The best makeup classes in NYC

Looking to start your career as a makeup artist? Nina MUA offers their four-week intensive program on nights and weekends, so you can fit it into your schedule even if you're still working your day job. You’ll learn techniques like color correcting foundation, blending the classic smokey eye, applying false lashes and more, and even have your very own photoshoot to show off your work. Even better, the cost of tuition includes a full professional kit with cosmetics from Make Up For Ever, Smashbox, Inglot and more.

Manifest your dreams of working backstage at New York Fashion Week (or at least bring them a little closer) with some training in runway makeup. It’s not enough to be able to apply a stunning smokey eye or bold lip: you have to translate trends in fashion into your look. This class will teach you to take your contouring and highlighting to the next level, emphasize bone structure and deconstruct classic looks. You might even pick up a few tips about runway etiquette.

Anyone who has ever seen a local news anchor up close knows how cakey and unnatural TV makeup can look when it’s not done well. The sets, the lights, the camera: each factors into the way makeup appears on the finished video, so falling back on your typical routine just isn’t going to work. You don’t want your clients to look like that. Master the art of natural-looking HD makeup, including eyebrows, lips, smokey eyes and more.

With so many brides willing to pay big bucks to look picture perfect on their wedding day, bridal makeup has grown into a lucrative niche industry. In addition to bridal trends and tips for keeping your looks fresh all day long, you’ll also learn the basics of running your own freelance career in this advanced class. Branding, networking and contouring—we’ll take it!

Having these two skills in your repertoire will take your career to the next level. The entire process of applying airbrush makeup—from prepping the skin to highlighting—is completely different than with traditional products. It sounds like a lot of hassle, but once you see the flawless finish the fine mist creates, you’ll be sold.

Ever wondered how Game of Thrones makes the White Walkers look so lifelike? It all starts with makeup artists using their brushes and blenders to apply some transformative special effects makeup. This workshop starts with a live step-by-step demonstration from a professional, so you can see exactly how to use a special effects kit. Forget red lips and winged eyeliner—you’re going to want to turn your clients into zombies, sprites and otherworldly creatures after this class.

We’ve tracked down the most affordable makeup lounges and beauty supply stores, and ranked them from least to most expensive.