The Makeup Program
Makeup School in San Diego, CA
Learn about the art of professional makeup from instructors who are knowledgeable, experienced makeup specialists. This program goes beyond the makeup basics taught in most cosmetology programs and delivers in-depth preparation for you to start a career as a makeup artist. From hands-on training in application techniques to consultation and development of a hard-copy makeup portfolio you’ll discover the skills you need to begin a career as a makeup artist in salons, spas, bridal, editorial, runway, film, and television.
Become a Certified
Makeup Artist
Welcome to your journey toward becoming a true professional in makeup. The Ultimate Face® certified team of instructors understands the importance of real-world application, so the classes are formatted to educate and empower the working makeup artist. The program covers all aspects of specialized professional makeup artistry, including client makeover, runway, bridal, multimedia, camouflage, editorial, special effects, film, and television.
The state of California does not regulate the 245 hours of education to become a makeup artist. Within the 245 hours the course will include extensive instruction and practical experience in Fundamentals, Editorial, Special Effects make up, skin care and sanitation. The program also focuses on professional development to include on set etiquette, starting a career as a union make up artist and self marketing. The course will also include customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, sanitation, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.
*Students are prepared for an entry level makeup artist.
*The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) does not regulate the additional 245-hour in makeup.
* This program does not lead to license.
* This program is not Title IV eligible.
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STUDENT KIT
We want you to be prepared. That’s why our Future Professionals receive their own professional kit packed with all the essentials—brushes, cleansers, lip and eye color pallettes, liners, blush, mascara, lash extensions, and more—so you’re ready to succeed in school and launch your dream career.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Learn more about our graduation, placement, and licensure rates, and much more.
Our Makeup
Artist Programs
Cosmetology & Advanced Makeup Program
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
| TUITION – COSMETOLOGY MAKE-UP (1245 CLOCK HOURS) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,975.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee | 75.00 |
| Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (nonrefundable) * | 0.00 |
| Technical Kit (nonrefundable) * | 4,657.10 |
| Textbook (nonrefundable) * | 329.96 |
| Digital Kit (nonrefundable) * | 499.84 |
| Technical Kit Sales tax (7.75%) (nonrefundable) * | 360.93 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $25,922.83 |
This is the estimated schedule of total charges for the entire educational program assuming you do not exceed the scheduled hours.
* Amount is refundable during the cancellation period.
| Program | Per Clock Hour Rate (Transfer and Re-Entry Students Only) |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology Make-Up 1245 | $20.00 |
How long will it take?
Course Hours: 1245 clock hours
The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinical service learning experiences.
- Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first hours are devoted to classroom workshops where students learn design principles, technical information, and professional practices.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: The remaining hours are spent in the clinic area where practical experience is gained.
- Distance Education Learning Experience: Students enrolled in the program with distance education will complete a portion of their education through online learning.
When can I get started?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
- 03-31-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 04-20-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) NIGHT
- 05-13-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 06-22-2026- Cosmetology Makeup (1245hrs) NIGHT
- 06-23-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 08-04-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 08-24-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) NIGHT
- 09-22-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 10-26-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) NIGHT
- 11-03-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
- 12-15-2026- Cosmetology+Makeup (1245hrs) DAY
Program Schedule Options
| Option | Days | Times | Hrs/Day | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Full Time | Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM | 7 hrs per day | 35 hrs per week |
| 4-Nights Part Time | Monday – Thursday | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM | 5 hrs per day | 20 hrs per week |
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
- The Cutting System App
- The Color System App
- The Style and Texture System App
- The Barber and Short Hair System App
- The Skill Cards App
- The Makeup System App
- Plugged In App
- Connecting to My Future App
- Be Nice or Else iBook ISBN-13: 978-0-974-993-99-7
- Makeup Portfolio
- The Mini-Color Swatch Book
- CourseKey Skills Tracker
Transfer students are responsible to purchase the education kit at an additional cost from the tuition. The cost of the education kit is $700.00.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
- 1 Cosmetology Pivot Point ISBN 978-1-940593-59-3 $329.96
- 1 Cosmetology Pivot Point Study Guide
- 1 California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Act and Regulations book
- 1 Health and Safety Course Textbook
- 1 Health and Safety Course Exam Booklet
Makeup 245
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
| TUITION – MAKE-UP (245 CLOCK HOURS) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,400.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee | 75.00 |
| Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (nonrefundable) * | 0.00 |
| Technical Kit (nonrefundable) * | 2,640.00 |
| Sales tax (nonrefundable) * | 204.60 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $7,344.60 |
This is the estimated schedule of total charges for the entire educational program assuming you do not exceed the scheduled hours.
* Amount is refundable during the cancellation period.
The 245 hour makeup program is not eligible for Title IV funding and does not lead to licensure.
| Program | Per Clock Hour Rate (Transfer and Re-Entry Students Only) |
|---|---|
| Make-Up 245 | $18.00 |
How long will it take?
Course Hours: 245 clock hours
Our makeup program provides a comprehensive curriculum for 245 hours in the study of Makeup Artistry. The MUSE BEAUTY Advanced Makeup Program is designed to prepare and educate each student in the fundamentals of beauty makeup.
Program Schedule Options
| Option | Days | Times | Hrs/Day | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Full Time | Tuesday – Saturday | 9:00 Am to 4:30 PM | 7 hrs per day | 35 hrs per week |
When can I get started?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
Please check back later for class start dates.
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Funding Your Education
There are a wide variety of financial aid options out there—and we’re here to help you find them. Get information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and more from our helpful San Diego Financial Aid Leader.
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