Recently I have been looking at doing some more formal training in the beauty industry after I complete my law degree. I have a huge passion for make-up and nails and would like to one day provide a make-up therapy and wig-making service to those with special needs and lifelong illnesses. So naturally, make-up and beauty skills is something I would like to develop in order for it to be part of my vocation. This has inspired me to write a guide on the places which offer make-up course and as a side note (well more of as a reminder to myself(, the places where you can learn more about hair, wig-making and other course which may benefit you as a professional artist or one in training. My home country's offerings for make-up training has certainly developed since I first became interested in beauty therapy. Inspired by an old and now defunct Bebo blog and continuing from my make-up story, I decided to put together a comprehensive list of where you can go for some formal and informal make-up training. Whether you have aspirations to become a professional make-up artist or you just want to learn some new techniques, there will be something for everyone. This list will include the price, duration, date & time and expected qualification of each course. I will also include the type of make-up you will learn about such as beauty, fashion, film & television, theatre, special effects & prosthetics, photographic and special occasion. Knowing this will aid you in what to choose should you decide to pursue make-up and cosmetics as a career.
Oonagh Boman School Of Make-Up
Situated in the popular Botanic area of Belfast city centre, this is a make-up mecca for all budding artists. The first school of first of it's kind in Northern Ireland and perhaps the most popular, this owned by Oonagh whose career spans the beauty and fashion industries. The Oonagh Boman School Of Make-Up offers two courses led by a team of make-up professionals. The first of which is Fashion & Photographic Make-Up, lasting one day for sixteen consecutive weeks. In this course you learn about period looks from each decade as well as male make-up and bridal make-up. There is an exam and you also have the opportunity to create looks for your photographic portfolio. At the end of each workshop, the website updates it's school portfolio for everyone to see, a great way to your own work featured. This costs £2000 for the entire course for which you do receive a certificate for your qualification. you should contact the school for details The second course is The Art Of Make-Up and is shorter at one day for five weeks. This course is designed for those who wish to update their make-up skills. Here you will learn about bridal make-up, industry secrets and contouring. This one costs £500 and there is an exam at the end of the course. Both courses run at various times throughout the year but you should contact the school to see which start dates suit you the most. Contact details are available on the website as are links to their social media sites. As well as make-up courses, you can book wedding make-up through Oonagh's school as well as purchase Senna Cosmetics.
Situated in the popular Botanic area of Belfast city centre, this is a make-up mecca for all budding artists. The first school of first of it's kind in Northern Ireland and perhaps the most popular, this owned by Oonagh whose career spans the beauty and fashion industries. The Oonagh Boman School Of Make-Up offers two courses led by a team of make-up professionals. The first of which is Fashion & Photographic Make-Up, lasting one day for sixteen consecutive weeks. In this course you learn about period looks from each decade as well as male make-up and bridal make-up. There is an exam and you also have the opportunity to create looks for your photographic portfolio. At the end of each workshop, the website updates it's school portfolio for everyone to see, a great way to your own work featured. This costs £2000 for the entire course for which you do receive a certificate for your qualification. you should contact the school for details The second course is The Art Of Make-Up and is shorter at one day for five weeks. This course is designed for those who wish to update their make-up skills. Here you will learn about bridal make-up, industry secrets and contouring. This one costs £500 and there is an exam at the end of the course. Both courses run at various times throughout the year but you should contact the school to see which start dates suit you the most. Contact details are available on the website as are links to their social media sites. As well as make-up courses, you can book wedding make-up through Oonagh's school as well as purchase Senna Cosmetics.
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| Oonagh Boman School Of Make-Up |
Ciara Daly Make-Up Studio
Ciara Daly Make-Up Studio, situated on the Lisburn Road, offers an exciting array of coursess and workshops for those who want their creativity nurtured and empowered. Currently there are two main make-up courses including the Foundation Course for £595 which covers the basics, skin preparation and trends and the Creative Masters Course for £645 which covers photographic, catwalk and drag make-up. Both of these offer photoshoots so that you can begin your portfolio and both last for one day per week for six weeks. Short courses include Airbrush Beginner for £495, Pro Bridal Expert for £195 and Pro Hair Course for £125. Each of these are as specific as the name suggests and are great for those with make-up knowledge who wish to expand upon their existing skills. Each of these short course lasts for one day. Smaller workshops include and Evening Workshop and a MAC workshop where Ciara utilises the make-up talent from the local MAC counter to teach you about trends and products. Ciara also sells her own range of brushes for consumers and retailers as well as providing wedding make-up services for brides. Ciara has also created The Shaz Awards, an annual make-up awards show beautifully dedicated to her mother. For more information contact Ciara and her team via her website which also links all of her social media sites.
Ciara Daly Make-Up Studio, situated on the Lisburn Road, offers an exciting array of coursess and workshops for those who want their creativity nurtured and empowered. Currently there are two main make-up courses including the Foundation Course for £595 which covers the basics, skin preparation and trends and the Creative Masters Course for £645 which covers photographic, catwalk and drag make-up. Both of these offer photoshoots so that you can begin your portfolio and both last for one day per week for six weeks. Short courses include Airbrush Beginner for £495, Pro Bridal Expert for £195 and Pro Hair Course for £125. Each of these are as specific as the name suggests and are great for those with make-up knowledge who wish to expand upon their existing skills. Each of these short course lasts for one day. Smaller workshops include and Evening Workshop and a MAC workshop where Ciara utilises the make-up talent from the local MAC counter to teach you about trends and products. Ciara also sells her own range of brushes for consumers and retailers as well as providing wedding make-up services for brides. Ciara has also created The Shaz Awards, an annual make-up awards show beautifully dedicated to her mother. For more information contact Ciara and her team via her website which also links all of her social media sites.
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| Ciara Daly Make-Up Studio |
Belfast Metropolitan College
Belfast Metropolitan College, also known as Belfast Met and BMC, offers a vast amount of courses related to hair, beauty and nails which can be completed in many of their campuses across the country including Castlereagh and Titanic Quarter. Specifically for make-up they have one full-time course and a number of short part-time courses offered throughout the academic year and on different days which is perfect for those in full-time employment who require more flexibility. Their NVQ Diploma Beauty Therapy has a make-up module in it where you learn basic techniques. This is a full-time course and there is no enrollment fee. There is a part-time City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Make-Up which offers a variety of make-up techniques. This costs £126 and a has reduced price of £91 for those in receipt of benefits. Another part-time course is the VTCT Level 2 Award in the Art of Photographic Make-Up. The full fee for this is £93 and the reduced fee is £63. Both part-time course are one day per week for about three to four months and a certificate is awarded upon completion. The most popular one is the full-time VTCT Level 3 Award in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-Up Studies where you learn elements such as body painting, hairstyling, special effects, color theory and airbrushing. As this is a full-time, it is a free to enroll and student finance is available from your local education and library board. Be early in applying for this course as places are offered on a first come, first serve basis provided you fulfill the entry requirements.
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast Metropolitan College, also known as Belfast Met and BMC, offers a vast amount of courses related to hair, beauty and nails which can be completed in many of their campuses across the country including Castlereagh and Titanic Quarter. Specifically for make-up they have one full-time course and a number of short part-time courses offered throughout the academic year and on different days which is perfect for those in full-time employment who require more flexibility. Their NVQ Diploma Beauty Therapy has a make-up module in it where you learn basic techniques. This is a full-time course and there is no enrollment fee. There is a part-time City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Make-Up which offers a variety of make-up techniques. This costs £126 and a has reduced price of £91 for those in receipt of benefits. Another part-time course is the VTCT Level 2 Award in the Art of Photographic Make-Up. The full fee for this is £93 and the reduced fee is £63. Both part-time course are one day per week for about three to four months and a certificate is awarded upon completion. The most popular one is the full-time VTCT Level 3 Award in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-Up Studies where you learn elements such as body painting, hairstyling, special effects, color theory and airbrushing. As this is a full-time, it is a free to enroll and student finance is available from your local education and library board. Be early in applying for this course as places are offered on a first come, first serve basis provided you fulfill the entry requirements.
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| Belfast Metropolitan College |
South Eastern Regional College, also known as SERC, is similar to Belfast Metropolitan College as it offers beauty and holistic courses throughout many campuses including Lisburn, Bangor and Downpatrick. They offer a full-time C&G Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy which has a make-up module which appears to be the only course they have that teaches make-up.
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| South Eastern Regional College |
The Make-Up Dept
The Make-Up Dept is unique and specialist make-up school situated on the Newtonards Road, Belfast. The founder, Pamel Smyth is a make-up designer who perfected the flawless base before digital retouching existed. Together with a team of industry professionals, The Make-Up Dept teach five main courses which run at many times throughout the year. They last for five consecutive days, so you will have learned your techniques within one working week. The courses include Level 1 Foudation Full Basics, Level 2 Fashion & Beauty, Level 3 Photo Finish, Level 4 Get Set Ready and Level 5 Special Effects. There are Each course costs £850 and is jam-packed with everything a competent make-up artist needs to know. There are also a number of workshops which would appeal to established artists that want to build upon their skills. These masterclasses include Prosthetic Effects, 5 Day Wigs, and Hair. Each last for 5 days and again cost £850. There is also a one day pro class which shows you how to lay on facial hair. For more information on start dates visit their website and contact a member of the team.
Make-Up Academy NI
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| The Make-Up Dept |
Paddy McGurgan's Make-Up Pro Store/Studio
Situated in Belfast and Newry, this is like make-up heaven for me every time I pass by the one on Royal Avenue. Created by make-up artist Paddy McGurgan, the Make-Up Studio offers an intensive nine-week programme which you attend one day per week. I believe this costs £1000 but please contact the studio just to confirm prices and start dates. There are also lots of one day courses such as Beginners, Celebrity Styles, Contouring, Party Glamour and Spring Bridal and are £80 for the day. Paddy also offers other workshops throughout the years that include guest teachers for special effects and lip art. From the stores, you can also buy the Make-Up Studio cosmetics range as well as Make-Up Atelier products.
The Make-Up Boudoir
The Make-Up Boudoir is a popular make-up service establishment in Conway Mill, Belfast. They are a studio and a school which offer a range of beauty courses for beginners starting at £350 and advanced learners from £450. Visit their Google+ page to contact them about start dates.
Titanic Creative Management
Titanic Creative Management is an exciting agency and training academy based on the Ormeau Road, Belfast. Headed by make-up artist Nuala Campbell, Titanic Creative Management represent make-up artists and hairstylists and provide creative media work to clients. Keep checking the website for more up-to-date information on curses as currently there is only one being offered in Lifecasting for £350. The great aspects about this academy are the discounts and grants available to those who wish to study here and the range of artists who teach the programmes.
Situated in Belfast and Newry, this is like make-up heaven for me every time I pass by the one on Royal Avenue. Created by make-up artist Paddy McGurgan, the Make-Up Studio offers an intensive nine-week programme which you attend one day per week. I believe this costs £1000 but please contact the studio just to confirm prices and start dates. There are also lots of one day courses such as Beginners, Celebrity Styles, Contouring, Party Glamour and Spring Bridal and are £80 for the day. Paddy also offers other workshops throughout the years that include guest teachers for special effects and lip art. From the stores, you can also buy the Make-Up Studio cosmetics range as well as Make-Up Atelier products.
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| Paddy McGurgan's Make-Up Pro Store/Studio |
The Make-Up Boudoir is a popular make-up service establishment in Conway Mill, Belfast. They are a studio and a school which offer a range of beauty courses for beginners starting at £350 and advanced learners from £450. Visit their Google+ page to contact them about start dates.
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| The Make-Up Boudoir |
Titanic Creative Management is an exciting agency and training academy based on the Ormeau Road, Belfast. Headed by make-up artist Nuala Campbell, Titanic Creative Management represent make-up artists and hairstylists and provide creative media work to clients. Keep checking the website for more up-to-date information on curses as currently there is only one being offered in Lifecasting for £350. The great aspects about this academy are the discounts and grants available to those who wish to study here and the range of artists who teach the programmes.
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| Titanic Creative Management |
Northern Ireland Theatre Association
You may need to contact the Northern Ireland Theatre Association regrading make-up courses but they do offer training for the perfomring arts community of Northern Ireland. They are sure to be a great contact should they not offer such a programme as you may get the opportunity to practice your skills in a theatrical environment with actual performers. FYI, Northern Ireland Screen may be another good place to start of you interested in networking with performers.
You may need to contact the Northern Ireland Theatre Association regrading make-up courses but they do offer training for the perfomring arts community of Northern Ireland. They are sure to be a great contact should they not offer such a programme as you may get the opportunity to practice your skills in a theatrical environment with actual performers. FYI, Northern Ireland Screen may be another good place to start of you interested in networking with performers.
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| Northern Ireland Theatre Association |
Airbase Make-Up
Airbase Make-Up teaches the art of airbrushing effects. It's HQ is in Nottingham but classes are taught in Belfast and other locations throughout the UK and Ireland. To find your nearest class, go to the website and click the tab 'Airbase Near You' to see where your nearest trainer and stockist is. Course include Stage 1 Professional Training for £150 and Stage 2 Airbrush Masterclass Training for £200. Prices do not include VAT.
Airbase Make-Up teaches the art of airbrushing effects. It's HQ is in Nottingham but classes are taught in Belfast and other locations throughout the UK and Ireland. To find your nearest class, go to the website and click the tab 'Airbase Near You' to see where your nearest trainer and stockist is. Course include Stage 1 Professional Training for £150 and Stage 2 Airbrush Masterclass Training for £200. Prices do not include VAT.
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| Airbase Make-Up |
Dana Kane Make-Up Artist Lessons
Dana Kane is an established make-up artist trained by the Oonagh Boman School of Make-Up. Dana offers an array of services in film, television, bridal, fashion and beauty make-up. Dana also offers make-up lessons to her clients who need individual attention. Lessons can be booked on a one-on-one basis or as a group with Dana. Prices start from £50 and are most suited to those who wish to build their confidence in applying their own make-up. These type of lessons are great for brides that want to know more about how to look perfect on their big day and for hen parties who wish to extra glamorous for their night out.
Dana Kane is an established make-up artist trained by the Oonagh Boman School of Make-Up. Dana offers an array of services in film, television, bridal, fashion and beauty make-up. Dana also offers make-up lessons to her clients who need individual attention. Lessons can be booked on a one-on-one basis or as a group with Dana. Prices start from £50 and are most suited to those who wish to build their confidence in applying their own make-up. These type of lessons are great for brides that want to know more about how to look perfect on their big day and for hen parties who wish to extra glamorous for their night out.
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| Dana Kane Make-Up Artist |
Other Courses
As make-up artist, you may want to build upon your other skills such as hairstyling, hair extensions, nails, tanning, threading, spray tanning, eyelash extensions, eyebrows, photography workshops and other holistic therapies. Here are just a few:
Hope this guide was beneficial to you. Let me know which course you choose.
As make-up artist, you may want to build upon your other skills such as hairstyling, hair extensions, nails, tanning, threading, spray tanning, eyelash extensions, eyebrows, photography workshops and other holistic therapies. Here are just a few:
- Make-Up Degrees, HNDs and HNCs unfortunately are not offered here in Northern Ireland which is such a shame because there is gap in the market for it. If you want to go down the higher education path for this vocation, I recommend Southampton Solent University who offer a BA (Hons) in Make-Up and Hair Design. University Of The Arts London offer a BA (Hons) Hair and make-Up for Fashion and a BA (Hons) Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics for Performance. If neither of these do not suit your needs, a quick Google search will help you find the degree, HND or HNC in make-up in vast amount of locations throughout the UK.
- Holistic Therapies is a way to develop your skills if you are interested in tailoring your treatments to the whole person. Indian Head Massage. Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage and Reiki are just some ways to do this. Individual trainers can be found at a the touch of Google search. Soul Therapies in Mount Merrion, Belfast offers one day courses in Indian Head Massage for £140, Hot Stone Massage for £130 , Hopi Ear Candling for £130, Spray Tanning for £95, Celebrity Brows for £180 and Luxury Spa Facials for £130. Contact Soul Therapies via their website for current start dates. Class sizes are small so you feel like you have more time to learn with the instructor. One-on-one training is available for an extra £20.
- Eyelash Extension Courses allow you to become proficient in individual eyelash application. This is not like applying a set of false lashes. The results can be much more natural looking and last longer for your client. The Eyelash Emporium works the same way that Airbase works, as in they provide training programmes near you despite their HQ being outside Northern Ireland. This course can go towards the points you earn to achieve an NVQ and costs £25 to complete. Visit the website for current start dates.
- Hairdressing Courses and Masterclasses will greatly benefit all make-up artists who want to aqcuire extra skills. Being a make-up artist combined with being a hair stylist will help you out on photoshoots and bridal work and you may get booked more than your peers because you can do more than the average. Belfast Metropolitan College offers a full-time C & G Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing where you learn to treat the scalp, style, cut and color the hair. This course has no enrollment fee but may be more suited to juniors just starting rather then mature students changing their career. The Hair Masterclass taught by Paul Stafford at The Make-Up Dept introduces cutting and styling and costs £850 for five days training. A worthwhile investment for those wishing to expand their skills.
- Wigs & Postiche Courses are an invaluable asset to a make-up artist who wants to stand out from the crowd. The Make-Up Dept offers a five day course with their 5 Days Wigs for £850. For lace wigs and acrylic wig-making, you may have to go to England such as Banbury Postiche Limited who offers a Level 2 Certificate in Wig Making for for five days costing £500.
- Lace Wig Application is another course you may have to travel outside of Northern Ireland to complete. The Academy of Vocational and Professional Training offers a two day workshop on lace wigs which costs £1,020 for the duration. Becoming a lace wig applicator will benefit you if you want to develop make-up therapy for clients who suffer from hair loss due to chemotherapy and alopecia.
- Hair Extension Courses are a great way to add to your beauty CV. Belle Academy, like Airbase make-up have their HQ salon overseas but offer alot of courses here in Belfast. The Hair Extension Master Course covers micro rings, fusion bonding, and easy shrinks and costs £299 for the one day event. You can also learn three further methods of nano rings, ring weft and tape weft in Hair Extension Course 2 for another £299. For £450 you can further develop your skills by learning how to cut and blend in the hair extensions in Hair Extension Cutting Course.
- Nail Art & Nail Services will improve your nail techniques. As make-up artist on set, you may be required to do some nail preparation. Belfast Metropolitan College offerers a free, full-time course in C & G Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services where you can learn acrylic nails, gel sculpting and nail art.
- Photography Workshops are a great way to network with like-minded people. Photographer Matthew McHugh holds a few throughout the year at Calumet studio on the Boucher Road, Belfast. Contact Calumet for more information on workshop days.
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| Make-Up and Photography by Neala Olivia at a Calumet workshop. |
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