I got my makeup artist license from the Chesapeake School of Makeup Artistry in Annapolis back in…read more2001 or 2002. Since then it has moved (to Arnold) and expanded to become the Chesapeake School of Esthetics.
The program was excellent and in fact I moved from Minnesota to Maryland to get my makeup artist license from CSMA. At the time the school was a one woman operation, with Betty J Wilder acting as admissions office and instructor. According to the website there is now at least one other staff member onboard. I attended the 40 Hour Makeup Demonstrators Program. We met once or twice a week and the program was completed in about two months. We learned about color theory, face types, skin undertones, makeup applications, and good sanitation practices. I also took a one day followup seminar on photography makeup. Betty is an invaluable resource when it comes to knowing about people, trends, and companies in the beauty business. She is kind, friendly, approachable and absolutely hilarious!! She also introduced me to Paula Begoun's books and debunked many skincare myths (see my review of Paula's Choice skincare: http://www.yelp.com/biz/paulas-choice-renton-2#hrid:TB6hGsxic3s0_7YlZANAug/src:self). My class was maybe ten people at the most, which ensured every student got as much attention and information as they needed. Students ranged from people just interested in cosmetics to people already working as makeup artists. The final exam involved a written test and makeup application demonstration. Though the makeup artist license is not a full cosmetology or aesthetician license, I learned alot, it helped me get a job with two cosmetic lines, and I still get a discount at Sally's Beauty Supply! I highly recommend this program for someone solely interested in makeup, and not hair, nails, waxing, or skincare. Just be aware of the limitations of the license, as many salons will probably prefer someone with a full license. This program currently costs $980.
I can't say much about the 600 Hour Skin Care and Makeup Artistry Program as Betty was just getting the esthetics program started when I was at CSMA. According to the website, the program runs for twenty weeks, enrollment is limited to eight students, and the course includes lecture/theory and hands on labs. Topics covered include: Facial and Body Treatments, Facial Massage, Skin Analysis, Hair Removal, Makeup Application, Skin Care Equipment , Color Analysis, and Retails Skills. The cost is $8,750.
There are not many schools or programs like this in the country (believe me, I looked at almost all the possibilities) so if this is your specific area of interest, I highly recommend the Chesapeake School of Esthetics. See the website for more details: http://www.education-csma.com.