French Fashion University Esmod (FFUE) Dubai recently introduced make-up programmes into its curriculum to capitalise on the expected 38 per cent growth of the beauty sector in 2009 over 2008.

FFUE Dubai is the UAE branch of the pioneering international fashion institution French Fashion University Esmod in Paris.

The classes, which will be available as weekday and weekend sessions, are aimed at students who wish to join the beauty industry, particularly as professional make-up artists.

The latest FFUE Dubai offering complements the region’s growing beauty products market, which is expected to reach $2.9 billion in 2009. The UAE segment alone is expected to hit $898.4 million, with Dubai accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the market.

“Beauty products and services are highly sought especially in the Gulf, where around 60 per cent of the population is under 25 years old,” said Tamara Hostal, founder and director, FFUE.

“Add to this a rising fashion sense throughout the region and you have a potentially strong growth market. We have augmented our curriculum with courses that will teach best techniques and practices that will provide aspiring makeup artists with the necessary skills to excel in what is emerging as a popular and profitable profession,” she added.

The new programme covers professional fashion, personal, special effects, and air brush make-up techniques, as well as skin care. The necessary skills will be taught through theoretical and practical exercises.

Students will learn essential topics such as fashion, bridal and cinema production make-up, corrective make-up techniques and day and evening make-up with emphasis on eyes, nose, lips and cheeks.

Professional make-up artist, special effects make-up artist, and self make-up certificates will be given upon course completion. The programme is part of the university’s strategy of supporting emerging talent in the region and helping aspiring fashionistas realise their ambitions.

FFUE Dubai will also officially sponsor the Beauty Queens featured at the Beauty World Middle East 2009 exhibition taking place from June 7 to 9 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre to further promote the personal beauty sector. – TradeArabia News Service