Your Makeup Career Archives

Jul 08

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5 Reasons to Take Makeup Courses This Summer!

By Veronika Kelle Career Advice, Education, From the Experts, QC Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career One Comment

Dream of launching an exciting, successful career as a makeup artist? Here’s your sign to take professional makeup courses this upcoming summer!

Multi-certified MUA, Veronika Kelle, is a Student Ambassador and 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 and 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.

I ran my own modeling agency for 15 years. During this time, I organized beauty contests and fashion shows. In addition, I worked alongside models, photographers, and makeup artists. I also organized photoshoots, castings, and modeling courses. Throughout all of this, makeup was always a key factor. As such, it was during this time that I fell in love with makeup artistry! Ultimately, this is what made me decide to learn it professionally.

I’ve talked many times before about why it’s important to acquire professional makeup knowledge. Moreover, I’ve delved into why it’s critical to master your techniques, complete professional makeup courses, and obtain a recognized certification. Now today, I’m going to discuss why this upcoming summer is the perfect time to get professional makeup training!

5 Reasons to Take Makeup Courses This Summer

1. You May Have More Free Time

Do you have a bustling life? Do you work or already study full-time? Are you a full-time parent?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re probably quite the busy bee! But when summer rolls around, the kids are finally on holiday. If you’re also a student, then you might be, too. Moreover, maybe you use the summer season as a chance to take an annual leave, vacation time, etc. Either way, there’s a good chance that you might not be quite as busy in the summer as you are the rest of the year.

If you’re going to have more free time this summer, why not maximize it by enrolling in makeup courses, and using this time to buckle down and focus on your training?

Still have a pretty hectic schedule, even during the summer months? No problem! Thanks to QC Makeup Academy’s distanced, self-paced learning environment, you have the freedom to work on your makeup courses whenever it suits your availability! That’s right – absolutely no deadlines!

2. The COVID Pandemic is Almost Over

With the end of the COVID pandemic finally on the horizon, the summer of 2021 is the perfect time to get professionally trained and earn a reputable certification! After all, businesses everywhere are beginning to open back up. By the fall, the makeup and beauty industry could very well be back to normal.

If you enroll in makeup courses now, you could easily graduate by the end of the summer. In doing so, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and launch your makeup business at full-speed as soon as it’s safe to book clients again.

3. A LOT of Makeup Courses Will Offer Summer Discounts

Many makeup schools will offer awesome deals during the summer holidays. For example, you could find “summer discounts”, “Back-To-School specials”, “summer giveaways”, etc. As a result of these super hot deals, makeup courses even more affordable. Given that online makeup schools are already cheaper than their brick-and-mortar alternatives to begin with, this is a perk that’s too important to overlook!

Did you know that QC Makeup Academy holds regular, monthly discounts? It’s true! Plus, once you enroll in one program, all other QC makeup courses will be offered to you at 50% off!

4. Easier Access to Models for Your Assignments

Throughout the rest of the year, you won’t be the only one who’s busy. Your friends and family will also be, too. This can sometimes mean you’ll need to put in a bit more work into getting models for your makeup course assignments.

During the summer, however, they’re more likely to have a freer schedule, same as you. As a result, it’ll be a lot more convenient (and easier) to have them donate their time to being your model. Plus, this can also give you an even bigger group of people – meaning more diversity – to choose from.

Remember: the more practice you get under your belt, and the more you get to work on different ages, skin tones, skin types, etc., the better your skill-set will become!

5. Summer is The Optimal Time to Embark on a New Career Path

For many, the summer season often embodies a time of renewal, change, and opportunity. What better chance to start a new journey and pursue the career you’ve always dreamt of?

Not to mention, as in-person gathering limitations are loosening up, more events and activities will be getting organized in your local area. This means you can expect a MASSIVE amount of bookings, clients, and career opportunities! Indeed, now is the best time for you to hone your craft (or refine it), improve your makeup techniques, expand your services, and/or launch a brand-new business by completing professional makeup courses.

5 Reasons to Enroll in Online Makeup Courses

1. Cheaper Tuition

As I mentioned earlier, the cost of online makeup courses is typically cheaper than in-person ones. QC Makeup Academy offers awesome payment options, so you can select the payment plan that best suits your budget! You can pay in full (and get a discount for doing so) or pay monthly.

Plus, once you’ve enrolled with QC, all future courses are half off. QC Makeup Academy currently offers 11 different courses in the makeup and beauty industry – and they’re always expanding and looking for new courses to add to their roster! Moreover, every single on of their programs will give you either a certification/designation or a certificate once you graduate. These certifications and certificates are all internationally-recognized.

This is an awesome way to master your makeup skills without breaking the bank!

2. A Personalized, One-On-One Learning Experience

In a physical classroom, the instructor is responsible for teaching you and dozens of other students at the same time. Moreover, you may not always get to sit front and center during the lesson either. It can become all too easy for little details to get missed. As a result, your training might not always be 100% personalized to you, your learning style, and your needs.

Through online makeup courses, however, you’re GUARANTEED a more personalized, one-on-one environment with your industry-leading tutor. All of QC Makeup Academy’s tutors are legitimate beauty experts; there specifically to help you accelerate your career with success.

My tutor was QC executive instructor and celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson. Speaking from personal experience, the guidance Nathan gave me was unparalleled! He guided me through my course, and taught me everything I needed to know about makeup theory and professional techniques. In addition, he gave me countless helpful critiques after every single unit I submitted.

Believe me: you’ll be impressed and will love every moment of QC’s learning process!

3. You Get The Same High-Quality Education As You Would in a Physical Setting

There’s a common misconception that the quality of online makeup courses can never measure up to the quality of in-person ones. But this notion is 100% false!

In reality, the learning experience you’ll have in an online makeup school will be exactly the same as it would be in a physical class. I’d even argue that the quality of education is actually better through an online school! For starters, you’re given more flexibility due to the self-paced learning method. Not to mention, you have the freedom to train wherever you please.

Furthermore, QC Makeup Academy offers amazing Student Support services, an online student center, and even a Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

4. You Get More Bang for Your Buck

Many online makeup courses – such as the ones offered by QC Makeup Academy – include and deliver all of the course materials (and makeup kits) as part of your course tuition! At QC, each program comes with full-color texts, video tutorials, and countless hands-on assignments. All of your physical materials will be mailed directly to your door at NO extra cost! And since the course is done online, you’re also given a digital copy of your texts and instructional videos, too.

For example, QC’s most popular and comprehensive program is the Master Makeup Artistry Course. As a student of this course, you’ll not only be sent the physical copy of your course materials – you’ll also get their Master Makeup Starter Kit at no additional cost! This professional makeup kit offers the widest selection of shades and colors to complete a large variety of looks on any skin tone. Plus, it provides you with the tools needed to successfully complete your training!

5. More Promotional Discounts Than You Could Ever Imagine

Seriously, who doesn’t love a chance to save even more money?

As I touched on earlier, online schools tend to offer more frequent and better promotions/discounts for their makeup courses. For instance, there’s always a killer, exclusive promo you can take advantage of at QC Makeup Academy! Every time I turn around, they’re offering something new.

Here are just some of the current discounts QC is running:

The ‘Elite Makeup Kit Upgrade’ promotion allows you to get QC’s Elite Makeup Kit 100% free! This kit includes a highlight palette, contour palette, eyebrow palette, 4-pack of false lashes, a makeup travel bag, and a stainless steel palette with a spatula. Simply use the promo code ELITE at the checkout when enrolling in your makeup course!
Again, when you enroll in one of QC’s online makeup courses, you’ll get 50% off all other courses of equal or lesser value!
There’s even a group discount! Id you’d like to enroll with a friend, groups of two or more are eligible to receive a 25% discount per person when you enroll!
QC frequently offers 2 courses for the price of 1 – so make sure to keep an eye out for that offer!
As a QC student or graduate, you’re automatically eligible for amazing makeup discounts with huge, big-name brands! Check out the full list of brand partners here.

Take Your Makeup Courses with QC Makeup Academy!

Have I piqued your interest in learning professional makeup? Do you dream of becoming a makeup artist and launching your very own business? Then you need to get trained and internationally-certified with QC Makeup Academy!

With QC, you’ll be able to access all the benefits mentioned above in this blog! Their self-paced, online makeup courses will teach you everything you need to know to start your own makeup business and launch an amazing career. You’ll be armed with all the industry knowledge and makeup techniques needed to thrive for the long-run.

Moreover, you don’t need ANY special qualifications to enroll. QC’s wide variety of online courses are suitable for any and all skill level. In just 2-6 months, you’ll be ready to fill up your client-book – even if you never even touched a makeup brush prior to your training.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? And what better time to do it than this summer!

Final Thoughts

Can you think of any other reasons why summer is the PERFECT time to enroll in makeup courses? I would love to know your thoughts, so let’s discuss it in the comments 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 and answer your questions. I look forward to seeing you there!

Enroll in QC’s online makeup courses today and earn your internationally-recognized certification in as little as 2-3 months!

Jul 01

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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 30

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How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist While Holding a Full-Time Job

By Gabrielle Rivera Career Advice, Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career 9 Comments

So, you want to pursue your dream and become a professional makeup artist. There’s just one problem: you already have a full-time job – and you can’t exactly quit. After all, you’ve got bills to pay! So, how can you do both?

Luckily, this goal is a LOT more achievable than you think!

Join QC Makeup Academy graduate, Gabrielle Rivera, as she breaks down how to become a makeup artist while holding a full-time job!

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Debunking a Common Makeup Artist Misconception

When it comes to professional makeup artistry, there are a lot of misleading misconceptions. For example, many people incorrectly believe that being an MUA is just a “hobby”. But the fact is, becoming a pro makeup artist is a full-time job in and of itself!

Now, if you’re just dipping your toes into this industry, you might be thinking: “How am I supposed to do this professionally and commit this much time if I already have a full-time job?”

Don’t worry, you can still become a professional makeup artist! Yes, some beauty experts have decided to commit to their business full-time. However, just as many others choose to maintain their regular jobs and either do makeup on the side, or as a second (part-time) career. I’m here to give you some tips on how to manage becoming a professional makeup artist while holding a full-time job!

How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist While Working Full-Time

Drawing from personal experience, I’ve put together a list of 5 key tips to help you pursue your dreams of becoming a professional makeup artist. (Yes, even if you’re currently holding full-time employment.) If you give these 5 tips the proper focus and dedication, I guarantee you’ll be able to achieve your goal!

Tip #1: Planning, Scheduling, and Organization

I’m both a professional makeup artist and a full-time teacher. To me, the key to successfully balancing both priorities is all about organization! If you’re like me, you probably love writing in a physical planner. That being said, you may prefer a digital one instead. Either way, all I have to say is trust me – a planner is an important greatest asset to helping you manage both careers. It’ll quickly become your best friend!

When I plan my work weeks, I take into consideration both careers, as well as the workload each one requires per week. By doing this, I can stop and take a step back. As a result, I can ensure that I’m not overworking myself or overbooking my makeup artist business.

For example: I know that between April to August, my professional makeup artist business will be extremely busy. Mainly, because it’s prom and wedding season. So, I plan accordingly and pay extra attention to how many clients I can book realistically.

Pro Tip: Remember to Be Flexible!

Being flexible – while also setting realistic expectations – is going to be an important part of having a successful professional makeup artist career. You need to keep in mind the kind of workload you can actually manage. If you feel you’re biting off more than you can chew, don’t simply try to power through it. You won’t be benefiting anyone by spreading yourself too thin.

Remember that what matters most should always be the quality of your work, rather than the quantity of clients you schedule. Your clients will respect you for providing them with your best work – without having to rush their appointment or hurt their results in order to meet your next customer.

Tip #2: Become a Professional Makeup Artist By Networking

Holding a full-time job and becoming a professional makeup artist takes balance. Moreover, it requires a strong ability to network with others. When I first started out, I didn’t really value the power of networking… That is, until I saw what networking can really do!

When you learn to network with other professionals in the beauty industry, you’re opening the door to invaluable opportunities. Such opportunities could include gaining new clientele and securing more bookings – all through word of mouth! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve booked clients because my networked recommended me. I’ve also gained clients because fellow artists within my network needed extra help working large bridal parties, proms, and/or photoshoots!

Tip #3: Maintain Clear and Consistent Communication

Everyone says that communication is key. But from my experience, this is especially the case in our profession. If you want to know how to become a professional makeup artist, one of the first things to understand is that clear and consistent communication is critical!

If you have a full-time job but dream of working as an MUA, you really need to make sure that it’s easy for clients to contact you. Furthermore, you must always keep those lines of communication clear and consistent (to the best of your ability). You never want to lose out on a potential client because they weren’t sure how to contact you. Similarly, it’d be a shame to miss out on a golden opportunity because you missed their inquiry.

A way to combat this is to have a system in place that works the best for you. Many professional makeup artists will provide a business email for contact. Additionally, you can also have a contact link set up on your website that’ll directly send visits any customer inquiries. Regardless of the method that works best for you, ensure that it’s easily accessible to clients.

Tip #4: Remember to Practice Self-Care

Speaking from experience, trying to juggle a full-time job and a professional makeup artist career can be overwhelming at times. Your goal is to be able to maintain your full-time employment. However, you’re also driven to grow your own makeup business. As a result, your personal and/or mental health can unintentionally wind up taking a back seat.

Oftentimes, people believe that in order to be successful, you must wake up at the crack of dawn, work yourself to the bone, and even limit sleep in order to be more productive. Well, I’m here to tell you that those beliefs couldn’t be further from the truth!

A phrase I often tell my students is, “Work smarter, not harder.” Being successful is not contingent on working long hours, depriving yourself of sleep, or a lack of proper nutrition. In fact, it’s actually quite the opposite! When you feel your best, you’ll work and produce your best.

So, make sure to give yourself days off to relax, unwind, and recharge. Remember to practice self-care regularly and you’ll notice how it benefits yourself and your business!

Tip #5: Become a Professional Makeup Artist By Getting Properly Educated

Ultimately, it all boils down to this: if you want to know how to become a professional makeup artist, the #1 answer I can give you is to get reputable training. This is especially true if you’re holding a full-time job. After all, you’re already busy as it is. As such, it can become all too easy to fall behind on the latest beauty trends.

When you enroll in a professional certification course, however, you’ll not only stay current on these game-changing trends – you’ll learn how to combine them with core techniques, so you can apply them correctly.

Knowing trends is one simple step that can help bring you a LOT of new clientele. For instance, if you’re an artist in the world of bridal makeup, you’ll quickly see the trends in wedding makeup. The more you educate and practice both the classic and current trends, the more clientele you can attract and book for your business.

Furthermore, it’s imperative that you continuously educate yourself and better your craft. I suggest taking seminars, online classes, one-on-one lessons, business webinars… Basically, any learning opportunity you can get your hands on!

The more knowledgeable you become about skincare, makeup products, applications, and styles, the easier it’ll be for you to secure more clients, network, and collaborate with others. This will also allow you the opportunity to increase your prices as your knowledge base and experience grows!

A great way to support your professional makeup career while holding a full-time job is to sign up for one of QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online certification courses. As a QC graduate myself, I cannot recommend them highly enough!

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Ready to start your dream journey? Become a professional makeup artist with QC Makeup Academy and earn your internationally-recognized certification in as little as 2-6 months!

Jun 29

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Building Your Makeup Artist Kit: Anisa Beauty and aDesign Brushes

By Sarah Cavanagh Announcements, Featured, Guest Articles, Industry Spotlight, Makeup Reviews, Your Makeup Career One Comment

Are you ready for the best, most exciting news ever!? 😍

QC Makeup Academy has partnered with beauty industry revolutionaries, ANISA Beauty and aDesign Brushes! It’s true… and this means all sorts of incredible products waiting to be added to your makeup artist kit!

Keep reading to learn more about these wildly popular brands – and the jaw-dropping discounts YOU’RE eligible to receive on their products as a QC student or grad!

About ANISA Beauty

Here’s what Rishma Walia, ANISA’s Senior Manager of Business Development and Sales, has to say about ANISA Beauty:

Their Belief

“ANISA Beauty was created on the belief that the cosmetic brush is the ultimate beauty tool to transform your makeup and skincare experience. At ANISA Beauty, we are beauty activists; redefining 21st Century standards by creating innovative and inclusive products that take care of our consumers, our communities, and our environment. We believe beauty belongs to everyone. All of us have the right to be seen and feel beautiful. What touches your face matters … We take seriously our role in leading the way to positive change in the beauty industry and beyond.”

An Ethically Sound Brand for Your Makeup Artist Kit: How ANISA Runs Its Business

“We own our manufacturing facility and have full control over our supply chain and process – from conception to your hand. We believe that how we do business can make a difference. As we proudly pave the way for more responsible beauty tool manufacturing, we continue to find ways to do so without harming the environment and by providing fair wages to the artisans who make them.

Creating better products means less waste, cleaner production, and safe and supportive working conditions. This translates to you knowing where and how your brushes were made. Every brush is PETA Certified Cruelty-Free and sustainably made by the global ANISA team.

ANISA Beauty is led by beauty pioneer, Anisa Telwar Kaicker, Founder and CEO of Anisa International. She has been designing and manufacturing brushes for the biggest brands in beauty for almost 30 years. This
specialized focus has positioned her as the thought-leader in brush design and innovation.

Anisa’s passion for brushes is surpassed only by her commitment to giving back and leaving a meaningful mark on the world. She is an active and outspoken advocate for social justice … [Moreover,] her ANISA Advocacy
program is a proud supporter of organizations on the front lines of addressing racial inequality.”

About aDesign Brushes

Rishma also had the following to say about aDesign, also created by the visionaries of ANISA Beauty…

Their Belief

“Why are makeup brushes so confusing? The truth is, they don’t have to be[!] … [T]hat’s why we created aDesign[:] to put the power back in your hands. Power Duos that make applying makeup easy and foolproof.”

An Ethically Sound Brand for Your Makeup Artist Kit: How aDesign Runs Its Business

“At aDesign, we believe that what touches your face matters. Our PETA Certified, vegan makeup brushes are thoughtfully designed and responsibly manufactured in our fully-owned, end-to-end supply chain.

What does that mean to you? It means that we can stand behind our promise that aDesign brushes are made using the highest quality materials[;] hand-crafted by skilled artisans, and manufactured using only clean and socially responsible methods.

Artistically designed. Responsibly made. Cruelty-free.”

Add ANISA Beauty and aDesign Brushes to YOUR Makeup Artist Kit Today!

We simply cannot stress enough how valuable these top-quality brushes are! Used by practically EVERYONE in the beauty industry, they’re guaranteed to make the perfect addition to your QC Makeup Academy brushes – and become a fast favorite in your professional makeup artist kit!

How to Redeem This Discount for Your Makeup Artist Kit

ANISA Beauty

Go to ANISA’S Pro Program and fill out their application form.
Under the question, “How did you hear about us?” simply answer, “QC Makeup Academy“.
Once approved, enjoy your 40% discount on ALL of ANISA’s wide range of products!

The beat part? ANISA Beauty ships internationally – so you can order their brushes from practically anywhere! 💕

*Please note that this discount is only applicable for students or graduate of QC Makeup Academy.

aDesign

All you need to do to redeem your 60% discount off all aDesign products is to use the code AD60 at the checkout when you shop on their official business website. That’s it!

*Please note that, as mentioned above, this discount is only redeemable for QC Makeup Academy students or alumni.

Even MORE Discounts for Your Makeup Artist Kit

The savings don’t stop here, though! Amazingly, as a student or grad of QC Makeup Academy, you’re eligible for discounts from a TON of other big-name beauty brands!

Depending on the country you reside in, you can take advantage of our preferred partnerships and get discounts on products from:

Urban Decay
Smashbox Cosmetics
Sigma Beauty
Kevyn Aucoin
Temptu
Three Custom Color Specialists
Marc Harvey Beauty Cosmetics
Mehron Makeup
Embryolisse Laboratoires
Cozzette
Frends Beauty
Stage Makeup Online
Michele Mulkey FX Studio
EBA Performance Makeup
Williamspro Makeup & Hair
The Makeup Foundation
Screenface
Face Atelier
Kind of Magic

Furthermore, QC Makeup Academy is a MAC Pro Eligible School! Students in our Makeup Artistry, Master Makeup Artistry, and Special FX Makeup courses are eligible to apply for the MAC Pro Student Membership. Once approved, they’ll receive a discount on MAC products, both in-store and online!

Want to learn more about all of these amazing discounts, so you can take advantage of them today and continue stocking up your makeup artist kit?

Here’s everything you need to know!

Ready to train with QC Makeup Academy? Enroll today and earn your internationally-recognized certification in as little as 2-6 months!

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 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 10

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Makeup portfolio article, June 10 2021, Feature Image

Building Your Makeup Portfolio: How to Connect with Photographers

By Charlotte Ravet Career Advice, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Building your makeup portfolio for the first time? Professional MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is here with 5 tips to help you find and connect with photographers in your area!

Charlotte is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date with Charlotte. 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.

The Value of Your Makeup Portfolio

As a beauty expert, your makeup portfolio is critical! It’s just as important to you as a resume would be for someone working in the corporate industry. As such, the quality of the work you’re showcasing needs to just be exceptional as the work itself.

Sure, you can use your phone to take images of your clients when developing your portfolio. However, this isn’t the mark of a professional makeup artist. Particularly, if you have the desire to work in fashion, advertising, or commercials, you’re going to want to avoid using your phone’s camera.

Instead, it’s strongly recommended to have your makeup portfolio built with a creative team – including professional models, stylists, and photographers.

Let’s Start With The Basics…

In a nutshell, your makeup portfolio is a physical embodiment of the best work you’ve done in the past. It’s a visual representation of your talent and skill. Your portfolio gives potential clients a taste of what you’re capable of achieving for them. No successful makeup artist would be where they are today without a solid portfolio under their belt!

Generally speaking, the “no makeup” look is the most requested type of makeup by clients. So, this is definitely a look to include in your portfolio! Especially for editorial work, this is because the focus is NOT on the makeup itself. Rather, the makeup application you do is but one puzzle piece in a much larger vision. Furthermore, another advantage of showcasing the “no makeup” look in your portfolio is that it’ll be much easier for potential clients to imagine hiring you for advertising jobs, fashion brands, etc.

That being said, I would also advise you to create a body of work which reflects what you love, too. Most of my paid work is natural or glamor makeup. However, I still do what I love and showcase that in my portfolio as well. For years, I’ve been told my work was too colorful, too bold, too dramatic, etc. But that hasn’t stopped me from creating painted faces with fluo colors!

In fact, this type of makeup actually brought me a LOT of work once I made a name for it. The truth is, as the old saying goes, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day of your life.” So, it’s always best to create makeup looks for your portfolio that excite you!

Building Your Makeup Portfolio

It’s important to know that building your makeup portfolio is not going to bring you money in-and-of itself! In fact, some projects might even cost you a bit of money for specific products and material. However, don’t get it mixed up – this is absolutely a worthwhile investment!

Firstly, you’ll be developing a portfolio you’re truly proud of. Secondly, this portfolio WILL help you bring in money once it begins attracting clients your way. And lastly, you’ll then be able to carry this body of work with you throughout your career, and continue building upon it!

But when you’re brand-new to the industry, how exactly are you supposed to get started? How do you get professional photos taken, with the help of a professional creative team, if you don’t know anybody yet?

Collaborative Projects

Get involved in a collaborative project, such as a stylized photoshoot! While these types of projects are typically done on a free basis (meaning you won’t get paid for it), there are tons of other benefits that are just as valuable.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then you’ll need to find people who want to work with you, too. Speaking from personal experience, the hardest part of building your portfolio is connecting with local vendors for the first time. Of these vendors, arguable the most important ones to connect are photographers. After all, in order to create beautiful images, you need a photographer.

Here’s the thing: great photographers receive COUNTLESS emails every single week from makeup artists asking them to work with them. So, how can YOU stand out of the crowd? What can you do to set yourself apart, so that the photographers you want to work with want to work with you back?

Here are 5 tips to help you get started…

Your Makeup Portfolio: 5 Tips for Connecting with Photographers

Tip #1: Make it easy!

When it comes to photoshoots, the biggest part is organizing the shoot with the team. This includes finding an idea, acquiring models, putting together a creative team, artistic coordination, etc. All of this is a lot of work!

Usually the photographer is the one putting the team together. But if you already come with suggestions of stylists and models wanting to shoot with you, you’ll make the work much easier. Thus, the photographer will likely be more inclined to partner up with you!

Tip #2: Share your ideas!

Before I connect with a photographer, I first do my research by looking over their work. Then I’ll formulate an idea and/or concept for the photoshoot that I think would match the photographer’s unique style.

Typically, I’ll establish contact through emails or social media. When reaching out, I’ll send a few moodboards which I believe they could be interested to shoot. You can create an amazing moodboard on platforms such as Canva and/or use Pinterest for your reference images.

Importantly, I don’t reach out to them and say, “I would love to shoot ‘something‘ with you…” Instead, I introduce myself and say, “I would love to shoot ‘this‘ with you!”

How has this worked out for me over the years? Well, I’ve pretty much had a 100% success rate so far, so I’ll let you be the judge! Moreover, this approach has even given me the opportunity to art direct some editorial shots.

Tip #3: Be persistent!

Sometimes, you’ll try to reach out to a photographer and not hear anything back. While it might be tempting to give up on this prospect entirely, I encourage you to try again! When it comes to networking, there is nothing to lose! So, if the photographer didn’t get back to you regarding a photoshoot? Kindly touch base again after a few weeks.

Remember: people sometimes get busy. But this doesn’t mean they are not interested!

Pro Tip: Just know when to draw the line. While there’s no harm in following up once or twice with a vendor who hasn’t gotten back to you, sending a million messages will likely put that person off and create a bad impression for you. Furthermore, if they do get back to you and decline your offer, respect their decision. Don’t keep pressing!

Tip #4: Keep in touch!

Let’s say that you’ve participated in a photoshoot that went very well. However, you haven’t heard back from the photographer regarding other projects. Why not add them to your newsletter and share your recent work?

(Not too often – but once a month, or once every two months, is enough!)

A simple newsletter that showcases your latest work is a great way to keep your network active and informed of what you’re doing! After all, you can’t only rely on social media to keep your network thriving. Newsletters are a great add-on for your business. Who knows – they could result in even more work to help strengthen your makeup portfolio further!

Not sure which platform to use for this strategy? Personally, I use MailChimp and I love it!

Tip #5: Make friends!

Reaching out to photographers can also come from word of mouth. You may befriend stylists, hairdressers, or models in the beauty industry who know the person you’re looking to connect with! So, make friends with those around you, always be professional, and never fail to do your best work. Your network could very well give you that foot in the door you’ve been needing! This has happened to me many times – often, without me even needing to ask for it!

Building Your Makeup Portfolio: Final Thoughts

Building your makeup portfolio and connecting with people can look a bit frightening at first. But like all the other steps you will undertake in your career, it’s really only the first step that’s the hardest to take! Once you get going, it’ll become easier and easier, I promise!

Plus, you’ll soon realize that the makeup industry is much bigger than it looks! If a photographer doesn’t get back to you, despite your efforts to connect, don’t beat yourself up. It likely has nothing to do with you. Just see it as a new opportunity to connect with a different photographer. Something amazing will ALWAYS be waiting for you around the corner!

Learn everything you need to know to build a strong makeup portfolio by enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s Portfolio Development Workshop today!

May 27

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3 Ways Online Makeup Classes are The Same as In-Person Ones (and 3 Ways They’re BETTER)

By Gabrielle Rivera About the School, Education, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Not sure whether you should enroll in online makeup classes or brick-and-mortar ones? Certified MUA, Gabrielle Rivera, reveals 3 similarities that online training has with in-person training – as well as 3 reasons why online makeup courses are superior!

Gabrielle is a QC Makeup Academy graduate. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram page.

Online Makeup Classes vs. In-Person Makeup Classes: 3 Things They Have in Common

1 – Educator Feedback

When I first looked into QC Makeup Academy, my biggest concern was that I wouldn’t be in the same room as my instructor. After all, how can you learn how to do makeup properly, and master the necessary skills, if you’re not physically with your tutor?

I quickly discovered, however, that QC Makeup Academy’s remote learning environment has this covered! In fact, their online makeup classes provide expert and experienced educator feedback on EVERY assignment… Just like in-person makeup classes would!

Just like in a brick-and-mortar setting, your QC instructor will review and critique your work throughout the entire process. Moreover, they’ll provide detailed feedback that is specific to the strengths you’ve shown in your assignments. At the same time, they’ll also address any areas that need improvement, as well as give feedback on how to master those specific skills and/or applications. As a result, your tutor’s audio feedback will help you pinpoint exactly where you need to grow and how you can successfully achieve this!

Having this level of instructor feedback is incredibly vital to your success as a student, because it supports your understanding of the concepts being modeled. I speak from experience! My QC Makeup Academy tutor, Pat Armstrong, would provide specific and thorough feedback on every aspect of my assignments. She also offered suggestions on areas I should work on, as well as provided references in the textbooks and/or instructional videos that I could use for additional support.

2 – You Receive a Makeup Kit and Course Supplies

It’s worth pointing out that not all online makeup classes will provide you with a makeup kit. Similarly, not all online schools will send you a physical copy of your course supplies and materials. But QC Makeup Academy certainly does!

This is just another way that QC’s online learning environment is similar to what you’d experience in a brick-and-mortar course. In both settings, you’re provided with your very own makeup kit to aid you in your training. Furthermore, you receive a physical copy of your textbooks (and any other necessary supplies) to help you successfully complete your course.

Having these materials provided to you helps alleviate the pressure of needing to build your makeup kit and supplies from scratch. As such, you can begin your education as soon as you’ve enrolled!

3 – The Methodology is the Same in Online Makeup Classes and Brick-and-Mortar Ones

Fun fact: QC Makeup Academy executive makeup artist and celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson, used to work as a brick-and-mortar instructor before teaching online makeup classes. According to him, the methodology behind the education process is exactly the same – regardless of the medium!

”Wherever I am teaching, my methodology is the same ... This teaching process is the same, whether the learning is happening in-person or from behind a computer screen.
Nathan JohnsonQC Makeup Academy executive makeup instructor and celebrity MUA

I’m a makeup artist who has taken both in-person and online makeup training. As such, I can say with complete confidence that the methodology taught in both settings is the exact same. With in-person classes, your instructor will model and verbally walk you through each step. They’ll explain why they are approaching each technique in a specific way. Similarly, this is also true for online makeup classes!

With QC Makeup Academy, the instructors record themselves modeling each skill and technique. This is then demonstrated to you through your instructional videos. Plus, they verbally walk through their hows and whys! For instance, say you want to learn how to create a smoky eye. The techniques for achieving this look would be the same, whether it’s taught to you in-person or online. So long as the approach is the same (and it is), you’ll be able to achieve the same results.

3 Ways Online Makeup Classes Are Better Than In-Person Ones

You might be thinking, “Well, I’m still unsure. In-person learning seems to have more benefits.”

Does it, thought? You might be surprised to learn that online makeup classes actually offer INCREDIBLE benefits that you’d never be able to find in a physical learning environment!

Here are just 3 reasons why I strongly believe online makeup classes can be MORE beneficial than in-person classes!

1 – You Can Learn at Your Own Pace!

Like many students, you might be considering taking makeup classes online because you work a full-time job. Maybe you’re a full-time, stay-at-home parent. Or perhaps you’d just prefer not to be in a physical classroom environment during COVID.

Either way, in-person classes probably won’t be able to cater to your needs. This is because they tend to run on a set, strict schedule. Moreover, you have to travel to them and make their timeframes work for your schedule – regardless of how hectic your life is.

On the other hand, online makeup classes allow you to have a flexible schedule! You can learn at your own pace, without strict deadlines or the fear of ‘failing’ if you don’t turn in an assignment by a given due date. QC Makeup Academy’s online learning environment puts YOUR needs first! You can complete your coursework and assignments whenever works best for you. There are no deadlines or set schedules to follow! So long as you complete your program within the 2-year period, that’s all that matters. Thus, you can take as much or as little of that time as you need.

On top of this, because you have the option to learn at your own pace, you can take the time you need to truly feel proud of the work you submit!

2 – Online Makeup Classes Offer a LOT More Practice Time!

They always say, “Practice makes perfect.” However, with in-person classes, you’re actually limited on the practice time you’re allotted before an instructor reviews and critiques your work.

With in-person classes, the instructor will teach and model the application. After that, students are asked to practice on their own model that same day. In this blog article, QC Makeup Academy’s Nathan Johnson shared his own experiences working at a brick-and-mortar school. This thought in particular really resonated with me:

”You hear your lesson from your teacher once, and you only get to practice it for a few minutes. In those few minutes, you either get it or you don’t, and everyone else moves on. Yes, you can practice when you get home - but without the visual demo, will you be able to remember what the proper technique is?
Nathan JohnsonQC Makeup Academy executive makeup instructor and celebrity MUA

Online makeup classes, on the other hand, permit you the time to actually practice the skills taught in each unit. Furthermore, you can continue practicing as much as you need before turning in your work. This way, you can ensure that you’re mastering the skill properly. This practice time will make all the difference between just applying makeup and fine-tuning the application process.

3 – You Can Refer Back to Your Course Materials as Much as You Need!

In my personal experience, one of the most VALUABLE benefits of online makeup classes is the video instruction. Namely, because with that comes the ability to play the videos back! When becoming a professional makeup artist, video instruction can be an essential component to your growing skill-set. You’re able to watch, pause, rewind, and practice alongside the instructor – as many times as you want/need.

In a physical class, you can run into difficulty remembering everything the instructor said. You might not recall each step of the application. As a result, this can make your at-home practice tough, since you won’t remember how to recreate the look(s) or apply the product(s) accurately. Luckily, online makeup training won’t pose this issue!

This is also an important element because it can be easy to pick up incorrect makeup habits when trying to mimic your instructor’s work (without their supervision and feedback). Having instructional videos at your disposal takes away the “guesswork”. Instead, you’re able to re-watch their applications and techniques as many times as you need. This way, you’ll truly grasp the skills correctly!

Trust me when I say: the right online makeup classes will completely disprove the negative misconceptions people sometimes have about them. If you dream of working as a professional makeup artist and want to get properly trained, I highly recommend checking out QC Makeup Academy’s courses! You can also speak directly with QC’s Student Support Team to have all of your concerns and questions answered. 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Graduate from your online makeup classes in as little as 3-6 months by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

May 14

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8 Sins You Shouldn’t Commit During Makeup Jobs!

By Charlotte Ravet Career Advice, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

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.

Planning to book makeup jobs this year? Then you’ll want to AVOID making these 8 critical mistakes!

Etiquette During Makeup Jobs

Experience teaches all. As a professional makeup artist, there’s a certain etiquette you always need to follow. This etiquette will help you ensure that you always provide clients with a safe and professional service. Over the years, I’ve learned quite a few things that I definitely recommend not doing during makeup jobs. Though some of them might seem like little things, I promise you that they make a big difference… and not in a good way!

Whenever you take on makeup jobs with clients, it’s important to remember that how you present yourself is EVERYTHING! The right impression can turn a one-time client into a devoted customer for life. The wrong impression, on the other hand, can result in a negative review that hurts your reputation.

We all have our sins. Sometimes, we don’t realize that these ‘sins’ can bother other people. Thus, it’s important to be mindful and avoid these mistakes during your makeup jobs. This way, you’ll better your chances of getting booked by your clients again in the future.

8 Sins You Shouldn’t Commit During Makeup Jobs

Sin #1: Having pointy nails

In my opinion, this is the number one thing to avoid when doing makeup jobs! Applying makeup with long, pointy nails can be dangerous. For instance, you could harm your client by accidentally poking or scratching their skin.

Often, you’ll be required to use your hands to apply makeup on the face or body. Even if you’re used to wearing long nails, they can be quite inconvenient in this kind of scenario. Wearing long nails can also be unsanitary. After all, there’s a better chance that product build-up and/or bacteria will get stuck underneath your nails.

For this reason, clean, rounded short nails are the recommended shape to wear during makeup jobs.

Sin #2: Improper wardrobe

By this, I specifically mean:

High heels;
Uncomfortable clothing;
And/or colorful clothes.

During most makeup jobs, you’ll be standing on your feet for hours. If you happen to be working on set, you could be on your feet for most of the day. Sometimes, you’ll need to literally run on set. Therefore, wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is a MOST! Ideally, you should be able to move easily. This way, you can be ready whenever you’re called for emergency touch-ups.

Closed-toe shoes and a convenient outfit are what you need to wear at work. Now technically, there’s no ‘mandatory’ uniform for makeup artists. That being said, there’s an industry understanding that makeup artists working in a studio tend to usually wear all black. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, if you’re on set, you can be in the eye line of the actor. Bright colors can distract the eyes, which is the last thing you want to have happened. These days, cameras are so advanced that you could even be caught by the lens if you were standing by in the corner of the room.

Secondly, when working with makeup products, you can quickly get dirty. If your bright, colorful clothes look smudged, they won’t come off as overly professional. Black clothing, however, will naturally mask a lot of the flyaway debris.

Lastly, bright colors can also reflect on the complexion of your clients and mislead you when choosing your colors for makeup jobs.

Sin #3: Wearing full glam makeup

Unless you’re sporting your very own signature style, or your private clients come to get this specific look, I would recommend wearing a clean and fresh application while doing makeup jobs. You never know what your client is looking for. If they don’t want a full glam look, seeing it on you might overwhelm or intimidate them.

Sin #4: Smoking at makeup jobs

Avoid this as MUCH as you can! If you do choose to have a cigarette or puff on your vape during breaks, make sure you have gum and perfume handy. I used to be a heavy smoker, so I know it’s hard!

But now that I’ve stopped, I can actually smell when someone else smokes. I don’t say this to judge, but solely so that you’re aware: to non-smokers, the smell of second-hand smoke is disgusting. Since you’re working up close and personal with your client’s face, that odor can quickly become overwhelming.

As a makeup artist, personal hygiene is extremely important. So, always make sure you smell and look your best!

Sin #5: Being too chatty

Often, we’re the first person that clients or talents are spending time with before their big moment, wedding, live TV show, performance, etc. As such, it’s really important to make the person in your chair feel as relaxed as possible by the time they leave.

Asking too many questions – or questions that are too personal – is not always appropriate. In most cases, you won’t know the personal situation of the person sitting in front of you. Certain questions can quickly put them off, even if you don’t mean for them to. Instead, I recommend letting your client drive the conversation.

Most importantly, if the person DOESN’T want to speak, don’t force it! It’s not meant to be a slight against you. Often, your client’s lack of communication simply means that they might want to relax or focus, prior to a stressful time.

Sin #6: Acting like too much of a fan

The reality is: if your goal is to work as a celebrity makeup artist, then you eventually will meet famous people! But when you work with these stars, you NEED to act with professionalism at all times. Importantly, you have to remember that when they book makeup jobs with you, they want to be treated as a person.

Celebrities are often rushed by fans everywhere they go; getting requests for photos or autographs. This can become quite tiresome for them at times. As such, you should refrain from this same sort of behavior. It’s often seen as inappropriate and unprofessional. Of course, saying to someone that you love his/her work is fine! Just try to avoid the big fan moment during makeup jobs!

Sin #7: Being lazy with makeup sanitization

In my opinion, this is one of the most important sins to avoid committing! Under no circumstance can you skip important, hygienic steps. Cross-contamination, allergies, and negative skin reactions are real risks that we can expose our clients to during makeup jobs.

This is especially a threat if we’re not being careful with sanitizing procedures. Cleaning your brushes and products thoroughly is a must. If your client reacts or catches a virus because you didn’t properly sanitize your makeup items, it can (and likely will) cost you your career!

Sin #8: Being late to makeup jobs

I’ll make this as clear as humanly possible: you CANNOT be late! Full stop. It doesn’t matter if it’s just been 5 minutes – don’t do it. Oftentimes, makeup artists are the ones who get the day started. Our clients have a whole whack of others things they need to do once their appointment is done. Being late can impact the whole schedule of their day.

If you’re working on set, the consequences are even direr. If you’re late, the production might have to pay extra hours to the talent and crew who were there on time… I’ll let you imagine the result of this situation! Needless to say, don’t expect them to call you for any other makeup jobs again!

Working on Makeup Jobs: My Final Thoughts

As for makeup artists, we are very lucky to work in an industry that is both entertaining and – most of the time – relaxed. The downside, though, is that a chilled environment can sometimes lead us to be a bit less cautious if we’re not careful. Even if you are not caught in the act, your clients WILL notice these sins… and probably won’t want to book with you again.

This is why it’s important to maintain the right etiquette for all makeup jobs! Being irreproachable is not always easy, but being professional is accessible to anyone! Start by avoiding these 8 sins during your makeup jobs. Then make sure to always smile, exude positivity, and do the best work you can. So long as you do this, you’ll definitely have a successful career!