The line between “I love doing makeup,” and “I wish this was my job” often forks: Bridal course or professional course?

Perhaps you see yourself doing brides – silk, gold jewellery and a nervous giggle at 5 am. Perhaps you’d do anything (parties, shoots, fashion events, your cousin’s engagement). Whichever fork you take – the two courses are not the same, and choosing the wrong one is a waste of time and money.

Let’s discuss the two courses.

The bridal makeup course

This is ideal for people who already know they want to focus on weddings.

A bridal makeup artist deals with weddings – the silk, the gold jewellery, the nervous giggle. The look has to complement the outfit, the jewellery, the hairstyle – the bride’s skin tone and the picture in her head that she’s been imagining for months. The look has to be able to survive a long ceremony, a hundred photos, a sweltering hall and a day that stretches from morning to night.

As a result, bridal courses are fairly niche, going in-depth rather than offering a broad overview. Based on the academy, you’ll study traditional Indian, modern soft glam, natural, bold eyes, engagement and reception makeup, long-wearing techniques (skin prep, layering and setting), and base work and bridal eyes with lashes. Some courses add bridal hair, saree draping, dupatta setting and matching the bridal look with jewellery as well.

A good bridal course also teaches the non-makeup aspects of the job like consultations, trial sessions, and time-management, and asking important questions (what do you want?) well in advance of the wedding.

Who should take it? Anyone who has decided on a career in bridal makeup, or has sufficient makeup experience and wishes to hone their wedding makeup skills. If you love traditional South Indian bridal looks, modern soft glam, or intricate reception styles, a focused course is ideal.

However, bridal makeup artists do have to work within tight schedules and have to deal with picky clients – and work early mornings and travel between different events. If this excites you, and you enjoy helping a bride look like herself on the biggest day of her life, it can be a lovely career.

The professional makeup course

A professional course is a more general overview. You get to learn a wide variety of techniques and products, and discover what you’d like to invest time and effort into.

You’ll study basic makeup before moving onto face shapes and skin types and undertones, colour theory, the different brushes and professional products available, skin prep, foundation and concealment, colour correction, contour, highlight and setting. Eyes and lips after that – techniques like blending, liner, lashes, lip shaping, followed by party and occasion looks, and sometimes some bridal work as well. Some courses offer HD and airbrush (how in-depth varies) and editorial looks, and some add hair and draping too.

Depending on the academy, the syllabus can vary widely. A course labelled ‘professional’ may not have some of the above elements, so look through the syllabus and see what all is included.

Who should take it? This course is ideal for absolute beginners – many people go into bridal makeup without knowing what other areas of makeup exist, and a broader course helps them find what suits them. A professional course also teaches the underlying reasons for makeup – once you know how to do skin prep, foundation and colour correction, blending and product selection, you can adapt to all clients. This is the course to go for if you wish to have a varied career.

What, then, are the differences between the two courses?

The focus.

A bridal course is aimed at the world of weddings, and tends to delve deeper into different traditional and contemporary bridal makeup styles (engagement, reception), and sometimes bridal hair and draping. You can aim to specialise in weddings, and the focus of the course is to help you do so. If you’re sure about a career in weddings, this course will give you the platform to build on, and you can always explore other avenues later.

A professional course, meanwhile, provides wider knowledge. You’ll get a basic overview (as mentioned above), and have a range of styles to choose from, from bridal to party and natural to editorial, depending on the academy. You’ll find this course most suitable if you’re just beginning out, or if you wish to explore various areas before settling down with one. If you want to specialise later in bridal makeup, you can always pursue a specific course on the same.

One caution: courses tend to mislead. Many professional courses include an element of bridal training, and many bridal courses offer a wide variety of other skills besides makeup. Look at the syllabus, the practical sessions, and the skills you’ll gain upon finishing the course.

Which course is better for my career prospects?

It will depend on the stage you’re at.

Take a bridal course if you know you wish to focus your career on weddings, and if you already have some makeup experience and wish to gain more in-depth knowledge of all things bridal. A bridal makeup artist needs to understand both traditional Indian and modern styles, and often has to deal with tight schedules and fussy clients. A course can help with skills, but you’ll need to gain experience to build a portfolio and communicate with clients, and the time to hone your skills at weddings.

Take a professional course if you are a complete beginner and wish to explore the world of makeup. You will gain a solid foundation and discover what aspects of makeup interest you the most. You can specialise later once you have experience and know which area of makeup you wish to pursue.

Before you pay any academy fees

The courses are different, but the way to judge the best course for you lies in comparing a few academies. Look at the syllabus, and do not be misled by course titles. Next, look at the amount of practical training because makeup can only be learnt through practice. Then, the trainer – look at their work, teaching style, and the amount of one-to-one time you can get. Ask if brushes and products are provided, or if you must buy your own materials. Ask to look at students’ work – not flash pictures taken from an academy brochure – and their experience and portfolio. Compare fees, class hours, inclusions and any extra charges. Ask about post-course support, and do not assume it’s a given – ask if it’s included.

If you’re looking at taking a professional makeup course in Bangalore, compare the syllabus, training and support and see if it matches your requirements.

Can I take both courses?

Yes, and many do, depending on budget and time.

Take a professional course first if you are a complete beginner to learn the basics and discover what styles appeal to you. You can enhance your skills and take a bridal course to specialize later. If you have prior professional experience, you can take up a bridal course to gain more knowledge in your chosen field.

Do not think of these as permanent decisions – your career can evolve over time, and these courses can supplement each other.

The bottom line

It is a matter of preference: which kind of makeup artist do you wish to be?

If you know that you want to focus on weddings, and work with brides on a regular basis, a bridal course can set you on that path. If you are just beginning out and unsure of which kind of makeup artist you wish to be, a professional course can help you learn the basics and discover your interests.

Whatever your decision, spend time learning the fundamentals, and invest time in practice and finding what style appeals to you.