Instagram username, for a chance to win a bottle of ATTN! Makeup Sanitizer Mist!
1) According the the American Cancer Society, what are two ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer?
2) At what age should most women start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms?
Leave your Halloween makeup to the pros! On October 25th and 26th, Make Up First will be taking appointments to help bring your Halloween makeup to life! With applications ranging from face painting to bald caps and special effects, we’ve got you covered for every look!
Check our pricing guide below to see what category your specific makeup falls into—and don’t forget to call (312-621-0801) or email us (info@makeupfirst.com) to book your appointment in advance!
All appointments must be finalized by Wednesday, October 23rd
$75: Traditional makeup, glam looks, or facepainting
$150: Advanced face painting or detailed line work, small prosthetics (bullet holes, scars, broken nose)
*For extensive applications or advanced prosthetics, such as bald caps, pre-made pieces, etc, please call or email for a consultation
Check out some past work from our graduates below to find your inspiration, or email us a photo and description of what you have in mind!
Get a jumpstart on your makeup artistry certification with our Consolidated Basic Makeup I & II course starting November 18th!
Our intensive, week-long course covers the entirety of our Basic Makeup I and II classes. This course is perfect for anyone looking to begin our certification program who may not otherwise be able to attend. If you’re traveling from out of town, or are restricted by other commitments, our consolidated course provides a great opportunity to start (and finish) your certification at an accelerated pace.
The course will cover all topics provided in Basic Makeup 1 and 2, including lessons on:
Contents of a complete makeup artist kit.
Proper hygiene and sanitation
Skin type identification
Color theory
Facial anatomy
Light makeup applications
Corrective makeup techniques (highlight and contour) to alter the face shape as well as the eyes, lips and cheeks
Additionally students will have the opportunity to apply makeup to models of varying skin tones, ethnicities, ages and genders.
This course is perfect for anyone who lives outside the city, has a demanding schedule, or wants to get a head start on their certification!
At Make Up First® School of Makeup Artistry, our certification program is streamlined to give you exactly what you need to become a pro. Our program, approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offers in-depth makeup artistry training with extensive hands-on studio time using pro cosmetics and taught by the finest instructors. By offering professional instruction in all areas of makeup artistry, we prepare our students to be able to accept work in all avenues of the industry, including editorial, bridal, theatrical, media, clinical and more.
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during the entire month of October, Make Up First® will be donating a portion of our sales on all products to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. They provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship.
This cause is especially dear to us as one of the owner’s daughters has been battling breast cancer for the last three years.
Shop any of our products in the Pro Shop, including our ‘Pink Picks’ collection, and we will donate a portion of every sale to the BCRF!
According the the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women aside from skin cancers. About 1 in 8 women in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer over their lifetime. Preventative lifestyle and early detection remain paramount, but even after a diagnosis, breast cancer survivorship has tripled over the last 60 years. Get more information below and stay proactive.
Over the years, James Vincent’s passion for the art of makeup has included nearly ever genre of makeup artistry: film and theatre, television and celebrity, editorial and runway, and training and product development for companies like MAC, Stila, Armani, YSL, and Make Up For Ever.
James now focuses his career on working internationally in fashion, film, theatre, and editorial. His resume includes clients such as designers Ashton Michael, Charlotte Ronson, and Samantha Pleet. James has also worked extensively in the music industry, including with legendary artists like Lady Gaga, Florence and the Machine, Courtney Love, Joan Jett, and the Foo Fighters. His celebrity work includes leading ladies like Liv Tyler, Reese Witherspoon, Jane Fonda, and President Barack Obama.
James has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, as well as numerous other television shows as a beauty expert. James has also worked in television as a key artist for shows including American Idol and on stage productions including Roundabout Theatre’s “The Philanthropist”.
Nylon Magazine, The New York Times, and WWD have named James as a “Makeup Artist to Watch”. James is currently the Beauty Editor for On Makeup Magazine and Lovecast Magazine, as well as a contributor for countless blogs and publications.
Every two years cosmetologists and estheticians must fulfill between 10 to 14 hours of Continuing Education to keep their license active under the Illinois Barber Act. While half of the required hours can be completed online, the other half must be earned in the classroom. At Make Up First, many of our courses and workshops are approved for Continuing Education Hours, and are suitable for all skill levels— from two hour, demo-only workshops to immersive, hands-on courses.
Check out our upcoming workshops and courses below to see what’s right for you!
Airbrush makeup is here to stay, and for bridal clients, it’s a must-have skill. Our Temptu-Certified Airbrush Bridal Workshop is continuously updated with the newest products, information, and how-to guides from Temptu—the industry leader in airbrush makeup.
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to navigate the business of bridal, such as drafting contracts, setting your rates, and completing a successful trial run. Then get hands-on with our immersive TEMPTU airbrush training where you’ll learn how to assemble and clean two different machines, various airbrushing techniques, and how to choose the right products for your client.
Attendees will learn how to use both the Temptu S-1 traditional gun and compressor and the portable, handheld Temptu Air. Afterwards, head over to our Pro Shop to stock up on our Temptu products, available for purchase at an already-discounted price!
Following the workshop, students will receive a TEMPTU Certificate of Completion!
This workshop is eligible for 6 Continuing Education Hours under the IL Barber Act.
October is a profitable time for makeup artists, and knowledge of theatrical makeup is a must. With our Advanced Theatrical course, you can elevate your skills for a more successful Halloween season! Students will learn advanced, professional techniques in the application of pre-made prosthetics and bald caps, as well as the correct technique for laying facial hair and use of moldable sfx products.
This Advanced Course is open to the public. Theatrical A/B is not a prerequisite.
Students should bring their basic makeup kit—all theatrical and sfx supplies will be provided.
This workshop is eligible for 16 Continuing Education Hours under the IL Barber Act.
Join the Make Up First staff for this two-hour, demo-only workshop showcasing some fun ideas for Halloween using theatrical makeup. This demo is open to the public!
This workshop is eligible for 2 Continuing Education Hours under the IL Barber Act.
October is a profitable time for makeup artists, and knowledge of theatrical makeup is a must. With our Advanced Theatrical course, you can elevate your skills for a more successful Halloween season! Students will learn advanced, professional techniques in the application of pre-made prosthetics and bald caps, as well as the correct technique for laying facial hair and use of moldable spfx products.
This Advanced Course is open to the public. Theatrical A/B is not a prerequisite.
Students should bring their basic makeup kit—all theatrical and spfx supplies will be provided.
¡De lo ordinario a extraordinario! con Paloma Guerard.
Al realizar este taller, llevarás fácilmente tus habilidades al siguiente nivel al aprender técnicas avanzadas de ilusión óptica, dimensiones y creación de lifting.
Para aquellos maquillistas que busquen un look especial de “Alfombra roja” para sus clientas.
Take your ‘red carpet’ looks to the next level with our advanced glam techniques. Learn how blending techniques can create the illusion of dimensionality and lift for your glam-inspired looks. Taught by international makeup artist Paloma Guerard, in both English and Spanish!
This workshop includes both demo and hands-on.
