There is more inspiration and education available in the professional makeup and beauty industry now than ever before. From social media and online video content to trade events, union programs, brand offerings and of course schools, there are countless ways to learn about the products and techniques that you need to make it in professional beauty. While we certainly couldn’t cover them all here, we wanted to give our community an On Makeup Magazine overview of the businesses, large and small, that are shaping the way we learn the real work, the real techniques and the real industry today. Welcome to our listing of Where To Learn Now 2026 version.
- THE POWDER GROUP
Now in its third decade, The Powder Group is a global resource for online and in-person programs in the areas of makeup, hair and skin, business, career and creative inspiration as well as wellness and personal development. The renowned TPG Pro Program provides members brand connections, free education and inspiration, discounts on The Powder Group merch and programs, a complimentary subscription to On Makeup Magazine and access to their members-only Facebook group where artist connection, job postings and first notice of upcoming programs is announced. www.thepowdergroup.com @thepowdergroup - MAKE-UP DESIGNORY
Make-up Designory (MUD) is a premier, globally recognized makeup school and professional cosmetics brand founded in 1997. It offers comprehensive training in beauty, film, television, and special effects makeup, with its main campus in Burbank, California and a global network of MUD Studios and Partner Schools across the US and in cities around the world including Milan, Vienna, Berlin, Antwerp, South Africa and Mumbai. www.mud.edu @makeupdesignory - THE MAKEUP ACADEMY NYC
The Makeup Academy NYC is a women-owned, state-licensed school in the heart of NYC with over a decade of experience training students from around the world in Beauty and FX. Their intensive 5-week program is offered in day, evening, and weekend hands-on training sessions in a multiple classroom facility that includes the world’s only MAC Pro–sponsored classroom. Students work in a state-of-the-art photo studio, leave with a full professional portfolio, and an industry-leading kit, and gain access to alumni communities, runway shows, masterclasses, and pro work space, supporting artists long after graduation. www.themuanyc.com @makeupschoolnyc - COSMIX SCHOOL OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY
Cosmix is an accredited makeup school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Founded in 1997, it specializes in training makeup artists for film, TV, fashion, as well as character creation and special FX. The 9-month Master Pro program is the most comprehensive for those who want to be well-rounded and train in every modality and includes photo studio work, portfolio development and business focus. Individual shorter courses are also available. www.cosmix.edu @cosmixmakeupschool - INSTITUTE OF SKIN SCIENCE
Institute of Skin Science is a place where careers are built with intention. As New Hampshire’s first esthetics institution, they blend advanced, science-driven education with small, personalized classes and real-world training. ISS offers continued education for licensed estheticians, cosmetologists, and nurses, and has remained a leading force in training generations of beauty experts for over 30 years. www.instituteofskinscience.com @instituteofskinscience - MAKE UP FIRST SCHOOL OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY
Make Up First’s online certification program delivers an elevated, career focused education designed to create industry-ready artists, with the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Through instructor-led training, hands-on assignments, and personalized critiques, students build technical skills and the confidence to launch and grow a successful career. With ongoing support, mentorship, and guidance beyond graduation, artists are set up for long-term success. www.makeupfirst.com @makeupfirstschool - TERRI TOMLINSON MAKEUP AND TRAINING ACADEMY
Terri Tomlinson Makeup and Training Academy is not just about color theory. They are expanding their online and virtual classes at makeupclassonline.com as well as coming to a city near you with hands-on training. Want to learn about the business of makeup, skin prep, application or level up with color theory. Online packages, custom classes and private education are available. www.makeuptrainingacademy.com @territomlinsonmakeup - BELLUS ACADEMY
Bellus Academy is a four campus network of beauty schools across Southern California and Kansas offering a wide range of programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nails and barbering.Their makeup program, in partnership with MUD, creates a dynamic learning environment where artistry meets industry standards. Through hands-on training, professional tools, advanced techniques, and real-world experience, students develop creativity and technical skill, preparing them to enter the beauty industry as confident, career-ready makeup artists equipped for diverse professional opportunities. www.bellusacademy.com @bellusacademy - RUTH ROCHE EDITORIAL ENGINEERING
Hair industry icon, Ruth Roche has introduced an intimate, hands-on, intensive for advanced editorial hair design. The four-day program is built on the concept of developing an understanding of hair as a system — how it behaves, is constructed and built to hold up in editorial and conceptual environments. Set in Napa Valley, California, the program is limited to four participants, artists create work individually and as a team. www.ruthroche.com @ruthroche - STONHART ACADEMY
Stonhart is a boutique esthetics academy in Massachusetts focused on advanced education and real-world career preparation. The comprehensive 600-hour esthetics program provides hands-on training, small class sizes, and mentorship from experienced professionals. They also offer advanced esthetics certifications in treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, and chemical peels, helping students and licensed estheticians build modern, results-driven skincare careers. www.stonhartbeauty.com @stonhartbeauty - PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL – CHICAGO AND SAN DIEGO
Paul Mitchell The School network offers hands-on training in cosmetology and instructor programs, blending classroom learning with real salon experience. Students, known as Future Professionals, build technical skills, creativity, and professionalism to prepare for successful careers in the beauty industry. Of note are the Chicago and San Diego locations within the PMS network. Both are MuseBeauty.pro education partners and have programs that range from 600 to more than 1,200 hours. Students gain salon experience, build industry connections, and develop technical, creative, and business skills. www.paulmitchell.edu @pmtssandiego @pmtschicago - THE SKIN AND MAKEUP INSTITUTE
The Skin and Makeup Institute in Peoria, Arizona focuses exclusively on skin and makeup — no cosmetology — allowing a strong clarity of focus. Programs include a 600-Hour Aesthetics Program, Makeup Artistry, Medical Aesthetics, Instructor Training, and Continuing Education certifications. Curriculum blends advanced technique, business development, and the confidence to build a thriving career. www.skinandmakeupinstitute.com @skinandmakeupinstitute - CHRISTINE VALMY
Christine Valmy Schools are leaders in beauty education, founded by skincare pioneer Christine Valmy, who opened the first esthetics school in the United States in 1965. With over 60 years of experience and more than 20,000 graduates, the schools offer hands-on clinical training, flexible schedules, and instruction from senior makeup artists and licensed educators who teach specialized, career-focused techniques. www.christinevalmy.com @christinevalmy - FACE & WELLNESS SOCIETY
The Face & Wellness Society’s 750-hour program prepares students for State Esthetician Licensing and the prestigious NCEA National Certification. The program uniquely bridges the gap between beauty and wellness with Oncology Specialist training, advanced airbrush makeup, and mastery of high-end tools like HydraFacial and nanoneedling. Graduates leave with a clinical edge and artistic versatility that defines the future of skin therapy. www.FWS-Texas.com @thefacialandwellnesssociety - ARTIST MAKEUP ACADEMY
Artist Makeup Academy operates on a mission to educate, elevate and empower aspiring makeup artists to turn their passion for makeup artistry into a successful, full-time career. They offer a 144 hour, in-person Master Program in their Rahway, New Jersey studio limited to 20 students for focused feedback and a selection of online programs. www.artistmakeupacademy.com @artistmakeupacademy - THE ART OF BEAUTY ACADEMY
The Art of Beauty Academy is a Scottsdale-based cosmetology school redefining beauty education with hands-on, career-focused training. Their cosmetology diploma program can be completed in under a year with a flexible three-day schedule, preparing students for Arizona state licensure and entrepreneurship. Small class sizes, real client experience, and specialty training—including trending services like head spa and airbrush makeup — set graduates apart in today’s beauty industry. www.theartofbeautyschool.com artofbeautyaz