4 Top Makeup Artist Schools in Boston
Updated for 2025
The makeup industry is booming, and Boston is a hub for aspiring makeup artists. With the city’s thriving arts scene—think film festivals, fashion shows, and theater—there’s no shortage of opportunities to break into the field. Here are four top-notch makeup artist schools in Boston offering courses to launch your career, complete with their locations, tuition, and notable alumni. Let’s get started!
1. Christy and Co.
Location: 58 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Details: Christy and Co., based in Sturbridge (a drive from Boston), remains a popular choice in 2025 for makeup artistry training. Their programs, priced around $3,500 (up slightly due to inflation), cover basics like makeup application to advanced techniques like airbrushing—perfect for bridal, editorial, or special effects work. A standout alum is Vincent Oquendo, who’s worked with stars like Bella Hadid and Winnie Harlow. Courses typically run 4–12 weeks, offering hands-on training with professional products. Check their website for enrollment dates.
2. Empire Beauty School
Location: 30 West St, Boston, MA 02111
Details: Empire Beauty School in downtown Boston is a leading cosmetology institution in 2025, offering a comprehensive program that includes makeup artistry. Their esthetics curriculum covers makeup application alongside hair, skincare, and nails, with tuition around $20,000 for the full program (scholarships available). Students get a professional kit with makeup tools and products, plus real-world experience through salon partnerships. Empire’s state-of-the-art facility and experienced instructors make it a solid choice for a well-rounded beauty education.
3. Jupiter Beauty Academy
Location: 95 Freeport St, Dorchester, MA 02122
Details: Jupiter Beauty Academy in Dorchester continues to shine in 2025, offering programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and barbering. Their esthetics program (600 hours, tuition around $10,000) includes makeup training, focusing on techniques like facial makeup and skincare. Known for personalized instruction, Jupiter hosts events like fashion shows where students showcase their skills. They’ve produced many successful beauty professionals, though specific alumni aren’t widely publicized. Contact them at 617-288-1811 for 2025 enrollment details.
4. Mansfield Beauty Schools
Location: 200 Parkingway, Quincy, MA 02169
Details: Mansfield Beauty Schools in Quincy, established in 1909 as one of Massachusetts’ first licensed cosmetology programs, remains active in 2025. Their cosmetology and esthetics programs include makeup artistry training, with tuition around $15,000 for the full course. They emphasize hands-on learning, covering everything from basic makeup application to advanced beauty techniques. Mansfield has a strong reputation for preparing students for state licensing exams, though notable alumni aren’t widely listed. Their long history makes them a trusted name in Boston’s beauty education scene.
Launch Your Makeup Career
Boston’s makeup schools offer the training you need to break into this fast-growing industry, whether you’re aiming for bridal, fashion, or special effects makeup. Have you attended any of these schools, or do you know other great programs? Share your thoughts in the comments!
