Makeup Artist Schools in Michigan

If you're interested in doing makeup as a professional makeup artist---or if you'd just like to learn some new beauty techniques---you've got a couple of excellent options when it comes to training.

In the sections below, we'll discuss the pros and cons of each option, have a quick discussion about beauty licenses, and then list all of the makeup artist schools in Michigan.

Your Training Options

There are basically five ways that you can learn more about makeup and/or turn it into a career. You can...

Go to a Cosmetology School, aka a Beauty School. Cosmetology schools are the most reasonable option for most people, because they're affordable and provide a solid beauty education. They teach the basics of hair styling and coloring, nail technology, skin care, and makeup application.

Pros of Cosmetology Schools: There are plenty of cosmetology schools in Michigan, and when you graduate, you'll be able to apply for a Michigan state cosmetology license. Also, being able to do hair as well as makeup can help you stand out when compared to other makeup artists who have only studied makeup.

Negatives of Cosmetology Schools: They don't focus solely on makeup, and instead give a very general introduction to the topic.

Go to a School That Only Teaches Makeup. There are only about 40 or 50 schools in the nation that are dedicated to teaching makeup techniques. Many are in New York, Florida, and California, but there are a few absolutely top-notch makeup schools in Michigan, and we've listed them below. These schools give very detailed instruction on makeup techniques, products, and color theory.

Pros of Makeup Schools: You'll graduate with a clear understanding of makeup and makeup application.

Cons of Makeup Schools: They can be very very pricey ($12,000 or more), and you won't be able to get a cosmetology license after you graduate.

Go To Workshops In the Nearest Metropolitan Area. These are a fantastic option. Instead of enrolling full-time in a school, you can cobble together a makeup education by attending one-day, two-day, or week-long workshops. Check online for workshops in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Troy, Westland, and other cities near you.

Pros: Workshops are usually low-cost alternatives to school, and can cost as little as $100.

Cons: You might have to wait a little bit for workshops to come to your area, and it can take a while to take all the workshops you need to develop a working knowledge of industry standards.

Hire a Professional Makeup Artist to Give Your Lessons. This can be a great alternative to waiting for workshops to happen. Contact makeup artists in your area (or the nearest city) and ask if they'll give you some individual instruction.

Pros: One-on-one lessons are a low-cost way to supplement your skills, and you can get the artist to teach you *exactly* what you want to learn.

Cons: None, really! If you have a few friends who are also interested in makeup training, you can include them and negotiate a lower cost with the makeup artist.

Go Online! Last but not least, go online and look for tutorials! There are thousands--literally, thousands--of instructional videos and guides on the internet. We've actually written a couple of posts about the best tutorials you can find, so check out those posts. You'll save yourself a lot of time.

Pros: It's free! Can't beat that.

Cons: You'll learn about new ideas, but you'll still need to practice the techniques IRL.

Info About Licenses​

In the section above, we talked a little bit about licenses. If you decide to become a makeup artist in Michigan, will you need a license to practice?

We've reviewed all the rules and regulations we could find, but don't see any laws that talk about the state of Michigan issuing makeup artist licenses. There are many people to work independently of beauty salons--with models and photographers, or at weddings with brides, or even at makeup counters--and many do not have licenses.

However, we do know that in order to do makeup in a beauty salon, you will need to go to a cosmetology school and get a Michigan cosmetology license, and if you want to do makeup in a spa or day spa, you will need to go to an esthetician school and get a Michigan esthetician license.

Ultimately, you'll need to check with Michigan's Board of Cosmetology, as they are the ones who handle licensing of the beauty profession.​

Michigan Makeup Schools and Programs​

Good news! There are some truly wonderful makeup artist schools in Michigan. They include:​