QC Makeup Academy Feature: Charlotte Albert

Why did you decide to go into makeup artistry? What pushed you to start your makeup career?

I’ve always been so in love with makeup and being able to enhance natural features. I went to a private school where having a skill in hair and makeup didn’t really count… so I never really felt I’d found what I was good at. Two years ago I decided to do what I love, so I started working at a skincare counter while doing the professional Makeup Artistry course with QC. When I felt I’d had the experience and had the skills I needed, not just with makeup but with the business side as well, I started up on my own! I just realized I had to do what I was passionate about.

What are a few of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while starting your makeup business?

I’m absolutely useless with technology! I’m really lucky to know talented people who helped me set up my website, edit videos and keep track of figures. Sometimes I find it a little overwhelming creating spreadsheets and trying to do everything perfectly, I can try to do 100 things at once and I need to learn to focus on one thing at a time.

If you could only create one makeup look for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I LOVE a beachy, bronzy, glowy look – does that make sense?!

I always try to achieve natural looking skin, the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is my favorite as a base with an illuminating primer underneath. I love warm tones on the eyes, feathered brows, highlighter and a glossy lip. I’m obsessed with Ania Milczarczyk and get so much inspiration from her.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

In your first year everything is so exciting. When I had my first bridal booking I literally jumped around in excitement, it felt so good so know someone I’d never met had faith in me to do her makeup on her wedding day. Things move so quickly and a couple of months ago I was asked to do makeup for the editorial in Surf Girl Magazine. It was a 6 page spread and seeing the magazine on the shelf with my name in it was an amazing achievement for me.

Photographer: Lizzie Churchill

Where do you see yourself and your business in a few years?

I just want it to keep growing! I’m so happy and things are headed in the right direction. Next month I’m going to London to train to do LVL lash lifts so I can offer this service as well as makeup. I really want to be a trusted and respected makeup artist.

How do you think QC Makeup Academy’s courses prepared you for working as a professional makeup artist?

QC takes you right back to basics, I think that’s really important. It’s the basic skills that everything comes back to and it’s good to remind yourself of these. The recorded feedback was great, Nathan picked up on EVERYTHING and you really do learn from what he says.

Although I learnt so much about makeup application, the course really helped me with the legal side of things. I have all the professional documents from QC saved on my laptop and have used them as templates. There’s things I would never have even thought of, so I could have had a lawsuit on my hands at some point!

Will you tell us your favorite makeup product of 2017 so far?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow has been a staple of mine for years, it’s so easy to apply, stays on all day and you can get a natural look or a fuller brow if you fancy it.

I also love the Laura Geller Baked Split Highlighter Duo (Portofino and French Vanilla), I use the Portofino down the nose, and on the cupids bow as it is a softer highlight and French Vanilla on the high points of the cheekbones to give a more intense glow. This highlighter is my favorite for brides.

Ready to start your own makeup career? Find out the top high-paying careers for makeup artists and aim for the stars!