Become a Professional Makeup Artist in 3 Months With This Weekly Timeline

If you have a passion for the makeup craft, and whenever you help yourself or your friends occasionally, they can see the potential, what’s stopping you from going pro?

It gets better to know that you can become a professional makeup artist in 3 months. With the right tools, training, and consistent practice following this timeline, you can become a skilled and confident makeup artist in Nigeria.

Here's a clear, practical, week-on-week guide to help you build your skills, grow your confidence, and start attracting clients within three months. Whether you want to specialise in bridal looks, soft glam, or editorial makeup, this timeline gets you there.

Before picking up your brushes, know that there are different types of makeup artistry to explore:

• Bridal makeup (very popular in Nigeria)

• Editorial and fashion makeup

• TV and film makeup

• Special effects (SFX)

Choose your focus early so your learning can be targeted.

Spend this first week watching free tutorials from Nigerian makeup artists like Anita Brows, Aisha Kasumu, and BMPro. These professionals share valuable tips for beginners trying to understand the Nigerian beauty scene. 

It's also a good time to understand:

• Basic skin types and undertones

• Face shapes and eyebrow structures

• Simple makeup terms and tools
  This builds the foundation for your growth.

To become a professional makeup artist in Nigeria, structured learning will speed things up. Look into learning platforms like:

• Udemy (search: “professional makeup course for beginners”)

• Skillshare

• Coursera

• YouTube channels by Nigerian MUAs

These platforms cover everything from hygiene to contouring techniques, and many offer a certificate of completion. If you can, invest in an online makeup artist certification course. It builds credibility when looking for clients or collaborations.

Make sure the course includes practical tutorials, downloadable guides, and practice tips for beginners.

Here’s a makeup artist's tool list you can start with:

• Foundation (for different skin tones)

Price: ₦10,000.00 Where To Buy: Shop Nana Hawa Beauty

• Concealer

Price: ₦5,000.00 Where To Buy: Shop Note Costmetics

• Setting powder

• Eyeshadow palette (neutral + colourful shades)

Price: ₦14,000.00 Where To Buy: Shop Nana Hawa Beauty

• Eyebrow pencil or pomade

• Blush and highlighter

Price: ₦6,000.00 Where To Buy: Shop Allure

• Setting spray

• Lipsticks and glosses

Price: ₦3,500.00 Where To Buy: Shop Hegai & Esther

• Beauty sponges and brushes

• Brush cleaner and sanitiser

You can also get them at beauty supply stores in Lagos like Tejuosho Market, or online via Jumia and Youtopia Beauty. 

You don’t need to buy all your kit at once. Start with these essentials. 

Now that you’ve got your makeup kit, it’s time to continue practising daily. Start with simple looks like:

• Everyday glam

• Natural bridal looks

• Bold eyeshadow

• Nude lips with dramatic lashes

Use Instagram tutorials and follow step-by-step guides. Focus on mastering blending, colour matching, and brow shaping. Practice on yourself, then move to friends or siblings.

Take before-and-after photos of your work to track progress and create a mini portfolio.

READ ALSO: 6 Common Setting Powder Mistakes (And How This Makeup Artist Fixes Them)

At this stage, start sharing your work with experienced makeup artists for feedback. Join Facebook groups or WhatsApp communities.

Ask for honest critiques, watch how others present their work, and learn how to correct your own mistakes.

Although online courses are helpful, hands-on training can take your skills to the next level. A short course at a makeup school gives you access to industry secrets, live demonstrations, and personalised corrections.

Consider makeup schools in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt that offer short-term professional makeup training. Many provide certificates and even starter kits.

Look out for:

• Oshewabeauty Academy

• Zaron Training School

• House of Tara Studios

• BMPro Makeup Training

By now, you should have several looks you've practised and refined. The next step is to build your makeup artist portfolio.

What you need:

• Clean before-and-after photos of your work

• A simple Instagram page showcasing different styles

• A Canva or Google Drive PDF portfolio for brands or clients

Tips: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp Business to showcase your work. Try using trending audio and clear captions describing your products or techniques.

You can start your makeup business in Nigeria without a shop. Many successful MUAs work from home or do mobile services. However, here are practical steps to landing your first clients:

• Offer free or discounted services to family and friends

• Create a referral system (e.g., “Bring 2 friends, get your next makeup half price”)

• Collaborate with photographers and stylists to build your brand

• Post tutorials, time-lapse videos, and client reviews online

READ ALSO: These 5 Nigerian Lipstick Brands Belong in Every Girl’s Makeup Bag

You can become a professional makeup artist in Nigeria within three months by committing to learning, practising, and promoting yourself. No large budget or expensive tools. Only consistency, a desire to improve, and an eye for detail.

The makeup industry in Nigeria is growing, and now is a good time to join and carve out your space. Your first face beat could be the start of a successful career.