Master creative makeup techniques from basics to fantasy, including 3D effects and specialized photography for a diverse portfolio
Specialization
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6 modules
Embark on a transformative journey through the art of makeup with our Creative Makeup Specialization. This comprehensive program caters to aspiring and seasoned makeup artists eager to expand their skills. Begin by mastering professional techniques, such as color theory, skin preparation, and essential tool usage. Progress to specialized makeup for photography, adapting your style to different lighting and camera needs for flawless results. Dive into the world of fantasy makeup with 2D painting and effects, and explore the advanced realm of 3D prosthetic transformations, creating lifelike characters from fantasy, science fiction, and horror.
Complete your creative evolution by documenting your work through fine art photography. Learn to capture the essence of your makeup artistry using props, lighting, and composition. By the end of this specialization, you will have developed a diverse portfolio showcasing your ability to work across commercial and creative realms. Gain valuable insights from experts Vanessa Rozan, Natalia Belda de Lama, Geonna Snyder, and Nassia Stouraiti as you refine your artistic vision and technical prowess. This program empowers you to tell stories through makeup and photography, elevating your craft to new heights.
What will you learn in this specialization?
A total of 6 modules and 64 lessons
A total of 10h 27m of vídeo lessons
Taught by 4 selected expert teachers
Module 1
Introduction
Hi, welcome to this Domestika Specialization course!
Before picking up your brushes, you'll begin this creative path by discovering what inspires each of your teachers — from editorial fashion to fantasy and fine art. Each artist brings a unique vision of what makeup can be: not just technique, but a form of communication, emotion, and self-expression.
Vanessa Rozan shows you how makeup can enhance identity and style through refined, professional techniques. Natalia Belda focuses on how lighting, mood, and context guide your choices on set. You’ll step into the world of fantasy with bold 2D creations, and explore the power of transformation through prosthetic makeup with Geonna Snyder. Finally, Nassia Stouraiti reveals how makeup can become a narrative tool in fine art self-portraiture.
In this opening chapter, you'll connect with the philosophies behind each approach. What do they have in common? The belief that every face tells a story — and that makeup, in the right hands, can help reveal it.
1
Introduction
Creative makeup blends imagination, color, and anatomy to turn faces into expressive canvases. Rooted in history and inspired by disciplines like fashion and film, it’s a powerful form of transformation and storytelling. This session invites you to explore makeup as an art form—one that reveals inner beauty while pushing visual boundaries.
1m
2
Influences | Vanessa Rozan
In this class I want to introduce my favorite artists and inspirations and how they influence my work.
14m
3
Influences | Natalia Belda de lama
There are a lot of influences that I have and have had throughout my professional career, but I am going to stick to the ones that have been most notable for me.
9m
4
Influences | Geonna Snyder
In this lesson, I will explore the various influences that have shaped my unique style in fantasy makeup, from art to pop culture.
5m
5
Influences | Geonna Snyder
In this lesson, I will explore the various influences that have shaped my unique style in fantasy makeup, from art to pop culture.
5m
6
Influences | Nassia Stouraiti
Now, I want to share with you my most significant referents, who have inspired my work over the years.
3m
Module 2
Introduction to Professional Makeup Techniques
Vanessa Rozan welcomes you into the expressive world of makeup as a form of storytelling. Drawing from her rich career in fashion, TV, and editorial work, she’ll begin by sharing how makeup can celebrate individuality, style, and emotion. Get ready to explore beauty as a creative, empowering language that highlights what makes each face unique.
3
Materials: opening the case
In this class, you will see what are the essential items to compose your professional makeup kit and how to invest effectively when buying the products.
18m
4
Understanding the briefing
In this class, we will study the final project briefing and seek references from different fields for the realization of makeup looks.
11m
5
Skin preparation: cleaning and care
Preparing the skin is fundamental for makeup success and in this class we will see everything about this step.
17m
6
Coverage: how to choose foundation and concealer
In this class you will see how to choose and apply the right shade of foundation and corrective for each skin type, building the desired coverage in a natural way.
20m
7
Recoloring the Skin
Now let's see how and where to use the shadow and light technique, the blush and the tanning effect on the face.
16m
8
Eye Techniques: Smoky
In this class, I will show you how to make the long-awaited Smoky Eye and how to adapt it to each eye shape. I will also talk about the best products and the right tools to achieve the perfect gradient.
20m
9
Techniques for the eye: symmetry
To unravel the outline, in this class you will see symmetry concepts applied to the eyes, as well as product tips, tools and smart fixes.
12m
10
Mouth Techniques
In this class, I will show you all the secrets of applying lipstick to increase the duration of color on the lips and also the techniques to increase and decrease the volume of the mouth.
11m
11
Smokey Eyes
The smoky eye is one of the most requested types of makeup in terms of social makeup. In this class I will show you how to build a very glamorous smoky.
19m
12
Modern Look
In this class I will show you how to make a more modern look, often used in fashion shows and editorials.
17m
Module 3
Professional Makeup for Photo Shoots
Step behind the scenes with Natalia Belda to discover how professional makeup transforms under the lens. You'll learn to work with facial features, lighting, and mood to craft looks that feel natural yet striking. This lesson is all about reading the moment — and using makeup to enhance, not mask.
3
Makeup and cosmetics today
Both beauty and makeup have been subject to canons that determined what was beautiful and what was not. Today, luckily, the freedom of the code is proclaimed, in which the only valid norms are those that each one decides, seeking their well-being. For this reason, although it is necessary to have some theoretical knowledge to develop good makeup, we have to unleash our creativity based on our taste and needs.
4m
4
Our makeup bag
Next, we are going to see the material that we will need to have a basic but at the same time complete makeup bag. A briefcase that allows us to have alternatives and be able to develop any type of makeup for each situation and model.
11m
5
Morphology, visagism and contouring
As we have seen before, luckily, today, makeup consists of a free code in which we only have the rule of doing what makes us feel better. For this reason we are not going to study the morphology of the face and visagism as a correction technique, but rather we are going to see it as a knowledge technique to exalt the beauty of each face.
15m
6
Moodboard
In this lesson we are going to see the different ways we have to get inspiration for each of our jobs.
3m
7
Before starting
Finally, we will see all the details that we have to take into account before starting our makeup for a shooting or event. We will review the approach of this, the clothes, the light, etc.
4m
8
Types of light
In this lesson we are going to see how the type of light can influence our makeup, marking more or less the features and the color, as well as the brightness depending on the type of light. Therefore, we have to learn to know the type of light and its effect on the face and makeup.
4m
9
Skin preparation, foundation and concealers
Next, I will teach you how to prepare the skin before applying makeup. We will also do the makeup base playing with light and dark colors so that we have beautiful skin and a voluminous face.
19m
10
Eye Makeup 1
In this lesson we are going to do an eye makeup in which we will learn to enhance them and get the most out of it, taking into account everything we have seen before. You will also be able to understand what I always explain to you about the importance of integrating them into the face.
20m
11
Eye Makeup 2
We continue to see how to correctly make up the eyes of our model.
16m
12
Blush and highlighter
Now we are going to create the visual effect with highlights and darks, but we will add a touch of blush to give a healthy look. As a final touch, we will give points of light with the illuminator to highlight certain areas.
9m
13
Mouth and eyebrows
In this lesson we are going to see the importance of the mouth and eyebrows in makeup. A pretty mouth can be the basis of makeup and, on the other hand, the eyebrows frame the look and we should never forget about them.
9m
14
Mattify the skin according to duration and conditions
Once we have finished the makeup, we are going to nuance the skin depending on the result we want to achieve. We are going to leave the skin lighter or matte depending on the result we want to obtain and we are going to see the areas in which it is important that no shine appear, even if we opt for a more satin result.
4m
15
Retouches in photo session
When the session starts, we have to be aware of the photos at all times to retouch everything that is necessary.
3m
16
Make-up removal and final tips
In this lesson I will explain how to remove makeup. Always remember that, when the session is over, we are going to ask the model if she wants us to remove her make-up or if she prefers to leave with the make-up.
4m
Module 4
2D Fantasy Makeup
Get ready to enter the world of fantasy makeup, where creativity knows no limits. This lesson will guide you from skin preparation to the first touches of transformation, setting the foundation for bold, character-driven looks. It’s your first step toward turning imagination into visual impact through color, shape, and illusion.
4
Materials
In this lesson, I'll walk you through all the tools and materials required for our fantasy makeup course. We'll start with the crucial steps of eyebrow shaping using specific razors and hydrating agents to protect and prepare your skin. I'll also introduce using a plumping serum as a base, followed by techniques for covering eyebrows with a special glue that sets clear. We'll explore different setting powders and brushes for precise application, ensuring a smooth and perfect base for further makeup layers. This session will equip you with the foundational skills for creating stunning puppet-inspired makeup looks.
4m
5
Skin Preparation
In this lesson, I'll demonstrate the vital steps of skin preparation, starting with how to create a smooth surface by removing facial hair and shaping eyebrows. You'll learn how to perform a patch test with a water-activated palette to ensure the cosmetics are safe for your skin. This process is essential to avoid allergic reactions and ensure the makeup applies evenly and effectively. We'll also cover the correct techniques for shaving and plucking to achieve the ideal base for intricate makeup applications.
9m
6
Learning to paint looking at the mirror
In this lesson, I'll guide you through managing your workspace and utilizing mirrors effectively, especially if you wear glasses like I do. Wearing contacts can help avoid the discomfort of powder getting into your eyes, but if you prefer glasses, I'll demonstrate techniques for positioning them optimally while applying makeup. Holding the mirror with your non-dominant hand allows for precision and ease. We'll also cover how to organize your makeup tools and products efficiently to streamline your application process, setting the stage for our next topic: eyebrow handling.
3m
7
Eyebrow Handling
In this lesson, we're going to be going over eyebrow handling. So how to cover our eyebrows along with also incorporate them into the look. Now, at this point, you should have already shaped your eyebrows, thinned them slightly, and taken any hairs off from around the edges, just to make it easier for them to stay down.
11m
8
Base Makeup Application
In this lesson, we will put down our base makeup and sketch out some details. Starting, we're going to use some foundation. We will use the same foundation we just put over our eyebrows to get a consistent layer.
14m
9
Final Outline 1
Now that we have much of the outline done, let's move on to the final outline. We're going to add some of the darker shades along with blending in some of these lighter shades.
10m
10
Final Outline 2
The first phase is over, now let's move on to the second part where we continue retouching.
10m
11
Fine details
In this first part, I'll show you how to add detail and dimension to your make-up to achieve realistic results.
17m
12
Accessorizing
Finally, I will guide you on something very important: the selection and application of the right accessories, such as wigs and contact lenses, to complement and elevate your make-up look. this part will enhance your make-up.
6m
Module 5
3D Prosthetic Makeup: Realism in Fantasy
With Geonna Snyder as your guide, you'll begin exploring the powerful transformation that prosthetic makeup makes possible. From latex to scar wax, this lesson opens the door to building characters that go beyond the ordinary — blending imagination with technical precision to shape unforgettable faces straight out of fantasy or film.
4
Materials
I'll guide you through selecting the right materials for prosthetic makeup, focusing on liquid latex and scar wax.
5m
5
Techniques and Safety Considerations
We'll cover essential techniques for working with prosthetics and discuss safety considerations, including allergy tests and skin protection.
3m
6
Cleaning Face and Prepping the Surface
In this lesson, you'll start with skin preparation, focusing on creating an even surface for applying makeup. You'll perform a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions and shape your eyebrows with a razor and tweezers. After shaving your face to remove fine hairs, you'll clean your skin, creating a smooth base for applying special effects makeup.
9m
7
Base Makeup Application
This section we will go over how we want out eyebrows to look for this makeup, shaping them and fixing them in place.
11m
8
Sketching and Detailing
In this lesson, you'll sketch out the areas on your face where special effects makeup will be applied. Using a black eyeshadow pencil, you'll draw light lines on your forehead, cheeks, and neck, marking spots for liquid latex and scar wax. These guide lines will help map out wounds and other effects, ensuring precision in your makeup application.
3m
9
The Scar Wax Prosthetic
In this section, we will apply the skills we've learned from using scar wax on our hands to now applying it on our faces.
17m
10
The Latex Prosthetic
Now we will use liquid latex and some cotton balls to make cuts.
12m
11
Painting Your Wounds 1
In this section, we will paint the wounds we've created and add fake blood as a base before applying the final touches.
17m
12
Painting Your Wounds 2
In this section, you'll learn how to apply cotton and fake blood to enhance your special effects makeup. After pulling apart the cotton, you'll secure it with adhesive and carefully place it on the scar wax. Then, using a fine detailing brush, you'll apply fake blood around the edges and inside the cotton to create realistic wounds. Finally, you'll add string to complete the look.
4m
13
Adding String and Final Details 1
In this lesson, you'll focus on the final details of your special effects makeup. You'll begin by cleaning up lines and adding finishing touches with black powder and lipstick around the mouth. Next, you'll cut pieces of string, apply adhesive to specific areas, and carefully place the string for a stitched look.
Finally, you'll enhance the effect with fake blood and eyeliner to create more dramatic detailing around the eyes and mouth.
19m
14
Adding String and Final Details 2
In this lesson, you'll apply cotton to your eye using adhesive, ensuring it stays in place while allowing you to see still. You'll extend the cotton slightly above the brow to blend the area and hide the latex. Afterward, you'll use red powdered cosmetics to give the area an aggravated look, clean up any lines or foundation, and finish with setting spray.
6m
15
Taking Pictures
In this lesson, you'll wear your wig and wig cap, ensuring your hair is neatly tucked in. After adjusting and brushing the wig, you'll set up your camera for a photo shoot, using a dark background to make your makeup pop. You'll take multiple photos from different angles to document the look for portfolios or social media.
5m
16
Removing Makeup
In this lesson, you will learn how to remove all the elements of your special effects makeup, starting with the wig, cotton and contact lenses. You will carefully remove 3D materials, such as ropes, latex and scar wax, and clean any adhesive residue using argan oil and petroleum jelly. The process ensures proper skin care, leaving the face clean and fresh for future makeup applications.
9m
Module 6
Fine Art Photography: Capture Creative Self-Portraits
Through the lens of Nassia Stouraiti, you’ll explore how self-portraiture can become a powerful form of personal storytelling. This lesson invites you to use minimal tools — just light, props, and makeup — to craft images that go beyond the surface. It’s about turning emotion, identity, and vision into visual poetry.
3
Camera and Equipment
In this lesson, I will show you the equipment and camera I use in my photoshoots. I will also introduce you to the project of this course.
1m
4
The Mood Board
Here, I will talk about the process of coming up with an idea for a self-portrait and how I create mood boards that help me finalize my idea. You will see how I create two different mood boards, one for each photo of the project.
4m
5
The Use of the Space
It's important to understand the space that you have and know how to take the most advantage of it. I will explain how I will use the space I have for my photoshoot, meaning where I will put my camera and where I will be posing.
3m
6
The Makeup
Next, I want to talk about my relationship with makeup and why I like to include it in my work. I see makeup as a medium to express yourself and create. I like to use it in the same way that a painter uses his paint.
12m
7
Playing with Objects and Props
In this lesson, I will show you how to use props or objects that you have at your disposal to elevate your frame and your self-portrait.
3m
8
Preparing the Makeup
To prepare for the first photo session I will show you how I apply the makeup on my face, using mainly blue tones, which I use very often in my work—I think blue creates a nice contrast with the skin colors, and it reminds me of the sea.
6m
9
The First Shooting
Let's take the first pictures! We will set up the camera and light and connect our phone to the camera to use as a mirror. I will explain all my settings' decisions and try out different poses.
3m
10
Objects and Props
I will first go through the flowers and select the petals I want to use, and then I will do some tests to see some examples that could work for my self-portrait.
4m
11
The Second Shooting
For this second photo session, I will be using the same lighting and camera settings as before. You will see that you don't need complicated and professional equipment to be creative and take amazing pictures!
3m
12
Selecting and Editing in Lightroom
In this lesson, you will learn how to import the photos from the camera into Lightroom, and I will go through all the photos in order to select the final ones. I will also show you my whole editing process in Lightroom for the color adjustments.
15m
13
Final Details with Affinity
Now that I have selected my images, I will add the final details and make the necessary adjustments using Affinity.
14m
14
How to Promote Your Work
Finally, I will talk about how to promote your work on social media, especially on Instagram, and how to network.
3m
- 100% positive reviews (1)
- 166 students
- 64 lessons (10h 27m)
- 56 additional resources (14 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Audio: English, German, Spanish, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a comprehensive makeup portfolio showcasing your journey from basic techniques to advanced creative makeup artistry. Capture your work through professional photography, including commercial session looks, fine art self-portraits, 2D fantasy character designs, and realistic 3D prosthetic transformations.
Who is this specialization for?
Aspiring makeup artists eager to expand their skills, visual artists seeking new mediums, photographers integrating makeup into their work, and entertainment professionals exploring special effects will find this creative makeup specialization enriching and transformative for their artistic journeys.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is needed. Basic makeup materials such as brushes, foundation, contour, and eyeshadow are essential. A camera or smartphone for documenting work is recommended. Enthusiasm for experimentation and creativity enhances your experience in this makeup journey.
Select to get to know your teachers in this specialization course
Reviews
166
Students
1
Reviews
100%
Positive ratings
What to expect from this specialization course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate for every specialization course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
Basics Courses: Specialized training where you master specific software tools step by step.
Specialization Courses: Learning paths with various expert teachers on the same topic, perfect for becoming a specialist by learning from different approaches.
Guided Courses: Practical experiences ideal for directly acquiring specific skills.
Intensive Courses (Deep Dives): New creative processes based on artificial intelligence tools in an accessible format for in-depth and dynamic understanding.
When do the specialization courses start and when do they finish?
All specialization courses are 100% online, so once they're published, specialization courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.
What do Domestika's specialization courses include?
The specialization courses are divided into different modules. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with other students, as well as share your work and your final project, creating a community around the specialization courses.
Have you been given a specialization courses?
You can redeem the specialization courses you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.
When do I get the specialization courses certificate? Plus
If you're a Plus member, when you complete a course you've purchased, you'll instantly get your personalized certificate. You can see all your certificates in the Certificates section of your profile. You can download your certificates as PDFs and share the link online.
Learn more about certificates.
Me ha encantado, muy bien explicado y muy completo.