News

Beautifully Defined Cheeks

Nathan Johnson teaches you how to contour those cheeks This post has been moved. Please visit http://theblog.qccareerschool.com/ to continue reading.

read more

Best of Student Work - January

Best of student work this January Here at QC Makeup Academy, we have some very talented students and grads. We love keeping in touch with them, hearing about their success, and sharing those success stories with you! This month, we're featuring four of our students and graduates - Michael Shepherd, Stephanie Morin, Kim Frankie Grant, and Nancie de Ross. Read about their experiences as makeup artists, and check out some gorgeous photos of their work.

What's your favorite part of being a makeup artist, or a makeup artist in training?

Michael: I love meeting new people and being able to make people feel beautiful.

Stephanie: Creating new looks, playing with light and color, meeting new people and sharing tricks and advice. But the thing I like the most is giving life to a project or a vision.

Kim: Honestly, the reaction of the clients when I'm done. I get a lot of "first timers," so they have never seen themselves completely made up. Their whole disposition and attitude changes, and I'm happy to the a part of it.

Nancie:: Everything! I love to be with such amazing clients. I love MAC Cosmetics and have a deep knowledge of the brand. I really enjoy being inspired by my clients’ life stories and I am just in love with color. ...

read more

Ask the Expert!

We've asked celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, for his advice! QC: What specific colors of eyeshadow and lipstick would you recommend for all women to have.

Nathan Johnson: I am going to fall back on the words of the great Coco Chanel for this one, “The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”

I would love to be specific, but because I cannot see you, I will have to answer your question in a more general way. A woman’s undertones, overtones, discolorations, structure, hair, eye color and the hue of her lips, are all factors that must be considered when determining the perfect shades. My specific recommendations would vary from woman to woman. That being said, here are my thoughts on "colors every woman should own".

I think everyone needs a beautiful champagne colored eye shadow. With a perfect blend of warm and cool, its neutrality makes it perfect for all skin tones. Use it from lash line to brow bone to brighten and lift the eye area, or use it just on the lid to add sparkle to the eye. Use it under the brow and on the cheekbones as a highlighter for accent, lift and pop. Put a light splash on the forehead, down the bridge of the nose on center of the lower lip and chin for that added glow. A favorite of mine is Champagne by Three Custom Color Specialists. It is pure velvet in a compact!

read more

September Beauty Tip: Transform Your Eyes

tight lining eyeliner beauty tip makeup tip If the eyes are the window to the soul, then you might as well give them a pretty amazing window treatment.

Tight lining is a simple, but amazing trick that may very possibly change the way you do your eye make up. It is a simple technique that adds amazing depth to the upper lash line. So much so that people will think your lashes are longer and thicker. Best of all, no one will ever know you are wearing any make up.

To make the magic happen all you have to do is apply black cream liner to the upper water line. The easiest way to pull this off is...

1. Load an angle brush with cream liner

2. Place your thumb on the lid just below the crease. Apply a light, upward pressure and the lid will lift away from the eye.

3. Using the angle brush (and a steady hand) apply cream liner from the inner corner all the way to the outer.

And you are done! It sounds easy because it is. But the reality is, this trick will add so much depth to your lash line, you will feel naked without it. Since it is new technique it may take a time or two until you master it, but once you see the results, you will be glad you did.

Note from Nathan: I prefer using the cream to a pencil because it lasts longer and it gives greater coverage. My favorite cream liner is the L’Oreal Hip Cream Eyeliner. It comes in around at $10 and you can get it anywhere!

read more

Best of Student Work - October

Sophie Rosemarie Knight, QC Makeup Academy Graduate This month, we're celebrating the hard work and dedication of five of our students and graduates by featuring some of their amazing work! Read about this month's makeup artists, and check out some of their beautiful work, by reading on.

QC: What's your favorite part about being a makeup artist, or a makeup artist in training?

Sophie Rosemarie Knight: My absolute favourite aspect of being a makeup artist has to be the freedom and creativity that it allows you. Makeup is timeless and when used in the correct manner can transform a person completely. There is never a dull moment in makeup artistry. Every day there is something new to master and create, whether it be on yourself or on one of your many clients who you have the pleasure of meeting day in and day out! It enables you to meet new people, over time creating new friendships with clients and colleagues.

Jemma Gordon: My favourite part of being a makeup artist is that there are no limits. You can enhance a client’s natural beauty, you can cover up blemishes and discolorations. You are able to disguise and enhance features. With the aid of makeup you can entirely change a client’s appearance, you can age clients or create bruising and cuts. That, and the reward of seeing a very happy client after a finished look.

Tricia Bruzina: What I love most about my career is the transformation of a client. I love to give them the whole transformation in hair, makeup, and fashion. Once you see the light bulb go off when you are working and educating them on their new look, at that moment I get butterflies. Knowing that I am helping someone feel better about themselves is most gratifying, that is what I live for in my career. I believe we can always further our education. The more schooling you can get, the better your game is. So I believe we are consistently in training. This is why I chose to take my makeup education further with QC Makeup Academy, in the Master Makeup Artistry course.

read more

Best of Student Work - November

Aurora Maria, QC Makeup Academy Student We love sharing the stunning work of our students and graduates. That’s why this month, we’re featuring four of our favorite MUAs to celebrate their talent and creativity. Check out their amazing work and read about why they love working in the makeup industry.

What's your favorite part about being a makeup artist, or makeup artist in training?

Tieneshia: My favorite part of being a makeup artist is that it allows me to express myself through my artwork. Also, the makeup profession is always evolving, which enables me to continuously learn new things.

Aurora: I love meeting all sorts of different people and bringing out their best inner selves! Each experience allows me to gain more confidence in the fact that I can see the personality and character of each client, and I can let that character show through each brush stroke. It just proves to me that if you look good on the outside, you feel good and bring out your best on the inside!

Brittney: My favorite part about being a makeup artist is seeing the transformation that takes place once the first drop of makeup is applied. I love viewing before and after pictures of my clients. It definitely allows for me to see my strengths and weaknesses for improvement.

read more

Best of Student Work - December

Philnesha Pittman, QC Makeup Academy Student We're so proud of our students and grads here at QC Makeup Academy. We just love to share their fresh ideas, vibrant colors, and exciting new looks with you! This month, we're featuring four students and graduates to highlight the Best of Student Work. Read on to learn more about these lovely MUAs, and to check out some example of their stunning work.

QC: What's your favorite part of being a makeup artist, or makeup artist in training?

Sheila:
Everything! I could name so many things, but the best part is when I see the client's happy smile and see that they feel more beautiful and confident about themselves.

Mikayla: I've been doing makeup for four years professionally, and I love getting to work with new people all the time. I also love being given the opportunity to help someone's vision come to fruition for weddings, photo shoots, prom, work events...anything and everything.

Jess: My favorite part of being a makeup artist used to be expressing myself through this art form. It is amazing to have the opportunity to be creative with colors and techniques. After finding a job in the makeup industry, I found an even more rewarding factor: helping women feel more comfortable and beautiful in their own skin. It is heartwarming to see a client's glowing smile.

Philnesha: My favorite part about being a makeup artist is assisting my clients in enhancing their natural beauty. I love to see the looks on my clients' faces after I have completed their makeup. They look into the mirror and it's like their self-esteem rises instantly.

read more

Best of Student Work - July

Lila Soth, QC Makeup Academy Student QC Makeup Academy is incredibly proud of its students and graduates. Each month, we'll be featuring five talented artists in a Best of Student Work article. You can hear all about this month's featured makeup artists by reading on!

What’s your favorite part about being a makeup artist, or makeup artist in training?

Ashley Barbour: My favourite part about being a MUA is finding beauty in everyone and everything. Everyone is beautiful in their own unique way, and having the opportunity to enhance that is pretty special.

Dannielle Doyle: I love that I am able to use my creative abilities to transform self-esteem and to make someone feel beautiful and better about themselves.

Emily Benham: My favorite part about being a makeup artist would have to be making people feel beautiful! There’s no greater reward then seeing your clients faces after you’ve enhanced their natural beauty and shown them how truly beautiful they are. Makeup is my passion and that’s one thing I know for sure! I'm also very girly so getting to play with all the fun makeup and get creative is definitely the best part!

Lila Soth My favorite part of being a makeup artist is being able to work with people.

Samantha Bruegge: I love to see the outcome of what I do and people’s reactions to their makeup being done. I love that I can help people feel good about themselves and help them learn more about makeup and skincare. I love everything about my makeup and my career!

read more

Glitter is perfect for February

Glitter Looks We Love

Take some tips from these talented makeup artists, and add a bit of glitter to your next makeup application. We've found some absolutely gorgeous photos to inspire you.

read more

Follow Cinthia's simple steps for the perfect spring look

Cinthia's Fresh Spring Makeup Look

QC Makeup Academy's YouTube correspondent Cinthia always has some exciting tips to share, and this month is no different. She's put together a video tutorial to take you through the steps of creating a stunning springtime look. You have to try this out!

read more

Keep your makeup from looking cakey

How to keep your makeup from looking cakey

Even with the best makeup products and the perfect application techniques, your foundation can still come out looking cakey. Believe it or not, the solution is quite simple, and our very own Julie is here this month with her best tips for flawless foundation.

read more

The multi-functional blush brush

The Amazing, Multi-Functional Blush Brush

When it comes to make up, there are really no rules. There are, though, a series of fundamental suggestions. One of the most important is… if you want professional results from your makeup, you need to use professional tools. Nathan shares his tips on his favorite type of brush.

read more

Julie reviews make up for ever HD microfinish powder

Beauty Review - Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

Do you have powder problems? This article might help. Our very own Julie Saunders is back with another makeup review. This month, she shares her thoughts on Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder. Read on to find out if this product is a hit or a miss.

read more

Nathan teaches you how to banish those dark circles

The Art of Long-Lasting Concealer

Does holiday stress have you looking a little tired? Not to worry! Makeup artist and QC newsletter contributor Nathan Johnson weighs in with some great tips to put your best face forward and banish those dark circles. It's easier than you may think! Read on to find out how.

read more

Holiday Makeup Tutorial

It's that time of year again. Time for some extra sparkle to show off at your holiday parties! Check out Cinthia's latest video tutorial and learn how to create a stunning holiday look. You're sure to stand out while standing under the mistletoe.

read more

Avoid three common makeup blunders this month

Nathan's Top Three Makeup Blunders

Nobody's perfect, and unfortunately we've all been guilty of committing a major makeup faux pas at some point. That's why this month, QC newsletter contributor Nathan Johnson is bringing you his best tips to combat three common makeup blunders.

read more

Valentine's Looks We Love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so we're bringing you some romantic looks to get your inspired. From red lips to bold lashes, this is the perfect time of year to go for a bold look and have some fun!

read more

Julie's Makeup Must Haves

What are your staple makeup products? Our very own Julie Saunders brings us her top five makeup picks this month. From foundation and powder to lip shades and bronzer, check out her recommendations before you buy!

read more

Makeup Review - Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation

We're very excited to have our very own Julie Saunders as a regular contributor to the QC Makeup Academy newsletter! Read on for Julie's latest makeup review on the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation.

read more

Cinthia's Classic Pin Up Tutorial

Pin Up Makeup Tutorial with Cinthia

Want to learn how to create that classic pin up look? In this tutorial, our YouTube correspondent Cinthia shows you how. It's simple, oh-so stunning, and can be matched with any lip shade you like. Check it out!

read more

Makeup Applcations We Love

Trend Alert: Fall 2012

Fall is well on its way, and so are some drop dead gorgeous trends. Whether you're into jewel tones, sultry smokey eyes, or glitter - there's a little something for everyone. In this month's newsletter, we've compiled five examples of looks we love. Enjoy!

read more

How to Ace the Job Interview

How to Ace Your Job Interview

Sure, you'd love to land the job of your dreams. BUT, have you really thought about what comes first? That's right... the interview. Making a great first impression is something that can completely save a so-so interview, and something that can make you stand out over other candidates. Read this article for some pointers and techniques so you, too, can make a fabulous first impression. We believe in you!

read more

Cinthia's YouTube Tutorial: Smokey Eye

Video Tutorial: Sultry Smokey Eye

In this tutorial, our YouTube Correspondent Cinthia shows you how to achieve her go-to smokey eye. You can achieve a similar look using whichever colors you prefer! Just follow these simple steps and your look is sure to be a success.

read more

Looks we Love

Here are five looks we absolutely love! These talented makeup artists from around the world have created colorful, eye-catching looks and we just had to share them with you.

read more

Light makeup is best for youthful skin

Makeup for Teens

It is essential that make-up be age appropriate. “Age” refers to your skin-qualities age, not your birth age (the two are very different things). Those who apply proper skincare will have young, healthy and more vibrant skin longer than those who don’t. Nathan shares how to apply makeup for teens.

read more

Checking in with Cinthia

In this video, Cinthia is checking in with the fabulous QC Makeup Academy YouTube followers to share her experience with her course thus far. You'll get to see her course materials, hear her thorough review of units A and B, and even watch her finishing up a hands-on assignment. Have a question for QC or Cinthia herself? Leave it in the comment box!

read more

Watch Cinthia Transform for Halloween

Video Tutorial: Day of the Dead

In this tutorial, our YouTube Correspondent Cinthia shows you how to create a perfect look for Day of the Dead. Watch her video to learn how to achieve this fun and creative look.

read more

Looks We Love for Fall

Here are five looks we absolutely love! These talented makeup artists from around the world have created some colorful, eye-catching looks and we just had to share them with you.

read more

Nathan Johnson gives his best fake blood tips

Spooky Halloween Makeup Tips

Every year, as Halloween draws closer, I start hearing what has now become a rather familiar question: "How do I make blood that actually looks realistic?" For those of you who have purchased the fake blood available at drugstores and pop up Halloween shops, you're well aware that it is terribly disappointing. Thin, runny, and lacking the depth of 'real' blood.

read more