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Makeup Schools in Illinois

If you’re interested in makeup and beauty, Illinois is home to some of the best makeup schools in the country. Makeup artistry is a rapidly growing industry, and there are many different avenues you can pursue with a degree in makeup. From fashion shows to television commercials to movie production, the possibilities are endless.

But what’s even better than the potential for a great career after graduation? The fact that these schools offer top-notch instruction at an affordable price. So if you’re looking for an exciting and creative field to study, look no further than makeup artistry.

Makeup Schools in Illinois

State Requirements for Makeup Artist Licensing in Illinois

Illinois does not require licensing or certification for strictly makeup applications. However, service providers that offer more than just makeup will either require an esthetician or cosmetology license.

How Much Do Illinois Makeup Schools Cost?

Makeup artist education will vary depending on the target license (if any). Luckily, Illinois is home to a multitude of beauty schools that caters to different students from all walks of life. For makeup artists that want to gain an education in esthetics, the website collegetuitioncompare.com puts the average cost of those programs in Illinois at around $12,600 with an additional $1,700 for books and supplies. Programs will typically range from 5-12 months. Below you can see the costs for an esthetics and cosmetology program in Oak Forest, Illinois.

Cosmetology School

  • Registration Fee: $20
  • Books, Equipment and Supplies: $ 2,200
  • Illinois State Tax on Books, Equipment & Supplies: $220
  • Tuition: $17,480
  • Total: $19,920

Esthetics School

  • Registration Fee: $20
  • Books, Equipment and Supplies: $1,550
  • Illinois State Tax on Books, Equipment and Supplies: $155
  • Tuition: $12,190
  • Total: $13,915

Required Skills and Classes

Due to to the different directions that a makeup artist’s career may veer into, you’ll also find a lot of differences when it comes to the skills they may acquire to do their job. However, there are commonalities in their areas of education and practical skills such as the following:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Skin types and color application
  • Client communication
  • Highlights and shadows
  • Safety and sanitation

State Licensing Exams

Licensing exams aren’t necessary in Illinois if you only want to apply makeup. However, many makeup artists want to have more marketable skills and earn licenses in cosmetology or esthetics. Doing so requires you pass the state’s required exams.

  • Cosmetology – this exam will be administered by Continental Testing Services. To be eligible, you must accomplish the following in order:
    • Submit an application or apply online
    • Pay the exam fee
    • Schedule testing location and date
  • Esthetics – examinees must take and pass two licensure exams for esthetics.
    • Written exam – must be completed in 90 minutes and will cover the following topics:
      • Infection Control
      • Cells and Microbiology
      • OSHA Safety Procedures
      • The Tissues and Organs of the Body
      • Steaming esthetician services
      • Exfoliation esthetician services
      • Extraction esthetician services
      • Massage and Manipulation
    • Practical exam – will last for three hours and requires participants to perform esthetician services using a mannequin:
      • Set up
      • Cleaning and steaming the face
      • Massaging the face
      • Manual extraction on the forehead
      • Hair removal on eyebrows
      • Facial mask
      • Facial makeup
      • Summary and cleanup

How Much Do Makeup Artists Get Paid in Illinois?

Being home to Chicago, makeup professionals will have no shortage of potential customers to cater to. Currently, you can expect to earn approximately $22,900 on average as a makeup artist in Chicago.

Does Illinois Have Continuing Education Requirements for Makeup Artists?

For those without licenses, no continuing education credits are required. However, cosmetology license holders will be required to complete 14 hours while esthetic license holders will be required to finish ten hours of continuing education to maintain their respective licenses.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
Website: https://www.idfpr.com/profs/cosmo.asp
Call: 888-473-4858