Kryolan launches ABC academy to fulfil aspiring MUAs’ dreams in make-up artistry
Words | Preeti Kulkarni
The launch of the Academy of Beauty with Creativity (ABC) in Mumbai marks a significant development in professional make-up education in India. Powered by global makeup brand Kryolan, the academy offers structured, internationally aligned training for aspiring artists pursuing careers across beauty, fashion, film, and entertainment.
A Curriculum Beyond Traditional Beauty Schools
According to Klaudia Loretti Korolec, Chief Operating Officer of Kryolan India, the academy’s curriculum is what sets it apart from conventional beauty institutes.
“What makes ABC Academy for Beauty with Creativity different is that we do not focus only on beauty make-up. Our curriculum covers the full spectrum of professional make-up artistry, including special effects, prosthetics, body painting, theatre, avant-garde, fashion and bridal work,” she says.
The structure reflects international training standards. “In many ways, the program mirrors what students would experience in a two- or three-year professional make-up artist program in Germany,” Korolec explains.
Modular Learning and Hands-on Training
ABC follows a modular learning system that allows students to customise their training while still building a strong foundation in make-up artistry. “Students can choose specific modules based on their interests, whether that is bridal, fashion, SFX, prosthetics or body painting,” Korolec says. Students also gain access to Kryolan’s professional product range, enabling them to experiment with techniques used across film, theatre, fashion and special effects.
Building Careers Through Technique
Unlike many beauty courses that focus primarily on product knowledge, ABC prioritises technical mastery. “At ABC, our focus is on technique because techniques stay relevant regardless of which brand or products an artist may use,” Korolec explains.
A strong grounding in fundamentals—such as colour theory, skin preparation, lighting, texture and application methods—allows artists to adapt across different professional settings. “When artists understand the fundamentals, they can work confidently in any environment,” she says.
This approach ensures graduates remain versatile as they develop careers across the beauty and entertainment industries.
AI as a Creative Tool
Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence the beauty sector through tools such as virtual try-ons, digital content creation and trend forecasting. However, Korolec believes the craft of make-up artistry will remain human-led. “Artificial intelligence is already influencing the beauty industry in areas such as trend forecasting, virtual try-ons and digital content creation,” she says.
“However, make-up artistry ultimately remains a hands-on craft. Understanding facial anatomy, working with different skin types, adapting to lighting conditions and collaborating with photographers or directors are skills that technology cannot replace.”
The Advantage of Indian Make-up Artists
For Allen John, CEO of ABC Academy, Indian make-up artists already possess strong advantages in the global beauty industry.
“Indian make-up artists have a remarkable advantage in terms of creativity and versatility,” he says.
India’s diverse beauty landscape—from bridal traditions to fashion, cinema, editorial and television—exposes artists to a wide range of styles and aesthetics.
Professionals also develop technical expertise through experience working in varied climate conditions. “Artists often work in environments ranging from extreme heat and humidity to cooler climates, which requires a deep understanding of how make-up behaves on different skin types,” John explains.
Preparing Students for a Multi-Industry Future
Today’s beauty industry extends far beyond traditional salon services. Opportunities exist across fashion, film, television, theatre, advertising and digital content creation.
ABC’s curriculum reflects this evolving landscape. Students are trained in bridal make-up, fashion and editorial artistry, airbrush techniques, body painting, avant-garde styles, prosthetics, illusion make-up and special effects (SFX).
By exposing students to multiple disciplines, the academy aims to produce versatile artists capable of working across industries and creative platforms.
Kryolan’s Vision for India
For Wolfram Langer, Group CEO of Kryolan, education has always been central to the brand’s philosophy.
“For more than eight decades, Kryolan has worked closely with make-up artists across theatre, film, television, fashion and special effects, and supporting education has always been part of that mission,” he says.
India’s rapidly expanding beauty market made it a natural location for the initiative. “India is one of the most exciting and dynamic beauty markets in the world, with immense creative talent and a vibrant entertainment and fashion industry,” Langer adds.
A Long-term Vision
Looking ahead, ABC aims to establish a new benchmark for professional make-up education in India while nurturing globally competitive artists.
“The long-term vision for ABC is to establish a new benchmark for professional make-up education in India,” Langer says.
What Students Will Learn at ABC
- Bridal and beauty make-up
- Fashion and editorial artistry
- Airbrush techniques
- Body painting and avant-garde artistry
- Prosthetics and illusion make-up
- Theatre and performance make-up
- Special effects (SFX) techniques
