The beauty sector in India is evolving rapidly, making it an exciting time for students considering a career in the beauty industry in India after 12th grade. The demand for certified makeup courses is soaring, as it has been growing with a CAGR of more than 18.6%, mainly due to the increasing awareness about personal care, weddings, and social media.
The market globally, together with digital tools and advanced technologies, has opened up new creative roles that are still high-paying and did not exist ten years ago. Opportunities, for instance, range from movie sets and prosthetics to skin care product development and digital-first brands, which cover a wide spectrum.
This guide illuminates the best professional makeup courses after 12th grade, the evolution of new makeup artists’ roles, the necessary skills, the top academies, and the salaries.
Why Consider a Career in Makeup After 12th?
Pursuing beauty and makeup is no longer limited to salon jobs. The industry now includes film production, OTT platforms, fashion houses, gaming studios, and digital content creation. According to industry reports, India’s beauty market is valued at over USD 21 billion and continues to grow. This expansion has created strong career opportunities in beauty industry segments for trained professionals.
Students eager to learn more can also explore what a career in makeup truly involves by reading Mindler’s detailed guide on choosing makeup artistry as a career.
Understanding the Field: How Many Specialisations Exist in Makeup?
One of the most common questions students ask is: “How many types of makeup are there?”
Today, makeup spans over 12–15 specialised categories, including beauty, bridal, editorial, runway, prosthetics, and even digital makeup for virtual characters. This diversity makes the field ideal for students seeking creative freedom and long-term growth.
Top New-Age Makeup & Beauty Careers After 12th
Below are some of the fastest-growing, future-ready job roles for students who want to build strong career options in beauty industry segments.
1. SFX (Special Effects) Makeup Artist
SFX makeup artists work with burns, wounds, scars, ageing effects, and supernatural characters using silicone, latex, paints, and prosthetics.
They play a huge role in films, OTT, stage, and the entertainment industries. Training often begins with a special effects make up course, which teaches moulding, casting, skin-safe materials, and advanced transformation techniques.
2. Prosthetic Makeup Artist
A prosthetic makeup artist specialises in creating custom-designed face and body prosthetics. They work closely with directors and producers to bring complex characters to life. This requires strong artistic skills and training in prosthetic sculpting, mould-making, and on-set application.
3. Editorial & High-Fashion Makeup Artist
Editorial artists create expressive, creative looks for magazines, fashion campaigns, couture shows, and brand shoots. This field is competitive but offers immense fame and high-paying opportunities.
Students interested in this segment should explore makeup artist courses in India that focus on runway techniques, high-fashion creativity, and colour experimentation.
4. Digital Makeup Artist (AI/AR Beauty Tech)
A digital makeup artist is responsible for the creation of a specific makeup style that will be used for avatars in the virtual world, VR environments, gaming characters, as well as AR beauty filters.
The introduction of the AI-powered beauty technology has brought about the need for professionals who are well-versed in digital design tools, beauty concepts, and face-mapping technology.
5. Cosmetic Product Developer
Do you have a passion for chemistry, skincare, and beauty formulation? If yes, then you should consider this position, since it involves creating not only foundations but also eyeliners, lipsticks, and even skincare products.
There are several ways for students to begin their journey towards this career, one of them being attending cosmetology courses after 12th, which will familiarize them with skin science, basic formulations, and product safety issues.
6. Beauty Influencer / Content Creator
Today’s young creators make their living by means of a combination of tutorials, brand partnerships, online courses, and launching their beauty products. A beauty influencer can make a good living by getting the right training, having the right creative skills, and being consistent in his/her efforts.
This is a way for students as well who want to create brands for themselves while already being recognized artists.
7. Makeup for Gaming & CGI Characters
As gaming and CGI technology are taking over in India, the makers who apply make-up art to give facial textures and appearance features to digital characters are becoming popular.
This is a blend of beauty, design, and technology, a perfect choice for students with artistic and digital skills.
Best Makeup Courses After 12th Grade
Whether you want to specialise in film makeup, bridal artistry, prosthetics, or digital beauty, the right course lays the foundation. Here are the top training pathways for students after Class 12.
1. Diploma in Makeup Artistry (6–12 months)
This is one of the most popular choices for beginners. Students learn beauty makeup, bridal looks, colour theory, and product knowledge.
Great for those looking for a makeup artist course for beginners or planning to take advanced training later.
2. Certification Courses
Short-term certifications help students gain specialised training in:
- Bridal makeup
- HD and airbrush makeup
- Editorial and runway
- Body painting
- SFX and prosthetics
Choose academies offering the best makeup artist certification with internship and portfolio-building support.
3. Cosmetology Courses
Such courses deliver an extensive base in:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetics
- Film
- Pediatrics
- Treatments
Tomorrow’s beauty students looking to enroll in a diploma or an advanced diploma program of 1–2 years can start with the beauty courses after 12th or cosmetology courses after 12th.
4. Advanced Makeup Artist Programmes
These are perfect for the people who seek top-quality training and worldwide recognition. The programs comprise masterclasses, workshops by celebrity artists, and certificates from international beauty schools.
5. Prosthetic & SFX Courses
These courses teach sculpting, body casting, silicone/latex application, and character creation.
Students can pursue a dedicated special effects make up course if they want to work in films, TV, OTT, or theatre.
Top Makeup Academies in India
Although many institutes offer training, students typically search for the top 10 makeup academies in India when evaluating their options. The list of some famous names consists of the following, among others:
- Pearl Academy
- Lakmé Academy
- VLCC Institute
- Fat Mu Academy
- Parul Academy
- Makeup Studio Academy
- SMA International
- Shweta Gaur Makeup Academy
- International Polytechnic for Women
- BHI Makeup & Hair Academy
All of these schools help develop the makeup artist’s skills practically through structured makeup artist courses, hands-on practice, and portfolio development.
Salary Insights: What Can a Makeup Artist Earn in India?
One of the main issues that students query is the salary of a makeup artist in India. Depending on the experience and color:
- Bridal makeup artists: ₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000 per event
- Fashion/editorial artists: ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 per project
- SFX/prosthetic artists: ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000 per project
- In-house cosmetic brand artists: ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000 monthly
- Beauty influencers: their earnings depend on brand collaborations and content popularity
Often, freelancing results in increased income once the artist establishes a good reputation.
How to Become a Certified Makeup Artist After 12th
To become a certified makeup artist, students have to:
- Spot their area of interest (beauty, SFX, bridal, editorial, digital).
- Take up the makeup artist courses which are accepted by the industry.
- Create a great portfolio with photos and videos.
- Apprentice with experienced artists or at salons.
- Keep learning about the trends, tools, and techniques.
- Enroll in advanced training programs often.
For deeper guidance on roles and pathways in the beauty sector, explore Careers in Beauty Industry in India
Choosing the Right Career Path: Tips for Students
To make informed decisions about your future in the beauty industry, consider the following tips when choosing the right career path:
- Match your skills with the right niche using a psychometric test.
- Evaluate your artistic interest versus scientific curiosity (for product development).
- Explore your comfort level with digital tools for tech-based makeup careers.
- Check placement support before choosing a course.
- Consider whether you want freelance flexibility or a stable company role.
Conclusion
The beauty and makeup industry is a field full of opportunities for students after 12th grade. Today’s professionals are capable of working in various roles, such as from editorial and prosthetic makeup to digital beauty and cosmetic product development. Knowing your preferences, judging your strengths, and picking the right course are vital steps for creating a successful and future-proof career.
If you’re unsure which pathway suits you best, you can take the next step with Mindler’s expert guidance and explore personalised career counselling and assessments.
FAQs
- What are the best makeup courses after 12th for beginners?
The best choice for students is to enroll in the makeup artist course for beginners or the diploma in makeup artistry. These classes cover beauty makeup, bridal looks, color theory, and the basics of portfolio building.
- How much can I earn in a makeup artist career in India?
A makeup artist’s salary in India varies according to the niche and experience. While a freelancer can make ₹20,000–₹2,00,000 for a single project, a regular employee will get ₹25,000–₹80,000 per month.
- Are there specialised courses like SFX or prosthetic makeup in India?
Yes, students have the option to take special effects make up courses or prosthetic makeup programs to get into films, theater, TV, and OTT platforms with their newly acquired advanced skills.
- Can I pursue cosmetology courses after 12th instead of makeup-specific training?
Yes. Cosmetology courses after 12th provide a wide-ranging foundation in skin science, hair, nails, makeup, and beauty treatments, thus opening up a variety of career paths in the beauty industry roles.
- How do I become a certified makeup artist in India?
In order to become a certified makeup artist, you must finish one of the recognized makeup artist courses in India, then create a portfolio, work in the field with the experts and finally take the advanced certification for your credibility and career growth.
