The difference between traditional and cinema classes taught in most make up schools is great but depending on one’s career objectives, it’s something a prospective student should look into.

All make up schools teach students the basic and advanced application of cosmetics used in movies, photography, stage, and television studios. Theory and technique covers the history of cosmetics, using cosmetics to enhance facial features, working with different skin types and tones, airbrushing techniques, and how to make skin camera ready by concealing scars and other facial flaws. Short-term classes for wedding party makeup may also be offered.

Cinema makeup schools feature classes that are also known as production or special effects makeup. Students are taught to create a variety of looks to be used in movies, stage and television. This includes sculpting with foam, rubber or silicone to make prosthetics, designing different looks such as the human aging process, wounds, scars, and other skin maladies. Maquette techniques may be taught to sculpt or non-human characters that may be used as a model in film, television, or video games. Basic hair care is taught, as well as the application of facial and body hair so that it has a natural appearance.

At most cinema makeup schools, students must be versed in the traditional makeup techniques before moving on to working with cinema makeup. Some make up schools offer advanced classes such as photography techniques used in makeup artistry or the use of computer applications to create a certain look.