Nadia Calabro is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, as well as a QC alumnus. She has graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. She is also the proud founder of her very own makeup business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror.
Today, Nadia draws on her experience with QC’s Skincare Course to tell YOU why it’ll take your makeup career to the next level!
Following your dreams can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve been in a job you don’t love, or at home raising kids for a while. I know it was a nerve-wracking decision for me! I knew I wanted so much more; that being a professional makeup artist was what I needed in my life. But I didn’t know how I could make this happen.
My sons were still young and needed me, so going back to a physical classroom was impossible. I had to find a way to be home and complete my makeup courses at the same time. The only option was to find an online makeup school.
I had been told that makeup school online would never teach me everything I needed to know in order to start a successful career. I’ll be honest, it discouraged me… That is until I found QC Makeup Academy.
QC’s makeup course was so detailed and thoughtfully put together that within four months, I was a confident, certified makeup artist! I studied at home online, all on my own time, and at my own convenience. The best part was that all the while, I was still able to be with my kids.
Furthering My Education into Skincare
After my Master Makeup Artistry Course, I pushed my education by doing the Pro Makeup Workshop. My instructor, Nathan Johnson, suggested a few times that I look into doing the Skincare Course as well. He assured me that it would really enhance my talents.
I sat on this for a while; not sure if it would really be for me, or if I could work with the information I already had. So, I decided to do some research, to get a better idea of what a Skincare Course could do for my career.
I started by looking up general information on different skin types, different products, proper skincare regimens, and the impact of taking care of your skin. From there, I went to the QC Virtual Classroom and looked up posts by current students in the program.
What I found astounded me!
No one had anything negative to say. In fact, the consensus was all the same: skincare was a MUST! From there, I went onto the QC website and read what would be covered in the Course, and I was sold!
My online makeup courses through QC were excellent, so I had no doubt that the Skincare Course would be the same. I already knew that if I was going to pursue skincare, it would be with QC. To top it all off, I was going to be adding more certifications to my name, while still be home with my kids.
It was a win-win all around!
How the Skincare Course Has Changed my Career as MUA
If I’m being honest, even with all I knew about makeup, there were times when I would apply a full face and not be able to shake the feeling that something just didn’t look right. No matter what I tried, the foundation wasn’t setting right. My skin was dull instead of dewy, and the whole look felt wrong.
I would beat myself up over it, wondering what I was doing wrong in those moments. Turns out, the Skincare Course answered that question! It had NOTHING to do with my makeup knowledge. It was the skin itself that was lacking, and ultimately setting my look up for failure.
By doing the Skincare Course, I am now better able to see, know, and understand different skin types and concerns. Then I can take it a step further by being able to properly address them.
For instance, I know how to properly moisturize and prep the skin, even before laying down the makeup primer. I learned how to work with my makeup on a whole different level! Before getting any skincare training, when I thought of working with a person’s skin, I’d always put the emphasis on the primer. I thought that so long as the primer was right, the rest would all fall into place.
I was so wrong!
By understanding the skin, I’m able to use my powders and creams in appropriate ways and areas. Furthermore, I can set my makeup accordingly. If I need my clients’ looks to last all day, I know exactly how to make that happen. This is critical knowledge!
The most amazing thing was that by doing the Skincare Course, I added a whole new, marketable service to my list. Most importantly, it added to the types of services I can offer brides (who are my target market). I’m now able to speak to them about what to use on their skin. I can help them ensure that it looks absolutely flawless on their big day, as well as in their pictures that will last a lifetime.
Doing the skincare course has added to my credentials and my income!
Skincare Course Assignments
Below are some of the amazing topics that are covered in the Course:
It isn’t only about perfecting makeup and appearances; it’s about a person’s overall health. The course textbooks are filled with so much detailed information, that I actually found them hard to put down! I loved every lesson, as each brought something different to the table, and opened my eyes to the types of services I could offer my clients.
From the moment I started the Skincare Course, I was captivated. I never knew how much there was to learn about skin, or how important it really is!
- Skin anatomy
- The Fitzpatrick Scale
- Skin Types
- Recommending skincare and makeup products/regimens
- Skin concerns and disorders
- Aging skin
- Natural skincare
- DIY skincare
My Favorite Assignment
I truly believe that this assignment really prepared me for all that was to come in my future!
They also told me which parts of my report worked, as well as the parts I should fix. This assignment was able to really show me that my own clients would be satisfied with such a service and even be something they’d gladly pay for.
This hands-on assignment also gave me a chance to get feedback from my instructor on where I could improve. Even more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to get feedback from a client, in terms of what they thought of this both service and me. The client was able to tell me what areas really made sense to them, versus which areas I needed to add more detail.
It brought everything I had learned together, and really tested what I had retained. I got the chance to work with a real client, and get comfortable with asking questions and taking notes. I got to practice my researching skills and build a proper report.
It’s hard to pick my favorite assignment! But I have to say that the final assignment – where I needed to complete a full skincare consultation – was the best part for me.