Makeup Artist Schools in Pennsylvania

If you live in the Keystone State and you love makeup, you'll be happy to learn that there are a wide variety of makeup artist schools in Pennsylvania.

On this page, we'll go over each type of makeup school (and find which one is right for you), have a quick discussion about beauty careers and licenses, and then list all of the makeup schools available to people in Pennsylvania.

Find the Right Type of Training

If you're a person who wants to become a well-paid, full-time makeup artist--or if you just want to learn more about makeup--there are a couple of different types of schools where you can go to receive training. They include:

Full-Time Fashion Makeup Schools.

These are a tremendous learning opportunity, and they offer a top-tier makeup education. As a student, you'll get detailed instruction on the art of makeup, and learn how to:​

There's a lot of else you'll learn, but that's a good summary.

Why It Can Be A Great Opportunity: The training you will get a fashion makeup school is unparalleled. The instructions are usually working or retired makeup artists, and they know the business; the equipment you use will be top-notch; and the professional network you can create is probably worth the price of admission.

What You Need to Keep in Mind: Training can get costly: some schools cost around $10,000 per program, but it's not uncommon for prices to climb higher than that (to be around $15,000+). Also, when you graduate from a makeup school, you won't be able to apply for any kind of beauty license, and that will limit your job prospects a little bit; basically, it means that you won't be able to work in a Pennsylvania beauty salon or Pennsylvania spa/day spa. We'll talk more about that in a minute.

Full-Time Special Effects Makeup Schools.

If you're interested in SFX makeup and you live in Pennsylvania, you're in luck: whereas most states have ZERO special effects, Pennsylvania has two: Tom Savini's Special Effects Makeup Program in Monessen, PA and The Philadelphia Academy for Make-up and Special Effects in Philadelphia. Both of these schools are well-known on the national level (Tom Savini's might be a little better known, actually).

Why It Can Be A Great Opportunity: Both schools are fantastic!

What You Need to Keep in Mind: Both schools are pricey. But what schools aren't, these days.

We've included the contact info for both schools in one of the sections below, so be sure to check that out.

Cosmetology Schools.

Believe it or not, many makeup artists get their start at cosmetology schools. Here's why: cosmetology schools introduce you to a "beauty principles" that are difficult to learn on your own. As a student, you'll learn how to:

Again, there's a lot else you'll learn, but that's the gist of it.

Why It Can Be A Great Opportunity: There are actually a couple of reasons why beauty school can be a great option: 1) By and large, cosmetology schools are pretty affordable. There are some programs (at private schools or schools with "big names") that cost $10,000 or more, but many community colleges have a cosmetology program that will only couple a few thousand dollars; 2) Having a degree from a cosmetology program can help you stand out among other local makeup artists, because instead of just being able to do makeup, you'll also be able to do hair, nails, and skin care; 3) when you graduate, you'll be able to take a test and get a Pennsylvania cosmetology license, and that will enable you to work in any beauty salon in the state. That's a kind of "career security" that can be very valuable.

What You Need to Keep in Mind: The makeup education you'll receive at a cosmetology school is not as good as the one you'd get from a specialty makeup school. Basically, it's like an introductory course. It helps, but it's not really in-depth.

Intensive Makeup Classes and Workshops.

These are classes that last only a couple of hours or a couple of days. They tend to be one-time classes that take place in urban areas, like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Allentown (although there are probably plenty more in other areas). The topics that are covered may be pretty basic (for example, "general application of makeup") or a little more advanced (for example, "how to start your own bridal makeup company").

Why It Can Be A Great Opportunity: They're usually pretty affordable! You can sign up for a class for anywhere from $50 to $1,500. And, they can be a fun excuse to take a day-trip to your nearest city.

What You Need to Keep in Mind: They don't roll through town all the time, and while it's a great way to build some of your skills, you'll probably need to supplement intensives with another form of training.

If you'd like to learn about intensives coming to your area, check sites like www.Yelp.com, www.EventBrite.com, www.MeetUp.com, and www.ThumbTack.com.​

Makeup Classes with a Professional Artist.

Such a great option. Instead of waiting for intensives to come to town, reach out to a makeup artist in your community (or a nearby community, if there's none near you) and set up some private lessons.

Why It Can Be A Great Opportunity: Not only will you make a professional connection who knows the local makeup business, you'll be able to cater the lessons to teach you exactly what you need to know. If you want to learn more about a particular style of makeup, just ask!

What You Need to Keep in Mind: It's not a substitute for formal training, and a bunch of sessions can add up! Nonetheless, it's a great way to learn, and we'd recommend it to anyone who want to learn more about makeup. Plus, if you invite friends along, it can be a ton of fun.

Do Makeup Artists Need A License?​

If you know anyone who currently works in the beauty industry, you know that cosmetologists, esthetician, and nail techs all need a license to work in the state of Pennsylvania. But what about makeup artists?

We've checked with the website of the Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology, and could not find any licensing information that relates to makeup artistry. Like most states, Pennsylvania does not offer a makeup artist license.

So what does that mean, really? In practice, here's what happens:​

If you have questions or concerns about licensing or what steps you should take in your beauty career, we'd recommend you call the Board at (717) 783-7130. Laws related to the beauty industry change all the time, and it's good to be certain that you're doing everything correctly!

Pennsylvania Makeup Institutes

There are some world-class makeup artist schools in Pennsylvania. The schools below all teach beauty makeup, and we've made note of the schools that include special effects makeup: ​