Hey there! You’ve been admiring makeup artists all round and feel like you can give it a go? Well, you can become a certified Makeup artist online for starters.
And don’t you worry. When we say online it means you don’t need to go to a fancy beauty school to make it happen.
These days, you can get certified as a makeup artist completely online, right from your couch in your PJs if you fancy!.
You get to learn all the good stuff, how to apply makeup like a pro, keep everything clean and safe, and even how to wow your future clients.
Let me walk you through what you need to get certified online, the best courses to check out, and a few tips to help you start your makeup career with confidence.
Ready? Let’s do this!
Why Getting Certified Actually Matters for Makeup Artists
Okay, real talk — if you want to level up as a makeup artist and get taken seriously (like, really seriously), getting certified is a game-changer.
It’s more than just a piece of paper. It’s proof that you’ve put in the work, learned the right skills, and know what you’re doing.
Here’s why that little certificate can do big things for you:
1. People Trust You More
When someone’s hiring a makeup artist — for their wedding, a photoshoot, or even a big event — they want to know they’re in good hands.
Being certified shows them you’re not just playing with eyeshadow for fun; you’ve actually trained for this.
2. You’ll Get Better Opportunities
Want to work backstage at fashion week? Dream of doing makeup for magazine covers or celebrities?
Certification helps open those doors. Salons, spas, and big brands also prefer artists with proper training — it’s just the way the industry works.
3. You Learn Things You Can’t Just Google
Sure, you can teach yourself cool techniques from YouTube, but certification teaches you way more — like hygiene rules, skin safety, product chemistry, and the latest pro techniques.
Oh, and you often get discounts on makeup brands too. Who doesn’t love a good discount?
Bottom line? If you’re serious about turning makeup into your career (and making good money doing it), certification is 100% worth it.
Is It Really Possible to Become a Certified Makeup Artist Online?
Yep, it’s totally possible, and a lot of people are doing it!
Online makeup courses make it super easy to learn from home (or anywhere you want).
You get videos that show you exactly what to do, little quizzes to test what you’ve learned, and fun projects to practice your skills.
Some schools even have live classes where real makeup pros watch your work and give you tips — like having your own mentor.
And if you’re wondering, “Will anyone take an online certificate seriously?” — the answer is yes!
As long as you choose a good, well-known school, your certificate can be recognized around the world.
You’ll learn all the important stuff — how to do flawless makeup, choose the right colors, take care of skin, and even some of the behind-the-scenes rules of the industry.
At the end, you’ll take a final test (don’t worry, you’ll be ready!), and once you pass, you get your certificate.
It could be a digital one you can show off online or a printed one you can frame.
And just because you’re learning online doesn’t mean you miss out on hands-on practice — you’ll still be creating looks, snapping photos, and building a portfolio to kick off your makeup career.
Steps on How to Become a Certified Makeup Artist Online
For you to become a certified makeup artist online, it involves a structured process that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
So, if you love makeup, like, REALLY love it, why not turn that passion into a career?
Let’s see how you can do that from your couch and in your pajamas if you want:
1. First, Figure Out Your Makeup Dream
Before you jump into any random course, ask yourself — what kind of makeup artist do you actually want to be?
Want to do cool zombie looks for movies? That’s Special Effects Makeup.
Love creating those flawless wedding vibes? That’s Bridal Makeup.
Obsessed with fashion and editorial shoots? Yep, that’s Editorial Makeup.
Knowing this makes it way easier to pick the right course for you.
2. Find a Course That Doesn’t Waste Your Time
Not all online courses are worth it (trust me). Stick with ones that are:
From real, legit schools (like QC Makeup Academy or Online Makeup Academy)
Full of good reviews from other makeup lovers like you
Teaching the stuff that actually matters — like blending, color theory, skin types, and keeping your brushes CLEAN (seriously, hygiene is no joke in this biz)
3. Sign Up and Dive In
Pick a course that fits your life.
Busy schedule? Go for one that’s self-paced.
On a budget? Compare prices — but don’t just go for the cheapest.
Love visuals? Choose one packed with videos, demos, and real-life examples.
The best courses feel like you’re learning from a makeup mentor, not just reading boring slides.
4. Practice Like Your Future Depends On It (Because It Kinda Does)
Courses are great, but real skills come from getting your hands dirty — or, in this case, covered in foundation.
Grab a practice kit (there are good affordable ones online).
Do makeup for your friends, your family, even yourself — every chance you get.
Try new looks, mess up, and figure out your signature style.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel — and confidence shows.
5. Take Your Test & Grab That Certificate
Once you finish your course, there’s usually some kind of final test.
Don’t stress — if you’ve been paying attention (and practicing!), you’ve got this.
You might need to:
Take a quiz (easy if you studied)
Show off a portfolio with photos of your best work
Pass that, and you’re officially a certified makeup artist! Time to update your bio and start putting yourself out there.
Best Online Courses for Makeup Artist Certification
Now, if you want to become a certified makeup artist, but without the hassle of going to a physical school, it’s time you paid attention.
There are some amazing online courses that can help you learn the skills, build your confidence, and even get certified, all from home.
Here’s a list of the best ones I found, and yes, I checked the prices for you too.
1. London College of Makeup
Taught by real British makeup pros, this school offers super detailed video tutorials plus hands-on assignments.
You can choose from courses like Beauty Makeup Certificate or Bridal Makeup Certificate — both great if you want to specialize.
What you get: International Makeup Qualification
How much: Starting from AED 499 per course (roughly $135 USD)
2. Elizabeth Sands Beauty School
If you’re starting from scratch, this one’s perfect.
They walk you through the basics — like safety, client chats, and creating different looks.
Plus, you get lifetime access and your own tutor to guide you.
What you get: Fully accredited certificate
How much: $115 USD
3. Artists Within Makeup Academy
This is more advanced, perfect if you dream of working in fashion or celebrity makeup.
You can even pay in flexible chunks — so no pressure to pay all at once.
What you get: Master Makeup Artist Certificate
How much: They have several makeup courses but the Master Makeup Artist online certificate course costs $1,197.00 with pricing option in single, 3 or 6 installments.
4. Vizio Makeup Academy
This one gives you personal feedback from real makeup pros.
You get video lessons, tests, and assignments — it’s very hands-on (even though it’s online).
What you get: Certified Makeup Artist
How much: Depends on the course, like the Intro makeup course is $199 with payment plans starting @ $16 a Month.
5. Online Makeup Academy (OMA)
This is kind of the best of both worlds — you learn online and get private one-on-one tutoring.
They cover everything from basic makeup to advanced and even cool special effects.
What you get: Internationally recognized certificate
How much: Depends on the plan, starting from $57/m.
6. ExpertRating
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly but still legit, this is a great choice.
It comes with 70 video lessons and covers all the must-know techniques.
What you get: Makeup Artist Certification
How much: $99.99
Quick heads-up!
Prices can change (sometimes they run discounts too), so always double-check on the official websites before you sign up.
What affects the price?
a. The reputation of the platform
b. How much learning material is included (like video lessons, books, or makeup kits)
c. Whether you get personal feedback or mentorship
d. How long and detailed the course is
Essential Skills You’ll Learn from Online Certification Courses
So, what’s inside these online makeup certification courses?
Basically, they teach you everything you need to go from “I love makeup” to “I actually know what I’m doing!”
Here’s the scoop:
1. Skin Prep — The Real Secret to Great Makeup
Before you even touch foundation, you’ll learn how to get skin ready — think cleansing, moisturizing, and priming.
It’s the difference between cake-face and flawless!
2. Finding the Perfect Foundation Shade (Without Guesswork)
Ever bought the wrong shade? We’ve all been there.
These courses show you how to match foundation to any skin tone (yes, even tricky undertones!) — and how to apply it so it looks like skin, not paint.
3. Eye Makeup — From Everyday Pretty to Full Glam
Whether you want to master that simple “clean girl” look or go all out with smoky eyes and bold colors, you’ll get plenty of eye makeup tricks to practice.
4. Contouring and Highlighting — The Art of the Glow-Up
Want those cheekbones to pop? You’ll learn how to sculpt and highlight like a pro — no crazy filters needed.
5. Staying Clean and Safe (Because Nobody Wants a Rash)
Clean brushes, sanitized tools, and keeping things hygienic — this isn’t the fun part, but it’s super important if you’re working on real clients.
6. How to Actually Get Clients (and Keep Them Coming Back)
Some courses even throw in business tips — like how to market yourself on Instagram, set your prices, and keep clients happy so they recommend you to all their friends.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?
Short answer? It depends on you.
If you just want a quick intro or already have some skills, you could get certified in as little as 2-4 weeks.
Want a deeper dive?
There are courses that last 10-12 weeks, or even up to 6 months if you’re going all in with bridal, special effects, or advanced techniques.
The best part? Most online courses are self-paced, so you can learn on weekends, after work, or whenever you have time (no pressure).
Conclusion
When you become a certified makeup artist, it’s not just about learning cool looks online.
It’s about showing clients and employers you mean business.
Certification helps you stand out, gives you confidence, and makes you look way more professional.
Plus, you can do it all from home, at your own pace.
So if makeup is your thing, why not go for it? Your dream career could start with that first step.