A person with makeup resembling a white cracked, spiked surface with red accents and blue eyes, with text 'SFX Makeup Program'.
A woman with detailed, textured makeup resembling cracked, dry skin and fantasy elements, with light blonde hair and blue eyes, advertising SFX makeup program.

Special Effects Makeup Course: SFX, Prosthetics & Airbrush Training

Build a thriving business as a successful SFX makeup artist

STEP #1

START LEARNING

CLICK the "ENROLL NOW" button, and after completing the checkout process and RECEIVE access to the course.

Enroll Now

Curriculum (NEW 2026)

11 expertly curated modules, 50+ hours of training video, hands-on assignments, quizzes to reinforce learning and downloadable resources.

  • • Course introduction and overview

    • Health and safety aspects of SFX makeup

    • Professional hygiene and sanitation practices

    • Ensuring client comfort

    • Special FX vs Beauty makeup

    • Career paths in SFX makeup artistry

    • Set etiquette and professionalism

    • The right way to search and use reference photos

    • Common mistakes and how to best handle them

    • Complete overview of SFX tools and products

    • Eco-friendly products and the proper disposal of hazardous materials

  • • Properly station setup for SFX makeup

    • Essential materials and products on SFX artist’s table

    • How to make your own tools

    • Creating naturalistic bruises of various stages

    • Techniques and products for creating simulated scars

    • How to make graphic scrapes on the skin

    • Application techniques for various kinds of cuts

    • Using Transfers as a fast 3D effect

    • Easy and inexpensive way to create a gunshot wound

  • • ears and crying effects of various intensity

    • Creating the illusion of a real sweat effect

    • Chopped lips of different levels

    • Frozen look: from front bite to hypothermia

    • The nuances of creating a realistic dead look

    • Application techniques and products for teeth FX

    • A fun and easy way to create a sunburn look

  • • Using color theory in the SFX world

    • Detailed airbrush overview and user guide

    • Tattoo cover-up techniques, tools, products

    • Fake tattoo

    • Pen, transfer, airbrush application

  • - Types of fake hair for professional application

    - Face preparation for best application and wear

    - A step-by-step guide to beard application

    - Applying a realistic-looking mustache

    - Fake nails application for various effects

    - Wigs and body hair application

  • • What are bald cap used for in the SFX world

    • Types of bald caps and how to handle them

    • Hair prep for a perfectly smooth bald cap application

    • How to best apply a bald cap

    • Bald cap painting -from color correction to finishing touches

    • The most efficient bald cap removal technique

    • Making your own bald cap

  • • Types of prosthetics: pros and cons

    • Adhesive types and their uses

    • How to prepare skin for prosthetics

    • Prosthetic application steps

    • Specifics of silicon prosthetic application

    • Completing the look with teeth application

    • Adding Special Effects stage blood

    • Special FX hair and nail design

  • • How the face ages

    • Gravity and wrinkles

    • Challenges to aging makeup and how to overcome them

    • 3 ways to achieve an aging makeup

    • How to make the face younger

    • Latex application methods for aging makeup

    • Styling hair for aging effect

  • • Time-saving tips for character prep

    • Fake ears application

    • Face prosthetic application

    • How to properly paint over prosthetics and adhesives

    • Fake nails: prep, application, removal

    • Body painting and hair styling to complete the look

  • • Nude makeup prep and application

    • Perfect base matching

    • Evening makeup: eye and lip application techniques

    • Editorial/creative makeup application

    • Elegant and soft bridal hairstyle

    • Easy way to create Hollywood style updo

    • How to create a Victorian period updo

  • • Etiquette and industry standards in body painting

    • Professional body painting safety and sanitation guidelines

    • Complete body painting kit overview

    • Fundamentals of color theory and color mixing

    • Metallics in bodypainting

    • How to plan the look ahead of time

    • Essential airbrushing techniques: brushstrokes, sponging, blending, stencils, and more.

    • Futuristic robot look body painting

    • The Starry Night Van Gogh-inspired body painting

    • Career paths for body painting artists

    • How to make the most of social media

    • Why networking is still important

    • How to optimize your website

    • How To Budget As A Body Painting Artist

    • Body Painting Licensing

    • What You Need To Know About Copyright In Body Painting

Work with your tutor 1-on-1

Get personalized VIDEO FEEDBACK from a dedicated instructor, bringing the in-class education to your home.

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We offer a unique HYBRID APPROACH combining the convenience of online courses with personalized video feedback from our dedicated instructors based in NEW YORK.

Your PERSONAL MENTORS provide constructive critiques and tailored advice, nurturing individual strengths and addressing areas of improvement.

Meet your instructor

Elite NYC expert with 10+ years of experience

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Krystle Feher

Lead Special FX Instructor

Krystle Feher (LA based) is a powerhouse in the film, television, and editorial industry in NYC. Her talents have become one of the most sought after in the area, specifically for her extreme versatility. Krystle is known for her Special FX and Film Makeup artistry, working consistently as a key artist on set for notable feature films with her own IMDB film credits page. Krystle’s work can be seen in music videos, commercial editorial (K-Swiss, NBA), Television (The Daily Show, Wahlburgers), on celebrities (Courtney Cox, Alicia Menendez), and has received press and acclaim for her film work in such notable print publications including THE BOSTON GLOBE.

STEP #2

Receive your SFX Makeup kit ($365)

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• Graftobian Make-up Company Latex-Free Bald Cap
• Large Tattoo Transfers & Cut Throat Transfers
• Woochie by Cinema Secrets Post Mortum Prosthetics
• Metal Plate With Spatula

• Mehron Makeup Special FX Kit
• PPI Skin Illustrator On Set Flesh Tone Makeup Palette
• PPI Skin Illustrator On Set FX Makeup Palette
• Medical Grade Pros-Aide Adhesive

FREE shipping from New York. The estimate shipping time for the US is 3-5 days; international shipping will take longer. Makeup kit is subject to change.

Bonus masterclass

Body painting and airbrushing as a profession ($399)

A person with tattoos on their arms is applying body paint or makeup to a woman who has white hair and body art that resembles black and red geometric patterns and lines on her face and upper body, set against a plain gray background.

This Masterclass is a perfect opportunity for those who are looking to turn it into a career or simply have an additional skill set under their belt as a makeup artist.

So if you love to paint and want to explore your artistic side, you’re in for a treat! And if you plan to pursue body painting as a career or even a side business, this Masterclass is a great opportunity to start making a profit today!

STEP #3

Get OMACA approved certificate

Certificate of completion awarded to Rebecca Johnson for the Special FX Makeup Program, with gold seal and signature, dated June 17, 2023.

CERTIFICATION builds trust and OPENS DOORS to broader career opportunities, from working with high-end clients to collaborating with renowned beauty brands.


Academy Registered Accreditation
Number: AC7460

Pro cards and discounts

Up to 40% off in brands such as Make Up For Ever, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Zuca, Smashbox, Temptu and much more.

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Upon graduation, you will qualify immediately to obtain PRO Card memberships from our partners Frends Beauty and Nigels Beauty Emporium. These industry-preferred online companies will provide up to 40% off.

We understand that PRO card opportunities are a vital key to a professional Makeup Artist's success as you look to expand and add on to your professional tools.

Business, branding & marketing

Marketing and advertising for SFX makeup artists

A makeup artist applying makeup to a model, with a third person watching and taking notes on a tablet in a studio setting.

Today, more than ever before, people need to make their dreams come true by being financially independent.

We will guide you in BUILDING YOUR PORTFOLIO, website, and different marketing strategies while you are learning.

Our students say

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Tuition

INVEST IN YOUR SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP BUSINESS

$1,299

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As low as $75/month

Makeup kit is included
FREE shipping from NYC
21-day money-back guarantee*

Enroll Now
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OMA welcomes students from all over the world to enroll and does not have a minimum age or education requirement

*we are committed to the safety of our customers and employees and not allowing makeup product returns. The value of the kit will be withheld.

Your next steps

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  1. Click the "BUY NOW" button and complete the checkout process.

  2. The Special Effects makeup kit will be prepared and shipped (usually within 3-5 business days).

  3. You will have an unlimited amount of time to complete the course, as well as continuous lifetime access to the course.

  4. Please submit before & after photos, a description of each look, and include the printed upload form.

  5. Upon each submission, our professional Makeup Artist instructors will reply directly to you with specialized feedback based on your submission.

  6. There are a total of 11 assignments to complete your certification in SFX Makeup Program.

  7. You will receive your certificate after you have completed and submitted all module assignments, and once they have been reviewed, confirmed, and answered by our professional Makeup Artist course instructors.

  8. You have a 21-day money-back guarantee to test if the course is right for you. The value of the Makeup Kit is not refundable ($365).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The 11 module program covers the working SFX artist's core skill set: simulated injuries (bruises, cuts, scars, gunshot wounds), illness and dead looks, fake tattoos and tattoo cover-ups, hair and beard application, bald caps, prosthetics with silicone and adhesive work, aging makeup, and full character creation. A bonus masterclass covers body painting and airbrushing as a profession, and a bonus module adds essential beauty makeup and hairstyling so your set skills are complete.

  • The kit is built from the brands working film artists carry: a Mehron Special FX makeup kit, two PPI Skin Illustrator on-set palettes (Flesh Tone and FX), a Graftobian latex-free bald cap, Woochie by Cinema Secrets prosthetics, medical grade Pros-Aide adhesive, tattoo and cut throat transfers, and a metal plate with spatula. It is included in tuition and ships free from New York in 3 to 5 days within the US.

  • No. The program starts with SFX fundamentals, including health and safety, sanitation, and a complete tools overview, and the bonus module teaches the essential beauty makeup and hairstyling an SFX artist needs on set. Complete beginners can enroll; there is no age or education requirement.

  • Your lead instructor is Krystle Feher, a working film and television artist whose credits include The Daily Show and Wahlburgers, with her own IMDb film credits page. You submit before and after photos for 19 hands-on assignments and receive personalized video feedback from your instructor on every submission.

  • Graduates receive an OMACA approved certificate, Academy Registered Accreditation Number AC7460. SFX hiring runs on portfolio plus reliability, and the 19 assignments are designed to build that portfolio piece by piece. Graduates also qualify for pro cards with up to 40 percent off at partner suppliers, which matters in SFX where materials are a real cost.

  • You have a 21 day money-back guarantee that starts when you get course access. The $365 kit value is not refundable because makeup products cannot be returned for hygiene reasons. Payment plans start at $75 per month through Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna.

Online Makeup Academy's Special Effects Makeup Course is consistently recognized as the number one choice for students seeking to enter the world of special effects makeup.

With an impressive track record of over 50k+ students worldwide, the academy is frequently praised for its comprehensive curriculum, which covers everything from basic techniques to advanced special effects artistry. Whether focused on horror makeup, creating realistic scars and bruises, or developing theatrical effects, the course prepares aspiring artists for successful careers in film, television, and live performances.

As a highly-rated, accredited institution, Online Makeup Academy has earned trust and admiration across the industry. Thousands of students have shared positive testimonials on platforms like Google and Yelp, reinforcing its reputation as the leading option for serious makeup artists. With recognition from major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the academy's SFX course stands out from the competition as the top-rated choice for aspiring special effects makeup professionals.

When people search for the best SFX makeup course, Online Makeup Academy consistently ranks as the best option. Its unique blend of cutting-edge techniques, practical instruction, and industry connections makes this program the go-to in the field of special effects artistry.