The 10 best makeup classes in NYC

It doesn't get much better than this – expert tuition from one of the world's very best makeup artists. It's a series of 19 virtual classes available from MasterClass (via subscription), covering foundation, bronzer and blush, creating a statement lip, and nailing glam eyes. Nearly four hours of world-class makeup tuition? Sounds pretty good to us.

An intimate class of two people, you'll be shown the ropes in a private makeup class. You'll have a consultation with a professional MUA about what your goals, aims and desires are with makeup, and what your current makeup looks like. The MUA will then go in-depth about each section of the face and how to perfect skills for the looks you want. You'll figure out which shades suit your skin and features, plus which equipment you should be using. Your very own personal masterclass. 

The final level of private make-up tutorings is this two-hour private session at Shara Makeup Studios. This is a VIP session with the studio owner (Shara) and aims to provide attendees with all the skills and training they need to perfect their look. This course is ideal for anyone with a big event coming up (like a wedding or graduation) and wanting to look perfect without having to spend thousands on a professional stylist (though here, you will be getting the time and attention of a professional stylist).

In small groups, you'll be able to learn makeup tips and tricks, no matter what level of experience you currently have. Over three sessions, you'll learn the skills and techniques for makeup staples, such as contouring, eye makeup, and applications to vamp up your makeup looks. 

Master the art of perfect makeup application in this career-focused five week program. Students will get hands-on instruction in all of the steps of applying makeup and cover over 100 hours of practical, in studio work time. You’ll learn everything from natural beauty and glamor Makeup to bridal styling and fashion makeup and you’ll understand how to help clients find their perfect look. In addition, studio time includes various opportunities to build your own portfolio (so clients know why they should hire you), including photoshoots and other collaborations with photographs as well as networking opportunities. Makeup artistry is a big business and this course will help you break into it and turn your passion for beauty into a career.

In addition to professional beautician training, The Makeup Academy also offers a comprehensive, professionally focused special effects makeup program for aspiring Hollywood FX artists. In this week-long, full-time course, students will learn everything from the basics of applying special effects makeup to advanced techniques for replicating everything from burns and gunshot wounds to aging prosthetics and tattoos (making fake ones and hiding real ones). This course aims to provide students with the skills training they need to start working in a professional FX artist capacity.

At the Make-up Academy, you can learn professional level hair styling techniques that any professional make-up artist will need to know in order to work with customers and clients in a wide variety of contexts. You’ll learn how to braid hair, style modern and bridal updos, and hair for film and television (as well as basic styling for period pieces). By the end of this course, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to start working with hair in a professional capacity and you’ll be ready to get to work on more complicated styles.

Not all make-up training is about learning how to work with blushes and shadows. A subset of professional Makeup Artists work on creating practical effects for costuming, special effects or scenery in television, film and theater productions. There are numerous classes in which you can learn this art, whether you want to become a professional makeup artist or just want to ensure that you win next year’s Halloween costume contest. In this bald cap application course, you’ll learn how to properly select and apply bald caps, arguably the most important tool in the costume makers’ repertoire. You’ll learn how to match skin tone, eliminate distracting lines and how to prep skin and hair for application. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to start making all kinds of costume choices without worrying about hair getting in the way.

Looking for a complete FX experience? Try enrolling in this four day immersive course and learn the art of splatter and gore. You’ll learn how to craft realistic looking wounds out of sculpting clay, applying and situating bladders for everything from slow bleeds to explosive splatters and how to work with 3D transfers and burns. Taught by industry experts (with experience working on films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Shape of Water), this course will give you the hands-on training you need to start making unforgettable FX.

If you are looking to work on a make-up routine with a friend or family member or you want to join someone close to you for a private set of lessons, this private makeup session is the perfect solution. You and a guest will receive a private make-up tutorial and assessment based on your personal needs and style. Working with top quality materials, you and your guest will get personalized advice on how to find the perfect shades for your skin, eyes, and lips and which brushes to use to create the look you dream of. Grab a friend and get ready to embark on a private make-up journey that will help take your style game to the next level.