BETTER & BIGGER! Expanded PRO SHOP that is STILL the best place to pick up last minute stuff. I trust this Shop as products are tested for effectiveness instead of choosing a wide array of selections from Ulta or Sephora that may be costly. MAKEUP INSTRUCTORS -- Based on being nosey, like everything else, your LEARNING EXPERIENCE would depend on the instructor. You may pick and choose by changing Class Time (day vs night and in between called afternoon). MAKEUP MODEL -- Fun, fun, fun! LESSONS from Students: (1) I NEED more makeup (being an aspiring Drag Queen is NOT enough). Audition tape looked great with seamingly heavy eye makeup; (2) I have more eyelid space than initial perception; (3) falsies are easier to apply than anticipated; (4) I know how to apply cream foundation now; (5) put that GLOB of moisturizer ON before makeup! (Geez...I'm not heavy-handed enough). Learning the BASICS is always important! read more

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I only took the first three courses of the program, Basic Makeup 1, Basic 2, and Media HD, because I knew these would be most beneficial to my career (I'm a TV News Makeup Consultant working for my husband who runs the CBS and Fox newsrooms). I also attended the brand new weekend workshop where Jill combined Bridal and Airbrush into one day. The owner and main instructor is Jill and she's rather unprofessional. There are also a few assistant teachers. Class starts with a lecture/demonstration and then students pair up and practice the day's lesson on each other but this is rushed through and unclear most of the time. Don't make the mistake of partnering with the same person two days in a row. I did and Jill scolded me loudly in front of everyone like I was a child. When you have finished, an assistant teacher will quickly critique your work. The curriculum builds on itself and you learn something new every day including color theory, prepping a face, sanitation, corrective makeup, making and following a face chart, and day to night makeup for example. They provide all the products you need in Makeup 1 (you'll need your own set of brushes) and this is useful because you get to experiment with different brands of makeup. They also sell all these products at the school but don't feel pressured to buy the brands they push. It did seem like the school was very eager to make money off us regularly. Keep in mind that drug store brands are perfectly acceptable when you are first starting out. By Makeup 2 you will need to have a small kit put together, all of which you pick and purchase on your own. For specific lessons, Jill brought in models with dark skin, mature models, and Asian models. They are not real models but normal, everyday ladies. Because the class was so large, about 25 of us, there were 2 students for every model. Most of us had complaints about this because we only got to work on one half of the models face which seemed ludicrous. Also, the day we worked on Asian models to learn how to do makeup for monolids, our model did not actually have monolids so that was a lesson my partner and I did not learn fully and there are no second chances or opportunities for extra help at this school. Another frustration many of us shared was that all the instructors weren't synchronized with their critiques. An example is Jill teaching us to moisturize the clients face with your hands so you can feel their bone structure and began to create a plan in your mind of what corrective makeup they may need. Later, an assistant teacher told us not to do that because clients don't want you touching their face. On photo shoot day in Media HD, you need to bring your own model. This is particularly difficult if you are from out of town and some students had to pay the school to bring in a model for them. We were all disappointed that our shots turned out to be full body shots and not the close up beauty shots we were expecting (for use in our portfolios). Never park in the garage in the building. Before school started, I called the school asking where to park and the girl told me the garage there was $14. On the first day I parked there and was shocked when I had to pay $36! Turns out it's only $14 if you get there really early in the morning. This is the case for all the parking garages in that area but I found a garage for $14 all day on Canal and Lake which is a safe and easy 15 minute walk to school. Class is only 2.5 hours a day so it stretches on for months and becomes financially draining if you are from out of state. Besides the large expense for school, I spent an extra $1000 per WEEK on hotel accommodations, food, and daily parking downtown for school. I wish they would have had an accelerated program which fit into a shorter time frame. Following each course, you are asked to write your opinions anonymously about the course but I don't recommend writing anything negative about Jill. Someone in our class said Jill told far too many personal stories which took away from learning time. For the next week, Jill constantly brought this up during class and whoever wrote it must have felt very embarrassed. The one day Bridal/Airbrush workshop is a good investment. Instead of doing bridal makeup application, which we all knew how to do since we were current or previous students of the school, Jill taught us the business of bridal. And the airbrush part was good because the school provided everything and Jill let us get hands on right from the start. This school gives you a basic foundation to build on. You will still need lots of practice. read more

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I recently completed the Illinois State Certification of Makeup Artistry courses @ Makeup First School in downtown Chicago. I have nothing but good things about my experience there -- everything from the valuable information covered in each course to the individualized, in-depth, and hands-on training throughout the certification process. The course sizes are limited so I received an ideal level of individual attention. I enjoyed being taught by each of the instructors there, seeing as they each had high levels of industry experience and varying fields of expertise (shout outs to the instructors Jill, Dave, Jaime, Lane, Megan, Deena, and Dr. Harris!). Every course I took at Makeup First revealed a new, exciting set of skills to be learned... for example, the scope of different "effects" we learned in Theatrical Makeup with Dave Bova from NYC -- an experience that I will never forget! Another favorite class of mine was Clinical Makeup with the school owner and instructor, Jill, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Matthew Harris. I acquired very specific, industry relevant information and training on the "canvas" aka, the skin, and the product ingredients that should and should not be used on that canvas. We also learned about and were able practice hands-on application of camouflage makeup (for burn survivors and/or people with certain skin conditions) as well as camouflage makeup for tattoo coverage -- all on models who were pleasant and helpful! I am so glad to have received valuable training in these real-world scenarios, as well as many other aspects of makeup artistry. It opened up my eyes to the numerous career paths that exist for professional freelance makeup artists. I definitely recommend this program if you are looking to build a solid foundation for your career as a professional makeup artist. read more

I moved back to Chicago from Orlando and I have attened Makeup First and was State Certified late May of 2011 Since then I have done freelance jobs with Makeup First inluding Fashion Showes, Haunted Houses and Make Overs. And with the help of Jill and her team I am now working at Kryolan Professional Make-Up. They prepared me for the world of Makeup in the upmost professional way. I could not have picked a better school. The staff there is so welcoming and amazing. I would reccomed this school to anyone read more

Jill is an trendsetter in her area of expertise- makeup, the art of business and law. She is not only the owner of Make Up First school she is a compassionate person when it comes to helping others. Jill has helped me and I didn't even attend her school or any workshops. She has spent time developing my makeup business just because SHE CARES. That says a lot about a person and their character. I can only imagine how awesome this school is because of the management dedicated to it thriving! Thank You Jill for all your advice :) -Danielle read more

Oh where do I start? I would first like to say the only reason this school has a high rating is because the teacher rewards students if they give her a review on yelp (isn't that illegal?) And Second her staff is actually great! Real sweet girls. So I mean no harm to them :) School atmosphere: it's very clean and well put together. School store: great supplies and prices are pretty decent. The school is over priced! If you expect to be working on movie stars or making close to 50k a year after you get your little certificate you are picking the wrong school. You will most likely be working at a MAC counter & unless you know how to hustle & make connections. You can do bridal. The teacher however is very knowledgeable but she doesn't allow enough practical time. From what I recall the only way you're going to be a great MUA is if you practice, practice, practice. Not sit in class and listen to mostly theory. I feel this school just wants your money. During practical they are not attentive to your needs. If you don't get it to bad for you. The school offers workshops you can take. Waste of money! They have a Kevin James Benett Workshop; it is a joke. Mr. Benett is very knowledgeable and fun to learn from but he is under the teachers wing. She did not want him teaching stuff we hadn't learn (cause she wants u to pay 1k for her course). The workshop had no proper direction in what the assignment was exactly. A lot of the students seemed lost & confused. Out of 12 students that did the workshop I'd say only 3 walked away with decent photos for their portfolio. Oh and I would also like to mention that the teacher is quite un professional. She is a insecure woman and seems to need to talk about her botox or breasts sagging. She also likes to bash other successful make up artists. Her favorite is Bobbi Brown. Good luck! I'm sure if you have the honest talent you don't need to attend a school like this. read more

I recently completed my certification at Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry-- and let me tell anyone who is considering the school....GO! This school is incredible. The curriculum and opportunities Jill has arranged for her students will prepare you for the real world of makeup artistry. Makeup First School is only one of the FEW select schools that are recognized as vocational schools under the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Many makeup schools do not have that certification endorsement, nor provide certificate courses for students. Many states now require that makeup artists have valid certification from schools like Makeup First in order to practice as professional makeup artists. As a certificate program, Makeup First allows students to earn their certification, and provides students with ample qualifications and opportunities to work with well-known artists and photographers. The certification track is fast-paced, but if you are willing to learn and enjoy the art of makeup you will grasp the in-depth and valuable information that Jill and her team teaches. Also, consider taking additional courses because it allows you to discover what you might prefer to work on as your "niche" in the future. Jill, the owner is an inspiring woman with a great sense of humor, which helps to keep one engaged and focused in class. As a former attorney, she has used her skill to teach us important aspects of running our own businesses. She is quite intelligent, knows how to work the business of makeup and is highly accomplished as an artist and as a businesswoman. Jill does not teach everyday, but all of her instructors (Carla, Molly, Rachel and Tori) are experienced and bring something unique to the curriculum. Each instructor is personable, knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. The resource library is extensive and is available for students to use for research to enrich their education. The additional workshops that are also offered, the quality work-stations and the onsite pro-shop (which has stock of many different brands not available at retail stores such as Sephora or Ultra) are additional perks at Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry. I recently took the Jordan Liberty workshop. It not only was a valuable learning experience, but well worth any additional cost. Jordan is an iconic makeup professional; and for Jill to have such professional connections to provide a two-day Jordan Liberty workshop is an impressive endorsement for her as well as the School. Jill also has a future line-up of guest artist that are very accomplished in their respective fields of makeup. I currently reside in Atlanta and will be flying to Chicago often to take advanced workshops from Makeup First because of the quality education afforded me as well as the networking environment Jill has created. I highly recommend Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry for anyone desiring to increase their knowledge and advance their career. read more

This class is great! Jill & the crew are super supportive & are there for when you have any questions. I was super nervous going in since I never wear makeup nor do I have too much knowledge on products. I came in knowing cheap Halloween cream makeups, latex & tissue to make fun wounds & bruises. Ever since I've started, I've felt nothing but welcomed & I'm looking forward to continuing on with the other classes & see what else the makeup world has to offer :) Thank you, girls! read more

Seriously going to makeup first was the best decision I ever made!! They teach you the fundamentals of being a makeup artist in the industry! I learned so much in such a short amount of time.... it was unbelievable! The staff is so friendly and supportive. I really enjoyed my experience there. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to be a working makeup artist. Plus they offer amazing workshops with world famous makeup artists!!! Seriously you will not regret coming here!!! read more

I recently took the 3 day intensive hairstyling for Makeup Artists course and it did not disappoint! The instructors was very knowledgeable, patient, and fun to learn from. We covered everything that I had hoped from products, to tools, to sanitation, and LOTS of hands on styling techniques. I traveled from out of state to take this course and it was not cheap for the flight but I would 100% do it again. I'll be back in the future! Thank you Molly, Rachel, and Arlene! X read more

I got married on August 9, 2014 and used Make Up First and it was amazing. My make-up was flawless and my now husband was extremely impressed. I plan on having my make-up done again to take additional wedding photos around Chicago before the weather gets cold. I greatly appreciated Jill Glaser (Owner) was extremely understanding of what I wanted and went above and beyond to make me happy. She even took the time out to do my mother's make-up and eyelashes as a wedding gift. Hands down Make Up First is the #1 place to go for all of your make-up needs!! read more

I've absolutely loved the class at Make Up First! Let me say that Jill and her staff are all great, they are all talented and the fact that I feel like I've learned so much in two weeks makes me so excited to continue the program. I would recommend the school to a friend with out hesitation! The best part of the school is that you have the opportunity to work on your classmates and gain practical experience working on people from different ethnic backgrounds, skin types, tones, genders, it's pretty darn amazing! It's been a great investment! read more

I took a workshop last week and am taking another this week. There has been a ton of information to absorb and Jill and the girls have done a really great job with their instruction and advice. I would recommend Make Up First to everyone! read more

I am obsessed with Make up First, Jill Glaser and all of the school staff/ teachers in the school. I just completed basic 1 and am moving forward with classes, I know I have only just begun my journey into the makeup industry but I am completely inspired by the space, classroom time and the teachers at MUF. The best part of the program is the class room hands on time to work on each other and get evaluated because in the real world you don't have someone there to ask questions or even have ideas on how to find inspiration. I can say with out a doubt I am so inspired and not as afraid as I was before! If you are contemplating checking this school out....don't! Come meet the staff and see the space we are learning from. They are behind you an your dreams 100 percent to help you grow and even in such a short period of time I already feel so connected to them. read more

I only took Basic Makeup 1 because I wanted to get a good introduction to makeup. This class was amazing. Really fun (time goes by quickly) and I actually learned a lot. From color theory to the importance of brows, this class made me even more interested in makeup. I really want to enroll for the Basic 2 course. Jill is an amazing teacher, and so is the rest of the staff. They help you understand everything in a fun way and critique your class work in the nicest way! I really learned a lot! read more

So far, I'm loving it at Makeup First!! I haven't been this excited about something in a long time. Jill and her staff are so helpful and FUN! This will be a total career change for me, and I wasn't confident about it until I visited the school. After meeting Jill and Dena that day, I was ready to take the leap. So glad I did!! read more

Not only do you learn a lot at Makeup First, but it's also really fun! Jill is an excellent teacher who knows how to catch and keep your attention. Her staff is amazing too! I would recommend Makeup First to anyone who loves makeup and especially those who are interested in a career as a makeup artist. read more

I LOVE Makeup First! Jill and the other instructors are helpful and knowledgeable. I really like how they present product knowledge and the choice is yours on what brand of makeup to buy (They don't push anything on you). The owner Jill is FANTASTIC! She is really funny and always keeps class interesting. I highly recommend Makeup first! read more

I've only been taking classes at Makeup First for 2 weeks, but I already love it! As an actor and burgeoning makeup artist, there is no doubt I already love the subject matter, but Jill and her staff have already helped me take my knowledge to the next level. They are extremely knowledgable about not only makeup and the application, but the business side of it as well. I also love Jill's anecdotes during her demonstrations! It helps keep things light and fun, which is the whole point, right? Makeup IS fun and the business of making people look good is also very rewarding. I'm looking forward to continuing my education at Makeup First School and seeing where it takes me. The sky is the limit! read more

Im currently attending Make Up First school and i think its great. Jill and her staff has created a great learning envoirment. Im learning so much and recommend this school to anyone. Im very pleased. read more

After being a licensed cosmetologist for the past 20 years I decided I wanted to venture into makeup. I wanted to find the best school. So I did my research and found that I could be state certified in Makeup Artistry after attending Makeup First School. So after a tour of the school I signed up. I had no idea where this would lead but the experience has been truly amazing. Everyone that works there is fantastic, upbeat, friendly, and knowledgeable. Jill is a star. Not only is she gifted in this industry but she is down to earth and caring. I walked in not knowing anyone and now feel as though they are family. A few things in my opinion that make Makeup First School the best. First off the area is great both during the day and at night. This was a concern of mine since I live outside Chicago. So great location. They also have their own store and help you with filling your kit. You get to try the products before you buy them! Big bonus! The courses are awesome. Packed full with information and everything is hands on! I have also taken a few workshops which I will continue to do. Love them. I have gotten to met and learn from Scott Barnes and Roshar. My next workshop is with Jeffree Star! Makeup First School is great for the beginner and the pro. They have classes and workshops for every level. If your interested in makeup this is definitely the school for you. read more

I got certified at the school Makeup First. The course had included Basic make up 1, Basic makeup 2, Media makeup HD, Media- Runway, Editorial, fashion, Theatrical A, Theatrical B, Clinical makeup and Careers in makeup artistry. It was an intense experience considering the courses, I was also traveling almost five hours a day to and from the school. But I would never take it back it was overall a great experience, learning the proper steps to achieve a great makeup application. I was taught by a great group on instructors that included Jill, Jamie, Lane, Megan, Dena and Dr. Matthew Harris. They were all very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Within the first week you get to learn the basics and try all different types of products and brushes. It was a little uncomfortable just being thrown in so fast but it was only for the best to jump in feet first. Once the first couple of weeks went by I got more comfortable with my classmates and instructors, they were very helpful with all the question that I had along with my classmates. We had to select a variety of products, palettes and brushes for our makeup kits. It was fun but difficult to make so many decisions thank goodness for the staff as they had helped tremendously with the endless questions and guidance. The Makeup First school has a beautiful product room full of great top of the line palettes, makeup carrying kits, cleaning products for your palettes and brushes, HD foundations, lip colors, powders and much much more! Overall I fell as though Make Up First is a great school to learn the best techniques for makeup artistry in the Midwest. The instructors are so helpful and hands-on with teaching you so much about makeup artistry. I will continue taking the advanced classes and workshops at the school considering that the hours count as continuing educations credits towards my license of Cosmetology. read more

Love the staff & especially Jill (the owner). Before I came to make up first I thought I was going to be stuck in the medical field. Jill has inspired me so much! If you want a true career in make up come to this school! You won't be disappointed :) read more

I was so excited to begin classes here, but that changed after the first two days. This school is not for women of color (African Americans). They do not teach you how to complete make up on women of color, the instructors are rude and disrespectful, not helpful at all. For example when you ask questions or how to do certain looks they say oh I'm not familiar with that/ I don't know how to do that, and never try to figure out how to help you. This school is all about money, the course is $2000 plus a kit that you have to purchase through the school is $800 so a total of $2800, now the kit is the biggest rip off its so small and have absolutely nothing to do a whole face. The make up is cheap, products I've never heard of or the other students in the class has never heard of them either. Then when it's time demonstrate a face they tell you "you can purchase things you need at the store" like what!!!!! That's why I paid $800 to be able to have all the supplies and tools I need to complete a face. Now Jill the owner is very unprofessional and rude, her husband came as a model and she made jokes about their sex life, really!!!!! She treats you like you're a child instead of a grown woman, talks down to people and acts as she invented make up herself. Jill and her instructors demonstrated rushed poor make and then asked us to repeat it, it was so bad. She never says if you're doing good, I think she just doesn't like anyone to do better make up then her, but that doesn't take much. They cram two classes into one, which is one week, they didn't give any books with the class and no literature to refer back to. I would never recommend this school to anyone and I definitely feel like my money was wasted and I have not learned anything. read more

Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry has far exceeded my expectations. Since day one it has been non stop learning. Jill and the rest of the staff really know how to keep the class exciting and keep you engaged on the curriculum. Since the class is kept small I get a lot of one on one attention when it is needed. I couldn't ask for better instructors, my hat off to Jill and the rest of the team. I highly recommend Makeup First to anyone who wants to be a Makeup Artist. read more

It was a great experience going there. You learn everything possible in makeup and hair styling. It's a lot of fun and exciting teaching ways. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Awesome school to go to! read more

Ive only taken Basic I but so far Ive had a great experience in this school. The office/studio is well located and is beatifully decorated and comfortable. The instructor and owner Jill has much knowledge of what she teaches and the staff Jaime, Dena and Andy are incredibly helpful and available to answer any question you have. Ive learned a lot and cant wait for next courses! read more

Jill and her wonderful staff make coming to class so enjoyable. Makeup should be exciting and Jill definitely makes class interesting and fun. She's always engaging. It's great to learn in such an encouraging and positive environment. read more

I am currently attending this school and I must say that I have learned a lot in just 2 weeks. Jill and her staff provide a fun, learning environment in which students feel comfortable learning. They are very helpful in making sure you select the products you are most comfortable working with and that you know what each product is. I enjoy Jill's demonstrations in each class and the opportunity to practice the techniques she demonstrated!!! read more