Professional Makeup & Special Effects
Build your future in makeup artistry, film, television, theatre, fashion, and special effects — beauty, bridal, editorial, prosthetics, and airbrush, all in one program.
Program Overview
This program is suited to students who want to become professional makeup artists, special effects makeup artists, bridal makeup artists, film and television makeup artists, theatre makeup artists, or freelance beauty professionals.
The Professional Makeup & Special Effects Program provides theoretical and practical training in beauty makeup, bridal services, fashion, photography, theatre, film, television, prosthetic makeup, creature design, airbrush makeup, and special effects. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared to apply these skills across beauty, bridal, fashion, photography, theatre, film, television, and freelance service contexts.
- Theory instruction
- Instructor demonstrations
- Guided practical training
- Makeup workshops
- Creative design projects
- Special effects & prosthetic practice
- Portfolio development
- Workplace scenarios
- Career preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities such as:
Employment opportunities are subject to employer requirements, professional experience, portfolio quality, and industry demand.
A Track Record You Can Trust
Decades of career-focused training, industry recognition, and graduate success.
Figures shown match the reference image previously supplied — please confirm these against Kosmetae Academy's actual current statistics before publishing.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to enrol in the Professional Makeup & Special Effects Program.
Grade 12, Mature Student Status, or equivalent.
19 years of age or older, where applicable.
Interest in makeup artistry, beauty, fashion, photography, theatre, film, television, or special effects.
Additional institutional admission requirements may apply — please confirm full details with Kosmetae Academy's Admissions team before publishing.
Program Specifics
Fifteen skill areas grouped into five focus tracks, combining theory, guided practice, and portfolio-building work.
Core & Bridal Artistry Fundamental Makeup · Bridal Makeup & Services
- Fundamental MakeupDay, evening, and corrective makeup, facial analysis, colour selection, skin-tone assessment, client consultation, and professional application techniques.
- Bridal Makeup and ServicesBridal consultation, trial makeup, long-wear application, bridal hairstyling, lash services, manicures, pedicures, French polish, and nail art.
Fashion, Editorial & Photography Fashion & Glamour · Photography · Colour Theory
- Fashion and Glamour MakeupFashion, editorial, runway, and glamour techniques, including contouring, highlighting, eyelash application, and creative makeup.
- Photography MakeupColour and black-and-white photography makeup, lighting considerations, product finishes, wardrobe coordination, and visual presentation.
- Colour Theory and Facial StructureColour relationships, undertones, facial proportions, corrective makeup, contouring, highlighting, blending, and visual balance.
Screen & Stage Television & Film Makeup · Theatre Makeup
- Television and Film MakeupHigh-definition makeup, aging, character makeup, tattoo coverage, latex application, perspiration and dirt effects, continuity, and professional set practices.
- Theatre MakeupStage, ballet, men's, aging, character, and theatrical transformation techniques suited to performance lighting and audience distance.
Effects, Prosthetics & Creature Design Special Effects · Prosthetics · Creature Design · Airbrush
- Special Effects MakeupSimulated bruises, scars, burns, cuts, swelling, stitches, aging, wax work, silicone use, and other out-of-kit effects.
- Prosthetic MakeupSculpting, moulding, prosthetic fitting, adhesive application, blending, painting, removal, and product care.
- Creature DesignOriginal fantasy and character designs using makeup, painting, texture, colour, and prosthetic applications.
- Airbrush and Camouflage MakeupAirbrush equipment setup, compressor use, body airbrushing, camouflage and tattoo coverage, colour correction, and equipment cleaning.
Specialized Services & Professional Practice Lash Services · Health & Ethics · Consultation · Career Prep
- Lash Extensions and Special ServicesIntroductory lash consultation, application, adhesive safety, sanitation, aftercare, and service documentation.
- Health, Safety, Sanitation & EthicsHygiene, tool sanitation, contamination prevention, product safety, allergy precautions, client consent, privacy, professional boundaries, and ethical practice.
- Client Consultation and Professional CommunicationConsultation, needs assessment, expectation management, aftercare, teamwork, and professional communication.
- Career PreparationRésumés, professional portfolios, pricing strategies, marketing materials, freelance plans, and business practices.
Program Duration
10 Months
Approximately 41 weeks of full-time, campus-based study.
~86 Weeks
A flexible pace for students balancing other commitments.
Intake schedule: contact Admissions for the next available start date.
Tuition & Financing
Tuition and fee information is provided below for planning purposes. Students may be eligible for one or more financing options — student loans, flexible payment plans, employer sponsorship, or other approved funding sources, depending on eligibility.
| Application Fee | $250.00 |
| Administration Fee | $100.00 |
| Text Books | $120.00 |
| Tuition | $16,900.00 |
| Course Materials | $3,691.00 |
| Other | $448.95 |
| Total Investment | $21,509.95 |
Fees shown are in CAD and reflect the current published fee breakdown. For the latest tuition, fees, and payment plan details, please confirm with Kosmetae Academy Admissions before publishing.
Finance Options Available
Student Loans
Government student loans, such as StudentAid BC, for eligible full-time and part-time students. Learn more →
Flexible Payment Plans
In-house instalment plans that spread tuition across the length of your program.
Employer & Sponsorship Funding
Support for students funded through an employer or other approved sponsorship program.
Diploma in Professional Makeup & Special Effects
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a Diploma in Professional Makeup & Special Effects from Kosmetae Academy, supporting further opportunities in makeup artistry, bridal services, fashion, photography, theatre, film, television, prosthetic makeup, special effects, and freelance practice.
Kosmetae Academy provides career-focused education and practical training; employment, freelance income, union membership, or acceptance by an external employer is not guaranteed.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Career
Start your pathway toward a rewarding career in professional makeup artistry, bridal beauty, fashion, photography, theatre, film, television, and special effects.
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