Get Schooled: Where to study makeup in Manila
Makeup artistry is an art form and a medium for self-expression. Whether you are maven or a newbie, it's a passion that will take you places and leave a wake of pretty faces along the way. However, should you decide to take it professionally, you'll need to level up your knowledge far beyond the usual YouTube beauty guru fare. Learning the basics and then studying more technical information like color theory and face and skin analysis will give you an edge in the world of pros.
Training and practice beget mastery. Makeup artists need to have the proper education to be able to work with all sorts of clients, and provide a wide range of services, sometimes even branching out into theatrical makeup or prosthetics. So for those who dream about turning their love for beauty into a professional pursuit, we’ve cobbled together a list of some of Manila’s most prestigious beauty schools. Perhaps it’s time to go get back to student mode!
Australian College of Hair Design + Beauty Manila
If you get a Certificate in Hairdressing or a Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services from here, you can possibly jet off to Australia after! The main ACHDB, which collaborated to bring the college to Manila, was founded in Melbourne in the 1950’s, so it’s certainly a well-oiled machine in the beauty industry. Students of the Manila campus are given a chance to study or work in Melbourne via the Manila to Melbourne program that graduates can apply for.
752 1459 | Unit 301 Fox Square Bldg., 53 Connecticut St., North East, Greenhills, San Juan City
When the subject of beauty schools in Manila comes up, CAS is one of the institutions that are frequently mentioned. They currently offer short courses that add up to form a well-rounded hair and makeup artist who can also manage a beautician’s business. Aside from covering hairdressing, makeup artistry, and beauty therapy (manicures, hair removal), they offer short courses on Image Enhancement (for safeguarding a client's "branding") and Salon Management. Classes are currently opened on a by-demand basis. Inquire with them to find out which courses are slated to open.
897 0383 | 2/F Franck Provost Building, 120 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City
With schools in Los Angeles and New York, Make-up Designory (a.k.a. MUD) represents the know-how for Hollywood-approved makeup skills. Locally, MUD Manila offers courses that are pulled from the same global curriculum that comprises the longer programs at MUD USA, but the Manila branch breaks the courses into smaller modules. For those who want to pick and choose what to learn, they have short courses for bridal makeup, studio makeup, and on high fashion makeup trends. But for those who want to do it all, they also offer a package that covers the fundamentals in addition to the short courses mentioned above. A student kit worth P126,000 is already included. What’s more, the certificates they give out for accomplishing the courses are internationally issued!
730 4472 | 2/F Serendra, BGC, Taguig
Also located in BGC, MP School of Make Up Artistry has been in the scene since 2007. The makeup method they practice is inspired by the French artistic style and driven by an Asian sense of neatness and quality. Modules vary based on experience level, and some courses come with field trips for additional exposure to the industry. They currently have a “seat sale” promotion of 40% off on fees of all regular modules for schedules up to December 2016. Slots are limited, so get to signing up!
846 4647 | 2/F, Shoppes at Bellagio, Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, BGC, Taguig
Looking for a school in the QC area? This one is just across the ABS-CBN compound. With the exception of the Personal Makeup course, all their modules are TESDA accredited. The fees already include a model to practice on for every session, photo shoots, note handouts, uniform, and a makeup case. Students are tasked with completing their own makeup and tool kit, so you can curate products according to your preference and budget.
416 1730 | 133 Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City
SoFA Design Institute has branched out to include makeup as part of their short course offerings. The prestigious fashion school announces workshops on a seasonal basis. Most recently, they partnered up with premium cosmetic brand MAC to offer a 6-session Basic Makeup short course to cover the beauty basics. Tools and basic application skills are discussed as well as makeup looks for day, night, bridal, theater, and editorial. Gift certificates were issued to students, and they got to do a MAC store field trip of sorts. All this for P6,500, which is a great price if you just want to get started.
478 4611 | G/F 399 Enzo Building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Have you ever thought of going pro? What’s motivating you, or preventing you from going for it? And if you've had the chance to study, do share your experience and tips in the comments below! We're sure other readers would find it useful! ^_^
