QC Student Ambassador Archives

Jul 01

Mistakes to avoid in makeup classes article, Feature Image

3 Mistakes to AVOID in Your Makeup Classes if You Want to Be Successful in the Industry

By Sarah Cavanagh Career Advice, Education, From the Experts, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Professional makeup classes will teach you a LOT more than just how to do makeup. Rather, they’re also meant to prepare you for the real, professional industry. This means helping you develop the right business etiquette and frame of mind. After all, you can be the most talented MUA in the world… but if you have a lousy attitude, that’s what you’ll quickly be known for.

If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re seriously passionate about your craft. So, we know that this isn’t the outcome you want for your career!

This is why today, we’re here to take a look at 3 critical mistakes to AVOID as you complete your certification training. So long as you heed these tips, you’ll be sure to set yourself and your business up for long-term success!

Amanda Ramey’s 3 Sins to Avoid in Your Makeup Classes

Amanda Ramey is a multi-graduate and Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. Through her hard work and dedication, she’s successfully obtained the following internationally-recognized qualifications:

Master International Makeup Professional (MIMP) certification/designation
International Special FX Makeup Professional (ISMP) certification/designation
Pro Makeup Workshop certificate
Airbrush Makeup Workshop certificate

Amanda is here to break down 3 important mistakes that one should never make while working through their makeup classes. The reason? Such errors will create a toxic mindset that you’ll carry with you into your professional career. As such, you’ll be more likely to alienate potential clients, collaborators, and employers. Thus, your brand may be perceived negatively and others in the industry will be less inclined to work with you.

So, what are these 3 mistakes to avoid? Watch the video below to find out!

Want to connect with Amanda directly? Join QC Makeup Academy’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

The 3 Mistakes You Should Never Make in Your Makeup Classes:

Mistake #1: Rejecting Constructive Criticism

In general, constructive feedback is never a bad thing. So long as it’s provided in a positive, beneficial way, it serves only to help you grow. In the world of professional makeup, however, constructive criticism is ESSENTIAL!

After all, we’re all guilty of subjectivity. When you look at your own work through just your own lens, you can often miss a lot of fixable errors. Getting a second (or third, or fourth, or fifth) opinion from someone who’s able to view your work objectively is often the only way to truly know where improvements can be made.

Now look, I get it: it’s never easy to have someone point out the flaws you’ve made. But the beauty industry can be extremely cutthroat at times, so you need a thick skin if you really want to prosper. Once you’re working professionally, you’re going to get told a lot, by all sorts of different people, if you’ve done something incorrectly.

In the real world, combating constructive feedback with defensiveness, anger, or negativity is guaranteed to stunt your chances of success. If you aren’t prepared or able to accept this kind of feedback in a calm and professional way, your career will probably end before it’s even had a chance to begin.

Learn This Skill in Your Makeup Classes!

So, maximize the time spent in your makeup classes by adjusting how you receive the constructive feedback provided by your tutors and/or fellow peers. If you find that you take it personally and become emotionally upset, I urge you to pause, take a step back, and ask yourself why it’s making you feel this way. Sometimes, it just takes time and honesty with one’s self to be able to comfortably accept constructive feedback from others.

But one way or another, you’ll NEED to learn this imperative skill… and the optimal place to start honing it is in your makeup classes!

Mistake #2: Relying on Others to Say When Work is Up to Standard

If you’re brand-new to makeup artistry, it’s to be expected that you haven’t developed your eye yet. At first, you won’t always be able to look at the applications you’re doing for your assignments and automatically know what can be done better. This is totally okay!

The only way to truly learn how to train your eye is to take full responsibility for your progress. This means not relying on others to tell you when your work is ready to submit to your tutor. If you shoulder this responsibility onto other people, you’ll never be able to properly identify correct vs. incorrect techniques or applications.

Remember: in the real world, everyone’s going to expect you to know what you’re doing. Other professionals won’t want to hold your hand through the process. If anything, they’ll probably be put off if they feel like that’s what you’re expecting of them.

Learn This Skill in Your Makeup Classes!

Use your makeup classes as a way to strengthen your eye. While it’s okay to ask others for their advice on your work, refrain from asking them if your assignment is “ready to submit”. Similarly, don’t ask this question when posting your work in QC’s Virtual Classroom! Yes, your peers can help guide you in the right direction. However, it’s not up to them to give you the answers.

Only YOU can truly know if you feel your work is ready for submission. And if it turns out that there were errors that you didn’t notice? Well, that’s exactly why your tutor is there to help you grow and get better! Take their feedback to heart (see Mistake #1), absorb it, and use it to train your eye. When you wind up working on your next assignment, you’ll already be a lot more critical and on the look-out for specific things to improve upon!

Mistake #3: A Negative, Argumentative, and Unprofessional Attitude

In many ways, this final mistake ties back in with the first one. As a professional makeup artist, your job will constantly involve you working closely with people. Thus, you need to have the right attitude at all times. Moreover, you need to know how to be flexible, accommodating, and work well with others. No one wants to be involved with someone who’s always in a bad mood or gets confrontational at the drop of a hat!

There will be days – as it is in life – when it feels impossible to keep your cool. However, it’ll only affect your career if you let it! No matter how a client, vendor, etc. is behaving, you must always be the bigger person. No, we’re not saying to let others mistreat you or take advantage of you. But there’s always a way to handle a negative situation that doesn’t involve it dragging you down to its level.

Learn This Skill in Your Makeup Classes!

QC’s Virtual Classroom is a great resource for connecting with other QC students grads, tutors, and industry professionals. By leveraging this platform, you can also start honing your professional mindset and self-reflect on your attitude. For example, do you get defensive easily if someone critiques your work? If you make an incorrect or inappropriate comment and someone calls you out on it, do you take responsibility and try to become better? Or do you become argumentative and try to make excuses?

These are all moments that can either help you shape yourself into a professional makeup artist of the highest standard… or they can be moments that further cement inappropriate behaviors, sure to damage your reputation once you pursue your career.

The choice, ultimately, is up to you.

Can you think of any other mistakes that one should never make in their makeup classes? Share them in the comments below! 💕

Enroll in QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online makeup classes today and earn your internationally-recognized certification(s) in as little as 2-6 months!

Jul 01

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Makeup artist kit article, July 02 2021, Feature Image

Everything That Comes in QC’s Professional Makeup Artist Kit! 💄

By Sarah Cavanagh About the School, Makeup Reviews, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 4 Comments

Do you dream of becoming a professional makeup artist? Then you need to get trained and internationally certified with QC Makeup Academy! Our self-paced, online courses will teach you everything you need to know to start your own business and launch a thriving career. Plus, as part of your course, we’ll even send you a FREE makeup artist kit! 😍

Want a sneak peek of the amazing products you’ll receive?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Angelica Hamlin Reveals EVERYTHING in QC’s Master Makeup Artist Kit

Angelica Hamlin is a licensed cosmetologist, certified makeup artist, and Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. Today, she’s here to show you exactly what you’ll receive in the makeup artist kit provided in our wildly popular Master Makeup Artistry Course.

Watch the full video below!

Want to connect with Angelica directly? Join QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

What You’ll Get in This Kit

Once you’ve enrolled in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, we’ll mail you a physical copy of your course materials. In addition, we’ll also ship your free Master Makeup Artist Kit (valued at over $150 USD) right to your door, too!

Here’s what you’ll receive as part of this 5-piece kit:

88-Shade Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
28-Shade Powder Blush Palette
32-Shade Lip Palette with Glosses
20-Shade Correct & Conceal Palette
16-Piece Brush Set

Want to learn more about each of these products? Check out this blog article!

QC’s Elite Makeup Artist Kit

Did you know that if you use the promo code ELITE at checkout (when signing up for any QC makeup course), you can get our awesome Elite Makeup Kit -valued at approx. $175 USD – absolutely free?

It’s true!

Here’s what we’ll give you:

4-Shade Highlight Palette
9-Shade Contour Palette
Eyebrow Palette
4-Pack of Eyelashes
A makeup travel bag
A stainless steel palette with a spatula

PRO TIP: Want to make the most of this promotional offer? Use it when enrolling in the Master Makeup Artistry Course to add these additional products on top of the items already included in the Master Makeup Artist Kit!

Other QC Starter Kits

Of course, our MMA Course isn’t the only program that’ll provide you with a makeup artist / starter kit of your very own! You’ll also receive complimentary products and tools in these additional courses as well:

Makeup Starter Kit (estimated value: $150 USD), as part of QC’s Makeup Artistry Course.
Airbrush Makeup Kit (estimated value: $200 USD), as part of QC’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop.
Special FX Makeup Kit (estimated value: $100 USD), as part of QC’s Special FX Makeup Course.
Hair Styling Kit (estimated value: $75 USD), as part of QC’s Hair Styling Essentials Course.

For more information, check out the course pages on our website or contact our Student Support Team to speak directly with one of our amazing staff members!

Which product/item in your QC makeup artist kit is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below! 😘

Enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course today and receive your FREE makeup artist kit in as little as 1-2 weeks!

Jun 25

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Best online makeup course article, June 25 2021, Feature Image

How to Find the Best Online Makeup Course for YOU!

By Paula Alleyne Career Advice, Education, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Dream of becoming a certified makeup artist, but not sure which online makeup course is the best fit for you? Today, QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Paula Alleyne, is here to help guide you on the right path!

Paula is a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Her business, PAULA MONIQUE, specializes in bridal, editorial, and special occasions makeup. Connect with Paula directly in the QC Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

A Little About Me

Hi, everyone! My name is Paula Alleyne. Some of you may be aware who I am from previous blog articles. But for those of you who are new to the QC family, I am a Student Ambassador for the school. I completed my training in the Master Makeup Artistry Course and enjoyed every minute of it! I’m also from the lovely Caribbean island of Barbados.

In this article, I’ll be providing insight as to how you can go about finding the best online makeup course for YOU. Together, we’ll compare online vs. in-person training, as well as review 3 red flags to watch out for when searching for an online institution. Lastly, I’ll also highlight some of the reasons why QC Makeup Academy worked for me – and why their online training will be the right fit for you, too!

In-Person vs. Online Makeup Courses

If you’re brand-new to online training, I totally understand the initial reservations you might have about enrolling in an online makeup course. I’ll be honest: at first, I wasn’t 100% sold on the idea of learning professional makeup artistry online either. It actually took me quite some time to finally take the step and register in the Master Makeup Artistry Course with QC Makeup Academy.

To me, truly learning makeup had to be a hands-on experience! It couldn’t just be about reading tips, seeing makeup looks, and then mimicking them. At the end of the day, that sort of training would make me feel as though I didn’t get my money’s worth.

Before I decided to register for an online makeup course, I looked around for a brick-and-mortar school. But honestly, I found it challenging to find consistent evening classes. Furthermore, I couldn’t find a local, in-person program that offered in-depth information on makeup artistry.

(And yes, I said evening classes, because I also have a full-time job. Chances are, many of you looking for a makeup course are in the exact same boat.)

As such, I knew from the very beginning that whatever course I signed up for had to be flexible. It needed to be at a pace I could actually manage. After looking for in-person training, I started looking online to see what was available instead.

Finding the Best Online Makeup Course: 3 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Sometimes, the easiest way to know what to look for in an online makeup course is to know what you need to be avoiding. With that in mind, I found quite a number of 3 shady red flags while doing my own research. If you encounter any of the following 3 scenarios, my biggest piece of advice is: RUN AWAY!

This will not be the best online makeup course for you if…

1. The online makeup school has mostly negative reviews – or no reviews at all.

This is a big one! Because you haven’t yet experienced what it’s like to be a student of the given institution, reviews of other people’s experiences can tell you all you need to know. When I was researching online makeup schools, I specifically made sure to look for each school’s reviews.

As I searched, I discovered that there were some course reviews from organizations where students were disappointed with the lack of depth of information. They’d paid hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars to only get basic knowledge. As a result, this left them feeling cheated.

So, if you’re looking into an online makeup course and find that the majority of its reviews are negative, it’s probably something you should consider before enrolling in it. Similarly, if you find an online school and can’t seem to find authentic, real reviews anywhere, this is also a sign that their makeup courses aren’t very legit.

Want to hear why people are raving about QC Makeup Academy’s online makeup courses? Click here to read over 200 5-star reviews on Facebook!

2. The school has little to no online presence.

Ask yourself: does the organization appear legit? Does this online makeup school have a solid website? Moreover, does this website clearly provide their tuition fees, payment plans, course curriculum, contact info, etc.? Do they proudly showcase a strong student presence and offer a reliable Support Team?

Or do you have to go all “detective” in order to track all of this information down?

If a school’s website seems vague and lacks information on course content, this is a bad sign. If the information they DO provide is vague, don’t be surprised if the content you receive once you pay is also vague and unprofessional. Additionally, do a bit of digging to see if this school is active on social media. The more active they are, the more legit the institution is!

3. The online makeup school isn’t properly accredited or recognized.

Does the institution appear to be well known? This recognition can come either from its courses being accredited, other organizations and brands acknowledging the institution, or reviewing the staff/tutors associated with the institution.

Fun Fact: QC Makeup Academy holds a solid A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, all of their online courses and certifications are internationally-recognized!

Finding The Best Online Makeup Course: Why You Should Enroll with QC Makeup Academy

Speaking from experience, QC Makeup Academy passes ALL of these areas of concern! It was easy for me to see student reviews of the institution. These reviews covered everything from course experiences, to student and graduate success stories, to positive feedback on social media. I even found unboxing videos where students proudly showed off the makeup kits they received as part of their training!

On top of this, QC’s website is solid; providing great information on course content, tutors, payment options, and user support. I spent time reviewing video extracts of their course content and topics offered within the course manuals. Furthermore, I was comforted to see the school networking with established makeup brands. As a QC student, you’re actually entitled to a LOT of different makeup discounts!

Another awesome perk is that once you enroll in one course, all of QC’s other courses are available to you at 50% off. Add on top of that the fact that this school offers monthly promotional discounts, competitive pricing, and low monthly payments plans, and it’s clear that this is a school who cares about giving students the best education at the most affordable price.

In addition to all the above, all of QC’s tutors are highly recognized and established in their fields. If you’d like to read more about them (and I highly recommend doing so), you can read all of the tutor profiles here!

Knowing Your Career Goals

The single most effective way to find the best online makeup course for YOU is to first understand what your career goals are. What kind of makeup artist do you want to be? Which areas of the beauty industry do you want to focus on and/or specialize in? Do you want this to be a full-time career, a part-time job, a passion project, etc.?

Only once you know the answers to all of these questions can you then find the training that can best help you achieve your goals!

As you embark upon the online makeup courses offered by QC Makeup Academy, you’re inspired to think about these future goals. You’re encouraged to start the process of turning them from mere dreams to an actual plan of action. Furthermore, QC’s training makes you ponder the type(s) of makeup application you gravitate to most – whether it be special effects, bridal, theatrical, etc.

I found that the Master Makeup Artistry Course offered foundational education in bridal, television, and editorial makeup. At the same time, it also included areas such as SFX and theater makeup. So, if you’re relatively new to this journey and want to get trained in all of these fields, the MMA Course is the best way to go! Personally, being exposed to these various specialties provided a great platform on which I could build upon and specialize my skill-set on a long-term basis.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

As you complete your assignments, you’ll begin to know which areas come naturally to you. You’ll discover which you enjoy most, and which ones are a bit trickier for you to master. In addition to learning your natural style, you may also find interest in unexpected areas, too.

For example, I love to do more clean, classic looks. This type of makeup works well within the bridal and editorial areas of the industry. However, I also thoroughly enjoyed creating fake bruises and fantasy characters. These were areas I would not have typically engaged in – but I’m certainly glad I did!

How to Find the Best Online Makeup Course: My Final Thoughts

To sum it up, taking the leap to pursue an online education with QC Makeup Academy was great for me. Having completed my training, I can say with confidence that QC offered the best online makeup course to align with my career goals… and it’ll offer the same for you, too!

To those of you out there who are looking for online makeup education, take your time. There’s no rush! In fact, it’s better to be patience and certain, then impatient and disappointed. Remember to find as much information as you can, from student/graduate reviews to social media investigating. Whichever school you decide to enroll in, make sure it’s as legitimate and professional as QC Makeup Academy is.

Ultimately, only YOU can truly know which online makeup course is the best one for you. So long as you follow your heart and trust your instincts, everything will be just fine! 💕

Countless students and grads have claimed that QC Makeup Academy offers the BEST online makeup courses around. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Click here to enroll today!

Jun 18

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Becoming a Skincare Consultant

By Katie Stegeman Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador, Skincare 4 Comments

Dream of becoming a Skincare Consultant? Then this article is for YOU!

As a graduate of QC Makeup Academy‘s Skincare Course, Katie Stegeman is an internationally certified Skincare Consulting Professional. Today, she’s here to reveal everything you need to know to get your dream career started!

A Little About Me

My name is Katie Stegeman and I’m a Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. I’m also an alumnus of QC’s Skincare Course. Today, let’s take a look together at what a Skincare Consultant does and how to become trained. Moreover, I’ll reveal how becoming a Skincare Consultant can enhance your skill-set, as well as improve your business as a makeup artist!

Why I Became a Skincare Consultant

For me, being a Skincare Consultant allows me to help personalize skincare regimens for clients, friends, and family. When you get proper skincare training, you better understand different skin types, conditions, etc. As a result, you become a subject-matter expert and can give professional recommendations on how to help different skincare concerns.

Skincare Consultant vs. Esthetician

Now, it’s important to know that Skincare Consultants are different from licensed estheticians. The main difference is that Skincare Consultants cannot perform certain services, such as chemical procedures. Hair removal, nail care, and microdermabrasion would all fall under this umbrella. This is one reason why estheticians need to pass a standardized exam in order to become licensed to practice. Rather, a Skincare Consultant strictly recommends certain services to help meet the client’s skincare needs.

Skincare Consultant vs. Dermatologist

Skincare Consultants are also different from dermatologists. Dermatologists are doctors who have been board certified in dermatology. As such, they’re able to medically diagnose skincare concerns and write prescriptions for medical treatments.

As a certified Skincare Consultant who’s been trained through QC Makeup Academy, you can work with all types of clients. However, you’d strictly be working within your scope of practice. As Skincare Consultants, we can help find skincare solutions for common concerns, such as:

Acne
Dry skin
Oily skin
Dehydrated skin
Aging skin
Preventative skincare
And more!

Taking QC’s Skincare Course allowed me to help my own skin, too, as well as my preteen daughter’s skin. Speaking from personal experience, becoming a Skincare Consultant has been an invaluable experience!

Becoming a Skincare Consultant: The Value of Professional Training

For me, becoming a Skincare Consultant has laid down the perfect building blocks for understanding skin. I never truly understood skin, even though I had been looking up tips and tricks for years in order to help manage my own. There’s nothing that can compare to actual training! Through this training, I gained an understanding of skin concerns and problems, as well as how to actually try and fix them.

But it gets even better… Thanks to my training, I now also have the tools to help those around me, too! For me, the most insightful part of my education was learning how to accurately determine one’s skin type. When it comes to this, there were so many factors that I never even knew existed! But now I can recognize the indicators that help me determine which skin type is which. Moreover, I can now translate those indicators into a plan of action. By truly understanding the skin type, I understand how it should be dealt with and what can be done to fix any concerns.

Here’s one thing to keep in mind, though: learning all of these lessons doesn’t do you much good unless you’re also learning how to implement them in your career. Luckily, QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course includes an added business training unit! Though this unit is optional, I STRONGLY recommend taking advantage of it! It’ll help you discover how to take what you’ve learned, put this into action, and run a successful business.

It can’t get any better than that!

Starting My Skincare Career During My Training

Personally, I started my skincare career while I was still in training. In each module of QC’s Skincare Course, you’re asked to use a real-life model for the assessment/assignment. After working with my models, I used their testimonials gathered for my assignments in order to help them start their skincare journey.

Furthermore, drawing on my own personal experience has also helped to build trust with clients. Since my skincare training has taught me how to better my own skin, I enjoy sharing my story with my clients. After all, my skin is living proof that the knowledge I’ve acquired actually works! And if it works for me, it will definitely work for them!

Another way I’ve been able to start my career as a Skincare Consultant has been to offer virtual services. Especially during the pandemic, offering virtual services has been great! People can send close-up photos of their skin and answer questions via video or phone calls. Plus, we can also work together using social media platforms, to get to the root of their skincare concerns.

Having the option of virtual services is also extremely convenient for a lot of clients. Many aren’t yet able to leave their house. Others might not be comfortable with in-person interactions yet. Moreover, some may not have the means to travel somewhere else to do a skincare assessment. And even though restrictions have been lifted (or are being lifted currently), virtual services provide that extra bit of flexibility that goes a long way with customers.

Plus, it opens me up to long-distance clients, which is another bonus!

Becoming a Skincare Consultant: Career Opportunities

As an internationally certified Skincare Consultant of QC Makeup Academy, you’ll have a TON of career options! Firstly, you can start your own business and offer skincare consulting services. Secondly, you can work with salons, offering skincare services for their brand of choice. Thirdly, you can work with storefronts such as Ulta Beauty or Sephora; helping them with brands they sell. You could also work for a brand-specific store.

(And these are but just a few of the options at your disposal!)

Personally, I chose to add skincare to my current beauty business. I wanted to expand my services and allow for more inclusive client experiences. Prior to becoming a Skincare Consultant, I’d already graduated from QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. As such, I was already a designated Master International Makeup Professional.

Adding skincare services on top of my makeup services has done wonders for my business! After all, understanding skin is KEY to flawless, high-quality makeup applications. Basically, this training has been amazing and I’m so proud to be a graduate!

Why I Recommend QC Makeup Academy

There’s even a DIY skincare unit, which I really enjoyed! This unit teaches you how to help your clients achieve skincare goals for themselves by recommending products they can/should use at home. When it comes to skincare, there is no “one-size-fits-all” skincare product. Through QC’s training, you’ll learn how to find the right products to help different people and their skin needs.

Again, QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course teaches SO much information about understanding skin, as well as what skin can tell you just by looking at it. This certification program teaches you how to help common skincare concerns in many different ways.

Plus, when you graduate from QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, you’ll officially be an International Skincare Consulting Professional. Moreover, you’ll have a physician certification to add to your resume and proudly show off to clients. How awesome is that!?

The education I’ve received from this program alone has already immensely helped both my oldest daughter and me. I’m so thankful to be able to help her combat skincare concerns early on so that we can prevent a lot of the stress my husband and I went through at her age. In a nutshell, I highly recommend this Skincare Course for 3 reasons:

QC Makeup Academy’s unrivaled professionalism as a school;
The quality of the tutors, as well as the high standard they hold their students to;
And the excellent skincare education you are guaranteed to receive.

My Final Thoughts

I would love to hear your thoughts below! Leave a comment and describe YOUR skincare journey. And don’t forget: if you’d like to connect with me directly, you can do so here in QC’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and experiences with this program and with QC Makeup Academy!

If you dream of becoming a Skincare Consultant, you need this program offered by QC Makeup Academy! It has been life-changing for me and my beauty career. I’ve been able to transform my own life, as well as the lives of my friends and clients.

Becoming a Skincare Consultant has never been easier! Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and graduate in as little as 2-6 months!

Jun 17

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School of makeup article, June 17 2021, Feature Image

5 Reasons Why QC Makeup Academy is the BEST School of Makeup!

By Luzaan de Bruyn About the School, Career Advice, Education, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 4 Comments

Not sure which school of makeup is the right fit for YOU? Join certified MUA, Luzaan de Bruyn, as she discusses the top 3 reasons why she recommends QC Makeup Academy!

Luzaan is the proud founder of Beauty by Luzaan and specializes in traditional, SFX, and airbrush makeup.

Photo by Stephan Neff Photography and Trevor Bond.

Why Should YOU Enroll in Makeup School?

The day I decided to start playing with makeup was the day I started watching YouTube tutorials. I spent many, many months watching these tutorials and following every single step. But for some reason, I still SUCKED at makeup application and techniques.

To be completely honest, I looked like a clown that climbed out of the gutter after escaping Azkaban prison.

Once I finally decided to enroll in professional makeup training, however, everything changed. During my first assignment in QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, I realized something life-changing: that I had never truly learned a thing from those YouTube tutorials. Moreover, I never truly knew anything about proper makeup artistry.

Learning Makeup Through Social Media

Yes, many influencers are self-taught makeup artists (and all the power to them!). But many of them don’t have a proper understanding of makeup theory, core technique, or proper application. Furthermore, while they may be exceptional at creating looks on their own faces, many influencers don’t know how to apply that same skill to the faces of others. In fact, a lot of the ‘technique’ you see in social media makeup is what you’ll learn NOT to do in a professional school of makeup.

YouTube tutorials don’t teach you the fundamental skills needed to work in the beauty industry. They don’t teach you about health and safety, correct application techniques, or different techniques and makeup required for different skin types and ages.

“But hang on,” you might be saying, “I know a self-taught makeup artist with their own business!”

We all do. The REAL question is: do they know how to do makeup for photoshoots? What about makeup for the stage? For celebrities? Film? Brides? Fashion events?

Chances are, they don’t. Or at least, they don’t possess all of these qualifications. So, why is this?

Learning Makeup Professionally

The answer is simple: because they don’t have the fundamental techniques that can only truly be learned by training in a school of makeup. These are the core building blocks that help an MUA to grow, go above and beyond, and become the best of the best. (Basically, to become what all makeup artists dreams of being!)

Training at a professional school of makeup is more than just learning makeup. Rather, it’s learning to start a successful business! This means understanding how to reach for the stars, become successful, offer the best client services, and present yourself in the brightest light.

Makeup artistry is a massive, booming industry. As a result, it’s also extremely competitive. Think of it like a lion pack, fighting for the biggest bite. It’s pretty cut-throat out there! When you have reputable certifications to show off, you’ll be setting yourself up for more bookings because more clients will be able to trust in you.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather work with someone CERTIFIED than pay for someone who’s only self-taught. There’s a reason why doctors, aestheticians, dermatologists, etc. aren’t allowed to be self-taught. In my opinion, the same standard should be held for makeup artists.

Being a Makeup Student Myself…

I chose to enroll in a professional school of makeup for the simple fact that if I was going to make this my career, I was not going to cut corners. After all, I was determined to make my dreams a success! I was going to learn my way to the top. You see, I don’t just want to be an average makeup artist… I want to be the one people ALWAYS recommend!

During my search for makeup schools, I was overwhelmed by the number of choices available to me. Firstly, I could choose between a brick-and-mortar school of makeup or an online one. But the idea of training from home appealed to me more. I mean, why go sit in a class everyday if you can sit in the comfort of your own home instead?

When I pictured myself with my favorite drink in hand, completing my studies at my preferred time, and learn the exact same stuff I’d learn in a physical classroom, the choice was obvious. So, I knew that online makeup school was to way to go!

Picking The RIGHT School of Makeup

Here’s the thing: not all online makeup schools provide the same quality teachings. So, as YOU research into different schools of makeup online, here are a few critical things to look for:

Is the school of makeup internationally accredited?
How long have their tutors been certified makeup artists?
Moreover, are their tutors actual working artists in the professional industry?
Do you get personalized critiques from your tutor after an assignment or unit?
Does this school of makeup offer practical, hands-on training?
Do they allow for continuous education by offering a wide variety of different courses?
Does the school support your growth? If so, how?
Will your makeup training include business and career training, too?
Does the school have an active and supportive community online?

Personally, when I was researching online schools, the 3 most important criteria for me were that:

The school was internationally accredited – particularly, by the Better Business Bureau.
My certification would be included within the cost of the tuition, rather than something I’d need to pay an extra fee for once I’d graduated.
I wouldn’t need to pay an additional fee to keep that certification active.

3 Red Flags to Avoid

Let’s face it, there are a LOT of scammers out there. Here are 3 red flags that I noticed when looking into online schools of makeup:

Asking for a fee in order to obtain your certification after completing the course.
Offering only multiple-choice quizzes or textbooks learning, while not offering hands-on training/assignments.
Not being an accredited, reputable establishment.

What are some additional red flags to watch out for? This blog article lists 6 more!

5 Reasons Why QC Makeup Academy is the BEST School of Makeup

1. QC Makeup Academy offers a 21-day money back guarantee!

It can be scary to commit to something – especially financially – without 100% confidence that you’ll enjoy the experience. What if the course doesn’t turn out to be what you expected? There are plenty of online schools of there that, once they take your money, there’s no chance of getting it back.

However, this is NOT the case with QC Makeup Academy!

On the contrary, QC gives you 3 full weeks (21 days) to try out your course and get a feel for it. This way, you can make sure it’s the right fit for you, your needs, and your goals. You can use this time to go through the books and units, and ensure that enrolling with QC was the right decision.

If it turns out not to be what you were looking for, all you need to do is contact QC’s Student Support Team within that 21-day window. Once you’ve mailed back all of your course materials and makeup kit (unused), you’ll get a full refund. This means you don’t lose anything, which makes it a definite win-win situation!

2. This school of makeup has its very own Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

Just because QC Makeup Academy is an online school, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of ways for you to connect with your fellow peers! In QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook, students talk, offer constructive criticism (always given with love, of course), and offer support to one another.

This Virtual Classroom has helped me in more ways than one! I’ve met the most amazing friends, who have turned into family. Whenever I’m feeling demotivated, they motivate me. Whenever I need a push, they push me. Being part of an online classroom gives you the support and love that you’d find in a physical brick-and-mortar student group.

The only difference is it’s a LOT more convenient for you!

Not yet a QC student? You can still join the Virtual Classroom for a no-strings-attached 2-week trial!

3. QC Makeup Academy’s tutors are legitimate industry experts!

QC gives you the best of the best, at affordable prices. They even offer low monthly payment plans. This is all because YOU deserve the best of the best! And this is just another reason why QC ensures that all of their tutors are real beauty experts with years of experience under their belts.

Celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, has been my tutor throughout all of my classes. He’s pushed me to heights I never knew existed. Moreover, he’s helped me realize that I can – and WILL – be the best of the best, rather than just an average makeup artist.

QC Makeup Academy knows that by having legitimate subject-matter experts as tutors, they can give you the best education possible… at a price you can’t find anywhere else!

4. QC Makeup Academy has 24/7 student support!

This way, there’s always someone available to help you, no matter what time of day you work on your course! You’ll always have a Student Support Team waiting to assist you with whatever you need. I know this on a personal level because I’ve phoned them at 2am quite a few times – lol!

Having this reliable Support Team at your service ensures that if you ever come across a problem, you’ll can have it sorted you out faster than you can say, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

5. This school of makeup offers affordable, low monthly payment plans… and monthly discounts!

As I mentioned earlier, QC Makeup Academy’s tuition is already extremely competitive. On top of this, you can choose to pay the full amount when you enroll, which will get you an awesome pay-in-full discount. Alternately, you can pay a small deposit at the time of enrollment and then pay off the rest of your tuition using QC’s low monthly payment plan!

Oh, and did I mention that once you’ve enrolled in one course, all additional courses are 50% off? But wait, there’s more! QC is also notorious for offering monthly promotions (sometimes, more than one per month). Talk about a serious perk!

Personally, all of these cost-effective options have helped me to continue my education and growth, without breaking the bank. I’ve enrolled in 7 different courses already! If that doesn’t scream LOVE, COMPASSION, and CARE, I don’t know what does.

Now it’s time to give YOU the floor! Please leave a comment below and tell me what you think a school of makeup should offer its students! And don’t forget to go join QC’s Virtual Classroom so you can connect with me. I love helping future and current students!

Thank you for reading. And as always, remember that you are loved. xoxo

Start your career in as little as 2-6 months by enrolling in QC’s online school of makeup today!

Jun 16

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Makeup theory hacks article, June 16 2021, Feature Image

3 Makeup Theory Hacks to Improve Your Mastery

By Veronika Kelle Makeup Tips and Tricks, QC Student Ambassador 4 Comments

Want to take your makeup game to the next level? QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Veronika Kelle, is here with 3 life-changing makeup theory hacks that are guaranteed to do the trick!

Veronika is a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Special FX Makeup Course. Connect with her on Instagram, as well as in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

A Little About Me

Hi, my name is Veronika and I’m a Student Ambassador for QC Makeup Academy. Through QC, I am now a three-time certified makeup artist. I ran my own modeling agency for 15 years; organizing beauty contests and fashion shows. In addition, I worked alongside models, photographers, and MUAs. It was during this time that I fell in love with makeup artistry and decided to learn it professionally!

Becoming a Makeup Artist

Are you interested in entering the world of professional makeup? Would you consider yourself a makeup enthusiast? Do you love doing makeup, but you don’t know how to do it professionally? Have you been learning makeup through watching videos on YouTube – or have you been learning makeup through professional training?

These are all very good questions! And if you answered “yes” to any of them, then this article is definitely for you!

First of all, I can’t stress enough that the proper understanding of makeup theory is ESSENTIAL. It’s especially critical if you want to work as a professional makeup artist. In this article, I’m going to discuss why aspiring MUAs should have a proper understanding of makeup theory. Moreover, I’ll explain how your makeup applications can be hindered if you don’t understand it. Lastly, I’ll also list 3 makeup theory hacks that are guaranteed to improve your mastery.

(So, basically, you do NOT want to miss out on all of this golden nugget information!)

What is Makeup Theory?

Makeup theory is the heart and soul of your craft. It encompasses all of the knowledge, expertise, and essential techniques that allow you to apply a professional makeup look clients will be happy with.

In any profession, it’s important to know the theoretical foundations of that craft. The exact same thing applies to makeup! As an MUA, it’s critical that you learn and understand the proper makeup techniques, products, colors, shapes, shades etc. Moreover, you also need to know how to apply them professionally.

After all, clients will come to you for many different reasons. Every client has a different skin type, skin tone, and a unique face shape. You, as a beauty expert, have to choose the right products and know which ones will best match the client’s skin. Without learning makeup theory, you can lose a LOT of credibility in your work!

Learning Makeup Theory Through Professional Training

When you learn about makeup theory, your techniques become more flawless than ever! On top of this, you’ll also properly understand how skin works and how to work with different conditions. As a result, you’ll be able to provide clients with high-quality, professional services – as well as a much better experience overall!

As an MUA, the goal is to provide an experience so positive and unforgettable that your client would never be able to find it anywhere else. This is what will get you repeat customers, positive reviews, and countless referrals! And when it comes to learning how to do makeup to this standard, the key is to get a proper education.

Only through professional training can you gain a mastery of proper makeup theory, as well as the fundamentals needed to create any type of makeup look. Social media platforms may be useful for teaching you how to copy different looks or styles – but they don’t teach you how to master foundational techniques. They won’t teach you how to create looks that are 100% your own.

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, every look you create will be precise, symmetrical, and detailed. The best way to learn the basics of makeup and to understand makeup theory is to enroll in a professional certification course!

3 Makeup Theory Hacks to Improve Your Mastery

There are a LOT of makeup theory hacks out there, but I’ve picked 3 that I believe are the most important. Namely, because I learned these 3 theory hacks through QC Makeup Academy and they have allowed me to improve a LOT of my own skill-set as a makeup artist!

Makeup Theory Hack #1: Skincare First!

All beautiful makeup applications start with flawless, healthy skin. Skin is the canvas on which you’ll apply makeup, so always remember to prioritize skincare just as much as the makeup artistry itself. Good skincare is essential at any age, as it helps your skin to stay in good condition.

Our skin is the largest barrier against infection, virus, and bacteria. So, keeping our skin healthy and moist helps keep this barrier strong! An effective skincare routine can help prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and help the skin to appear more radiant and fresh. That’s why understanding different skin types, skincare products, ingredients, and their effects to the skin is all extremely useful. If you use products that are not suitable for the client’s skin type, the application won’t turn out the way you (or your client) want.

Worst case scenario, it will actually cause irritation, allergic reactions, etc. This is NOT the desired result, and you’ll likely lose the client’s trust.

Makeup Theory Hack #2: Learn About Color Theory!

Color theory is the foundation of a good makeup application. To avoid using the wrong colors or undertones for the skin, it’s very important to master your color theory! A basic understanding of color theory will give you the knowledge to evaluate your client’s skin tones. In turn, this will help you in color correcting, matching undertones, picking the right hues for the skin shade, and choosing the right colors for the applications.

Many of the principles of color theory are based on the color wheel. This easy-to-use tool is the basis for the infinite palette of colors you see around you, and will help you to use colors properly.

Makeup Theory Hack #3: Know Your Classic Makeup Techniques!

Classic makeup techniques are the bases of everything in makeup. Once you know the classics, you can create any kind of look! Over the years, there have been tons of viral makeup trends. Some of them have disappeared; some have come back into style. But classics makeup techniques are eternal.

By learning these staple techniques, you’ll be able to perfectly apply/create:

Winged eyeliner
Cat eye
Smoky eye
Red lip
Glitter glam
Well-shaped brows
False eyelashes
Natural and no-makeup looks
And so much more!

One of the most essential classic techniques is contouring and highlighting. When applied correctly, this technique can minimize asymmetries, enhance bone structure, and actually make the look appear younger.

In short: understanding the classic techniques of makeup artistry will help you to enhance your client’s natural beauty. Moreover, combining these techniques will allow you to create any type of makeup look – from natural, to glamor, or even fantasy!

Why You Should Learn Makeup Theory with QC Makeup Academy

Do you want to avoid making mistakes in your makeup work? Would you like to truly be successful in the beauty industry? Then you MUST learn makeup theory through professional training! Practice your techniques, even when you’ve perfected them. Lifelong learning is also a major activity for a professional makeup artist. Updating your skills, learning new techniques, and expanding your knowledge will always pay off!

If you haven’t yet found the right makeup school to teach you professional makeup, look no further! I can recommend the best school for you: QC Makeup Academy!

QC provides a wide selection of makeup certification courses, provided through a unique, online learning system. Not only do you have the freedom to complete your training from home; you can do it at your preferred pace, too! I will forever recommend QC Makeup Academy’s online makeup classes to all aspiring and working makeup artists alike. Through this school, you’ll learn and understand makeup theory. By the time you graduate, you’ll be a master of all the professional, core techniques!

Food for Thought

In your opinion, what is the most important makeup theory?

I’d love to know your thoughts, so let’s discuss it in the comments section below! As always, thank you for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to connect with me in QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook. I’m always happy to help you and answer your questions. 🙂

Become a master of makeup theory in as little as 2-6 months by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

Jun 09

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Makeup career article, June 09 2021, Feature Image

My Makeup Career During COVID

By Nadia Calabro Career Advice, Makeup Careers, QC Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Dream of starting a makeup career – but worried that COVID will hurt your success? This is a very common concern, but one that should NOT deter you from pursuing your goals! Today, QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Nadia Calabro, is here to discuss how the pandemic has affected her journey… and how she’s been overcoming the challenges she’s faced!

A Little About Me

My name is Nadia Calabro. I’m a graduate and Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. I’ve graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. Each one of these classes gave me a different set of tools to ensure a successful career.

I was living my dream and felt on top of the world… But then the world around me literally fell apart, and down I went with it! If you haven’t figured out the villain of my story yet, I’m of course talking about the big, bad COVID pandemic!

My Makeup Career Before COVID

Before the pandemic, I was in the midst of an uphill climb to the top of my industry. I had just opened my own freelance business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror, and my name was getting out there more and more with each passing day.

When I first graduated from QC Makeup Academy, I was at the top of my game. I was getting booked consistently; having clients in my chair through the week, every week! I’d even landed my dream spot at a beautiful boutique-style salon where I was able to offer my services!

Moreover, I was participating in photoshoots and designing my own. I was booked for weddings, as well as all kinds of different special events. My skincare training through QC had also allowed me to add skincare consulting to my service menu. As a result, I was helping woman get their skin back to health! I was offering specialized facial services to help woman and young teens take care of their skin.

Most importantly, I had even begun teaching woman how to apply everyday makeup looks to themselves, through just a few easy steps and by using products that worked for them.

Then Came the Pandemic…

As I write this part, it’s hard not to feel consumed with sadness… because just as quickly as my makeup career started, it felt like it had all suddenly fallen apart!

When COVID first hit, I was still working. At first, people were still celebrating special milestones and events. As such, my calendar was filling up! I’ll be honest: I was grateful in the beginning to still be working, but I was admittedly pretty nervous, too. In the back of my mind, I knew that the worst was yet to come.

So, I was trying to do as much as I could, in whatever time I was being given. Then the ever-so-dreaded reality of what I knew was coming finally happened… Ontario (where I live) entered its first provincial lockdown.

As a result, we were confined to our homes. Schools were closed, businesses were forced to shut their doors, and we were unable to be with our families – let alone our clients. There was nothing to be done but stay at home, and ride out the tidal wave that was going to wash away life as we knew it.

At first, the lockdown was only support to last for two weeks. We were all told that we would recover and come out stronger. But this turned out not to be the case. Instead, the tidal wave quickly turned into a tsunami! Instead of recovering, we got completely wiped out. Two weeks wound up turning into three months.

With each passing day, everyone grew too scared to carry on with their regular lives. People were no longer celebrating anything – and makeup services became practically nonexistent.

Entering The Second Lockdown

Before we could even get back on our feet, we entered our second provincial lockdown. Once again, it felt like we were all brought to our knees. Faced with the prospect of yet another few months of forced closures, everyone’s hopes were dwindling by the second.

The thing is: when that second lockdown finally got lifted, life never really went back to normal. While everything else was running as usual, makeup services were still not allowed. This was because only services that involved wearing a face mask were permitted – and, of course, makeup doesn’t fall into that category.

But that was my ENTIRE career! Thus, not only could I not do makeup; I also couldn’t do facials or skin consulting either. Needless to say, I was devastated. And just like the song that never ends, Ontario wound up going into a third stay-at-home order. While it was eventually lifted as of June 2nd, it still feels unclear as to what the next plan of action for our province will be at this time.

I’ll be up front with you… It’s been hard not to give into the temptation of raising a white flag in defeat. There were many times I almost did. But ultimately, I chose not to – and here’s why…

Almost Giving Up On My Makeup Career

Let me start by saying that if you’re reading this and have been (or are currently in) a similar situation, my heart goes out to you. Truly. Personally, I have experienced some of my lowest lows over the last year and a half. So, I know the struggle is real. That feeling of helplessness is a weight that’s hard to carry. Furthermore, the realization that you are powerless in your own journey is a very hard pill to swallow.

I’ve had many days where I thought to myself, “That is it! I’m accepting that my time is done, my makeup career is over, and I’m going to find something else to do with myself!”

However, each time I thought of sending a goodbye message to my clients and followers, I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t only the fear of letting myself and my family down. Moreover, it wasn’t only the fear of not finding something else to support my family.

Ultimately, I knew that I’d never be able to find anything else that made me as happy.

Now that I’m out of the darkness and some light is finally shining in, I realize that what was stopping me from giving up was my passion. That, and the fact that I knew my makeup career wasn’t done yet. Heck, it had hardly even started! I had so much that I still wanted to share with the world; so much I wanted to prove to myself.

How could I turn my back on it all now?

Choosing to Push Forward

So, I shook off the idea of giving up! I told myself to stand tall and be better than what was bringing me down. Yes, the reality still remained that I couldn’t use other people’s faces as my canvas… But I could still use my own!

What’s more, I could try new looks on myself and perfect my art before I entered the working world again – and man oh man, have I been doing that! Instead of seeing my newfound free time as a curse, I’ve started seeing it as a blessing. After all, I can use it to get creative, test my limits, and experiment with areas in makeup I never tried before.

Finding the Silver Linings

I’ve also taken the time to go back over all of my books and videos from my QC Makeup Academy courses! Working in the real world after graduating, I knew there were bad habits I’d picked up again. So, refreshing myself has allowed me to break those habits and bring my skills and makeup approach back to the basics.

Furthermore, I’ve also focused on connecting with artists on social media, in order to build professional relationships that I can potentially benefit from in the future. I’ve reached out to people that I knew were holding off on getting married, and have offered my services to them when the time comes. Importantly, I made a conscious choice to not let people forget my name the way I had forgotten it myself!

Ultimately, I know that all this practice and rewiring of my skills will only make me better in the future. As a result, I’ve now allowed myself to appreciate this time I’ve been given. I’ve allowed myself to be thankful for the temporary pause in my makeup career, because now I can watch and appreciate each brush stroke on my face. I can appreciate the wonders of what I can create, rather than just doing it to get the job done.

Once I slowed down, I realized that I had begun to apply makeup through habit – and not appreciating the art. But not anymore! Instead, I’ve fallen in love with makeup all over again!

Getting My Makeup Career Back on Track

Over the last year and a half, I’d been feeling as though I no longer had a lot to offer anyone in this industry. I’d even convinced myself that I had nothing to offer the current and future students of QC Makeup Academy, in terms of being a Student Ambassador, because I was so defeated at one point.

But with new perspectives, everything seems so much clearer to me now! I love giving people advice on their techniques and skills; helping them to evaluate their looks and better themselves. And I will continue to do that! But for now, I am choosing to use my voice for something else.

Today, I am choosing to use my voice to tell anyone who feels like I did to straighten their backs, stand tall, and look up and onward. Life before COVID was great, but the future can be even better. The only way that anything has power over you is if you allow it… So, choose to be stronger!

Food for Thought

Choose to make the best of the worst possible situation and come out with guns blazing. The global pandemic took a lot – and this is a fact the whole world is a united front on. But COVID doesn’t have to be the element that takes your dreams away, too.

You are the same person you were before COVID, and you can find that person again. Start by picking up your makeup brushes and creating a masterpiece on your own face. Then look in the mirror and remind yourself why you started doing this in the first place.

Finally, grab onto that dream that was buried by darkness. Hold on tight, never let go, and get ready for a lifelong ride. Yes, it might start off bumpy… but it’s sure to land on beautiful, calm roads!

Start YOUR makeup career in as little as 3-6 months by getting trained and certified from the comfort of home with QC Makeup Academy!

Jun 04

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QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Feature: Harleen Kaur Talwar

By Sarah Cavanagh About the School, Graduate Feature, QC Student Ambassador, Student Ambassador 6 Comments

Harleen Kaur Talwar

Graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s:

Master Makeup Artistry Course

Pro Makeup Workshop

Hair Styling Essentials Course

Oslo, Norway

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Harleen Kaur. I’m married, have a 4-year-old son, and live in Norway. In the past, I’ve served both the aviation industry and sales industry. Now I’m an Entrepreneur and own my own company, LOOKSSTUDIO, in Norway. I have a passion to travel, listen to good music, and I enjoy learning and grasping knowledge as much as possible… especially when it comes to makeup artistry!

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

I decided to become a professional makeup artist because I’ve always wanted to make people smile. I’ve been in the service industry since 2012. Moreover, I used to work with customers in the aviation industry. During this time, I had to use and be familiar with a certain amount of makeup.

One fine day, out of the blue, my mother asked me to do her makeup. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but apparently she loved it! People around her loved her look and complimented her. Plus, she had the BIGGEST smile on her face! When I looked at her, I smiled, too. In that moment, I realized that if I could bring a smile onto the faces of others, I would get so much happiness in return. So, I decided to be a makeup artist!

Why did you decide to take online makeup classes, rather than enroll in a brick-and-mortar school?

Originally, I actually was looking for a brick-and-mortar school in Norway. But what I came across were schools that offered no in-depth courses. Moreover, their tuition was all extremely expensive, and the courses were only offered in a particular language.

I wanted something that was more global, as well as in the language which most people understood. While I was searching the internet, I came across celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson. I quickly discovered that he’s the executive makeup instructor for QC Makeup Academy. As soon as I saw him, I recognized him from two seasons of Project Runway and thought “Why not learn from the master himself?”

For what other reasons did you choose to enroll in with QC Makeup Academy?

Firstly, QC Makeup Academy offers self-paced courses. Secondly, they also provide internationally-recognized makeup certifications. On top of that, many of QC’s courses provide starter makeup kits to aid in the students’ training. Personally, I LOVED the makeup kit I was given for the Master Makeup Artistry Course! Their eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, lip, concealer, and corrector palette are all lovely.

Furthermore, QC Makeup Academy provides both digital and physical copies of their course materials, as well as instructional videos you can watch online. If I ever want to be clear in my approach to the looks I’m doing, I can always go back and refer to these resources. Plus, I also love that there’s a Virtual Classroom on Facebook where any and every question can be answered by fellow peers, Student Ambassador, QC staff, and tutors!

You’ve graduated from QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. How was your experience with this program and how would you say it helped you to grow as an artist?

“Incredible” would be a very small word to describe my experience. This course not only made me grow as an artist; it made me more confident, both personally and professionally!

The feedback I received from my tutors was totally bang on. It was never sugar-coated, which I appreciated. Rather, it was always very honest; said to try and bring out the in me. Through my training, I learned the core, fundamental techniques of makeup. I know now that I could never have learned this knowledge from just watching social media influencers. To be a professional MUA, you need a professional education.

In what ways would you say that QC Makeup Academy’s Pro Makeup Workshop built upon the knowledge learned in the MMA Course and refined your skill-set further?

This workshop is a step ahead and delves deeper into the art of makeup. In the Master Makeup Artistry Course, you lean the core techniques of makeup. Then, in the Pro Makeup Workshop, you develop your technical skills with more precision and through cleaner looks. It’s all about detailing and experimenting with your applications.

You’re also a recent graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s Hair Styling Essentials Course. Why do you want to add hair styling to your repertoire? How do you intend to incorporate this advanced training into your makeup career?

Personally, I believe that if one knows how to do makeup and hairstyling, then that person is preferable. Such complementary skills will surely set you apart from the competition! Whether it’s a bridal appointment or a movie set, you’ll ALWAYS be the preferred choice in the eyes of a potential client.

Not only will this additional qualification help you expand your clientele; you’ll also have a better salary. You can even be the savior for a “hair gone wrong” emergency during a fashion shoot!

How useful have QC Makeup Academy’s course materials and assignments been for your learning experience?

All of the materials I’ve received have been super fun, educational, and detailed. Each course has been very easy to follow every step of the way, whether it’s related to makeup or hairstyling. In fact, I always go back to the written material and assignments when I create new looks. My QC course materials are like my comfort area.

How valuable has been the feedback been from your QC Makeup Academy tutors, Nathan Johnson and Corianne Cowan?

I would say that Nathan is like an encyclopedia of makeup knowledge! His feedback is always to-the-point and honest. If your work is good, he’ll totally compliment you on where your strong points are. On the other hand, if you need to improve, he won’t sugar-coat it. Instead, he’ll be upfront about where you need to get better.

In particular, his feedback was especially beneficial for me during Unit B of the MMA Course. Nathan is truly an eye-opener. His feedback and words of wisdom are always in my mind palace. I’d easily say that he’s one of the best educators I’ve ever met in my life!

With Corianne, it’s like you’re working and learning from an all-rounder who knows it all. She is so gentle and sweet! Plus, she’s always approachable on social media and ready to help, no matter what you’re facing. She’s always there to above and beyond; letting you try all hair styling techniques and whatever suits you best for your assignments.

In the end, I can say that QC Makeup Academy, Nathan, and Corianne are like my second family. I can’t live without them!

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

Balance and consistency (both in terms of clean looks and humbleness in work) will help you in achieving your goals. Never rush into things, and practice as much as possible! “Practice makes perfect” is what these programs have taught me!

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?

If you wish to build yourself both personally and professionally, want to get the best education, and wish to learn something new, QC Makeup Academy is the place for you! This is truly a school that will help you turn your passion into a profession, in a learning environment that’s entirely at YOUR own pace. QC makes dreams come true!

You’re located in Blystadlia, Norway. What has the COVID situation been like where you live? Has it affected the way you need to work as beauty professional? If so, how?

We are current in the second wave of COVID. Suddenly, the cases have increased. As a result, we’re in a partial lockdown wherein all malls and stores are closed. That being said, hair and beauty salons are allowed to remain open!

The beauty and personal care industry in Norway hasn’t changed much since 2019. Norwegians are typically affluent consumers who place a high degree of focus on appearance and personal care. Weddings and other such events are still happening. However, they can only have a maximum of 10 members present if it’s an indoor event. Because of this, many brides are either opting to do their own makeup, or they’re shifting their wedding dates.

But the fashion, movie, and television industries have not suffered as such. Moreover, the sale of cosmetics, haircare products, and skincare products have actually increased. This is, in part, because many social media influencers have increased the sales of eyeshadows and palettes.

What services do you currently offer your makeup clients?

Currently, I offer my clients makeup applications for day and night looks. For example, I offer ‘Deluxe Makeup’, which provides more attention to at least one focus point. I also teach a group makeup course (for a maximum of three people) that focuses on educating others on all the new medical and hygiene precautions/regulations out there. Recently, I’ve also been receiving a lot of male hairstyling clients in the salon where I work. I’m also a freelance MUA in this salon as well!

What are your top career goals as a makeup artist?

To be honest, my career goal is to provide the education and techniques I’ve learned to those who can’t afford professional training. I wish to be an educator to everyone who needs it! To achieve that, I wish to grasp as much education and knowledge as I can from every single sector of the makeup industry. In my eyes, you can never know too much!

I also have a dream of doing a makeup look with Nathan Johnson. I’d love to assist him in his work – even if it’s only for a few minutes!

Finally: In your opinion, what is the true secret of success as a makeup artist?

Without a good education, patience, and practice, one can never reach up to their goals in life. To have success as a makeup artist, one must have balance and maintain all three!

Inspired by Harleen’s journey? Begin your own by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

Jun 03

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Online makeup course reacting to Unit B feedback article Feature Image

Reacting to My Tutor’s Feedback for My Online Makeup Course!

By Sarah Cavanagh #ThrowbackThursday, About the School, Education, QC Student Ambassador 4 Comments

Want to enroll in an online makeup course? Dream of becoming a professionally trained MUA? QC Makeup Academy‘s self-paced, online Master Makeup Artistry Course can help you kick-start your career in as little as 3-6 months! Your tutor will be a real industry professional. Moreover, this tutor will provide you with extensive audio feedback after EVERY unit! Thus, you’ll learn exactly where your strengths are – as well as where you need to improve!

Want a better idea of the sort of feedback you’ll be receiving?

Current student, Jordan Garcia, is here to share some of the feedback he received from his tutor, Nathan Johnson, after submitting Unit B!

Jordan’s Tutor Feedback for Unit B of His Online Makeup Course

Jordan is a current student of the following QC Makeup Academy online makeup courses:

Last summer, Jordan submitted his second unit of the MMA Course. Now, for those of you who don’t know, Unit B is considered one of the most challenging sections of this certification program! Needless to say, Jordan was definitely anxious to have his tutor – celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson – review his work!

Lucky for us, Jordan is here not only to share some of the feedback and constructive critiques he received from Nathan… He’s also going to react to it and provide his thoughts in hindsight!

Watch the full video below!

Want to connect with Jordan directly? Join QC Makeup Academy’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

Let’s Recap!

Why is Unit B of the Master Makeup Artistry Course so important? In a nutshell, here’s how Nathan summarizes the purpose of this second unit:

”This is an amazing unit because within it, we start to go through all the individual techniques of master makeup artistry! When you put your time into mastering them, when you really understand them inside and out, you become capable of anything... because at the end of the day, whatever it is you want to make in makeup, it always comes down to combinations of basic techniques. Master them and they can be assembled into anything!
Nathan JohnsonQC Makeup Academy executive makeup instructor and celebrity MUA

So, how was Jordan’s feedback for Unit B of this online makeup course? Nathan has some very positive things to say about Jordan’s progress and strengths. In particular, he praises Jordan’s ability to ‘perfect the skin’, as well as his conceal and correcting skills.

At the same time, he also breaks down each component of Jordan’s hands-on work and points out where improvements still need to be made. Specifically, Nathan discusses what can be bettered when it comes to basic eyeshadow application and wedge eyeliner.

Hands-down, though, the BEST part about Nathan’s feedback is how motivating and supportive it is! Not only does he acknowledge and congratulate Jordan on his hard work; Nathan aims to push Jordan further by reminding him (as always) that he has it in him to succeed, and that he is always there to help Jordan however he can.

Talk about a loving, encouraging learning environment!

Take an Online Makeup Course with QC!

QC Makeup Academy offers an online makeup course for every skill level!

Online Makeup Course: Foundational Training

Our Foundational Training will arm you with all of the core techniques and skill-set needed to launch a thriving career in the professional industry. There are 3 Foundation Courses you can choose from:

Makeup Artistry Course – best for those who wish to take their OWN makeup game to the next level!
Master Makeup Artistry Course – best for those who wish to work professionally as an expert MUA!
Skincare Course – best for those who wish to learn everything there is to know about skincare, better your makeup skills, and/or work as a certified Skincare Consultant!

Online Makeup Course: Advanced Training

Our Advanced Training is designed to add to the foundational skills you built-in (any of) the previous 3 programs. Here, you’ll refine your craft further, create cleaner, more precise applications, and master next-level techniques that are sure to boost your career!

QC Makeup Academy currently offers 3 Advanced Courses:

Pro Makeup Workshop – best for those with previous makeup training and/or graduates of the Master Makeup Artistry Course!
Global Beauty Workshop – best for MUAs who want to be able to work on ANY skin tone and adapt their applications on a worldwide scale!
Portfolio Development Workshop – best for those starting their professional career and interested in creating a strong, client-attracting makeup portfolio!

Online Makeup Course: Specialty Training

Lastly, QC Makeup Academy also offers Specialty Courses that will add to your existing qualifications, set you apart from your competitors, and become a one-stop shop for clients! Here are the 5 Specialty Courses we currently provide:

Ready to get started? Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and earn your internationally-recognized certification in as little as 3-6 months!

May 26

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Breaking Down My Makeup Portfolio

By Paula Alleyne Career Advice, QC Student Ambassador 6 Comments

Building your makeup portfolio for the first time and need some tips for getting started? QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Paula Alleyne, is here to help!

The Importance of Your Makeup Portfolio

A makeup portfolio is a snapshot of some of your greatest work. It should represent you and allow potential clients to see your capabilities. Portfolios can typically come in 2 forms:

A physical portfolio,
Or an online one.

Physical vs. Online Portfolios

Before the world went digital, having a great physical portfolio book was essential. An MUA’s physical makeup portfolio contained tear sheets of any magazine publications of their work. It also contained high-quality printed images of their artistry in photoshoots. It wasn’t uncommon for a physical portfolio to have a section with business cards, too. This way, you could easily distribute them when you met with possible clients.

In today’s age, however, physical portfolios are not the only thing that’s required. You also need to have an online presence! With the click of mouse, potential clients from all across the world can access and view your work. Online makeup portfolios can typically be seen on an MUA’s social media pages and/or business website.

While we absolutely urge you to post your original work on social media platforms, remember that having a professional business website is always recommend! After all, a polished website will give off that professional edge you’re looking for when portraying your work.

Demonstrating Your Skills

Your makeup portfolio is also a great way to demonstrate your versatility as an artist. This is because the shots you showcase will display varying styles and techniques you’ve mastered. Just keep in mind that showcasing too much variety can be a recipe for disaster. You never want to lose your identity! Similarly, you never want to mask a dominant style that best represents you.

Your portfolio images should not confuse potential clients. When they look at your portfolio, they should quickly become aware of what distinguishes YOU from the competition. A makeup portfolio is one of the major factors that’ll draw in potential clients. Once drawn in, they’ll be more likely to book with you. In turn, they’ll likely share your work (and their positive experience with you) with people they know.

Thus, a solid makeup portfolio ensures that a chain of employment opportunities is created!

4 Tips for Your Makeup Portfolio

When building your makeup portfolio, there are a few tips you can follow:

1 – Only use high-quality professional images.

During your certification training with QC Makeup Academy, you’ll discover the difference between professional and unprofessional photos. For example, a candid picture taken with your mobile device is often times not a photo you’ll want to place within your makeup portfolio. Such photos may be appropriate for a social media account. If the photo – in any way – gives viewers a more personal and/or daily work-life experience of you as the makeup artist, it’s NOT the type of imagery that should be displayed in your portfolio selection.

Want some more tips for taking/choosing the BEST photos for your makeup portfolio? Keep reading here!

2 – Be patient.

Building a portfolio with quality imagery takes time. Some professional artists state that a minimum of three years is what took for them to build a solid professional makeup portfolio. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perfect your portfolio too quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be setting yourself up for unnecessary disappointment.

3 – Network with other industry professionals.

One really smart way to build your portfolio is to network with other professionals in your area. Just as you’re an upcoming makeup artist, there are plenty of upcoming photographers who are looking to develop their own portfolios. Collaborations are a great way for you to gain professionally-captured images, while also meeting and forging relationships with other people within your industry. Such collaborations may even transform into long-term partnerships and/or employment as the vendor develops his or her career.

4 – Reflect who you are in your makeup portfolio.

If you’re a makeup artist who loves clean beauty, let that shine through in your portfolio! If you gravitate more towards avant-garde looks, then when people view your makeup portfolio, they should clearly be able to see you as an artist who loves bold, colorful creations.

A Look Into My Makeup Portfolio

As a makeup artist, my personal style is natural beauty. I love naturally enhanced creations for bridal and editorial shoots. The following are some of the images which best represent me as an artist…

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommel Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne / Model: Bethany Pile of Casting Barbados / Bridal Designer: Jaye Applewaite / Hair Stylist: Tina Burrow of Déjà vu Salon / Diamond Distributor: Diamonds International Barbados / Jewelry Designer: Sonia King of SRK Designs / Lighting Assist: Akinwole Jordan / Venue: Barbados St. James Parish Church

As you can see, this wedding photo is elegant and soft (which ties back in with the overall theme). My model’s dress, hairstyle, and location are very much princess-themed. Moreover, the goal was for her makeup application to be enhanced enough that it defines her features, while remaining soft for the theme.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommel Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne / Model: Tiye Kelly of Casting Barbados / Bridal Designer: Jaye Applewaite / Lighting Assist: Akinwole Jordan / Venue: The Crane Resort Barbados

Now take a look at this wedding photo, which has a more defined smoky eye. The aim of this application was to utilize the smoky eye technique in a manner which defined the client’s eyes. However, the look still needed to remained soft enough to be suitable for a wedding.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommell Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne

I particularly love this editorial photo! It enhances the talent’s rich, brown tones. Creating natural beauty images for editorial work requires a level of technical ability, as well as a fine balance.

On the one hand, you must apply enough makeup for the camera to pick up on it. But on the other hand, you also need to make sure there’s not too much product buildup. Otherwise, the look won’t appear natural. Furthermore, an application of various shades of brown can easily look like one wash of color, rather than creating slight definitions around the eye.

PHOTO CREDIT – Photographer: Rommell Alleyne / Makeup Artist: Paula Alleyne

Finally, this last photo is a great age-appropriate shot. My client had turned 16. As a minor, her makeup application had to ensure that she was still recognizable, while not appearing overly mature. At the same time, the makeup still needed to be prominent enough to enhance her beautiful features.

Why Professional Training Makes for a Better Makeup Portfolio

Getting professionally trained in makeup artistry is a guaranteed way to enhance your skill level. By extension, it’ll also elevate the creation of your makeup portfolio. Remember: anyone who looks at your portfolio should be able to easily notice your level of skill and technique. By enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s online certification courses, you’ll gain all the knowledge and mastery needed to reflect this advanced skill-set in your work!

QC offers great advice on building your makeup portfolio. This is particularly the case in their Portfolio Development Workshop. In this 2-unit program, you’ll learn the difference between a professional versus an unprofessional image. Moreover, you’ll learn the ins and outs of building your professional network. As we touched on earlier, establishing your network will only benefit your portfolio development in the long run.

If you dream of becoming a professional makeup artist, I strongly recommend checking out this online school. QC’s education will not only develop your technical ability; it’ll teach you all about industry practices and standards, too. In addition to this, you’ll get regular constructive critiques from your tutor(s). Plus, your course materials will provide you a wealth of knowledge on:

Dealing with facial corrections;
Learning eye and facial shapes;
Color theory;
Identifying skin types;
Starting (and running) a successful business;
And so much more!

If you’d like more information, feel free to contact QC Makeup Academy’s Student Support Team anytime! You can also connect with me directly in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Thanks for reading!