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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.

May 08
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How Stylized Photoshoots Can Increase Your Makeup Artist Salary

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

We’ll let you in on a neat little secret: if you’re looking for ways to boost your makeup artist salary and bring in more clients for your business, you should consider taking part in stylized photoshoots!

In short, a stylized shoot is exactly as the name implies: a photoshoot that’s styled. Often, there are props involved, sets, outfits, models, and a team of fellow industry professionals working alongside you. In a lot of cases (though not always), the work is unpaid. Typically, all those involved will trade services and they all end up with portfolio-ready images!.

“But wait,” I bet you’re thinking, “how can an unpaid gig help my business make more money?”

That’s a fair question. Luckily, we’ve got the answer! You’ll have to keep reading to find out what it is…

Stylized Photoshoots Mean High-Quality Content for Your Portfolio

Of course, part of doing that also requires you to grow your makeup portfolio. You’ll find that most clients will want to see examples of your work before deciding to hire you. But if you need a portfolio to help book clients, but also need clients in order to build a portfolio – how exactly is that supposed to work?

When you’re first starting your professional MUA career, you’re likely not going to be booking a bevy of clients right away. After all, it takes time to get your name out there and build your reputation.

It may mean that you’ll need to offer complementary services, at least in the beginning. For instance, you can do makeup on a friend or family member, in exchange for them being your model. This is always a solid option!

An even better one, though, is to get involved in a stylized shoot. Why? For starters, you’ll have a professional photographer who can supply you with top-notch images for your portfolio! As part of a stylized photo shoot, it’s common practice for the makeup artist to exchange her free services for a copy of the photos that come from the shoot.

High-quality pictures are one of the most important aspects of any MUA’s professional portfolio. So, getting them at no charge? Score!

Stylized Photoshoots Can Add More Variety to Your Portfolio

Do you have a knack for SFX makeup, and wish to showcase it a bit in your portfolio? Organize a Special FX-themed stylized shoot!

Is your niche bridal makeup, and do you want your portfolio to have a model that actually looks like she’s attending her wedding day? Put together a stylized shoot with that vision in mind!

Because a stylized shoot is creating the final image from the ground up, you can tailor it to reflect any style, theme, or element that you want! If you’re not the one planning the shoot, you may not be able to dictate every little detail. But you’ll certainly be able to still share your ideas with everyone else involved, and work most of them in!

When your makeup portfolio demonstrates variety, it’s telling potential clients that you have a wide skill-set. It’ll say to them: Look at all these different makeup looks I can offer you! Not only does this make you look even more like a professional, it opens you up to more people who are likely to want to book with you.

These are all factors that are guaranteed to help boost your makeup artist salary!

Stylized Photoshoots Help Grow Your Network

A major benefit to stylized shoots is that you get introduced to all sorts of other professionals within the beauty industry. If that weren’t cool enough, then you get to work alongside them! In a job like this, who you know can sometimes be just as useful as what you know.

But how can your network help your MUA business earn more money?

Well, the longer you know someone and have developed a professional relationship with them, the more likely you’ll be to recommend them to clients. Likewise, they can do the same for you! Word of mouth is a very powerful asset, especially in the beauty industry.

If a client is pointed in your direction by someone they trust, odds are pretty good that they’ll check out your business – at the very least. This can lead to even more paying clients wanting to work with you!

And hey, even if they don’t always wind up booking with you, you’re still going to get more exposure, which is never a bad thing! Who knows, they mean still go on to recommend you to their own friends and family, if they know someone else who may be interested!

Stylized Photoshoots Help You Grow as an Artist

If you’re devoting your life to a career as an MUA, we’re willing to bet it’s because your passion for makeup is unparalleled. As part of your journey, you’ll be eager to learn as much as you can, continue your training, and further your education.

You’re an artist, and all artists know one very critical thing: there will always be room to keep getting better!

Stylized photoshoots give you real-world opportunities to refine your expertise in new and challenging ways. Since you’ll be working with all sorts of models, you’ll get to practice your application techniques on different:

These are circumstances you may not always be exposed to if you’re only practicing with people you know! Stylized photoshoots strengthen your ability to adapt.

Especially when first breaking into the industry, they also provide the best way to show you what it’s like to do makeup on strangers. By getting used to this and becoming surer of yourself, you’ll have a much easier time transitioning to providing your services for paying clients!

Obviously, the better you become as a makeup artist, the likelier you’ll be to attract customers. More bookings mean more money. So, it logically follows that using stylized shoots to continue developing your skills is one of the single most effective ways to increase your makeup artist salary in the long run!

Can YOU think of more ways that stylized photoshoots can help boost your income as an MUA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Strengthen your resume and book even more clients with a professional makeup artist certification. Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn TWO certifications for the price of ONE!

May 07
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Master Makeup Artistry Course Sample: Theatrical Makeup

By Uncategorized No Comments

If your dream is to be a makeup artist for live theatre and/or stage productions, the best way to work towards this is by getting professional training from a theatrical makeup course. Luckily, you need to look no further than QC’s most popular program of study, the Master Makeup Artistry Course!

In Unit F of this course, you’ll delve into the world of theatrical makeup: what it is, where it comes from, theory and techniques, and plenty of hands-on application! Today, we’re going to show you a sneak peek of what you can expect to learn from Unit F of the Master Makeup Artistry Course!

Importantly, you’ll get the insider’s scoop into what’s expected of you as a makeup student, as well as an example of a practical assignment. Let’s go!

Master Makeup Artistry Course Unit F

By this stage of the course, you’ll have gained tons of foundational knowledge and practice regarding:

Now, it’s time to learn about makeup for the entertainment industry! This is the entire focus of Unit F, but let’s look specifically at theatrical/stage makeup. The world of theatrical makeup is unlike any other. After all, it’s hard to match the thrill that comes with working on a live production!

In order to learn how to do makeup for the theatre, you must first understand what goes into theatrical makeup in-and-of-itself. It’s much different than bridal makeup, editorial looks, or even makeup you’d do for film and television. Theatrical makeup requires you to delve deeper! You’ll need to learn how to create a character, interpret a script, work with the cast and crew, etc.

In addition, the theatrical makeup course incorporated within your Master Makeup Artistry Course will teach you many other, critical things, such as:

  • Setting up a workstation
  • Adjusting the actors’ makeup suit various lighting conditions
  • Breaking down the steps to successful stage makeup application
  • Filling out and using a Makeup Worksheet
  • Clean up/makeup removal
  • Other roles and responsibilities you can expect on the job
  • How to conduct yourself professionally
  • And so much more!

Preparing for the Assignment

As you’ve learned by now, the best way to approach ANY of your course assignments is by ensuring you’ve first done all the required readings for the unit! For the theatrical makeup portion of Unit F, this means reading the textbook: Theatre, Dance, and Live Stage Performance.

There are also videos included within this section of the unit. We strongly recommend watching them all, too! For example, one of them demonstrates QC Makeup Academy’s executive tutor, Nathan Johnson, creating a “Red Queen” theatrical look on his model. It’s definitely fun to see how he brings this character to life!

Unit F Assignment F3: Case Study Part 2 – A Practical Application

It’s important to note that this assignment can only be done after you’ve already completed Part 1 of the Case Study assignment.

In Part 1, you’ll have used everything you learned from your required readings to create a stage character from scratch. First using the Makeup Worksheet (as provided in the “Handouts” section of your course materials), and then the face template, you’ll design your very own character and their theatrical makeup.

Once you complete that, you’re now ready to move onto Part 2! You can find this assignment on page 95 of your Course Guide. In this portion of the Case Study, it’s time to transfer that makeup design from the face template onto a real model.

Note: In light of COVID-19, we discourage you from using a model under social distancing rules that have been lifted – unless they live in your immediate environment and are willing to participate. Should you be working on this unit of your Master Makeup Artistry Course at the present time, it’s perfectly acceptable to use your own face for this assignment!

Step 1: Take a “before” photo of your model

As much as possible, try to remove all hair from the model’s face. Make sure their skin is clean, and that their eyes are open in the image. To focus as much on the face as possible, try to only include your model’s head and neck in the photo. The framing style should look like the one in the picture below.

before photo of makeup model for qc makeup academy master makeup artistry assignment

Step 2: Create the theatrical makeup look on your model

The goal of this part of the assignment is to bring to life your illustration from Part 1 of the Case Study. As such, try your best to mirror the look as you’ve already drawn it. Similarly, try to stick as closely as possible to the information you inputted into your Makeup Worksheet.

Having said that, if you get inspired and think of additional features that’ll enhance your character makeup for the better, don’t feel like you can’t add them in. One or two minor additions are fine. Just don’t stray too far from your original design, or you’re defeating the purpose of this assignment!

When doing the makeup itself, feel free to use whatever products and techniques you want. When grading your work, your professional tutor will be looking for things like:

  • Originality
  • Attention to detail
  • How well you brought your character makeup to life
  • A proper, accurate demonstration and understanding of the techniques used
  • And lastly, your ability to create attractive results

Keep all this in mind when approaching this assignment!

Step 3: Take an “after” photo of your model

Once you’ve completed your theatrical character makeup and you’re happy with the final outcome, it’s time to capture the results! Use the same framing style as you did in Step 1, with only the model’s face and neck in the image. Just as with the “before” photo, make sure your model’s eyes are open.

After that, you’ll need to take 2 more photos of your work. This time, focus specifically on your model’s eyes. In terms of framing, try to only capture the area from just beneath their nose, to above their eyebrows, as seen in the illustrations below.

master makeup artistry course sample

In the first photo, have them keep their eyes open again. For the second photo, have them close their eyes. Make sure the images are clear and accurately show off the makeup as much as possible. Save them to your computer, where you can then upload and submit them within QC’s Online Student Center.

Remember:

When you enroll in any QC makeup course, you have a full 2 years to complete the program. So, don’t feel rushed to have to complete and submit this (or any) assignment! Because everything is self-paced, there are no deadlines or rigid schedules. You have the freedom – and breathing room – to tackle your studies whenever works best for YOU!

This means that when you are ready to work on your unit assignments, you can put the dedication and effort into them that they require. If you aren’t happy with the results at first, you can keep practicing until you are!

That way, you’ll be able to produce your very best results, each and every time!

Want to take high-quality photos of your makeup assignments, so that your tutor can give you the most thorough feedback possible? Check out these 6 tips from QC’s executive tutor, Nathan Johnson!

May 06
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How to Be a Makeup Artist When You’re Introverted

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

There’s a common misconception that if you’re an introvert, a career as a makeup artist wouldn’t be the right fit for you. Well, we’re here to squash that myth and tell you that this is NOT true!

In reality, anyone can be a successful makeup artist, so long as they have:

  • Passion for makeup
  • Drive
  • Dedication
  • A hard work ethic
  • And proper training

So, if you happen to be introverted and are also considering a career as an MUA, our advice is: GO FOR IT! And if you happen to be wondering how you can adapt your makeup profession to your personality type, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Let’s take a look at why introverts make awesome makeup artists, as well as the ways you can tackle the industry in a way that works best for YOU!

What is an Introvert?

By nature, an introvert is someone who has a tendency to be reserved and thoughtful. They tend to prefer spending their time in smaller groups, or alone. If a person’s energy level were like an iPhone battery, then an introvert’s would be most optimally charged when in the comfort of their own solitude.

Does this sound like you?

Let’s be very clear, though: being introverted doesn’t automatically mean you’re antisocial. It also doesn’t necessary equate to being shy, soft-spoken, or reticent. There can sometimes be a negative association to the word “introvert”, but there’s nothing bad about being an introvert at all!

The truth is, the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” aren’t black and white. I’ve known plenty of extroverts who are also on the quiet side, just as I’ve known a fair number of introverts who are loud and charismatic.

The main difference between the two is that extroverts recharge their internal batteries through socialization and being around others. On the flip-side, even if an introvert loves hanging around people, their internal battery gets charged and re-energized by spending quality time alone.

Why Introverts Make for Great Makeup Artists

To be a makeup artist means that you’re going to have to frequently work with people. While it’s true that this is definitely more in the extrovert’s comfort zone, an introvert can still thrive under this circumstance.

The thing about introverts is that they have a tendency to carefully think their decisions through. If you’re pursuing something, we’re willing to bet that you’ve considered every possible outcome first. You never go into any situation unprepared!

Furthermore, you’re mindful to only choose experiences that you know will fulfill you. Choosing a career path that isn’t gratifying to you will tend to burn you out really fast. Instead, you blossom when in an environment that motivates you and your passions.

So, if you’re choosing to pursue a career as a makeup artist, we know that this is because this is something you feel very strongly about!

Your clients have a lot to benefit from having you as their makeup artist, too! With an introverted MUA, you know that nothing has been – or will be – done without maximum effort. This means, you’ve researched your craft and your products. You’ll have put in the time and work into your training, and will always take each job very seriously.

It won’t be enough for you to give your clients just an okay result. You’ll always do everything you can to make sure they feel and look their best!

Becoming a Makeup Artist: The Introvert’s Way

If you’re introverted, you still have lots of options in terms of approaching this career path in a way that won’t deplete your internal battery. Here are just a few examples…

Get Your Certification Through an Online Makeup School

Everything’s gradually moving to the internet these days, and makeup training is of no exception. Some people are concerned that online makeup schooling couldn’t possibly replace the quality education you’d get from in-person classes, but this a false fear.

In reality, so long as the online makeup school is legit, of high quality, and properly accredited, you’ll get the exact same level of training as you would from a brick-and-mortar school. In fact, many online makeup instructors have experience teaching for both mediums, and can attest that online makeup schools are just as beneficial for the aspiring MUA… In some cases, even more so!

Plus, with so many of us still adhering to social distancing rules, online makeup school is the only practical (and safe) option at the moment.

As an introvert, online makeup school grants you the opportunity to receive quality training from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Because many schools, such as QC Makeup Academy, allow you to work at your own pace, you can also work it entirely around your own schedule.

You’ll have full control over when and where you study, so you can build your skill-set and receive your certification on your own terms!

Leverage Your Online Marketing Game

Because introverts are at their very best when in the comfort of their own environment, you’ll have plenty of time and energy to devote to building (and then managing) your online presence.

If you’re not quite as tech-savvy in the beginning, we know you won’t cut corners when it comes to soaking in as much information as you can, and learning the ropes of online marketing.

Whether it’s launching your MUA business website, starting social media channels, writing a blog, or what-have-you – as an introvert, you have the unique opportunity to make the most of your solo downtime to build an online presence that’ll be unparalleled!

Knowing you, you won’t shy away from the challenge.

Build Your Portfolio

When the time comes that you’re ready to start putting together your professional makeup portfolio, there will be ways for you to do this without burning you out.

For starters, you can work with people you already know and feel comfortable with! If you have a friend who’s good with a camera, and another who’s willing to be a model, then boom! That’s one golden opportunity right there!

Another possible option is to take part in a stylized photoshoot. Regularly, stylized shoots are unpaid. Instead, you’ll often swap services as the method of payment. So, for providing your makeup artist skills pro bono, you could get a free copy of the high-quality photos that come from the shoot!

Many stylized photoshoots can be done with relatively small groups of people, too. This means you wouldn’t have to worry about being stuck in a frenzy of strangers for an extended portion of the day.

Plus, there’d be times (such as when the set is being put together, taken down, etc.) where you could afford to break away from the crowd and have a breather to yourself, if needed.

Take Advantage of the Flexibility

One of the coolest things about being a makeup artist is that there’s an ample amount of freedom involved. Especially if you’re a freelancer, you have the room to dictate your schedule, the types of jobs you take, etc.

Of course, the more jobs you accept and the more hours you work (especially during prime times) will directly affect your success in this industry. This is important to keep in mind.

In the beginning, you may need to make some sacrifices, and loosen your personal criteria just a tad. There may be times where you have to work in larger groups, in unfamiliar places, at unideal times, in order to build your credibility and make a name for yourself.

But as your reputation grows and you build up your clientele, you’ll eventually have more autonomy to be able to control your working conditions and environment more!

Take Time for Yourself

As an introvert, making time to prioritize yourself is just as important as any business tip we could give you. We know how critical it is for you to recharge and center yourself, especially if you have been socializing.

As a makeup artist, you’ll need to anticipate that there’ll be times where (as we touched on above) you won’t always be able to control your surroundings. Sometimes, you’ll need to be “on” and work alongside larger numbers of people, for extended amounts of time. This just comes with the territory of this profession.

This can be a bit taxing on your internal battery, and we get it. So, make sure that you regularly make time to just do you. Let yourself be alone, and do whatever it is that helps you unwind and relax.

Keeping a healthy balance between your work life and your personal needs is the key to not spreading yourself out too thin. It may take some time, and some practice, but once you’ve mastered this balance, you’ll be guaranteed a long and fruitful career as a professional makeup artist!

Ready to start on your path to success? Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and get a second course for FREE!

May 01
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Are Makeup Removers Bad for Your Skin?

By Skincare No Comments

I’ve been using makeup remover wipes and similar products over the course of my whole life. I’ve tended to look over the fact that they sometimes irritated the sensitive skin around my eyes, or left my cheeks unnaturally dry.

Not to mention, the amount of pressure alone that’s required to scrub off a smoky eye is always enough to leave my face downright raw.

If I’m being honest, makeup removers often leave my skin feeling straight-up gross. When I stop and think about it… Should anything masking itself as a skincare product really be making my skin feel this way?

So, I decided to do some digging. As it turns out, makeup removers aren’t nearly as good for our skin as we think they are. That’s not necessarily to say that EVERY makeup remover should be avoided. Rather, it may simply be time to be a little pickier about the product we choose – or perhaps switch to a natural alternative altogether.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why certain makeup removers are damaging to our skin, and the healthier options that are at our disposal!

Makeup Removers Aren’t Adequate Cleaning Products

Plenty of makeup removers out there claim to be multipurpose skincare products; capable of cleaning off your makeup and cleaning your skin. Unfortunately, for most brands, only the first promise is actually kept.

Yes, makeup removers are good at doing exactly that: removing your makeup. But they do a lousy job of actually cleaning your skin itself.

This is in large part because makeup remover wipes have a tendency to smear makeup, dirt, and dead skin over the epidermis (the outer layer of your skin), rather than properly removing them from the skin’s surface. For many of us, this is a big reason why our skin feels so irritated afterwards.

If we’re thinking strictly in terms of what a proper skincare routine is supposed to do, this seems a bit counterproductive, doesn’t it?

Makeup Removers Can Leave Behind Grime on Your Skin

Here’s the thing: it’s true that makeup removers and actual cleansers share the same active ingredients: surfactants, emulsifiers, and solubilizers. These are the things that dissolve your makeup, lift oil, and remove dead skin.

The key difference is that when you use a cleanser, you rinse afterwards. This is crucial to actually removing these unwanted things from your skin. With makeup removers, on the other hand, a lot of us have a tendency to skip this critical step.

This also adds to why your skin may feel uncomfortable in the aftermath. If you don’t properly clean away all those active ingredients in the makeup remover, they’re going to continue sitting on your skin, often in high concentrations.

So, should you wish to remain faithful to your makeup remover wipes, feel free to do so. But you might want to start thoroughly rinsing your face afterwards – otherwise, there’s still an adequate layer of grime still lingering in your pores.

Makeup Removers Often Contain Worrisome Ingredients

In order to increase shelf life, many makeup removers contain added – and unwanted – preservatives. Particularly, they may have formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. To put this into perspective: formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen when under high exposure, and carcinogens can eventually lead to things like cancer.

Maybe this is a bit of a stretch. Still, even if we step back and look through a more realistic lens, there are other causes for concern.

For starters, many makeup removers contain alcohol, which is known to be particularly drying to skin. If you happen to have dry or sensitive skin, this is one of the last things you want to be coating all over your face!

Some other common examples of worrisome ingredients often found in makeup removers include:

  • Mineral Oil – This is the holy grail ingredient in most makeup removers that does the job of actually removing your makeup. If properly rinsed and wiped away afterwards, this in itself isn’t so bad. However, if it’s left behind on your skin, it clogs the pores and makes it unable for the skin to breathe. Hello, breakouts!
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Diazolidinyl Urea – Both can be prone to causing irritation, swelling, redness, and even allergic reactions.
  • Cyclopentasiloxane – While it claims to promote healthy skin regeneration, it’s also considered a mild carcinogen.
  • Benzalkonium Chloride – This is a very common makeup remover ingredient that just so happens to be banned in both Japan and China. This should probably tell us everything we need to know.

I’ve got to be honest, all of these ingredients sound shady in one way or another. If you wouldn’t be comfortable ingesting them (and I can definitely say I wouldn’t), why would you risk putting them on your skin?

There are Healthier Alternatives!

This article isn’t meant to completely bash makeup removers as a whole. There are ones out there that do their job without compromising your skin. If makeup removers are a staple in your skincare routine and you have no interest in changing that, maybe it’s just a matter of switching things up a bit.

First, try to ditch the makeup wipes altogether. Sure, you can have some on-hand in case of an emergency, but your skin will benefit from removing them from your regular routine. Instead, switch to a different type of makeup remover product, such as an oil or serum.

This part’s important: aim for products that ONLY have natural ingredients! Choose unscented products, or ones whose fragrant component is made from natural resources.

I was once told, “If an ingredient is so long and complicated that you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably an unwanted chemical.” I try to keep this in mind when purchasing any beauty product.

Here are 3 examples of brand-name makeup removers that are made from 100% organic ingredients:

  1. MV Skincare Pure Jojoba Oil
  2. Aromatica Natural Coconut Cleansing Oil
  3. La Foglia Lavendar Makeup Remover

I’ll let you in on a fun little secret, though: there are natural makeup removers that are not actual cosmetic products, but they work just as effectively AND will often cost you next to nothing!

For instance, did you know that sesame oil and coconut oil can both be used to effortlessly wipe away your eye makeup? It’s true! Coconut oil can also be used as a general makeup remover, too.

(Let’s be real… Is there anything coconut oil can’t do?)

Plus, you can also add things like organic raw honey to these all-natural makeup removers, to add extra softness! Raw honey contains antibacterial, anti-septic, and antioxidant properties. It helps promote healthy collagen growth, and is known to be extremely hydrating.

If you want to see just how awesome raw honey is as a skincare alternative, check out this blogger’s experience washing her face with nothing but raw honey for 2 weeks!

Proper Skincare Training is Important

In retrospect, I can probably chalk up my negative experience with makeup removers to a lack of proper skincare knowledge. I mean, just look at how much I learned through a simple Google search! Imagine how much more I’d discover if I took a legitimate skincare course from an accredited makeup school!

Proper skincare courses will not only teach you about various skin types, products, and what works best for which kinds of skin – it’ll also qualify you to work as a certified Skincare Consultant. You’ll be able to use all that education and knowledge to help others for a living!

As it so happens, I’ve actually just enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s leading online Skincare Course. I intend to get started within the next week. Pretty exciting stuff!

As I work through the program, I’ll ensure to check back in to share my thoughts on the course, and provide an update on all the amazing stuff I’m learning! So, make sure to stay tuned! 😊

With social distancing still in effect, your skincare routine is more important now than ever. Keep reading to discover the top 4 reasons why!

Apr 30
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Avoid These 4 Rookie Mistakes in Your Makeup Portfolio

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

As an MUA, your makeup portfolio is a visual representation of your experience, your knowledge, and your skills. It allows prospective clients to physically see the work you do, and help them decide whether your style and overall artistry is what they’re looking for.

As such, it’s important that your makeup portfolio checks off all the right boxes! Sometimes, in order to understand what you should be doing, it’s useful to look at the types of mistakes you need to avoid.

Knowing what not to do is a great first step towards putting together the perfect makeup portfolio that best represents YOU! So, let’s break down some common mistakes right now…

Poor Quality Photos

You want anyone looking at your makeup portfolio to see without question that you’re a professional. You can’t achieve that if the images reflecting your work are:

  • Blurry
  • Improperly framed
  • Have terrible lighting
  • Are of low resolution
  • Are clearly selfies
  • Have been digitally edited

If the photos in your portfolio are not of high quality, that will be the FIRST thing anyone notices! Unfortunately, more often than not, it may also form a negative first impression of your business. We know this isn’t what you want.

Instead, take the time to research local photographers. Find people that have great reviews and a portfolio of their own that you can look over. Alternately, if YOU happen to have a good eye with a camera, it could just be a matter of buying yourself a high-quality one to shoot your own results with.

Yes, as you build up your makeup portfolio, you may need to invest a bit of money from time to time. But you’re trying to build a successful business, right? This comes with the territory.

We promise the payoff will be more than worth it.

Pro Tip: Another great way to build up your portfolio – potentially for FREE – is to collaborate with other local artists by putting together a stylized photoshoot. Often, stylized shoots will be unpaid – but in exchange for your MUA services, you can get a copy of the high-quality photos at no charge!

Not Enough Diversity

It’s great if you’re signature move is a killer smoky eye… Just don’t make this the be-all and end-all of your makeup portfolio. While finding your niche and highlighting it within your portfolio is totally acceptable, it shouldn’t be the sole focus.

A potential client is going to want to know that your makeup skills are multifaceted!

This is why it’s crucial that your portfolio displays a wide range of looks, techniques, and styles. Try to switch things up and show off different skin tones, ages, genders, etc. If you’ve ever worked with someone who has a skin condition, this is great to include in your portfolio, too!

You also want to be able to demonstrate that you know different styles of makeup themselves. Bridal may be your favorite, but don’t limit your portfolio only to bridal makeup. For instance:

Find a good 5-6 makeup styles you’re really solid in, or are popular with the masses, and show them off! Diversity not only makes for a killer makeup portfolio – it lets the photos speak to your skill-set as an artist.

After all, as the saying goes: a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine what multiple pictures will be able to tell your clients about you!

Too Many Photos

You don’t want potential clients to have to sift through pages upon pages of photos, just to try and find the one they’re looking for. This is not only tedious for them; it makes you look unprofessional.

That being said, there’s a limit to how many photos you should include within your portfolio. For newbie MUAs, we understand that your goal is to demonstrate that you can do ALL kinds of looks! But just as too little diversity can put potential clients off, so too can having a messy, overly crammed portfolio.

Instead, your portfolio should look crisp, poised, and thought-out. You’re going to have to narrow down your photos so that only the best of the best are used. Yes, this means you won’t be able to use every photo you love. But it’ll guarantee that the ones you do choose get to properly shine!

Your Portfolio Isn’t Online

If you’d like to keep reading about how to leverage social media as part of your marketing strategies, we’ve got an excellent article that you can read here.

If nothing else, your portfolio should be a part of your business website. It should be easy to find, and even easier to navigate. You can also go one step further and showcase your portfolio through social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

If none of your amazing portfolio images are accessible on the internet, you’re severely limiting your visibility and exposure to potential clients! In the end, this is a business move that will only make things more difficult in your journey to success.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have physical copies of your portfolio on hand. But the fact is, we live in a very technological age. Practically everything is done online nowadays.

Bonus Tip: Learn About Makeup Portfolio Development

As a makeup artist, you already know that the single greatest way to properly learn the craft is by educating yourself through accredited makeup courses. Similarly, a terrific way to learn the dos and Don’ts of building your makeup portfolio is to take a workshop devoted to exactly that!

QC Makeup Academy, for example, offers a Portfolio Development Workshop that aims to teach you:

  • How to capture high-quality photos of your work
  • How to create, organize, and managed a stylized photoshoot
  • How to develop your professional network
  • How to put together the best possible portfolio for your business, in order to maximize results

If you’d like to learn more about this workshop – including the course breakdown, tuition, etc. – simply click here!

In the world of makeup artistry, your portfolio is your best friend. So long as you take the time and care needed to develop it right, it’ll serve you well over the course of your entire career.

Do you have any other rookie mistakes that should be avoided when putting together your makeup portfolio? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Interested in becoming a professional MUA, but don’t yet have your certification? Enroll today in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry Course and become a trained expert in as little as 3-6 months!

Apr 29
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Industry Spotlight: Eve Pearl

By Education, Makeup Reviews No Comments

As a makeup student, you understand that there will always be more for you to learn. Beyond the expert training you receive as part of your professional courses, another fundamental aspect to understanding the craft is to obtain “real world” learning, too!

One fantastic way to do this is by studying the various pioneers that have shaped – and continue to shape – the beauty industry! By observing their makeup theories, philosophies, and business practices, you can better understand:

  • Makeup, in a way you may never have considered before
  • How these pioneers have influenced the cosmetic world
  • Different makeup trends, techniques, applications, and styles
  • Ground-breaking beauty and skincare knowledge
  • The complexity of different beauty products, and how to properly use them
  • How to start and maintain your own makeup business
  • How to network, as advised by legitimate experts
  • And so much more!

Note: If you’d like to revisit the previous installments of our “Makeup Artists to Follow” series, Part One can be found here, while Part Two can be found here.

Today, we’re taking a look at the one and only: Eve Pearl. Let’s delve in, and see exactly why Eve is regarded as one of the most revered leaders of the makeup world!

Meet Eve Pearl

With over two decades of experience in the cosmetic industry, Eve Pearl is a beauty innovator and professional MUA for film, television, theater, and print. A 9-time Emmy Award Nominee, Eve has been awarded with a whopping 5 Emmys for her work as a makeup artist on The View!

Her resume is truly an extensive one! Other notable programs she’s been involved with include Good Morning America, NBC’s The Today Show, and even The Academy Awards! Chances are, you’ve seen her work in the past, without even realizing she was the master behind it. She’s even done makeup for the Obamas! Whoah!

In addition to being a makeup artist, Eve has focused her talents towards educating others as well. In 2004, she wrote her very first book, entitled, “Plastic Surgery without the Surgery, The Miracle of Makeup Techniques”.

An empowering manifesto aimed towards women, Eve explores the societal pressures women face, how many turn to plastic surgery as a result, and how makeup can be a transformative tool used as a non-invasive substitute!

”I wanted to share with others what I have discovered over the past fifteen years working as a makeup artist. Of the many people whom I have helped get ready for the camera, all have said one thing consistently: "I didn't know makeup could do that!" They were amazed at the power of certain techniques to transform their faces, their eyes, their brows, their noses, their lips, and other aspects of their bodies … Makeup not only lets you hold on to the part of yourself that your unique face represents, but also gives you the power to discover all the people you want to be. Let makeup be your magic wand!

Eve Pearl“Plastic Surgery without the Surgery, The Miracle of Makeup Techniques”

If there’s one thing we LOVE, it’s promoting self-love and acceptance. So, when it comes to Eve Pearl and her positive principles, we are 100% here for this incredible message!

EVE PEARL® Beauty Brands

You may be reading this and thinking to yourself, “I feel like I’ve heard this name before…”

Well, if you’ve watched QC’s Color Correcting Webinar (hosted by executive tutor and celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson), then you definitely have! In particular, you probably recall Nathan endorsing Eve’s Dual Salmon Concealer.

Trust us: if you’ve ever used it, you know exactly why Nathan promises this to be a holy grail color correcting product in any makeup artist’s kit!

Indeed, Eve’s cosmetic line, EVE PEARL® Beauty Brands, is a game-changer. Multifaceted, these makeup and skincare products are great for ANY skin tone, gender, and age. For instance, nearly all of the foundation products offer a range starting from ‘Fair’, all the way to ‘Deep’ (or in some cases, ‘Deep 2’). We love how inclusive these products are!

Another thing we love is how there are endless varieties of pigments to choose from (both subtle and bold), especially for the eye makeup and lip products!

On top of makeup products, EVE PEARL® Beauty Brands also comes with its own skincare line, too. As a makeup student, you know full-well that behind every good makeup application needs to be an even greater skincare routine!

Happy, healthy skin is the ideal canvass for any makeup product!

Admittedly, Eve’s brand is a little pricier than the ones you’d find in your local drugstore. But one thing you’ll find is that many of the products come in palettes, full kits, and/or have dual-functioning uses. For the quantity AND quality of the products you receive, it proves to be well worth the investment!

Eve’s Pearls of Wisdom

First off, can we all appreciate how brilliant of a pun this is?

In terms of business websites in general, Eve’s is a great example of one to look up to. There’s a distinct color pattern, a solid branding, every bit of information you could possibly ask for, and so much more!

But one thing that we feel makes Eve’s site stand out is the section entitled, “Eve’s Pearls of Wisdom”. Because as we mentioned at the beginning, professional courses will teach a makeup student the foundation of makeup knowledge. They’ll educate you from the ground up; refine your skills, and elevate them to a professional level.

Once you have that under your belt, real-world tips from industry pros become THAT much more beneficial! And this is exactly what Eve’s Pearls of Wisdom offers: real-world tips that you can add in addition to your current knowledge, and harness in order to take your makeup artistry skills to the next level.

Here, Eve weighs in on the following topics:

On a separate part of her website, she also provides additional makeup tips, such as tips and skin remedies, video tutorials, and before/after transformations!

Whether you’re a makeup student, a professional MUA, or just a lover of all things makeup – one does not simply not know who Eve Pearl is! (Bonus points if you catch this reference.)

A pioneer of the cosmetic world, Eve Pearl has worked hard to leave her mark on the industry. Truly, she is the embodiment of what any aspiring makeup artist can hope to achieve in their career.

What’s more: she is proof that with passion, devotion, and proper makeup knowledge, the sky is the limit in terms of how high you can soar!

Ready to start YOUR journey to becoming a future makeup industry leader? Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn your professional certification!

Apr 24
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How to Create a Special Effects Character Look from a Script

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Gabrielle Rivera is a QC Makeup Academy graduate and professional makeup artist. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram here. Today, she draws on her professional expertise – as well as her experience in QC’s Special Effects Makeup Course – to share 3 of the best ways to create a Special FX character, based on a script.

One of the most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) moments as a makeup artist is when you’re presented with the opportunity to create a Special Effects character from a script. This is your opportunity to apply what you’ve learned from:

  • Your Special Effects makeup schooling
  • Your experience working in the field
  • Your creativity

It’s critical that you produce effective, accurate results. Without you, the writer’s vision of this specific character can’t be brought to life!

But where do you begin? Here are a few key points to consider when creating a Special Effects makeup look, based on the character in the script!

How to Create a Special Effects Makeup Look Blog - Burn Makeup on Arms

Research and Realism

As an avid movie watcher, one of the first things I typically comment on when I see other people’s work is the realism of a look.

For instance, is the makeup realistic? Is the overall appearance applicable to both the setting and time period of the film?

When characters have features and/or qualities that stand out from the time period, I personally become less intrigued by the makeup and more distracted. The last thing you want to do as a Special Effects makeup artist is pull the viewer OUT of the experience!

Research, research, research!

When creating a character from a script, the best thing you can do for yourself is to conduct research about the:

  • Time period
  • Setting
  • Physical characteristics
  • Qualities and personality traits of the character being described

Let’s look at one example… Say that the setting of the story takes place in a Victorian era. It logically follows that the Special Effects makeup should accurately reflect this time period. This could mean a pale base, bright blush, deep colored lips, etc.

Alternately, if you see in the script that the character has been infected by a disease, the makeup should age and worsen gradually. You need to give the realistic illusion that the character is deteriorating as the story progresses.

So, you MUST focus on both consistency and continuity in this kind of look!

You might start this character’s Special Effects makeup by creating a slight discoloration in the skin, as well as under the eyes. Gradually, you may then add darkened veins, or small areas of bumps, to indicate that there is an infection.

In this age of technology, use all resources to create accurate representations of these real-life components (such as bruising, burns, cuts, scratches, bullet wounds, and deformities). Ensuring that you maintain continuity and realism in your character makes them way more realistic and believable!

Makeup artist applying special effects makeup to actor

What Special Effects Category is it?

When people think of Special Effects makeup and characters, they tend to automatically jump to the idea of traditional “monsters”. But this is just a minor portion of a much larger world!

In reality, Special Effects makeup and designs fall under several categories that can be used to your advantage.

Monsters that go bump in the night is a very common category when people think of Special Effects makeup. However, this genre in-and-of-itself has many subcategories that can help you determine where your character best fits.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Slashers

Think of your classic Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers slasher characters here. If the character in the script fits this slasher paradigm, your first thought should be what you can do to help make them stand out from the rest!

2. Paranormal

This category would include ghosts and spirits. Now, you might be thinking, “Aren’t these things invisible to the naked eye?”

While this is true in some cases, there are plenty of classic films – such as “Thirteen Ghosts”, “The Shining”, and entire “The Conjuring” universe – that all do phenomenal jobs of bringing apparitions to life in a way that stays realistic.

3. Creatures and Extraterrestrial

Another popular Special Effects category is the one dedicated to creatures from the beyond. Some commonly known examples are:

  • Frankenstein
  • The Lochness Monster
  • Aliens
  • And so much more!

Depending on what the script calls for your character, you may need to tap into a more creative side. This will help you bring to life a creature that has never been seen before.

Pro tip: If you’re creating a character that’s not necessarily from this world, a good trick is to use features of animals as a starting point for your look!

How to Create a Special Effects Makeup Look Blog - Prosthetic Makeup

4. Gore

Aside from classic common horror movie classic tropes, Special Effects character makeup also includes the gory side of makeup. This typically includes creating:

  • Bruising
  • Cuts
  • Scrapes
  • Lesions
  • Weapon wounds
  • And more!

When creating gore Special Effects makeup looks, one of the most important things you need to do is research (as mentioned in tip #1). Your Special Effects makeup should look as realistic as possible in order to help support the script.

You also need to pay close attention to the timeline of the movie when creating gore Special Effects looks. For example: if a character was in a car crash a week ago, the bruising will not be as bright as if it just happened.

Similarly, the coloring needs to accurately reflect the age of the bruises. As well, any cuts the character received would not necessarily be bloody, but rather, starting to heal.

Collaboration and Vision

Lastly, one of the single greatest ways to create a Special Effects character look from a script is to collaborate with the other cast and crew members working on the project, such as:

  • Hairstylists
  • Wardrobe designers
  • Actors
  • Producers
  • Directors, etc.

Working together to bring to life a complete character that fits the vision of the script is vital! Think of it the same way you would with regular makeup: in addition to the makeup, the hair and/or clothing can be the factor that makes or breaks the look!

Just like with the Special Effects makeup, the character’s clothing and hairstyle(s) should be appropriate to the time period and story setting. Every element needs to work together to help keep your character realistic.

Not only should you consider the character’s clothing and hairstyles when developing your Special Effects makeup look – you should also consider what lifestyle and social status the character has (if applicable).

All of these smaller components are what will be combined to ultimately create a character that fits the script to a T!

Special effects makeup look - girl with monster teeth

Remember: putting effort into addressing all of these fine details will also help you, as the artist, stand out from others. By mastering the art of creating a Special Effects character look based on the script you’re given, you’ll be able to not only make a lasting impression, but even increase your chances of being booked for future projects!

Interested in becoming a Special Effects makeup artist? Here are Gabrielle’s 5 secrets to getting your career started!

Apr 23
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How to Become a Makeup Artist as a Stay-At-Home Mom

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

As a stay-at-home mom, it can sometimes be difficult to get five minutes to yourself – let alone start your own business. But just because you have children doesn’t mean your career aspirations can’t still come to fruition. If you have a dream, you should follow it!

It’s possible to be both a stay-at-home mom AND an entrepreneur. If you have a passion for makeup, there are ways to turn this into a serious profession, while still being able to focus your efforts on what’s needed at home.

You can have both, and we’re here to tell you how!

Earn Your Makeup Artist Certification

If you’re looking to learn the craft in a way that will set you up for true success, makeup school is the obvious way to go. We’ve discussed why dozens of times in the past, but let’s go over some of the most beneficial reasons:

  • If you’ve never had formal training, extensive foundational courses will teach you core knowledge, makeup theory, application, and techniques!
  • If you already have prior experience, advanced and/or specialty courses will build on your existing skills and take them to the next level!
  • In addition to makeup artistry education, your expert tutor will also provide valuable business training!
  • You’ll gain the know-how needed to start your very own business!
  • A professional certification looks FABULOUS on your resume, and will help you stand out from the competition!

In many places, certification from an accredited makeup school will be more than enough to get your career as a makeup artist started! Keep in mind, though, that certain places may require additional licensing.

We definitely recommend researching the laws and legislation wherever you live, to make sure you have everything you need when the time comes that you’re ready to begin working. You can learn more about this here!

Implement a Schedule

As a stay-at-home mom, we’re willing to bet that you’re organized up the wazoo! You’re used to being captain of the ship, and keeping your family on schedule throughout the day.

This is an excellent quality that’ll prove handy throughout the course of a makeup artist career! But it’s also just as useful you to focus that same meticulous type of planning to your own life and priorities.

Women using a laptop: How to become a makeup artist as a stay-at-home mom article

Part of pursuing your career goals means learning how (and when) to allot time to them. It’s important to try and set some sort of schedule for yourself, so you can use that time to work on your career goals. Life will obviously happen, so this schedule may vary from time to time. But to the best of your ability, try to stick with it.

While we’re by no means suggesting that you should focus less on your home life, we are saying that being a professional makeup artist is an endeavor that requires commitment and effort. The more you can afford to put into the experience, the more you’ll get out of it!

Of course, we also understand that juggling multiple tasks can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially as a SAHM. So, it’s more than okay to start this journey in baby steps. Even if you’re only able to schedule a few hours each week to your makeup studies, practicing your skills, or your business – that’s leaps and bounds better than nothing!

Turn to Your Support System

Whether you’re trying to focus on your studies, or pushing to get your new MUA business off the ground, we get that it can sometimes be difficult to devote the necessary time to your career goals when you also have a family to look after.

Having a support system that you can turn to can help with carrying some of the workload. The most obvious benefit would be having a friend, family member, or partner who’s able and willing to sometimes watch the kids from time to time.

This would provide you the opportunity for a breather; a chance to turn your full attention to your schoolwork or business practices, even if only for a couple hours.

In the beginning, it may be difficult for you to take that first step and reach out for assistance. There can sometimes be unrealistic expectations placed upon stay-at-home moms – the biggest one being that they’re sometimes expected to be able to handle everything on their own, no matter how big the challenge.

Realistically, though, it’s totally normal – and healthy – to ask for help! Trust us, your friends and family love you, and know how hard you work all the time. Many of them will likely be happy to provide assistance in some form or another, if asked.

Make Time to Practice

Any makeup artist can attest to the fact that practice is the only thing that truly does make perfect. All the books and instructional videos in the world can’t replace the value of practical application.

If you’re serious about becoming a working MUA, you’re going to need to make sure you take the necessary time to practice, practice, and then practice some more!

Here are just a few reasons why it’s so critical:

  • The more you attempt various techniques, the better at them you’ll become
  • You’ll branch out of your comfort zones and learn to attempt new things
  • Reading about makeup theory, techniques, and application is NOT the same as actually doing them on a real face
  • You’ll develop an intimate understanding of different products, how they work, and how to best utilize them to their full potential
  • And so much more!

Don’t forget: it’s not going to be enough to simply practice makeup on your own face. Yes, for the time being, it’s not recommended that you practice on other people while social distancing is still in effect.

However, once things go back to normal, it’ll be critical that you get as much real-world experience on as many different models as you can!

This is the only true way to learn how to advance your makeup skills on different types of skin tones, skin types, ages, genders, etc.

Do Your Research

If you’re interested in makeup school, there are plenty of amazing online makeup schools available to you. These will allow you to get started, even while still at home, and provide the same quality education as the kind you’d receive from in-person classes.

Alternatively, you may wish to attend a brick-and-mortar school once the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Makeup artist applying eye makeup: How to become a makeup artist as a stay-at-home mom article

Either way, make sure you do the proper research before committing to your academy of choice! Here are a few ways to ensure the school is legit:

We recommend asking yourself these 9 imperative questions, when researching into any schools (especially if they’re held online)!

You’ll also need to do plenty of research when the time comes that you’re ready to start your own business. Branding, marketing, and SEO are three major things you’ll need to familiarize yourself with.

You’ll also benefit from learning how to build a company website, put together a makeup portfolio, secure a business name, and where to start networking.

It doesn’t hurt to check out the competition in your area, too; what they’re charging, the services they provide, and what their marketing and business strategies are!

It’ll help inspire you, and give you an idea of what you need to do to not only find your footing alongside them – but rise above!

Make Time for YOU

Lastly, but just as importantly, make sure that you regularly make time for yourself. Everyone needs to be able to unwind. With everything your motivated self is taking on, this DEFINITELY applies to you!

Read a book, take a bubble bath, curl up to a movie… Whatever it is that helps center you, give it the prioritization it deserves.

A nourished soul is one of the most powerful weapons you can have for a successful career!

How to Become Makeup Artist as Stay-at-Home Mom Blog - Kids laughing with Parents on Sofa

Do you have any other secret tips for becoming a makeup artist as a stay-at-home mom? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Start on the road to your professional MUA career by enrolling today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course!

Apr 22
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3 Critical Questions to Ask Fashion Styling Clients During the Consultation

By Fashion Styling, Your Makeup Career 4 Comments

Are you a makeup artist who’s recently decided to add Fashion Styling services to your business? Do you simply love all things fashion, and want to devote your career to helping others dress their best? If so, then it’s important that you learn the appropriate questions to ask your clients during the initial appointment!

Just like with makeup, a consultation needs to be held when acquiring a brand-new client. The desired outcome behind this meeting is exactly the same. You want to:

  • Get to know your client
  • Allow them to get to know you
  • Determine what their goals are
  • Determine what they do NOT want
  • Figure out their budget
  • Plan out how you can give them their preferred results

A good consultation will then allow you to use your knowledge, experience, and professional training to help clients achieve their goals!

The Fashion Styling Consultation: Asking the Right Questions

As a rule of thumb, try not to ask questions that have a definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Unless the question itself is incredibly detailed, such closed-ended answers aren’t going to be able to provide you with much information.

Instead, aim for questions that encourage your client to expand a little. In order to best assist them, you need to make sure you fully understand their mindset. What better way to know how they feel, what they like, and what they want, than to hear it in their own words?

So, what is some specific information you need to obtain from a new client during your first consultation together? Let’s take a look at a few key examples!

Question #1: “Where are you in your life right now?”

What age range does your client fall into? Is she currently a student? Does she work full-time? Is she in the middle of any type of transitional stage in her life, such as a big move, etc.?

There are endless possibilities for what the answer to this question can be! The events, trials, and circumstances of your client’s life can play a direct role in:

  • Who she is
  • What her current lifestyle is like
  • What her budget might be
  • What her clothing should say about her

Importantly: no matter what info your client provides, it WILL be valuable! So, make sure not to forget this question.

Question #2: “How would you describe your everyday lifestyle?”

Some examples to consider when posing this question are:

  • Is your client a fitness enthusiast?
  • Does she travel a lot?
  • What is her job like?
  • Is she vegan?
  • Does she devote her life to eco-friendly practices?
  • Does she have strong moral views regarding fair trade practices?

You’ll often encounter clients whose everyday lifestyle won’t necessarily sway their fashion styling one way or another. But just as often, there will be clients whose personal beliefs and/or hobbies will directly affect the types of clothing you can (and can’t) recommend.

For instance, if your client is athletic, she may benefit most from stylish, breathable clothing that also allows for a large range of movement. Alternately, if traveling is a regular part of her lifestyle, she might be better off with versatile clothing that can be utilized in multiple different ways.

If she works within an office, for example, the dress code may be stricter. In such a case, more subtle personalization, creative expression, and overall fashion styling may be required.

If your client is vegan, be sure to ask what her clothing preferences are. You’ll probably need to steer clear of any products made from fur, leather, or suede. Some vegans object to other materials like wool, too, but don’t make assumptions.

Similarly, if your client happens to be eco-conscious, she could be partial to second-hand clothing or clothing made from renewable resources and/or natural fibers.

Question #3: “What do you want to communicate through your wardrobe?”

What does your client want people to see when they look at her and her style? What impressions does she want to give off? What emotions does she want to evoke?

Is your client looking for fashion styling assistance for a specific event, such as a job interview, a party, etc.? Or is she looking for more general help for her day-to-day life?

The answers to these questions may vary, but they all share something very important in common: what we wear plays a strong role in our overall image!

But your client may not fully know who she is or what she wants to convey to the world. A lot of people are unsure how to utilize their wardrobe to reflect their personality – be it for a specific occasion, or as part of their everyday life. It can pose a confusing challenge, and your client may need some help.

That’s okay, though, because that’s why she’s coming to you!

If your client doesn’t really know how to answer this question, try posing it to her in a slightly different way. Ask her to describe herself in a word or two. You can also ask her to describe what she wants others to see when they look at her.

A client who uses words like “kind” and “thoughtful” will help you to create an image in your mind for what her fashion styling could look like. Similarly, we’re sure that the creative gears start turning in your head as soon as we use descriptors like “ambitious” or “fierce”.

You get the picture!

The Best Way to Ask the Right Questions is…

…getting proper training under your belt! Having a keen eye for trends and enjoying fashion styling isn’t enough. Not if you want to make a real name for yourself and stand out from the competition, anyways!

To illustrate: we’ve just listed 3 fundamental questions to ask your clients. The initial consultation is just one small part of what you’ll face in your fashion styling career – and yet, even that contains so much crucial knowledge that you simply MUST know!

QC Makeup Academy’s Fashion Styling Course, as an example, teaches you 14 critical questions that always need to be asked during your client consultation. PLUS, you’re taught how to navigate sensitive subjects, and understand which questions are best avoided altogether.

But this isn’t all an accredited Fashion Styling Course will offer you! In addition to various other aspects of maximizing the client experience, you’ll also have professional industry experts teach you:

  • How to start your very own business (or add your services to a pre-existing business)
  • The history of fashion styling
  • An understanding of fashion trends, and how they’ve evolved
  • Exactly what your role is as a certified fashion stylist
  • The basic elements of fashion
  • Accessorizing and personalizing based on each individual client
  • Building different wardrobes based on age, gender, lifestyle, etc.
  • How to effectively maximize your client’s budget
  • Second-hand and consignment shopping
  • Bridal fashion styling
  • Maternity fashion styling
  • And so much more!

The fashion industry is a competitive one. Ascending the ranks and being the best of the best requires hard work, dedication, and a constant desire to learn and improve your skill-set.

If you’re committing yourself to this type of profession, there has to be some passion behind it. And if you’re passionate about what you do, this challenge will never be one you’ll want to shy away from!

Off the top of your head, can you think of more questions you feel are worth asking during a fashion styling consultation? Let us know in the comments!

Still unsure if you should add fashion styling services to your makeup business? Here are 5 reasons why it’ll definitely take your career to the next level!

Apr 16
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Breaking Down My Skincare Routine [video]

By From the Experts 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 shares with us her regular skincare routine, as well as her go-to products!

Watch her video below!

Let’s Recap!

With everything currently going on in the world, studies have shown that not only has the skincare market been on the rise, but that it’s also beneficial for your mental health! With that in mind, we want to show you what the skincare routine of a professional makeup artist looks like.

Devyn is not only a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course; she’s also a current student in the Skincare Course . As such, she understands that at the heart of every good makeup routine, there MUST be a solid skincare routine to back it up.

In addition to being good for the soul, healthy skin is the key to truly flawless makeup!

In this video, Devyn takes us through each step of her daily skincare routine, along with a breakdown of the products she uses, and why she likes these products specifically.

Devyn’s Skin Type

Such as with makeup, choosing the right skincare products all comes down to your skin type. Devyn discusses how, when she was younger, her skin was oilier and led to frequent breakouts. However, as she grew up, her skin type gradually changed to a more normal-to-combination skin type.

That being said, she’s found that her skin is very sensitive. While her skincare products have to be effective, they also need to be gentle. Her skin is prone to reacting easily to most skincare products, such as anything containing glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (known as ‘AHAs’).

Using such products causes Devyn’s skin to break out across her forehead with red, irritated bumps. Definitely not ideal!

For this reason, Devyn notes how her skincare routine is rather straightforward and simple. She’s found the holy grail products that work for her unique skin type and needs. As such, she tends to stick faithfully to these products, and not stray away from them.

A Walk-Through Devyn’s Skincare Routine

It’s worth noting that Devyn admits that her skincare routine may not always be 100% the same every single day. However, it is consistent, and done on a weekly basis. Which products she uses per day is dependent on her skin and what it needs at the time!

Let’s get started!

1 – Kind to Skin Cleansing Wipes by Simple Skincare

This is the first skincare product that Devyn introduces us to, which she uses to remove her makeup at the end of each day. Devyn credits this product in helping her remove most (to all) of her makeup – without causing her skin to break out or experience a burning sensation.

If your skin is sensitive, or you’ve experienced any type of allergic/irritable reaction to other types of makeup wipes, Devyn highly recommends this brand as an alternative!

Usually, she only needs one wipe to get the job done. However, depending on how much makeup was applied that day, you may require more.

2 – Purity Made Simple Cleanser by philosophy

Next up in Devyn’s skincare routine is her facial cleanser! Devyn claims that Purity Made Simple is her absolutely favorite cleanser she’s ever used, namely because it’s a 3-in-1 product. It offers all of the following properties:

  1. It’s a makeup remover
  2. It’s a cleanser
  3. It’s also a toner

In terms of its ability to effectively remove makeup, Devyn confirms that this cleanser lives up to its promise. (Especially if used after the Simple Skincare makeup wipes). The fact that it’s also a toner is particularly beneficial for Devyn’s skin, due to its ability to balance the skin without throwing off its pH balance.

In general, cleansers can have the tendency to be too harsh on the skin. Although it will cleanse it, as it should, it may also strip your skin of some of its natural oils. Therefore, having a cleanser that also includes toner within the recipe helps to avoid this!

While she doesn’t necessarily use this product every single day, Devyn does state that on days where she does use it, she finds that she only needs to go in with her eye cream and moisturizer afterwards… and then be all finished!

This cleanser by philosophy is a wonderful skincare option for anyone who prefers to keep things simple, and doesn’t have the time (or interest) for a skincare routine with 1,000 steps. I, for one, can seriously relate!

3 – The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash by philosophy

Although listed as the third item in her skincare routine, Devyn admits that this exfoliating cleanser (also by philosophy) is her absolute FAVORITE skincare product! “I swear by this stuff so much!” she exclaims with a smile. “This is the best, most micro-fine, scrubbiest exfoliate I’ve ever used. I absolutely love it!”

Thanks to orange peel being one of this product’s ingredients, you can also expect a delicious, luxurious smell when cleaning your face (which is always a wonderful bonus).

Devyn always makes sure to listen to what her skin needs on a given day. As such, she’ll tend to use this product either every third day, or every other day (if her skin feels like it needs a little extra help).

In terms of when she uses it during the day, Devyn says she tends to apply it in the morning, as it gives her skin a nice, fresh feeling. It also makes for a terrific base on which to apply her makeup!

4 – Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater by Mario Badescu Skincare

Because the Purity Made Simple cleanser already has toner in it, this facial spray is not needed on days where she washes her face with that product. However, on the days where Devyn washes her face with the microdelivery exfoliating wash, she always uses Mario Badescu’s facial spray to tone her skin afterwards

As she says, it’s a great way to give your skin an extra blast of hydration after exfoliating it! Simply spray it on the same way you would a makeup setting spray. Then lightly tap it in with your fingers to help it absorb into your skin and dry faster.

5 – Purity Made Simple Eye Gel by philosophy

The next step in Devyn’s skincare product is to apply some eye cream. Devyn admits that she’s not overly picky about what sort of product she uses here, so long as it’s not jam-packed full of bad ingredients that will irritate her eyes.

That being said, she credits this eye gel as being a higher-quality product that’s super affordable for most budgets.

Another upside: a little bit goes a long way! You don’t need to use much of this product for it to do its job, so it’ll last you a long time. Devyn finds this eye gel to be light and hydrating, without feeling sticky or greasy.

Because Devyn doesn’t really experience dark circles or puffiness under or around her eyes, she’s not affected by the fact that this product doesn’t offer any sort of brightening effects. However, for those of you who do tend to have dark circles or puffiness around your eyes, you may need to see for yourself if it benefits your skin in the ways you’re looking for.

6 – 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream by Tula Skincare

As a makeup artist, you already know that moisturizing is SO important when it comes to any skincare routine! No matter what skin type you have, never underestimate the power of moisturizing and hydrating your skin.

For those of you on a budget, Devyn does admit that this product is a little pricier than her normal spending range (it costs $52.00 USD).

However, the benefits it has on her skin are well worth the cost! For starters, since it’s both a day and night cream, you don’t have to shop around and pay for two separate products. If you think about it that way, the price is actually a pretty good deal!

In terms of Devyn’s skincare routine, she tends to apply a lighter amount in the morning, and a more thorough amount in the evening. This is to make sure that her skin gets that little extra boost of hydration, which is always a smart idea before going to sleep!

After all, it’s when you’re asleep that your body works hardest to regenerate new, healthy skin cells and collagen!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to use some of that moisturizer on your neck as well! Neck wrinkles are a real thing!

Devyn’s Favorite Mask Products

Next, Devyn takes a look at some of her all-time skincare face masks…

1 – Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s

Laughing, Devyn describes this product as a “purifying, pore-gunk-sucking” mask. At a purchase price of $ 45.00 USD, it also falls on the slightly more expensive price range. But Devyn assures us that this is reflected in its high quality and effectiveness!

In addition to certain areas of her face having rather large pores, Devyn’s skin can also sometimes have a habit of getting blocked up, particularly around her chin. As such, she uses this mask to target those specific spots. It’s also a great weapon to use against random pimples!

Of course, if you feel your skin could benefit from applying it all over, then go for it! Either way, Devyn recommends this product as a solid, go-to clay mask.

2 – I’m Real Tea Tree Skin Soothing Mask Sheet by TONYMOLY

Hands-down, this is Devyn’s #1 favorite sheet mask on the market! As someone who has a lot of redness in her skin, especially around her T-zone, Devyn swears by this product.

“I’m not kidding you, when you put it on, it just feels so nice and soothing,” she says. “But when I take it off… First of all, my skin just feels so juicy and plump. But my redness is pretty much gone! It is SO calming to my skin!”

Better yet, this amazing skincare product is incredibly cheap. At Ulta alone, you can purchase it for a mere $3.75 USD!

3 – Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige

Even as a makeup artist, it can be easy to forget that your lips need to stay hydrated, too! Devyn loves this product so much, that even though she’s using a sample-sized jar in her video, she plans to purchase the full-sized one as soon as she runs out.

She even goes as far as to proclaim that nothing does as good of a job on her lips as this sleeping mask! Wow!

For starters, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll quickly become obsessed with its bubble-gum candy scent. While the product itself is a bit thick, it’s not sticky. From the moment you put it on, you just know that it’s giving your lips some deep, well-needed hydration that’ll last you throughout the night.

“This is just a delicious product! I love it!” Devyn says.

Just by seeing her level of enthusiasm, we’re inclined to believe her!

What is YOUR skincare routine like? Do you have some holy grail products you feel we should know about? Let us know in the comments!

The best way to become a skincare expert is by getting professional training and earning your certification! Enroll in QC’s leading online Skincare Course today!

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