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Sarah Cavanagh

Sarah Cavanagh is a seasoned writer with more than 20 years of experience and a background in English Literature. She has been part of the QC team since 2019, where she manages social media and crafts blog content across multiple schools. When she’s not working, you can find her writing her debut horror/romance novel, Hollowed Ground.

Jun 04
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The Top 7 Must-Have Hair Styling Tools for Your Business

By Hair Styling, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Thinking of adding hair styling services to your makeup business? Online beauty school can help teach you everything you need to know, so you can take your hair skills all the way to an expert level. Not to mention, a hair styling course will arm you with a professional certification that’ll look mighty fine on your resume and definitely impress clients!

Of course, there’s more to being a hair stylist than just knowing the theory. You’ll also be taught how to execute various techniques and applications, so you can thrive in real-world situations. In order to do this, you’re going to need to purchase a few things first.

After all, every trade needs its tools. Being an MUA, you already know that! So, what are the holy grail essential items to stock up on in order to be a successful hair stylist?

Let’s take a look!

7 Must-Have Hair Styling Tools

These are the physical instruments you’ll use in your work to either manipulate the hair (using some degree of heat), or hold it in place. If you want to be a hair stylist, it won’t be enough to simply have a few clips and some hair ties. There’s a lot more to styling than that!

The following are the most common, must-have tools to invest in…

1. Hair Brushes

You can’t style hair if it’s full of tangles. The first step will almost always be to brush out your client’s hair, so it’s smooth and knot-fee! Different brushes come with different bristles, which can impact the hair’s volume and drying time. It’s important that you know what each brush does, so you know when is the best time to use it.

Some of the different types of bristles include:

  • Natural bristles – usually made of boar or hog hair. They are gentle on hair, and best used for daily brushing.
  • Nylon bristles – usually made of plastic, nylon, or rubber. Requires some stiffness, while still being flexible. These bristles are great for styling hair.
  • Porcupine bristles – made of small, evenly-spaced tufts of bristles. Each tuft is made up of a combination of natural and nylon fibers. These bristles are great for styling, while remaining gentle on hair.
  • Metal bristles – made of metal, and often very stiff. For this reason, do NOT use on your client’s hair! These bristles are best used only one synthetic wigs and/or hair pieces.

The way the brush is shaped can also affect its use and purpose. Here are some examples of staple brush types to have in your hair styling kit:

  • Paddle brushes – these are wide and typically shaped as a rectangle. In addition to smoothing hair and reducing static, they’re great for long hair and straight styles.
  • Roller, curling, and/or round brushes – these are most often shaped like cylinders. When used with heat, these brushes can add volume to your client’s roots, as well as add loose curls.
  • Volumizing brushes – these brushes have less bristles than round brushes, as well as holes to allow warm air flow. Also known as “vent brushes”, they are fantastic for styling hair.
  • Smoothing brushes – these are your average, day-to-day brushes. Thanks to their natural and/or nylon bristles and rubber cushion, they’re excellent at smoothing, detangling, and reducing static in hair.

2. Combs

Due to their smaller size, combs don’t allow for the same surface area coverage as brushes. They require a gentler hand, and should not be hastily yanked through the hair. While typically less damaging to the hair when brushing, they’re not quite as effective for styling. However, they make up for this with their ability to comb out tangles and “tease” hair at the roots.

Online beauty school will help teach you about which combs are best used as part of your job as a hair stylist, such as:

  • Tail combs – designed with a pointed tip, to help you divide your client’s hair into sections and parts.
  • Pick combs – these have evenly-spaced “teeth” to help separate curls, add volume, and create a softer look.
  • Fine and medium combs – fine combs have thin, closely-spaced teeth, whereas medium combs have thicker teeth which are more widely spaced. Both combs are great for back combing and detangling your client’s hair.
  • Wide tooth combs – with their slightly thick, evenly-spaced teeth, these combs are best at working conditioner through wet hair and detangling knots.

3. Blow Dryers

Whether you’re starting off your client’s appointment by washing her hair, or you need to dampen it for any reason, it’s going to need to be dried before you proceed with styling it. Remember: other heating tools – such as straighteners and curling wands – can NEVER be used on damp or wet hair!

To dry hair safely, the only tool you can use is a hair dryer.

That being said, there’s more than one kind of hair dryer. For instance, do you know the difference between the functionality of an ionic dryer, versus a ceramic dryer? Do you know the similarities that tourmaline dryers have in common with both ionic and ceramic dryers? What are the different types of rollers, wraps, and hoods?

Your online beauty school’s hair styling course will answer all of these questions, and more!

4. Curling Irons, Curling Wands, and Marcel Irons

The main things these 3 heat-manipulating tools have in common is that they help to create curls in your client’s hair. Beyond that, they have distinct differences that affect the way you make those curls, as well as what the final product will look like.

Because of how strongly these tools rely on heat, it’s critical that you learn the proper techniques and safety measures needed when operating them. We’re sure you’ve seen at least one of those YouTube videos of someone holding their curler too close to the scalp, or holding it in place way too long.

The result? Burns, hair loss, and one outraged client. Always remember that you’re dealing with your client’s hair, and damaging it in any way can directly impact her overall appearance. Improper use of these kinds of tools can be the quickest way to accidentally hurting your client – and your professional reputation!

5. Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons

Continuing on the topic of heat-using styling tools, another must-have, staple piece of equipment is a straightener and/or flat iron. As the name suggests, these tools are used to smooth out hair and give it a pin-straight appearance.

There are also additional ways you can use straighteners and flat irons to manipulate the style of your client’s hair. A recent trend, for example, has been to use straighteners to achieve a curling effect; used in the place of a traditional curling iron. Crimpers are another example of a tool within the same family, which can be used to create natural-looking, wavy hair.

Pro Tip: As we previously mentioned (but it’s definitely worth mentioning again), NEVER use any straighteners, flat irons, crimpers, or curling tools on anything other than dry hair. Doing otherwise can fry your client’s hair to a crisp, and seriously damage it!

6. Clamps, Clips, and Bobby Pins

Brushes and heat tools are great for styling hair to a certain extent. However, if your client wishes for specific styles or up-dos, you may require some additional help! This is where clips, clamps, and bobby pins come into play.

Depending on the type you use, there will be a different shape. This is because it’s designed for specific hair styling uses. A bobby pin, for example, won’t be able to do the same thing as a spin pin. In addition, certain clamps and clips (such as yoyettes alligator clips) are meant to assist you during the styling process, rather than being used in the actual finished product.

Online beauty school will ensure to break down everything you need to know about the various different kinds of clips, clamps, and bobby pins. This way, you’ll know exactly which types to purchase for your hair styling kit!

7. Hair Ties/Elastics

Last but not least, it goes without saying that for every hair stylist, elastics are a MUST! How else can you be expected to secure your client’s hair in an up-do, a braid, etc.? Clips and bobby pins can only do so much.

It kind of sounds like a given to include elastics on this list (I mean, duh), but it feels like it’d be even sillier not to throw that in there!

Can you think of any other hair styling tools that are essential to have as a stylist? Let us know in the comments below!

Ready to earn your hair styling certification through online beauty school? Enroll today in QC’s leading Hair Styling Essentials Course!

Jun 03
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Graduate Feature: Nadia Calabro

By Uncategorized No Comments

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

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

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

Why did you decide to earn your makeup artist certification?

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

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

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

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

Daytime to Nighttime Makeup Looks by QC Makeup Academy Graduate Nadia Calabro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Headshot of QC Makeup Academy Graduate Nadia Calabro

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

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

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

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

I would recommend this to anyone especially during this time!

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

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

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

Collage of Makeup Looks by QC Makeup Academy Graduate Nadia Calabro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bridal Makeup Application - QC Makeup Academy Graduate Nadia Calabro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 29
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Boost Your Makeup Artist Salary with These 5 Online Services!

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Throughout many parts of the world, businesses are slowly beginning to re-open. However, for just as many of us, social distancing is still the primary way of life for the foreseeable future. This doesn’t mean that your MUA business (or makeup artist salary) needs to suffer, though!

Over the past few months, we’ve looked at various opportunities for you to maximize your time at home in a way that benefits your career goals. For instance, we’ve examined:

QC’s executive tutor and celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson, has shared tons of invaluable advice as well! Particularly, he’s offered tips for optimizing your makeup practice/education while at home, and even expanded on this topic in an eye-opening webinar!

Today, Nathan wishes to build on this momentum, and continue motivating you to follow your dreams! Yes, we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. But no, that does NOT mean you should allow it to discourage you! You, your career, and your dreams still all have room to thrive!

So, if stay-at-home orders are still prevalent where you live, fear not: Nathan’s got 5 ways that you can still work virtually, so you can continue to bring in an income for your MUA business.

Keep reading to discover how you can boost your makeup artist salary – even from home!

Online Makeup Consultations

This is a practice that more and more makeup artists are adding to their business as a standard practice. By offering virtual consultations, you’re not only providing clients a way to work with you, despite a pandemic… but you’re also no longer limiting yourself to strictly local clients!

Online consultations mean that you can now also work with long-distance clients, who reside practically anywhere in the world. Many makeup artists find this service to be incredibly beneficial for their business and provide it on a permanent basis. Definitely something worth considering, as it will absolutely help boost your makeup artist salary!

There’s also tons of wiggle room here, in terms of the types of remote consultations you can provide. Some popular examples could include:

  • One-on-one lessons for a new look. This can be look-specific or general technique lessons.
  • Seasonal makeup lessons. The purpose of this can be to help teach clients some new trends that are not only appropriate for the current season but are perfect for their specific features.
  • Makeup kit makeovers. There are many beauty lovers out there who can probably benefit from Spring cleaning their kits and cosmetic bags! Through a virtual consultation, you can walk them through all of their products and advise as to:

Group Party Lessons

Have the gals gather, and give them all a virtual makeup lesson! There’s a pretty big market for online group makeup classes, so why not capitalize on it during a time when it would benefit everyone the most?

Now that everyone is working from home and relying on virtual meetings, they’ll want to know how to look their best. This is an amazing opportunity to teach women and men how to create dimension and maximize their features on video!

Plus, this is another service that you can incorporate into your everyday business, even once social distancing rules eventually lift. It’s a convenient and fun way to boost your makeup artist salary while keeping things fresh!

The content of these lessons could vary week-to-week, or even month to month, depending on how often your clients want to gather in their online forum. Here are just a few ideas of topics you could cover with your audience:

  • How to master a red lip and find the red that’s right for YOU
  • Eyeliner 101: breaking down each variation, and what they all do
  • How to effortlessly eradicate dark circles
  • Maximizing the dimensions of the face through natural applications of blush, highlighter, and contour
  • Quite literally ANYTHING related to a classic technique or makeup trend
  • And tons more!

Because many of these topics are so broad, and you aren’t confined to the limiting space of a physical classroom, there would be no limit to the number of people permitted to sign up for your virtual classes!

Start Working with Your Favorite MLM

In general, online events are very easy and lucrative. Once provided with your favorite company’s products, you can then use them on yourself and rely on your makeup education and skincare training when marketing the products to others. The best part is that it can all be done from the comfort of your own couch!

When done right, this strategy can result in major sales, and positively affect your makeup artist salary. You can learn how to combine direct selling with your makeup training in this webinar hosted by Nathan Johnson!

Familiarize yourself with popular, trending videos currently online (via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. and see if you can utilize any of these platforms in a similar way to help market the products. When it comes to being a seller for an MLM, it’s all about personality. You need to sell yourself, as much as you’re selling the product.

If you’re charming, funny, knowledgeable, and learn the art of social media marketing, you’ll not only make sales—you’ll open yourself up to a global audience!

Pro Tip: Should you wish to get involved with an MLM, make sure to do proper and thorough research! Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there, so you need to protect yourself. This article is a great read, and provides a very honest and objective breakdown of everything you need to know before getting started!

Social Media Presence

Here’s a fun fact: great YouTube videos can earn you cash. So can a powerful Instagram feed!

Nowadays, a very popular avenue for artists is to become an online influencer. Don’t get us wrong – such an endeavor will require lots of time, patience, and hard work. Unless you’re lucky enough to have something go viral, most people don’t become famous overnight.

Getting to the ‘influencer’ level and actually making a profit off of it will require you and your channel to acquire an extremely high number of subscribers. In order to do this, you’re going to need:

  • A social media channel
  • A strong brand
  • A charismatic personality, or likable niche
  • A regular posting schedule
  • Decent (to high-quality) filming and editing equipment
  • At least some understanding of marketing strategies, SEO, etc.
  • Something to say – that is, you need to have solid, relevant, and original content

It’s also just as important to learn what NOT to do when marketing yourself (and your makeup business) across social media. This article looks at some helpful do’s and don’ts to keep in the back of your mind!

Want some additional tools to help you find SEO Keywords for your website and stay on top of your backlinks? Here are 3 resources courtesy of SPopli that might help get the job done!

Writing Articles for Beauty Blogs and Publications

Not to mention, it’s an extremely convenient way for you to boost your makeup artist salary. All you need is a laptop, somewhere cozy to sit for a couple of hours, and a WiFi connection… What could be simpler?

In reality, there are a huge number of freelancers, brands, and even accredited makeup schools that will pay you to write high-quality content articles for their beauty blogs! As an industry pro with proper training, education, and experience, you’re a fountain of knowledge. There are PLENTY of people out there who can benefit from your expertise.

Of course, another way you can work remotely, maintain your online visibility, and potentially attract new clients is by starting a beauty blog for your makeup business. That being said, you have more options than simply writing for your own blog.

That way, once life inevitably goes back to normal, you’ll be ready to offer ALL of your clients – near and far – these awesome, flexible services! At the end of the day, there are many lucrative ways to earn money and increase your makeup artist salary. Don’t limit yourself to believing they always have to be in person.

The best part about all of these suggestions is that they transcend the current pandemic. Yes, they’re extremely useful for you to utilize NOW – but they’re also just as beneficial on a regular day, too. By introducing these services to your makeup business presently, you’ll have the proper time to work out all the kinks.

Stylized photoshoots are another excellent way to boost your makeup artist salary! Keep reading to discover why!

May 28
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The Differences Between Film and Stage Makeup

By Education, From the Experts No Comments

Updated 2024

Makeup has played a huge part in the entertainment industry for decades, transforming actors into their characters. However, not all makeup is created equal. While film and stage makeup may seem similar at first glance, there are significant differences that make each type unique.

Not to worry though, we’ll go over the differences between film and stage makeup in this article. So, whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a professional, read on to discover the art of transformation and how it differs between film and stage productions.

Keep reading to learn the differences between these two makeup mediums…

What is Film and Television Makeup?

Film makeup, also known as cinema or movie makeup, is specifically designed to be worn in front of a camera. Its primary purpose is to enhance the actor’s features and make them look flawless on screen. Unlike stage makeup, which needs to be seen from a distance, film makeup focuses on details that are magnified by high-definition cameras.

Techniques Used in Film and Television Makeup

To achieve a seamless appearance on camera, film makeup artists use various techniques and products. The most common ones for movie makeup include:

  • Contouring: This technique involves using darker shades to create depth and dimension and lighter shades to highlight specific areas of the face.
  • Airbrush Makeup: A popular technique in film makeup, airbrushing involves using a spray gun to apply foundation, creating a smooth and even finish.
  • Special Effects Makeup: This type of makeup is used to create dramatic transformations or add realistic-looking wounds, scars, and other features to the actor’s face.

Best Film and Television Makeup Practices

This is a competitive field for aspiring makeup artists. To stand out, you will need to ensure you are following best practices. You can start by considering some of the factors below.

1. Current Television and Film Makeup Trends and Techniques

Staying updated with current trends and techniques in movie makeup is part of being a makeup artist. Understanding these trends allows artists to create looks that resonate with today’s audience while also meeting the needs of each production. Continuous education through workshops, online tutorials, and networking with industry professionals can help artists refine their skills and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic field.

2. Working Well Under Pressure

Working under pressure while maintaining precision and attention to detail is a vital skill for makeup artists in the fast-paced world of film and television. Tight schedules and last-minute changes can create stressful environments, but the ability to stay calm and focused is key to success. This involves not only excellent time management but also the capacity to adapt quickly to new challenges without compromising the quality of work. A strong mindset and thorough preparation can help artists thrive under these conditions, ensuring that they deliver outstanding results even when the stakes are high.

3. Tools for Television and Film Makeup

Having the right tools is crucial for achieving a natural-looking appearance on camera. This includes high-quality makeup products that suit various skin types, as well as essential tools like brushes, sponges, and palettes.

Investing in the right equipment ensures that you are consistently creating high-quality looks. This is because it allows makeup artists to effectively execute their vision, adapting to different lighting and camera conditions.

The products and techniques a makeup artist should use when creating looks for film and television require a light hand. You’re only going to want to use products that have been professionally made for HD (high definition).

You want to create looks that are more natural and pick up well when on camera. Regular makeup products won’t be as reliable in helping you achieve this.

Top Makeup Products for Film and Television Makeup

  • HD foundations and concealers 
  • Airbrush liquid foundation 
  • Creme blushes 
  • Neutral colored lip liners / lipsticks / lip tints
  • Loose, translucent setting powder

What is Theatrical and Stage Makeup?

Unlike film/TV makeup, which should look “natural” and lightweight, theatrical and stage makeup requires the opposite approach. This is because heavier products and bolder looks are needed.

When you watch a play or live performance, you can’t rely on cameras to zoom in on the actors’ faces and illustrate the tiniest details. Often, you’re sitting in a rather large theater space. The further away you are from the stage, the harder it is to see the actors’ faces.

Theater/stage makeup aims to compensate for this by offering exaggerated looks and features. This way, the makeup can be seen from all the way to the back of the room! In these types of settings, the lighting used also tends to be quite harsh, in order to properly illuminate the entire set. If the makeup is too natural or subtle, this can also alter how the performer looks altogether!

Techniques Used in Stage Makeup

To achieve a bold and dramatic look that can be seen by the audience, stage makeup artists use techniques such as:

  • Heavy contouring: Stage lighting can wash out facial features, so heavy contouring is necessary to add depth and dimension to the actor’s face.
  • Bright and bold colors: Unlike film makeup, stage makeup uses vibrant and exaggerated colors to make the actor’s features stand out on stage.
  • Stylized character makeup: In some cases, stage productions call for stylized and exaggerated character makeup, such as in musicals or fantasy plays. These types of makeup usually involve intricate designs and detailed prosthetics.

Best Stage Makeup Practices

Stage makeup is all about creating dramatic looks that can be seen by an entire audience. To achieve this, here are some best practices to keep in mind.

1. Know Your Lighting and Set Design

Understanding the lighting and set design of each production is crucial for applying stage makeup effectively. Different lighting setups require different color choices and application techniques. Additionally, knowledge of the set design helps artists choose colors and styles that complement the overall aesthetic of the performance.

2. Take Audience Viewing Distance into Account

When applying stage makeup, it’s essential to consider the distance between the audience and the stage. Makeup needs to be visible from all angles, so techniques like heavier application and bright colors are often used. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that different parts of the stage may have varying lighting and viewing distances, requiring adjustments in makeup application.

3. Collaborate with Costume Designers

Makeup is an integral part of any performance, but it should also work together with other elements, such as costumes. Collaborating with costume designers can help ensure that both aspects complement each other and create a cohesive look for the production. This involves discussing color schemes, overall themes, and ensuring that the makeup reflects the character’s personality and role.

Top Makeup Products for Stage Makeup

For this medium, you’d be best off using proper makeup products, specifically made for the stage. These products are specifically crafted to be able to endure harsher conditions while remaining vibrant.

Some of the most commonly used brands for theatrical and stage makeup include:

(That last one is a true Holy Grail item, by the way!)

Key Differences between Film and Stage Makeup

While both film and stage makeup have similar purposes – transforming actors into their characters – they differ in many ways:

  1. Intensity: Film makeup is more subtle and natural-looking, while stage makeup is more intense and dramatic.
  2. Application techniques: Film makeup uses airbrushing and other precise techniques, while stage makeup relies on heavy contouring and bright colors for visibility on stage.
  3. Lighting: Film makeup needs to withstand close-ups under high-definition lighting, while stage makeup must be visible from a distance under bright stage lights.
  4. Time constraints: Actors in films can pause and touch up their makeup between takes, whereas stage actors need long-lasting and durable makeup that can withstand an entire performance without touch-ups.
  5. Overall effect: While both types of makeup aim to transform the actor into
Working with actress to prepare stage makeup

Starting a Career in Makeup for the Entertainment Industry

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in film and television makeup, stage makeup, or both, here are some steps you can take to get started:

  1. Develop your skills: Start by practicing different makeup techniques on yourself and others. Consider taking classes, such as the Special Effects Makeup course offered by QC Makeup Academy, to improve your skills and learn about the latest trends and techniques.
  2. Build a portfolio: Assemble a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and versatility as a makeup artist. This will be essential when applying for jobs or seeking clients.
  3. Network: Learn how to network as a makeup artist. Attend industry events, connect with other professionals in the field, and build relationships within the entertainment industry. These connections can lead to opportunities for work.
  4. Gain experience: Look for volunteer or internship opportunities to gain experience and build your resume. This will also allow you to network and make connections in the industry.
  5. Stay updated: Continuously educate yourself on current trends and techniques through workshops, classes, and online resources. This will help you stay competitive in a constantly evolving industry.

By following these steps and consistently honing your skills, you can establish a successful career in makeup for the entertainment industry. Remember to always stay passionate, creative, and open-minded as you navigate this exciting field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is stage makeup different from regular makeup?

Stage makeup is designed to be seen from a distance and must be more intense and exaggerated in order to stand out under bright stage lights. Regular makeup, on the other hand, aims for a natural appearance.

How does television makeup differ from regular makeup?

Television makeup needs to withstand close-ups under high-definition lighting, so it often involves highly precise techniques such as airbrushing. Regular makeup typically focuses on enhancing natural features without the need for high-definition adjustments.

Can I use the same products for both film/television and stage makeup?

While some products may overlap, it’s important to use specific products and techniques for each type of makeup. For example, stage makeup typically needs to be more long-lasting and durable, while film/television makeup requires a more natural finish that can withstand high-definition cameras.

Are there any specific tips for creating cosplay makeup looks?

Yes, for cosplay makeup, it’s important to consider the character’s design and features and use products and techniques that will help bring those elements to life. This may involve using prosthetics, body paint, or special effects makeup. It’s also helpful to research tutorials or seek guidance from experienced cosplayers or makeup artists. Overall, creativity and attention to detail are key to achieving a successful cosplay makeup look.

What is the best way to remove stage/film/television makeup?

For stage/film/television makeup, which tends to be heavier, an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover designed for strong makeup can be effective. Following up with a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer is crucial to cleanse and nourish the skin. Overall, find a removal routine that suits your skin type and preferences.

What is SFX makeup and how is it related to movie makeup and stage makeup?

SFX makeup, or special effects makeup, is a specialized art used to create realistic designs for film, television, and stage productions. It utilizes prosthetics, body paint, and other materials to transform actors into characters with unique features or injuries. While SFX makeup resembles traditional makeup, it focuses on extreme looks for genres like horror and fantasy. Many SFX artists also have experience in stage and film/television makeup, adding to their value in the entertainment industry.

Click here to see an actual course sample of the Theatrical Makeup section in the Master Makeup Artistry Course!

May 27
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Airbrush Makeup: Safety and Etiquette 101

By Makeup Tips and Tricks, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Over the years, airbrush makeup has established itself as a popular makeup practice within the beauty industry. Used for SFX makeup, editorial shoots, and bridal looks, it’s an art that takes ample amounts of patience and time to properly master. But once you do, it can skyrocket your professional career to a whole new level!

While it can be tempting to simply purchase an airbrush machine and get going right away, don’t be too quick to jump the gun! (Like what we just did there?) The fact is, if you’re unfamiliar with airbrush makeup, there are things you NEED to learn first.

Proper training is a must! Before you begin offering airbrush makeup services to your clients, you must first ensure that you fully understand:

  • The safety precautions required, and
  • The professional etiquette expected of you

So, let’s break these down and look at the basic rules of airbrush makeup safety and etiquette!

Airbrush Makeup: Safety & Etiquette Tips

Different types of makeup call for different best practices when it comes to hygiene. Airbrush makeup is of no exception. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s room for a lot to go wrong. It can put your client at risk and potentially damage your reputation in the industry.

Your best bet is to put in the time, acquire proper training, and adequately prepare yourself. Here are some of the best ways to do that…

1. Take an airbrush makeup class

The single most effective way to learn ANY aspect of makeup is to get reputable training from an accredited school. Do thorough research, and find an esteemed makeup school that offers a class or workshop specifically for airbrush makeup.

In most cases, you’ll not only be provided with high-quality equipment (as part of your tuition fee); you’ll be trained by actual, working MUAs who know exactly what they’re doing. Any makeup school worth its salt will also ensure that in addition to basic theory, technique, and application, you’re taught safety, etiquette, and even business components.

Plus, once you graduate from the program, you’ll have an extra certificate to add to your resume!

2. Be public about your personal hygiene

I’m not saying you need to divulge to your clients whether you had a shower that day or not. (I mean, you could. Might be weird, though.)

What I mean is, your clients want to know that they’re dealing with a professional. If they have ANY suspicion that you’re unsanitary, they’re not going to want you touching their face. Full stop.

This is especially the case in light of everything that’s been going on in the world these past few months. Once you and your client are able to safely work in close proximity to each other again, you’ll need to go above and beyond to reassure your customers that you’re always making their health a priority.

It can be something as simple as washing or sanitizing your hands in front of them, before the appointment begins. That, combined with only using clean makeup products/tools, and your clients will never second-guess that they can trust you to take proper care of them.

3. Avoid contaminating your tools/products

As you already know, it’s only too easy for bacteria to fester on your makeup products if you’re not careful. Similarly, strict measures need to be taken when handling your airbrush makeup and machine. Straying from these practices can result in your products and tools becoming tainted.

No, your airbrush machine won’t ever actually touch your client’s face. But it will be touching your hands. As such, cleaning the outside of your machine after every use is mandatory.

Another major area where MUAs unknowingly contaminate their airbrush makeup is by re-using the makeup itself. If you have leftover product in the jar or tray of your airbrush gun, it might seem harmless to simply pour it back into its original bottle with the rest of the product.

However, the moment you squeeze product out of the bottle, you’re exposing it to airborne germs and other unwanted bacteria. By putting it back into the bottle afterwards, you’re tainting all of that precious makeup still within that bottle by introducing to so many potential contaminants.

Worst case scenario, it spoils the makeup beyond repair. Best case scenario, it severely reduces its overall shelf-life. Given that airbrush makeup isn’t always cheap, there’s no real outcome to this that doesn’t suck for you.

4. Facilitate proper ventilation

You know that dizzying smell that lingers in the air after you use nail polish or hairspray? These same types of fumes can occur when using an airbrush makeup machine for an extended period of time. While you may grow “nose blind” to them over time, it can be a jarring, unpleasant experience for your clients.

Without proper airflow in your work space, prolonged exposure to airbrush makeup can put your client at risk of developing a headache, an allergic reaction, respiratory problems, etc.

Combat this risk by making sure the room is properly ventilated. If there are windows and the weather outside is permitting, open them up. Bring a fan with you to the appointment, and keep it running throughout the duration of the application.

Most importantly, if your client needs a break for any reason, give it to them!

5. Do a patch test

A patch test helps to ensure that your client won’t develop any sort of negative and/or allergic reaction when coming into contact with the airbrush makeup product. As a rule of thumb, water-based airbrush makeup is typically the safest type of product for you to use, since its ingredients are most often mineral-based. It has the smallest likelihood of resulting in a rash, breakout, or allergic reaction.

That being said, many makeup artists prefer to work with alcohol or silicone-based airbrush products. Since there’s a slightly higher risk of an allergic reaction, it’s extremely important to always perform a patch test. Ideally, you will do this during the initial consultation.

In a nutshell, this is how you will do a patch test:

  1. Pick the chosen airbrush makeup product, and apply a small amount on either the inside of her forearm or the side of her wrist.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Remove the product, and check for any signs of redness, swelling, irritation, etc.

If everything looks clear, you’re safe to use that product on your client’s face. If not, you’ll need to switch to a gentler product and try another patch test. Remember: if your client begins to experience any pain or discomfort at any point, remove the makeup immediately!

6. Provide skincare advice

Airbrush makeup can do a pretty good job of sucking all the moisture out of your skin – especially if you already have dry skin, or don’t have a solid skincare routine in place. Before applying any makeup, always ensure to prep the skin first.

Since many editorial clients are already used to working with this makeup medium, they’re more likely to know the drill. Chances are, they understand what skincare practices they need to utilize before and after the airbrush application.

Other clients, such as bridal clients, may not be quite as knowledgeable, though. As the expert, it’s your job to tell them. Explain to her why airbrush makeup is so drying to the skin, and advise her to moisturize prior to the appointment, as well as after the makeup has been completely removed.

Pro Tip: Want to build on this and become an actual Skincare Consultant? Check out QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, and add to your professional certifications in as little as 3-6 months!

7. As always, be friendly

In terms of etiquette, it’s not really any different than the etiquette you’d display during a traditional makeup session with a client. Above all else, always remember to be friendly and professional!

Other standard protocols to keep in mind are:

  • Let your client set the conversational tone
  • Cater to what your clients needs and what will make her feel the most comfortable
  • Go over the look they want one more time, in case there’s anything they wish to change last-minute
  • Keep your touch light
  • Make sure you’ve brushed your teeth that morning, and have some mints or gum on you (just in case). You’re going to be getting a bit up-close and personal, after all!

So long as you keep all of this in mind as you develop your airbrush makeup training and skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true pro! Before you know it, airbrush makeup will quickly become a successful cornerstone of your business!

Do YOU have any other tips for proper airbrush makeup safety and etiquette? Tell us in the comments below!

Ready to add airbrush makeup training to your professional qualifications? Enroll today in QC’s leading online Airbrush Makeup Workshop!

May 22
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Henna – Part 2

By Education, Makeup Tips and Tricks No Comments

As a professional makeup artist, it’s important to keep expanding your skill-set. The more knowledge you have about makeup, the better (and more inclusive) your services will be!

The best way to broaden your training is with makeup classes. For example, QC Makeup Academy has a program entirely devoted to teaching you about cosmetic and beauty practices from all around the world! As part of this Global Beauty Workshop, you’ll learn all about Henna.

In Part 1 of our look into the art of Henna, we broke down what it is, where it comes from, and its symbolic/historical roots. Importantly, we also took a look at some of the proper (and improper) habits to adopt when incorporating Henna into your makeup business.

Let’s expand on this, and check out a few more ways to properly do Henna – as well as some ‘sins’ you need to avoid!

Do: Make Your Own Henna Products

Unfortunately, it’s very easy to cut corners and purchase the wrong Henna products. The less organic the ingredients are, the worse the quality of the final product will be.

In recent years, it’s become a bit of trend – particularly in Western culture – to buy pre-mixed Henna cones. While this is undoubtedly a bit more convenient, we recommend against doing this. If you buy a pre-made concoction, you’ll have no way of knowing exactly what’s gone into the mixture. Furthermore, you won’t be able to control the ratios, the consistency, or create the ideal cone for application.

Instead, your best bet is to purchase fresh Henna powder, and mix it yourself. Typically, this powder will be mixed with water and oils (such as eucalyptus oil, henna oil, and/or black clove oil). There are also plenty of ways for you to create the Henna cone yourself. This YouTube video, for example, breaks the steps down in an easy-to-follow tutorial.

When researching into where to purchase your Henna powder, make sure to be thorough. There are tons of sellers out there who claim to offer high-quality powder, when in reality, it’s anything but! What you want to look for is a Henna powder that’s marketed as “body art quality”.

This specific type of powder is ground into very fine particles, so that when mixed with water and oils, it turns into a smooth mixture that creates a beautiful finish – without losing its texture and clogging up the opening of your Henna cone.

Pro Tip: If your makeup classes are teaching you how to do Henna tattoos (that is, Henna designs on the skin), make sure to stay away from ‘Neutral Henna’. While good for conditioning hair, it does nothing on the skin and would be a waste of your money!

Don’t: Use Henna Containing Chemical Additives

Much like with other beauty products, when Henna ingredients are all-natural, they’re far less likely to cause any damage to your client’s skin. On the contrary, Henna powder containing harmful chemicals can be a concern.

It’s believed that the greenness of your Henna powder indicates how pure it truly is. If the powder is a strong green hue, it’s supposed to be of higher quality.

The problem is, many scammers have caught onto this fact, and have found a way to create fake (but convincing) alternatives. For instance, they may lace their Henna powder with green dyes in order to replicate the authentic, bright green color.

So, how do you know who to trust when buying your Henna powder?

Do your research! Never purchase any Henna powder whose ingredients aren’t openly listed for you to see. Only buy pure Henna powder that doesn’t contain chemical additives. And when looking into potential sellers, do as thorough of a background check on them as you can!

Read reviews, scour their website, search for them on social media. There are plenty of online chat groups and forums you can look into, where other Henna artists may recommend trusted suppliers.

The bottom line is: never purchase your materials from a supplier unless you’re confident in their product. Using anything less than pure Henna powder can potentially lead to issues down the road with clients, which can seriously damage your professional reputation.

Do: Avoid Black Henna

In order to change Henna from its natural greenness to a dark black color, there are many suppliers who opt to add PPD (para-phenylendiamine) to their powder. Unfortunately, this is a rather powerful chemical sensitizer, and can be seriously dangerous to some people!

Some possible side effects of prolonged exposure of PPD on the skin include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Redness/swelling
  • General skin irritation
  • Burns
  • Blisters
  • Permanent scarring

Needless to say, you don’t want to risk any of your clients experiencing any of these unwanted reactions! You’re better off avoiding PPD-infused Henna powder altogether. Yes, you may encounter some clients who specifically request black Henna.

However, for the sake of her safety, and the overall safety of your business, we recommend explaining the potential health risks to her, and declining such a service. Worst case scenario, if she refuses to budge, you can always recommend she visit an airbrush tattoo artist instead.

While it may cost you an appointment, it will ensure your client remains safe. Ultimately, this matters more.

Don’t: Prepare at the Last Minute

Your global beauty makeup classes will go into great depth about how to properly mix and create your Henna product. But one thing that’s especially important to stress is that you give yourself enough time to prepare your products before each appointment.

For starters, it may take some trial and error for you to learn what the perfect consistency is for your mixture. On top of that, you need to allow your Henna mixture to sit for at LEAST 6 hours before you can apply it to your client’s skin.

Anything less, and it may not stain the skin properly, have the desired color, or last as long before fading.

To ensure your client gets the best results, let your Henna mixture rest for as long as possible. You can even prepare the mixture for your appointment the day before, and let it sit overnight.

Pro Tip: Want to REALLY be organized? Prepare a large batch of your Henna mixture, and store it in your freezer! It can remain in there for up to six months, without ruining any quality.

Do: A Patch Test

When it comes to Henna tattoos, your makeup classes will ingrain in your head the importance of doing a patch test first. This will help determine whether or not your client’s skin will react well with your Henna mixture.

Could you imagine if you skipped this step, started applying the Henna all over your client’s hand, and she suddenly broke out into a severe allergic reaction? Such negligence could spell the end of your career!

Henna artists find that the inner part of your client’s wrist is the optimal spot to do a patch test. Simply apply a bit of your Henna mixture, and then advise her to keep an eye on it over the days to follow. Specifically, she needs to note if she experiences any irritation, swelling, or redness.

This is also a perfect opportunity for her to get a real feel for what she can expect from a full Henna application! Let her know what to expect in terms of the color changes the Henna will undergo over the next few days. She may find that the final result is exactly what she was expecting! Alternately, she may discover that it’s different than she originally thought it’d be.

All of this is why a patch test is so crucial! Ideally, you’ll want to perform it during the initial consultation. It’s best for you and your client to know as early on as possible whether you can provide the service she’s looking for. Neither of you want any unwanted surprises on the day of the appointment!

Interested in discovering other ways that global beauty makeup classes will help strengthen your career? Check out this article for 3 more awesome reasons!

Ready to diversify your techniques and open up your services to an even larger clientele? Enroll in QC’s leading online Global Beauty Workshop today! 

May 21
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Mastering the Smoky Eye Tutorial [video]

By From the Experts, Makeup Tutorial No Comments

Devyn Gregorio is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador and professional makeup artist. You can find her on her YouTube Channel, DevDevGregs, where she makes beauty videos. Today, Devyn walks us through the step-by-step process of a killer smoky eye look!

Watch her video below!

Let’s Recap!

As a makeup artist, mastering the smoky eye is sort of like a rite of passage. It’s a skill that every respectable MUA needs to have, since you’ll encounter innumerable clients who will request this look from you. Not to mention, a solid smoky eye is an essential addition to your makeup portfolio!

As a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Devyn knows the importance of a good smoky eye better than anyone! Indeed, it’s a staple look she frequently incorporates into her own makeup routine, her YouTube vlog, and her professional makeup career.

”In my opinion … if you’re only going to learn how to do one eyeshadow look, [smoky eye] is the type of look you should learn!

Devyn Gregorio

As Devyn points out, there are a LOT of different ways (and with different techniques) that you can approach the smoky eye. However, her go-to process for achieving this look can be broken down into 4 easy-to-remember steps.

So, let’s take a look at Devyn’s interpretation of the classic 4-step smoky eye!

Before You Begin, Make Sure to Prime!

Devyn begins by introducing the Soft Glam Palette by Anastasia Beverley Hills. This is what she’ll be using to create her eye makeup. While we will be referencing the colors from this specifically palette, you can use whichever eyeshadow products you’d like when recreating this tutorial!

You’ll want to start by priming your eyes, which Devyn has already done, using Urban Decay’s Primer Potion.

She then sets her upper eyelids with the very first shade in the Soft Glam Palette: Tempera. While she pats on this light shade, she urges you to keep in mind that working on your own face is an obviously different experience than applying your skills on a model.

If you wish to learn how to do a successful smoky eye on clients, it’ll be important that you also acquire some real-world experience in working on other people’s faces, too.

Step 1: Your Crease Shade

For her crease, Devyn selects the Burnt Orange shade from the Soft Glam Palette. In terms of brushes, she selects the Morphe M518 brush. Importantly, this brush is fluffy in texture, which will help create a more flawless blend.

Note: When choosing your brush, make sure that it’s not TOO fluffy! You want to maintain control over where the eyeshadow is being spread across the eye. You want the product to be primarily concentrated in your crease.

Devyn then begins to apply the Burnt Orange shade along her crease. Notice the way she swivels the brush head into tiny, circular strokes! This is a key technique she uses when blending eyeshadow.

Devyn also notes how, since she’s working on herself, she’s raising her eyebrow a bit. This helps her to get better access to the crease. If working on a client, you can urge them to keep their eyebrows neutral. Then, use your fingers to lightly lift the skin, just enough for you to properly work on their crease.

The goal of this step is to get an even blend!

Remember: Don’t try to start by doing too much, too quickly! During this step, try to keep things tight along your crease. It’s alright to create a small blending effect, but try not to spread it out too far or too high. Pay attention to where the brow bone sits, and how much crease and lid space it gives you to work with. Work with it, not against it!

Step 2: Your Outer Corner Shade

Next, Devyn selects a darker shade from the palette: Cypress Umber. If you’re using a different palette, choose a rich, medium brown hue. She switches brushes for this step, now opting for a much smaller blending brush.

Add the product to your brush, and begin applying it to the outer half of your lid. Apply the product on a diagonal, moving upwards towards your crease. Again, start small and gradually build! Don’t go into it with a heavy amount of product.

As with any type of makeup application, you’ll achieve way better results if you apply your product in sheen layers. If you have a heavy hand, be mindful to go in with lighter pressure. When it comes to a smoky eye, it’s all about the blend!

Once you’ve built it up to the corner, you can then begin inviting it up into the crease. Don’t blend this darker shade over the entire crease, though. Try to only incorporate the eyeshadow to about half way through.

Note: Once you’ve laid down the foundation with these two steps, you can now go back in and intensify the look (if desired). Now’s the time to embolden the color, fan out the blend a bit more, or even just to smooth out the blending so that every color transitions into each other seamlessly!

Step 3: Your Lid Shade

For her eyelids, Devyn picks a bright, glittery Bronze shade. Instead of using a brush, Devyn opts to tap the products directly onto her finger. So long as your hands are clean, this is absolutely a useful method for applying eyeshadow, since your body temperature will help warm up the product!

Should you not wish to use your finger, you can use a flat eyeshadow brush for this step.

She then stipples the eyeshadow onto the center of her lid, working it out so that it meets the outer corner and upper crease. Go back in with a second layer, to help build coverage. Use your finger to blend this brighter shade with the darker, contrasting shades already applied your outer corner and crease.

Afterwards, if you want to intensify the lid even more, now’s the time to go back in with your flat brush for a third layer of product! For an added POP, wet your brush with a setting spray after you’ve gathered the product (and before you apply it to your eyelid).

Step 4: Your Brow Bone + Inner Corner Highlight Shade

You’ll notice that Devyn takes a quick break off-camera before this final step, to apply the rest of her makeup and add some false eyelashes. You can also choose to do the same, or simply wait until you’ve completed your smoky eye.

Devyn then delves into the last part of this 4-step tutorial, which is to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, she gathers some of the shade, Glistening. For those not using the Soft Glam Palette, this is a glittery, peachy-gold color.

She then taps it onto the inner corner of her eye. It’s not a terribly dramatic result; more so a subtle pop that brings extra dimension to the overall look (especially from the right angles). Afterwards, she swipes her brush along the outer, lower half of her eyebrow. Because Devyn has a good amount of brow bone space, she lightly works this color out to cover more of that empty space.

Bonus Step: The Bottom Lid

This step is optional. However, to get a well-rounded smoky look, it’s definitely a great inclusion to add to the process!

Using the same color that you used on the outer corner of your eye, as well as a light hand, apply this hue along your lower lash-line. Blend it out so that it doesn’t look like a chunky, harsh line. Again, remember to approach this step by layering your product. If you want a darker result, add more layers.

Finish off the look with a little mascara on your lower lashes… and voila! You’ve achieved a sexy, perfect smoky eye!

Devyn’s Food for Thought

When it comes to the art of makeup, the key is to learn the basics first. Once you’re confident in your ability to get the basics of a given look down, you can then go back in and get more creative.

In terms of a smoky eye, this same notion applies. While the 4 steps outlined in Devyn’s tutorial help to teach you how to create a standard smoky eye, there’s still plenty of room to build off of it and add more dimension!

Play around with different colors; experiment with the depth, intensity, and blend. Makeup allows you to truly express yourself, so don’t hesitate to try new things!

It’s only by trying that you’ll learn how to truly grow!

Curious as to which other looks are needed within your professional makeup portfolio? Enroll in QC’s Portfolio Development Course, and learn everything you need to do!

May 20
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5 Popular Fashion Styling Jobs

By Fashion Styling No Comments

Were you born with a natural sense of style? Do you have an innate knack for perfectly reflecting your personality in your fashion? Are you constantly complimented for your killer outfits, effortless color schemes, and on-point matching skills?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then a career in fashion styling may be perfect for you!

Think about it: could there be anything better than being paid to do what you love? That’s pretty much the dream! So, if you’re ready to turn your hobby into a lifelong, successful career, there are plenty of incredible opportunities available to you.

Read on to discover how you can start on the path to becoming a fashion stylist, as well as some of the most popular career options!

What is Fashion Styling?

As a professional stylist, it will be your responsibility to provide fashion styling advice and recommendations. Depending on which clientele you choose to target as part of your business, you’ll help select and coordinate outfits for:

  • Individual clients
  • Clothing brands
  • Companies and businesses
  • Media
  • Fashion houses, etc.

Let’s make one thing super clear right away: this is NOT the same thing as being a fashion designer. Designers are responsible for physically creating the clothing. You won’t do this as a fashion stylist. Your job will be to select existing clothing and accessories that your client(s) will wear.

How Do You Get into Fashion Styling?

You’ll gain invaluable knowledge such as:

An accredited fashion styling course is the single greatest first step you can take in your journey to get into the industry! Online beauty schools, such as QC Makeup Academy, allow you to gain a high-quality education from real-world, expert professionals – all from the comfort and safety of your own home!

This industry can be extremely competitive. So, making sure you have proper training, education, and a professional certification under your belt is practically a must! It’ll be difficult to stand out from the competition otherwise.

  • The history of fashion styling
  • Basic fashion elements (e.g. patterns, fabric, body type, fitting and draping, etc.)
  • Accessorizing
  • Building a wardrobe for different genders, lifestyles, professions, etc.
  • Bridal and maternity styling
  • Styling on a budget
  • Thorough business knowledge to help YOU start your own fashion stylist business
  • And so much more!

You’ll graduate from your fashion styling program a true expert; ready to take the industry by storm and begin finding clients right away!

The Most Popular Fashion Styling Jobs

Celebrity/Red Carpet Stylist

Though this figure is admittedly in a smaller percentile, it does show you what can be possible. Who knows? As you grow your resume, gain experience, and build your reputation, maybe you’ll one day become one of Hollywood’s biggest names in fashion styling!

Obviously, because you’d be working with such highly-esteemed clientele, this particular career path pays rather well. As of May, 2020, the average annual salary for a celebrity fashion stylist in the United States is $50,423. That being said, there are acclaimed stylists out there making as much as $123,500!

In addition to your standard awards shows, you would also get to provide your expertise for press conferences, premieres, concerts, or even just a celebrity’s daily life.

This probably comes as no surprise. After all, who wouldn’t want to work with A-listers and help select their outfits for such events as The Academy Awards, The Grammys, etc.? In terms of dream fashion styling career paths, this one is definitely high on the list!

Personal Stylist

Plus, there’s a lot of wiggle room in personal styling for you to control your service rates, adjust them according to the client’s needs, etc. As you can see, the sky is limitless!

The beauty of this particular type of styling is that it can be done virtually anywhere, for pretty much anyone in need of your services. One day, your client can be a stay-at-home mother who wants to give herself (and her clothes) a fresh makeover. Next, you can be assisting a CEO of a major local company.

Maybe you’re not interested in the glitz and glam of Tinseltown. That’s okay! Another wildly popular path for stylists is to focus on personal styling for the everyday client.

Pro Tip: Still socially distancing due to COVID-19? Not a problem! A very popular option, especially for personal stylists, is to also offer virtual services! You can tie this into your business as a standard service, but during something like a pandemic, it gives you a way to continue booking clients… without anyone needing to leave the safety of their homes!

Fashion Editorial Stylist

Ever looked at the photos within a magazine? (I mean, who hasn’t at least once, right?) Then you’ve seen the work of an editorial stylist before!

In this corner of the industry, you’re the mastermind behind all of the amazing outfits and accessories donned by high fashion models in a professional photoshoot.

Plus, this type of fashion styling is one that will vastly expand your network. This is because you’ll often be working very closely with other industry pros. Some examples of people you’ll develop close working relationships with include:

Fashion Show Stylist

Want to help dress up your favorite models before they strut their stuff down the runway? You can use your professional fashion styling certification as a stepping stone towards this career path!

Here, you’ll be collaborating with fashion houses and/or independent designers. They’ll be coming to you – the expert – and trusting you to make choices that best represent their company and overall brand. It’ll be up to you to deliver!

As such, you’ll be responsible for selecting the best clothing, shoes, and accessories, according to what they have within their given line for the fashion show. Then the models will show off the final product. You’ll have a personal hand in what ultimately gets showcased on the catwalk!

Makeup Artist

At first glance, this doesn’t sound like it has anything to do with fashion styling. But hear me out!

It’s actually a very common practice in this community to pioneer a single business that provides multiple types of beauty services. In fact, fashion styling and makeup artistry are very commonly paired together – namely because they compliment each other so well.

As such, there are many fashion stylists out there who then further their education to incorporate professional makeup training. Likewise, more and more makeup artists are earning their fashion styling certification so that they can add styling to their business.

Especially for freelancers, it’s an excellent way to pander to an even wider audience. Why only offer one service, when you can offer more? More variety means more bookings, which means more profit for your business.

Plus, if a client were to need assistance with their makeup and their outfit for a special occasion, she can simply book both services with you! It’s more convenient for her, and more beneficial overall for you. There’s no downside!

All of these career options are just the tip of the iceberg, too! Not to mention, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from dipping your toes into different waters. Want to be a personal stylist and an editorial stylist? Go for it! The beauty of this kind of profession is that you CAN if you want to!

If you’re interested in a career in fashion styling, there are countless avenues you can pursue and opportunities to take advantage of. Believe in yourself, and start the path towards your dream future today!

As the author, Debasish Mridha once said: “Don’t wait for the opportunity… Create it!”

Enroll today in QC Makeup Academy’s leading online Fashion Styling Course, and earn your certification in as little as 3-6 months!

May 15
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5 Tips for Booking Freelance Makeup Artist Jobs After COVID-19

By Your Makeup Career One Comment

With everything that’s been going on in the world these past few months, it can sometimes be easy to forget that eventually, things will go back to normal. Work will pack back up, and the economy will begin to recover. In certain areas around the globe, we’re already beginning to see the first stages of this!

So, what does this mean for your makeup career?

Well, for starters: if you’re a freelance makeup artist, don’t worry – there will still be plenty of opportunities to book clients! You just may need to take a few extra precautions and adjust some of your strategies, that’s all.

What exactly do we mean by this? Let’s take a look…

Target the bridal community

One of the downsides of COVID-19 is that a lot of engaged couples have needed to postpone their wedding day, due to social distancing rules. But once those rules are lifted, they’ll only be all to quick to get right back on track!

As a makeup artist, this can mean a lot of potential clients for your business. If you’re already skilled in bridal makeup, you can make this a shining focus of both your social media content and your professional portfolio.

Research popular wedding-related hashtags in your area, and incorporate them into your posts. This could easily help draw the attention of brides who have resumed researching into vendors and suppliers for their big day!

Don’t know much about bridal makeup? Then now’s the perfect time to start learning! Begin your research, take an accredited makeup course that teaches bridal makeup, and practice on yourself as much as possible. Better yet, practice on any of your friends or family members who are willing to be your model!

(Just make sure social distancing has been lifted first, or that you already live with this person in an immediate environment. Otherwise, it still won’t be safe enough yet to put your hands all over someone else’s face!)

By mastering your bridal makeup skills now, you can be ready to start booking clients as soon as life returns to normal!

Amplify your online presence

Once businesses start opening back up, people are going to be flocking to the internet to see what’s available to them and what isn’t. When they do, you want YOUR name to come up on their radar!

If you don’t already have an online presence for your freelance makeup artist business, start there ASAP. Build a website, create social media pages, research into marketing analytics and strategies, etc. These days, you can’t afford to NOT to market your business online!

If you already have these things established, then it’s time to now build on them. Ask yourself:

  • How can I improve my social media channels?
  • How can I increase my visibility?
  • Can I strengthen my website in any way?
  • Can I put out ads to target potential clients in my area?

Right now, you want your online presence, and the content you put out there, to be relevant to people’s current wants and needs. If someone is hopping online to search for a local makeup artist who can properly (and SAFELY) do their makeup immediately after social distancing has been lifted, you want them to not only find your freelance business – you want them to think to themselves, this is the MUA for me!

ALWAYS keep things clean

Logically, the best place to start is to always ensure that you’re keeping your makeup products and tools proper sterilized. This is a given, and definitely something you already should have been doing anyways. However, recent events have made it only too clear that it’s more important now than ever!

Clients will be far less likely to work with you if they see ANY sign of you being unsanitary, your work station being in total disarray, or your tools not being clean. All you need is one client to spread the word about uncleanly habits, and your reputation as a freelance makeup artist could quickly take a dive.

We know you don’t want this!

Pro tip: Since it’s that time of year, why not utilize your time at home right now to Spring clean your professional makeup kit? This will help make it much easier to maintain your kit going forward!

Have safety protocols ready

Let’s move onto the clients themselves. In the beginning, you may encounter some people who want to get their makeup done, but are still hesitant about coming into such close contact with strangers. One great way to combat this is to extend your sanitation practices to your appointment etiquette!

For example: for the first little while after social distancing rules have been revoked, maybe you can take extra care to always ensure that only you and your client are allowed to be in such close proximity to each other. Your business can have a maximum occupancy rules in effect, wherein only the client is allowed to attend their appointment.

Alternately, if you’re working in an environment where you can’t escape there being more people around, you can set up some type of perimeter around your work space, so that others know not to come within 6 feet of you and your client while you do her makeup.

These are just suggestions, of course. If you’d like to read more about keeping yourself and your clients safe (during and after COVID-19), keep reading here.

Ultimately, whatever measures you choose to take are entirely up to you. All we’re saying is, if you can reassure your client from the very beginning that you have a safety plan in place to continue to keep her safe while working with you, she’ll be much more willing to book!

Reach out to current and past clients

No, you don’t need to touch base with each one of them individually. (Though, hey, if you want to, by all means!) Rather, you can rely the email campaigns you’ve already set up for your freelance business, and utilize those.

There may be customers you’ve worked with before who would like to work with you again… and soon! Problem is, when the time comes that you re-open, they might not necessarily know. Even if you announce it on social media, they may not see it.

A better bet would be to send out a mass email to everyone within your client database. Chances are much better that this won’t go unnoticed! In it, you can let them know that you will be resuming your services (either by a given date, or at the present time).

You can also take this opportunity to lay out those safety protocols we discussed above, and include them within the email itself. If there is any other pertinent info you feel they should have, feel free to include that as well. Just don’t make the email too lengthy, or your audience may gloss over the more critical information.

You may be surprised at how many past clients wind up reaching out to you to book appointments! And even if they don’t, they may know someone who is in need of your wonderful services. Next thing you know, you’re being contacted by a brand-new client, thanks to word-of-mouth!

Remember:

There’s been a LOT of negativity getting thrown around ever since COVID-19 started. Even though much of it has been justifiably warranted, don’t let it fool you into thinking that this pandemic means the end of your makeup career.

It’s not.

Yes, it may require a bit more time and even more dedication than usual. You may need to be patient at first. But hard work does pay off! While things may feel a bit shaky at first, eventually, things will go back to how they used to be.

Before you know it, you’ll be booking more jobs for your freelance makeup artist business than you know what to do with! So, go forth and shine. We believe in you!

Another guaranteed way to book more clients is by having your professional makeup certification. Enroll in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course today, and get certified in as little as 3-6 months!

May 13
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Products + Tools You Absolutely NEED in Your Professional Makeup Kit!

By From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks One Comment

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte provides 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.

Here, she examines the best (and cheapest) online tools to help you market your makeup artist business!

As an MUA and makeup lover, the one thing we never want to stop buying is… makeup! Of course, if you’re not careful, this can spell trouble for our bank account. This is why, over the years, the main thing I’ve learned is to keep it simple!

There are two reasons for this:

  1. As a professional MUA, makeup is my living. This means that I have to be mindful to manage my spending on beauty products. This is because my budget also needs to be allocated to things like advertising, marketing, space rental, and other business expenses.
  2. The more organised my professional makeup kit is, the easier (and faster) I can provide my services for clients!

As part of my standard practice, I typically have two separate makeup bags. One is for classic beauty makeup; the other, for creative and/or editorial. This helps me better organize my professional products. Plus, it means I don’t need to lug ALL every single product with me to a given job.

Breaking Down My Professional Makeup Kit

When it comes to your professional makeup kit, you need to have an assortment of products. Let’s take a look into mine to illustrate the types of things you’ll need.

To start, the usual essentials within my kit’s beauty bag include:

  • Skincare items
  • Foundations
  • Concealers
  • Powders
  • Eyeshadows
  • And much more!

On the other hand, my creative/editorial makeup bag is reserved for pigments, glitters, and body paint.

Beauty Bag Must-Haves + Tips:

Foundations, Contour, and Concealers

I would recommend having at least 6 liquid foundation shades in your professional makeup kit. They should range from light to dark. This will better help you adjust to different clients’ skin tones.

If the foundation comes in a glass bottle, I recommend buying an empty plastic bottle and switching the packaging. (Muji has some great ones that are pretty cheap!) Glass can be heavy to carry for a mobile makeup artist.

My Personal Favorites

My favourite foundations tend to come from the line, YSL Touche Éclat. I find they create a radiant glow and lightweight finish. Another staple foundation product is M•A•C Studio Face and Body. This line offers 13 different shades to choose from!

For the contour, concealers, and other foundations, I’ve found an all-in-one solution: cream palettes! If there’s one thing I can’t live without, it’s a primary cream colours palette!  My personal favorite brands for this are RCMA and Maqpro.

The awesome thing about cream palettes is that they give you one texture for everything! You can adjust the pigments, depending on how full the coverage needs to be. I frequently alter and/or create shades of contour, foundation, and eyeshadows by mixing the primary colors with the white.

Similarly, you can also sheer it out, using a mixing medium. Here are the mixing mediums I use with wax-based cream pigments:

Maqpro

Maqpro’s Makeup Mixer will help produce a cream foundation that’s ideal for medium coverage. To set it, I use translucent powder.

Kryolan

This is one of my latest finds, and I absolutely LOVE it! Kryolan’s Mixing Medium is silicone-based. It mixes very well with the cream pigments to obtain a fluid texture water that’s also sweat-resistant. I’ve found it perfect for both private clients and brides!

RCMA

RCMA’s Color Process Foundation Thinner is oil-based. It’s optimal for softening harder foundations, restoring dried palettes, and adjusting a foundation’s consistency. I love the dewy finish it produces! I definitely consider this a must-have for my editorial looks!

Honorable Mention

For a great highlight, I always use YSL Touche Éclat’s highlighter pen! I love how effortlessly it brightens darker spots on the skin.

Eye Makeup

For eyeshadow, I have two large magnetic palettes, with a collection of my favorite shades. One is for neutral colors, while the other is more creative. I always keep the black shades separate, as it is a pure pigment (which typically makes it more fragile).

I also carry my eyeliner pencils in a drawing pencils case. These cases have separated spaces for each pencil. This will help keep them organised and well protected!

Lips

A useful tip for your professional makeup kit is to decant your lipsticks into lighter-weight, portable plastic palettes. For me, I tend to go with the clear plastic palette from Vueset. My professional makeup kit also contains clear gloss from M•A•C Cosmetics. Whenever I want to create a lustrous effect on my client’s lips, I simply mix the lipstick with this gloss!

Brows

For editorial eyebrows, I ALWAYS have pear soap and M•A•C Cosmetics Fix+ in my arsenal. For the eyebrow makeup itself, my favorite line is the Inglot eyebrow wax. In case you’re interested, I find that 16 is the best shade for medium-to-dark eyebrows!

Skin

I love skincare! As a makeup artist, you know how vital good skin is the key for great makeup. Let’s breakdown some of my most recommended skincare essentials!

Primers

A silicone, blurry primer is fantastic for for mature skin. It can also be used a base when working with silicone-based foundations. Always match the primer’s texture with the foundation you are using!

For a radiant complexion, I swear by the Brightening CC Serum from BY Terry. If you’re looking for an effective skin cream to add to your kit, Egyptian Magic offers a wonderful, all-natural product that protects lips and repairs dehydrated skin.

I also use it to add a little extra glow to my editorial looks!

Creams and Cleansers

You never know when you’ll work with a client who has sensitive skin, so as a rule of thumb, try to use organic skincare products that are perfume-free. In my professional makeup kit, I always have soothing creams as well.

Creams and serums are the very first products applied before makeup. This is why it’s so important to use all-natural products whenever possible. You want to avoid allergies and adverse reactions with your clients!

Creative/Editorial Bag Must-Haves + Tips:

As much as I love pigments and glitters, I have learned the hard way that it’s best to keep them separated from other products. A lot of glitters are sold in hard plastic jars, which can easily break.

For this reason, I recommend purchasing some softer, plastic jars to hold your glittery products instead. For extra protection, place these products in a separate (plastic) pouch.

My Personal Favorites

For pigments, my go-to products are Maqpro’s Paris Star Powders, and Down Under Cosmetix. I also swear by Kryolan’s Aquacolor line, because the colors are rich and super easy to apply. Plus, these glycerin-based eyeshadows also come in neon shades!

Tools

I must own around 700 makeup brushes! For every client, I always have a fresh and sanitized set, ready to use. Once any job is done, I then place my used brushes in a zipper bag. This way, I’ll know to clean them later, while also ensuring I don’t contaminate any of the clean items.

The one type of brush that serves as the true MVP is the angled brush. I seriously cannot live without angled brushes! On top of using it for makeup, I also sometimes use it with micellar water to remove little mistakes on the client’s lips or liner.

Crown Brushes is my go-to brand, as they are great quality brushes for affordable prices.

Other standard tools to have in your professional makeup kit include little fan brushes (for mascara) and palettes. Personally, I prefer acrylic palettes because they don’t keep the product cold. Metal palettes can sometimes tend to do that.

Remember:

The fabulous part about being a makeup artist is that there will ALWAYS be something new to discover, whether it’s a new product or trend! But before buying each product you have a crush on, try to achieve the result with what you already have.

A makeup artist must know how to mix and adapt textures! The best makeup doesn’t come from the best product – it comes from great technique.

Keep reading to discover which 5 makeup products you surprisingly DON’T need in your professional makeup kit!

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