Discover the art of professional makeup with a short course
- Written byCarys Thomas
- Published date 22 November 2023
Share story
Are you an aspiring makeup artist? At UAL Short Courses, we run a range of makeup short courses for all levels of experience.
Whether you’re interested in professional makeup and special effects or just want to learn how to apply your own makeup effectively, a short course is a great place to start.
To refresh her skills, short course student and makeup artist Zoe Fidgeon recently took our Introduction to Professional Makeup Short Course at London College of Fashion. We caught up with Zoe to find out how she got on.
Zoe, a commercial finance manager, has always been interested in makeup artistry. Her love for dancing from a young age sparked an interest in costume and makeup design for performance.
“I’ve done ballroom and Latin dancing since I was 5,” she explains, “so I got interested in makeup because you’ve got to have full makeup on when you’re dancing and competing.”
After completing a series of makeup courses at London College of Fashion in 2012, Zoe became a makeup artist specialising in weddings, special events and evening makeup.
“Makeup really is an art,” she says, “I’ve been working as a makeup artist for about 10 years now - this is my more creative side.”
Introduction to Professional Makeup
Keen to refresh her skills and learn how to recreate new looks, Zoe signed up for our Introduction to Professional Makeup Short Course this summer.
Led by professional makeup artist Sam Walker, this exciting course introduces students to key techniques for creating impeccable makeup styles.
During the course, students find out what a career as a makeup artist involves and have the opportunity to practice a range of looks including a natural beauty look, a daytime look and a smoky eye evening look.
“I was really excited to learn new looks,” says Zoe, “we watched demonstrations on the model then had the chance to re-create it on each other, which was really fun. As well as learning how to do the makeup, you also learn how to colour match for different skin colours and tones.”
Creative thinking
Zoe found that the course offered a great opportunity to experiment with new ideas and think creatively. She particularly enjoyed “pushing the boundaries, using colour and not just sticking to browns and greys.”
“I loved that you could experiment and do what you want - there was so much to learn,” she says. “There’s a technique called cut crease [eyeshadow look] – I loved learning that one.”
“The group was great – some had experience and others were complete beginners. Everyone got the chance to work with each other and learn new skills,” says Zoe.
Zoe also found tutor Sam’s guidance invaluable. Sam has worked in the makeup industry for over 17 years and her editorial work includes features for Vanity Fair, Tatler, Tank, and Flux, amongst others.
“Sam is so full of energy and she really inspires you,” says Zoe. “She’s so approachable, kind and helpful.”
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our range of makeup short courses to start your creative journey today!
Read more about the power of makeup.
Check out our upcoming short courses to find out what's coming up.
