CERTIFICATION

The certification is based 20% on continuous assessment and 80% on practical certification exams conducted before a jury:

• 1 Evaluation: Analyze and create cinema makeup with imposed script constraints
• 1 Evaluation based on a synopsis where the candidate provides a detailed character description according to the story

At the end of their training, students present a photo book of their makeup work, created by our team of professional photographers, for the exam.

Validation of this book by a jury of professional makeup artists grants a Level 4 RNCP Professional Certificate RNCP40587 (as per the order dated 04/30/2025 for a registration period of 5 years, expiring on 04/30/2030).

The examination regulations for the Professional Makeup Artist certification are available here.

For all exam details, feel free to ask us questions - Contact Us

CERTIFIED SKILLS:

• Understand the role of a cinematographer on a film set to analyze the impact of lighting on the makeup result in images. Analyze the story, script, and film context to create makeup that suits the storyline needs.
• Identify the physical and colorimetric characteristics of actors and adapt the makeup to skin tone, morphology, skin type, eye color, and hair color to achieve realistic makeup results compatible with high-definition cameras and considering climatic conditions (rain, heat, etc.) to ensure long-lasting and suitable makeup results.
• Prepare a touch-up kit by selecting products and tools suitable for cinema to be quick and efficient during makeup touch-ups on set.
• Create makeup for indoor and outdoor shoots, adjusting foundation and finishing touches to adapt to all contexts, ensuring high-quality makeup results regardless of execution conditions.
• Maintain and touch up makeup by making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal makeup quality throughout the duration of the shoot or photoshoot.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRAINING DETAILS

PREREQUISITES:

Are you certified as a Professional Makeup Artist (or equivalent)? Students are selected based on their application (administrative file and an Inspiration Book/Moodboard* (click for more info) reviewed by the faculty) and an individual interview with an Academy representative who assesses the candidate's motivation and artistic sensitivity, regardless of their diplomas and experience. 

^{*The Book/Moodboard aims to showcase your passions, inspirations, interests, and creations, whatever they may be. You should present them creatively and attach a brief note of intention to each: Collages, photos, paintings, drawings, dance, baking, sewing—there are no limits to the content of this book or moodboard as long as your creativity shines through. There is no specific or mandatory content to present, so you can freely compile your selection to reflect your personality, even if you have never done makeup before.}

All admitted candidates must be 18 years old by the start date, or for candidates aged 16 and 17, parental consent with a parent's ID will be required.

It is recommended to have a recent tablet or smartphone.

FIELD PRACTICE

Throughout their training, students will engage in numerous field practices in various domains such as television, theater, dance, events, etc., to gain initial experience, build a network, and facilitate professional integration. Examples: The Voice, Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Who’s Next Salon, Institut Français de la Mode, ...

REGISTRATION DETAILS

No application or registration fees

• Deposit payable upon registration to confirm the training: €1,200
• First payment in mid-July: €2,800
• Second payment in mid-August: €3,000
• Additional fees: Beauty Kit (Products & Brushes): €900 incl. VAT* + Kit Cinéma : 372,20 € incl. VAT* ^{(*Indicated prices for 2025)}

Accepted payment methods: credit card (online or on-site), bank transfers. Failure to pay the full tuition 14 days before the start of the training will result in the cancellation of the registration.

ADMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities who wish to enroll at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy are advised to contact the disability advisor beforehand. The disability advisor is the main contact for students with disabilities.

To validate the registration, a preliminary interview is organized between the disabled student and the disability advisor to determine if the nature of the disability is compatible with the successful completion of the training program.

If the disabled student is deemed able to follow the training and confirms their registration, the disability advisor will be responsible for organizing all tasks related to their reception and ensuring coordination with the teaching and administrative teams.

Candidates with disabilities (according to Article L.114 of the Social Action and Family Code) presenting for exams may benefit from accommodations such as:

• The conduct of exams (material conditions, accessibility of premises, etc.).
• The duration of the exams can be extended by up to one-third of the normal time allocated for the exam, without altering the content of the exams, to maintain the required exam level, provided that the request and medical advice are presented at the time of registration.

The disability advisor will inform about the specific conditions for exam accommodations.

Disability Representative: Léa Bougon / Educational Coordinator / bougonl@makeupforever.fr

PROGRAM & TEACHING METHODS

PROGRAM

3-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAM:

From June to August:

• 3 months: Cinema & Special Effects

CINEMA SHOOTS (PERIOD AND CONTEMPORARY)

• Makeup for fiction (period films, aging, makeup/no makeup)
• Reading, understanding, and breaking down a script
• Roles of the makeup artist and head makeup artist on set
• Film industry productions
• History of Cinema / Image and lighting

SPECIAL EFFECTS

• Creating wounds, patinas, bruises, hematomas...
• Airbrush (creating and camouflaging tattoos, special effects, trompe l’œil)

PROSTHETIC CREATION

• Introduction to transfer and flat prosthetics
• Creating custom small prosthetics: molding and sculpting
• Casting, applying, and makeup of prosthetics

ADDITIONAL TEACHINGS

• Art culture classes, taught by a certified lecturer at the Louvre Museum - 20 hours

TEACHING METHODS

The training is delivered continuously, alternating between phases:

From 09:00 to 10:30:

• Theoretical: These are visual and interactive classes that teach theoretical concepts such as morphology, skin types, colorimetry, case studies on photos/videos, etc.

From 10:45 to 12:30:

• Demonstrations: The professor performs a makeup demonstration to teach the necessary techniques and gestures for executing a proper corrective beauty makeup.

From 13:30 to 17:00:

• Practical: The trainee practices executing a makeup look on a model (or on themselves if applicable) following a subject given by the professor. Practical workshops allow mastering makeup techniques and product usage.

Students also benefit from the following:

• Corrections provided by a professor during practical workshops;
• Group and/or individual debriefs of each participant's work;
• Evaluation: Professional simulation in front of a validation jury.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

• 1000 m² of training space, including a fully equipped professional photo studio (backgrounds, light boxes, etc.);
• Makeup stations (portable makeup cases), field practice kits, hairstyling heads, clamps, mannequins, etc.;
• Professional makeup products provided and replenished throughout the training;
• Face, Eye & Body Charts included;
• SONY HXR 4K high-definition cameras and large OLED screens used during demonstrations;
• Ergonomic workstations equipped with a high chair, mirror, and adjustable lighting;
• Variable intensity and color temperature LED panels used during makeup demonstrations and available for participants to photograph their work.

EXAM SESSION 2026 / 2027

The upcoming practical exam sessions will take place at MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy, 110 avenue Victor Hugo, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt:

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST SPECIALIZATION IN CINEMA AND SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP

2026:

• Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – Cinema Makeup / Image Rendering Evaluation
• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – Cinema SFX / Image Rendering Evaluation

Expected number of candidates per session: 10
Session Coordinator: Lea BOUGON

2027:

• Tuesday, August 24, 2027 – Cinema Makeup Evaluation
• Wednesday, August 25, 2027 – Special Effects Evaluation

Expected number of candidates per session: 10
Session Coordinator: Lea BOUGON