How I Study Makeup Online - QC Makeup Academy

Hey guys!

I hope you’re having a wonderful day! Today I’ll be answering the most common question I get asked when I tell someone I’m taking an online makeup course: “Can I really learn makeup online?”

The short answer to this is question is: yes! But there are a few factors to consider if you’re thinking about starting an online makeup course.

1. Dedication and responsibility—These courses come with all the educational materials you could ever need to learn effectively. You get the unit DVDs and written material. It’s your responsibility to actually watch and read them! The DVDs won’t watch themselves and if you don’t read the written material you won’t be able to answer the written assignments.

2. Organization—The easiest way to keep track of your units is to make a dedicated folder on your desktop. I’ll show you mine:

Nichole Organization

I made a folder just for my QC Makeup Academy stuff. Inside that folder I make other folders for each individual unit. I download all the templates for the written assignments and save them inside the unit they belong to. Once I finish each assignment I change the file name so I know I completed it. Easy!

Nichole Organization 2

3. Practice, practice, practice!—After reading/watching the educational materials it’s time for the really fun stuff, applying makeup! Just like any other skill in the world, you need to practice to get good at makeup application. Be sure to practice on yourself or a model until you’re happy with your results before submitting your assignment so you get the best possible feedback. Make your tutor proud! You’ll also be proud of yourself!

See? That isn’t so hard! I actually love the fact that I have the option to re-watch the unit videos if I’ve missed something. I’ve taken a few makeup seminars in person and believe me, the teacher is quite far away from you and if you don’t catch what he or she did, you’re toast! You can’t ask for a replay. Thankfully you can watch Nathan a million times if you need to on the unit DVDs.

Another question I get asked very often is: “How much time does it take?”

The answer to this question really depends on your personal schedule and how busy you are. I currently work a full-time job and I’m also a full-time graduate student, so I don’t have a whole lot of free time. My method is making the most of when I do get a break from work or school.

For example, I’m currently on Unit E from my Master Makeup Artistry course. Let’s say I don’t have much schoolwork to do on the weekend, I take my Course Guide and jump to the checklist (this is a lifesaver for me). I’ll follow it and read the written material and watch the videos as they appear on the list. I’ll complete the written assignments first after reading and watching the educational material (since I have to maximize my time). Then I’ll practice the makeup application assignments on myself. I usually prefer sending the makeup application assignments on a model so I wait until I can schedule to meet with a model before completing those. Because of my busy schedule it normally takes me about 1-2 months to send in a unit. If I’m on vacation it can take me 3-4 weeks. It all depends on your time. That’s the beauty of online learning. You’ve got 3 years to finish the course. I know that’s more than enough so… get to it! 🙂

XOXO

Nichole

Tell us! How do YOU study makeup online? Share with us in a comment what you find works well for you and what doesn’t, or any tips or tricks you think other students could benefit from—we’d love to hear from you!

Author Ana Scholtes

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Join the discussion 7 Comments

  • Alecia Beachem says:

    Hello Nichole,

    It’s great to know that I’m not the only one that takes a while to get my units in. I’m a full-time mom and a full-time graduate student, so I understand how busy your schedule gets. I let friends and family know too that it is possible to learn makeup online, it takes a lot of hard work. Taking courses online my sound easy, but you have to set goals for yourself, stay motivated, and if there is something that you do not understand do some research.

    The best time for me to read and study the material is when I have completed my online graduate assignments and when the children are asleep. Once I have completed the reading, I then complete the assignments. As far as applying the makeup, I practice on myself. I have a model, but I have to schedule time that is convenient for the both of us.

    I am also able to read my assignments when I am at the doctor’s office, in the car waiting on my daughter to get out of school, or right before I go to bed.

  • Onakoya Oluwajoba says:

    Hello Nichole,

    Thanks for sharing with us…its good to know i am doing things the right way with the way i save my files. I can totally relate to this.

    • Nichole says:

      I’m glad you liked it! We each have our own tips and tricks to maximize our time. Good luck! ^_^

  • Shyaira Fikes says:

    very inspired to further my goals by taking your course

  • Antoinette says:

    Hi Nicole , Its wonderful to hear I’m not the only one that likes to pace themselves so to get the most and learn everything .My schedule is very demanding going to school full time earning my Bachelor’s degree and keeping up with my son football activities and having time for my makeup course, but I’m dedicated because its my passion to make others feel beautiful too.

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