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Industry discounts are available.
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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.
Like many other schools and businesses, Make Up First has temporarily suspended normal operations this week as the country navigates the recent coronavirus outbreak. We are all anxious and excited to get back to work doing what we love, but the health and safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance to us. As such, we have revised our 2020 course dates, which are now current on our website, as well as in the list below. We are monitoring the situation closely, but hopefully we not need to revise these dates any further.
If changes are needed, they will be reflected on our website and social media as soon as possible. If you are already registered for any of the courses or workshops that were rescheduled, we will reach out to you directly. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this hectic time!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@makeupfirst.com!
SPRING 2020
Basic I –April 13 - 23
Basic II – April 27 - May 7
Media HD – May 11 - 14
Theatrical A – May 18 - 21
Theatrical B – May 26 - 29
Media REF – June 1 - 11
Clinical – June 15 - 18
Careers— June 19
CONSOLIDATED WINTER
May 18 - 22
SUMMER 2020
Basic I – June 22 - July 2
Basic II – July 6 - 16
Media HD – July 20 - 23
Media REF – July 27 - Aug 6
Clinical – Aug 10 - 13
Theatrical A – Aug 17 - 20
Careers—August 21
Theatrical B –Aug 24 - 27
CONSOLIDATED SUMMER
August 31 - Sept 4
FALL 2020
Basic I –Sept 8 - 17
Basic II –Sept 21 - Oct 1
Media HD – Oct 5 - 8
Media REF –Oct 12 - 22
Theatrical A – Oct 26 - 29
Theatrical B – Nov 2 - 5
Clinical – Nov 9 - 12
Careers – Nov 13
CONSOLIDATED FALL
December 7 -11
Get a jump start on your makeup artistry certificate with our Consolidated Basic Makeup I & II course. This intensive class runs from March 23rd-27th, 2020 and covers the entirety of Basic Makeup I & II in just one week! 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.
On the first day of class, you’ll get your makeup artist kit, complete with all the makeup and tools you’ll need to complete the program and start your career! We’ll cover how and when to use everything in your kit, as well as sanitation procedures for your tools and cosmetics.
Learn the foundational building blocks of makeup artistry, such as facial anatomy, skin type identification/prep, foundation matching, and color theory, with hands-on learning every class.
Dive into full face applications, using corrective makeup techniques like highlight + contour to alter the shape of the face as well as the eyes, lips, nose, and cheeks. Learn how to apply makeup to multiple face types and shapes, including models of different ethnicities, genders, and ages!
Get a jumpstart on earning your certificate and becoming a professional makeup artist! Join our community of teachers and artists to get advice, recommendations, and job opportunities today!
Looking to improve your skills under the guidance of the industry’s top working professionals? Make Up First has you covered with guest artist workshops all throughout 2020!
Color Theory in Flesh Tone is a hands-on workshop that translates color theory into the language of makeup. One of the greatest tools a makeup artist has is color theory. Being able to actively work and use the principles of color theory during application makes every artist stronger and more efficient.
In this workshop we revisit the basics of Color Theory and the principles of color used in makeup application. Learn to translate color into flesh tone and neutral using The Flesh Tone Color Wheel™ and determine skin tone, highlight, contour and correction. See how using color theory affects every color choice from foundation, to eyeshadow and lip. In the hands-on portion we build skill and train the eye using The Flesh Tone Color Wheel™ and a color theory makeup palette to create, mix and adjust foundations, highlight, bronzer, contour, and corrective colors followed by eye, cheek and lip.
Jordan Liberty's masterclass returns! Join Jordan for his 1-day masterclass and immerse yourself in his techniques for creating stunning light-adaptive makeup applications that look flawless in person and translate seamlessly to camera. Day 1 is open to all makeup lovers, no matter your level of experience and teaches every student how to create makeup looks that don't need filters to look finished. Makeup artists can join for the 2-day class to access hands-on guidance from Jordan as they create 3 makeup looks to be professionally photographed.
Day 1: Demonstrations + Q&A
Jordan recreates his signature "clean" campaign makeup for camera, shooting live and discussing the relationship between the makeup and camera. This is a deep dive into his signature techniques and how light affects color and texture. Key points include:
Skincare prep by facialist-to-the-stars, Yoli (@yoliglo).
Signature "microblading" technique on brows.
Signature "reverse foundation" technique.
Signature "lightshaping" technique.
How to draw focus towards a specific texture, color, or area of the face.
Creating balance and harmonious color tones and combinations.
Achieving the perfect lip shape.
+ More signature tricks based on the model, the look, and your questions.
Q&A
Day 2: Hands-On Makeup and Photoshoot
Create 3 looks on professional models (provided in your ticket cost) based on a predetermined assignment with the assistance of Jordan. The assigned looks and information will be provided on day 1. Your final looks will be professionally photographed, and you will receive all raw images as part of your ticket cost. Retouching is available for an added charge directly through the photographer. This is a truly unique masterclass and the most comprehensive of all of Jordan’s workshops, which is why it has sold out 5 years in a row!
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE A MAKEUP ARTIST KIT ALONG WITH ALL PROPER SANITARY ITEMS FOR THIS PORTION. Double-dipping and touching applicators directly to the skin will not be permitted for safety reasons. Jordan will answer all hygiene questions if you are unsure. Please make sure to have freshly washed brushes, this will be a FUN DAY!
Multi-day prosthetic workshop: molding, creating, painting, and applying silicone and/or latex prosthetics. This class will be taught by Roy Wooley, Special FX artist and contestant on SyFy's Face Off, Seasons 3 and 5!
Roy Wooley is a highly skilled special effects makeup artist and prop master whose impressive resume spans more than two decades, and includes work on such box office hits as Zombieland and Rob Zombie’s Halloween II.
In 2012, Roy appeared as a contestant on Syfy’s number one reality show Face Off, where he received the title, “King of Fabrication,” after producing some of the most memorable creations of Season 3. In 2013, Roy returned to Face Off for Season 5’s “Vets vs. Rookies.”
Roy works year-round on feature films while doing creature fabrication for Netherworld, which has become one of the country’s leading haunted attractions.
International celebrity makeup artist, Roshar, demonstrates his avant-garde/editorial makeup creations while answering questions. Then, Roshar will direct a model photoshoot for the participants with Chicago professional photographer, Robert Beczarski.
Demo Portion: Lecture, demonstration of two looks, and Q&A.
Hands-On Portion: Photoshoot with professional models. Directed by Roshar.
Participants will receive all images of their work.
The Make Up First Pro Shop is the perfect place to stock up on everything you need! Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, we have everything from tools and disposables to full airbrush starter kits and travel cases. All online orders come with free shipping on orders over $39, so you can spend more on the things you really want.
We also offer a Pro Membership discount for working makeup artists! All Pro Members receive up to 40% off a variety of brands just for registering with us. You can register for our Pro Membership here! Not a makeup artist? Don’t worry—you can still get 10% off your first order by using the code “PROSHOP10” at checkout!
We’re always adding new brands to the Pro Shop—alongside some of our favorites—but let us know if there’s something new that should be on our radar. Check out some of our new arrivals below!
Is the fear of financial burden holding you back from pursuing what you love? We’re here to help! At Make Up First, our program is designed to be affordable and flexible, so you can complete your education on your own terms. All of our courses are individually-priced, so you can pay for each course individually and take them at your own pace—finish in ten weeks or complete them over the course of 2 years! With the help of scholarships and grants, you may be able to get started in a career you love sooner than you think!
There are hundreds of scholarships and grants available for prospective students in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. Some you can apply for in less than 15 minutes! There are also benefits for US veterans, employer education stipends, and much more! With a little digging, you may find that you’re eligible for multiple options to help pay for education.
Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the scholarships and grants used by previous students of Make Up First to help you jumpstart the process!
Note: Some scholarships require Cosmetology and or Aesthetics licenses in order to be an eligible applicant. Be sure to research requirements carefully prior to submitting an application.
• The Professional Beauty Association provides scholarship information for organizations such as Minerva, Hans Neumaier, Sally Beauty Supply, and America’s Beauty Show!
• The Presidents Scholarship from America’s Beauty Show and Cosmetologists Chicago can help you take your career to the next level. Regular members of Cosmetologists Chicago® (CC), Cosmetologos Latinos® (CL), American Assiociation for Esthetics® (AAE), and International Nail Technicians Association® (INTA) can apply for up to $2,500 a year ($7,500 lifetime maximum) for Advanced Classes and Seminars.
• American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) partners with industry sponsors to offer scholarships and grants to deserving cosmetology students. Beauty Changes Lives (BCL) currently offers seven scholarships in all categories representing the beauty and wellness industry. They also offer two advanced education scholarships, one in cosmetology and one in makeup. Since 2013, BCL has given away more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to students attending cosmetology, esthetics, nail, massage, makeup and advanced courses.
• Beauty Schools Directory is donating a $2500 Scholarship to help pay for education at the beauty school of your dreams!
• Beauty Changes Lives currently offers seven scholarships in all categories representing the beauty and wellness industry. They also offer two advanced education scholarships, one in cosmetology and one in makeup. Since 2013, BCL has given away more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to students attending cosmetology, esthetics, nail, massage, makeup and advanced courses.
• Blessons Scholarships for Women are funded by donations and are unique and may often function as the only source of support for women where no other granting and scholarship organizations may exist or are accessible in it’s nature where grade point average is NOT a deciding factor. They give women the resources to realize their educational goals to use the funds in whatever way that helps them most such as: books, tuition, on-campus health insurance, cafeteria, computer labs and transportation.
• The Chade Foundation Scholarships Program is offering financial aid to incoming and current college or graduate school students. In order to show our gratitude and support to the Chicagoland community, the company established Chade Foundation in 2007. We invite all eligible students to apply for our 10th Annual Scholarship Awards.
OTHER INFO:
Breaking down scholarship opportunities, and where to find them
Database of Vocational Scholarships
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!
What’s better than new makeup? How about a whole new makeup kit! Every student at Make Up First receives their own kit, filled with everything you need to complete a full face of makeup each day. We’re always updating our student kits with the best new products we can find, and this session is our first offering two new palettes of eyeshadows from Viseart! Take a tour through our student kit to see some of our favorite products as well as our new arrivals!
Be the first to try our new Viseart Eyeshadow Palettes this upcoming session! The Editorial Brights and Neutral Mattes palettes are the perfect addition to any artist’s kit, covering the full dynamic range of color. These Viseart shadows also retain a high standard of production—in addition to being gluten-free and cruelty-free, they are free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehydes, and other problematic ingredients!
Each kit comes with a 24 piece brush set from Bdellium Tools, complete with a roll up pouch featuring 24 total pockets. This collection of brushes features a blend of natural and synthetic bristles, as well as anodized aluminum ferrules, to keep your brushes fit and functional for longer.
In the world of makeup artistry, sanitation and proper hygiene is paramount. We cover these topics on day one of our program. Properly cleaning brushes, using a quick-drying, alcohol-based solution like Cinema Secret’s brush cleaner, ensure that they stay safe to use and last longer. Stainless steel palettes and palette knives are non-porous, which makes them easy to sanitize, and safely apply makeup without double-dipping or cross contamination.
Master the art of makeup with daily hands-on application using a variety of professional brands like Palladio, FACEatelier, Eve Pearl, Cinema Secrets, and more! Your kit comes complete with all the tools you’ll need to complete a full face of makeup including a lash curler, sharpener, and grooming scissors. All kits come stocked with enough makeup to last the entire certificate program and beyond, but if you ever want to restock or try new products, our Pro Shop is conveniently located on site!
Have you ever wanted to work in ballet or the theatre? How about fashion shows or films? With an education from Make Up First, you’ll have all the training you need to accept jobs within all areas of the makeup industry. Our comprehensive, hands-on education is designed to create well-rounded, professional makeup artists and get them working in the field quickly. Once completing the certification program, we will continue to help you find work, with job postings, letters of recommendation, advice, and more!
Two of our Make Up First graduates, Madison and Nataliia, just worked on makeup for The Art Deco Nutcracker from A&A Ballet this past week. Check out some of the amazing work they did below, and click the link below for more information about how to get started with your own career in makeup artistry!
To book a makeup artist for your event, wedding, or job send us an email at info@makeupfirst.com, or fill out our request form here!
Get a jump start on your makeup artistry certificate with our Consolidated Basic Makeup I & II course. This intensive class runs from November 18th-22nd and covers the entirety of Basic Makeup I & II in just one week! 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.
On the first day of class, you’ll get your makeup artist kit, complete with all the makeup and tools you’ll need to complete the program and start your career! We’ll cover how and when to use everything in your kit, as well as sanitation procedures for your tools and cosmetics.
Learn the foundational building blocks of makeup artistry, such as facial anatomy, skin type identification/prep, foundation matching, and color theory, with hands-on learning every class.
Dive into full face applications, using corrective makeup techniques like highlight + contour to alter the shape of the face as well as the eyes, lips, nose, and cheeks. Learn how to apply makeup to multiple face types and shapes, including models of different ethnicities, genders, and ages!
Get a jumpstart on earning your certificate and becoming a professional makeup artist! Join our community of teachers and artists to get advice, recommendations, and job opportunities today!
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?
This 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!
Our winter session starts January 6th with Basic Makeup I, which covers fundamental principles such as color theory, facial anatomy, and sanitation. In addition, students will learn crucial skills like highlight and contour, foundation matching, skin prep, shaping brows, false lash application and more!
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, and clinical!
See what we’ve been up to recently!
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.
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.
Learn the in’s and out’s of the bridal business, 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, as well as various airbrushing techniques, and how to choose the right products for your client.
Following the workshop, students will receive a TEMPTU Certificate of Completion!
All airbrush equipment and products are provided for use during this six hour workshop, and will be available for purchase at an already discounted price the day of the workshop!
This workshop is eligible for 6 hours of Continuing Education under the IL Barber Act
The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade with up to 100,000 expected to attend, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
The festival features live music by popular artists, 4 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/craft and merchant vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, Out At Wrigley National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsor booths and more. Come out and celebrate, June 22-23, in Boystown on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace.
Prep for the festivities with some of our favorite products below!
This collection has a color for any outfit or look. These hybrid cream colors are durable in the heat, safe for the eyes, lips, and face, and extremely long-lasting. Use individually, or create custom colors!
Keep your lash game going strong all week with this 10 pack. All lashes are handmade and cruelty-free, so you can feel good while you look good. Multiple styles available!
With 18 different, vivid shades, from mattes to shimmers, this palette has something for everyone. This massive collection is your one-stop shadow shop for all of pride week, with enough shades to share with your friends!
Long-wearing, ultra lightweight liquid to matte lipstick that will last for hours. These intense, highly-pigmented, sharp colors look amazing and leave you with a velvet-like feel to the lips. Wear alone or partner with your favorite lipgloss.
Brow expert, Eugenia Weston, designed this perfect evolution of a brow pencil and powder in one. The long-wearing, fade-resistant color glides on with smooth precision to define, shape, fill in sparse areas, and create perfect arches.
This natural, wax-based palette is great on both cheeks and lips. The 10-shade variety provides full coverage in a wide range of colors that won’t dry out the skin and lasts all day.
Get rid of deep under eye tones and skin discolorations fast with this award-winning concealer. This dual-color combo works to eliminate darkness while the second tone brightens and highlights. Sensitive skin formula is perfect for mature skin.
Turn back the clock on aging skin with this firming, hydrating cream from Embryolisse. Visibly reduce fine lines while boosting collagen, elastin, and vitamins for healthy, radiant skin.
Make your mom feel special with the glamorous Riki Skinny. This countertop mirror features incredible lighting, attachments for a magnified mirror and phone, as well as Bluetooth capabilities. Perfect for a night out or getting ready each morning. For moms on the go, check out the travel-sized Riki Cutie, which has 3 brightness levels, a built-in leg stand, and retractable finger holder.
Don’t miss out on our upcoming Winter Session starting January 7th! Our program begins with Basic Makeup I, which covers fundamental principles such as color theory, facial anatomy, and sanitation. In addition, students will learn crucial skills like highlight and contour, foundation matching, skin prep, various eyeliner styles, shaping brows, false lash application and more!
To schedule a tour, follow this link and choose the date and time that’s right for you!
Make Up First® is the premier makeup artistry training program in the entire Midwest. 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. Start your dream career today!
