Online Courses for Make-Up Professionals

Online courses in make-up application and specialization are offered to provide education for both the interested novice as well as the practicing professional. The online courses employ media and text for teaching, but due to the hands-on nature of make-up application, personal practice is necessary.

Overview of Online Courses for Make-up Professionals

Courses usually do not require any prior experience or schooling and welcome beginners interested in pursuing a career as a make-up professional. Practicing make-up professionals can also consider online courses as a way to further their careers and skills by focusing on advanced make-up techniques and specializations without the rigid time schedule or distant location of many schools. Courses can sometimes be taken separately if desired, but often schools will offer courses as a series or program which incorporates distinct classes discussed below. When researching schools, students should look for courses that offer a certificate upon completion for better job prospects. Quality of coursework can vary, so students can make sure the school and teachers are established and of good repute in the industry. Usually, online courses are more affordable than courses offered on school campuses. In completing these courses, make-up artists can attain work applying make-up in industries such as film, television, wedding and fashion.

Course Requirements

The courses discussed here are offered online through video, audio and text for study and practice. Students interested in these courses should have access to the Internet through a computer with audio capabilities and a DVD player. Many of the classes are conducted through video demonstrations or PowerPoint presentations as make-up application is very hands-on. Sometimes a digital camera is required for uploading pictures. A word processor may be needed to complete assignments and written exams. Exams usually take place in writing or through instructor review of photographs in a student's portfolio. Make-up kits, tools and supplies are required and when not included with the tuition fees, may need to be separately purchased by the student.

List of Online Courses

Day and Evening Make-up

Day and evening make-up courses teach students how to apply appropriate, natural make-up for day and do more dramatic looks at night, including the smoky eyeshadow technique. This course covers many basic make-up fundamentals. In addition to video, students may need access to a digital camera to document their work for instructor review or portfolios. Most students' work is practiced and documented on themselves.

Wedding and Bridal Make-up

Wedding make-up courses are geared towards creating the perfect look for brides on their big day. For make-up professionals, the wedding industry can be a lucrative field. Wedding make-up focuses on the creation of long-wearing looks that translate well both in person and on camera and film. Although wedding make-up may look similar to everyday looks, there are many techniques and tips utilized by make-up professionals to ensure a lasting and polished image.

Photography, Television and Film Make-up

These courses are geared toward teaching make-up application for photography or film purposes. Lighting, color correction, HDTV make-up, film and television etiquette and terminology are some topics covered in these courses. Techniques, such as air-brushing, are demonstrated through video or DVD presentation and study guides are often supplied for additional information.

Special Effects and Fantasy Make-up

Special effects make-up is commonly used by the make-up professional to mimic injury or add age to a performer. In these courses, students will learn how to correctly apply prosthetics, wigs, casts and foams in order to create extraordinary looks for screen or television. Students will also learn how to produce characterizations, such as Marilyn Monroe's iconic look, for fantasy make-up application. In-depth videos, illustrated diagrams as well as study guides will help students grasp the advanced concepts taught in these courses. But, self-study and continual practice are important since make-up application is a technical art.

Runway and Fashion Make-up

Runway and fashion make-up courses teach the methods and techniques employed by artists who apply make-up to create an image or effect in fashion and beauty. The students learn how to design and illuminate the artistic vision. Information is provided on the artist's role in the busy backstage fashion runway shows or photography set dynamics. The students are taught how to handle a beauty product campaign and backstage management and make-up application for fashion runway shows. This type of course is usually geared toward the make-up professional who desires opportunities for career advancement because it is at an advanced level.