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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.

Apr 08
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5 Steps for Spring Cleaning Your Professional Makeup Kit in 2020

By Makeup Tips and Tricks No Comments

Spring is finally here, which means it’s that time of the year again for a good ole’ spring cleaning! Today, let’s focus on your professional makeup kit. Given that so many of us are hanging out at home anyways, this is the perfect opportunity to do something productive.

After all, when life eventually goes back to normal, you’re not going to want to waste any time! You’ll want to hit the ground running and start booking clients again. Spring cleaning your makeup kit now means you won’t need to do it from the ground up later.

And hey, if nothing else, it’ll give you a good project to work on, and keep you busy for at least an hour or two!

When it comes to decluttering and sanitizing your products, we just so happen to have a handy guide for your reference:

Let’s take a closer look at each individual step, shall we?

Step 1: Ditch the duds

It’s important that you always pay attention to the expiration date on your makeup products. Once it’s expired, it absolutely should NOT be used anymore!

Expired makeup products can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other unwanted germs. The last thing you want to do is give yourself (or your client) an infection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

As a general rule of thumb, certain products tend to have a specific shelf-life. For instance:

  • Mascara and liquid eyeliner are typically good for up to 3-6 months
  • Concealer and foundation are typically good for up to 6-12 months
  • Lipstick, lip gloss, and eyeshadow are typically good for up to 1-2 years

That being said, there are always exceptions to every rule. So, make sure to check each of your product’s expiration dates. Once that deadline arrives, toss it out!

Step 2: Quality over quantity

Plenty of us are guilty of going a little over the top sometimes when it comes to makeup. By that I mean, getting overly excited when stocking up, and buying way more products than we realistically need!

Chances are, there’s at least 1 product in your professional makeup kit that you rarely (or never) use. If that’s the case, all it’s doing is taking up unnecessary room. So, go through all of your products, and objectively ask yourself: “Do I need this in my kit?”

If you know the answer is truly no, it’s probably safe for you to remove it. Your professional makeup kit should be orderly, and filled only with products relevant to your job.

This doesn’t mean you need to throw the product out altogether, though! After all, you did pay valuable money for it. But maybe it would be better off in your personal makeup kit. Perhaps you can even refurbish it into a makeup product you’ll be more likely to use in the future!

Step 3: Bye-bye bacteria

Now that you’ve narrowed down which makeup products you want to keep, it’s time to clean them! As a makeup artist, you probably already do this on a regular basis (and if you aren’t, you should be). But since you’re spring cleaning, now’s a great time to do it again.

Sanitary makeup products are absolutely mandatory for your career. It’s never an option to use dirty products on your client’s skin! Doing so can risk infection, allergic reactions, sickness, and all sorts of other bad surprises that can really tank your reputation as an artist.

Here are a few quick tips for cleaning your products:

  • Spray 99% isopropyl alcohol onto your brushes, and then brush them gently until all makeup residue has been removed.
  • Sharpen all eyeliner pencils, lip liners, and other pencil products until the outer layer has been completely removed.
  • Wipe away the top layer of your eye shadow – as well as all other powders / palettes – and then spritz with the 99% isopropyl alcohol

For a more in-depth look at proper cleaning techniques for your makeup tools, you can keep reading here!

Step 4: Re-organize and re-strategize

Sometimes, it can become easy for your professional makeup kit to get a little messy. Especially when working on a client, you’re naturally focused on the job. It’s understandable that keeping your kit neat and orderly can sometimes be a second priority.

However, a clean kit is a happy kit – and it definitely makes your job much easier!

Sort through your makeup products, and group together everything that falls under similar categories (i.e. lip products, eyeshadows, liners, mascaras and lashes, etc.). Alternately, you can group your products together by brand, by size, etc. It’s YOUR kit, so find whichever way works best for you!

Once everything is grouped together the way you want, then you can assign them their proper spots within the kit itself. Keeping things organized like this will save you time during a job, and increase your overall efficiency!

Plus, organization is always aesthetically pleasing, so it’ll definitely impress the client and make you look super professional!

Step 5: Delicate displays

When on the job, you may wish to pull out all the tools you intend to use for the client’s look, rather than grabbing them from the kit one-by-one. Instead of laying them out on a table, why not group them together in something practical and cute?

Mason jars, acrylic containers, and self-made boxes are great ways to not only organize your products, but showcase your high-quality tools for others to see! Not to mention, you can get really creative with decorating these displays by adding your business logo in plain sight. (Hello, branding!)

If you’re not a professional MUA, and are using these tips to spring clean your personal makeup kit, these delicate displays can be used throughout your room, or on your makeup vanity! If you happen to be a beauty vlogger and/or a YouTuber, you can always subtly slip them into your videos, too.

A little positive self-publicity can go a long way!

Pro tip: You can always sprinkle coffee beans into the bottom of your containers. In addition to keeping your makeup products straight and upright, it’ll also emit a deliciously inviting smell! Seriously, who doesn’t love the smell of coffee?

Spread the word!

Now more than ever, it’s important to keep things clean and safe! You may have friends, family, or even clients who might benefit from the knowledge shared QC’s spring cleaning guide.

So why not share it, raise awareness, and motivate others to spring clean their own makeup kits?

Here’s the link you can use to share the image on your own website:

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<p><strong>Please include attribution to htpp://qcmakeupacademy.com with this graphic.</strong></p>

<p><a href=’https://www.qcmakeupacademy.com/2020/04/5-steps-for-spri…keup-kit-in-2020/’><img src=’https://www.qcmakeupacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/spring_cleaninginfographic-1.jpg’ alt=’5 Step Makeup Spring Cleaning Routine’ width=’1000px’ border=’0′ /></a></p>

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Got any more useful tips for spring cleaning your professional makeup kit? Let us know in the comments!

Want to turn your passion for makeup into a successful career? Enroll in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn your professional certification in as little as 3-6 months!

Apr 07
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Graduate Feature: Amanda Ramey

By Graduate Feature 2 Comments

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 30 years old and live in Ohio. I’m a wife, and the mother of two amazing children (aged 5 and 2). I’ve been a professional tattoo artist for the last 10 years. In addition to this, I’m also a painter, an illustrator, a graphic designer, and a jewelry maker (just to name a few). Becoming a certified MUA is my most recently acquired skill!

Because I tend to dabble in so many artistic mediums, I consider myself to be a creative Jane-of-all-trades!

I went to Kent State University for 2.5 years, where I majored in Architecture and Environmental Design. I feel as though all of my creative outlets give me a different, expanded perspective, which I can easily transfer over into makeup.

Also, I am disabled, insofar as I’m missing most of my fingers (which is evident in my YouTube Videos). I’ve also lost both legs, below my knees. When it comes to who I am as both a person and an artist, this just barely scratches the surface!

Why did you decide to become a makeup artist? What about it appeals to you?

I started really dabbling in makeup about 2.5 years ago. I was on maternity leave, and wanted a new, creative outlet. I needed something that wouldn’t be as time-consuming as my primary job, or my main hobby/side hustle (jewelry making).

After my daughter was born, I got a lot more serious about it. I started practicing makeup, my application, and my technical skills on the daily. But even at that point, it was just something I wanted to get better at, on my own personal time. I found makeup to be very relaxing and calming.

I spent nearly a year learning on my own. While I gradually became a lot better than I was when I started, it wasn’t getting me where I wanted to be. So, I decided to look into makeup school.

I enrolled in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. At the time, the Pro Makeup Workshop was included for free, so I took that course, too. That was truly the beginning of my makeup obsession!

How did you feel the Pro Makeup Workshop helped fine-tune the skills taught to you in the Master Makeup Artistry foundation course?

I learned so much in the MMA course! But it was during the Pro Makeup Workshop that I had the absolute pleasure of being tutored by Nathan Johnson. Admittedly, he was really tough on me – which was exactly what I needed. Nathan can definitely have a kind of “tough love” way of teaching.

All the feedback he gives you is strictly meant to help you grow, though. He literally changed my way of seeing makeup and practice application. Even after I completed the course, I’ve stayed in touch with Nathan. He’ll often comment on my looks (on social media), and encourage my journey along the way.

I feel like I’ve gained SO much more than just a couple certificates from these courses. I would definitely recommend QC Makeup Academy to anyone willing to put in the work. As with everything, you only get what you put into it.

You also run your own beauty vlog on YouTube. Can you tell us a little about your vlogging style, and the kind of niche you hope to be known for within the makeup vlogging community?

I’m a part of a few different beauty communities online. After a while, several people were coming to me with tutorial requests for my makeup looks. That’s when I decided to start making YouTube videos.

I don’t know if I have a particular style, per se. But my goal is to be informative! I want to show practical techniques, as opposed to the clichéd ‘social media makeup’ that’s become so popular.

Do you have any plans in the future to start your own MUA business, work in a salon, etc.? Tell us a bit about your career goals!

Yes, I would like to do more freelancing in the future. I’m working on my SFX course with QC right now. Once I finish that, I plan on taking the Airbrush Makeup Workshop.

I want to be as well-rounded as possible first. That way, I can offer more services to the clients when I do start my own business!

You have a knack for creating bold, stunning eye makeup looks! Where does your inspiration come from?

Honestly, inspiration for me comes from anywhere and everywhere. I pull inspiration from textures, patterns, the color story of an image, and/or other pieces of artwork.

As you mentioned, you’re also currently enrolled in QC’s Special Effects Makeup Course. What is it about SFX makeup that draws you to it, and how do you hope to incorporate it into your makeup career?

I love horror and fantasy! I’m extremely drawn to the idea of being able to use prosthetics and makeup in order to create characters, injuries, and gore within these realms.

It just seems really fun and versatile, as far as what you can do with your Special Effects makeup knowledge!

In general, how did you find the online learning experience with QC Makeup Academy? (Such as the course materials, the information being taught, tutor feedback, etc.)

The experience was incredible! The coursework was easy to follow and submit. I always got my feedback returned in way less time than the window given.

Admittedly, for the Master Makeup Artistry course, I did feel as though the feedback I received wasn’t as critical as I would have liked. It didn’t seem like my tutor offered me enough recommendations, or areas where I could have improved.

However, in direct contrast, the Pro Makeup Workshop with Nathan Johnson was amazing! His feedback was extremely detailed. He offered constructive criticism in all the areas that needed more work. But he also made sure to always compliments the aspects of my work that were done well, too.

I think he could see how passionate I was about learning. So, he pushed me to be the best I could be! I’m incredibly thankful to him for that! I feel like I not only gained invaluable information, I gained a different view of the art form.

Why did you enroll in online makeup courses instead of offline?

I liked the idea of learning online because I could work on the materials at my OWN pace. You have up to 2 years to complete your course! That made the whole educational experience much more manageable, because I could devote my time to it when it best suited my schedule!

What would you say is the #1 most beneficial thing so far that QC Makeup Academy has helped teach you?

I don’t know that I can narrow it down to just 1, so I’ll give my top 2:

  1. Proper techniques – and the reasons those techniques are used.
  2. The history and background of makeup (which is included as part of the course material).

Both of these things are NOT something I would have learned if I hadn’t taken proper makeup training. Knowing the right techniques and history behind the makeup process provides a stronger foundation to build upon. Plus, being able to explain why I do things the way I do helps me be more professional.

Is there a particular makeup technique you’re still working to improve?

I’m always striving to improve my makeup application in all areas. There’s always room to grow and learn! Personally, honing in on applications for different skin types (other than my own) is a goal of mine for the future.

Name your Holy Grail product that ALL makeup artists should have (and why)!

Knowledge. I know that isn’t something you can buy or carry in your kit, but I think it’s the most important thing you can have.

You can use the highest quality products – but in the end, if you don’t know how to use them properly, they aren’t going to work. I’m a firm believer that you can make most products work if you know how to use them.

You need to understand which situations and skin types will require the right cosmetics. It’s not the product itself that create the best results. It’s the knowledge of how to use that product!

Want to become a certified makeup artist, like Amanda? Enroll in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Foundation Course today!

Apr 03
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Why Your Skincare Routine is So Important Right Now

By Skincare No Comments

As famous Youtuber, Thomas Sanders, would say: “Story time!”

For a while, I was suspiciously optimistic about just how well I was taking this whole COVID-19 thing. That is, until last night. I came across an article – no different than any of the articles I’d been reading for weeks beforehand – and for some reason, it hit me differently this time.

I suddenly felt so overwhelmed! I legit thought I was about to lose my marbles.

Since it was already getting late, I decided to go upstairs, do my skincare routine, and then head to bed. Amazingly, as I worked my way through each product and enacted my typical nighttime routine, I found that I was actually starting to feel a bit better. By the time I’d applied my face serum, I’d calmed down entirely.

Was it out of the ordinary that doing something as simple as my skincare routine could boost my mood in such a big way? After looking into it, it turns out that I’m not alone in this! With much of the world undergoing social distancing and self-isolation, it seems like a LOT of people are turning to their skincare regimens to improve their overall mental health.

Why is this? Let’s take a look…

The Skincare Market is on the Rise

So far this year, sales for skincare products have been beating out the makeup market. The fact that makeup sales aren’t booming right now isn’t that big of a shocker. After all, with so many people staying at home, a lot of us have put our personal makeup routines on the back burner.

But it is interesting to see how well the skincare market is thriving, despite being in the middle of a pandemic!

To put this into perspective: the NPD Group released statistics recently that showed how by the final week of February, skincare products had seen an increase in dollar and in-store sales by 13%! Makeup and other beauty products, on the other hand, only grew by 4%.

It didn’t lose its momentum in March, either! Amazon alone saw an additional 8% sales increase in their skincare inventory last month, whereas color cosmetics actually dropped by 1%.

The facts are in: the importance of skincare is especially popular right now! But what’s the reasoning behind this? Why, with everything currently going on in the world, are so many of us seeking solace in this practice?

Here are a few of our hypotheses…

1. Our Skincare Routine Gives Us Control

The world is chaotic and upside down right now – and that’s putting it lightly. The media is struggling to find a balance between giving us the facts, and feeding into our fears. Many are going into ‘fight-or-flight’ mode. While some are refusing to take this crisis seriously, others are just as guilty of taking it a bit too far.

Sometimes, it can feel as though there’s very little that’s still in our control. Our skincare routine, however, allows us to regain that sense of power back.

While it may sound a little silly, it makes total sense! For just a few minutes (or hours, depending on how thorough you get – hey, we don’t judge) every day, you can focus solely on YOU.

It’s a routine you can always rely on, no matter how hectic things around you may get. While you can’t control everything, you can always control this. By extension, working through your skincare routine can help ground you and bring back perspective. It can help remind you that there are in fact many aspects of your life that you still do have full control over.

That despite the bumps in the road, there are still things that can bring you peace.

2. It Provides a Sense of Normalcy

To build off this: another important reason why your skincare routine is so critical right now is that it’s a sliver of your normal life that you can always hold onto. While it can be said for certain that some day, life will go back to normal, we still don’t really know when that’ll be yet.

Personally speaking, I can sometimes be a Monica Geller. I like being in-the-know. I’m a creature of habit. Because of this, I don’t like when things are disorderly or uncertain.

When I do my skincare routine, it brings me back to a more familiar place. It’s something I’ve been doing long before this pandemic, and it reminds me that it’ll be something I’ll do long after it’s over, too. This sense of normalcy not only will help ground you in the moment – it’ll keep your sights set on a brighter, more positive future to come.

3. Routine Eases Anxiety

This is a proven, behavioral fact in both human beings and animals alike. Regular life is already stressful enough as it is. But these days, the consequences of COVID-19 have made us that much more anxious, fearful, and even depressed.

But having a faithful routine in place gives us a healthy way to cope! This, in large part, is due to what we’ve looked at above.

On top of this, being cooped up at home can lead to boredom. You might sometimes feel a bit stagnant. Your skincare routine gives your brain a chance to be productive. Most importantly, it guarantees at least ONE time during your day where you get to focus on something that brings you happiness.

4. Your Skincare Routine Teaches You How to Do Things Right

The longer you do something, the better you become at it. Like with makeup, there’s a certain level of trial-and-error that comes with perfecting the right skincare routine for you.

(And even then, there’s always room for it to transform and grow!)

Chances are, you’ll need to try out different types of products to figure out which ones react best to your skin type. For instance, the right cleanser for dry skin may not be the ideal fit for combination skin. Similarly, someone with oily skin may require different moisturizer than a person with a normal skin type.

As time passes, you’ll learn what your skin responds to favorably, and which products you should avoid. Before you know it, when it comes to your skincare routine, you’ll be an absolute expert!

That Being Said…

Just because you’ll know your own skin inside and out, doesn’t mean you can say the same about anyone else. But there IS a way you can become an actual expert, and make a career out of helping others with their own skincare routines!

You can become a certified Skincare Consultant!

The single best way to achieve this is by receiving professional training from an accredited beauty school. Since social distancing and self-isolation is in effect, in-person classes aren’t a safe option.

But online beauty school will allow you to get this expertly-taught education AND a professionally-recognized certification… all from the comfort of your own home!

Chances are you’re already at home anyways; looking for something creative and productive to do to pass the time. Now’s the perfect opportunity to maximize that spare time by focusing on your career goals!

By devoting just 1-2 hours of your week to an online Skincare course, you can graduate and be a certified expert in as little as 3-6 months!

Just make sure to do thorough research when looking into online beauty school. Your course should be thorough. They should teach you not just about the foundation of skincare, but how to build on those skills at a more advanced level.

QC Makeup Academy and their professional instructors, for example, will educate you on the following information:

  • Skincare basics
  • Skin types and anatomy
  • Different skincare products and tools
  • Understanding skincare labels
  • The difference between morning and nighttime routines
  • Skin conditions and how to work with them
  • Aging skin and the best practices for it
  • Natural skincare basics, organic products, and DIY recipes
  • And so much more!

A good online beauty school will also ensure to arm students with a certain level of business training. This way, if you have dreams of starting up your own business, you know how to do this properly.

For instance, QC Makeup Academy teaches client relations, consultations, and problem-solving as part of their Skincare Course!

Just remember:

Things may be difficult right now, but the sun is ALWAYS there behind the clouds! We’ll all make it through this together, and come out stronger on the other side.

In the meantime, find what makes you happy. If it helps you get through this a little bit easier, then it’s a blessing, whatever it may be.

If that just so happens to be your skincare routine? Awesome!

You do YOU. We’re here for you!

Why is QC Makeup Academy the best online beauty school for your skincare training? Find out here!

Apr 02
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5 Makeup Trends That are Here for Spring (and Coming for the Summer)!

By From the Experts, Makeup Trends No Comments

One of the greatest – and most exciting – things about makeup is that it’s constantly evolving. While there will always be certain classics that’ll never go out of style (such as a simple red lip), makeup trends are forever changing. If you know what’s currently popular, and similarly, what’s on the rise, your makeup looks will always stay fresh and fun!

But where do these new trends come from? You’ll often find that most are inspired by the catwalk, following the collections showcased in Fashion Weeks from all around the globe. Here are 5 makeup trends that celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson, believes are here to stay this upcoming spring and summer!

1. Very blended looks

This look is achieved by taking two similar shades (for example: light pink into darker pink, ivory into light pink, taupe into medium brown, etc.) and then transitioning one into the other.

The lighter color should be applied to the lid of the eye, and the darker pigment will be blended out through the outer corner and crease.  The darker shade should also wrap around the outer corner of the eye and turn into a smoked lower lash line.

This style of eye makeup is blended to perfection! It has no hard lines, with the deeper shade smoothly dissipating below the brow. Gorgeous!

2. The use of vivid colors in unusual ways

This trend-setting makeup look gives a nice nod to the retro 1980’s, Nathan says. Arguably one of the best examples that showcases this is Jeremy Scott’s Spring and Summer 2020 show! As each of the models strutted their stuff down the catwalk, audiences everywhere were stunned at the combination of eccentric, geometrically-inspired outfits, tousled neon wigs, and bold eye makeup.

Notice the way that Scott expertly ties the whole look together through the use of makeup. Specifically, through the bright pops of color on the inner corners of his models’ eyes! This is a great demonstration of how every little detail works in unison to create the final, polished product!

Another example that beautifully demonstrates this trend is Jason Wu’s Spring and Summer 2020 collection. Although these looks fall into the watercolor trend, Nathan notes how the bright hues and overall style “really honor the 80s”!

3. Classic Blue is the Pantone Color of 2020

Every December, Pantone uses trend-forecasting research to announce the upcoming Color of the Year. Based on their findings, 2020’s chosen color is Classic Blue. Pantone states that this pigment instills “calm, confidence, and connection”, while also highlighting “our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build, as we cross the threshold into a new era”.

Given everything currently going on in the world, this definitely rings true!

Whether Classic Blue is incorporated in pops of color, blended looks, or shocks of liner, Nathan notes how it undoubtedly adds vibrancy to the eye. Just check out the amazing effect it has on the makeup and clothing worn by this model! This is just one of the reasons why fashion designer, LaQuan Smith, really stood out during Fashion Week this year!

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Howdy

A post shared by LaQuan Smith- Designer (@laquan_smith) on

4. Color-blocked lids

Color blocking with vibrant, bold hues is a great trend you can incorporate this spring/summer into your makeup, clothing, and so much more! In terms of eye makeup, color blocking is done by choosing one solid eyeshadow shade to apply to your upper lids, followed by a different color to for your lower lids.

There are lots of different ways you can play with this look and get creative! Since spring and summer are typically warmer seasons, you can always pair bright, complementary colors together. Pink and orange are a stunning combo, as is blue with green. You can also use one color, but create a contrast between two very opposite shades.

An incredible example of color-blocked lids that Nathan saw during Fashion Week was from Oscar de la Renta’s Spring and Summer 2020 collection!

5. Soft complexions

As Nathan points out, the interest in “cake face” has seen a tremendous drop through recent years. Instead, people now want their skin to look as real and natural as possible.

For some time, strobing – essentially, extreme highlighting – was a popular trend. When done right, it would give the appearance of shimmery, dewy skin. Unfortunately, a lot of beauty vloggers (many of whom are not professional, certified makeup artists) created a tendency of applying WAY too much. Often, it wouldn’t be done properly. The result gave off a kind of sweaty appearance, rather than the desired, youthful glow.

But Nathan says the strobe is now out! Cosmetic companies have been seeing a major drop in sales for quite some times, signaling the end to that era. Instead, it’s being replaced with softer, more natural-looking glows.

Bonus: Makeup looks Nathan would LOVE to see take off in 2020!

In addition to the above trends, there are a few more makeup looks that Nathan would love to see gain popularity in the upcoming years. Specifically, the following…

1. Dimensional eyeliner

While we’ll always have room in our hearts for the classic cat-eye or winged liner, there’s so much room to explore and get creative! After all, makeup artistry provides you with the freedom to push boundaries. How else do you think new trends are discovered?

Dimensional eyeliner let you think outside the box, through the use of different shapes and patterns. Not only will it definitely make you stand out from the crowd, it’s also a terrific way to express a little extra personality!

Anna Sui expertly illustrated this makeup look into her Spring and Summer 2020 collection. Just look at how playful and pretty the results are!

2. Non-black eyeliners

Speaking of eyeliner, another cool look that Nathan hopes gains even more popularity is unconventionally-colored liner. Given that ‘conventional’ eyeliner is essentially just black (or even brown), this pretty much means ANY color other than this!

Blues, greens, reds, purples, you name it – there’s so much wiggle room this trend can offer! It can amplify eyeshadow, pair with lip color, or even just be worn on its own. One especially gorgeous color we’ve seen is a crisp, white liquid liner along the upper lids. Pamella Roland’s Spring and Summer 2020 Collection showed this off perfectly!

3. DayGlo and fluorescent creases

DayGlo (and other fluorescent colors) are known to dramatically enhance your makeup look! When used on the upper crease of your lids, the attention will naturally draw towards your eyes. Plus, if you’re feeling particularly fierce, the use of bold, funky colors can be incorporated throughout the rest of your look, too.

On the other hand, fluorescent creases can stand entirely on their own and be the star of the show. In fact, by keeping the rest of your makeup look relatively subtle, your DayGlo eyeshadow will naturally pop even more.

Pair it with some thick, luscious falsies and a dark nude lip, like Versace did in her Spring and Summer 2020 Collection! This look is easily one of our favorites.

4. Black red lipstick

If you want your makeup to be daring and make an impression, there’s very little that can compare to a striking, black red lip! If you want a full glam, night makeup look, you can pair it with a smoky eye and dramatic false lashes. However, if you want a more toned-down final result, black red lipstick is also strong enough to be used independently.

Another perk about this trend is that it can work for quite literally anyone. Regardless of your skin tone, eye color, or what-have-you – black red lipstick can turn anyone and everyone into royalty. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at how jaw-dropping it was on this model, as part of Max Mara’s Spring and Summer 2020 Collection!

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@maxmara chic encounters

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5. Lilac drop shadow/lower eyeliner

Commonly referred to as ‘upside-down makeup’, a drop shadow is when you apply a bold color only (or primarily) to your lower lash line. This is an awesome option for those who want to add a bit of pigment to their eye makeup, without committing to the full color across their upper lids.

A drop-shadow can also be accentuated with lower eyeliner. Alternately, lower liner (in the same desired color) can also be worn on its own.

During Fashion Week, Balmain debuted their 2020 Spring and Summer Collection, with models wearing a gorgeous lilac drop shadow and lower eyeliner. As far as colors go, lilac is as effective as it is delicate. Don’t let its soft, gentle tone fool you! When used along the lower lash line, it creates a result a uniquely bold result that can still be worn as an everyday look!

Want to be able to learn how to do all of these trendy looks – and maybe even create one of your own? Get professional makeup artist training and earn your certification from an accredited makeup school! There’s no better time than now to work towards your goals and dreams! Who knows… maybe some day, one of YOUR trends will make it on this list!

Enroll today in the leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn your professional certification in as little as 3-6 months!

Apr 01
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Student Feature: Caroline Edwards

By Education, Graduate Feature No Comments

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi everyone, my name is Caroline! I’m 46 years old, with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Before makeup came into my life, I worked in a special needs school. I adored it, and only left because my own child became chronically ill.

I love spending time with my family, friends, and generally having a giggle. Truth be told, you’ll often find me hanging out in my makeup room during my spare time. I eat, sleep, and breathe makeup!

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

I found makeup during a very dark time in my life. Struggling to accept my child’s illness, and that fact that he could no longer be able to go to school, I became very isolated. One day, however, an advert popped up on my news feed about becoming a makeup artist.

I’ve always loved makeup, but I never considered it a potential career for myself until that moment. So, I decided I would take the class for myself. No one could have foreseen how this journey would ultimately save me and help me grow. It’s absolutely the reason why I’ve gotten to where I am now!

Despite still being a makeup artist student, you already have your own successful MUA business. Can you tell us a little about its history, and the kind of professional services you offer clients?

I started building my bridal business last year. I figured, why not just bite the bullet?

I began by putting my name out there, which led to a position within the most beautiful salon. My coworkers there knew of my aspirations to open up my own business. They really supported me and encouraged me to go for it!

I’ve taken part in a lot of bridal photoshoots, in order to network with other suppliers and gain some professional images for my website. In addition to doing makeup, my business also offers skincare advice and makeup lessons (group sessions and/or 1-on-1s). I’ve slowly started adding hair-related services, too.

I just love to share my knowledge and help others!

You’ve been super busy lately working as a makeup artist for a feature film. WOW, that’s truly amazing (congrats are in order!). How did you land this job? What’s the experience been like?

This opportunity came to me after I’d connected with another makeup artist. We clicked straight away, and she has become a very dear friend. She was working on a film at the time, and after chatting for a while, she offered me a place on her team.

It’s been the most incredible, wonderful experience! The cast and crew are absolutely amazing. We’ve all become a little family unit. What started out as 1 day of work experience has turned into an ongoing job for me! It’s now been 10 months since I joined this film crew. I feel very blessed.

You look to have done your fair share of regular makeup, SFX makeup, bridal makeup, and even editorial makeup (for ELEGANT magazine). Of all these different categories, do you have a favorite one?

That’s hard! I adore every aspect of makeup. I think my favorite style, though, is red carpet glam.

That being said, I adore editorial makeup and photoshoots. Nothing can ever take away that feeling of seeing your work published!

You’re enrolled in Nathan’s Master Makeup Artistry course, and are currently killing it with an A average! How are you finding the program so far? (E.g. The tutor interaction, videos, course texts, assignments, student support, etc.)

I don’t have enough words to say how wonderful QC Makeup Academy is. Nathan is extraordinary! He’s honest, but never cruel. You always know that everything he tells you is coming from the heart.

If you want to learn and improve as an artist, you need to be able to take constructive criticism. It’s not harsh, nor is it meant to upset you. It’s merely to help train your eye and keep pushing you.

My whole experience has been nothing but a pleasure. The videos are clear to understand, and in addition to looking beautiful, the text books are full of all the information you need! I found the assignments to be very detailed.

There are quite a lot of them, so you must work hard to be able to learn. But you WILL learn, and gain all the tools you need to do this job professionally!

It’s also worth noting that my fellow students are simply awesome. The student-run support group on Facebook has been life-changing. There’s a very real sense of family community within QC, whether it’s between the students, or extended from the staff. I love that!

What made you want to enroll in QC’s Portfolio Development Workshop? What specifically do you hope to learn and take away from it?

I thought it would come in handy to understand how to organize photoshoots and develop my business portfolio. After all, without a decent portfolio, how can I properly showcase my work?

Why did you enroll in online makeup courses instead of offline?

It would be impossible for me to attend in-person classes with all my personal commitments! So physical makeup school wasn’t an option. After that, I turned my focus to online schools.

I had initially done a few online courses elsewhere, but they really didn’t teach me much. After that, I researched some online makeup schools, and QC Makeup Academy jumped out at me. The deal was sealed from that point on!

Is there a particular technique you’re still working to improve?

I’m always working on my skills! But for me, blush and lips are things I want to take to the next level.

Name your Holy Grail product that ALL makeup artists should have (and why)!

I don’t have just 1 product. But I AM in love with the brand, Charlotte Tilbury. In my experience, her product line works beautifully for bridal makeup. They’re also just as awesome for editorial looks, too, since they show up so well on camera. I couldn’t be without her products!

Maximize your time at home by earning your professional makeup artist certification! Enroll today in QC’s leading online Master Makeup Artistry Course!

Mar 27
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Maximize Your Time at Home by Getting Your Makeup Artist Certification!

By Education, Your Makeup Career No Comments

We’re not going to sugar coat it: things have been rough lately. The world over is stressed and anxious about the COVID-19 crisis, and rightly so. The majority of us have been advised to stay home and help ‘flatten the curve’ by practicing social distancing. At the current moment, it’s up in the air how long this new way of life is going to last.

But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: while this situation does suck, it also presents you with a very unique and special opportunity.

We’re willing to bet that you’re crazy about makeup. (Why else would you be reading this?) Chances are, it’s your passion. You probably entertain dreams of turning it into a career. But regular life can sometimes have a way of postponing our dreams – especially when we allow it to.

If you’re spending your day at home, you probably finally have the time, the privacy, and the freedom to take this leap. You can start the path towards a bright, exciting future. You can devote your life to makeup artistry, and when this is all over, get paid to do what you love!

How can you do this? Simple: use your time at home right now to earn your makeup artist certification!

Maximize Time At Home With Makeup Artist Certification Blog - Makeup on Pink Table

Online makeup school is the best (and safest) option!

To earn any sort of professional qualifications as an MUA, you’re going to need to get your education. However, in-person makeup classes aren’t exactly an option right now. For starters, most brick-and-mortar schools are closed. But secondly, even if they were open, it’s not exactly a safe environment with adequate social distancing.

You’d need to travel to and from the school, be in a room full of other people, and (worst of all) touch your models’ faces. These are all things that will increase your chances of getting exposed to the virus, or other unwanted germs. It poses too much of a threat! There’s no way you could guarantee your safety, or the safety of others.

Online makeup school, however, eliminates ALL of these risks! Even before the COVID-19 crisis, more and more makeup artistry schooling has been moving to an online platform. It provides aspiring MUAs with the exact same quality of education (in some ways, even better). The main difference is, online schooling can be done without ever leaving your home.

Over the years, it’s become an increasingly popular option for students wishing to learn the craft at a professional level (and we’ll touch on the reasons why in a moment). But right now, it’s the only option. For the time being, online makeup school is the only way you can receive expert, reputable training – WITHOUT putting your health in danger!

It’s good for your mental health!

Not only can you utilize online makeup school to make your future career goals come true, it can also benefit you during the present pandemic. The combination of stress, fear, limited social interaction, and home isolation can make for a pretty negative cocktail of emotions. For many of us, the quality of our mental health has been (or will be) impacted.

It’s easier to spiral downward when you don’t have anything positive to keep your brain occupied. If you don’t something good to look forward to or focus on, it’s going to be all too easy to fall into a depression.

Finding ways to decrease your stress will help improve your mental health. From ‘you’ time, to establishing a routine, to limited screen time – it will require a conscious effort, but the rewards will be well worth it. Education is another excellent coping strategy! It keeps your mind sharp, maximizes your time at home, AND betters your mood!

Makeup model apply blush on cheeks: getting your makeup artist certification article

Online makeup school is convenient!

If you were attending in-person makeup classes, you’d currently be SOL until the pandemic is over. You might even lose a semester of tuition and have to delay your training until next year! But online makeup school allows you to pursue your schooling, uninterrupted, all from the comfort of your own home! Whether you feel like chilling in the living room, lounging in bed, or setting up a home office, you can do your schoolwork wherever you please!

(You can even do it in the bathroom. Hey, we won’t judge!)

Another great benefit of online makeup school is that there many provide no deadlines or timelines to adhere to. You never need to worry about your education conflicting with your personal schedule.

Pro tip: Just keep in mind that this level of freedom can make it easy to procrastinate. Try not to leave everything to the last minute! Create a realistic schedule for yourself that will allow you to regularly focus on your studies. This way, you can stay on track.

Many of QC’s students and grads found that by simply devoting 1-2 hours per week on their course work, they were able to graduate in as little as 3-6 months. This is more than doable for most lifestyles!

If you’re curious about more ways to maximize your makeup education and practice while at home, check out these 4 incredible tips by QC’s executive tutor, Nathan Johnson!

It’s easily affordable, even during a pandemic!

We get it: a lot of people are unfortunately unable to work right now. For some, money might be tight. Don’t let this scare you away from following your dreams, though! With proper research, you’ll find that many accredited online makeup schools are more than affordable.

Mobile video of professional makeup artist applying makeup on model

In general, online school will almost always be cheaper than brick-and-mortar schools. This is because things are done electronically. There’s no physical campus incurring fees or maintenance costs. If you want to get your makeup artist certification, but don’t want to worry about going broke in the process, online schooling offers the same quality level of education at a fraction of the price!

For the amount of course materials, makeup products, expert training, and ongoing perks received, students find that they get a LOT for such a reasonable price!

Online makeup school will prepare you for a life-long career in the industry!

Is it really possible to get the same level of training from an online makeup school as you would at an in-person institution? This is a common question, and the answer is a resounding YES!

Not only are you taught by professional makeup experts (who work in the field themselves), you’re also provided with high-quality products to aid in your learning experience.

In addition, this learning experience is a lot more individually focused. Because each lesson is geared specifically towards YOU, without other students to focus on as well, you’ll find that you’ll absorb way more info than you would in a physical setting.

For a deeper breakdown of how online makeup schooling compares to in-person classes, feel free to keep reading here!

In general, makeup schooling is a necessity for anyone wishing to turn it into a career. Not only does it make you a better artist in general, it will help you stand out from the competition, too!

If you have little to no experience, makeup foundation courses will teach you from the ground up. Once you’re at a more advanced level, specialty programs help broaden your skill-set, and strengthen your resume with further certifications.

Photo of professional makeup artist's hand applying eyeshadow to model

For instance, once you earn your makeup artist certification, you can always build on your qualifications by adding additional training in any of the following areas:

If you one day want to run your own company, a makeup business course would do you wonders. Or say you already have your own business and wish to expand your services. Certifications in Hair Styling, Fashion Styling, and/or Skincare Consulting would take your career to the next level!

(The best part? A LOT of these services can be done remotely, so you can still work, pandemic or no pandemic!)

Pursuing your goals of becoming a professional MUA is one of the single greatest things you can do for yourself, especially now. In a time when it feels like everything’s so crazy and chaotic, it’s important that you take charge of the things that are still in your control. Part of the challenge right now is perspective; focusing, wherever possible, on the positive.

It’s still there, even if it may feel difficult to see. You may just need to push yourself a bit harder than normal, that’s all. The thing is, you’re stronger than you realize. We believe in you. You can totally do this!

Maximize Time At Home With Makeup Artist Certification Blog - Woman Making Heart Shape with Hands

Keeping reading to find out why QC Makeup Academy is the perfect online makeup school to help you earn your makeup artist certification!

Mar 26
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The 3 Best Online Tools to Market Your Business at a Low Price

By From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

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!

Over the last few weeks, freelancers and makeup artists alike have seen their number of clients decreasing due to the coronavirus crisis. Thanks to social distancing, people everywhere are being advised to remain indoors as much as possible. But what many don’t realize is that staying home can also be a gift!

On a regular day, our schedules can get insanely hectic. We often forget how to make time for other goals and aspirations. Being stuck at home can allow us to do all the things we never usually have time for. We can turn this from a negative to a positive!

As a freelance makeup artist, the amount of effort you dedicate to both your brand image and business marketing are both essential! This is especially the case when trying to network and connect with new clients.

Get Your Name Out There

The first step to finding new clients is to be seen! It’s important that you know how to project the right image of your business. There are countless marketing tools that can help you gain online visibility, but here are 3 specific ones we will explore in more detail:

  1. Your brand image + logo
  2. Your business website + SEO
  3. Your social media channels + content

Let’s break each one down…

1. Your Brand Image + Logo

When your client looks at your work online, you want to give her a way to identify YOU from all the competition. What makes you different? How do you stand out? Importantly, why should this potential client choose to work with you?

Your branding should be able to speak for itself and answer all of these questions!

Here are a few tips to help you create your very own niche:

  • Choose a consistent color palette and font that will be used for ALL of your documents, websites, business cards, etc. This is going to play a HUGE role in your branding. When you think of notable companies, you can easily identify them through their smallest details. For example, if I said “Coca-Cola”, you likely immediately envision its cursive font and red and white colors. You want your business to be this easily recognizable, too!
  • Pay attention to detail. When creating an online presentation, business cards, social media posts, etc., there are tons of different online software you can use to help. For example, I highly recommend Canva. Canva is an online design website where you can create all types of materials, upload your own images, and create great designs at no cost! (There are paid options also available, but even the free services provide all the basics!)
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When creating your logo, one option at your disposal is to outsource the project to other Freelancer.com is a great website for this! It connects you to other freelancers, provides quotes, and allows you to hire them for all your online work – all at your own convenience. Simply post your project, and receive bids from freelancers from all over the world. But don’t forget to read that person’s reviews before hiring them!

2. Your Business Website + SEO

Your business website is the platform where you display your services to clients. Other notable information to include would be your:

  • Biography
  • Contact info
  • Prices
  • Reviews
  • Certifications
  • Online booking forms, etc.

Importantly, your website is also where you’ll show off your portfolio of work! Just make sure that the images you use are high resolution and look professional.

There are many online platforms you can use to create and host your business website. Many of them will offer templates, making the process much simpler for those who aren’t all that tech-savvy. You may also have the option to purchase your own company emails. Both Wix and WordPress are wonderful tools you can use!

Here are 3 amazing examples of professional portfolios and websites that you can use as inspiration.

Pro tip: Be careful with your domain name! Try to choose a short domain name that’s easy to remember. If you want to be found locally by your customer, you can choose a domain suffix from your country (such as ‘.ca’, ‘.co.uk’, etc.). However, if you want to be recognized at an international level, you should use ‘.com’ as your website’s domain suffix.

The Importance of SEO

Your makeup artist business won’t appear on a Google search simply by creating a website. This is determined by your website’s SEO. By using specific keywords, and having your website linked from other sites, you can improve your chances of getting a higher SEO ranking and appearing in Google’s top search results.

SEO can be time-consuming, and hard to understand if you’re a beginner. If it feels a bit too overwhelming, why not outsource it to an expert? There are tons of agencies and/or freelancers who offer a monthly rate in exchange for assisting with your website’s visibility.

Yes, it may initially cost a bit of money, but as soon as it starts rewarding you with more clientele, you’ll have more than a return on this investment.

Also, don’t forget to ask your clients to give you a review! This will help your next clients to know about the quality of your work, while helping the overall visibility of your business.

3. Your Social Media Channels + Content

Consistency is key when it comes to social media! Create posts regularly, with easily-identifiable content. Ensure to use the same color palette, the same font, and even (when possible) the same angle for your posts. This will all help your clients easily recognize your work.

Think of your social media channels as your very own magazine! When your clients look at your page, what do you want them to think? What feelings do you want to inspire?

Just keep in mind that in terms of content, creating beautiful makeup is not always enough. You might want to consider the way you intend to present your content, too. Apps such as Whitagram give you the option to customize the format and aesthetic of your posts. If you’re looking for more ideas, here are 5 other apps you can use to edit your Instagram posts!

Social media is an essential marketing tool to help strengthen your online presence, but it can also be hard to manage. If you’re ever short on time, or just want to plan ahead, you can use platforms such as Planoly or Later to create/schedule your posts in bulk.

Remember: Mornings and evenings are the best times to post content times. This is when people are proven to be the most active on social media!

Over the course of the next few weeks (perhaps longer), you’ll have the opportunity to revamp your online visibility and marketing strategies. Maximize your time at home by readying yourself for the next season! Give your online presence a fierce makeover, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start booking clients once things go back to normal!

Want to become a certified makeup artist while hanging out at home? Enroll today in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry Course, and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Mar 20
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How to Work Remotely as a Makeup Artist

By Your Makeup Career No Comments

When a large part of your career involves touching someone else’s face, something like the novel coronavirus COVID-19 can appear disastrous to your livelihood. Here’s the thing: while it’s true that you should be keeping your distance from others right now, it does NOT mean that you can’t provide any services.

In fact, there are still plenty of beneficial services you can offer your clients! Your makeup career doesn’t have to suffer. Sure, you can’t necessarily do actual makeup on your clients’ faces. But you still have a lot of options that don’t involve coming into close, physical contact.

So what sort of options are currently available to you? How can you work remotely as a makeup artist and still make a liveable income? Keep reading to find out!

Option #1: Offer Consulting Services

This is a really great opportunity for you to build upon the services offered by your makeup business. For starters, adding additional services that go beyond makeup opens you up to an even larger clientele. It can also be used to increase your service rates and overall income!

How to Offer Consulting Services

There’s also a lot of wiggle room for what this can look like. You technically could provide consultation services in-person, though it’s not recommended at the current time.

Take into account where you live, how bad the coronavirus situation is in your area, etc. If things are still relatively safe, both parties have no symptoms, and the proper precautions are taken by you and your client, you might be able to get away with meeting in-person.

That being said, a safer alternative for now could be to offer virtual consultations. Skype, Uber Conference, Google Hangouts Meet are all examples of platforms you can use to hold online appointments with clients.

This way, you can provide the exact same service you would in-person – but from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Different Consulting Services to Consider

In terms of the types of consultation services you can provide, there is a lot of flexibility here as well. While you shouldn’t be applying makeup to your client’s face right now, you can still use your expertise to help guide her through doing the process herself.

Or maybe you can offer consulting services to help your client choose the type of makeup to buy. You can also offer skincare consulting, hair styling consulting, and even fashion consulting (just to name a few other possibilities).

Basically, if there’s a relative service you can provide clients, that can be done without having to physically touch them, go for it! The sky’s the limit if you’re willing to get creative!

Option #2: Teach Makeup Lessons

To build off of what we mentioned above, another service you can provide is to actually teach others about makeup artistry. This can be as in-depth as you want it to be!

For example, maybe you want to refer to your certified education, training, and experience to teach clients makeup theory, applications, and techniques. Alternately, perhaps clients would come to you with a given look, and you’d help teach them how to execute that specific look on themselves.

Depending on how complex you want your makeup lesson services to be, you can consider putting together some sort of outline, curriculum, and/or written text. Something tangible that can be provided to your clients before, during, or after the lesson(s). It could be as simple as a one-page document that summarizes what they learned during their lesson!

However, we need to clarify: in all likelihood, the lessons you’d be teaching wouldn’t be the same as what your client would learn from an accredited makeup school. You also wouldn’t be able to provide them with any sort of licensing or certification upon completion. So just make sure that your clients know this. This way, they don’t have any misinformation or unrealistic expectations.

Rather, makeup lessons (as taught by independent MUAs) are more often a fun, more laid-back learning experience offered to the client. They can help the client pick up some tricks of the trade, as well as tips for building upon their beginner skill level.

Option #3: Start Your Own Beauty Blog/Vlog

If you have a bit of extra time on your hands these days, what better way to take advantage of it than by starting your very own blog/vlog? You can choose to keep it strictly written, or film videos of yourself on a channel like YouTube. Maybe you want to do both!

Running your own beauty blog/vlog gives you the chance to get your name out there on a more global scale. While a large part of your audience may never turn into actual clients, it can still play a direct role in growing your clientele. The bigger your fan base and notability, the more likely that clients will hear of you and actively want to work with you. The same goes for other professionals within the industry!

That being said, creating a beauty blog/vlog can require a lot of time and effort, namely if you want to do it well. If you have any hopes of it potentially gaining traction and bringing in a large audience, it can’t be thrown together hastily. If you want to make this a part of your makeup career, be prepared to take it seriously.

Put in the hard work! If you haven’t already done this, establish your brand. If you wish to be known for a particular niche, put in the leg work to figure out what this is and how you aim to achieve it. Create and publish quality content on a regular basis, and always try to stay current. (This will help you be relatable to your audience.)

Find ways to tie it in and promote it with your business’s social media channels. Market wherever you can! Trust us: your efforts WILL show in what you put out there, and people will appreciate you for it.

For more helpful tips on starting your own beauty blog/vlog, keep reading here!

Option #4: Further Your Makeup Education

As a makeup artist, there is ALWAYS more you can learn! We’re also willing to bet that because you love your craft so much, you’re always excited to expand your skill-set and soak up as much knowledge as possible. So why not utilize your time indoors by signing up for an online makeup class?

For those of you who are brand new to the industry, this is the perfect chance for you to enroll in an online makeup class and get the ball rolling. In light of the current pandemic, online makeup school is the safest way for you to learn how to do makeup.

Your learning experience will be just as thorough as it would be in-person. You’ll be able to do it on your own time, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home! For anyone starting their makeup journey at a beginner’s level, an all-encompassing makeup course, such as QC’s Master Makeup Artistry program, would be the most beneficial to your success.

There may be others reading this that don’t need to learn how to do makeup. But just because you aren’t starting from square one, doesn’t mean there isn’t something out there that you don’t already know yet!

For example, QC Makeup Academy offers a thorough Pro Makeup Workshop for MUAs already at an advanced level. It skips the basics (since you know all those already), and helps you build on and fine tune your current skills.

It doesn’t stop there, though! Have you ever considered branching out and exploring other areas of the makeup world? Imagine how impressive your resume would be if you had a certification in Special FX makeup or airbrush makeup!

Perhaps you want to learn more about the different makeup styles and trends from around the world. In that case, a class such as QC’s Global Beauty Workshop would be exactly what you’re looking for! Or, if you were interested in those consulting services we discussed in Option #1, you can take courses on topics like skincare, fashion consulting, etc.

Hair styling, for example, can easily become a regular, hands-on part of your makeup business, once the coronavirus pandemic subsides and things return to normal!

Taking this time to further your education (and even earn more accredited certifications) is only going to help your makeup career! It will strengthen your skill-set, improve your business, look great on your resume, and impress your clients. Plus, it’ll definitely help you stand out from the competition!

Making the best of a bad situation can come down to the way we choose to look at it. If you see our current circumstances entirely in a negative way, you’ll see negative results. But if you try to see things positively, you’ll realize just how many opportunities you still currently have at your disposal!

Use your time to your advantage, and keep your eyes on the prize! You’ve got this!

Want to know how to pass your online makeup course(s) with flying colors? Keep reading for 5 awesome tips!

Mar 19
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How to Get the Most of Your Online Makeup Training While Socially Distancing

By Education, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Over the past week, the hashtag #FlattenTheCurve has gone viral. In an effort to contain the novel coronavirus COVID-19, people everywhere are being urged to stay at home and limit contact with others.

For those of you studying makeup artistry with an online school, your first thought might be: If I can’t be around other people, how can I get the most out of my education? Don’t I NEED to demonstrate my skills on models for my video assignments?

We have great news, though: just because you’re socially distancing right now, doesn’t mean you can’t still get the most out of your online makeup training and learn how to do makeup properly!

Tips for Maximizing Your Studies While Stuck at Home

1. Review Your Course Materials

For starters, once you’ve received your online makeup course materials, take the time to go through everything. See what awesome makeup products you’ve been given in your kit. Browse through each Unit and its corresponding materials to see how much information each Unit will be teaching.

We’re not saying you need to devote hours to this. After all, you’ll get way more thorough when the time comes that you’re actually working through the course. The goal with this step is for you to get an idea of how much work you can expect to be involved with each Unit, and the course as a whole.

2. Make a Schedule

Maybe recent events have left you at home with a LOT of free time on your hands. Maybe you’re still able to work remotely, have children to take care of, or are otherwise still pretty busy. Either way, you’ll have the best chance to excel at your coursework if you ensure to schedule specific times where you can give it your full attention.

If you’ve already taken the time to go over your course materials, as suggested in Tip #1, then you should already have a good idea of the amount of time you’ll need to devote to each Unit. You can then build on this by asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do you have a goal date for when you’d like to have the entire program completed?
  • With your current schedule and daily responsibilities, how much time do you realistically think you can spend on your schoolwork each week?
  • From there, are you able to reserve a certain amount of time each day for your schoolwork? If not, how many days per week could you devote to your studies?

Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions, you can create your school schedule. Determine when and how often you can realistically focus on your course. Give yourself deadlines for quizzes and assignments. Set due dates for when you’d like to have a given Unit finished and submitted.

The nice thing about online makeup school is that you can learn how to do makeup entirely at your OWN pace. You can put together a regular routine that allows you to healthily balance your course with the rest of your life and responsibilities.

Remember! You don’t have to spend tons of time on your course!  If you devote only 1-2 hours per week to your studies, you can graduate from most QC courses within 3-6 months. That’s totally doable for most lifestyles!

3. Stick to Your Schedule

One fatal flaw that so many of us are guilty of is having all the right intentions and drive to get something done… only to lose that willpower and start slacking once our game plan has been put into place.

The downside to having so much freedom with online makeup school is that it becomes all too easy to procrastinate and push everything off to the last minute. As a makeup artist, you need to be self-disciplined and organized. This is especially the case if you have dreams of running your own MUA business.

The habits you establish now, as you work on your training and education, will formulate the makeup artist you’ll eventually be in the working world. You don’t want to give yourself any disadvantages by creating bad habits from the get-go!

Let us be clear: we totally understand that life doesn’t always go as planned. Things can get crazy and unpredictable sometimes. There may be instances where you aren’t able to abide by your schedule. Maybe sometimes, you’ll do more schoolwork in a given week. Maybe other times, you’ll do less.

That’s okay! So long as you keep yourself focused and start fresh the next day, we know you’ll be just fine!

4. Practice on Yourself

Yes, it’s normally encouraged that you practice your makeup skills as much as possible on someone else. This is because, as a professional makeup artist, you need to learn how to do makeup on different skin types, tones, ages, etc.

You need to gain experience working with different gender, skin conditions, and the like. If you only ever practice on yourself, you’re only getting good at putting makeup on ONE face.

Here’s the thing: right now, it isn’t exactly safe to be coming into close contact with others. For their safety, as well as your own, you definitely don’t want to be putting your hands all over other peoples’ faces.

But that doesn’t have to be as damning to your makeup education as you may think it is! It’s important to remember that while things are a little upside down in the world right now, we’re going to make it through this.

These hard times are temporary, and the time will eventually come where you’ll be able to practice as much as you want on other people.

In the meantime, you still CAN learn how to do makeup by practising solely on yourself. On top of practicing the looks and techniques being taught in your course, don’t be afraid to get creative! Play around with your products and try out as many looks as you can think of on your face.

Hey, you’re in the comfort of your own home – use it to your advantage!

5. Find Additional Ways to Get Inspired

Don’t forget either: in addition to practicing your application skills on yourself, you’re also learning a lot of other makeup essentials from your tutor. Your textbooks and course videos will educate you in things such as makeup theory and various techniques. Not only will you be reading about them; you’ll also get to also see them in action.

This lays down the fundamental groundwork that ALL makeup artists need to know if they want to not only learn how to do makeup, but do so at a professional level.

On top of this, you can soak up all sorts of wonderful, educational information through social media and other media content! Watch YouTube tutorials, browse Pinterest and Instagram. Curl up on the couch and check out the show, “Glow Up”, on Netflix. The Internet opens up a whole other world of possibilities for you to learn and get inspired!

Something else you can do is take a notebook and a pen, and brainstorm all the things you want to accomplish in your makeup career. Here are just a few questions you can consider:

  • Do I want to start my own freelance makeup business, or work in a salon?
  • If I want to start my own business, what could I potentially name it?
  • What types of makeup artistry do I want to learn (either currently, or down the road)?
  • What sort of marketing could I do?
  • Do I want to have a unique niche? If so, what could that be?
  • Do I gravitate more towards certain areas of makeup artistry (e.g. bridal makeup, editorial makeup, SFX makeup, airbrush makeup, etc.), or do I want to focus equally on as many areas as I can?
  • Are there any other services – such as hair styling, skincare consulting, or fashion consulting – that I’d want to add to my business, in addition to makeup?

Trust us: even just ONE of these questions alone could give you hours of ideas!

More than anything, what we want you to take away from this is that just because you’re being advised to socially distance yourself and stay home for the time being, it doesn’t mean that your makeup studies have to suffer in any way! By knowing where and how to focus your energy and thirst for knowledge, you can still learn how to do makeup AND make the most out of your course!

Want to make the most of your time at home? Enroll today in QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry Course, and earn your certification as a professional MUA!

Mar 18
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Why a Business Class is Essential to Your Makeup Career [video]

By Education, From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Devyn Gregorio is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador. You can find her on her YouTube Channel, DevDevGregs, where she makes beauty videos. Today, Devyn draws on her personal experience as a QC Graduate to share why taking the optional Business Unit is something all aspiring makeup artists REALLY need to do, as part of their makeup artist certification!

Watch her video below!

Let’s Recap

Devyn is a graduate of QC’s leading Master Makeup Artistry course, taught by professional celebrity MUA, Nathan Johnson. Within the program, there’s an optional unit at the end (Unit G) devoted entirely to the business side of the industry.

While students aren’t required to complete this business unit as part of their makeup artist certification, it IS strongly recommended. Business knowledge is particularly critical if you have dreams of starting your own freelance career and makeup business in the future!

Let’s take a look at what Devyn’s experience was with QC’s business unit, and why she – as a professional makeup artist – urges you to take full advantage of it!

Breaking Down the Master Makeup Artistry Course

Devyn begins by giving an overview of how QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course works. There are 6 units within the course (A through F). Not only do these units break down the fundamental basics of makeup artistry, they also teach you makeup theory, core practices, various techniques, and the different types of careers you can get with your makeup artist certification.

There are also business components included within the course. While it’s technically optional (students can choose to skip past it), the materials and insight they provide you will only better prepare you for a career as a professional MUA. You can never go wrong with learning more areas of the industry!

Breaking Down the Business Units

Next, Devyn takes a look at each individual business unit offered in the Master Makeup Artistry Course. She also shares her expertise on why each one is useful to those wanting to become a professional makeup artist.

Business Unit #1

This unit is called “Starting Your Own Business”. Devyn describes it as a “crash course” of all the general information you need when wanting to start your own business – whether that’s in the makeup field, or ANY field!

Here, you learn all the different types of businesses you can start, such as:

  • A corporation
  • An LLC
  • Becoming a sole proprietor
  • Starting a partnership
  • And much more!

Even if you don’t want to start your own business, and are aiming to contract yourself out as a freelance MUA, Devyn explains how it’s still just as beneficial to understand the business side of things. After all, there’s more than likely going to be some sort of contract or negotiation involved when conducting business! Otherwise, for example, how can you ensure that you’ll get paid correctly or as agreed upon?

How Devyn Benefited From This Business Unit

She reflects on her experience with this unit as being very helpful in arming her with a general understanding of becoming an entrepreneur. In addition, this unit also delves into important topics such as:

  • Taxes
  • Whether or not your business needs insurance
  • If you’ll need an accountant, a bookkeeper, etc.
  • How to write and structure a business plan
  • How to write a cover letter
  • Creating a balance sheet and managing your finances
  • And more!

These are all good, basic principles of general business practice. As an aspiring MUA, having this level of understanding before going out into the working world will increase your chances of success. While this may not always be the most fun part of the job, the rewards it will bring you will definitely be something to smile about!

“This is the kind of stuff that nobody teaches to you!” Devyn says. We couldn’t agree more! While good makeup schools will ensure to provide this type of education, unfortunately, there are also many schools that don’t.

The result is that while students may walk away a better makeup artist, they lack the necessary tools and skills needed to start up their own business. Not knowing this can really hurt your career opportunities in the future!

Business Unit #2

The second business unit is called, “Marketing and Promotion”. For Devyn, this unit was particularly fun! It takes you through the 4 P’s of Marketing, which are:

  1. Product – what the product or service is that you want to sell to clients.
  2. Pricing – figuring out what to charge for your services.
  3. Place – where and how you intend to sell your services.
  4. Promotion – how you plan to get your name out there to clients.

As you’re marketing a service or product, these four areas will serve as your to-do checklist! Each step will help walk you through the process of properly and effectively marketing your product/services.

Next, Devyn examines each of the 4 P’s in more detail: what they all mean, how they directly relate to being a makeup artist, and how utilizing each one will help you successfully establish your makeup business!

Business Unit #3

Devyn then moves onto the third business section in the course, which is “Working with Clients”.  However, this unit doesn’t just focus on clients! You are also taught how to work with other partners, suppliers, and business associates within the industry!

Here, Devyn brings up a really excellent point: in order for your makeup business to be successful, you’re going to need to interact with people… and know how to do that well!

Indeed, as an MUA, you’re going to require some pretty strong people skills. Your job, after all, is an industry service profession. You need to be someone who’s easy to work with. More importantly, no client is going to want to book someone who makes them feel uncomfortable!

This is why knowing how to present yourself in a professional manner is so important. This business unit not only covers this topic, but also:

  • How to stay organized
  • How to manage your book of business

Devyn also touches on the sales training offered in this unit! For those with little to no business knowledge, this section is going to be critical. Some of the different areas of sales training you receive in this Unit involves:

  • How to overcome objections
  • How to tell the difference between a warm and cold lead
  • How to warm up a cold lead

Some of you may read the above and have NO idea what these terms mean. That’s okay! But it also goes to show the type of crucial knowledge this business unit will teach you. Having any type of sales training is going to do leaps and bounds for your MUA career – so why not take advantage of it when it’s being offered to you?

How Devyn benefitted from this Business Unit

Not only did she benefit from all the great information already mentioned above, but the various templates offered in this unit particularly helped her. In fact, she admits that she still uses many of them in her business practices to this day (particularly with bridal clients)!

Some of the templates you can expect to see are:

  • Sample invoices
  • Sample contracts
  • Sample e-mail templates
  • And so much more!

Having these templates at your disposal will not only help you learn – it also guarantees that you will look more professional to your clients and associates! The great thing about these templates that are a part of your course is that you can save them forever, and refer back to them whenever needed.

Business Unit #4

The final section is called “Special Topics”. It focuses primarily on the different things you should think about and consider when starting your own business and breaking into the makeup artistry industry. One example of this is the importance of networking!

How will you go about meeting other MUAs in the industry? What about models, photographer, hair stylists, and other vendors/suppliers? What if you want to be represented by an agency? More importantly, how do you plan to connect with clients?

With limited business knowledge, this challenge can be a daunting one. But with the proper training and understanding of the business side of the industry, it doesn’t have to be!

Devyn also points out how, when first starting out, you may need to get creative about where and how you find work, in order to build your portfolio. This final business unit also covers this, and provides really awesome tips!

Devyn’s final thoughts

Like many of you, Devyn admits that she, too, is still working on building her business each and every day. Whether that’s furthering her education, making more connections in the industry, growing her YouTube channel, or doing whatever she possibly can to improve herself as an MUA… Devyn knows the time and hard work it takes to be successful in the world of makeup artistry!

Like you, she intends to give it her all! The important thing is that you put in the effort to do everything you possibly can to be the best you can be. As a makeup artist, having a solid understanding of the business side of things is one of the greatest ways you can do that.

Unsure which online makeup school will give you the best chance at being successful in the industry? Find out why QC Makeup Academy can best help you earn your makeup artist certification and find work in the real world!

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