Peachy Keen
The peachy makeup trend offers a versatile and flattering way to add warmth, radiance, and a touch of romance to your makeup look. Whether you prefer a soft and subtle peachy glow or a bold and vibrant peach statement, there are endless possibilities.
Tie-Dye Eyeshadow: The Latest Trend Taking Over the Makeup World
Say hello to the newest trend that’s making waves in the beauty community – tie-dye eyeshadow! This psychedelic and vibrant trend is all about blending different eyeshadow colors seamlessly to create a mesmerizing, tie-dye effect on your eyelids. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, this trend offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression.
Radiant flush
This innovative technique provides a fresh and youthful glow that enhances the overall makeup look. Use Dew Wet Balm to create this look by layering this bouncy, gel-like product on top of your blush!
Prom season is approaching! Whether you’re a makeup artist prepping for clients, or going to prom yourself, you’ll want these tips to achieve that picture-perfect prom night look that’ll last all night! 📸
When prepping for your prom night looks, there are a few things you’ll need to consider…
Flash photography
Oil & sweat from dancing in a heavy dress
Adapting to current trends while still looking timeless (to avoid regretting that glitter cut-crease a few years later) 😉
There are simple solutions to these 3 considerations…
Flash cell phone photos are nearly impossible to avoid during prom night, so BE SURE to use a high definition setting powder. Let’s not turn our girls into Flashback Mary. 👻
An HD powder we love and recommend is INGLOT Cosmetics HD Illuminizing Loose Powder. This product is a subtle loose powder with a touch of diamond dust. This powder is perfect to hide skin’s little imperfections, and leave the face looking refreshed and rejuvenated. INGLOT’s HD products contain HD pigments that are designed to look flawless in high definition film and photography, ensuring the makeup looks perfect in all lighting and photos.
P.S. Get 10% off all INGLOT products on shop.makeupfirst.com with code SPARKLE10
Prep 👏 the 👏 skin! 👏 Prom may look like a night of glitz and glamour, but really, it’s mostly a night of maneuvering a big heavy dress while you’re trying to dance. Let’s face it… you’ll get sweaty.
So how can you keep the sweat/oil from showing through the makeup? Use mattifying products. We’ll make it simple for you → Embryolisse Soin Hydratant Matifiant + Mehron Skin Prep Pro-Mattifying Toner = 💗.
Now, I’m all for hopping on the popular trends. But, similarly to your wedding day, prom might not be the best day to try out that bold new trend you saw on TikTok the night before. Simply because you’ll have those photos forever. Luckily the current trends are a little more subtle compared to those 2016 makeup trends we all knew… and participated in. 😅 Let’s chat about some trends to follow that wont have you burning your prom photos in 10 years.
My personal favorite - Monochromatic looks. This means 1 color and 1 color only. That doesn’t mean you cant mix different shades of that color. If you’re wearing a bright pink dress, try a soft pink eyeshadow, pink blush, and a pink glossy lip.
Another trend that we’re loving right now is the “barely there” base with a pop of color. Try a soft pop of color in the inner corner of the eye, or even a bold lip to pair with your “clean girl” fresh-face foundation.
In an age where smartphones and filters promise instant perfection, the temptation to DIY your makeup for family photos, engagement shoots, or professional headshots may seem appealing. However, there’s a reason why professionals exist in the world of makeup artistry. Enlisting the expertise of a professional makeup artist can make all the difference.
Here’s why:
Professional makeup artists possess a deep understanding of color theory, skin tones, and facial features. They have honed their craft through years of training and experience, allowing them to create a makeup look tailored to your unique features and preferences.
Family photoshoots, engagement shoots, and headshot sessions can be lengthy affairs, often spanning several hours, sometimes even in unpredictable weather. Professional makeup artists use high-quality, pro-brand products and techniques designed to withstand the rigors of photography, ensuring your makeup remains fresh and flawless from start to finish.
Often, people feel nervous in front of the camera. Hiring a professional makeup artist will provide an instant pre-shoot confidence boost. There’s nothing quite like getting an incredible “glam reveal” before stepping out in front of the camera.
While DIY makeup may suffice for everyday occasions, investing in a professional makeup artist for professional photos is well worth it. Their expertise, customization, and attention to detail ensure that you will not only look stunning but also feel confident in front of the camera. Next time you have a photoshoot on the horizon, consider booking an artist from First Looks by Make Up First®. All of the First Looks team members were hand-selected for their expertise and experience in the industry.
our friends from
Are coming to Make Up First® this Spring!
About The Powder Group
“At The Powder Group, we are the real deal. Our community is one of the most connected, supportive and celebrated pro makeup artist communities in the industry.
We pride ourselves on providing up to date educational programs to best serve you as an artist.
At The Powder Group, our concept is simple: To celebrate and connect the artists and brands that make our industry the most creative and inspirational in the world. We inspire craft. We strengthen careers. We connect the global makeup artist and pro beauty community.”
Founded by Michael DeVellis and developed in partnership with James Vincent and an incredible team of pro beauty industry leaders with a combined 60 years in the pro-beauty industry – The Powder Group provides unprecedented access to the most current and real-world ways of thinking about your career.
Make Up First® is proud to be a Brand Partner of The Powder Group.
“We encourage a strong sense of community and present our events and programs in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. We offer a diverse range of topics that combine artistic and business skills, personal growth, and creative thinking in order to develop the artist as a whole.”
We are excited to welcome The Powder Group back to Make Up First® as they present…
BUSINESS AND BEAUTY OF BRIDAL
APRIL 8, 2024 - CHICAGO
Featuring Aga Rhodes
Jordan Liberty returns! Join Jordan for this two day experience and immerse yourself in his techniques for creating stunning light-adaptive makeup applications that look flawless in person and translate seamlessly to camera. Day 1 is open to all makeup lovers, no matter your level of experience. Learn how to create makeup looks that don't need filters to look finished. Makeup artists can join for Day 2 to access hands-on guidance from Jordan as they create multiple makeup looks to be professionally photographed.
Jordan Liberty’s event explores his iconic beauty work as a makeup artist and photographer from concept to capture, looking at beauty “through a different lens.” Day 1 is tailored towards professionals but is open to anyone interested in makeup. Day 2 is a portfolio-building photoshoot for professionals and aspiring professionals only.
Day 1: Demonstrations + Q&A
How to draw focus towards a specific texture, color, or area of the face
Creating balance with a dramatic eye, lip, or artistic element
Understanding the needs of the client and how to translate that into your work
Model selection and how to prepare before the shoot
Macro skin - what can't be faked
Breaking outside the box of local markets
Day 2: Hands-On Makeup and Photoshoot
Complete assignments and challenges given by Jordan
Hands-on instruction
Complete multiple looks on provided models
Photoshoot with professional photographer directed by Jordan
Jordan Liberty: Building a Beauty Portfolio
July 27 & July 28
Jordan Liberty is an LA-based makeup artist, photographer, global educator, creative director and personality. In addition to producing iconic beauty campaigns, his work in consulting, marketing, and product development has made him the secret weapon behind the success of top makeup and skincare brands. Most known publicly for his professional approach to education (via his former YouTube channel), he continues teaching pro-level workshops, makeup classes and seminars across the globe, and developing educational platforms when not in the studio.
Recent clients and collaborators include NARS, Urban Decay, MAC, Benefit Cosmetics, Sephora, BITE Beauty, Stilazzi, Jouer, Sigma, DOSE of Color, LORAC, CoverGirl, RealTechniques, Tatcha, Clinique, and NYX Cosmetics.
Calling all teen makeup enthusiasts!
Do you ever dream of the MUA/Influencer life?
This is for you.
This 3 day Teen Camp includes demos and hands-on practice. Learn how to use colors, textures, and pro products to create day to night looks, trending Instagram looks, and theatrical/SFX looks.
June 25, 26, 27
3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Danessa Myricks
Dew Wet Balm
“Clear”
Danessa Myricks Colorfix
“Valentine”
Danessa Myricks Twin Flames
“Angel Heart”
Danessa Myricks Glaze
“Clear”
The holidays have passed, our skin is DRY, it’s too cold to go out, and Spring seems SO far away.
Let’s face it, this is not our favorite time of the year…
Let’s talk about how we can combat the cold and stay looking fresh and fabulous..
When Winter hits, our skin typically needs a little extra TLC… Okay, a LOT of extra TLC. The lack of humidity, and cold wind strips the moisture from our faces and leaves us feeling dry and looking dull compared to that bronzed glow we love to achieve in the summer. Well lucky for you, we’re here with some beauty tips & tricks to keep you looking and feeling fabulous all throughout these frosty winter days.
Let’s be real, obviously we are makeup artists and know how to beat a face, but we aren’t magicians, and can’t totally change skin texture with some foundation. Your makeup will only look as good as the skin prep you have under it. However, with the right combo of proper winter skincare and makeup products, it is not impossible to keep that glowy skin year-round. So how is that possible, you ask? Keep reading, we got you!
A few things you’ll definitely want in your makeup bag;
Skin prep! Get out those moisturizers. We recommend Embryolisse moisturizers, which have a primer built in! An absolute favorite is the Embryolisse under eye cream, great for everyone but especially for our ladies with matured skin. And don’t forget how easily our lips get chapped in the winter. Rosebud Salve = Easy Fix.
Pro Tip: Apply a generous layer of your skin prep before you start working on your eyeshadow, let it soak in while you glam the eyes. Then, (if necessary) add another layer of moisturizer before applying your foundation.
Now for the the makeup.. I think this goes without saying, but if you want to glow in the winter, you’ll need to invest in a MOISTURIZING foundation. Put that matte foundation away, girls!! Our top pick (and top seller) is Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro - it’s not just a recommendation, it’s a MUST-have! Face Atelier is a buildable, self-setting foundation, so you wont need to set the full face with powder! Powder sets our makeup by soaking up the excess oils, so not needing it much during the winter is definitely a win in our opinion.
Pro Tip: Use a damp sponge to apply foundation. This will help you waste less product, blend easier, and add a tiny bit of extra moisture.
Finish✨.. Lastly, for our super dry girls, we want to give the skin one last little boost of moisture. Cinema Secrets Moisture Spray is the perfect and EASY product to do just that! It’s made with the same top-quality ingredients found in heavy creams but applied with a fine, refreshing mist which can be applied both under and on top of your makeup.
Pro Tip: On days where you do need a little setting powder, spray a mist of Moisture Spray at the end of your makeup application to soak up any excess powder.
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Time to kick off the Christmas season with some holiday shopping! Looking for the perfect gift? You’re in luck! We’ve hand-picked our favorite items that any MUA or makeup enthusiast would adore this holiday season!
We often get asked, what’s it like in the suburbs now that Make Up First® changed locations?
The answer is, it’s fabulous! Not only was Naperville ranked the safest town in the COUNTRY, but it’s also filled with so much holiday cheer. After class, our students enjoy wandering around our “Hallmark movie” town on their way to the Metra station. Downtown Naperville has so much to offer all year round (including Make Up First®, of course!), but around the holiday season it feels just a little more special! Everywhere you walk, the trees are lit up in twinkling lights throughout the entire downtown area. You’ll commonly stumble across live musicians and Christmas carolers on the street corners, and inside restaurants and coffee shops where you can find specialty hot cocoa and other holiday treats. Dozens of storefronts (including us!) are on the Holiday Window Painting map provided by the city, so visitors can search through the streets for the most adorable holiday window paintings! On Water Street, you’ll find a stunning holiday light display along the River Walk, where you’ll hear Christmas music playing through the streets every night of the week from 4pm-9pm. The River Walk is a scenic pathway overlapped with picturesque covered bridges adorned with lights and wreaths. And the best part? Make Up First® is submerged right in the middle of this holiday magic! Come visit us soon for some holiday shopping, our Holiday Glamour Makeup Demo, or just to say hi!
Make Up First® artists invaded the runway on the first weekend of November. For years, Make Up First® has provided countless opportunities for artists around the world. Our first time producing a runway show was a celebration of creativity, passion, and dedication. We are proud to give the ARTISTS their time to shine on the runway. INVASION: The Runway Show was an "out of this world" runway experience. We merged the worlds of dance, makeup, and fashion. We're grateful to have put together an incredibly talented team of our graduates & staff, designers, and other creatives to bring unearthly creatures to life. Keep reading to take a look into INVASION: The Runway Show from the producers’ prospectives…
After months of preparing, we were anxious for our rehearsal on the Friday night before the show. After arriving to the venue inside Water Tower Place, we piled all of our stuff in, waiting for an elevator to carry our bins of theatrical makeup products upstairs. Once we settled in, we were struggling to figure out how to use the speaker for the first 20 minutes or so. We’re not very tech savvy if you couldn’t tell! We got it running, and it really started to sink in that the show was the next day. Before the models and a few of the artists arrived, Hannah (Theatrical Instructor) and Jade (Co-Owner) took a deep breath trying to calm each other’s nerves. Michelle (Co-Owner) was on her way, bringing the whole family to watch the rehearsal, baby and all! Once the crowd arrived, we were pretty overwhelmed with the amount of energy in the room. “Lets get the girls in their heels and we’ll get started in 5 minutes” said Britney Wittes from Why Not Petites. Britney had been helping Jade and Michelle with the modeling aspect of the show, from the casting call until the second before she walked the runway during the show. We had not only models, but dancers as well. The designers were doing their last-minute fittings during the rehearsal and the vision really started to come together. After rehearsal, we still had some work to do. Finalizing face charts, last minute HMUA timeline adjustments, etc. We finished up just around midnight and tried to get some rest before the big day.
Saturday morning, 31 models, 12 artists, 4 designers, and full team of backstage helpers came together and began to create extraterrestrial magic. Somehow everything backstage ran seamlessly. It made us beyond proud to have a room full of artists who were trained by us, all together executing the most flawless makeup designs. After a few hours, which seemed like minutes, someone yelled to us backstage “People are lined up outside waiting for the doors to open! It’s PACKED out there!”, and our nerves started up again. By then our models were makeup-ready, and the designers were getting them into wardrobe. We finished up our final run-through of the show before opening the doors.
MUA: Ciarra O’Reiley, Photographer: St.Micca, Designer: Zo Roze, Model: Raquel Horvath
It was 5:00 when the doors opened to the public. Each member of the audience checked in at the door and were taken to their seats. It was not only a show but also a reunion for so many people who came together with like-interests in the beauty and fashion industry. Our Photographers (St.Micca Photography, Ed Sochacki, Henry Bat Photography, and Arijit Ghosh) were set up at the end of the runway to capture each look. We were peaking out into the crowd, amazed with the amount of people who came to support our graduates, models, and designers. We gathered all of our MUAs and sat together in the VIP section to watch the show at the end of the runway. All of our artists squished together on the couch was such a heartwarming sight for everyone walking by. The Make Up First community really feels like a big happy family when brought together.
At 5:45, the music started. It began with a minute long intro to catch the audiences attention. The audience all took their seats and waited for the first model to appear. The music was building and the audience was in awe when the first dancer opened the show in a full theatrical alien look dressed in a cyborg inspired metal tutu designed by Zo Roze. She danced down the runway performing her quirky, alien-like moves. The music kept building until the first model appeared with an exceptionally powerful walk, followed by many many more unique designs by Zo Roze, Naomi, Qualia Arte, and DRIA/V.
The show came close to the end and it was time to take the MUAs backstage for their final walks. The models walked with their designers and the crowd cheered them on. Once everyone was back from the runway, the makeup artists walked out and were recognized for their incredible work. The models and designers cheered for the artists from backstage, along with the crowd in the audience. It was such an unforgettable moment for our artists, and for us.. Backstage after the show was filled with excitement, relief, many “I’m so proud of you”s, and happy tears. Our very first show was one for the books!
The holidays are here! Visit our Pro Shop website for online shopping with FREE SHIPPING + FREE MYSTERY PRODUCT for all orders over $20 placed on Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
check out our most popular products at The Pro Shop
Since opening in 2006, it has been the mission of Make Up First® School of Makeup Artistry to provide a quality education for those who wish to pursue a career in makeup artistry.
I am pleased to announce that the School will continue with new ownership and location. Congratulations to the new owners, Jade Labriola and Michelle Boyce Natywa! I am more than confident that Jade and Michelle will continue to maintain the integrity, reputation, and quality of education for which Make Up First® School is known.
Watch for details about the grand opening of our Naperville location on September 10. See you there!
Jill Glaser
Founder, Make Up First® School
Thanks, Chicago—now we’re on to downtown Naperville!
After more than a decade in the city of Chicago, it’s time for a fresh start. We are thanking Chicago for the memories and heading to Downtown Naperville. Just a few blocks from the Naperville train station and surrounded with ample parking, we are located at 232 S. Washington St. Suite 6. Naperville's thriving Downtown is recognized as one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest and we can’t wait for our enhanced contemporary space to be included in the bustling fun of the town.
Change is Good
Make Up First is expanding and offering MORE! We are determined to welcome not only MUAs, but also open our doors to the public. Along with our Pro Shop and Makeup Courses, we also offer makeup services for everyone.
Keep an eye out for our “pop up” events-or ask us to host your special event!
Fall Course Enrollment Now Open
With our new location comes new hours! We will now be offering both MORNING CLASSES (three days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and EVENING CLASSES (four days a week from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.). See all the details on our course registration page!
Back to School!
Spring Enrollment is Now Open! Classes Begin March 7.
Be sure to register quickly to guarantee your place in our upcoming session.
Basic Makeup I
March 7 & 8; 14 & 15
Enroll Now →
Basic Makeup II
March 21 & 22; 28 & 29
Enroll Now →
Media Makeup HD
April 4 & 5
Enroll Now →
Media: Runway, Editorial, Fashion
April 11 & 12; 25 & 26
Enroll Now →
Theatrical Makeup A
May 9 & 10
Enroll Now →
Theatrical Makeup B
May 16 & 17
Enroll Now →
Clinical Makeup
May 2 & 3
Enroll Now →
Careers in Makeup Artistry
May 23
Enroll Now →
Courses run Mondays and Tuesdays during the daytime.
Ready for the next step in your career?
By offering professional hands-on instruction in all areas of makeup artistry, we prepare students to work in all avenues of the industry.
We’re hosting workshops through the entire coming month—all open to the public! Find something for everyone below.
Valentines Day / Boudoir Makeup
10:00 – 1:00
Demo of several Valentine’s and boudoir looks, ranging from soft to sultry.
Latest Trends in Makeup
10:00 – 1:00
Demos showcasing the latest Danessa Myricks products, all available from our shop!
FX MAKEUP SERIES:
Prosthetic Teeth
10:00 – 5:00
From vampires to monsters to comedic character looks—create prosthetic teeth from scratch.
Portfolio Building for Makeup Artists
10:00 – 1:00
Everything you need to get your portfolio ready! Robert Beczarski will be on-site photographing your makeup looks on your models.
POSTPONED
(more info to come)
Hairstyling for Makeup Artists
Day 1
10:00 – 4:00
2-day intensive hairstyling workshop tailored just for makeup artists!
Hairstyling for Makeup Artists
Day 2
10:00 – 4:00
Braiding, backcombing, up-dos, down-dos, pin curling, victory rolls, and finger waves.
TEMPTU Certified Airbrush/Bridal
10:00 – 4:00
The business of bridal, plus airbrush makeup techniques. Includes a TEMPTU Air Best Selling Basics Kit!
FX MAKEUP SERIES:
Bald Caps
10:00 – 5:00
Advanced techniques for cutting, fitting, and painting bald caps. Fee includes your bald cap.
It’s not too late! Sign up to join us this coming week for two bridal workshops!
Monday, January 31
TEMPTU Certified Airbrush/Bridal Workshop
Join us January 31st for our TEMPTU Certified Airbrush/Bridal Workshop. This one-day workshop will cover the business of Bridal as well as Airbrush makeup using TEMPTU products! The cost of each registration includes a TEMPTU Air Best Selling Basics Kit!
Tuesday, February 1
Southeast Asian Indian Bridal Workshop
Join us February 1st for a demonstration of a classic Southeast Asian Bridal Makeup Application! This class will focus on dramatic eyes, bold lashes, as well as a traditional full-face application!
We have decided to hold off on presenting our certification program courses until March and instead will be holding several workshops, all open to the public.
Our Spring certificate program will resume in March!
Winter Workshop Series
TEMPTU Certified Airbrush/Bridal Workshop
Join us January 31st for our TEMPTU Certified Airbrush/Bridal Workshop. This one-day workshop will cover the business of Bridal as well as Airbrush makeup using TEMPTU products! The cost of each registration includes a TEMPTU Air Best Selling Basics Kit!
Southeast Asian Indian Bridal Workshop
Join us February 1st for a demonstration of a classic Southeast Asian Bridal Makeup Application! This class will focus on dramatic eyes, bold lashes, as well as a traditional full-face application!
Valentines Day Makeup and Boudoir Looks
Please join us February 7th as we demonstrate a variety of Valentine’s and boudoir looks, ranging from soft to sultry.
Our portfolio building workshop on February 15th is everything you need to get your bridal, fashion, and/or editorial portfolio ready for the upcoming season!