Owing to the increasing disposable income and the positive impacts of social media and influencer marketing, accessibility to the world of cosmetics and aesthetic medicine is dramatically increasing. This, in turn, has also led to an accelerating demand for cosmetology and aesthetic medicine courses. While there is a significant upsurge in the number of educational institutes that offer hands-on industry knowledge, there are very few organizations that strive to leverage an advanced curriculum and infrastructure to create global-ready professionals. Renowned for its scientifically structured courses and smart learning platforms, Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup (ABAM) stands as a perfect example of those rare gems. Headquartered in Hyderabad, ABAM is regarded as one of the best makeup academies and is the third academy in India to be accredited by the International Makeup Association (IMA), London.

ABAM was founded by Aliya Baig, a pioneer in the worldwide cosmetic industry and a highly-acclaimed bridal makeup artist. Specialized in blending trends with tradition, which is reflected in her makeup endeavors, Aliya brings in 10+ years of extensive international work experience and a flair for redefining the industry. Run under her aegis, the institution is further driven by highly-qualified mentors and educators, who are, in fact, ABAM’s alumni with rich industry expertise. As a proud venture of such aficionados, the institute has positioned itself as one of the leading makeup institutes in India through its distinctive facilities and training methodologies. While the 3:1 student faculty ratio ensures a learner-centric education, the curriculum comprises a master program, professional programs, vocational courses, and 1-day workshops on a variety of subjects covering makeup, hair styling, and skin care. “ABAM has devised a wide array of intensive training courses suitable for aspiring makeup artists, existing professionals who like to upgrade their skills, or even a general makeup enthusiast who is looking to better their self-makeup techniques”, explains Aliya Baig. Located in Banjara Hills, the urban commercial locality in Hyderabad, ABAM is spread over 8800 square feet with a round the clock access controlled security system. Unlike other makeup academies, the institute houses a lounge, a fun zone, a kitchen, and a dining

area, which further enables a holistic wellness of the students.

A Look at the Point of Difference
As a trailblazer in the industry, ABAM owns the world’s first smart makeup classroom and is the seedbed for several cutting-edge learning systems, ranging from an advanced light simulator and interactive whiteboard to its proprietary Rouge Bank and Experiential Training Station. The light simulator creates an artificial environment of 2000 to 8000 Kelvin to treat acne and other aesthetic imperfections. ABAM’s experiential training station on the other hand, offers three dimensional educational materials and resources to enhance the learning experience. The Rouge Bank is distinctively marked by its AR-based magic mirror and a live makeup simulator, which help train the students to select the right product from the catalog of various luxury makeup brands. Powered by the digital classroom, ABAM offers a variety of industry-specific courses and learning platforms that impart theoretical and practical knowledge, while also aiding the professional development of the students. With separate areas for theory and practical practices, the institution also houses a fully automated auditorium, which is equipped with a smart board, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a wide space for a variety of seating arrangements. The mentors also supervise the learners’ growth through a Tablet-based e-performance management system and regular digital assessments, observation logs, assignments, and quizzes. ABAM also conducts workshop assistance programs to empower its alumni to run courses or workshops. Not just the advantages of quality learning, but there are a multitude of perks given to alumni, including discounts on products and courses. Claiming to have one of the highest spends in cosmetics procurement, the institute has partnered with multiple brands, which facilitate a volume discount.

Powered by the digital classroom, ABAM offers a variety of industry-specific courses & learning platforms that impart theoretical & practical knowledge, while also aiding the professional development of the students

One of the notable benefits, however, is the wide range of career opportunities at ABAM. Projecting a graduation rate of 94 percent and an average placement rate of 76 percent, the institution endows its graduates with prospective job opportunities at ABAM and studio as well as other brands through its diverse network of training and placement partners Vistara, Taj, Nykaa, MAC, HSBC, Urban Company, Sugar Cosmetics, Innisfree, and TEMPTU Pro. ABAM also holds an array of significant milestones and recognitions in its arsenal. Recently, the organization seized the limelight by onboarding a celebrity makeup artist, James Mac Inerney, as a Senior Faculty of SFX and Cinema Makeup. Thus, fueling the legacy of Aliya Baig, the institute is proactive in fulfilling her dream of bringing the best in the world makeup education into the Indian beauty industry.

Aliya Baig, Founder, ABAM
Celebrated for her bridal makeup artistry, Aliya Baig has trained over 250 students since she started her makeup courses in 2016. Having worked globally, she is claimed to be the first Indian to intern under Mario Dedivanovik in Hollywood and Georgy Kot from Russia. In addition, she also holds the reputation of being the only Indian makeup artist to be featured in Forbes and Vogue. She has over 2 million Instagram and Facebook followers and was named one of the top 40 bridal makeup artists in the world by DWHA magazine in 2020. She has also served as an ambassador for a number of big-ticket campaigns and brand launches, including Nykaa, Sugar Cosmetics, L'OREAL, and Maybelline.