Reviews


Highly recommend!! Make Up First was the school I chose after extensive research in the Chicagoland area…they do an amazing job of educating about past and present methods, trends, techniques, and products. Not only do they teach about makeup application, but they also teach about starting and maintaining a successful business. I learned so much at Make Up First and had so much fun! Forever grateful that they helped launch my career
— Greta Hollander
This is the BEST MAKEUP SCHOOL IN THE MIDWEST!
The staff is amazing and the knowledge is so beneficial! I am now a makeup artist for Christian Dior and I definitely wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for Make Up First!✨💄
— AJ SLAYZ
Make Up First School is such an amazing school! I learned airbrush there and it had been very beneficial for my makeup career! The staff and instructors are amazing and so helpful! I highly recommend taking a class!!
— Haley Allen
By far the most professional makeup school in Chicago, the knowledge and networking you get here its unbeatable.
Highly recommend!!
— rodolfo muñoz
Make Up First is such an amazing school! I went through their certificate program as well as attended their airbrush class. You learn so much at a quick pace without feeling rushed. The class sizes allow you to create strong bonds with not only your fellow classmates but also the instructors. The school does a great job at networking while you are enrolled and after you complete the courses! The team is very personable and have a lot to share about the industry. I definitely plan to return for additional classes in the future!
— Grace Brown
As a wedding guest attendee, I booked my artist through First Looks by Make Up First and was very pleased. The booking process was easily done online and I could get my makeup done in the studio. It was a pleasant experience and the artist took all my suggestions seriously. Recommend for sure!
— Giselle Rodriguez
Make up first is truly a great place to visit whether a networking event or need of a makeup experience . I highly recommend Jade and her staff because they are truly a blessing .
— Kristina Browne
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Make Up First! I attended the School back in 2014 and had a great experience. I also recently attended the one year anniversary party which was fun opportunity to get some photos & connect with other artists! Check out Make Up First if you wanna be with the pros!
— Mia Kelly
Make Up First is such a good place to start out a makeup career . I went through their certificate program which is amazing. They provide hands on and conduct events and workshops that really helped me build my portfolio. The teachers are so friendly. I feel so grateful that I landed at makeup first .
— Phani Harika Kondamuri
I absolutely love Make Up First! Their classes, staff, and Pro Shop are all fantastic. You learn from professional working artists who share their experiences and knowledge with you while taking classes OR just when you need help with product recommendations!
— ANonymous reviewer
I had a Make Up First graduate do my daughters makeup and we couldn’t have been happier with that decision! In fact she told us all about her training which convinced her to attend a makeup demonstration at the school. The staff was extremely friendly and made the class so fun! The room was filled with makeup artists and people like us who just wanted to learn. It was great for everyone. Highly recommend Make Up First!
— jason krakora
I worked with Make Up First artists through a wedding I was in and they were amazing! They were very easy to work with and felt like they were just part of the wedding party. The artists listened to the look each bridesmaid was wanting to achieve and executed them flawlessly. Everyone loved their makeup!

I would highly recommend Make Up First! Whether you’re looking for an artist for an upcoming wedding or attending one of their many special events throughout the year, you are sure to be highly satisfied with their work and professionalism!
— Taylor Weigt
I took a few classes with Make Up First and I honestly can’t wait to come back! Jade and Michelle were the instructors and they seemed genuinely excited to help us learn. Such an amazing experience! I plan to attend their certificate program next. Their new location is in a safe area which makes me feel much more comfortable than going into Chicago now, and they’re still walking distance from the train station!!
— Abigail Freiman
The best makeup school! Professional, throughly educational, and so much fun. Teachers and staff go above and beyond to teach you and truly help your makeup career strive. Nothing but great things to say about Makeup First School
— Sydney Popelka
I’m graduated from Make Up First school, had a great experience at my makeup school! The teachers were knowledgeable and supportive, and the program was well-structured and informative. I learned a lot of new techniques and industry tips that I found helpful. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to start a career in makeup
— Deepee kasi
Make Up First is such a fun unique school to learn how to safely express your creativity through makeup. I love their workshops and demos. Their is alway something new to learn. And I’m especially grateful they moved to Naperville. Right along the train line.
— Deanna Le
I hired a Makeup First graduate for my wedding and WOW did she do amazing! She listened to my bridal makeup inspiration and made me look EXACTLY how I wanted. My makeup looked gorgeous and stayed all day. I even received a goodie bag of extra lipstick, blotting papers, touch-up powder and other necessities just in case. She critiqued everything at the trial and even sent me texts/emails leading up to wedding day to make sure she had everything I wanted in her kit. I have never felt more beautiful than I did on my wedding day, and it was all thanks to my artist!
— Allison Fritz
This is a great way to become certified, in depth instruction and many techniques to learn. Jade and Michelle are amazing instructors that will help you with your makeup journey and the staff has a lot to share about working in the Makeup industry.
— Jasmine Bahena
I had a great experience attending this school!! Jade and Michelle are amazing instructors. Jill has a lot to share about the experience of working as a makeup artist!! 💙💙
— Randy R-Z Makeup
Best makeup school! Definitely recommend going to Make Up First. Teacher and staff are all amazing. Make Up First has helped me improve my skills.
— Sendi Andrade
Make Up First is a great program if you are either new to the makeup world or an artist looking to further your skills. I loved every course at make up first and being able to further my skills as a pro artist in not only one specific style of makeup but all for ex. bridal, spx, theatrical, etc. I will definitely be taking more classes in the future!
— Ciarra O'Reilly
I love Make Up First, great positive fun vibe, welcoming environment with amazing talented people, beautiful space with natural light to work with, and I parked right in front.
— Male Jonas
A professional and overall great environment for any individual that would like to pursue a career in the makeup artist industry. Not only is this an accredited school but the owner and staff are wonderful to work with! I highly recommend to other Estheticians as well.
— Dayanna Barajas
BETTER & BIGGER! 👍👍

Expanded PRO SHOP that is STILL the best place to pick up last minute stuff. I trust this Shop as products are tested for effectiveness instead of choosing a wide array of selections from Ulta or Sephora that may be costly.
— Belle Lopez