Module 4: High Fashion Makeup and Body Painting

This module is part of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at IMUA and explores high fashion makeup within runway, editorial, and conceptual design contexts. In this module, you will examine how lighting, styling, and creative collaboration influence fashion makeup outcomes, and how historical, cultural, and artistic references inform contemporary makeup design.

You will develop advanced creative skills through the design and application of high-impact fashion looks, ranging from classic Hollywood glamour to experimental and avant-garde styles. The module also introduces body painting as an expressive and industry-relevant discipline, exploring its origins, modern applications, and role within fashion, editorial, and performance-based environments.

In addition, you will gain practical knowledge of the complete body painting process, including tools and equipment, design development, preparation, application, and safe removal of body paint. Work health and safety considerations are emphasised throughout, ensuring professional, ethical, and safe practice. By the end of Module 4, you will be able to design and execute creative fashion and body painting concepts that meet professional standards and support collaborative creative projects.

Module 4 Preview — High Fashion Makeup and Body Painting

Why This Module Matters

High fashion makeup is about pushing boundaries. For MUAs, it’s an opportunity to explore artistry at its most expressive while learning to collaborate with designers and creative teams.

Explore how lighting impacts fashion makeup.
Learn to collaborate with designers and creative teams.
Experiment with art-, culture-, and history-inspired looks.
Develop a portfolio of high-impact makeup designs.

By the end, you’ll be confident conceptualising bold looks and executing them for runway and editorial settings.

As part of the Diploma, this module features assignments, written knowledge questions, portfolio development, and exclusive content designed to build your knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence throughout the makeup artistry course.

What You’ll Learn

Photographic vs Catwalk Makeup
Learn how photographic and runway makeup differ and how lighting shapes your designs.
Lighting & Makeup Design
Understand key lighting types and adjust your makeup to suit each environment.
Avant-Garde & Cultural Inspiration
Explore artistic, cultural, and historical styles, such as Geisha, Wodaabe, and Rococo.
Introduction to Body Painting
Explore the origins, uses, and contemporary applications of body painting, including tools and work health and safety considerations.
Creative Collaboration
Learn how to collaborate with fashion designers and creative teams to create cohesive looks.

What You’ll Do

Differentiate Makeup for the Runway
Differentiate between photographic and runway makeup applications.
Adapt Makeup for Lighting Conditions
Adapt your makeup designs to work effectively under different lighting setups.
Design Avant-Garde & Cultural Looks
Design and apply avant-garde, cultural, or historically inspired high fashion makeup.
Design and Apply Body Painting
Plan, prepare, apply, and safely remove a body painting design, following professional and work health and safety standards.
Collaborate on Creative Concepts
Collaborate with designers and creative teams to present a cohesive final concept.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
CUAMUP411 – Design, apply and remove make-up
CUAMUP413 – Style hair for productions
CUAMUP512 – Design and apply specialised make-up
CUAMUP513 – Design and apply special make-up effects
BSBCRT413 – Collaborate in creative processes

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Topics

In Module 4, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Photographic vs. Catwalk Makeup
Key Differences
How Lighting Effects Makeup
Understanding Lighting Types
Coloured Filters
Styles of Makeup for the Catwalk
Hollywood Glamour and Avant-Garde
Working with Fashion Designers
Collaborating with a Team
Designing for a Fashion Show
Creating Looks for the Catwalk
High Fashion Makeup Demonstrations
Various Styles Explained
Culture Inspired Makeup: Geisha
Culture Inspired Makeup: Wodaabe Tribe
Art Inspired Makeup: Birth of Venus
Theatre Inspired Makeup: Ballerina

Historical Period Inspired Makeup: 1960s
Historical Period Inspired Makeup: Rococo
Body Painting
What is Body Painting?
What are its Uses?
Body Painting Festivals
Indigenous Origins of Body Painting Around the World
Examples of Modern Body Painting
Tools & Equipment Used for Body Painting
Work Health & Safety Considerations for Body Painting
Designing a Body Painting
Body Painting Preparation
Body Painting Makeup
How to Remove Body Paint

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 4, you will be able to:

Differentiate between photographic, runway, and editorial makeup applications.
Adapt makeup and body painting designs to suit varied lighting conditions and creative contexts.
Design and apply avant-garde, cultural, and historically inspired high fashion makeup looks.
Design and execute body painting concepts using safe, professional practices.
Collaborate with fashion designers and creative teams to deliver cohesive visual concepts.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will support you in experimenting with bold designs, guiding you in refining both your technical application and creative vision. Their mentorship will help you grow as an innovative, fashion-ready artist.