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Ministry-approved title: Cosmetic Techniques and Management
Success in the cosmetic industry requires both creativity and business expertise. The Cosmetic Techniques and Management program develops both through practical training in beauty techniques and applied business learning.
Hands-on training in makeup artistry is combined with in-demand techniques such as hair styling and lash extensions, alongside business and marketing knowledge. This integrated approach supports the development of both creative and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in a fast-moving industry.
Career pathways include work behind the scenes in television, media, and photography, support roles in fashion and live production environments, retail beauty management, and opportunities to launch independent beauty businesses. Graduates leave prepared to contribute creatively and professionally across a wide range of roles within the cosmetic industry, with the skills to build, grow, and adapt within an evolving field.
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A diploma in cosmetic techniques and management opens doors to many exciting career opportunities in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as makeup artist, beauty consultant or retail manager. With makeup application, marketing, and customer service skills, you’ll be equipped to work for leading beauty brands, manage retail environments, or even launch your own business.
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The Cosmetic Techniques and Management program prepares graduates for careers in the fast-paced and growing cosmetics and personal care industry, with opportunities spanning makeup artistry and hairstyling for special events, photography and media, beauty retail, brand management, as well as brow enhancement and lash extension services. The program builds the comprehensive skills needed to thrive in this competitive field.
Using a holistic approach, the program combines creative practice with technical and business training. Students work in state-of-the-art labs to develop both fundamental and advanced cosmetic application skills, including makeup for media and events, creative and period styling, special effects, hairstyling, lash extensions, and brow enhancement. These applied learning experiences support confidence across a range of settings – from bridal and editorial work to theatrical and performance environments.
Colour theory, skincare analysis, and product knowledge deepen professional understanding and strengthen the ability to make informed recommendations tailored to client needs and industry standards.
Alongside technical training, emphasis is placed on cosmetic retailing, customer service, marketing for makeup artists, event planning, business communications, and entrepreneurial skills. Together, these areas prepare graduates to work as professional makeup artists, manage teams, operate independent businesses, or contribute to marketing and brand development within the beauty industry.
Industry exposure is built into the learning experience through a field placement, providing direct connection with employers and professionals. In the final semester, collaboration with a professional photographer supports the development of a professional portfolio, helping graduates showcase their work and pursue future opportunities in the field.
In order to participate in the lab component of the program uniforms must be worn at all times. Students must meet the pre-lab requirements as described below.
To be eligible for the lab/placement component of the program, students must provide the following (at their expense):
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for DC Spa Lab for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV). There is a cost associated with this external agency of $52.50. Please refer to the Cosmetic Techniques and Management Program ERV Information Package for details.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
Durham College is a member of Cosmetics Alliance Canada.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC. Students are responsible to ensure they are not duplicating their GNED or FNMI selections as per their diploma requirements. For a successful program completion, students must have successfully completed three unique elective courses as per their program of study.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Program fees listed include charges for student kit learning materials and uniform retained by the student. These items are non-refundable once received and will remain the property of the student.
The Cosmetic Techniques and Management program prepares graduates to excel in a variety of rewarding roles within the cosmetics industry. With hands-on training in advanced makeup application techniques, hairstyling, skincare preparation, lash extensions and brow enhancements, combined with expertise in marketing, customer service, and retail management, graduates are well-equipped to thrive in diverse professional settings.
Whether working behind the scenes on TV sets and photoshoots, as a lash and brow artist, managing beauty counters for global brands, or building a personal client base as an independent freelance make-up artist for weddings and special events, this program provides the tools to succeed in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
In the final semester, students engage directly with employers and industry professionals, building valuable connections while gaining first-hand exposure to the cosmetics industry. This experience provides the opportunity to work alongside practicing artists and managers in real-world environments, strengthening practical skills and supporting future career pathways and advancement within the field.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
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Rachael is a Professor and Program Coordinator at Durham College, and Make-up Artist with 20 years of diverse industry experience. Her expertise in special effects character work has been prominently featured at Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland since 2006. As well as her passion for creativity, Rachael holds two degrees and a master’s and dedicated to academic excellence.
Natasha Facchini, a Makeup Artist with extensive expertise in the Cosmetics Retail Industry, has held multifaceted roles including Beauty Manager, Senior Beauty Operations Specialist, Freelance and Key Makeup Artist. Notably, Natasha’s commitment to exceptional service earned her the prestigious Beauty’s Best Award for Best Customer Service in a Drug Store.
Marisa, a Professor at Durham College since 2018, brings over 30 years of Esthetics and Cosmetics experience to her teaching. She is also a Cidesco member and former entrepreneur. Marisa has coached students to gold and silver medals at the Skills Ontario and Skills Canada competitions, showcasing her commitment to excellence and student success.
Jennifer Van Assche has over 25 years in the cosmetics industry, including 5 years specializing in lashes. She's worked with high-end salons and prestigious brands. For the past three years, she's been an instructor at Durham College, sharing her expertise in creativity, precision, and client care with her students.
With 36 years dedicated to luxury cosmetics, Nancy Vlahos is a seasoned professional with a flair for excellence. With a further 12 years enriching minds at post-secondary level, their expertise spans sales, business development, event coordination, fragrance, makeup artistry, and esthetics. A maestro of luxury, they blend knowledge and passion seamlessly.
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