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Apr 02
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5 Makeup Trends That are Here for Spring (and Coming for the Summer)!

By From the Experts, Makeup Trends No Comments

One of the greatest – and most exciting – things about makeup is that it’s constantly evolving. While there will always be certain classics that’ll never go out of style (such as a simple red lip), makeup trends are forever changing. If you know what’s currently popular, and similarly, what’s on the rise, your makeup looks will always stay fresh and fun!

But where do these new trends come from? You’ll often find that most are inspired by the catwalk, following the collections showcased in Fashion Weeks from all around the globe. Here are 5 makeup trends that celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, believes are here to stay this upcoming spring and summer!

1. Very blended looks

This look is achieved by taking two similar shades (for example: light pink into darker pink, ivory into light pink, taupe into medium brown, etc.) and then transitioning one into the other.

The lighter color should be applied to the lid of the eye, and the darker pigment will be blended out through the outer corner and crease.  The darker shade should also wrap around the outer corner of the eye and turn into a smoked lower lash line.

This style of eye makeup is blended to perfection! It has no hard lines, with the deeper shade smoothly dissipating below the brow. Gorgeous!

2. The use of vivid colors in unusual ways

This trend-setting makeup look gives a nice nod to the retro 1980’s, Nathan says. Arguably one of the best examples that showcases this is Jeremy Scott’s Spring and Summer 2020 show! As each of the models strutted their stuff down the catwalk, audiences everywhere were stunned at the combination of eccentric, geometrically-inspired outfits, tousled neon wigs, and bold eye makeup.

Notice the way that Scott expertly ties the whole look together through the use of makeup. Specifically, through the bright pops of color on the inner corners of his models’ eyes! This is a great demonstration of how every little detail works in unison to create the final, polished product!

Another example that beautifully demonstrates this trend is Jason Wu’s Spring and Summer 2020 collection. Although these looks fall into the watercolor trend, Nathan notes how the bright hues and overall style “really honor the 80s”!

3. Classic Blue is the Pantone Color of 2020

Every December, Pantone uses trend-forecasting research to announce the upcoming Color of the Year. Based on their findings, 2020’s chosen color is Classic Blue. Pantone states that this pigment instills “calm, confidence, and connection”, while also highlighting “our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build, as we cross the threshold into a new era”.

Given everything currently going on in the world, this definitely rings true!

Whether Classic Blue is incorporated in pops of color, blended looks, or shocks of liner, Nathan notes how it undoubtedly adds vibrancy to the eye. Just check out the amazing effect it has on the makeup and clothing worn by this model! This is just one of the reasons why fashion designer, LaQuan Smith, really stood out during Fashion Week this year!

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Howdy

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4. Color-blocked lids

Color blocking with vibrant, bold hues is a great trend you can incorporate this spring/summer into your makeup, clothing, and so much more! In terms of eye makeup, color blocking is done by choosing one solid eyeshadow shade to apply to your upper lids, followed by a different color to for your lower lids.

There are lots of different ways you can play with this look and get creative! Since spring and summer are typically warmer seasons, you can always pair bright, complementary colors together. Pink and orange are a stunning combo, as is blue with green. You can also use one color, but create a contrast between two very opposite shades.

An incredible example of color-blocked lids that Nathan saw during Fashion Week was from Oscar de la Renta’s Spring and Summer 2020 collection!

5. Soft complexions

As Nathan points out, the interest in “cake face” has seen a tremendous drop through recent years. Instead, people now want their skin to look as real and natural as possible.

For some time, strobing – essentially, extreme highlighting – was a popular trend. When done right, it would give the appearance of shimmery, dewy skin. Unfortunately, a lot of beauty vloggers (many of whom are not professional, certified makeup artists) created a tendency of applying WAY too much. Often, it wouldn’t be done properly. The result gave off a kind of sweaty appearance, rather than the desired, youthful glow.

But Nathan says the strobe is now out! Cosmetic companies have been seeing a major drop in sales for quite some times, signaling the end to that era. Instead, it’s being replaced with softer, more natural-looking glows.

Bonus: Makeup looks Nathan would LOVE to see take off in 2020!

In addition to the above trends, there are a few more makeup looks that Nathan would love to see gain popularity in the upcoming years. Specifically, the following…

1. Dimensional eyeliner

While we’ll always have room in our hearts for the classic cat-eye or winged liner, there’s so much room to explore and get creative! After all, makeup artistry provides you with the freedom to push boundaries. How else do you think new trends are discovered?

Dimensional eyeliner let you think outside the box, through the use of different shapes and patterns. Not only will it definitely make you stand out from the crowd, it’s also a terrific way to express a little extra personality!

Anna Sui expertly illustrated this makeup look into her Spring and Summer 2020 collection. Just look at how playful and pretty the results are!

2. Non-black eyeliners

Speaking of eyeliner, another cool look that Nathan hopes gains even more popularity is unconventionally-colored liner. Given that ‘conventional’ eyeliner is essentially just black (or even brown), this pretty much means ANY color other than this!

Blues, greens, reds, purples, you name it – there’s so much wiggle room this trend can offer! It can amplify eyeshadow, pair with lip color, or even just be worn on its own. One especially gorgeous color we’ve seen is a crisp, white liquid liner along the upper lids. Pamella Roland’s Spring and Summer 2020 Collection showed this off perfectly!

3. DayGlo and fluorescent creases

DayGlo (and other fluorescent colors) are known to dramatically enhance your makeup look! When used on the upper crease of your lids, the attention will naturally draw towards your eyes. Plus, if you’re feeling particularly fierce, the use of bold, funky colors can be incorporated throughout the rest of your look, too.

On the other hand, fluorescent creases can stand entirely on their own and be the star of the show. In fact, by keeping the rest of your makeup look relatively subtle, your DayGlo eyeshadow will naturally pop even more.

Pair it with some thick, luscious falsies and a dark nude lip, like Versace did in her Spring and Summer 2020 Collection! This look is easily one of our favorites.

4. Black red lipstick

If you want your makeup to be daring and make an impression, there’s very little that can compare to a striking, black red lip! If you want a full glam, night makeup look, you can pair it with a smoky eye and dramatic false lashes. However, if you want a more toned-down final result, black red lipstick is also strong enough to be used independently.

Another perk about this trend is that it can work for quite literally anyone. Regardless of your skin tone, eye color, or what-have-you – black red lipstick can turn anyone and everyone into royalty. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at how jaw-dropping it was on this model, as part of Max Mara’s Spring and Summer 2020 Collection!

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@maxmara chic encounters

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5. Lilac drop shadow/lower eyeliner

Commonly referred to as ‘upside-down makeup’, a drop shadow is when you apply a bold color only (or primarily) to your lower lash line. This is an awesome option for those who want to add a bit of pigment to their eye makeup, without committing to the full color across their upper lids.

A drop-shadow can also be accentuated with lower eyeliner. Alternately, lower liner (in the same desired color) can also be worn on its own.

During Fashion Week, Balmain debuted their 2020 Spring and Summer Collection, with models wearing a gorgeous lilac drop shadow and lower eyeliner. As far as colors go, lilac is as effective as it is delicate. Don’t let its soft, gentle tone fool you! When used along the lower lash line, it creates a result a uniquely bold result that can still be worn as an everyday look!

Want to be able to learn how to do all of these trendy looks – and maybe even create one of your own? Get professional makeup artist training and earn your certification from an accredited makeup school! There’s no better time than now to work towards your goals and dreams! Who knows… maybe some day, one of YOUR trends will make it on this list!

Enroll today in the leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn your professional certification in as little as 3-6 months!

Mar 26
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The 3 Best Online Tools to Market Your Business at a Low Price

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte provides a wide variety of services that cater to all types of clientele!

Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

Here, she examines the best (and cheapest) online tools to help you market your makeup artist business!

Over the last few weeks, freelancers and makeup artists alike have seen their number of clients decreasing due to the coronavirus crisis. Thanks to social distancing, people everywhere are being advised to remain indoors as much as possible. But what many don’t realize is that staying home can also be a gift!

On a regular day, our schedules can get insanely hectic. We often forget how to make time for other goals and aspirations. Being stuck at home can allow us to do all the things we never usually have time for. We can turn this from a negative to a positive!

As a freelance makeup artist, the amount of effort you dedicate to both your brand image and business marketing are both essential! This is especially the case when trying to network and connect with new clients.

Get Your Name Out There

The first step to finding new clients is to be seen! It’s important that you know how to project the right image of your business. There are countless marketing tools that can help you gain online visibility, but here are 3 specific ones we will explore in more detail:

  1. Your brand image + logo
  2. Your business website + SEO
  3. Your social media channels + content

Let’s break each one down…

1. Your Brand Image + Logo

When your client looks at your work online, you want to give her a way to identify YOU from all the competition. What makes you different? How do you stand out? Importantly, why should this potential client choose to work with you?

Your branding should be able to speak for itself and answer all of these questions!

Here are a few tips to help you create your very own niche:

  • Choose a consistent color palette and font that will be used for ALL of your documents, websites, business cards, etc. This is going to play a HUGE role in your branding. When you think of notable companies, you can easily identify them through their smallest details. For example, if I said “Coca-Cola”, you likely immediately envision its cursive font and red and white colors. You want your business to be this easily recognizable, too!
  • Pay attention to detail. When creating an online presentation, business cards, social media posts, etc., there are tons of different online software you can use to help. For example, I highly recommend Canva. Canva is an online design website where you can create all types of materials, upload your own images, and create great designs at no cost! (There are paid options also available, but even the free services provide all the basics!)
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When creating your logo, one option at your disposal is to outsource the project to other Freelancer.com is a great website for this! It connects you to other freelancers, provides quotes, and allows you to hire them for all your online work – all at your own convenience. Simply post your project, and receive bids from freelancers from all over the world. But don’t forget to read that person’s reviews before hiring them!

2. Your Business Website + SEO

Your business website is the platform where you display your services to clients. Other notable information to include would be your:

  • Biography
  • Contact info
  • Prices
  • Reviews
  • Certifications
  • Online booking forms, etc.

Importantly, your website is also where you’ll show off your portfolio of work! Just make sure that the images you use are high resolution and look professional.

There are many online platforms you can use to create and host your business website. Many of them will offer templates, making the process much simpler for those who aren’t all that tech-savvy. You may also have the option to purchase your own company emails. Both Wix and WordPress are wonderful tools you can use!

Here are 3 amazing examples of professional portfolios and websites that you can use as inspiration.

Pro tip: Be careful with your domain name! Try to choose a short domain name that’s easy to remember. If you want to be found locally by your customer, you can choose a domain suffix from your country (such as ‘.ca’, ‘.co.uk’, etc.). However, if you want to be recognized at an international level, you should use ‘.com’ as your website’s domain suffix.

The Importance of SEO

Your makeup artist business won’t appear on a Google search simply by creating a website. This is determined by your website’s SEO. By using specific keywords, and having your website linked from other sites, you can improve your chances of getting a higher SEO ranking and appearing in Google’s top search results.

SEO can be time-consuming, and hard to understand if you’re a beginner. If it feels a bit too overwhelming, why not outsource it to an expert? There are tons of agencies and/or freelancers who offer a monthly rate in exchange for assisting with your website’s visibility.

Yes, it may initially cost a bit of money, but as soon as it starts rewarding you with more clientele, you’ll have more than a return on this investment.

Also, don’t forget to ask your clients to give you a review! This will help your next clients to know about the quality of your work, while helping the overall visibility of your business.

3. Your Social Media Channels + Content

Consistency is key when it comes to social media! Create posts regularly, with easily-identifiable content. Ensure to use the same color palette, the same font, and even (when possible) the same angle for your posts. This will all help your clients easily recognize your work.

Think of your social media channels as your very own magazine! When your clients look at your page, what do you want them to think? What feelings do you want to inspire?

Just keep in mind that in terms of content, creating beautiful makeup is not always enough. You might want to consider the way you intend to present your content, too. Apps such as Whitagram give you the option to customize the format and aesthetic of your posts. If you’re looking for more ideas, here are 5 other apps you can use to edit your Instagram posts!

Social media is an essential marketing tool to help strengthen your online presence, but it can also be hard to manage. If you’re ever short on time, or just want to plan ahead, you can use platforms such as Planoly or Later to create/schedule your posts in bulk.

Remember: Mornings and evenings are the best times to post content times. This is when people are proven to be the most active on social media!

Over the course of the next few weeks (perhaps longer), you’ll have the opportunity to revamp your online visibility and marketing strategies. Maximize your time at home by readying yourself for the next season! Give your online presence a fierce makeover, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start booking clients once things go back to normal!

Want to become a certified makeup artist while hanging out at home? Enroll today in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry Course, and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Mar 25
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4 Ways to Keep Up Your Makeup Practice at Home

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

We are in the midst of a pandemic – the likes of which, we’ve never experienced before in our lifetime. With so many people quarantined, most of the world is now locked down and/or practicing social distancing.

While it feels like everyone is terrified of the slightest cough or sniffle, it could seem like the worst time to make progress with your education and makeup artist certification.

But this could not be farther from the truth! With a positive attitude and a few helpful suggestions, you’ll be ready to continue practicing your makeup artistry immediately. In fact, when all of this is said and done, you could realistically come out way AHEAD of where you presently are!

4 Ways to Keep Up Makeup Practice At Home Blog - Makeup Palette and Brushes on Table

The first thing I cannot stress enough is: do not look for models! Yes, working on different skin types, tones, etc. can have a profound impact on your growth and knowledge as a makeup artist. But right now, it’s simply not safe to do that.

The time will come when we can practice on others again. When it does, I’ll push you to do so. For now, though, it’s important keep yourself and others safe. So here are a few things you can do instead…

1. Take advantage of your circumstances

If you live with others, you have models you can practice on right there! (So long as they’re already in your immediate living environment, of course.) In some cases, it may be unconventional, but you can practice your makeup skills on your spouses, partners, roommates, parents, and children.

Remember: A face is a face! So even if the person you are confined with is a man, you still have a great palette to work on. Yes, you may have to do some bartering to convince them to be your model. But with a little determination, you can pull it off!

2. Work on yourself

Working on yourself can be beneficial, if you do it correctly. Don’t just sit down and do your makeup. Instead, choose which techniques you want to master, and then put dedicated effort into doing it. Repetition is key, so practice again and again!

Take photos, with your eyes open and closed. Study the photos with the eye of an art critic. Do your best to look at your work objectively, so you can see where improvements can be made.

4 Ways to Keep Up Makeup Practice At Home Blog - Woman Applying Makeup in Mirror

3. Work on face charts

At first suggestion, this may seem absurd, but hear me out! If you can master perfect eyeliners, brows, drop shadows, lip liners, and shadow placement on a piece of paper, it will translate to the face. Training both the hand and the mind will translate to every medium you work in. If you have a makeup dummy head, you can practice your techniques on that as well.

Now, let me clarify: mastering makeup artistry means that every aspect is crisp, clean, symmetrical, and precise. If you hold yourself to an incredibly high standard, you’ll see it transform your skill-set.

4. Follow your makeup artistry checklist

When working on a face chart or a makeup dummy head, mastering each element of the checklist below will help ensure that your time spent actually advances your craft…

Eyeliner Checklist

  • Does the eyeliner on both eyes have exactly the same thickness on each side, every step of the way?
  • Do any wings or cats go at exactly the same angle?
  • Are any wings or cats exactly the same length?
  • Are any wings or cats smooth and crisp?

Make sure to practice ALL of the different eyeliner variations taught in Unit B of your Master Makeup Artistry Course. These different eyeliner styles are:

  1. Natural liner
  2. Wedge liner
  3. Drop shadow
  4. Wraparound liner
  5. Tightlining
  6. Cat-eye liner and winged liner
  7. Lining the lower waterline, and
  8. Lower liner
Makeup artist applying eyeliner to model - makeup artist practice article

Brow Checklist

  • Are both eyebrows symmetrical?
  • Were they done with perfect, hair-like strokes?
  • Do the strokes follow the direction of natural hair growth?
  • Do the brows follow the classic shape?

Make sure to practice all 3 types of brows (classic, thin, and natural), also taught to you within Unit B of the MMA Course!

Lip Liner Checklist

  • Are both sides perfectly symmetrical on the upper and lower lip?
  • Are the upper and lower lip balanced?
  • Is the liner smooth and crisp? 
  • Is the liner exactly the same thickness all the way around?

Eyeshadow Checklist

  • Is the eyeshadow exactly the same on both eyes, every step of the way? (This includes placement, thickness, etc.)
  • Does the shadow go up at a flattering angle at the outer corner of each eye?
  • Is the angle symmetrical on each side?

Make sure to practice each step of applying eyeshadow individually, then practice combining them in different variations!

Blue eye makeup with flowers - makeup artist practice article

What makes us grow the most as artists is practice. So make the most of this time, and all the ways in which you can improve your art!

When working on yourself, a housemate, or a makeup dummy, you’ll use real make up. If you’re practicing on a face chart, you may instead choose to use other (but similar) products. A fine sharpie, an art pen’s with various brush tips, chalk, charcoals, and colored pencils all work well.

Remember: No matter which form(s) of practice you choose, always make sure that you practice meticulous hygiene. It’s more important now than ever.

Covid-19 is here, whether we like it or not. Why not make the most of the time you have, and work towards changing your life for the better? That way, you can be best prepared once this passes – and rest assured, it WILL pass.

These are hard times. People will want to feel their best when things get better and life returns to normal. With the proper training and practice, you’ll be there to make that happen!

On March 26th, we will be doing a very special webinar that will focus on maximizing home learning. We’ll cover all these topics, as well as answer all of your questions. Stay tuned for the announcement and be sure to tune in!

It’ll be fun! We can share a bit of love and connect withing our amazing community. There will even be some very special downloads available for you!

I’m sending you love from the entire QC family. It’s time that we really come together as one race – the human race – and remember that we’re all in this together.

You matter. You are loved. And we are here for you, now and always.

Woman making a heart shape with hands - makeup artist practice article

Maximize your time at home by earning your professional makeup artist certification! Enroll today in the leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course!

Mar 18
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Why a Business Class is Essential to Your Makeup Career [video]

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Devyn Gregorio is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador. You can find her on her YouTube Channel, DevDevGregs, where she makes beauty videos. Today, Devyn draws on her personal experience as a QC Graduate to share why taking the optional Business Unit is something all aspiring makeup artists REALLY need to do, as part of their makeup artist certification!

Watch her video below!

Let’s Recap

Devyn is a graduate of QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry course, taught by professional celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson. Within the program, there’s an optional unit at the end (Unit G) devoted entirely to the business side of the industry.

While students aren’t required to complete this business unit as part of their makeup artist certification, it IS strongly recommended. Business knowledge is particularly critical if you have dreams of starting your own freelance career and makeup business in the future!

Let’s take a look at what Devyn’s experience was with QC’s business unit, and why she – as a professional makeup artist – urges you to take full advantage of it!

Breaking Down the Master Makeup Artistry Course

Devyn begins by giving an overview of how QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course works. There are 6 units within the course (A through F). Not only do these units break down the fundamental basics of makeup artistry, they also teach you makeup theory, core practices, various techniques, and the different types of careers you can get with your makeup artist certification.

There are also business components included within the course. While it’s technically optional (students can choose to skip past it), the materials and insight they provide you will only better prepare you for a career as a professional MUA. You can never go wrong with learning more areas of the industry!

Breaking Down the Business Units

Next, Devyn takes a look at each individual business unit offered in the Master Makeup Artistry Course. She also shares her expertise on why each one is useful to those wanting to become a professional makeup artist.

Business Unit #1

This unit is called “Starting Your Own Business”. Devyn describes it as a “crash course” of all the general information you need when wanting to start your own business – whether that’s in the makeup field, or ANY field!

Here, you learn all the different types of businesses you can start, such as:

  • A corporation
  • An LLC
  • Becoming a sole proprietor
  • Starting a partnership
  • And much more!

Even if you don’t want to start your own business, and are aiming to contract yourself out as a freelance MUA, Devyn explains how it’s still just as beneficial to understand the business side of things. After all, there’s more than likely going to be some sort of contract or negotiation involved when conducting business! Otherwise, for example, how can you ensure that you’ll get paid correctly or as agreed upon?

How Devyn Benefited From This Business Unit

She reflects on her experience with this unit as being very helpful in arming her with a general understanding of becoming an entrepreneur. In addition, this unit also delves into important topics such as:

  • Taxes
  • Whether or not your business needs insurance
  • If you’ll need an accountant, a bookkeeper, etc.
  • How to write and structure a business plan
  • How to write a cover letter
  • Creating a balance sheet and managing your finances
  • And more!

These are all good, basic principles of general business practice. As an aspiring MUA, having this level of understanding before going out into the working world will increase your chances of success. While this may not always be the most fun part of the job, the rewards it will bring you will definitely be something to smile about!

“This is the kind of stuff that nobody teaches to you!” Devyn says. We couldn’t agree more! While good makeup schools will ensure to provide this type of education, unfortunately, there are also many schools that don’t.

The result is that while students may walk away a better makeup artist, they lack the necessary tools and skills needed to start up their own business. Not knowing this can really hurt your career opportunities in the future!

Business Unit #2

The second business unit is called, “Marketing and Promotion”. For Devyn, this unit was particularly fun! It takes you through the 4 P’s of Marketing, which are:

  1. Product – what the product or service is that you want to sell to clients.
  2. Pricing – figuring out what to charge for your services.
  3. Place – where and how you intend to sell your services.
  4. Promotion – how you plan to get your name out there to clients.

As you’re marketing a service or product, these four areas will serve as your to-do checklist! Each step will help walk you through the process of properly and effectively marketing your product/services.

Next, Devyn examines each of the 4 P’s in more detail: what they all mean, how they directly relate to being a makeup artist, and how utilizing each one will help you successfully establish your makeup business!

Business Unit #3

Devyn then moves onto the third business section in the course, which is “Working with Clients”.  However, this unit doesn’t just focus on clients! You are also taught how to work with other partners, suppliers, and business associates within the industry!

Here, Devyn brings up a really excellent point: in order for your makeup business to be successful, you’re going to need to interact with people… and know how to do that well!

Indeed, as an MUA, you’re going to require some pretty strong people skills. Your job, after all, is an industry service profession. You need to be someone who’s easy to work with. More importantly, no client is going to want to book someone who makes them feel uncomfortable!

This is why knowing how to present yourself in a professional manner is so important. This business unit not only covers this topic, but also:

  • How to stay organized
  • How to manage your book of business

Devyn also touches on the sales training offered in this unit! For those with little to no business knowledge, this section is going to be critical. Some of the different areas of sales training you receive in this Unit involves:

  • How to overcome objections
  • How to tell the difference between a warm and cold lead
  • How to warm up a cold lead

Some of you may read the above and have NO idea what these terms mean. That’s okay! But it also goes to show the type of crucial knowledge this business unit will teach you. Having any type of sales training is going to do leaps and bounds for your MUA career – so why not take advantage of it when it’s being offered to you?

How Devyn benefitted from this Business Unit

Not only did she benefit from all the great information already mentioned above, but the various templates offered in this unit particularly helped her. In fact, she admits that she still uses many of them in her business practices to this day (particularly with bridal clients)!

Some of the templates you can expect to see are:

  • Sample invoices
  • Sample contracts
  • Sample e-mail templates
  • And so much more!

Having these templates at your disposal will not only help you learn – it also guarantees that you will look more professional to your clients and associates! The great thing about these templates that are a part of your course is that you can save them forever, and refer back to them whenever needed.

Business Unit #4

The final section is called “Special Topics”. It focuses primarily on the different things you should think about and consider when starting your own business and breaking into the makeup artistry industry. One example of this is the importance of networking!

How will you go about meeting other MUAs in the industry? What about models, photographer, hair stylists, and other vendors/suppliers? What if you want to be represented by an agency? More importantly, how do you plan to connect with clients?

With limited business knowledge, this challenge can be a daunting one. But with the proper training and understanding of the business side of the industry, it doesn’t have to be!

Devyn also points out how, when first starting out, you may need to get creative about where and how you find work, in order to build your portfolio. This final business unit also covers this, and provides really awesome tips!

Devyn’s final thoughts

Like many of you, Devyn admits that she, too, is still working on building her business each and every day. Whether that’s furthering her education, making more connections in the industry, growing her YouTube channel, or doing whatever she possibly can to improve herself as an MUA… Devyn knows the time and hard work it takes to be successful in the world of makeup artistry!

Like you, she intends to give it her all! The important thing is that you put in the effort to do everything you possibly can to be the best you can be. As a makeup artist, having a solid understanding of the business side of things is one of the greatest ways you can do that.

Unsure which online makeup school will give you the best chance at being successful in the industry? Find out why QC Makeup Academy can best help you earn your makeup artist certification and find work in the real world!

Feb 19
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Special Effects Makeup for Beginners: 5 Best Ways to Start Learning

By From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks, Your Makeup Career 4 Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here. Today, she draws on her professional expertise to share 5 of the best ways that one can break into the world of Special Effects makeup and begin learning how to do it.

1. Education

One of the most important things I learned when beginning my journey into the world of SFX makeup is how vital the right makeup education is!

I fully understand that the era we live in is one driven by social media and YouTube. However, when working with Special FX makeup, you have to know how to properly apply, mix, create, and work with these specialized products. To be able to do this correctly is a game changer for your business – and such techniques can only be taught in proper online makeup classes.

Unlike regular, everyday makeup tools and products, SFX makeup products can contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the skin. This is why proper training is required, in order to know how to safely use and apply such products.

For example: when working with various types of paints, you would need to know which items are safe to put around your client’s eyes and/or mouth, and which ones are NOT. To not know your stuff can quite literally mean that you’re putting your client’s health and safety at risk, which we know if something you’d never want!

Similarly, it’s also critical to know what specific ingredients are in the SFX makeup products you’re using. This way, you can avoid your clients experiencing negative reactions, such as skin allergies.

If you want to become serious about growing your skills in Special FX makeup, one of the most beneficial things you can do for both yourself and your craft is to enroll in a makeup school that provides specialty classes. QC Makeup Academy is a great example, as they specifically offer a Special FX online makeup class! Not only does this course teach you the proper care and handling of SFX products, it also shows you first-hand how to apply these products and use the tools professionally!

2. Tutorials

Aside from taking online makeup classes and obtaining a professional certification, tutorials can be a simple way for you to start learning about the Special FX world.

There’s so much information available to you online, and countless artists that you can learn from. When I first got into SFX makeup, two of my personal favorite YouTube accounts to watch were (and still are, to this day):

  1. GlamandGore (Mykie) and
  2. Ellimacs Sfx Makeup

What I love most about these two makeup vloggers is that they’re both professionally trained! They teach viewers how to properly use, apply, and safely remove Special FX makeup products. Through watching their videos, you can also learn how to create certain SFX products from scratch! There are even tutorials teaching you how to use simple, everyday products in order to create gory and whimsical SFX looks. Pretty cool!

Keep in mind that watching online tutorials can’t replace the education you’d receive from real online makeup classes. But that being said, it’s definitely a start!

3. Practice, practice, and even more practice!

No amount of education and tutorials are going to help you improve your skills in SFX makeup if you aren’t actually practicing and obtaining real-world experience. The whole point of the education you gain from online makeup classes, or through watching YouTube tutorials, is to help you hone your skills through practice.

Pro tip: Doing makeup on just yourself won’t cut it, either. You need to also practice on as many models as you can, too! This is the only way you can get used to different skin textures, shades, types, etc.

MUA pouring airbrush paint into airbrush machine

My professional advice is to practice on models of all types. Here are some ways you can practice your Special FX makeup on as many different faces as possible:

  • Work with both male and female models
  • Work with clients who have facial hair, as well as those who don’t
  • Actively trying to work with clients that have differing skin types

Pushing yourself to practice on as wide of a clientele as possible will help you see just how versatile the makeup products are. Likewise, this real-world experience will help you learn how to use the products and tools – not just properly, but professionally as well!

4. Purchasing the right tools and makeup products

A question that I get frequently asked is, “What are the best products to buy to create Special FX looks?”

For beginners, my advice is always: learn how to do SFX makeup by first using the basics. It’s the best foundation to build off of. The more experience you get, the more prepared you’ll be to move onto more advanced makeup products and tools.

Often times, up-and-coming SFX makeup artists or enthusiasts want to purchase the most expensive products and tools right from the get-go. The problem is, they don’t know how to actually use them properly or safely! Making this error can result in you not only wasting a LOT of product and money, you can once again be putting the client (and her skin) at risk by your lack of knowledge.

Special FX makeup takes a lot of practice to get it right. Sometimes, trial and error is required in order to figure out the best products and tools needed to create a look. (Which, again, is why an education and online makeup classes are so important!)

At first, many people who want to get into SFX makeup may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by all of the types of products and tools available. However, many Special FX techniques – even the more complicated ones – can be created using simple cosmetics!

makeup special effect with brush

If you’re ready to begin working with Special FX makeup, you can start by using basic SFX products such as:

  • Paints
  • Liquid latex
  • Scar wax
  • Spirit gum and other adhesives

Something that can easily help you gather your tools and build your kit is to purchase a Special FX makeup kit! QC Makeup Academy offers a Special FX Essentials kit that comes with all of the basics, plus so much more!

5. Networking

The last – but JUST as critical – thing you can do to prepare yourself for the professional world of SFX makeup artistry is to network yourself! Not only does it help you get to know other important people within the industry, networking is yet another irreplaceable way to gain knowledge about the craft!

Networking provides you with opportunities to connect with other artists. It’s a fantastic way to improve your skills, because you’re constantly being shown new tips and tricks of the trade. There’s nothing like learning hands-on from others!

Networking is also a great business move, too, as it can potentially advance your career. By meeting others within the industry, you open yourself up to possibilities you may not have had available to you before. For example, meeting the right people could possibly lead to you getting the chance to learn what it’s like to work on or behind the scenes of a movie set!

There are many ways that you can enter the world of Special FX makeup, and learn the ropes. But again, the single most effective way to become a pro is to enroll in online makeup classes and be taught by experts in the field. If you’re looking to dive into the world of SFX, but aren’t sure how or where to start, check out QC Makeup Academy today!

Serious about being a professional SFX artist? Don’t weigh down your SFX makeup kit with these 5 awful products!

Feb 13
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Devyn Gregorio - still-frame - Valentine's makeup tutorial look

Valentine’s Day Makeup Tutorial [video]

By From the Experts, Makeup Tutorial 2 Comments

Devyn Gregorio is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador. You can find her on her YouTube Channel, DevDevGregs, where she makes beauty videos. Today, Devyn shares how she created a beautiful and bright Valentine’s Day makeup look!

Watch her video below!

Keep reading to learn how Devyn designed and created this vibrant look.

Let’s Recap

February is the perfect time to create a fun Valentine’s-themed look. For this tutorial, Devyn will be working with only Anastasia’s new Amrezy Palette, which contains a variety of nude and rosy tones—perfect for Valentine’s Day!

The Eyes

Devyn starts her makeup look by applying E.l.f.’s Putty Eye Primer over her upper lids. This is a new product, so she’s excited to try it out!

She then uses the shade, ‘Waisted’, from her Amrezy palette to set her eyelids. Afterwards, Devyn uses her Morphe’s M573 brush to work the color, “OG”, into her crease. She chooses this neutral chocolate brown color to start off easy. By remaining in her comfort zone initially, she can then develop the confidence as the look progresses to step outside of it and gradually go bolder!

Devyn then uses the Morphe M504 (a bigger, fluffier brush) to blend out her crease color. Once the crease is finished, she lays down E.l.f.’s liquid eyeshadow, in the color, ‘Disco Queen’, on her inner-upper lid. She starts at the inner corner and slowly uses the included applicator to work the shadow into the center of her lid, as well as up into the crease.

Note: Devyn is NOT doing a cut crease in this tutorial! If you’d prefer a cut crease look, you can use a more precise brush to apply the liquid shadow.

Before the liquid eyeshadow dries completely, Devyn takes the color, ‘Barb’, and uses her finger to tap the product over the liquid shadow. This metallic lilac color will give her inner lids a hint of pink!

To fill in the rest of her eyes, Devyn uses the shade, ‘Šemsa’, (a matte red-plum shade). Using the brush from her Urban Decay Naked3 palette, she gradually packs the color onto the outer third of her eyelid.

Note that Devyn warns how the Anastasia’s eyeshadows are highly pigmented! To avoid making a mess, start with a little product and slowly build up your color with layers.

Pro Tip: By applying the liquid eyeshadow on your eyes first, it makes it easier to blend the two colors. Using this technique, Devyn is able to use the powder shadow to create a seamless transition between the two colors.

To bring the plum shade up to her crease, Devyn switches to a smaller and thinner brush. Again using the color, ‘Šemsa’, she slowly blends the color up. Remember: “Slow and steady wins the race!” To soften up the look, Devyn uses a fluffy blending brush to lightly blend out the edges.

Adding more depth

To add more depth to the eyes, Devyn decides to add a bit black eyeshadow to the outer corner of her eye. Using a pencil brush (Morphe’s e18), she selects the color, “BK”, and lightly packs it onto her outer corner.

The goal here is deepen the existing plum color, and not to make it look like there’s black shadow on her eyes! Use a blender brush to soften up the edges and fully blend the black into the plum color.

Using black shadow on the outer corner gives this look a smokey effect. Although the black takes a bit of time to blend out, it’s definitely worth the extra depth if gives to the eye! To make sure the black blends properly, Devyn warns that you will need to practice, practice, and even more practice!

To finish the upper lids, Devyn uses the same blender brush used for the plum color earlier, and softens up the edges of her shadow.

The lower lids

Devyn starts by using her Morphe eyeliner along her waterline. She also uses her eyeliner to tight-line her upper eyes.

Using a pointed liner brush, Devyn applies the color, ‘Šemsa’, on the bottom of her lash line. She starts from the outer corner and slowly brings it in. She then switches to a small blending brush (M506) to smudge out the color.

To help blend the eyeliner into her eye makeup look, Devyn uses a flat eyeliner brush and applies the black shadow, ‘BK’, right by the eyeliner.

All about the highlight

To highlight her inner corners and brow bone, Devyn switches to Anastasia’s Jacky Aina Palette. The Amrezy palette she was using previously just didn’t have the right shade!

Using her fingers, Devyn lightly applies the color, ‘Trust Issues’, onto her inner corner and brow bone.

Lashes for days

To finish her eyes, Devyn chooses to apply some dramatic lashes to match the bold colors. She chooses the Queen B lashes from KoKo.

The Lips

Because of the colors she chose for her eyes, a pink lip is the only way to go!

Devyn first lines her lips with the shade, ‘Oh Snap’, from Colorpop. Then she applies Anastasia’s liquid lipstick in the color, ‘Dusky Rose’. This shade is pinker than her lip liner, which matches her eye color pop perfectly!

The Final Look

Devyn is very happy with how her makeup look turned out! She had a lot of fun stepping outside of her comfort zone, and working with bright and bold colors.

And that’s it! What was YOUR favorite part of Devyn’s makeup look? Let us know in the comments below!

Ready to start your makeup training with QC Makeup Academy? Check out Devyn’s honest review of the popular Master Makeup Artistry Course here.

Jan 10
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devyn gregorio headshot

My New Year Resolutions for My Professional Makeup Career in 2020 [video]

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Devyn Gregorio is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador. You can find her on her YouTube Channel, Gregorio Girls Makeup, where she makes beauty videos with her sister, Seanna. Today, Devyn breaks down her top 3 goals for her professional MUA career in 2020!

Let’s Recap:

Devyn foresees the upcoming year as being one of growth – not just personally, but for her professional makeup career as well. Being an ambitious woman, she has many goals that she’s always striving for. But in 2020, Devyn wishes to specifically focus her efforts on the following 3 resolutions:

  1. Furthering her makeup education
  2. Continue to improve her makeup techniques
  3. Growing her beauty channel on YouTube

Let’s look a little deeper into each goal!

Resolution #1: “Further My Makeup Education”

Devyn understands that, with any craft, you have to be a student just as much as a master. This is why she’s always pushing herself to see what else she can discover and how she can improve when it comes to makeup. 2019 was a very exploratory year for Devyn, wherein she took the time needed to figure out where she wanted to go with her makeup career.

In 2020, she’s now ready to get back to the basics of makeup and her cosmetic understanding. Having previously graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry course – which Devyn states laid the foundation of her makeup knowledge – she still owns all of her textbooks and course materials. Going back over and re-studying this content will help refresh both her general and advanced makeup knowledge. So that’s what she plans to do!

She’s also a current student in QC’s Advanced Skincare Course. Ideally, Devyn is aiming to complete this program during the first quarter of the year. In her experience as both a working makeup artist and YouTube beauty vlogger, she finds that questions about skincare are asked just as frequently as cosmetic-related ones.

girl making kissy face, with hair up in towel, a face mask on, and cucumber slices in hand

As a professional makeup artist, you need to be able to provide the correct information to your clients and subscribers. Devyn credits QC’s Skincare Course for teaching her the fundamentals of skincare, as well as teaching her which skincare products to use, how to use them in conjunction with makeup products, and much more!

Devyn’s desire to always continue learning ties in with her desire to be as informed as possible for her:

  • Makeup clients
  • Friends and family
  • YouTube subscribers
  • Social media followers

They’re always going to be asking questions, and Devyn knows that in order to give the best services she possibly can, she’ll need to know the best answers. Pushing herself to continue her online makeup education will only result in Devyn becoming an even better MUA.

Resolution #2: “Continue to Improve My Makeup Techniques”

On both her clients and herself, Devyn’s second goal for 2020 is to expand her technical knowledge on makeup application, and continue to hone her skills. No one is going to be 100% perfect at makeup all of the time. It’s important to be able to self-critique, and understand the areas where you can improve. While she credits herself as having a natural flair for makeup, Devyn admits that she’s also very heavy-handed.

Her basic techniques, she feels, can use some work. Some examples of basic techniques include:

  • Holding your brushes properly
  • Blending properly
  • Using the correct amount of pressure during application
  • Noticing the subtle differences in skin colors and textures
  • Mastering color science so you can develop your natural eye for which colors work best on people, etc.

Devyn’s motivation behind this New Year resolution is two-fold. Firstly, like any good MUA, she wants to be able to provide greater services for her clients. Secondly, as a true artist, she simply wants to be better her craft.

One of the ways that Devyn intends to expand her knowledge is by attending classes held by other makeup artists. As an artist, you can become too used to your own technique, routine, and way of doing things. As a result, you can lose sight of the fact that there might be better ways to do things.

Learning from someone else, and understanding why they do what they do, is so helpful to a makeup artist! It’s not even about changing your current style; rather, about helping you hone your skills in order to transform into an even stronger version of yourself.

Resolution #3: “Grow My Makeup Channel on YouTube”

At the heart of it, Devyn loves makeup and creating videos about it! In fact, the whole reason why she ventured into the world of makeup and YouTube beauty vlogging was because she and her sister, Seanna, watched others do it. This eventually motivated them both to do it themselves.

After starting their channel, Gregorio Girls Makeup, Devyn grew motivated in pursuing makeup artistry as a career. This quickly guided her towards online makeup school so that she could study and earn a professional certification in the field.

In 2019, however, both Devyn and her sister took a break from their channel in order to step back, reassess their goals, and rediscover their vision for both themselves and their YouTube presence. This move turned out to be the right one, because now Devyn’s drive is at an all-time high! Now that the New Year has come, she has huge plans for Gregorio Girls Makeup in 2020!

In order to see this goal to fruition, Devyn’s game plan is two-fold:

  1. Put her focus back into regularly posting a wide variety of different makeup content. Devyn feels that she should be able to realistically post one new video each week.
  2. Wants to find and build the ‘Gregorio Girl tribe’/fan-base. Arguably her biggest and boldest goal for 2020, Devyn wants to expand her channel’s subscriber count from approximately 1,500 to somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 by the end of the year. Wow!

Pro tip: While this is undoubtedly ambitious, and definitely a challenge, it’s NOT impossible. Acquiring such a large social media following is both realistic and attainable if you post frequently, post the right content, and have the right sort of people discover, like, and share your posts. While it doesn’t always pan out, the more effort and quality content you invest, the better your chances will be to be the next breakout MUA.

colorful makeup products

Devyn’s story began with making makeup videos. It only makes sense to her that she come full circle in 2020, and go back to her roots in every way possible. While she admits that it’s been a “bumpy ride”, she’s excited for the New Year. With more insight and direction than ever before, she has her sights set on her final destination, and can’t wait to see what happens along the way.

Ultimately, here is Devyn’s biggest piece of advice to anyone interested in starting a career in makeup, is interested in makeup schooling, or just wants to start a beauty blog/vlog: Just do it! Explore your options, do what you feel in your heart is best for you, and see where life takes you. Go into 2020 with an open mind, and know that whatever it is you want to do, you can do it!

Curious about which MUA jobs pay the highest salaries? Here are 4 possible paths you can choose in the makeup industry!

Jan 02
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pink theme - girl applying blush

QC Makeup Academy’s Top 10 Makeup Articles of the Last Decade

By About the School, Education, From the Experts, Graduate Feature, Hair Styling, Makeup Trends, Style, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Happy New Year, beauties! Though it may be the start of a brand new decade, we thought we’d do the ultimate 10 Year Challenge by paying our respects to the 10 most popular blog articles over the last decade.

So strap in, get comfy, and put your coziest socks on, because these blogs are well worth the read!

10. How to Apply False Eyelashes Like a Pro (2015)

Fake eyelashes are fun and fabulous, but they can also be the literal worst to put on. Getting glue all over the place (such as around your eyes) can make for a real nightmare. Especially when you finally secure them on, only to realize they don’t even fit! Luckily, this article breaks down the basic steps to finding – and applying – the perfect falsies.

beautiful model wearing false eyelashes

9. 5 Areas Where Makeup Artists Lose Time During a Job (2019)

It’s completely understandable to want to take the extra time to ensure your client is 100% happy with what you give them. You’re a professional, after all! That being said, you may actually be taking too much time in certain places that simply do not need it.

These extra minutes can instead be focused on the aspects of the appointment that matter most. QC executive tutor and professional MUA, Nathan Johnson, provides everything you need to know here, so you best know how to prioritize.

8. 5 Useless Items You Don’t Need in Your Professional Makeup Kit (2019)

Believe it or not, not every cosmetic product pandered to you is actually required. In fact, many items – even those marketed as top-notch, quality products – either don’t deliver what they promise to, or can be easily replaced by something cheaper. This article is a must-read for anyone who’s looking to free up some unnecessary space in their professional makeup kit, while still keeping the essentials.

7. Graduate Feature: Tyler Russell (2019)

One of the greatest ways to get motivated is by seeing others just like you making a successful name for themselves in the makeup industry. This is why we love to showcase our QC students and graduates, and why they’re always such a big hit with our readers!

Special FX Makeup course graduate, Tyler Russell, is without a doubt a talented and valuable asset to the MUA world, so it’s no surprise that his feature made the Top 10! Keep reading to see his portfolio, learn about his personal makeup style, and hear how Tyler feels that QC Makeup Academy prepared him for working in the field!

special fx makeup - avatar-looking creature

6. 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Start a Career in the Makeup Industry (2018)

Let’s get real here: you may like makeup, but it takes a lot more than that to become a successful, working MUA. Unfortunately, an interest in cosmetics isn’t enough these days to make you stand out from the crowd. There are other crucial factors that are key to being able to turn makeup from a hobby into a career. If you read these 5 reasons why you shouldn’t be a makeup artist and find yourself agreeing with them, it may be time to revisit the chalkboard!

5. The Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes for Your Professional Makeup Kit (2018)

When it comes to the makeup industry, there’s a false notion that in order to be the best, you must always have the best. So basically, if you’re on a tight budget, you’re out of luck. But wait, don’t put your palettes away just yet! The fact is, this isn’t true at all. Many cheaper brands have been known to work just as efficiently as their pricier counterparts.

We highly recommend this article for any aspiring (or even working) makeup artist who’re looking for a few ways to save some cash, without sacrificing quality.

woman shopping for cosmetic products

4. 4 Millennial Fashion Trends that Need to Die (2019)

Millennials are known for their innovation and ability to create new, amazing things. Credit where credit’s due: they’ve paved the way in terms of both makeup and fashion. But admittedly, there have been a few blunders along the way, and not all trendsetting attempts have hit their mark.

Written by QC Fashion Styling tutor and personal stylist, Mallory Sills, his article explores 4 millennial fashion trends that are definitely more cringey than cute.

3. Student Feature: Kirsten Hart (2019)

Another SFX makeup enthusiast, Kirsten Hart is a Master Makeup Artistry graduate at QC Makeup Academy. She’s also paved quite the way as a professional MUA, known for her striking, colorful looks, and her epic Instagram branding.

Check out this article if you’re looking for some serious inspiration for your own portfolio, and are curious to see how online makeup schooling has helped Kirsten along the way!

2. Quiz: How Much Do You REALLY Know About Hairstyling? (2016)

Think you’re a hairstyling guru? A fountain of follicle knowledge? A sensei of the strands? (Okay, we’ll stop.) Take this popular quiz and find out if you really know as much as you think! Maybe we’ll stump you – and if not, feel free to brag in the comments!

woman curling hair

1. 6 Makeup Business Startup Tips (2015)

As a newbie makeup artist breaking free into the professional world, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But never fear! As The Beauty Buzz’s most popular blog article of the decade (WOW!), we’ll help arm you with 6 ironclad tips to not only get the ball rolling, but set you up for long-term success doing what you love most!

If the past 10 years were able to bring us this much amazing information, imagine what the next ten will hold! Is there anything you’re hoping to see and read about? If so, let us know in the comments!

Turn your MUA dreams into a reality by enrolling in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry course today!

Dec 31
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smiling woman making heart symbol with fingers

Top 10 Most Popular Makeup Blog Posts of 2019

By Education, From the Experts, Graduate Feature, Guest Articles, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career No Comments

It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of not just 2019, but the decade!

Before we ring in and bring back the roaring 20s, we thought it’d be nice to look back at the top 10 makeup blogs of this past year that were your all-time favorites!

10. Student Feature: Sophie Kraynak

Part of our QC Graduate and Student Feature series, this article focuses on talented SFX graduate, Sophie Kraynak. Taking one look at a sampling of her portfolio shows us all that her success is truly well deserved (and why this article made the Top 10, even though it was only published earlier this month)!

With a unique background in the Marines, Sophie delves into how this experience shaped her makeup skills and personal style, as well as how QC Makeup Academy played a part in growing her professional career. Now a professional MUA, Sophie has earned quite the presence on TikTok, has worked with TTDEYE Contacts, and was even contacted by Rihanna’s cosmetic line, Fenty, to take part in an online challenge!

male makeup artist applying sfx makeup to client

9. Top 5 Worst Skincare Tips Ever

We all know that you can have all the makeup knowledge in the world, but without a good understanding of skincare, makeup alone will never reach its full potential on your client’s face. In this informative article, Nathan breaks down 5 popular misconceptions that will actually make you break out (among other things). Have you fallen prey to any of these myths? Debunk them now for healthier skin in 2020!

8. 4 Millennial Fashion Trends that Need to Die

Whether it’s shapeless clothing or culturally insensitive attire, there are certain fashion trends that millennials have been known to adorn that, frankly, need to stay in the past. QC Fashion Styling tutor and personal stylist, Mallory Sills, explores a handful of different fashion faux pas: what they are, why they do not work, and how we’ll be doing ourselves a favor by keeping them as far away from the new decade as possible.

7. 5 Special Effects Makeup Products that Suck

Written by QC graduate, Student Ambassador, and professional makeup artist, Gabrielle Rivera, this article piqued our readers’ interest thanks to its focus on teaching which SFX products to outright avoid. We admit, some of these (like not using character kits) came as a surprise, even to us! If you want to make sure your Special Effects work is top-notch, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by ditching these items from your makeup kit, and opting for better alternatives!

makeup artist applying makeup to client

6. 5 Makeup Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Here, QC executive makeup artist and tutor, Nathan Johnson, discusses 5 common makeup errors you might be making, without even knowing it. Many of these habits stem from a lack of proper makeup knowledge and education – something that online makeup schools can definitely teach you! Are YOU guilty of making any of these mistakes? 2020 can be the year you kick them to the curb!

5. 2019 Resolutions: Break Those Makeup Habits

Speaking of mistakes: is there a better way to enter the New Year, with a brand new set of resolutions, than by first making sure you’re not bringing any bad habits from 2019 with you? We think not! Nathan’s back, this time using his expertise in the field to let you in on 8 more crucial errors you may be making when it comes to makeup technique and etiquette – and how to go about breaking them so you can best succeed as a professional MUA!

4. 5 Areas Where Makeup Artists Lose Time During a Job

Time is precious to any makeup artist, so it’s important to learn where you can afford to shave a few minutes, so that you always have ample room for what really matters. Nathan touches up on 5 key moments during a job where you may find yourself putting too much time into something that doesn’t actually need it.

From the initial greeting to the kind of conversation you make with your client, this article is chalked full of useful info that will help polish up your A-game and keep you on the ball during appointments!

3. 5 Useless Items You Don’t Need in Your Professional Makeup Kit

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of cosmetic products that you actually don’t need in your repertoire. Whether it’s because they don’t truly work as advertised, or simply because there’s a more cost-effective substitute you can use instead, this article explores 5 makeup products that are surprisingly useless to you. Let us know if any of these come as a shock!!

makeup brushes and neutral eyeshadow palette

2. Graduate Feature: Tyler Russell

Another SFX makeup enthusiast, Tyler Russell is a graduate of QC’s Special FX Makeup specialty course, and now a professional MUA. Known for his painstaking attention to detail, Tyler goes into depth about what’s required in order to excel in the SFX field, as well as how QC helped fine-tune his skills. In addition to his epic goals for 2020, Tyler also reveals the one piece of advice he wishes he’d known before starting his makeup training! (Guess you’ll have to read it to find out what that is!)

1. Student Feature: Kirsten Hart

Special Effects makeup has definitely shown itself to be a favorable topic for our readers, and the fact that this is our most popular blog of 2019 is proof! Part of our QC Student Feature series, this article focuses on Master Makeup Artistry student, Kirsten Hart, exploring both her background and makeup portfolio.

Displaying a wide array of different SFX (and even glam) looks, Kirsten goes into why she chose QC out of all the makeup schools to further her cosmetic education. She also shares some valuable tips on how to build up a solid Instagram presence!

It’s definitely going to be fun to see what articles will become most popular next year! Is there a specific topic you’d like to read about in 2020? Let us know in the comments!

Ready to make your dreams a reality in 2020? Enroll in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry course and start your MUA journey today!

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