Attending a makeup school in New York is a great way to learn about all the different aspects of makeup application. You’ll be able to take classes on color theory, skin care, and even special effects makeup. In addition, most makeup schools also have student clinics where you can practice your skills on real people. This is an excellent way to get experience and build your portfolio.
Makeup Schools in New York
Here is a list of some great makeup schools in New York:
State Requirements for Makeup Artist Licensing in New York
If you intend to work as a makeup artist in a salon or spa in New York you’ll need to become licensed. The only exceptions are if you work in a retail environment like a makeup counter, or if you’re providing unpaid makeup applications in your home. Otherwise, you’ll need to earn an esthetician license or a cosmetology license. To become licensed you’ll need to meet some minimal requirements.
- Be at least 17 years of age or older.
- Completed an esthetics program with 600 hours of combined classroom and hands-on attendance or a 1,000 cosmetology program
- Pass the appropriate state exams
- Pay your licensing fees
How Much Do New York Makeup Schools Cost?
Many makeup artists in New York choose to become licensed estheticians because the programs are shorter and typically less expensive. Cosmetology programs are more expensive and longer but usually offer higher pay as cosmetologists can provide more services. According to the website collegetuitioncompare.com, the average cost for esthetician programs in New York is $10,550 while cosmetology programs average out to around $15,100.
As you look into schools it’s a good idea to ask about financial aid options to help make your education more affordable. Many schools have financial aid departments that can help you find grants or scholarships.
Required Skills and Classes
Every program’s curriculum will be a bit different when you compare it to other schools, but we’ve listed off some common courses and skills you’ll learn in an esthetician program as well as required courses and hours for cosmetology programs in New York.
- Esthetics:
- Depilatories
- Eyelash treatments
- Lotions
- Makeup
- Sanding
- Tonics
- Tweezing
- Waxes
- Cosmetology:
- Anatomy and Physiology: 15 hours
- Chemical Restructuring: 180 hours
- Chemistry as Applied to Cosmetology: 5 hours
- Hair Analysis: 10 hours
- Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases: 10 hours
- Hair Coloring and Lightening: 180 hours
- Hair Cutting and Shaping: 175 hours
- Hair Styling: 245 hours
- Health and Safety: 26 hours
- Nail Care and Procedures: 40 hours
- Professional Requirements Training: 24 hours
- Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners, and Treatments: 30 hours
- Skin Care and Procedures: 60 hours
State Licensing Exams
Both esthetics and cosmetology graduates must take and pass both the written and practical exams prior to being licensed.
- Esthetics – examinees must bring their government-issued identification along with a copy of the confirmation for examination during the exams.
- Written – this test will be multiple-choice and must be completed in two and a half hours.
- Practical – this test must be finished within a given time limit and will consist of service-related tasks such as:
- Preparation of work area and model/mannequin preparation
- Removal of superfluous hair
- Makeup application and cleanup
- Cosmetology – participants must register with the online e-Licensing of NY.gov prior to taking the exams.
- Written – test-takers must acquire a minimum score of 70% in this two and half hour exam.
- Practical – examinees must pay a $15 fee before taking this test and must wear a prescribed attire along with bringing specific supplies that will be used to perform the following service-related tasks such as:
- Professional Appearance
- Hair Cutting Techniques
- Blow Drying Styling Techniques
- Thermal Curling Iron Techniques
- Chemical Services
- Clean up of Work Area
How Much Do Makeup Artists Get Paid in New York?
New York has one of the most competitive salary offerings for makeup artists with an average annual salary of $23,925 per year according to salary.com. The top 10% of makeup artists will make $31,018 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $18,675 or less.
Does New York Have Continuing Education Requirements for Makeup Artists?
No continuing education credits are needed to renew a cosmetology or esthetician license in New York. However, it is required that makeup artists with either of these licenses renew their licenses every four years and pay the renewal fee.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
New York Dept. of State Division of Licensing Services
Address: 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231
Website: https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/cosmetology/cosmetology.html
Call: 518-474-4429
Fax: 518-473-6648
