Uncategorized

Looking for a sign that YOU should take makeup classes and pursue your dream career in the beauty industry? QC Makeup Academy’s Student Ambassador, Veronika Kelle, is here to give you 7!

Veronika is a multi-graduate of QC Makeup Academy. Connect with her on Instagram, as well as in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

A Little About Me

Hi, my name is Veronika! I’m a Student Ambassador for QC Makeup Academy. I’ve graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Special FX Makeup Course.

Before I became a makeup artist, I ran my own modeling agency for 15 years. I operated as an organizer – as well as a manager – for beauty contests and fashion shows. During this time, I worked alongside models, photographers, and makeup artists. This experience is what made me fall in love with makeup artistry! So, I decided to make one of my big dreams come true: to learn professional makeup.

If YOU also want to be a professional MUA and want to be properly educated on makeup, keep reading on and don’t miss out on this article! Because today, I’m going to discuss 7 major reasons why aspiring makeup artists should make their dreams a reality this year by enrolling in online makeup classes!

First Thing’s First: Do You Need Professional Makeup Classes?

I definitely have to say yes – and let’s review why!

Legitimate, professional makeup classes are completely different from learning makeup through social media or by watching influencers. In reputable certification courses, students are taught many different aspects of makeup. You get to learn about:

Furthermore, one of the most important documents you’ll receive after you complete your course will be an internationally-recognized certification! Thus, your training will turn you into a designated, trained, and recognized professional makeup artist.

With this certification, you can work privately by launching your very own makeup business. Alternately, you can work on films, television productions, and theatrical shows. Maybe you’ll want to specialize in special events makeup, such as bridal makeup for weddings.

The point is, the sky is limitless once you have proper training! You simply cannot get all these benefits by learning makeup through social media, or by only watching makeup tutorial videos on YouTube.

7 Reasons to Take Online Makeup Classes

1 – Online makeup classes are often self-paced and flexible!

At least, that’s how it works with QC Makeup Academy!

Generally speaking, though, online schools typically offer a higher degree of flexibility in terms of when and where you complete your course. QC’s online makeup classes are 100% self-paced and flexible. You can work on your assignments whenever you have free time. What’s more – you can do it in your home, meaning that you don’t need to spend time or money commuting to school.

I think this is a very good option, especially during pandemic time. If you’re not able to travel due to local restrictions, in-person training won’t even be an option for you. Online makeup classes will quickly become your very best friend!

2 – You’ll have a safe learning environment!

Just because online makeup classes are the safer alternative to in-person ones, doesn’t mean that you’ll be sacrificing the quality of your learning. On the contrary, the right online makeup school will give you the exact same high-quality, hands-on learning experience as any brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Amidst the COVID pandemic, this aspect is arguably more important than ever. In the safety of your home, you don’t need to worry about getting infected. Furthermore, you don’t need to wear a mask or concern yourself with proper social distancing rules (unless doing one of your assignments on a model outside of your immediate bubble). But at the same time, you’ll still be getting all of the informative lessons, hands-on training, and personalized tutor feedback you’d receive from an in-person setting.

It’s the best of both worlds!

3 – Online makeup classes are more budget-friendly!

In general, online learning is a more affordable option. Online schools don’t have as many costs as bricks-and-mortar schools. This is because they don’t need to worry about operating physical buildings/classrooms, maintenance costs, etc.

But wait, it gets even better! Not only is the tuition is lower with online makeup classes – but many additional expenses, such as travel costs and course materials, are eliminated, too. Instead of course materials tacking on an additional fee to the course tuition, many online schools simply include the course materials as part of their tuition.

QC Makeup Academy’s tuition, for example, is highly competitive. It’s also remarkably flexible. You have the option to pay your course in full (in which case, you’ll get a few hundred bucks deducted from the overall cost), or you can take advantage of their low monthly payment plan. Plus, once you enroll in a QC course, all of your future courses will be 50% off!

Oh, and did I mention that as a student of QC Makeup Academy, you’ll also receive access to all these amazing makeup discounts with big-name brands?

4 – You’ll earn an internationally-recognized certification!

Here’s the deal: enrolling in professional makeup classes means you’ll be setting your career up for success. Why? Well, in addition to the skill-set you’ll develop and the knowledge you’ll acquire, you’ll also earn an internationally-recognized certification once you finish your training!

Proper makeup schools will provide their graduates with a reputable certification. This certification will make you and your business EXTREMELY competitive on the market. Not to mention, having this qualification will also boost your self-confidence – and your clients will feel more confident about your abilities, too!

QC Makeup Academy holds an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau. They’ve been a pioneer for online learning since 1984, and all of their online courses and certifications are internationally-recognized!

5 – You can learn how to offer virtual makeup services!

These days, virtual services are all the rage. Especially since COVID began, they’ve allowed business owners and industry experts to continue offering their services in a way that keeps everyone safe and socially distanced.

Through the right makeup classes, YOU can learn how to offer virtual makeup services. With this specialized training, you to start your business and begin booking clients both during and after the pandemic. Never again will distance stop you from booking a customer! In fact, thanks to virtual services, you’ll be able to work with people from all over the world!

Want to take this one step further? Extend your services by offering online skincare consultations, in addition to your makeup services. You can also use this as an opportunity to organize virtual makeup workshops or host online classes of your own!

6 – Online makeup classes will also give you business training!

As part of your makeup course, you’ll also receive plenty of business training. As a result, you’ll able to hit the ground running once the pandemic is over! QC Makeup Academy’s online classes provide business and marketing sections of their course curriculums that offer useful and practical exercises, as well as marketing and promotion tips. You’ll learn valuable skills to best manage yourself, launch a successful makeup business, and develop a high-quality portfolio.

7 – You’ll become part of an amazing online community!

QC Makeup Academy has an AMAZING online community, especially within the Virtual Classroom on Facebook. You can pop in and chat with students and alumni, while receiving sneak peeks at upcoming exclusive content. Furthermore, you’re able to connect with fellow makeup artists around the world, which will help you build your professional network. Plus, the Virtual Classroom is an awesome place to receive guidance from the school, get constructive feedback from your peers, and learn new techniques from celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson!

In my experience, I’ve come to find that QC Makeup Academy is not just a school. Rather, QC is a fun, family environment that offers everyone a safe place to learn. Studying with QC has been such a pleasure!

Ready to make your dreams a reality? Become a professional makeup artist in as little as 3-6 months by enrolling in QC’s online makeup classes today!

Building your professional makeup kit? Renowned MUA, Charlotte Ravet, reveals 8 items you can skip completely!

Charlotte is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date With Charlotte. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte’s extensive makeup training allows her to provide 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.

What You Want vs. What You Need

As makeup artists, we’re constantly looking for the right products for our professional makeup kit. When a new product launches, we always want to try it! But after a few years, I realized that many of my investments weren’t actually necessary.

For starters, it was taking me a lot of time to actually organize everything. Not to mention, we have to carry our kits wherever we go. The more products I bought, the less likely I’d be to transport all of these products to every job. However, there was one factor that was even more important: all of these products were costing me a lot of money!

It was time to rethink my strategy. So, I decided to downsize my professional makeup kit.

My Top Tip for Building Your Professional Makeup Kit

Over the years, I’ve followed a ton of makeup accounts and Facebook groups that offer awesome advice for organizing your kit. One such example is The Artist’s Arsenal. If you’re ever looking for tips and tricks, a little internet research never hurts!

Personally, the #1 piece of advice I often give to my students is to build your professional makeup kit according to the type of work you do – not according to what will gain you “Insta fame”. Prepare your kit in advance and tailor it to that specific job you’re about to do. If you want to keep your makeup kit uncluttered and organized, I also recommend focusing solely on the products you absolutely NEED to have.

Yes, this means that there are certain products you can avoid purchasing altogether! What are these products, you might be thinking? Here are 8 that I feel aren’t necessary…

8 Products You DON’T Need in Your Professional Makeup Kit

1 – Too many eyeshadow palettes

Look, I get it: it’s very tempting to buy every new eyeshadow palette that hits the market. After all, eyeshadow is one of the products that appeals to us most. It’s so satisfying to look at color combinations and imagine the makeup looks we can create with them.

But realistically, your professional makeup kit doesn’t need to be swimming with palettes. The fact is, you probably have very similar shades in your kit already. Remember: too many palettes can quickly become heavy and take a bunch of unnecessary space!

Personally, I have 3 large magnetic eyeshadow palettes: one with bright colors one, one with neutrals, and one with metallic colors. In my experience, I’ve found that this is more than enough! If I need colors that are not included in my palettes, I can create them by mixing the colors I do have.

Carrying around fewer eyeshadow palettes makes each job a lot easier and better organized. I also keep my metallics and mattes separate. This way, I can avoid having shimmer in my matte shades (as this can be an issue for film and TV makeup).

2 – Mineral foundations

You will almost never use mineral foundation for professional makeup applications. Yes, it can be a great, fun product for personal, everyday use. But mineral foundation doesn’t offer the right coverage. Moreover, its longevity is often not strong enough for the purpose of professional makeup applications.

3 – Mascaras with a fancy brush

For hygiene reasons, you absolutely CANNOT use any mascara wands directly on the eyes of your client. So, there’s no need to buy expensive mascaras with fancy applicators. When working on clients, you will strictly use disposable applicators or a little fan brush.

4 – Glass bottle packaging

I definitely recommend decanting your liquid foundations and creams into smaller containers. Similarly, you should also depot any powdered products in a similar fashion. The one thing to remember is that you shouldn’t transfer your products into glass containers. They’re clunky and when added up, can become a bit heavy in your kit.

Small, airless, plastic bottles (capable of holding up to 10 mL) are typically the types of packaging most recommended. You can easily find and purchase them online. These small bottles can hold a surprisingly large amount of product. Plus, they’re very convenient and light to carry.

Simply use a label maker to label your products accordingly. This will allow you to easily find them within your professional makeup kit. If you want to decant your lipsticks, your best bet would be to transfer them into clear, plastic palettes.

5 – Tinted moisturizers and cushion foundations

For the same reasons I listed above in #2, you would not use these products in your professional makeup kit.

6 – Blending sponges

Here’s an exception: blending sponges can be a worthwhile investment only so long as you’re buying them in bulk – and at a good price.

That being said, blending sponges come with their own hygiene and safety concerns as well. This is especially the case if you’re using them on clients. Sponges should have a unique usage, so you’ll only be able to use them on one client at a time – and that’s it.

As you can imagine, this can quickly become super expensive! If you’re adamant about using sponges, stick to latex ones. Buy them in bulk and search around for a good bargain. Single use latex sponges are usually the makeup artist’s choice.

7 – Expensive skincare products with active ingredients

A common misconception is that you need to have expensive skincare products as part of your professional makeup kit. I can see why you’d think this way. After all, when applying makeup, skin prep is critical! It’s the key to ensuring a long-lasting application, as well as radiant skin.

Here’s the thing, though… Hydrating oils, serums, and creams should definitely be part of your kit. But you don’t actually need to go further than this. This is because we often apply makeup for one-wear instances. However, most of the active ingredients within high-quality skincare products are not effective unless used continuously.

If your client has skin issues, this is where proper skincare training and a certification will come especially handy! Not only will you be able to take care of their immediate goals; you can also assess their skin and recommend a long-term skincare routine that’ll benefit them well after their appointment!

8 – Liquid eyeliner

Generally speaking, this is a product that can be difficult to use on individuals. Liquid eyeliner is also considered unhygienic for professional use. After all, using the same brush on different clients – especially so close to the eyes – is strongly recommended against!

Now, liquid eyeliner can be acceptable for creative applications. For instance, you could use this product on ONE specific client during that one job. I did this for some of my own creative shoots. Personally, I absolutely love the vinyl finish of liquid eyeliner.

However, I’ve also discovered that eyeliner is best applied on clients when using a tiny wheel as the applicator. This will give you a perfect, straight line. Plus, it’s fantastic for photoshoot applications especially!

Building Your Professional Makeup Kit: My Last Piece of Advice

When building your professional makeup kit, here’s one final thing to keep in mind: limit yourself to the essentials for each category. For example, you don’t need a lot of different creams! A lightweight, rich moisturizer is often enough.

The more products you add to your kit, the harder it’ll become to find the products you need during the job. In fact, after a few years, you’ll likely start noticing certain products that you never use at all. Sometimes, you’ll have to throw away barely-touched products because they’ve exceeded their expiry date. This can be pretty frustrating – but it’s also a good learning experience.

As you begin building your makeup kit, remember: your kit will be unique to YOUR business. It might not look like any other MUA’s kit out there, but this is okay! This is what makes us all unique: our technique, the products we use, and our love of the craft!

Did you know that when you enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, we’ll provide you with the core products needed for your professional makeup kit? Learn more here and get started today!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Ozella McClendon and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m a Preschool/Pre-K teacher and have been working with children for over 18 years. However, I have always had a passion for the makeup industry.

My love for makeup started when I was a teenager. I was introduced to it by my mother, who also had a passion for makeup and fashion. She was my first unofficial makeup instructor. My mother taught me how to apply foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Her love for makeup and fashion was my inspiration to get makeup artist training and turn this into a real career!

Why did you decide to pursue makeup artist training and become a certified professional?

I miss my mother, who has been deceased for over 20 years. To be honest, I became a professional makeup artist so I could connect with her and heal from her passing. Every time I complete an application, I realize that my healing process is connected to each individual makeup application. Becoming a makeup artist not only provided me with a way to heal – it also allowed me to make one of my dreams a reality, too.

How would you describe your makeup style?

I’d describe my makeup style as bold, vibrant, and full of life. I love to apply various shades of colors to enhance the beauty of each model, while still considering the natural beauty of that model. Furthermore, I consider the shades of eyeshadows, lipstick, and eyeliner for their desired look.

I combine their ideas with mine and add creative enhancements to create their look. If my model asks me to create an application based on my own preferences, then I usually use bold and glamorous shades.

Why did you decide to pursue your makeup artist training online, rather than a brick-and-mortar classroom?

I decided to do my makeup artist training online because I needed the option of self-paced learning. As a full-time teacher, I needed a program that would fit with my work schedule.

The greatest part about completing your makeup training online – particularly with QC Makeup Academy – is the ability to watch the online tutorials. The online tutorials provided me with instructions that I could continually review at a later date. They’ve provided me with some greats tips that have helped me complete various makeup applications.

To me, the #1 advantage of attending online makeup classes is having daily access to materials and tutorials.

How did you find out about QC Makeup Academy? What made you choose to pursue your makeup artist training with this school?

I actually came across QC Makeup Academy back in 2019. I’d finally made the decision to become a professional MUA and was searching the internet for makeup artist training options available to me.

Once I discovered QC, I was SO excited about taking makeup classes! I was amazed by the different online courses they offered. At that moment, I knew I’d found the right program for me. So, I enrolled!

For me, the greatest aspects of attending QC Makeup Academy are:

Before enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, what would you say your skill level was with makeup? Did you have any prior professional makeup artist training?

I enrolled into QC Makeup Academy’s Makeup Master Artistry Course with some previous experience. I had basic knowledge about makeup from being taught by my mother. She showed me techniques that she’d learned over the years.

I read articles, watched tutorials, and practiced different ideas on myself. Plus, I took free makeup classes at a cosmetics store, as well as with a local makeup artist.

You’ve since graduated from this program. How was your experience with this course? How valuable were the course materials, assignments, and tutor feedback?

My experience with QC Makeup Academy was amazing. I’m glad I decided to enroll and do my makeup artist training through this school! In the beginning, I was provided with makeup brushes, a makeup kit, and books to assist me. The products provided in my makeup kit allowed me to jump into my studies right away.

Each unit provided me with the opportunity to practice steps of each makeup application. This was awesome because if I needed to make any corrections to the application, I was able to review the tutorial.

My tutor, Nathan Johnson, always took the time to look at every single photo and give me great feedback. Nathan provided suggestions on how I could improve my skills. This feedback, along with his words encouragement, gave me the inspiration needed to complete the Master Makeup Artistry program.

You completed the bulk of your makeup artist training during the COVID-19 pandemic. In what ways did QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online learning environment make it possible for you to graduate from your program during lockdown?

The ability to complete my makeup artist training during the lockdown was one of my greatest accomplishments in 2020. The fact that QC Makeup Academy sent all of my course materials right to my home was wonderful – especially in light of the pandemic.

Furthermore, being off work provided me the time to accomplish this particular goal. I had access to the online materials and I had physical access to the makeup kit QC sent me. Plus, I had the ability to chat with QC’s Student Support Staff whenever I needed. This made it easy for me to complete the Master Makeup Artistry Course!

In your opinion, what are 3 of the most important lessons you learned as a result of your makeup artist training with QC Makeup Academy?

Firstly, the most important lesson I’ve learned from my QC training is the placement of the product. Product placement determines the outcome of your makeup application. QC Makeup Academy taught me how to apply, blend, and identify the colors needed to achieve a successful makeup application.

Next, I also learned about which brushes to use when applying makeup. The brushes used to apply makeup play a major role in creating your client’s desired look. As such, it’s important to be able to identify and use the proper brushes for the proper products.

Lastly, I learned about color correction. A makeup artist must consider the various skin tones when applying makeup on a client. Choosing the right shade when color correcting can create a flawless application! If you choose a shade that does not complement your client’s skin, it will become a negative focal point of your makeup application. Ideally, the color correction for your client’s skin should blend into their natural complexion.

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

As a graduate of the Master Makeup Artistry program, I can confidently say that I was able to learn SO much from QC’s makeup artist training! Their courses provide students with tutors who are true industry professionals. Moreover, students are given a variety of ways to learn (via tutorials, textbook learning, hands-on assignments, and more).

Then there’s also the invaluable feedback you’ll receive as a QC student. The feedback I personally received was encouraging. Even when I was given constructive criticism, it was done with love. My tutor feedback pushed me study my craft even harder, in order to make improvements. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to be a professional MUA!

Now that you have makeup artist training and a certification under your belt, what are your top career goals as an MUA?

My top career goal is to become a freelance makeup artist with a specialization in bridal makeup. I’d like to prepare brides and their wedding parties for their special day. The idea of my work being displayed in photos and on social media brings great joy to my life!

I also want to create my own cosmetic line someday; developing various shades to enhance the beauty of people all over the world!

What is the #1 piece of advice you’d like to give to aspiring MUAs who are thinking of pursuing professional makeup artist training in 2021?

Have a willingness to learn new techniques!

It’s important to research and study different types of makeup applications. A makeup artist should strive to provide quality service. They should also be willing to receive feedback from clients. Your clients’ feedback concerning their experience with you can be a great learning too. Plus, it can also be an awesome way to promote your business!

Once you’re able to receive feedback from your clients, it will advance you to the next level in this industry. A makeup artist should constantly gain new skills, be open to feedback, and always consider the needs of the client. This will allow you to truly grow and develop your skills.

Ready to start your dream career? Begin your makeup artist training today by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!

Professional makeup artist courses offer vastly different training than what you’ll find in cosmetology school. Want to learn more? QC Makeup Academy‘s very own Student Ambassador, Angelica Hamlin, is here today to discuss why she chose to get makeup training – even though she’s already a licensed cosmetologist!

Why a Licensed Cosmetologist Chose to Enroll in QC’s Makeup Artist Courses

Angelica Hamlin is a student of QC’s Skincare Course. She is also a graduate of the Master Makeup Artistry and Virtual Makeup Training programs. Prior to enrolling with QC Makeup Academy, Angelica was first trained and licensed as a cosmetologist.

However, she found her cosmetology training to be rather limited when it came to makeup. It covered the basics, but not much else. Since Angelica wanted to add these services to her beauty business, she decided to enroll in makeup artist courses. This way, she could add to her existing qualifications and gain the extensive makeup knowledge she didn’t find in cosmetology school.

So, why did she choose to enroll with QC Makeup Academy? What specifically did she learn at QC that she didn’t learn before?

Watch the video below to find out!

Want to connect directly with Angelica? Join our Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

Makeup Artist Courses vs. Cosmetology School

There are a few key difference between the type of training you’ll receive from makeup artist courses versus what’s taught in cosmetology school. Here’s a general breakdown of these differences:

Makeup Training

Cosmetology Training

Why You Should Enroll in QC’s Makeup Artist Courses

Cosmetology training is definitely beneficial. But makeup artist courses always the best way to go if you want to work as a professional MUA. So, here are just a handful of reasons why you should train QC Makeup Academy:

Ready to get started? Enroll in QC’s makeup artist courses and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider getting airbrush makeup training today!

1. Airbrush Makeup Can Help You Stand Out!

Having a niche is a guaranteed way to rise above your competitors and be seen by prospective clients. When that niche is airbrush makeup? Chances are, you’ll start getting more clients than you know what to do with!

2. You Can Branch into Other Areas of the Beauty Industry!

For instance, would you be interested in working in Special FX makeup? How about bridal, editorial, or fashion makeup? Being an MUA for TV and film is even an option, too! By becoming an airbrush makeup master, the sky becomes the limit. You’ll never have to feel pigeonholed into one specific facet of the industry. Instead, you can dabble in multiple different beauty industries and become a true multipotentialite!

3. Airbrush Makeup Can Increase Your Salary!

4. You’ll Become Even Stronger at Your Craft!

Getting airbrush makeup training is definitely an effective way to do that!

What are some others perks to becoming an airbrush makeup artist? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn all about QC Makeup Academy’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop and get started today!