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Building Your Makeup Artist Kit: Anisa Beauty and aDesign Brushes

By Announcements, Featured, Guest Articles, Industry Spotlight, Makeup Reviews, Your Makeup Career One Comment

Are you ready for the best, most exciting news ever!? 😍

QC Makeup Academy has partnered with beauty industry revolutionaries, ANISA Beauty and aDesign Brushes! It’s true… and this means all sorts of incredible products waiting to be added to your makeup artist kit!

Keep reading to learn more about these wildly popular brands – and the jaw-dropping discounts YOU’RE eligible to receive on their products as a QC student or grad!

About ANISA Beauty

Makeup artist kit article, ANISA brushes, photo 1

Here’s what Rishma Walia, ANISA’s Senior Manager of Business Development and Sales, has to say about ANISA Beauty:

Their Belief

“ANISA Beauty was created on the belief that the cosmetic brush is the ultimate beauty tool to transform your makeup and skincare experience. At ANISA Beauty, we are beauty activists; redefining 21st Century standards by creating innovative and inclusive products that take care of our consumers, our communities, and our environment. We believe beauty belongs to everyone. All of us have the right to be seen and feel beautiful. What touches your face matters … We take seriously our role in leading the way to positive change in the beauty industry and beyond.”

An Ethically Sound Brand for Your Makeup Artist Kit: How ANISA Runs Its Business

“We own our manufacturing facility and have full control over our supply chain and process – from conception to your hand. We believe that how we do business can make a difference. As we proudly pave the way for more responsible beauty tool manufacturing, we continue to find ways to do so without harming the environment and by providing fair wages to the artisans who make them.

Creating better products means less waste, cleaner production, and safe and supportive working conditions. This translates to you knowing where and how your brushes were made. Every brush is PETA Certified Cruelty-Free and sustainably made by the global ANISA team.

ANISA Beauty is led by beauty pioneer, Anisa Telwar Kaicker, Founder and CEO of Anisa International. She has been designing and manufacturing brushes for the biggest brands in beauty for almost 30 years. This
specialized focus has positioned her as the thought-leader in brush design and innovation.

Anisa’s passion for brushes is surpassed only by her commitment to giving back and leaving a meaningful mark on the world. She is an active and outspoken advocate for social justice … [Moreover,] her ANISA Advocacy
program is a proud supporter of organizations on the front lines of addressing racial inequality.”

ANISA skincare brushes
ANISA skincare brush photo 2

About aDesign Brushes

Makeup artist kit article, aDesign portfolio image 1

Rishma also had the following to say about aDesign, also created by the visionaries of ANISA Beauty…

Their Belief

“Why are makeup brushes so confusing? The truth is, they don’t have to be[!] … [T]hat’s why we created aDesign[:] to put the power back in your hands. Power Duos that make applying makeup easy and foolproof.”

An Ethically Sound Brand for Your Makeup Artist Kit: How aDesign Runs Its Business

“At aDesign, we believe that what touches your face matters. Our PETA Certified, vegan makeup brushes are thoughtfully designed and responsibly manufactured in our fully-owned, end-to-end supply chain.

What does that mean to you? It means that we can stand behind our promise that aDesign brushes are made using the highest quality materials[;] hand-crafted by skilled artisans, and manufactured using only clean and socially responsible methods.

Artistically designed. Responsibly made. Cruelty-free.”

aDesign portfolio image 2
aDesign portfolio image 3
aDesign portfolio image 4
aDesign portfolio image 5

Add ANISA Beauty and aDesign Brushes to YOUR Makeup Artist Kit Today!

We simply cannot stress enough how valuable these top-quality brushes are! Used by practically EVERYONE in the beauty industry, they’re guaranteed to make the perfect addition to your QC Makeup Academy brushes – and become a fast favorite in your professional makeup artist kit!

How to Redeem This Discount for Your Makeup Artist Kit

ANISA Beauty

  1. Go to ANISA’S Pro Program and fill out their application form.
  2. Under the question, “How did you hear about us?” simply answer, “QC Makeup Academy“.
  3. Once approved, enjoy your 40% discount on ALL of ANISA’s wide range of products!

The beat part? ANISA Beauty ships internationally – so you can order their brushes from practically anywhere! 💕

*Please note that this discount is only applicable for students or graduate of QC Makeup Academy.

aDesign

All you need to do to redeem your 60% discount off all aDesign products is to use the code AD60 at the checkout when you shop on their official business website. That’s it!

*Please note that, as mentioned above, this discount is only redeemable for QC Makeup Academy students or alumni.

Makeup artist kit

Even MORE Discounts for Your Makeup Artist Kit

The savings don’t stop here, though! Amazingly, as a student or grad of QC Makeup Academy, you’re eligible for discounts from a TON of other big-name beauty brands!

Depending on the country you reside in, you can take advantage of our preferred partnerships and get discounts on products from:

  • Urban Decay
  • Smashbox Cosmetics
  • Sigma Beauty
  • Kevyn Aucoin
  • Temptu
  • Three Custom Color Specialists
  • Marc Harvey Beauty Cosmetics
  • Mehron Makeup
  • Embryolisse Laboratoires
  • Cozzette
  • Frends Beauty
  • Stage Makeup Online
  • Michele Mulkey FX Studio
  • EBA Performance Makeup
  • Williamspro Makeup & Hair
  • The Makeup Foundation
  • Screenface
  • Face Atelier
  • Kind of Magic

Furthermore, QC Makeup Academy is a MAC Pro Eligible School! Students in our Makeup ArtistryMaster Makeup Artistry, and Special FX Makeup courses are eligible to apply for the MAC Pro Student Membership. Once approved, they’ll receive a discount on MAC products, both in-store and online!

Want to learn more about all of these amazing discounts, so you can take advantage of them today and continue stocking up your makeup artist kit?

Here’s everything you need to know!

Ready to train with QC Makeup Academy? Enroll today and earn your internationally-recognized certification in as little as 2-6 months!

Free Starter Makeup Kit

A Look Inside QC’s FREE Makeup Kit!

By Announcements, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Interested in starting your professional career with a FREE makeup kit? Then you’ve come to the right place!

As we’re sure you already know, as an aspiring MUA, your makeup kit is going to be one of the most important investments you ever make. The right products, tools, and ingredients will allow you to work on every client, skin tone, and skin type imaginable.

So, how can YOU get a free makeup kit?

Until February 12th, 2021, we’re running an exciting promotional offer that will allow you to get TWO professional makeup courses for the price of ONE! As part of this limited-time offer, when you enroll in the Master Makeup Artistry Course you’ll also be given a free makeup kit (valued at over $150) to aid in your training.

Sound like a dream come true? Just wait until you see what actually comes in this awesome, 5-piece kit!

Let’s take a look…

QC's free makeup kit

Breaking Down QC’s Free Makeup Kit

88-Shade Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

Consider this the universal eye palette that every makeup artist needs! With so many colors to choose from, it’ll be a long time before you need to spend money on any other eyeshadow products. These pigmented shadows are easily buildable, allowing you to create both subtle and bold looks.

This palette also offers the perfect balance of matte and shimmer shadows – meaning that you’ll be able to create a variety of looks to complement EVERY client. Oh, and did we mention that they apply like butter? A little will go a long way!

28-Shade Powder Blush Palette

Blush is critical for adding a natural flush to your clients’ cheeks. With this palette, you’ll have access to matte and shimmery shades; allowing you to create a warm, healthy glow. Thanks to the wide variety of hues to choose from, every client’s needs will be met! Plus, you can easily blend colors together for an attractive gradient effect.

Pro Tip: Want to create a variety of day-to-day and avant-garde looks? Colors such as dusty rose and bright terracotta are the hues you’re looking for!

32-Shade Lip Palette with Glosses

What sort of free makeup kit would this be if it didn’t include an assortment of lip colors?

With this 32-shade palette, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of warm and cool colors that offer shimmer, satin, and even pearl finishes! These pigmented shades will glide effortlessly onto the client’s lips and last all day long.

The best part? You can use each individual shade on its own, or get crafty by mixing and layering colors together. Whether you want to give your client a bold red lip or a trendy ombré, this palette will deliver!

20-Shade Correct & Conceal Palette

Once you try our creamy formula or color correctors and concealers, you’ll never want to use another brand again!

Easily blendable,  use this palette to camouflage skin imperfections such as blemishes, discoloration, redness or rosacea, and under-eye circles. Fun fact: the deeper shades also double as cream contours – so feel free to use them to accentuate the natural shadows of your client’s face!

Pro Tip: Want to become a master of color correction? Check out this insightful webinar by celebrity makeup artist (and QC’s executive makeup instructor), Nathan Johnson!

16-Piece Brush Set

No makeup artist’s arsenal is complete without a reliable set of brushes… and our free makeup kit is no exception! After all, we’re giving you all of these exceptional products, so you’re going to need something to apply them with.

As part of our promotional, 5-piece makeup kit, you’ll receive a whopping 16 brushes to cover all of your bases. Here’s a quick breakdown of each brush you’ll receive:

  • Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush
  • Power Brush
  • Kabuki Brush
  • Angled Powder Brush
  • Large Blending Concealer Blush
  • Small Concealer Blush
  • Flat-Top Stippling Brush
  • Rounded Precision Brush
  • Large Fan Brush
  • Small Fan Brush
  • Lip Brush
  • Eyeshadow Brush
  • Eye Shader Brush
  • Eye Contour Brush
  • Small Angled Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush
  • Brow & Lash Grooming Brush

Want to learn more about what each brush can do? We go into way more depth here!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s not every day that you can get professionally trained from the comfort of your own home, earn a double certification for the price of just one course, and get a BUNCH of free makeup products to stock up your kit with!

Take advantage of this limited-time offer before it’s gone and begin the career of your dreams today!

Enroll with QC Makeup Academy and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Halloween Makeup Contest 2020: Trick Category

By Announcements No Comments

Thank you to everyone who participated in QC’s Halloween Makeup Contest: Trick category. Below is Michele’s critique of the five finalists. Click here to view Nathan’s critique of the Treat category finalists.

Here’s what Michele was looking for:

Effort: There will be points awarded to each entry based on the use of makeup skills and techniques. You will gain extra points if you use additional items such as hair, costumes, and/or props to make a complete horror makeup look.

Skill/Technique: Points will be awarded to each entry based on the application of the makeup itself.  The details in the makeup look are very important to the look you create! Some examples include:

  • If prosthetics are used, are there any edges showing or is the prosthetic glued to the skin completely?
  • If there is blood used, does it flow in a natural way from the wound/wounds?

Photo Quality: Points will be awarded in this category based on whether the photo could be used in a portfolio or magazine ad. If the photo is clear, well lit, with an appropriate background for the photo, higher points will be awarded. Blurry, badly lit photos with busy backgrounds will receive lower points.

Fun/Originality: This is the category where you get points awarded for using your imagination! Horror makeup can be anything and everything! Use your imagination to create a new take on a classic or something completely out-of-this-world scary. The more creative the entry is, the more points the artist will be awarded. Originality is key! Please note that copying someone else work will cause the entry to be disqualified.

Story: This category allows for the backstory of the entry. Points will be given based on explaining what the person or creature is, and not how you applied the makeup. Have fun with this category! It is your chance to tell the world about YOUR creation!

Finalists & Scoring

Artist: Liam Wycherley

Story

After applying for a vaccination trial, you arrive to find something sketchy looking about the place. Once you’ve been taken through, you’re strapped to a chair and tortured and given all sorts of ‘medication’. After it’s all over, you’re left with boils that are ready to explode.

Score

  • Effort: 3/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 20

Comments

This was excellent makeup, Liam! Very deserving of the semi-finals. Your application was extremely well executed and you had a good story to go with your creation. I would have liked to see a little more with the photo as far as the background. Being that this was a medical experiment gone wrong, a height chart in the background, or having the photo taken while the victim was still strapped in the chair would have been a great addition. The story mentions torture as well, so evidence of torture would have been great to see. The originality of the makeup was as intriguing as it was scary. Excellent job!!!

Artist: Nicole Ashleigh

Story

THE CONTAGION

It all starts with one bite. They tried to contain the spread but now it’s in your city! You were mugged on the way back from the store and one of them bit you! Now you sit alone in your apartment listening to the sound of gunshots below, waiting, praying.

Then it happens. You look down and notice your nose is bleeding, this is the start. And within a few minutes, your vision becomes blurry, your head starts pounding, scrambling into the bathroom, you look in the mirror and you can faintly see the reflection staring back at you. It’s too late for you now. Will they ever find a cure? Who knows. Will you remember anything that happens? Maybe. But all that we do know is that you are now, a zombie.

Score

  • Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

I must start by saying that when I first viewed this photo Nicole, I thought it was a prosthetic! Upon reviewing your video, I was astounded that you did this with wax. You have my utmost respect for your incredible creation! The application and coloring of this makeup were very well executed and you had the best back story to go with your makeup, period. The photo was well done, although a bit more of a background setting would have added to the total look. I would also have loved to see a new take on a Zombie as they have become a standard in Pop Culture over the last decade. Overall, you should be beyond proud of your makeup! You are a truly talented makeup artist and it was a pleasure to see your work in this contest!

Artist: Jessica Brown

QC Makeup Academy Graduate

Story

I tried to imagine myself as a zombie from the Walking Dead.

Score

  • Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 2/5
  • Total Score: 18

Comments

This was a fantastic makeup application, Jessica!  I was very impressed with not only your application but the coloring as well.  The addition of contacts added to the overall look as well.  The photo was crisp but a more intriguing background would have added to your overall look.  The lack of a story hurt you in points, and although you created fabulous makeup, I would have liked to see a new take on Zombies instead of the more established look of The Walking Dead Zombies.  This was a great makeup application and definitely earned its place in the semi-finals! Awesome job!!!

Artist: Romane Castelnau

Story

The legendary Spider-Queen, Lissandrea has built her own empire deep within the shadows of Rivenwood. With legions of ghastly Giant Spiders at her command, she has accumulated an untold fortune of treasure. For those seeking riches, Beware! For the queen has none to spare!

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 23

Comments

Fantastic makeup Romane! Your application and coloring are both phenomenal and something you should be very proud of.  Even though the background is solid black; the composition lends itself to the makeup creating a final look that could be out of a sci-fi magazine or as a character-still from a new movie or TV show.  The addition of the horns was great and a perfect addition to your total look. This unique makeup is a wonderful addition to the semi-finals. Very impressive all around Romane!

Artist: Cassie Stephans

QC Makeup Academy Graduate

Story

As the relentless sun scorches the earth and the liquid disappears from the life-giving dam, a figure emerges. Crawling out of its muddy pit in await of its next victim. Taking on anyone or anything thing that comes close!

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 24

Comments

What an incredible entry Cassie! Your creation has just blown me away! Your application was well executed and it was beyond evident that you considered every aspect of this creation. Your story was unique in design and the incredible effort you put into the fantastic setting was above and beyond. Your photos looked as if they could be screengrabs from a horror movie. You also considered the whole body as a canvas which was evident with the body makeup and details like nails and hair.

You did an incredible job with every category Cassie and that is why you are the winner of the Trick Contest! This was a job well done in every aspect. Congratulations Cassie!!!

A big congratulations to Cassie for winning the 2020 Halloween Makeup Contest: Trick category!

Cassie wins an Anastasia Beverly Hills’ “Norvina® Mini Pro Pigment Palette Vol 3”, an Urban Decay “All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray”, a set of 5 latex prosthetics, an injury wheel and an RMG bald cap wheel, and two bottles of special effects blood.

Congratulations to Jessica for winning the student prize of the Trick Category!

Jessica wins a Violet Voss “Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Crème Brûlé”, a set of 5 latex prosthetics, and two bottles of special effects blood.

We wish to thank all the makeup artists once again for their contest submissions! And to the five finalists, you should all be very proud of your work.

Looking to enroll in some of QC’s courses? Learn more about each course here!

Halloween Makeup Contest 2020: Treat Category

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Thank you to everyone who participated in QC’s Halloween Makeup Contest: Treat category. Below is Nathan’s critique of the five finalists. Click here to view Michele’s critique on the Trick category finalists.

Here’s what Nathan was looking for:

Effort:Higher points will be awarded to those who combine diverse skills with incredible imagination to create a detailed and captivating fantasy look. Makeup technique is fundamental, but the more visually stunning the final image is— through the tasteful use of hair, costume styling, props, and accessories — the more points will be awarded.

Skill/Technique: Students who demonstrate the use of polished makeup skills, detailed application, symmetry (when it is supposed to be symmetrical), and diverse use of techniques, will be awarded higher points. There are no rules in fantasy, so don’t be afraid to change, refine, and create new techniques.

Photo Quality: A good quality image is essential. The photograph should be clean, crisp, and appropriately lit. Higher points will be awarded to images that look like they could be in a glamour magazine or media feed. Points will be deducted for images that are blurry, messy, or have cluttered or thoughtless backgrounds (e.g. messy bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). This doesn’t mean that you need an expensive setup, it just means you need to clean the oils off your camera lens or to borrow a better phone or camera. Incredibly gentle retouching is acceptable, although your makeup should be doing the perfecting on its own. Blurred skin, visible or over-retouching, and filters will result in a loss of points or disqualification.

Fun/Originality: Create a makeup look that is original and from the deepest recesses of your imagination. I expect to see wonder and beauty! Have fun every step of the way! If you copy or tweak an influencer’s existing work, you will be disqualified. You are an artist — don’t copy. And, I can promise you, everyone in the industry has seen enough of the over-done and constantly copied tutorials. Originality is difficult, especially in a social media-driven world, so accept the challenge to create.

Story: A few sentences about your creation and the story behind him/her/it can do a lot to sell your image. Don’t fall into the trap of telling what you did with the makeup. Instead, tell the story of who or what this person or creature is. The stronger your story and concept, the more precise and clear your application will be, and the more points you’ll be awarded. In the past, amazing makeup artists have lost the contest because they refuse to tell a story. Don’t let that be you.

Finalists & Scoring

Artist: Enrica Falanga

QC Makeup Academy Student

Story

I was inspired by the Halloween Pumpkin Lanterns. I’ve never carved one myself but I always wanted to. I always liked pictures of lit pumpkins in total darkness showing their creepy and imperfect grin. I wanted to portrait that creepy grin on my look complete with my very own imperfect smile. The fire within the lantern is also [for me at least] that spark that is inside each and one of us, our strength that shows even in the darkest times. Makeup is part of that spark.

Plus, I never really got out of my comfort zone to try this sort of makeup and I wanted to try even though I didn’t have any particular SFX products. I had this particular red tree sap [that’s right] that I crushed to get that rough texture around the eyes and mouth as an experiment.

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 3/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

I just love this. The Jack O’Lantern makeup is very common and often overdone, but this is a totally unique variation and it’s just captivating. The black and orange create a stunning contrast that grabs the attention. The careful white accents add dimension. The use of the sap is genius. This is a wonderful tribute to both Halloween and the tradition of face painting. There is a lot of creativity and skill present here. The image is portfolio ready. I do wish there was more of a story and less of a description.

JenniferHarlow-2020-Halloween-Contest

Artist: Jennifer Harlow

QC Makeup Academy Student

Story

The Sirens bewitch everybody who approaches them. There is no homecoming for the man who draws near them unawares… For with their high clear song the Sirens bewitch him, as they sit there in a meadow piled high with the moldering skeletons of men, whose withered skin still hangs upon their bones.

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 23

Comments

Siren’s and mermaids are a favorite when it comes to Halloween submissions, but this one is a masterclass. With every aspect perfectly and thoughtfully composed, the photo is stunning. There are so many skills at play here, from flawless prosthetic application to detailed dimensional coloring (see the forehead, as an example). I am rarely a fan of crystals and pearls in makeup because they are often over and misused, but not here. They are used in a way that creates texture and that turns their typical use on its head. The story is well told and draws me right into the world (and it’s not a world I want to be in)! Top-notch!

Artist: Kristen Ward

Story

I have always loved Storm from X-men. Her abilities and confidence are so alluring and to see someone who looked like me have such a powerful position in comics and movies always made me feel like I could be a superhero. I took my favorite color and messed the two together and bam!, a storm worth watching!

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 3/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

I love this reimagining of Storm. I think it is a vivid and fresh take and I would love to see it come to life on screen. This is a masterpiece. It’s so beautiful, in fact, it looks more like “comic style” fine art than a makeup application. The interplay between colors on the face is so dimensional. I think the lightning coming out through the eye while the big storm builds on the heart and chest is a great visual metaphor. I do wish I was hearing her story, rather than the reason behind its creation.

Artist: Romane Castelnau

Story

Skyhe a hacker who has hidden within the shadows to find a global conspiracy that she once encountered. Her body sleeve enhanced to make her the perfect weapon of justice!

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 24

Comments

This is fresh and fun. In one stunning image, there is a beautiful demonstration of skill in both beauty and special effects. (Beauty makeup, bald cap application, transformative face paint, tattoo work, not to mention, “killer” fashion styling). The work of this nature requires extraordinary precision. The lines are crisp, clear, and clean. The color-use is superb. The bald cap and hair placement are HD quality. And, the smokey eye is STUNNING.

This takes me into the worlds of Mad Max, Alita, and all the other great post-apocalyptic fantasies. If she burst through my door, I would know I was either going to be saved or be obliterated…and I’d definitely hope for the former. The more you look, the more you discover—but it doesn’t make the mistake of overwhelming the viewer…that’s great art. To my eyes, this is perfection.

Artist: Sophie Kraynak

QC Makeup Academy Graduate

Story

A girl lives in a world where she feels like she is being controlled by a voodoo doll. One day she wakes up and she IS the voodoo doll.

Score

  • Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

Nothing annoys me more than basic copy artistry. The Voodoo is by far one of the MOST overdone how-to copies. BUT, this variation has given it a unique spin that made me fall in love with it all over again. They say the devil is in the details, well, the addition of the stuffing pouring out of the seams took this from “tired” to “terrific”. Honestly, many things in makeup have been done before, but it’s how we craft it to make it our own that creates magic. I love this. The skin is pristine, the illusion is epic. The smokey eye is radiant. I think the tiny detail of the stuffing on the tip of the nose is tipping over the edge into artistic ecstasy. Great work.

There was a lot of great work this year. Congratulations to all who entered. The difference between the winner and the runner up was the smallest of details…and in some cases, it was simply the lack of a story. I am so proud of you all and wildly impressed.
xoxox
QC Makeup Academy Tutor - Nathan Johnson - Digital Signature

Congratulations to Romane for winning the 2020 Halloween Makeup Contest: Treat category!

Romane wins an Anastasia Beverly Hill “Norvina® Mini Pro Pigment Palette Vol 2”, a Violet Voss “Bright Vibes Neon Pressed Pressed Pigments Palette”, a Fenty Beauty “Two Little Mattemoiselles”, and a QC Makeup Academy “Pro Stainless Steel Palette and Spatula”.

Congratulations to Jennifer for winning the student prize of the Treat Category!

Jennifer wins a Fenty Beauty “Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette”, and a pair of Museum of Icecream x Sephora Collection “Rainbow Sherbet Lash”.

We wish to thank all the makeup artists once again for their contest submissions! And to the five finalists, you should all be very proud of your work.

Looking to enroll in some of QC’s courses? Learn more about each course here!

Halloween Makeup Contest 2019: WINNERS REVEALED!

By Announcements No Comments

It’s time to announce the winners of our 2019 Halloween Makeup Contest!

Thank you to all of our participants, semi-finalists, finalists, and our judges, Nathan Johnson and Azzi Williams! Nathan and Azzi has written personalized comments for each of the finalists, and used their scoring system to determine the winner of each category.

Click the links below to navigate to each category and view the winners:

The lucky winner of our student prize draw is QC Makeup Academy student Brittany Bauhaus! Brittany wins a Huda Beauty “Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette” in the color Amethyst, and two pairs of Stilazzi’s fantasy lashes.

Thank you again to everyone that participated!

Halloween Makeup Contest 2019: Treat Category

By Announcements No Comments

Thank you to everyone who participated in QC’s Halloween Makeup Contest: Treat category. Below is Azzi’s critique of the five finalists. Click here to view Nathan’s critique on the Trick category finalists.

Here’s what Azzi was looking for:

Originality & Effort: A unique, creative makeup that is detailed and works seamlessly with the hair, costume styling, and accessories to create an overall striking and dramatic look. We will disqualify plagiarism.

Skill/Technique: Clean and sophisticated makeup techniques, attention to detail, and high-pigmented products that capture your sci-fi or fantasy character.

Photo Quality:Nice clean, crisp image that is of great quality–something you would see in a makeup artist’s portfolio. Nothing is blurred, out of focus, or has poorly thought-out backgrounds (certainly no bedroom clutter in the background). And less is more with skin retouching and Photoshop–yes, I will be able to tell!

Story: Tell the story behind your creativity, your way. What is your design concept and why? Where did you source inspiration? You don’t need to write an essay, but a few paragraphs will help give some context to your look.

Finalists & Scoring

QC Makeup Academy Halloween Makeup Contest - Treat Category Finalist - Veronika Kelle

Artist: Veronika Kelle

Story

Miraculous Flower

My story is about an alien who lives on a planet in a galaxy far, far away. On this unique planet, miraculous plants and humanoid aliens live in symbiosis. The plant’s flower has magic healing power. If the alien has soul or body pain, the flower can heal and treat it, transforming the alien’s tears to crystals.

Score

  • Originality/ Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 20

Comments

Veronika tells an absolutely powerful, compelling, and unique story that forms the conceptual framework to this truly exceptional look.

The added special FX elements along the scalp give this look an extra-terrestrial edge, while the story comes to life with the floral detail around the eye. What brings this whole look together is the way the crystals come to life in the hand!

Great attention to detail. This is a look that requires immense effort to bring the entire body to life and give it a truly alienesque fantasy look. The colors and textures all work in harmony to spark curiosity and intrigue.

Artist: Romane Castlenau

Story

Ocean marbles is a fantasy look inspired by fishes and sea creatures. I wanted to convey something beautiful and a bit weird at the same time.

Score

  • Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 19

Comments

The pigment, colors, and blending of this gorgeous sea creature fantasy look is so mesmerizing. The intensity of the blue, contrasted against the luminous, smooth white skin really makes the character come to life. Meanwhile, the contour, the brow blocking, and the beautifully textured elements across the scalp gives the work a truly ultramarine-creature-feel.

Photographically, the entire image captures an underwater mood with exceptional detail and creativity. From the styling, through the darkness of the background contrasted against the white face in the center, the look truly does “emerge from the shadows of the ocean” and into the light!

Artist: Sarah Harris

Story

Inspiration: The Glamourous creature I found while storming Area 51! An alien, human hybrid. Ready for an epic Halloween!

Score

  • Originality/Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 19

Comments

The attention to detail, artistic mastery, and refined brushstrokes show tremendous skill and talent. The colors, textures, and blending work effortlessly to create a truly ethereal, fantasy, other-worldly look. I absolutely love the additional elements of the contact lenses and jewel work.

The way all the textures are worked right into the hair and all the beautiful jewel work, contrasted with the skull-like detail across the jawline is a wonderfully compelling juxtaposition. There’s a little touch of candy color, a bit of Halloween darkness, and a bit of “burning man”, all rolled into one.

A truly exceptional creation that really captures the spirit of the fantasy “treat” Halloween spirit–sweet, curious, mysterious, and out of this world!

Artist: Nancy Mayer

Story

Alien and human smashed into one.

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Story: 3/5
  • Total Score: 17

Comments

A highly pigmented, intense and powerful interpretation of the classical alien fantasy look. The backdrop helps the body come to life because of the great contrast. This work also shows wonderful brushwork.

A few minor tweaks can be done to enhance the look. The green could be blended a little more evenly across the body, or blended with complementary colors for a creative twist.

What’s gorgeous about this look is the “tribal” element of the stenciling and detail, which is simple, beautiful and organic in its finish. This element could be worked into the story or concept of the entry in more detail.

Overall, additional special FX elements along the frame of the face add a great Halloween touch. And the entire mood is dark yet mesmerizing.

Artist: Popovici Alexandra

Story

I wanted to create the perfect love story background. I added romantic elements (sunset, birds, waterfall, flowers), and you can see the shadows of the two lovers who meet each other for the first time.

Score

  • Originality/Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 18

Comments

A beautiful artistic creation that captures a very sweet and romantic love story. The blending and attention to detail are beautiful, and the techniques to create a true piece of art shows tremendous talent.

The colors and pigment are intense, but could be given more pop with some added neon tones, such as in the sunset and across the eyes.

The entry is a powerful fantasy look, but a few little elements could take it to another dimension to give it a Halloween twist. For instance, some special FX techniques could have been used to add texture and multi-dimensionality to the sunset, birds, or lovers. Some highlight, contrast, and glittery elements or appliques could also enhance the multi-dimensionality of this incredible body of work.

Congratulations to Veronika for winning the 2019 Halloween Makeup Contest: Treat category!

Veronika wins an Anastasia Beverly Hill “Pro Lip Palette”, a LORAC “Neon Lights, Pro Pressed Pigments Palette”, an RCMA Makeup “No Color Powder”, and a pair of Museum of Ice Cream x Sephora Collection’s “Rainbow Sherbet Lash”.

Thank you once again to all the makeup artists who submitted entries for this contest! And to all the finalists, you should be very proud of your work.

Looking to enroll in some of QC’s courses? Learn more about each course here!

Halloween Makeup Contest 2019: Trick Category

By Announcements 2 Comments

Thank you to everyone who participated in QC’s Halloween Makeup Contest: Trick category. Below is Nathan’s critique of the five finalists. Click here to view Azzi’s critique on the Treat category finalists.

Here’s what Nathan was looking for:

Effort: Higher points will be awarded to those who combine diverse skills with incredible imagination to create a detailed and captivating horror look. Makeup technique is fundamental, but the more visually stunning the final image is—through the tasteful use of hair, costume styling, props, and accessories—the more points will be awarded.

Skill/Technique: Students who demonstrate the use of polished makeup skills, detailed application, symmetry (when it is supposed to be symmetrical), and a diverse use of techniques will be awarded higher points. There are no rules in horror, so don’t be afraid to change, refine, and create new techniques.

Photo Quality: A good quality image is essential. The photograph should be clean, crisp, and appropriately lit. Higher points will be awarded to images that look like they could be in a horror magazine or media feed. Points will be deducted for images that are blurry, messy, or have cluttered or thoughtless backgrounds (e.g. messy bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). This doesn’t mean that you need an expensive setup, it just means you need to clean the oils off your camera lens or to borrow a better phone or camera. Incredibly gentle retouching is acceptable, although your makeup should be doing the perfecting on its own. Blurred skin, visible or over-retouching, and filters will result in a loss of points or disqualification.

Fun/Originality: Create a makeup look that is original and from the deepest recesses of your imagination. I expect to see wonder, terror, beauty, and horror! Have fun every step of the way! If you copy or tweak an influencer’s existing work, you will be disqualified. You are an artist—don’t copy. And I can promise you, everyone in the industry has seen enough of the well-shadowed skeleton teeth, the typical sugar skull, the ventriloquist’s dummy, and all the other over-done and constantly copied tutorials. Originality is difficult, especially in a social media driven world, so accept the challenge to create.

Story: A few sentences about your creation and the story behind him/her/it can do a lot to sell your image. Don’t fall into the trap of telling what you did with the makeup. Instead, tell the story of who or what this person or creature is. The stronger your story and concept, the more precise and clear your application will be, and the more points you’ll be awarded. In the past, amazing makeup artists have lost the contest because they refused to tell a story. Don’t let that be you.

Finalists & Scoring

Congratulations to our finalists and everyone who took the time to enter. Remember, winning is nice, but putting the effort into your craft and learning from the process is far better. There were so many incredible submissions this year, it was hard to even settle on the top five. The final determinations came down to the expertise in the work and the uniqueness of the look. Unfortunately, some really spectacular images were disqualified because they were slight variations on famous social media how-to videos. My advice to everyone reading this: if you want to be an artist, stop copying. You are unique and creative. What is inside you is more than enough. There is no better moment than now to let yourself shine.

That being said, let’s celebrate Cassie, Romane, Charley, Kaysey, and Tamara.

Artist: Cassie Stephan

Story

Teeth that will shred anything that comes close. Eyes to make you hypnotized, and my presence will make you fall to your knees. I shadow these lonely fields and capture my prey when unexpected. Farmers that work late into the night have told stories about the scarecrow that lives in these fields and takes you by surprise. Once you go to work, there’s no coming home…

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 3/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 5/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

Cassie’s work really captures the spirit of Halloween. The art direction and composition of this photo are superb. Small details like the maggots on the forehead, the textured skin, and the contact lenses put it over the top in the best of ways. If I were to offer one bit of advice, I would recommend making the teeth smaller. Huge pieces of plastic, look like huge pieces of plastic. Perhaps if you decided to create row after row of smaller teeth, the realism of the look would have carried through to the mouth. This is really a beautiful submission. Congratulations.

QC Makeup Academy Halloween Makeup Contest - Trick Category Finalists - Charley Whittingham

Score

  • Effort: 4/5
  • Skill/Technique: 2/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 5/5
  • Total Score: 20

Artist: Charley Whittingham

Story

“Plastic Kills”

A report backed by Sir David Attenborough states that our plastic waste is killing people every 30 Seconds. Britain alone exports 650,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year to places such as Malaysia and Indonesia. And, reportedly, throws away two double-decker bus-loads of plastic every 30 seconds.

Plastic is killing our wildlife, destroying their habitat, and OUR environment. Yet, there’s still not enough being done to stop this travesty. If it affected our mother, father, brother, sister, friend, and neighbor, would we act faster to resolve this?

The reason I chose to create this look is because I am very passionate about how plastic pollution is affecting our incredible world. I referred to real life images of animals in danger due to our plastic waste to create this look.

All plastic used in this image, was collected from our beaches. No animals or humans were harmed in the making.

#SaveOurWorld #Plastickills

Comments

This makeup carries a very timely message. In terms of morals, sadly, this is more reality than fiction. Everything about the image, from the plastic waste, to the manner in which the model has been carelessly left amongst the rubbish and rubble (as if her life was of no significance), adds to the impact.

The subtle makeup on the face conveys death perfectly. I only wish the wounds had more thoughtful precision. The throat, for example, seems to suggest both strangulation and a slit, but neither really comes through. The wound on the stomach is so stuffed with plastic, that you cannot tell if there is anything there other than some blood and plastic. If these wounds had some dimension and clarity, the image would have struck the gut more powerfully.

Artist: Kaysey Fairbrother-Marsden

Story

Flesh Eater: This beauty lures in males with her stunning features, but quickly turns on them and eats their flesh. Inspired by the film Jennifer’s Body.

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 4/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 22

Comments

This is a fine example of body painting art. Paint and powder effects rely on highlight, contour, and illusion to have any impact. Kaysey did this masterfully.

With the addition of a facial prosthetic, she was able to transform the features beyond the capabilities of paint and powder alone. The work is riddled with detail. The transformation created with the hair is masterful. Small details are incredibly powerful.

For years and years, we have seen the half-face makeup looks. Although there is nothing wrong with it, I would have preferred to see a more novel approach. Perhaps the flesh-eater half could have been consuming the opposite half as if the transformation burned across the face. Perhaps there could have been something more than a bloody line dividing the two applications. I don’t want to take away from the splendor of this, I simply wish it had a more unique twist.

Artist: Tamara Dixon

Story

Grandma jack-o-lantern

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 4/5
  • Photo Quality: 3/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 1/5
  • Total Score: 17

Comments

I am obsessed with this submission. I have seen variations of the jack o’ lantern person before, but this is unique on so many levels.

First, the use of Grandma is epic. The work with the scar wax/third degree is very good. It is smooth and nearly disappears into the skin. A touch more smoothing on the edges would have hit perfection.

Tamara’s work has a visceral effect. Matching the innocence of loving Grandma with such a gory effect, she has created a compelling image. Sadly, it lacks a story. Had you put a touch of effort into crafting the smallest story and put some thought into composing an image to enhance the story, you would have received 24 points—and won.

Artist: Romane Castelnau

Story

This Devil will make you regret your sins.

Score

  • Effort: 5/5
  • Skill/Technique: 5/5
  • Photo Quality: 5/5
  • Fun/Originality: 4/5
  • Story: 4/5
  • Total Score: 23

Comments

Romane demonstrates a tremendous amount of technical artistry in this submission. Not only are we seeing a beautiful application of color, but we are also seeing prosthetics, a bald cap, and handcrafted elements to reshape features. At first glance, one may view this as a face mask that was glued on from top to bottom. But that is part of the magic of the work because it is so much more.

Most impressively, it has been applied with precision, symmetry, and balance. The story is short, more of a statement, but it represents the image and leaves an impact. The photograph is high quality. I simply wish there was a little less shadow in the eye sockets.

It takes mastery to blend the flashing of a prosthetic into the skin, and Romane achieved it here. A touch less mood in the lighting would deliver the punch while allowing the viewer to really see just how much skill and technique went into this masterpiece.

Congratulations Romane!
In the comments below, I’d love to hear from contestants (finalists or not), what you learned in this process, from creating the work, being chosen or not, guidance from the finalists feedback, and how you might learn from that to ensure you make it to the top five next time. 
QC Makeup Academy Tutor - Nathan Johnson - Digital Signature

Congratulations to Romane for winning the 2019 Halloween Makeup Contest: Trick category!

Romane wins a Ben Nye “Primary Creme Palette”, a Skin Illustrator “Hurt Box Wound Palette”, a bottle of Skindinavia “Makeup Finishing Spray”, a set of 5 latex prosthetics, an injury wheel and an RMG bald cap wheel, and two bottles of special effects blood.

We wish to thank all the makeup artists once again for their contest submissions! And to the five finalists, you should all be very proud of your work.

Looking to enroll in some of QC’s courses? Learn more about each course here!