Module 1: Makeup Products & Equipment

This foundational module introduces you to the world of makeup artistry and is part of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at IMUA, an internationally accredited program aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5 and regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). As a Diploma student, you will gain not only professional recognition but also access to exclusive resources and personalised guidance from highly specialised tutors.

Module 1 introduces the essential products, brushes, tools, and equipment used by professional makeup artists and explains how each item functions within industry practice. You will develop a clear understanding of different product types, application tools, and kit components, as well as how to select, organise, and maintain them for professional use. This module also introduces face charts and their role in planning, testing, and communicating makeup designs before application.

You will explore colour theory from a makeup artistry perspective, learning how colour, undertones, and contrast influence makeup outcomes across different faces and contexts. Alongside this, the module places strong emphasis on professional hygiene, safety, and best-practice procedures, including correct sanitisation of tools and products and maintaining a safe working environment. These foundational skills underpin all practical work throughout the course and are essential for meeting professional and industry standards.

Why This Module Matters

Every professional makeup artist begins with a solid understanding of their tools and products. By learning what belongs in a professional kit, how to use brushes and tools effectively, and how to maintain proper hygiene, you’ll establish habits that support your artistry throughout your career.

• Recognise and use a wide variety of makeup products and brushes.
• Build confidence in the essentials of a professional makeup kit.
• Practise hygienic and safe application techniques.
• Understand colour theory and apply it to makeup looks.
• Use face charts as a creative planning and design tool.

By the end of this module, you’ll know your kit inside and out and be ready to apply your knowledge safely and creatively.

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

• Makeup Products & Tools
  Explore essential brushes, tools, and products used in core makeup techniques.
• Makeup Kit Essentials & Hygiene
  Build a pro kit and follow key hygiene practises for safe, high-quality application.
• Colour Theory for Makeup Artists
  Learn core colour principles and apply them to create balanced, impactful looks.
• Face Charts
  Use face charts to plan, design, and practise makeup looks before application.

What You’ll Do

• Core Traits & Hygiene Skills
  Learn the key traits of a successful MUA and essential hygiene standards.
• Select Products for a Professional Kit
  Choose core kit products and understand their purpose in application.
• Skin Prep & Application Skills
  Prepare and apply foundation, concealer, and powder for a range of skin types.
• Analyse Application Sequences
  Compare two sequences and build confident, consistent workflow habits.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

• CUAIND512 – Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
• CUAPPR515 – Establish and maintain safe creative practice
• CUAPPR411 – Realise a creative project
• CUAMUP411 – Design, apply and remove make-up
• CUAMUP413 – Style hair for productions
• CUAMUP414 – Style wigs and hairpieces for productions
• CUAMUP512 – Design and apply specialised make-up
• CUAMUP513 – Design and apply special make-up effects
• CUAMUP614 – Create prosthetics for special makeup effects
• BSBESB402 – Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
• CUADES412 – Interpret and respond to a design brief
• CUADES511 – Implement design solutions

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 Outcomes

By completing Module 1, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate professional hygiene, safety, and sanitation practices in makeup application.
• Apply colour theory principles to design balanced and effective makeup looks.
• Prepare and apply foundation, concealer, and powder for a range of skin types and conditions.
• Use face charts to plan, practise, and document makeup applications.
• Identify and select the essential products and tools required for a professional makeup artistry kit.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by our expert makeup artistry tutors. They are here to help you understand both the artistry and professionalism of kit building. From selecting products to refining your brushwork, they’ll ensure you feel confident and supported as you begin your journey into makeup artistry.