Choosing where to study makeup is one of the most exciting steps in your creative journey. The right program helps you master the technical skills, artistry, and confidence to build a career that reflects your passion, whether that means creating natural beauty, high-fashion looks, or cinematic transformations.

From dedicated makeup academies to cosmetology and esthetics programs with specialized artistry courses, the following schools across the United States offer strong opportunities for aspiring professionals.

Alabama

Brown Beauty Barber School – Bessemer, Alabama — Bessemer, Alabama

Brown Beauty Barber School – Bessemer, Alabama in Bessemer, Alabama offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

California

Make-up Designory (MUD) — Los Angeles, California

Make-up Designory (MUD) in Los Angeles, California offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. The school offers extensive programs in makeup artistry, including beauty, character, prosthetics, and special makeup effects, taught by experienced industry professionals. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin preparation, sanitation, and camera-ready application. 

Alumni pursue roles in film & television, salon settings, retail education, fashion, social content creation, theatre, prosthetics labs, and on-set support for photo and video productions. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear client communication, and repeatable processes that employers value. 

MUD also has locations worldwide where students can experience the same high standards in various cities in Europe, Asia, and South Africa.

Cinta Aveda Institute – San Francisco, California — San Francisco, California

Located in San Francisco, California, Cinta Aveda Institute – San Francisco, California helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Cinta Aveda Institute – San Jose, California — San Jose, California

At Cinta Aveda Institute – San Jose, California in San Jose, California, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Salon Success Academy – Corona, CA — Corona, California

Salon Success Academy – Corona, CA in Corona, California offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Salon Success Academy – Redlands, CA — Redlands, California

Salon Success Academy – Redlands, CA in Redlands, California provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

Salon Success Academy – Upland, CA — Upland, California

Located in Upland, California, Salon Success Academy – Upland, CA helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Salon Success Academy – West Covina, CA — West Covina, California

Located in West Covina, California, Salon Success Academy – West Covina, CA helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Florida

Summit Salon Academy – Tampa Florida — Tampa, Florida

Summit Salon Academy – Tampa Florida in Tampa, Florida offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Illinois

Pivot Point Academy – Bloomingdale, Illinois — Blommingdale, Illinois

Pivot Point Academy – Bloomingdale, Illinois serves the Blommingdale, Illinois area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Stepney Institute of Esthetics & Wellness – Homewood, Illinois — Homewood, Illinois

At Stepney Institute of Esthetics & Wellness – Homewood, Illinois in Homewood, Illinois, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

Indiana

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Evansville, IN — Evansville, Indiana

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Evansville, IN in Evansville, Indiana offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

Aveda Institutes – Indianapolis, IN — Indianapolis, Indiana

Aveda Institutes – Indianapolis, IN serves the Indianapolis, Indiana area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Summit Salon Academy – Kokomo Indiana — Kokomo, Indiana

Summit Salon Academy – Kokomo Indiana in Kokomo, Indiana offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Iowa

Aveda Institutes – Des Moines, IA — West Des Moines, Iowa

Located in West Des Moines, Iowa, Aveda Institutes – Des Moines, IA helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Kansas

Bellus Academy – Manhattan, Kansas — Manhattan, Kansas

At Bellus Academy – Manhattan, Kansas in Manhattan, Kansas, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Courses cover tools and hygiene, product knowledge, corrective techniques, and building looks that translate on camera and in person. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Mitsu Sato Hair Academy – Overland Kansas — Overland Park,, Kansas

Mitsu Sato Hair Academy – Overland Kansas serves the Overland Park,, Kansas area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Maryland

Aspen Beauty – Lauren, Maryland — Laurel, Maryland

Aspen Beauty – Lauren, Maryland in Laurel, Maryland provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Massachusetts

Rob Roy Academy – Fall River, Massachusetts — Fall River, Massachusetts

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts, Rob Roy Academy – Fall River, Massachusetts helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Rob Roy Academy – Worcester, Massachusetts — Worcester, Massachusetts

Rob Roy Academy – Worcester, Massachusetts in Worcester, Massachusetts provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Nebraska

XENON A Stephanie Moss Academy – Grand Island, Nebraska — Grand Island, Nebraska

Located in Grand Island, Nebraska, XENON A STEPHANIE MOSS ACADEMY – Grand Island, Nebraska helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

XENON A Stephanie Moss Academy – Grand Island, Nebraska – Copy — Grand Island, Nebraska

XENON A STEPHANIE MOSS ACADEMY – Grand Island, Nebraska – Copy serves the Grand Island, Nebraska area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

XENON A Stephanie Moss Academy – Omaha, Nebraska — Omaha, Nebraska

XENON A STEPHANIE MOSS ACADEMY – Omaha, Nebraska serves the Omaha, Nebraska area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

New Hampshire

Empire Beauty Schools – Hooksett, New Hampshire — Hooksett, New Hampshire

At Empire Beauty Schools – Hooksett, New Hampshire in Hooksett, New Hampshire, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Empire Beauty Schools – Laconia, New Hampshire — Laconia, New Hampshire

Located in Laconia, New Hampshire, Empire Beauty Schools – Laconia, New Hampshire helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Empire Beauty Schools – Somersworth, Hew Hampshire — Somersworth, New Hampshire

Empire Beauty Schools – Somersworth, Hew Hampshire in Somersworth, New Hampshire provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

The Institute of Skin Science – Stratham, NH — Stratham, New Hampshire

The Institute of Skin Science – Stratham, NH serves the Stratham, New Hampshire area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

New Jersey

Rizzieri Aveda School – Voorhees Township, New Jersey — Voorhees Township, New Jersey

At Rizzieri Aveda School – Voorhees Township, New Jersey in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

New York

American Beauty School – The Bronx, NYC — Bronx, New York

Located in Bronx, New York, American Beauty School – The Bronx, NYC helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

New York Institute of Beauty (NYIB) – Long Island, NYC — Islandia, New York

New York Institute of Beauty (NYIB) – Long Island, NYC in Islandia, New York offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Graduates often build local clienteles, join salon teams, or support productions as reliable, on‑time artists. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

MUD New York (closed) — New York, New York

At MUD New York (closed) in New York, New York, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Buffalo, NY — Tonawanda, New York

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Buffalo, NY in Tonawanda, New York offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

North Carolina

Aveda Institute – Chapel Hill, NC — Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Aveda Institute – Chapel Hill, NC serves the Chapel Hill, North Carolina area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Career paths include spa and salon roles, bridal and event services, and assisting senior artists on productions. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

Montia Shardae School of Esthetics – Fayetteville, North Carolina — Fayetteville, North Carolina

Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Montia Shardae School of Esthetics – Fayetteville, North Carolina helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. You’ll refine artistry with repetition and feedback, from natural beauty to bolder editorial looks. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Aveda Institutes – Wilmington, NC — Wilmington, North Carolina

Aveda Institutes – Wilmington, NC in Wilmington, North Carolina provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. Portfolio development and client‑care etiquette are woven throughout so you leave with work you’re proud to show.

Ohio

Aveda Institutes – Columbus, OH — Columbus, Ohio

Aveda Institutes – Columbus, OH serves the Columbus, Ohio area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Aveda Institutes – Cincinnati, OH — West Chester, Ohio

Located in West Chester, Ohio, Aveda Institutes – Cincinnati, OH helps students turn passion into practical skills through structured, career‑minded training. Courses cover tools and hygiene, product knowledge, corrective techniques, and building looks that translate on camera and in person. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. Expect steady feedback, portfolio check‑ins, and an emphasis on professionalism from day one.

Oregon

Beau Monde College – Portland, Oregan — Portland, Oregon

Beau Monde College – Portland, Oregan in Portland, Oregon provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Students leave with practical habits and a growing network for entry‑level jobs in beauty and media. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

The Salon Academy – Wilsonville, Oregon — Wilsonville, Oregon

At The Salon Academy – Wilsonville, Oregon in Wilsonville, Oregon, students build core skills while exploring their own artistic style in a supportive setting. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. You’ll practice consultations, track timing, and refine photos of your work to strengthen your portfolio.

Pennsylvania

Altoona Beauty School – Altoona, Pennsylvania — Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona Beauty School – Altoona, Pennsylvania serves the Altoona, Pennsylvania area with curriculum that balances hands‑on learning and real‑world readiness. Students train in face architecture, shade matching, complexion work, and long‑wear techniques for real clients and shoots. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Tennessee

Tennessee School of Beauty – Knoxsville, Tennessee — Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee School of Beauty – Knoxsville, Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee provides a welcoming environment where artistry, professionalism, and technique grow together. Expect guided practice in color theory, skin prep, sanitation, and camera‑ready application. Many grads start in salons or spas and branch into freelancing for weddings, events, and brand work. Business basics and set etiquette are emphasized so you can market your work and collaborate smoothly on teams.

Wisconsin

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Appleton, WI — Appleton, Wisconsin

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) – Appleton, WI in Appleton, Wisconsin offers a focused path for future artists with training that blends creativity and solid technique. Training highlights prep‑to‑finish workflows, efficient kit management, and polished client communication. Alumni pursue roles in salon settings, retail education, social content creation, and on‑set assistance for photo and video. The program encourages strong portfolios, clear consultations, and repeatable processes that employers value.

Start Your Journey

Each school on this list offers a unique path toward a professional career in beauty and artistry. Some focus on skincare and wellness, others on makeup and transformation, but all emphasize creativity, technique, and professional growth. Explore programs, schedule tours, and speak with instructors to find the environment that inspires you most. This is where your journey begins — learning the craft, mastering the art, and building a career that’s written in color.