Where are you located?
We are located at 100 North LaSalle, Suite 1015, on the corner of Washington and LaSalle, across the street from City Hall. We are accessible by all CTA train lines, as well as the Metra and South Shore.
Why should I choose Make Up First ® School?
The mission of the School is to ensure the best education possible so that the student will be best prepared to pursue makeup artistry as a viable career.
The School is nationally recognized as an excellent educational art program for makeup artists. Students will not only gain experience in Chicago, but will be exposed to major artists from New York and LA. Students will also meet photographers and others successfully working in the industry throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Is there financial aid or funding available for students? How much is your program?
Funding may be found through the GI Bill and/or MyCAA. In addition, students may apply for a private bank loan, with a guarantor. For payment, the School accepts MC, Visa, Discover, personal and bank checks, and cash. The cost of the Basic Certification Program is $6900.00. Each course may be taken individually, and each course may be individually paid for in full, on or before the first day of that course.
Under what law is the school certified?
The school is certified by the Division of Private Business and Vocational School by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The school warrants that it is not accredited with the U.S. Department of Education Accrediting Body.
How do I register?
Online, by phone, by mail (with check or credit card information), or in person (with cash, check or credit card).
Do you offer student tours before I enroll?
Yes! Tours are available, by appointment, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am-5pm.
How many classes do I need to take to get certified? What does the certification mean?
There are 8 courses students are required to take by the Illinois State Board of Education, as well as by Make Up First ® School, to receive the state certificate: Basic I; Basic II; Media- HD; Media- Runway, Editorial, and Fashion; Theatrical Makeup A; Theatrical Makeup B; Clinical Makeup; and Careers In Makeup Artistry.
A state-certified trained artist by Make Up First ® School, will ensure that the student has been well-educated in sanitation, as well as multiple makeup application products and techniques, resulting in a highly marketable and reputable makeup artist.
How long are your courses? What if I can't take the courses consecutively?
Courses are 1-2 weeks long Monday-Thursday, afternoon or evening, with the exception of Careers, a one session, 3-hour course. The day class is from 2-4:30 pm, and the Night class is from 6:30-9pm. Students may fluctuate between the classes if necessary, provided the School receives 24-hour notification.
Students have 2 years to complete all 8 courses to receive the State Certification.
How much of a deposit do I need to put down and how soon?
A deposit of one-half of the first course tuition is needed to guarantee your spot. (Basic I - $500 deposit) Our courses fill quickly, so registration as soon as possible is recommended.
Do I need to go to a Cosmetology School or Esthetics School before enrolling at Make Up First® School?
No, but Make Up First ® is an approved sponsor under the IL Barber Act and offers CE hours to Cosmetologists and Estheticians. Students do not need to be cosmetologists or estheticians-but if they are, most of the courses are eligible for CE hours!
I have makeup experience. Do I absolutely need to start with Basic 1?
Yes, you will need to start with Basic I, unless the owner of the school determines you have had sufficient experience and training to bypass Basic 1.
How much is the Makeup Kit?
The cost of a makeup kit can range from $300-$1200+. Excellent pro makeup artist products, including brushes, are available for students at a discounted rate at Make Up First ®. We help students assemble their kits, taking into account the products they prefer and price points that meet their needs. Make Up First ® is also a MAC - eligible school, which means students can apply for a 20% discount through MAC.
Is there a Textbook Fee?
A textbook is not required, but, if desired, is available at the School for purchase ($85.00). Milady Standard Makeup, Edition 1, Michielle D’Allaird (Cengage Learning, 2013) All students will receive hand-outs for each class attended.
Do you offer Job Placement?
In our Careers course we teach necessary information for starting your career as a Makeup Artist. Students will also stay in touch with the Makeup Artist community by staying connected with Make Up First® through networking and social media. Jobs presented to and offered by the School are frequently posted and offered to Make Up First ® students!
What other courses and workshops do you offer?
We offer Basic Airbrush, Advanced Airbrush, Bridal Makeup, Advanced Media, Advanced Theatrical, Special Effects, Basic Hairstyling for Makeup Artists, Advanced Hairstyling for Makeup Artists, and Wig making.
Do you offer special events?
Yes! Our special events are open to the public and include workshops on holiday makeup, as well as guest artists such as Maurice Stein, Linda Mason, Kevin James Bennett, Tom Devlin, and James Vincent to name a few.
Any Discounts?
Yes, when a student refers a student who completes at least Basic Make I, the referring student is entitled to $400.00 applied to a workshop of their choice.