Sarah Cavanagh

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi there! My name is Elly and I am a proud student here at QC Makeup Academy. I’m 22 years old, Maltese and Australian, and am incredibly passionate about both makeup and skincare.

A fun fact about me: I’m so tall that if my hair is in a bun, I’m too tall to sit up straight in my car!  

You actually started your journey with an interest in skincare services. What is it about skincare consulting that appeals to you?

I developed adult acne after high school and quickly realized that I didn’t know how to take care of my skin. Acne can be painful mentally and physically. So, for the past 5 years, I’ve been researching as much as I can about healing the skin, and have been working in the retail beauty industry.

Once lockdown began and I realized that I would have to postpone going to beauty school, I saw that QC offered a full course on skincare consulting. Now, here I am!

Why did you decide to build upon this and add professional makeup artistry to your skill-set?

Despite the amazing support from friends and family to always follow my dreams, I never believed I was good enough to work in the beauty industry. After losing my full-time job due to COVID-19, I knew that I needed to grab the bull by the horns and have some confidence in myself.

After seeing the A-grade quality of QC’s makeup classes, I knew that I wanted to express my creative side through makeup, as well as my research side through skincare consulting. I also realized the joy I had in making people feel beautiful, and how much that fueled my passion.

Why did you decide to pursue your training online instead of in-person?

Many people think that I decided to study online because of the pandemic. However, I wanted to be assured that I wasn’t under a strict time limit, and that I could study from home while I go to work.

I have a tendency to multi-task, and I thoroughly enjoy having a hobby to do after work and on the weekends. So, why not become qualified in something I love? The flexibility of studying online has also been amazing for me because I care for my family members, which often occupies my time.

Ultimately, why did you choose to enroll in QC Makeup Academy’s online skincare and makeup classes?

The first quality I noticed about QC was the quality of the skincare and makeup classes. Not only are you provided with textbooks, but you also have access to:

• In-depth videos by experienced makeup artists;
• Personal and professional feedback;
• Help by staff, whenever you need it;
• An incredible community of students;
• And so much more!

I was also incredibly impressed with the payment options. If quality skincare and makeup classes weren’t enough, you also receive a free makeup kit when you enroll in the Master Makeup Artistry Course. This way, anyone can complete the assignments, no matter the amount of makeup they own. Amazing!

You’ve since graduated from the Skincare Course. What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from this training?

The Skincare Course was so fun and interesting that I am actually sad it’s over! As much as I already knew about skincare ingredients and techniques, QC presented the information in such a clear and exciting way. I felt like I finally had the confidence to relay the information onto my future clients.

The best thing about this course are the client scenarios provided through the assignments. Not only were they challenging; they prepared me with techniques for face-to-face work with clients, which I still use to this day.

Now a certified International Skincare Consulting Professional (ISCP), you have your own business, Shining Light Skincare Consulting. What has the experience been like so far, being an entrepreneur?

Just reading this question is so surreal to me! I never thought that I would be able to not only be qualified, but have the confidence to start my own business.

Despite only being in the early days, I feel so blessed to be able to have worked with amazing clients and be a part of their skincare journey. It can be exhausting trying to keep up with social media presence and being current with skincare trends. However, I love being able to share my passion with others and lead them to healthier skin. The confidence my clients end up having in themselves is what motivates me every day!

You’re also nearly finished QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Do you have plans to add makeup services to your business in the future?

Originally, I had no plans to add makeup services to my resume. However, with the confidence I’ve gained from QC’s makeup classes, as well as the support of my fellow students, I’ve decided that I will offer bridal, commercial and formal makeup services.

I can’t wait! The resources that QC provides (to help you learn how to start a makeup business) have me feeling fully equipped and ready to jump right in!

You had celebrity makeup artist and international skincare expert, Nathan Johnson, as your tutor in both of your courses. How valuable was his feedback along the way and why?

I am BEYOND grateful to have Nathan as my tutor. This man is a genius! The feedback I received (and continue to receive) from him has stuck in my mind. It’s really enriched my makeup and skincare skills, to the point where I can see the changes in my work throughout my assignments.

Nathan has years of experience under his belt and it shows in the way he gives feedback. He always makes a point of celebrating the amazing skills we all have and the techniques that we’ve mastered along the way, whilst educating us on what we can improve on.

You’ve recently joined QC’s team of Student Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, what’s the #1 thing you want brand new students to know about QC Makeup Academy?

I want our new students to know that they are welcome and accepted for who they are and what their style of makeup is. Every single student has their own incredible style, and it’s been so amazing and inspiring to see this expressed in the Virtual Classroom every day.

If you are unsure, lacking confidence, or need advice, know that QC’s staff and students are right there to help and chat! Aside from the knowledge and qualifications QC has provided me, the friends and support I’ve gained are priceless.

Ready to begin your makeup classes and earn your professional certification? Check out the wide variety of courses offered by QC Makeup Academy and get started today!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a 52-year-old mom of 2 amazing kids, who are grown and long gone. I’m an avid gardener and baker, and I love messing around with my Shih Tzu, Feta. I have always had a fascination with form and function. I was an avid artist for many years.  I also have a passion for interior design!

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

When I was a teen in school, I was not what you would call “cute”. I did try, but I wasn’t the kind to be very girly. It wasn’t until I was older (and after reading countless magazines) that I really became interested in how makeup can transform a blank canvas – without transforming the person inside.

When I decided to enroll, honestly, it stemmed from a desire to take my makeup knowledge to the next level. I also want to be able to educate other mature women who may not have the same kind of knowledge about makeup that I do.

Why did you decide to pursue your makeup certification online, rather than in-person?

When choosing whether to attend school online or in-person, that was a no-brainer. I was already working when I enrolled. I also have a puppy to attend to (as well as a hubby). So, being offered the chance to do schooling online was perfect for me. Plus, who doesn’t want to learn in their pajamas?!

Ultimately, why did you choose to enroll and get your makeup certification with QC Makeup Academy?

After taking a good year to research what was out there, QC Makeup Academy seemed like the logical choice!

They offered me real a makeup certification, and their Master Makeup Artistry Course offers informative videos, a very substantial makeup kit, and all the printed materials I could need. They also have a Virtual Classroom on Facebook where we can help each other. I find this type of lifetime support incredibly valuable. Enrolling with QC is a win-win!

As you’ve mentioned, you are currently taking our Master Makeup Artistry Course. How has your experience in this program been so far?

This course has been incredible! I’ve realized that so many things that I thought were correct (prior to getting training) actually weren’t. The feedback has also been tremendous. I get to move at my own pace, which is great. Not to mention, there is always SO much support in the Virtual Classroom. They’re like a second family to me now.

How useful have the course materials and assignments been, and how valuable has the feedback been from your tutor?

The materials in this course are first-rate, for sure! There is literally TONS of information, and it’s presented in an easy-to-follow way. The videos by Nathan Johnson are super fun to watch. He’s very educational in the way he works. My tutor, Pat Armstrong, always has encouraging things to say. She’s been MOST helpful in her critiquing!

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned so far from your training?

Practice, practice,  practice! Also, how to train your eye to look differently at what you previously thought was correct.

You’ve recently joined QCs team of Student Ambassadors.  As an Ambassador, what is the #1 thing you want brand new students to know about QC Makeup Academy?

Besides having a ton of fun, the #1 thing is that you will receive a reputable makeup certification while learning at your own pace! With QC, you’re guided by amazing, talented tutors who are there for you for life – even after you graduate!

How has your career as a makeup artist been affected by COVID-19.  In what ways have you adjusted to this new normal?

While working on models and bridal parties has been put on hold (we’ve been put back to Stage 2 where I live), I have been working on doing online consultations and also virtual makeovers.

Plus, I will be updating my YouTube soon to include more looks for mature women. I also have a potential wedding next year, if all goes well. So, I’m pretty okay so far!

You’re passionate about shedding light on makeup artistry for mature skin.  In your opinion, why is this kind of representation so important?

In the makeup world, I think it’s extremely important to include those of us who are, let’s just say, no longer in our 20s. Just look at all of the stunning mature actresses out there, like Jane Fonda or Helen Mirren!

They all need a makeup artist! After researching, I found that there’s not a whole lot out there that’s really geared towards mature skin (or those of us with mature skin). I also find it very important that someone with a makeup certification be available to their clients for educational purposes as well. We can show mature clients what makes them shine, and that knowledge is power!

What are your top career goals as a makeup artist?

Ultimately, my goal is to work in the TV and film industry. But I’d also like to get a mature makeup line out there that’s easy, beautiful, and doable for anyone – even if they are younger. Mature women need AFFORDABLE products that do what they say. I’m hoping that I can be that person to make this happen!

If you could see into the future, which makeup or beauty trend do you foresee gaining popularity in 2021?

Heading into 2021, I predict – or can hope – that we will be keeping with the fresh, natural, glowing skin and makeup trends. That does not mean we can’t be creative. But I predict there will be looks focused around:

• Soft, glowing skin
• Wide-awake, soft, and beautiful eye looks
• Powdery, soft focus lips

At least, I hope so anyway!

Finally, in your opinion, what is the TRUE secret to success?

Never stop learning, and put the work in. 

If you don’t work hard, it won’t happen. You should also love what you do. If you don’t love it then it’s not for you!

Ready to earn YOUR makeup certification? Check out the wide variety of courses offered by QC Makeup Academy and get started today!