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Goodbye, Contour!

Sure, it can be argued that some lightweight, basic foundation is still a practical idea. There are times when we may briefly remove our masks while outdoors. But gone are the days of contouring, am I right?

There’s just no need for it anymore. I’m sure it’ll eventually make a roaring comeback once things go back to normal, but for the time being, it’s pretty much pointless for the everyday person. Why put in all that time and effort if no one’s even going to see it?

The same can pretty much be said about lip makeup. All that money that you’re used to spending on lipsticks and stains? Feel free to keep it, or at least invest it into some good-quality lip balms. (Hey, they still need hydration, after all!)

It’s honestly no surprise that over the past several months, the market for cosmetic products has seen a bit of a decline. Or rather, the demand for certain types of products…

Hello, Eye Makeup!

As it so happens, other types of cosmetics have been doing just fine! Big-named brands, such as L’Oréal and Ulta, have reported that products primarily focusing on the eyes, brows, and upper half of the face have been doing particularly well.

Why is this?

Because the upper half of our face is mask-free, of course! The eyes have always been called “the window to the soul”, but these days, they are quite literally the focal point of our faces. They can convey our emotions, our personalities, our thoughts, and our sense of style.

Needless to say, those of us with a love of makeup have been eager to make the most of a crappy situation. Whether it’s a tiny bit of mascara, or an intensely bold smoky eye – our eyes give us a chance to continue channeling our creativity and express ourselves!

Since many of us still have to practice social distancing, now is also the prime time to experiment! Play with your makeup at home. Practice your skills. Consider those random trips to the grocery store to be your moment to shine on the catwalk. Who says you can’t have fun, right?

You may wind up discovering a particular eye look that you fall head over heels in love with!

Join in on the Trend

While it’s never a smart business move to do nothing more than copy other artists’ work, there is something to be said about optimizing current trends for your benefit. If you have any social media channels for your makeup business (such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or your own beauty blog), share your mask-friendly makeup ideas with the world!

Online living is especially popular right now, all across the globe. Mask-friendly makeup looks are a hot topic for millions of people. This provides you with a golden opportunity to hop on the bandwagon and get your name out there by producing relevant (yet still unique) content.

You never know – your online visibility could increase, potentially leading to future clients!

Use This Time to Get Proper Makeup Training!

If you’re reading this and don’t feel overly confident in your makeup skills, you may be thinking, “This is all fine and dandy – but how can I follow these suggestions? I’m no professional makeup artist!”

Sure, maybe not right now. But you COULD be.

Yes, you heard me. You don’t need to be rich, or have any prior training, or even leave the comfort of your own home. If you’re a bit self-conscious about learning the ropes, online makeup school is your best friend. It also goes without saying that it’s particularly your best friend in the middle of a global pandemic!

The right school will offer expert makeup training from real, working MUAs in the beauty industry. You’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace, practice your skills on your own terms, and take your skill-set to that of a professional level.

Not to mention that when all this finally blows over, you’ll have a professional certification under your belt. You’ll be ready and properly prepared to venture out into the competitive industry and start booking clients right away!

Not to sound like Chandler Bing or anything… but could there BE any better way to follow your dreams!?

Start your makeup training today with QC’s internationally-leading Master Makeup Artistry Course!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 30 years old, and was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. I’m married and have two beautiful sons, who are 6 and 3 years old. I went to beauty school in 2009 (right after high school), and graduated within 15 months.

While there, I obtained my hairdressing diploma, as well as my makeup, waxing, facial, and manicure certificates. Since then, I’ve been working as a hairstylist.  For the past few years, I’ve been running a successful business from home. This has allowed me to balance my career with caring for my young children as well.

Why did you decide to earn your makeup artist certification?

I’ve always loved every part of the beauty industry. It’s in my blood! My father owned a company that distributed salon and spa products, and my mom was a makeup artist. I always loved playing with different products, fixing myself up, and asking others if I could do their hair and makeup.

When I was younger, the road lead me towards the hair industry. I’ve loved every minute of it! I found, though, that when I do hair for my clients, a lot of the time they ask if I offer makeup services as well. I always knew that it was logical to expand my business by offering more services.

But it really wasn’t until the last few years, while I’ve been at home with my boys, that I finally had the chance to expand my knowledge and skills. I’ve always loved makeup and had my eye on it – but to be honest, I was intimidated. I compared myself to everyone else’s work. I never really thought I could be good at it, even though I loved it.

But I had a consistent and intense urge; something telling me I needed more. My heart knew it was makeup. One day, I saw an ad for QC Makeup Academy. That same day, I did some research and knew right away that this was the program for me. I quickly signed up, and I will forever be grateful for that day!

What’s the meaning behind your business’s name, Beauty Beyond the Mirror?

I have to be honest… A few years back, I pushed aside my love for the beauty industry. My passion dwindled and I truly believed it just wasn’t for me. I allowed myself to fall into this place because of prior experiences I had working at salons.

When I was working in salons, I was told this wasn’t the world for me. I didn’t look the part. I didn’t act the part. My work wasn’t that good. I heard these vicious criticisms, and it broke me. Confidence has never been my thing. Hearing these things validated what was already lurking in the back of my own mind.

During this time where I let go of my dreams, I had this moment when I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “What happened to me?” I was a mess, in every aspect of the word, and it was most evident in my appearance. It was a terrible realization, especially since I loved the beauty industry so much.

It was in that moment that I promised to find myself again! I wanted to look in the mirror and see the person I wanted to be. Over time, I found there was something within me that was worthy.

My greatest lesson was that not all things are visible to the eye. We never know what a person is battling. Some of the hardest and most beautiful things lay beyond the surface. The same can be said about the beauty industry. It’s about feeling self-love and worth.

What I want for my clients is to allow the person they are to be present in its entirety. It’s to give them that moment where they look in the mirror and see themselves again. The first step is finding ourselves and loving ourselves, every part of ourselves. Sometimes, that means looking beyond the mirror.

How would you describe your makeup style? Do you have a particular niche?

I always describe myself as a sucker for the timeless, classic beauty looks! I picture woman like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, and I see beauty that truly never dies. I tend to gear toward these kinds of looks.

But I have to say that QC Makeup Academy has opened my eyes to a LOT of different styles that I never thought would appeal to me! Not only that, I have learned a lot about myself and the artistic skills I have. This has pushed me to try new things.

You’ve recently earned your BARBICIDE® Certification. For those who may not be familiar, can you tell us a bit about what this is and how it benefits your makeup business?

I became familiar with BARBICIDE® when I was in beauty school. As a hair stylist, BARBICIDE® is something you must use on a daily basis! It’s a disinfectant solution that’s used to disinfectant all of your tools.

It’s so critical in our profession that we use the right products, and keep everything as clean as possible. Without proper sanitary practices, we risk our business and reputation.

There’s no better time to acquire an updated certificate than now, in light of COVID-19. We work in a profession where we can’t avoid physical contact, and our tools are used on multiple people per day. In order to ensure it does its job of keeping ourselves and everyone we service safe, it’s important to use it properly.

I would recommend this to anyone especially during this time!

How did the optional Business component of your makeup artist certification training help prepare you to become an entrepreneur?

As a mom who’s been working from home the past few years, I already knew that I wanted to build my own business. When I saw that the last unit of the Master Makeup Artistry Course was all about Business training, I could not say no!

Part of the unit was to research an artist in your area. You had to look at the services they provided, and the price points for these services. This gave me insight into my local competition, and what I should (and shouldn’t) be charging in order to bring people in. It also made me sit back and really think about where I wanted my career to go from here.

Did I want to work at a beauty counter? Did I want to work at a salon again? Did I want to specialize primarily in bridal makeup? Etc.

I also got to start my own portfolio. I learned all about the things people would be looking for in there, as well as the things that could make people think twice. I think it was a great way to get the wheels in my head spinning, and put my first foot forward into building a plan for my future!

What has been the most challenging part of starting your own business? What about the most rewarding?

The most challenging is the fear – the “what if I fail?” worry.

I wonder if I’m cut out to build a business, if I have what it takes to really succeed, and if I can truly make something of myself. When you go to work for someone who has had a business for years, they’re already developed. You get the chance to work with the clients they’ve already accumulated throughout the years.

When you open your business, you have to build everything from the ground up and find ways to get your name out there. The most rewarding thing about being on this path is that it is mine, in every meaning of the world. It’s my dream that I worked so hard for, and held strong with my passion and dedication.

It’s knowing that every day, I can wake up and do what I love. I can tell myself, “I did this.” It’s that feeling of accomplishment; like you finally are where you were always meant to be.

You did SUCH an incredible job in your MMA Course. Congratulations! Overall, how did you find the program?

Thank you so much! Honestly, the MMA Course was even better than I ever thought it would be! The content, the videos, and Nathan’s guidance were all incredible. The material was detailed, and so thoughtfully outlined.

Every technique flows into the next, to the point where you can’t even believe how smoothly you’re moving through the Units. It taught me about so many of my bad habits that were causing me to have less-than-successful results. It took me right from the basics, up to something unbelievable.

I truly feel like I got an amazing education through this course! It left me with an infinite amount of knowledge that I can take anywhere!

What made you want to enroll in online makeup school, and why did you ultimately choose QC to earn your makeup artist certification?

Being a mom is the most important thing in my life. I wanted to be able to be with my sons for however long they need me, while still being able to grow professionally (for when they no longer need me). My only way of doing this was to get my education online.

QC Makeup Academy popped up on my Facebook and Instagram pages, so I looked into it. I loved what I saw! I checked reviews, and looked up both past and present students. The reviews were amazing. When I saw the pictures of their students’ work, I couldn’t believe how amazing it all was.

I loved the fact that I would be learning online. I had 2 years to complete my course, and was able to work at my own pace – whenever and however it fit for me. As a mom, there was nothing more I could ask for!

What advice would you give aspiring makeup artists who are considering online school to earn their makeup artist certification?

Sign up with QC!!! Once you’ve done that, know that it’s normal to feel nervous, even overwhelmed, when you first start. We all have those doubts and worries whenever we start anything new.

Just take a deep breath and enjoy every moment of this time! It really is such an amazing experience, especially with QC Makeup Academy. This is more than just an online makeup school; it’s a community, and a family.

Absorb as much information as you can, ask the for help, accept the help, and just live in the moment. Let yourself enjoy the ride!

Want to become a professional makeup artist, just like Nadia? Enroll in QC’s internationally leading Master Makeup Artistry course today, and get certified in as little as 3-6 months!

As I sit here and type this article, I glance outside my living room window and see that it’s snowing. SNOWING. In APRIL. The sky looks gloomy, and my morning coffee hasn’t yet kicked in.

I’ve been having a hard time sleeping lately, and as my eyelids feel a little heavier than usual, I’m definitely feeling it today.

When you’re stuck indoors thanks to social distancing, these can be the makings of a lousy day. It’s up to me to try and turn it around! And the thing is, if I just put in a little bit of effort, I can turn it around.

Perhaps you can relate a little to what I’m talking about. Being cooped up at home can become taxing. With everything going on in the world lately, it’s no surprise that in the latest Mental Health Index released by Morneau Shepell, mental health has recently dropped by 16%.

The thing is, your mental health is IMPORTANT. You matter, and your well-being matters. So, it’s important that we take hold of the things we can still control, and utilize them to their full advantage.

While we’re by no means medical experts, we figure it can’t hurt to throw some suggestions out there for things you can try to do to lift your spirits when things are feeling a little tougher than normal.

Who knows, maybe one of them will help brighten your day!

1. Get some fresh air

It’s a proven fact that fresh air is excellent for your mental health! It boosts your immune system, decreases anxiety/stress, and can increase your energy. Even just the smell of fresh air can do wonders for your mood!

If the sun is shining, simply getting out and stretching your legs for as little as 20 minutes can turn your day around. Just make sure to keep at least 6-feet away from anyone who happens to cross your path!

Important Note:  That being said, you may live in a hard-hit area. If so, there might be a strict stay-at-home order that prohibits going outside for any non-essential reason. If this the case where you live, please follow these directives!

Yes, they may suck, they’re put in place to help save your life. Don’t be like that guy who dressed up in a T-Rex costume to try and break his city’s quarantine laws. Yeah, it was hilarious… but he also got arrested!

2. Exercise

Go for that walk we just talked about. Do some push-ups while watching TV. Re-enact the opening scene of The Lion King with your pet.

You can get as creative with it as you want, and make it fun! There are tons of easy home workouts you can do that don’t require any equipment.

You don’t have to suddenly become a CrossFit expert (though, hey, if you want to, be our guest). Even if you only feel like exercising 20 minutes each day, it can help boost your mood and benefit your body.

As the legendary Elle Woods once said: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!”

3. Play around with makeup, just for YOU!

You may be currently doing professional makeup training, and working towards earning your professional MUA certification. If you find peace in focusing on your studies, then this is definitely another suggestion that can be added to this list!

But we also completely understand that sometimes, schoolwork can be a factor adding to your current stress.

If so, it’s more than okay to take a little break on it. You can always go back to it once you’re feeling better! (After all, QC gives you a full 2 years to complete your program.) But in the meantime, one thing that might help if you’re feeling down is doing your makeup just for yourself.

Over the past few weeks, I’m pretty sure I’ve morphed into some sort of couch goblin. Sure, I shower every day and make sure to exchange my pajamas for a cleaner set of pajamas… But my makeup routine has been completely ignored lately.

Yesterday, though, I decided to do my makeup after getting up and showering. It’s not like I had anywhere to be. But I was tired of feeling so grungy and bleh. It’s a small thing, but it actually made me feel a LOT better by the time I was done!

You love makeup for a reason, and that reason isn’t strictly limited to your makeup training. When you’re feeling down, it can really help to go back to your roots, and rediscover the power that makeup has to boost your mental health!

4. Put the phone away

If all we do is stare at a screen all day, it can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. So, it might be helpful to try and unplug from your electronics here and there, at least for a bit.

Instead, use that time to do something that stimulates your brain, allows you to use your hands, gets you to move around, etc.

Need some ideas of what you can do instead of browsing Facebook or watching Netflix? Don’t worry, I got you! You can:

• Have a living room dance party
• Bake banana bread from scratch (this is actually incredibly popular right now, interestingly enough)
• Put together a gummy bear concert
• Do a puzzle
• Take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to do
• Read a book, or re-read one of your all-time favorites again
• Start a Gratitude Journal
• Try out random makeup ideas and do an impromptu selfie photoshoot to show off the results
• If you have kids, make a home obstacle course to keep them busy
• You can also do this for pets, too!
• Speaking of pets, you can give them a proper cuddle
• Learn all the lyrics to the Alphabet Aerobics. If Harry Potter can do it, so can you.
• Watch paint dry. Actually, no, don’t do this.

5. Keep in touch with loved ones

We’re all in the same boat right now, which means that your friends and family are likely feeling exactly like you do. Chances are, they could use the company. Feeling cut off from the world is one of the easiest ways to harm your mental health, so it’s important to stay in touch!

Luckily, with today’s modern technology, there are so many ways you can do this. For example, you and your loved ones can:

• Text
• Chat over the phone
• Video call, so you can see each other’s faces
• Play online games together (here are 22 examples to get you started)
• Organize a Netflix party/movie night
• Remember that dance party you had in your living room? Why not invite them to it with an app like JQBX (Jukebox), and you can all dance together!

Yes, it’s obviously not the same – or as good – as the real thing. But it’s important that we all play our part in flattening the curve. Eventually, we’ll get to reunite with our loved ones.

For now, though, there are still tons of creative ways we can remain connected with them!

6. Let yourself feel your feelings

Sometimes, there’s such an emphasis on staying positive, that it can almost feel as though you’re doing something wrong by NOT feeling that way. Just know: it’s okay to not be okay. You’re not somehow falling short if you happen to have a day where you feel like you’re losing your marbles.

Emotion is what makes us human. Don’t hesitate to embrace how you feel, when you’re feeling a certain way. If you feel sad, it’s okay to cry. If you’re angry, that’s okay, too.

We’re all experiencing an up-and-down roller coaster of emotions these days, and that’s totally normal. Yes, it’s important to try and stay positive, and remind ourselves of the bigger picture (that this will not last forever). But it’s also healthy for us to let ourselves feel our feelings, and not bottle them up all the time.

The late Mr. Rogers had a habit of pressing all the low keys on a piano whenever he felt frustrated. You can always try that!

You and your mental health matter. So, don’t forget to take care of yourself, and make time for things that bring your soul some peace. If you have any other fun suggestions or tips for supporting your mental health, feel free to leave them in the comments!

And no matter what, remember: we’re in this together, and we’re ALWAYS here for you!

Another thing you can do to stay busy is spring clean your makeup kit! Keep reading for 5 awesome tips to do this!