Noël fell into a job teaching airbrush makeup at a local beauty school in 2008 after working as a resident Makeup Artist for CHANEL. At the time, finding full-time employment as a freelance makeup artist was virtually impossible in her hometown of Albuquerque, NM. After weeks of searching and following a few Craigslist leads, Dalton was hired as an instructor at Urban Academy, initially working under MUA Ashlynne Padilla. It was then that her love of professional education was set in motion.

Noël decided to open her own studio in 2009 - a quaint and colorful 400 square foot store front in the heart of downtown Albuquerque. The Vanity Makeup Studio was the only one of its kind here in New Mexico. With an intense desire to elevate the game, she became known for her portfolio building workshops, which involved well known photographers from all around the USA. By offering these collaborative trainings to fellow beauty industry peers and aspiring makeup artists, she not only elevated the makeup artistry community in New Mexico - she created it.

Now boasting 15+ years of professional experience, Noël has worked with internationally published photographers, celebrities, hundreds of bridal parties and models across every major city in the country. Known for her artistic eye and precise attention to detail, she is able to beautifully transform each individual in a way that is subtle and profound. With a style that is colorful and ethereal; she's a pro at giving each client a magazine-worthy natural glow. Southwest Makeup Institute is the culmination of Noël’s creativity, love of makeup, and desire to help others achieve their dreams.

The Industry Leader in Makeup Artistry Education in New Mexico

SWMUI’s core mission is to offer quality makeup artistry education in all fields, taught only by expert MUAs actively in the industry. Our instructors generously share their passion, knowledge, and expertise with our students; creating a solid launchpad for their own career growth and longevity. The relationships and connections made in school turn into beautiful, thriving job opportunities: The beauty of learning from the best makeup artists in Albuquerque and Santa Fe!

SWMUI also boasts the only professional makeup artist certification program in Albuquerque, and is proud to have established and upheld a set of high expectations for students, instructors, and quality of makeup artistry curriculum since the school’s founding in 2019. Though the makeup school is based in Albuquerque, students travel in from all over the 4-corners area to experience this expertly-led, comprehensive education and professional development program.

Our trainings have a strong emphasis on the long term health of each student’s career – not only will they graduate with the foundation of their portfolio completed, they receive opportunities to work in real-world settings with expert professional makeup artists as part of our shadowing program. These opportunities range from bridal, commercial and editorial photoshoots to Opera and small-scale production work. Our 12 week professional makeup artist certification program graduates also receive 1/2 (15) of the required days to enter the thriving NM Film industry with the IATSE Local 480. Contact us for more information, or to set up a tour!