Makeup Artist Schools in Kentucky

If you'd like to learn about makeup and/or become a makeup artist, there are a couple different ways you can make that happen. Here are five different ways you develop your makeup application skills if you'd like to become a working makeup artist (or if you'd simply like to learn more about makeup!).

1. Attend a School That Specializes in Makeup Application. These makeup schools provide a very in-depth look into what it takes to become a makeup artist, and teach a wide range of skills. You'll learn how to construct your own professional makeup kit, work with photographers and models, build a portfolio, and apply makeup to a wide range of skin tones and facial structures. Programs at a makeup artist school usually last anywhere from a half-a-year to a year, and they can get pretty pricey: some programs cost $7,500 or so, and some of the more expensive ones cost $15,000 or more. There are only a couple of schools in the United States that teach makeup and only makeup, but luckily one of them may be near you! We've listed the makeup artist school in Kentucky below (along with other schools that you might be interested in).

2. Attend a Cosmetology School. This is, perhaps, the most popular option, for a couple of different reasons: 1) there are cosmetology schools all over the place, 2) classes are usually reasonably priced, and 3) after you finished classes, you'll be able to get a cosmetology license and work in a salon (which is not the case for a makeup school--they teach you how to be freelance makeup artists). The only down side is that you won't focus *solely* on makeup. Instead, you'll learn how to color and style hair, how to beautify the skin, how to do nails, how to run a salon, and so on. Having a broader beauty education is usually a plus, and going to cosmetology school if you want to become a makeup artist can be a really wise decision.

3. Attend Private Workshops. Workshops (sometimes called "intensives") are another great option. Makeup artists will rent out a studio space and give specific classes that only last a day or two. The topics may be broad (like a class on "how to apply makeup") or very specific (like a class on "smoky eye tutorials" or "how to run a small makeup business"). The cost is usually reasonable and ranges anywhere from $100 to $1,000 (if the course is longer than a few days). Intensives are more likely to take place in an urban area or a metropolitan area, so check for upcoming makeup events in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro.

4. Get Private Instruction from a Working Makeup Artist. If you want to save some money, you can skip school and reach out to makeup artists in your area (or in the nearest urban area). Many makeup artists--particularly ones who make most of their money doing bridal work--love to give lessons during the week, because it brings them some extra cash. So get on the phone and reach out to your local MUA. We love this option, because everybody--you and your local makeup artist--benefit!

5. Scour the Internet! There is so, so, so much makeup instruction on the internet, it's crazy (and, of course, there's our site, which is pretty fabulous). You won't be able to practice on real live people if you're online, but you will be able to see what other makeup lovers are doing, and that will definitely open your eyes to new ideas and practices.

MUA Career Titles​

​So, you've always dreamed of being a makeup artist. You may be wondering, what kind of work to makeup artists actually do?

Here's a quick list of career options.​

Beauty Licenses In Kentucky

We mentioned in the last section that you'll need to get a license if you want to do makeup in certain situations. Here are the details, as of the time we published this post:​

The laws related to the beauty industry changed frequently, so you'll need to visit the website of the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists to get updated information.

Cosmetology Careers vs. Makeup Careers​

We realize there's a LOT of information on this page. So what's the right choice for you?

We advise all of our readers to gather *all* the information you can. Look at cosmetology schools near you and get a feel for their curriculum. Check Yelp and EventBrite.com to see if there are upcoming workshops you can check out. And call local MUAs to set up some one-on-one lessons. Get a deeper understanding of your training options, and then pick the one that moves you towards the career you want to have. And, don't forget--have fun with it! Doing beauty for a living is supposed to be fun :)​

​Makeup Training in Kentucky

In most states, there are absolutely zero schools that focus solely on the application of makeup. There is, however, a fantastic makeup artist school in Kentucky: