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Grow Your Confidence as a Makeup Artist

Learning how to be a makeup artist is a combination of learning the science behind skin health and color theory, and expressing an idea creatively and beautifully. At Elaine Sterling Institute, you can get a comprehensive makeup education that blends artistry, innovation, and professionalism, or you can freshen up your makeup approach with a few new techniques and looks. We offer many makeup academy courses at our Atlanta Buckhead campus that could inspire your creative vision while empowering you to move forward in the beauty industry. Whether you are a beginner makeup artist or a professional with a license in cosmetology or esthetics, we have a class to meet your needs. Contact us to learn more about the enrollment process for any of our makeup academy courses.

Elevating everyday beauty into something extraordinary

Each Makeup Academy Course Includes a Student Kit

When you enroll in one of our makeup courses, you can count on getting hands-on, in-person training from an experienced instructor. You will also receive a student kit that contains items to use during the course and keep for future use. Kits include a makeup textbook, instructions on how to access online learning videos, and professional makeup products and tools to help you create amazing looks! The kit value varies by class: $654 for the Foundation Class, $968 for the Essentials Class, and $1,391 for the Master Class.

Student Kits

Each student will receive the following items:

  • Professional Makeup Products
  • Makeup Tools
  • Makeup Textbook
  • Access to Online Learning Videos
  • Contents and cost of student kits are subject to change.

Get Started at Elaine Sterling InstituteContact Our Team!

Professional Makeup Training for Every Skill Level

Our makeup academy courses are designed to cultivate creative, confident, and technically-skilled makeup artists. We do this by offering a range of makeup courses that are geared toward different skill levels. Each one is taught by a talented and experienced makeup artist who is committed to sharing their knowledge as a way to elevate industry standards. You could make a lasting impact in fashion, film, bridal, editorial, and beyond!

Our Makeup Academy Courses

Two-Day Foundation Class

This 16-hour foundation class covers the following topics:

  •  Business, Branding & Marketing
  •  Sanitation and Safety
  •  Everyday Makeup
  •  Fashion and Runway
  •  Bridal

Cost: $1,353

Three-Day Essentials Class

Step up your makeup skills with this 24-hour class, which covers these topics:

  •  Business, Branding & Marketing
  •  Sanitation and Safety
  •  Everyday Makeup
  •  Fashion and Runway
  •  Bridal
  •  Character SFX
  •  Film & TV

Cost: $1,497

Five-Day Master Class

This 40-hour class can help makeup artists improve their skills, learn new techniques, and add new looks and services to their repertoire. This class includes the following topics: 

  • Business, Branding & Marketing
  •  Sanitation and Safety
  •  Everyday Makeup
  •  Fashion and Runway
  •  Bridal
  •  Character SFX
  •  Film & TV
  •  Editorial
  •  Camouflage and Paramedical
  •  Photo Session

Cost: $2,495

Five-Day Master Class (CIDESCO)

CIDESCO Media Makeup Prep Class

This class is a focused, professional preparation for the international CIDESCO Media Makeup assessment designed for working pros who want a recognized global credential.

Schedule: Two days of prep, followed by the exam
Includes: theory review, practical coaching, exam day support
Cost: $995
Location: Elaine Sterling Institute, Atlanta Buckhead campus
Requirement: A five-day master class is a prerequisite to attend the CIDESCO prep class
You must be a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to attend the CIDESCO Media Makeup Prep Class.

If you wish to enroll in any of our makeup courses, or if you would like to know upcoming schedule dates, contact our admissions team. We are happy to assist you!

Your Future as a Makeup Artist

In Georgia, you are not required to have a professional license to practice makeup artistry. However, many makeup artists do obtain a cosmetology or esthetics license, allowing them to include makeup as a service alongside other beauty or skincare services. Makeup artists can pursue a wide variety of career paths, from general makeup services to more specialized services.

  • Career Options in Makeup Artistry
  • Makeup artist in a salon or spa
  • Film/TV
  • Fashion events
  • Bridal or Special Events specialist
  • Magazine and other editorial fields
  • Special effects (SFX)
  • Paramedical makeup artist
  • Retail/cosmetic stores
  • Social media influencer
  • Beauty editor/writer
  • Brand representative

Awards & Accreditations

Proudly accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized as a CIDESCO School, Elaine Sterling Institute has spent 18 years shaping Atlanta’s beauty and wellness professionals, a proud recipient of the 2024 Golden School Award.

See What Our Students Have To Say

person
stars Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

person
stars Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

Person
stars Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

Person
Stars Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

person
stars Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Makeup Academy

Where are the classes held?

All Makeup Academy classes meet at our Atlanta Buckhead campus.

Is financial aid available for these classes?

No, because of the short length of the classes, financial aid is not available.

When do the classes begin?

Contact us to find out specific schedules and start dates.

Do I need a license to enroll?

All students of the instructor programs receive the following items:

  • ESI t-shirt and jacket
  • Apple iPad
  • Milady CIMA plus ebook
  • Exam prep
  • Beauty Beyond the Mirror book
  • Student kits are subject to change.
Do I have to teach at Elaine Sterling Institute after I complete the program?

A professional license is not required to attend the Foundation, Essentials, or Master Class. Only the CIDESCO Media Makeup prep course requires you to already hold a cosmetology or esthetics license.

How to Enroll in Makeup Academy

Find out more about enrollment in our Makeup Academy courses.
To enroll in any of our courses, you must first meet these admissions requirements:

  • Age 17 or older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid government ID
  • Additional docs for VA, international, or M1 visa when applicable

If you meet the requirements and you wish to enroll in a Makeup Academy course, please contact us. We can tell you when upcoming classes will be held, and how to complete your enrollment.

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