I get asked A LOT about becoming a makeup artist, what route to take and in particular what makeup school is good for people wanting to train to become a MUA and get a proper qualification. I have always been a little stuck because the place where I trained, and loved, closed down a few years ago so it has been difficult for me to suggest places…until now.
David Horne is a demi-god of makeup and has a brilliant reputation within the makeup world with many (thousands!) of years experience. Yonks ago he launched MAC into Europe, he was then a senior lecturer and course writer at the London College of Fashion and then onto Jemma Kidd (where he had the absolute PLEASURE of teaching me around 8 years ago). He then moved to makeup brand Illamasqua where he was the product developer and headed up the makeup school. Not only is he responsible for the likes of the fabulous skinbase foundation and other cult makeup products, he is also THE BEST makeup educator in the UK and has a huge list of clients and makeup artists who come back to him for refreshers and advice.
The new makeup school : House of Glamdolls
Thankfully, David is back he where he belongs and that is heading up the newest and most innovative makeup school in the UK. Based in Islington, London, the studio is not only a great place to learn, play with products and be inspired, it is an absolute makeup artist’s DREAM. When I visited a few weeks ago, I was like a kid in a candy shop and my creative juices and excitement were catalyzed into a state of frenzy! It’s situated in a uber modern building, that houses loads of cool fashion brands and companies, and the House of Glamdolls studio is a like stepping into a fantasy of beauty and colour. I just spent about 30 minutes wandering around, opening products and cases and looking at all the wonderous things. Literally kid in a candy shop…on that note : there is also have AN ACTUAL CANDY SHOP. Does it get any better? Chinyee Chu is his makeup school business partner and she, through her wealth of experience in the beauty & creative industries (MAC, Estee Lauder, Illamasqua, Harvey Nichols), runs the management and communication-side to the school.
Who is this for?
Makeup enthusiasts, makeup artist wannabee’s, beauty bloggers, exhisting makeup artists, anyone who wants a makeup lesson or simply to improve and update your exhisting skills. You can literally have a lesson/ session bespoke to you for whatever you want. The typical makeup courses run throughout the year which consist of anything from a 1-day Red Carpet beauty to a 5-day Glamour makeup course : there is around 16 to choose from.
What courses for newbies/ MUAs?
For new makeup artists and if I was studying now, I would probably combine the Introduction to the House of makeup (3-day) , House of Glamour makeup (5-day) , Vintage makeup (3-day) Bridal beauty (2-day), Red carpet beauty (1-day) & Sculpted beauty (1-day). 15 days of education that covers pretty much everything and this would total to £2,225. Sound like a lot? Well I paid £8000 for 20 days of training over 8 years ago! It’s very reasonable and competitively priced plus I love the fact that you can pick and choose shorter courses and tailor-make it for your needs & makeup direction.
For non-makeup artists and just for improving your application and understanding, I would probably suggesting contacting the school for a bespoke 1-2-1 or get a group of you in for a session which is a minimum of 2 hours. Anything from just learning how to apply makeup better, to special occasion, to the art of contouring….whatever you need. I know that really experienced makeup artists contact Monsiuer Horne for refreshers and help when they need to improve certain areas.
Bloggers? This would be a great place to go to for maybe a 3-hr session with a bunch of like-minded peeps to touch your toe into the water of professional makeup. Even if not just to learn tips and beauty tricks from the best, it’s an pefect opportunity to see ALL the best makeup items and tools that money can buy ; Things you may know and lust after, makeup artist backstage must-haves and niche items that you would have never even seen or heard of.
What I love about the school is it really is a creative hub of makeup activity, exploring and learning. David really pushes you to question yourself, improve your technique and push your boundaries beyond what you thought was capable. If you are a makeup artist and want to have a nosey for yourself then pop up to the studio on the LAST Sunday of the month between 3-5pm where there is an open studio to meet the HOGD team, connect with other makeup artists and of course, amuse yourself within the ‘Glamshed’.
www.houseofglamdolls.com
@YodaOfCosmetics
office@houseofglamdolls.com
