ChicStudios NYC – School of Makeup

In love with Chic Studios. Not only is the staff amazing (Instructors Ruthie and Johnny are bomb!!) but the curriculum, level of patience and encouragement are great as well. I attended the 4 week Professional Makeup Artistry Course in June 2015 and left feeling more confident and inspired to book gigs and freelance more consistently on my own. Staying in contact with Christina (Senior Director) has been extremely beneficial to solidifying work and being active. Long story short, looking for classes? Just go here!

Amazing!!! Graduated over 2 years ago and they still are right there sending emails letting you know what’s going on out there. Still trying to get you on the field and get that experience that you need. Gigs, workshops, & classes. Truly amazing with amazing people!

ChicStudios is an amazing Makeup School! I have attended their Free Makeup Workshops and have nothing but the best experience! From speaking to previous grads, they all have such positive things to say about their experience in class and once they graduate! I would highly recommend to anyone to attend school here, as that their instructors have such knowledge in the Makeup industry and they are constantly providing working opportunities for their grads.

***PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTENDING CHIC STUDIOS ***
Small disclaimer: I’ve been internally fighting with myself for a while wether to post this review or not. After some months of re-​playing most of these coincidences in the back of my mind I’ve chosen to share my experience. I met many great people here and we all had some laughs but theres just some things a professional environment shouldn’t have. I recently attend the Master Class at Chic Studios. Now, this is not meant to bash the school. I’m only giving my honest opinion on how my experience was. I’ve also gone through the trouble of logging into my old; unused Unilocal account to write this review. Thats truly how mad I am for letting me look past the scam this place really is.
I was very much into makeup prior to attending Chic. Of course I learned quite a bit more about it but I found myself nodding in agreement to most of what the instructors were saying due to watching youtube videos, learning from makeup counters and just basic common sense. I mean, a full class day on how to do the «no makeup look»? C’mon…
I came to Chic studios when money was tight so the over $ 4,000 tuition was no joke for me to pay up front. I don’t see how anyone has $ 4,000 to throw around no matter their financial situation but regardless thats just too much looking back at the pros and cons of attending Chic. They give you some decent makeup to start off I’ll give them that with but then you can use some in-​school products as well that they don’t provide for you. I was also told that financial aid was not available at all for the school. A week after my graduation I received an email saying it was now available. Funny how it just popped up, right? Imagine the fury that boiled in my body… now times that by 100. Strange things people do for an extra buck. I was NOT told that they were considering adding a financial aid option to the school. I felt so used.
I also wasn’t aware that you didn’t HAVE to take all additional courses on the Master program. It includes a hair course which I wasn’t too excited to take but I figured since it came with it, what the hell. Turns out I could’ve saved money on that too. The hair instructor was Angela Calisti. Thats C-​A-​L-​I-​S-​T-​I. I believe she doesn’t work there anymore and for a good reason let me tell you. We has the class for only two days, sure, but she didn’t even show up to the second day! She was quite spacey and delusional. Theres mirrors everywhere in the classroom so the occasional «checking yourself out» is unavoidable. But the girl… you could be in the middle of asking her a question and she would be in the mirror poofing up her hair and checking her makeup. She would walk around the classroom watching herself walk in the mirror. So.so.so.weird. She sat in the chair while she had a snack and played with her phone. Meanwhile, I’m the kind of girl who’s rocking the messy bun everyday I didn’t have a clue what I was doing when it comes to hair. She made the extra attention I asked for seem like a chore that was breaking her back. She has her own salon in Manhattan and I will practically beg you not to go to it. Don’t support this woman seeing as though she would’t take the time to support me.
I also want to comment on one instructor. I won’t mention her name since she wasn’t quite as rude as the hair instructor was. I once asked what was the best way to look into special effects makeup and get started working in that field. The instructor told me that it was a waste of time and money. That computers are basically taking over that kind of makeup. I agree to an extent, however there are things that a computer just can’t do. In my eyes, you shouldn’t be speaking to a person like that let alone someone who’s ******PAYING FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION********
Now I ask you, do you expect a future in the makeup industry? «Well why wouldn’t I» you may say, «I spent all this money on my diploma.» Truth is you don’t need a certificate in the state of NY. Its just an expensive piece of paper for show. Theres better ways to getting an education on this topic, I ABSOLUTELY PROMISE YOU.

This was an amazing experience, it was a dream come true.
What can I say: large makeup kit, big clean spacious rooms, great location, great vibe.
They are very good with working with your schedule, I was in the night class then I needed to move to day class.
Everybody at ChicStudios made feel like I belong there.
Cristina made so easy from the first day, always with a smile and ready to answer any question.
I was lucky to have Ruthie Weems as my instructor for the 4 week course.
She is so talented and so patient, great at demonstrating different technics and really helpful whenever I struggled.
She is an amazing teacher, always smiling and joking .
I also had the the chance to learn from Shaun and Tim both really awesome.
I would do it again and I would recommend it to everybody who is interested to learn about makeup.
I’m planing to go back and take more
classes in the future.

Chic is a great school with industry leading makeup artists as instructors. What I love most about the studio is its open space and great layout. Each classroom has great lighting, super clean, and a very artsy feel. By the first week students are already learning basic makeup and practicing on each other. I love the hands on vibe in at the school, giving each and every student a lot of time to perfect their technique. I definitely think Chic is a great choice for people who are starting their careers off in makeup and want to start it off right! For makeup artists who are already in the industry, Chic does offer advanced classes and training in fashion, TV, and airbrush makeup so everyone can benefit from the curriculum.

Chic Studios rocks.
As an experienced New York photographer I’ve worked with many makeup artists throughout New York and Los Angeles. All I can say is Chic Studios is on top of their game.
Giving them a great recommendations is the least I can do, for their fabulous work.
Peter Koloff…

My experience at CHIC was amazing from the start. Courteous, professional and always willing to go the extra mile, the staff… administrative and teachers alike, we’re incredible attentive, informative and looking out to make sure your experience was an excellent one…
The classes were great .and students get to learn by listening, observing and most importantly, doing… lots of hands on makeup application experience in a variety of areas. The ciriculum does a good job of exposing you to all faucets of the industry so you can get an idea of which area is best for you. I would highly recommend the school for anyone starting. out and looking to explore a career in. makeup artistry!

Awesome location, knowledgable teachers, clean learning environment… what more could you ask for? Chic can offer you the skills and work ethic you will need to be a professional makeup artist on set of photo/​video shoots, events, and much more. I love how you can also take further education classes here if you want to specialize in certain aspects of makeup. I find the body painting and airbrush classes to be exceptionally fun! I really love they offer basic hair classes as well because I find these days on set of photoshoots, wether you’re doing your own shoot for your portfolio or getting paid to work on someone’s shoot… you might have to be a jack of all trades and it’s very handy to know how to do it all. I really can’t say enough good things about the instructors at Chic… especially Ruthie, Jonny, & Shaun :) Christina is amazing and everyone so helpful! If you are looking to learn and improve your skills at any level… I highly recommend Chic Studios NYC! You will get images for your portfolio as well as once you’ve graduated you get mailings on job alerts! Who could ask for more ;)

My experience at Chic studios was nothing less than AMAZING. I had the joy of having the lovely Angelique as my head instructor for the 4 week course. She was so patient and informative without ever being boring or seeming as we annoyed her. Even when struggling through the «ugly stage» she’s super helpful.
Our sexy Chola Ruthie is great at demonstrating different techniques as well as seeing our futures. She really took the time to address which areas we excel in and what field may better suit us. That really made an impact on me that she took time to really think this out. Many schools just want to pump out students but at Chic they really care about our careers and future.
Christina is like the absolute best «principal» ever. She’s there always impeccably dressed n her office always ready with a smile and an answer to any question we should have. So great.
Let’s not forget about the fabulous men of Chic who are freaking amazing makeup artist and demonstrated so many different techniques and perspectives on makeup that I felt ready to go and karate chop a chick with cream blush contour for the gods and create a pop princess from a video I’ve just watched.
Overall my experience at Chic was marvelous. I would do it a million times over if I could. They were all oh so helpful and insightful. Along with the people I have actually met there is the Chic community after graduating. Rebecca is great at answering emails right away if needed. She also regularly post different opportunities to all graduates. I have worked on a four show off broadway play thanx to Chic. And my future seems brighter thanx to them.
I love everyone down at Chic and intend on taking every opportunity coming my way.
See u guys at the open house. LUV U!!!
Jas!

I attended Chic Studios NYC 3 years ago. Back then it was located in Dumbo, Brooklyn, great location!
I did 4 weeks basic course with Angelique and 2 day air brush course with Johny.
First, I though price was great. Honestly, it was a bargain.
The course included color theory, sanitation, basic makeup application, bridal makeup, lots of hands on practice, and also advice about looking for a job and beauty business. At the end of the course, we did a photo shoot and got some great images for our portfolio. Angelique was great, patient, friendly, knowledgable and inspiring. Johny was great too, he compliments his students, it was great to hear positive feedback. And Christina, sooo friendly and helpful!
After completing the course, all the students are included in Chic Studios community which I love! They email you job offers, events … etc.
I have a cosmetology license and did some makeup already, I’m confident with hair but didn’t feel confident enough to call myself makeup artist yet. After 4 weeks at Chic Studios, I was totally ready to be paid for my makeup skills. And actually, I got my first paid makeup job on the independent movie set while I was still at Chic Studios. Chic Studios makeup kit was more than enough for that job. I started to offer makeup to my hair clients straight away and made the money I spent on school back in no time. Chic Studios is a great investment in yourself, in your career, whether you are a beginner, or more advanced, it will give you confidence to go out there and start making money as a makeup artist. And the school doesn’t just end when you leave. Chic Studios community is AWESOME! They will help you find a full time job or free fun networking gig or a paid gig. The opportunities are endless. I can honestly say that Chic studios changed my life. Since graduating I did makeup for TV, advertising, off broadway shows, some celebrities. I do hair and makeup now everyday and I LOVE it. There is a lot of makeup work in NYC, and being a makeup artist and hairstylist you’ll always find work here. Highly recommended.

I am a professional artist based out of Connecticut and own multiple storefronts in New Haven and I must say as an artist and professional I am EXTREMELY pleased with the classes at Chic Studios.
The hair class is the best investment for an artist who would like to break into styling.
The studio is clean, great lighting and my instructor Angela is not only talented but fun and easy to interact with. If you are an artist and would like to further your education and skills I highly recommend taking classes.

I attended Chic Makeup School a few years back for the one week beauty course. It was informative and covered everything that someone would need to know in order to start their own beauty business. The staff was supportive and the school provides ongoing support to all their graduates. Since I attended, they have added new courses and expanded. I imagine that they have only gotten better.

I’m a recent CHIC grad of January’14– and I must say I loved my experience. The instructors are amazing (especially the night instructor Ruthie) and yes the classes are all day but you really don’t feel the time pass by. The teach you well beyond the basics of applying makeup to clients– I learned things like set etiquette at a fashion show, how to network and set up my own business along with bridal makeup, ethnic makeup, time period makeup and more. A pretty large kit (much of with I use on my clients to this day) is included in the tuition, although they welcome you to add your own products. My favorite thing about CHIC is that your relationship with the school
doesn’t end come graduation– CHIC grads are given the opportunity do a plethora of gigs and workshop !

I recently started taking the 28 hour customized makeup artistry class with Chic Studios and I love it! I have been wanting to get into cosmetics/​beauty for several years, but never made the move to actually take classes. I was having a really hard time finding a makeup school that had weekend classes since I have a 9 – 5 during the week. Most schools have day or — a evening course over a long period of time. Luckily I found Chic online doing research right when I was about to give up. I read these reviews and honestly was not sure what to expect. I have found the classes to be so informative and the instructors Johnny and Shaun are ah-​mazing. Christina who runs the school is also a sweetheart. They are wonderful with working with your schedule. You get live models to work on, and the kit they give you helps with a base for your own business. I am learning so much and I am very happy I decided to take the course and become a certified makeup artist! Regarding some of the other reviews about it being overpriced and not learning much… I personally feel the class is competitively priced in regards to what is out there, I feel that I am paying for the 1:1 attention etc, the advice/​knowledge I’ve been given from the instructors to me is priceless and has taught me a tremendous amount even though I haven’t completed yet. I highly recommend Chic and I am already planning on taking more classes when I am completed.

I bought a Unilocal deal for a 3 hour makeup workshop. Good for getting the basics of a makeup routine down, or for improving your makeup routine. Make sure to bring your questions and all your gear to ensure you get the most out of it.

I didn’t learn much during this class, however, the teacher was awesome. As someone else stated, what you learn from here you can learn at home or probably even more from a youtube video. The lessons was VERY basic and meant for someone with absolutely NO beauty knowledge. If at minimum, you can apply mascara or lipgloss, this class is not for you.

Overpriced and honestly what you learn from here you can learn at home. Better yet go to a makeup counter at MAC and you will learn the same thing.

I am living the dream thanks to Chic Studios and its founder Amy Nicole!!!
Ever since I was a young girl I loved make-​up! I never thought it could become my profession and actually make me MONEY! and LOTS of it!!! Believe me if I can do it then you can too!!!
I felt compelled to write a review about Chic Studios as there are not many on the net and I didn’t want people to be put off from going there because of that. I also didn’t want people to be put off from going there because it is much cheaper than other schools in the area. I always believed that cheap meant second rate but I can say without a doubt that this is not the case with Chic Studios.
Amy taught me to apply make-​up with a confidence. Hygiene is of paramount importance at Chic. I am definitely one of the most hygienic make-​up artists out there and I love Chic for teaching me that. It is definitely noted and appreciated by all the models and clients I have worked with. I have yet to take any of the add on courses but I can’t wait to. If like me you are oohing and ahhing about heading to Chic I would say DO IT. I had the best time on my course, met some great people. Friends for life. Such great friends that one of the girls is now my business partner!

I’m a total beauty junkie and when I saw an ad on craiglist from Chic Studios looking for models in exchange for a makeover and free products I jumped at the chance. I was a little leery at first since I couldn’t find much info about the school but once I got there I was totally put at ease!
The students and teachers were so friendly and made me feel comfortable. The makeover took about an hour and a half and the student working on me was so nice. She answered all my questions and gave me a couple of tips that I’m totally going to incorporate into my daily makeup routine.
As for the makeover: Not to toot my own horn but I looked amazing! She gave me this natural Drew Barrymore type look and I was so in awe that I didn’t want to wash my face at night and become boring old me again.
If you ever get a chance to be a makeup model for this school, I say jump cause their students know what they are doing plus the teachers couldn’t stop saying how amazing I looked and what wonderful eyes I had. Total ego boost!
If you’re interested in learning to apply makeup or a career as a beautician, the school offers a three week course in Brooklyn. Call or email for prices and more info.
FYI: They are always looking for makeup models during the week. You get a free makeover, samples and a discount coupon if you want to take the three week class. Contact the school to get on their email listserv.