Complexion Diversity Makeup Workshop

Course Name: Complexion Diversity Makeup Workshop

Date the course commences: Sunday 28th June

Duration:1 Day

Cost: Free

Venue Location: Limerick (TBC)

Tutor(s): Fiona Connon & Janet Babalola

Workshop Profile:

This workshop will run from 10:00 – 16:00.

This in-person course is delivered by the National Talent Academies: Film & TV Crew Academy South 
The aim of the course is to provide makeup artists with the practical knowledge, confidence, and technical skills required to work professionally and respectfully with a full range of skin tones and complexions across live-action Film & TV Drama and unscripted productions.

The workshop focuses on addressing gaps in traditional makeup training by centring melanin-rich skin, inclusive colour theory, and industry-standard practices for diverse casts and contributors. Emphasis will be placed on both practical application and professional on-set etiquette to ensure artists are fully prepared for real-world working environments.

Workshop Content:

• Colour correction techniques for melanin-rich skin across all ethnicities, including undertones, hyperpigmentation, and balancing complexion on camera
• Basic lighting considerations and station setup to support accurate shade matching and application for diverse skin tones
• Makeup room etiquette, including organisation, hygiene, and professional conduct in shared and fast-paced production environments
• Inclusive and culturally aware etiquette when working with diverse performers and crew
• Kit breakdown, including essential products, tools, and considerations for supporting a wide range of complexions

Participant Profile:

This course is aimed at qualified makeup artists who want to work, or who are currently working, in the live-action Film & TV Drama and unscripted TV industry.

Participants should have a basic professional makeup qualification or equivalent experience and an interest in expanding their skillset to work confidently and competently with diverse complexions in an industry-standard setting.

Film & TV Crew South is managed by Film in Limerick

The course is limited to 12 participants

Application Procedure:

Please apply online at this LINK by 5pm on Monday 25th May 2026

For technical difficulties with the online system please email rachael.power@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Selection on courses/programmes will be based on the quality of the application and industry experience relevant to the course and participant profile.  We do not accept CVs so please make sure you outline all relevant experience in the application form. 

Film & TV Crew Academy courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Tutor Profiles: 

Fiona Connon is a Make Up Designer with over 30 years’ experience across film, fashion and theatre. She began her career in Ireland before spending more than 20 years in Los Angeles, working extensively on major film productions and as a personal makeup artist to leading actors. She returned to Dublin in 2020 and continues to design for film in Ireland. Her international career has allowed her to work worldwide, collaborating with diverse creative teams and developing a wide range of screen-focused techniques.

Credits include: Father Mother Brother Sister, Wedding Crashers, Starsky & Hutch, A Good Day to Die Hard, Truth, Alien: Covenant, Domino, A Big Year, Irish Wish, Shanghai Knights, Behind Enemy Lines.

Janet Babalola is a professionally trained makeup artist specialising in deeper skin tones, with a particular focus on complexion‑led makeup for photography and professional environments. She is known for creating seamless, skin‑like finishes that translate effectively on screen across a wide range of complexions. Janet is now expanding into education, with a focus on supporting makeup artists to build confidence, technical skill, and cultural awareness when working with deeper skin tones.