Education Archives - Page 2 of 11

Feb 12

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Amanda Ramey has makeup done by partner feature image

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador, Amanda Ramey: My Partner Attempts to Do My Makeup for Valentine’s Day! [Video]

By Sarah-Lynn Seguin Education, Makeup Trends, Makeup Tutorial, QC Student Ambassador No Comments

QC Makeup Academy’s very own Student Ambassador, Amanda Ramey, is here today to show the world just how challenging makeup artistry truly is!

Join Amanda as her partner, Adam, attempts to do a Valentine’s Day-inspired makeup look on her. The thing is, Adam has NO prior makeup training! Without a proper understanding of fundamental theories, principles, and techniques, will Adam rise to the challenge… or realize that being a makeup artist is a LOT harder than it looks?

Find out for yourself by watching the video below!

Want to connect with Amanda directly? Join QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

Why YOU Should Enroll with QC Makeup Academy Today

During a global pandemic, is now really the right time to pursue a new career and gain professional makeup training?

ABSOLUTELY!

Take this opportunity to maximize your time by earning an internationally-recognized makeup certification in as little as 3-6 months. This way, when the world does return to normal, you’ll be ready to take the industry by storm!

Here are just a few quick reasons why you should enroll with QC Makeup Academy today:

QC has been a pioneer of online learning since 1984 and has an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau!
There are plenty of students and alumni who’ve raved about their experience with QC Makeup Academy. Read over 270 reviews here!
Train on your own schedule (meaning NO deadlines) and in your own environment with QC’s self-paced, distanced learning!
Get a full 2 years to complete your QC Makeup Academy course!
Get tutored by a real industry expert and receive thorough audio feedback after every unit!
Receive awesome course materials to aid in your training – such as a makeup kit, textbooks, and instructional videos – and refer back to them throughout your career!
QC Makeup Academy’s competitive payment plans and tuition are affordable for ANY budget! Plus, take advantage of our monthly promotional offers for even more wicked discounts!
Practical assignments will provide you with real-world, hands-on experience!
And so much more!

So, what are you waiting for? Start the career you’ve always wanted today!

Feb 09

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I Thought I Couldn’t Learn How to Do Makeup Online…I Was Wrong!

By Luzaan de Bruyn About the School, Education, QC Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Luzaan de Bruyn is a graduate and Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. She is also the proud founder of Beauty by Luzaan and specializes in traditional, SFX, and airbrush makeup. Today, Luzaan reveals why she originally believed she could never learn how to do makeup online – and how QC Makeup Academy completely changed her mind!

There I was, sitting on Facebook like I did every day. On this fateful day, however, I happened to scroll across an advertisement from QC Makeup Academy. Their ad said that they could help me become a trained, certified makeup artist – all from the comfort of my own home.

I’m not even going to lie: I initially thought that QC was totally full of it.

“How is it even possible to learn how to do makeup online?” I thought to myself. “Not a chance. That’s completely silly. The only way to properly learn makeup would be in a real classroom.”

Maybe it was morbid curiosity. Maybe the notion of a school so confident in its ability to turn you into a professional MUA via distanced learning had me amused. Either way, I wound up saving the advertisement and sharing it with my husband later that night.

Here’s the thing: I knew absolutely nothing about makeup. I mean, I was still piling on foundation with my hands. If I was going to get on an expert’s level, the training I needed would have to be legit. After all, I’d be started from ground zero. The idea that an online school would be able to teach me everything I need to know?

It just seemed fishy to me.

But I kept returning to that ad over the next few days. I just couldn’t seem to forget about it and move on. So, I decided to do some research. I started looking into QC Makeup Academy and their online makeup courses. The more research I did, the more convinced I became that maybe – just maybe – it actually was possible to learn how to do makeup online.

Eventually, I found myself taking a few deep breaths and suddenly pressing the enroll button. The ironic part is that I wasn’t even all that interested in makeup artistry when I did this. Weird, right? But something inside me told me to try it anyways.

Was it boredom? Was it fate? I’ll let you decide!

Why I Was Skeptical About Learning How to Do Makeup Online

Like I said, before I enrolled in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, I had absolutely no background in makeup. I used foundation that 2 shades darker than my skin tone, I didn’t even know blending was a thing, and I had one shade of eyeshadow that I pretty much worked into every look. Needless to say, I was a complete newbie and a total disaster.

A lot of my skepticism actually stemmed from my experiences with social media makeup. I follow a LOT of Instagram influencers. Many of them have posted tutorials and hacks in the past. Of course, I would try them. But each time I did, I’d look horrible. And I’m not even exaggerating – I absolutely do mean HORRIBLE.

Thus planted the seed in my head; the one that told me, “It’s impossible to truly learn how to do makeup online!” The issue – I assumed – was that without being able to learn in a real classroom, with a real tutor, it couldn’t be done. After all, if a famous makeup influencer’s tutorials couldn’t teach me correctly, how could an online makeup school?

My Journey into Makeup Artistry

Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking: If you were so skeptical about online learning, why did you enroll with QC Makeup Academy in the first place? Why take such a risk?

Here’s the honest truth: I enrolled because despite my skepticism, the idea of learning makeup online – if it was indeed possible – was attractive to me. I’m a mom of four and a private wildlife rehabilitator. I knew I’d never have a free hour to go to a brick-and-mortar class.

Initially, my goal in becoming an MUA was simply to be able to earn an extra income that I could put towards the rescue, since I run and fund it entirely on my own. (Also, if I’m being honest, being able to make some side money to fund my shopping addiction was also a definite incentive.)

In the beginning, that was enough to push me to take that leap of faith and try out online makeup school. However, I never would have guessed that this decision would lead me to my true passion: beauty.

How QC Proved Me Wrong

Within 1-2 days after enrolling, I received my login details for QC Makeup Academy’s Online Student Center. I’ll be honest: I didn’t even wait for my physical makeup kit or books to arrive by mail. I didn’t have to – all of my books were available directly to me online! So, I figured I’d jump right in.

Right away, I was surprised to see all of the tutor videos, all of the booklets and handouts, and all of the hands-on assignments! My tutor was celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Johnson. I watched all his videos within that first week of enrolling.

He was so informative, interesting, and fun! He truly is the sunshine after the rain. It was impossible not to feel inspired by him; like I actually could learn how to do makeup this way so long as I was willing to work hard, put in the time, and give it my full effort.

My course delved into the fundamentals of makeup artistry. Whenever it came time to learn an application, the videos would break it down for me step-by-step. There was so much detail and explanation! QC’s courses are so layered and gripping that it didn’t take long before I found myself developing a fiery passion for makeup!

I woke up thinking about makeup and went to bed thinking about makeup. I was excited to practice each and every single day.

After I submitted my first assignment, I got AMAZING creative criticism and advice from Nathan. He pushed me to go where I never thought I’d find myself! In fact, his guidance – combined with how much I was enjoying the course itself – was so fantastic that it wasn’t long before I wanted more.

I was still working through my Master Makeup Artistry Course, but I knew I’d want to continue my training once that was completed. So, I also enrolled in the Airbrush Makeup Workshop and the Special FX Makeup Course. QC Makeup Academy truly proved that you can easily learn how to do makeup from an online course – if you put in the hands-on work they expect from you and are willing to challenge yourself.

Honestly, after experiencing life as a QC Makeup Academy student, I can confidently say that I’ll never study through a brick-and-mortar school. QC Makeup Academy’s flexible, online learning environment provides for all my needs.

So, Can You Actually Learn How to Do Makeup Online?

Yes, yes, 1000% yes!

Through QC, I’ve gotten the expand my knowledge both through theory-based learning and real-world makeup experience. I’ve had the privilege of a one-on-0ne environment where it’s just my tutor and me. (Something I could’ve never found in a physical classroom!) To me, this kind of environment allowed me to establish a personal connection with my mentor. I always knew that Nathan focused entirely on my work, my results, and my journey.

At the same time, just because it’s an online school doesn’t mean that you’re isolated or forced to go through your journey alone. On the contrary, I could communicate and connect with other QC students and graduates in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook. I’ve lost count of how many friends I’ve made. We’re all like family to one another; providing support, constructive feedback, love, and motivation.

Now that I’ve done my professional makeup training online, I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. It’s almost like the industry’s best-kept secret – but it deserves to be out in the open now, for all to know!

Your quality of learning will be just as good – if not better – than it would be in a brick-and-mortar school, but for a fraction of the cost. You’ll get to earn your certification on your own time, at your own pace, and in your very own home. This means that you’ll be able to push towards the career of your dreams, even during a global pandemic. Like me!

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A post shared by Luzaan (@beauty_by_luzaan)

I guess my question to you is: will YOU follow your dreams, like I did? Will YOU find your passion in makeup, like I did?

If the answer is yes… then what are you waiting for? 😜

Feel free to come join our Virtual Classroom and connect with me directly. I’d be happy to chat more about my experience and answer any questions you might have. I love to meet and help future students!

Thank you for reading my blog. I’ll be waiting for you to come say hello! Lot of love to you. xx

Learn how to do makeup professionally and get certified in just 3-6 months by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

Jan 29

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special effects makeup article feature image

Special Effects Makeup for Film

By Sarah-Lynn Seguin Education, Special Effects Makeup No Comments

Special effects makeup for film is a behemoth in and of itself. It takes the right training, practice, and dedication to truly master it. After all, it’s a whole different ballgame than SFX makeup for, let’s say, the stage. Special effects makeup for film not only needs to be subtler; it must also be realistic and consistent.

If your dream is to do makeup for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and horror movies, we won’t mince words: you have a lot of work ahead of you. Luckily, QC Makeup Academy’s online Special FX Makeup Course will teach you everything you need to know! With the help of your expert tutor, you’ll hone every last skill needed to not only work as an SFX artist in the film industry – but truly thrive!

4 Critical Lessons You’ll Learn in QC’s Special Effects Makeup Course

Believability

Film is far less forgiving than theater. In theater, there’s a considerable distance between the actor and the audience. In order to bridge that gap, the actor’s makeup will often be exaggerated. This way, even the people in the back row can see it. A perk to this is that the actor’s makeup can also afford to have a couple little mistakes or inconsistencies here and there. Chances are, the audience will be too far away to notice.

On camera, though, people absolutely will notice. Typically, special effects makeup for film needs to be realistic. The goal is for the audience to suspend disbelief – if even for a single second – and truly believe for a moment in time that the actor really is this character you’ve created. If it’s obvious that the wound, blood, or character design is fake, the audience will be pulled out of the experience.

Continuity

Continuity is another major detail when it comes to special effects makeup for film. A single scene will often be shot dozens of times, from multiple different angles. A 10-minute scene might take hours to get shoot. Often, you’ll be on set for long periods of time, and you’ll need to be ready at any moment to be called in for touch-ups. Sometimes, once the movie has wrapped, actors will even need to come back to re-shoot particular scenes.

One way or another, your job will be to make sure that actor’s makeup looks EXACTLY the same from one take to the next. Take photos of the actor’s makeup for every scene, as well as after any alteration is made to the look. When waiting on set, continue to keep an eye on the action. If you need to jump in, touch up, or fix something, you’ll want to make sure it aligns exactly with how the makeup looked in the scene (prior to the director calling cut).

Movie watchers are sticklers for continuity errors, so do everything you can to prevent them from finding any.

Attention to Detail

High-definition cameras will pick up quite literally every last pore on the actor’s face. If your makeup application has flaws, this means the cameras will pick up on that, too. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to paying attention to detail is the progression of the film’s plot.

For instance, say the actor’s character is in an altercation and gets hit in the face. This fight results in a bruise around their eye. As the story continues, the audience is meant to believe that time is passing the same way it naturally would in real life. This means that the character’s bruise can’t simply disappear, as if it never happened. It also can’t stay exactly the same either.

Instead, you’ll need to age the bruise accordingly so that it looks like it’s realistically healing and fading away.

The Production Process

You can’t just read a script, come up with a special effects makeup look, and then apply it to the actor on the day of shooting. There’s a LOT more that first needs to go into this process!

For starters, with the script breakdown and makeup charts to guide you, you’ll develop looks that accurately coincide with the story itself. Then you’ll need to test of your designs on the actors and extras who have been assigned to you. Keep in mind that your makeup looks will need to work not only from the actor’s perspective, but in terms of wearability and longevity as well.

After that, your makeup looks will need to undergo a camera test. This will help ensure that the makeup transfers properly on camera and looks the way it’s supposed to. Once production advances, you’ll then be able to refer back to the script, makeup charts, and test photos for each actor and each scene.

Other Reasons Why You Should Take QC’s Special Effects Makeup Course

Perhaps the course itself sounds perfect, but the idea of attending in-person doesn’t. With the pandemic, in-person school isn’t exactly the safest, most convenient, or most affordable option right now. Well, we got even better news for you: you won’t have to worry about any of this with QC Makeup Academy!

Not only is our Special Effects Makeup Course done entirely online; it’s also completed at your own pace! There’ll be no need to worry about traveling to get to school or potentially exposing yourself to COVID-19. You also won’t need to move your schedule around to meet deadlines.

With a full 2 years to complete your course, you can learn everything you need to know right at home – and take as little or as much time as you need!

In case all of this wasn’t awesome enough, here are a few more perks to enrolling with QC:

Your tutor will be a special effects makeup expert with decades of experience in the industry.
After each unit, you’ll receive extensive, personalized audio feedback from your tutor.
Assignments include plenty of hands-on training, in order to give you real-life experience with both models and SFX products.
You’ll have an entire community of fellow QC students and grads to connect with in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook.
QC’s affordable tuition rates are substantially cheaper than you’d find at a brick-and-mortar school – and you’re even offered a low monthly payment plan if you don’t want to pay everything upfront.
With an A+ ranking from the Better Business Bureau and over 35 years pioneering the online learning experience, QC Makeup Academy is known for being the best of the best.

Ready to start your career as a special effects makeup artist? Enroll in QC’s Special FX Makeup Course today!

Jan 07

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Makeup Artistry for Mature Skin 101

By Cheri Stevens Education, Student Ambassador No Comments

Cheri Stevens is a Student Ambassador of QC Makeup Academy. She is currently enrolled in the Master Makeup Artistry Course.

Hello to you all and happy 2021! Let’s kick off the New Year by discussing a topic that you don’t hear (or see) a lot about in social media: makeup for mature skin.

Makeup artistry is a fantastic tool for those who want to improve their skills or begin a professional career as a beauty expert. But I’ve noticed that very little is out there – especially in mainstream media – for those of us who have mature skin.

Since I fall into this category, I figured, who best to delve into this topic but me?

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What is “Mature Skin”?

Contrary to popular belief, mature skin isn’t a skin type. It also isn’t synonymous with older age, although it typically tends to be linked with those people over the age of 35. That being said, younger people can also shown characteristics of mature skin, too.

Quite simply, mature skin is skin that’s ‘older’. In addition to age, skin can grow older for a number of reasons, such as:

Genetic conditions, such as acne or rosacea;
Living outdoors / regular exposure to sunlight;
Wearing little to no sunscreen on a regular basis;
Lifestyle habits, such as smoking;
Repeated facial expressions;
And much more!

Signs of mature skin can include fine lines/wrinkles, loss of tone, and decreased elasticity. Mature skin is often drier, too, since the skin becomes less capable of producing as many natural oils and renewed skin cells.

My Interest in Makeup Artistry for Makeup Skin

Over the years, I have become more and more interested in topics relating to mature skin – particularly because I’ve notice that there is little representation for it in the media. Of course, this isn’t true for all beauty companies. But it certainly is the case that the majority of them don’t typically show images of real mature women (or men) wearing beautiful makeup looks.

It’s shocking to me to think that us mature individuals are not shown as being beautiful. In many cases, products are not even suggested for us. Unfortunately, people with mature skin don’t seem to fall within the target audience of most beauty brands.

This is why I want to be a catalyst for this particular genre and speak to the many merits of makeup artistry for OUR skin!

The Importance of Makeup Artistry Training

It is EXTREMELY important for older women (and men) to know how to properly apply makeup on themselves, so as not to look overdone or washed out. There is such a thing as too much for mature skin. At the same time, though, not using enough product or color can easily lead to the skin, lips, and eyes look pale and drab.

It’s all about maintaining that fine balance – and only by getting properly trained in makeup artistry can one know where that balance is.

In my opinion, every makeup artist should be professionally trained. This is the only real way to learn how to apply makeup to mature skin, and not just makeup for the young and wrinkle-free. On top of that, by adding this knowledge to your skill-set, you can also open the door to even more potential career paths.

For example, a foundation in makeup artistry for mature skin can be beneficial for TV and movie makeup, as well as editorial work that features older models. You never know who your next client may be! A mature bride, for example, will need an MUA who knows how to work with her skin – not the skin of someone 20 years her junior.

These skills are challenging to master. They need to be honed properly in order to be a truly knowledgeable makeup artist.

The Complexities of Makeup for Mature Skin

There are different rules when it comes to applying makeup to mature skin. Working with mature skin is NOT the same as working with younger skin. For instance, a knowledgeable makeup artist would not use a lot of powder on mature skin, since it has a tendency to be on the drier side.

Another rule of thumb is to use a lighter hand with color as well. Those Instagram eyebrows you’ve seen on social media? They don’t work here. Mature skin can have fading brows, but a light touch is key!

Yes, there are challenges to mature skin. But consulting with your client first, as well as recognizing your own strengths and areas of improvement, can get you on the right path.

Some questions to ask yourself when working with a client who has mature skin include:

What is their skin tone?
Are their eyes hooded?
How dry is their skin?
Do they have any fine lines / wrinkles? If so, where are they on the face?
What is the purpose of this look? Is it for a special event, such as a wedding or birthday party? Is it for an editorial ad campaign? Is it for film or television?

For example, if your client has a lighter skin tone, you might want to add a bit more color to their skin with blushes. In the event that they have hooded eyes, you might need a different approach to their eyeshadow application. If the mature skin is dry, using moisturizing foundations containing SPF protection would be the smartest choice.

Knowing the answers to all of these questions first will help you make your client’s mature skin look radiant – while not appearing overdone!

My Makeup Artistry Goals

My personal goal as a makeup artist is to try to get the message out there for beauty companies and advertisers alike and push them to promote more beautiful women and men who have mature skin. Fashion magazines and retailers need to realize that they are missing out on a huge market of potential buyers by neglecting representation for this demographic.

After all, mature individuals like to look beautiful as well! While young people absolutely deserve to look their best, mature individuals have to go the extra mile just to be seen – let alone have their needs met. This deserves to be addressed. I do my makeup every day, no matter what. But the techniques used are not the same ones that I used in my 20s (or even and 30s). It would never fit or look natural.

Learning Makeup Artistry with QC Makeup Academy

QC Makeup Academy actually addresses this issue in their courses. As someone who is currently taking their Master Makeup Artistry Course, I can say first-hand that QC’s training is VERY informative. This school has made my education in makeup artistry for mature skin so fantastic!

I have advanced with new skills and gained so much knowledge and information. My professional training has completely transformed not only the way I do my own makeup – but the makeup I do on other mature individuals as well! You don’t need a full face of heavy makeup to look your best. QC Makeup Academy teaches you everything you need to know in order to be true makeup expert!

I would strongly advise you to look into QC Makeup Academy – and especially their Master Makeup Artistry Course – if you want to get the expert knowledge that I have received and learn the steps to achieving amazing results with mature skin. The content is rich with information and offered right at your fingertips!

In this age of the global pandemic, why go to a brick-and-mortar school when the option’s there to work right from the comfort of your own home? QC’s flexible schooling allows you to learn at you own pace and keep safe at the same time! This is a school that is worth the investment!

My Top 5 Tips for Applying Makeup to Mature Skin

1 – Use creamier formulations whenever you can!

Common examples would be creamier foundations and blushes. Powders can settle in fine lines and wrinkles, which will make your client’s skin appear drier.

2 – Don’t skip the blush!

A good blush can give color to skin that may have lost some of its natural flush. As an added tip, cream blushes work best for achieving this desired result!

3 – Avoid heavy black eyeliner!

I don’t personally like to use heavy black eyeliner on mature skin. It tends to look harsh and unnatural. Instead, try a powder shadow pressed into the upper lash line in a soft color, such as brown.

4 – Fill in those brows!

As we age, we have a tendency to lose some density in our eyebrows. This results in a less framed face. Brows are a defining feature to your client’s face, so make sure to embrace them. Use hair-like strokes in a natural, soft shade in order to bring them back to life!

Pro Tip: Want to work on your hair-like strokes and perfect your eyebrow game? Check out my fellow Ambassador Amanda’s video tutorial here!

5 – Stay away from heavy contour and shading!

As we age, we sometimes can begin to look a little less plump. If applying heavy contour (which carves the cheekbones out), a person with mature skin can wind up looking gaunt and hollow. Nobody wants that, so keep those gorgeous cheeks plump!

Ready to begin your journey in professional makeup artistry? Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and get certified in as little as 3-6 months!

Dec 17

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learn how to do makeup by practicing on another person

3 Ways to Learn How to Do Makeup if You Have No Experience

By Paula Alleyne Education, Makeup Tips and Tricks, Student Ambassador No Comments

Want to learn how to do makeup but don’t have any prior experience? Paula Alleyne is here to help! A QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, Paula is also a graduate of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Her professional makeup business, PAULA MONIQUE, specializes in bridal, editorial, and special occasions makeup. Connect with Paula in the QC Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

Why NOW Is the Perfect Time to Follow Your Dreams

How can we maximize our time during the pandemic? The onset of COVID-19 has caused many of us to rethink the way we conduct our lives, both personally and professionally. During this time, as makeup artists, it forces us to reflect on how we do business, how we interact with clients, how we protect ourselves, and the costs associated with doing business in the new normal.

I therefore encourage everyone to take this time to be reflective and improve for the better. Maybe you can use this opportunity to better your existing business. Perhaps you can maximize this time to learn how to do makeup. The important thing is that you use your time productively, so that you can continue pushing yourself forward.

In case you need some ideas, here a few ways you can make the best of a bad situation…

Hygiene and health care are of utmost importance.

If you’re an aspiring or established MUA with some experience under your belt, think of the practices that you had prior to the pandemic. Consider the ways in which you handled and sanitized your products and tools. Ask yourself: is there room for you to be doing better and keeping things cleaner?

Take this time to undo any bad practices you may have had before. Instead, dedicate yourself now to becoming a makeup artist with improved hygiene standards. By being as sanitized as possible at all times, your clients will feel (and be) safer.

Embrace online learning.

Prior to COVID-19, there was a pretty heavy debate regarding whether online making courses were just as beneficial as brick-and-mortar makeup schools. But since the pandemic started, everyone and everything has now moved to the online platform.

I have seen such an increase of makeup courses being offered virtually. Not only does it provide a way to continue learning in the comfort and safety of your own home, it’s proven to be just as effective as its in-person counterpart.

It’s important to understand, though, that online learning requires serious discipline. If you enroll in an online course assuming it’ll be easy, you’ll be in for a major awakening. We all have hectic lives, which is why many online makeup courses are self-paced. But with this freedom comes a certain level of responsibility on our end. Discipline is therefore required to ensure that you learn, complete assignments, and keep progressing.

Take advantage of “free” time.

Some of us may still be on lockdown. For those of us who aren’t, there are still major social distancing rules in effect. As such, a bunch of activities that required physical attendance are now rescheduled or cancelled.

This means that that extra time might suddenly turn into open availability within your schedule. Still, try to use it productively (at least once in a while)! Develop a new makeup technique, or strengthen areas where you may be weak. This is time that can also be used to review your business plans, finances, and budget for the future.

Time waits for no one. Every effort you can make counts!

3 Ways to Learn How to Do Makeup If You Have No Experience

1. Research it!

Look at blogs, read books or magazines, and watch videos. I realized I had an interest in makeup years ago, when I saw a makeup brochure from AVON. It had sketches of where to apply makeup products, such as blush, as well as ideas for eyeshadow application.

I asked my older sister questions about makeup. I looked at magazines and paid attention to how makeup was applied on models. Reading books like Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin or Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual was also extremely eye-opening. I watched YouTube videos by makeup artists like Wayne Goss and Angie Di Battista, as well as videos on the history of makeup throughout various era and historical periods.

When it comes to makeup, there’s a whole world of information out there. A little research will go a VERY long way!

2. Practice it!

Practice on yourself and practice on others. After learning about makeup, I decided to start practicing it on myself. I attempted costume designs to go with the looks I was creating. I tried the smoky eye, red lips, nude lips – you name it!

I also began practicing on friends and family members. Applying your knowledge by working on other people’s faces is one of the single best ways to improve your skills and hone your craft. For me, these were times of trial and error. There were definitely mistakes made in the beginning – so, a big round of applause goes out to my sisters, my mother and my friends. They bore with me along the way, and put up with my technique when my hand was less than gentle.

The point is, eventually I got better! Even my sisters started to appreciate the torture of waiting in the chair while I finished. One big lesson I learned as I practiced was adjusting my facial expression. When working on clients, you need to know how to wear a good poker face. We’ve all had that experience when applying makeup; that internal freak-out when it seems like the look isn’t going as intended.

Over time, as I became familiar with different products and colors, I knew not to freak out. For the sake of your client, it’s important to always remain calm. Because at the end of the day, it is ALWAYS going to work out and be okay. It just might take a bit of patience.

3. Learn it professionally!

Being self-taught is great, but being trained by a legitimate expert is even better. There are tons of industry pros and instructors out there who are happy to offer their knowledge on makeup artistry. Learning with them and discovering the theory behind makeup application is wonderful. It gives you the confidence to form your own type of artistry, rather than simply relying on the replication of other people’s looks.

Why I Chose to Be Professionally Trained

I chose to be professionally trained because I started to notice a trend on social media regarding an increasingly popular type of makeup application. Much of the application did not reflect the looks I saw in magazines – and these magazine editorials were what I began to fall in love with. I personally felt like I wanted to learn more.

One of the biggest lessons I chose to get professional makeup training was so I could learn about the business attitude behind the artistry. The art of makeup is important, but the need to conduct yourself as a professional is just as important. So, I enrolled with QC Makeup Academy!

If you’d like to learn more about my journey in starting an online makeup education with QC, you can read my other blog article here.

One of the biggest perks about being a QC Makeup Academy student is the community it’s developed over the years. In the Virtual Classroom on Facebook, for example, you get to meet other artists within the industry. It’s nice because these are fellow students and graduates who are on the same journey as you! It’s also a place where we encourage each other, offer constructive criticism, and ultimately help one another grow.

During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, having this online community has helped many people to stay connected and motivated. Being a part of an educational institution encourages you to think about your business, maintaining high standards, and how you can continuously improve. It’s an all-win situation!

Ready to learn how to do makeup? Enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course today and become a trained expert in as little as 3-6 months!

Dec 04

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makeup products and laptop for online makeup schools

Online Makeup Schools: 11 Things to Look for When Choosing a School

By Nadia Calabro Education, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Thinking of taking an online makeup course? QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador and alumnus, Nadia Calabro, is here to tell you the top 11 things to look for when researching online makeup schools!

Why Are Online Makeup Schools So Popular Nowadays?

When I made the decision to go back to school and follow my dreams of becoming a professional makeup artist, I’ll admit it: I was worried. How was I supposed to be a busy mom and be able to start a new career?

In-person classes wouldn’t be possible. So, the only option I had was to look into online makeup schools. This way, I would be able to do both. I can tell, you now, with complete certainty, that was the best decision I ever made!

Through my online makeup courses, I was able to study at any time and do my work from anywhere. QC Makeup Academy gives their students two years to complete their course, so there was no pressure on me to get through my studies quickly.

The independence provided by online makeup schools is ideal for anyone who:

Has a busy lifestyle
Doesn’t have access to brick-and-mortar classes
Learns better in a solo environment (while still being able to connect directly with their tutors and fellow classmates online)
Wishes to train at their own pace
Doesn’t want to risk exposure to COVID-19

My QC makeup courses worked for me because I never felt like I had to keep up with anyone else. If there was a unit or area that I felt I needed more time and practice with, I was able to give myself that time. That way, I could make sure that I was doing it to the best of my ability.

Perks of Online Makeup Schools

Going back to school when you already have a full-time job – and in my case, a family as well – can seem scary. It can especially seem a bit daunting financially. One awesome thing about online makeup schools is that they’re typically much cheaper than in-person classes.

Note: Keep in mind that I can only speak to my experience with QC Makeup Academy. But when doing your research into all of your options, you’ll find this to be similar with plenty of other online makeup schools as well.

Personally, I was surprised to see that online makeup schools were actually more affordable. Some people may think that a lower tuition must mean a lower quality of schooling, but I can tell you that with the right school, this is NOT the case! Through QC Makeup Academy, I’ve received the same education – if not better – than what I would have received by attending an in-person school.

The text materials are dense and detailed; outlining each topic with extreme care and precision. There are also instructional videos to go along with each technique and lesson. I found these to be extremely easy to follow. Since they contain close-ups, you get a perfect view of the work being done.

The final step of each unit is to complete a hands-on assignment, wherein you must perform the techniques you’ve learned on a real-life model. This kind of practice not only ensures that you’re getting properly prepared to work in the real world; it’s also a perfect way for your tutor to gauge:

How well you’re understanding the materials
Where you’re strengths are
Where you can improve

This way, they can provide you with detailed audio feedback after each unit!

Even before the pandemic, there has always been a need for online schooling. For one reason or another, many people prefer this method of education to its physical counterpart. But as we all know, the world we live in right now is unlike any other we have ever seen.

Many of us have no option but to do as much as we can from the safety of our own homes. Without online makeup schools like QC Makeup Academy, it would be impossible right now to start building a career for ourselves. Our lives and job aspirations would be at a standstill.

That Being Said…

There have always been online makeup schools, but when it comes to the internet, there have always been scammers, too. It’s critical to do your research when looking into any online makeup courses and institutions. Here are just a few shady red flags I urge you to watch out for:

1 – Suspiciously low tuition rates – remember, you get what you pay for!

For example, while QC Makeup Academy is very reasonably-priced, it’s still comparable to other online makeup schools. Don’t simply go for the online course that is cheapest! Similarly, be wary of ‘schools’ that say they can teach you everything you need to know at a suspiciously low price. This is often a big indicator that the quality of education is low, and you won’t be getting proper training.

2 – Courses that are all multiple choice quizzes and no hands-on training!

It’s always important to know the theory component of your schooling. But as a professional makeup artist, you will not be in the real world talking about makeup – you’ll be applying it. So, make sure that you enroll in an online makeup school where there is actually an emphasis on hands-on work.

3 – Needing to pay an extra fee to ‘buy’ your certification upon course completion!

This sort of school is a scam – full stop. Once you’ve paid for your course and put in all the work, there should be NO reason for you to have to pay extra in order to obtain your certificate/certifications. These should naturally be included within your course tuition.

4 – Lack of information on the school’s website!

A reputable makeup school will always have a professional website with all of the information you need. These details will be clear and properly laid out for you. It shouldn’t omit vital information or send you on a wild goose chase in order to find it on their site.

5 – No way to contact the school’s Support Team (or anyone, for that matter)!

There should always be an easy way to contact the school’s Support Team, as well as your tutors. Their responses should be reasonably quick and answer all of the questions you have.

6 – Lack of social media presence!

We live in a world where social media is everything. These days, nearly all reputable online makeup schools will have some sort of social media presence. If the school you’re looking into doesn’t, it might be worth it to look elsewhere.

7 – Suspicious reviews!

Fake reviews, mostly negative reviews, and no reviews at all are red flags!

When researching online makeup schools, always look into their reviews. Make sure that the reviews are credible. Pay close attentions to reviews left by current and formers students of that institution. If most of the students are reporting negative experiences, this should be a HUGE deciding factor for you.

8 – The school isn’t accredited!

This seems like an obvious one, but it’s still commonly overlooked. Just because a school has a social media page and website does NOT mean they are properly accredited. Online makeup schools that aren’t accredited are the ones you should be staying away from. So, take the time to verify this – and always go with a school that’s accredited!

What to Look For in Online Makeup Schools

I know, I know. The list we just covered seems like a lot of things to look out. Right now, you might be thinking, “Okay, so how can picking an online makeup school be a bit LESS daunting?”

Well, by knowing the criteria that all trustworthy online makeup schools SHOULD have! If the school you’re looking at provides the following 11 things, it may be the school for you!

1 – Proper accreditation

QC Makeup Academy, for example, holds an A+ ranking from the Better Business Bureau. This is a huge selling point for any online makeup school! If they hold this kind of ranking, you know they are the real deal.

2 – How long the school’s been in business

That’s not to say that relatively new schools shouldn’t be trusted. However, online makeup schools that have been around longer tend to have a bit stronger of a reputation, more rounded out course curriculums, and a larger list of alumni.

QC Makeup Academy has been a leader in online learning since 1984! I think it’s safe to say that a school that’s been successfully running for this long and continue to hold tight to their standings is an online makeup school that works!

3 – The courses themselves are of the highest quality

The best online makeup school will offer high-quality curriculums and learning materials. They’ll ensure you get exactly what you’re paying for! For instance, when you apply to QC Makeup Academy, you receive a physical copy of your course materials (as well as online access to the electronic materials). If your course includes some sort of makeup kit, you’ll receive that in the mail, too.

The text materials are jam-packed with all of the information you’ll need throughout your career. On top of this, QC students and grads are given lifelong access to their digital course materials, tutorial videos, coursework, and tutor feedback. Having this kind of unlimited access is a HUGE benefit, as you’ll always have a place to turn when you need a:

Refresher on makeup techniques, theory, applications, etc.
Reminder on the areas you need to improve on
Reminder on where your strengths are

4 – You’ll receive a reputable certification or certificate upon graduating

There was one thing in particular that stood out to me about QC Makeup Academy: the fact that their certifications and certificates are internationally recognized. This means that graduates will have the ability to work internationally. Online makeup schools that can help open the doors to a wide range of job opportunities is what you should be looking for!

5 – There is some level of business training involved

If you want to start your own business someday, then logically, you’re going to need to know how to run a business. If you have no prior experience with this, online makeup schools that include a business component in their courses is a must!

QC’s courses have an optional unit entirely devoted to business training. As part of this unit, you’ll learn how to research real businesses around you in order to find comparable pricing and learn more about the local competition. You’ll also have the opportunity to plan your own business! You’ll create a business name, a target audience, and begin to build a portfolio for yourself.

While QC’s business unit is optional, I strongly recommend taking advantage of it. It’s the greatest way to prepare you to launch a successful career!

6 – Tutors are real, working makeup artists

This is a no-brainer! You wouldn’t study to become a doctor by training under someone whose only prior experience was binging Grey’s Anatomy, would you?

The same thought process should be applied to who you choose to learn makeup artistry from!

All of QC Makeup Academy’s tutors are industry professionals with years of experience under their belts. They have worked at makeup counters, own their own freelance businesses, have lent their expertise to fashion and award shows, and have even worked with celebrities! With this much experience behind them, there is no area that they cannot give advice on. The right tutors can prepare you for ANY path you want to take your career on!

7 – The school’s website is thorough, comprehensive, and informative

QC’s website is a perfect example! It provides in-depth information about:

All of their available courses;
The history of the school
Tuition rates;
Tutor profiles;
Student and grad success stories;
Reviews;
Contact information;
And so much more!

Everything that you need or want to know about the school is perfectly and clearly laid out.

8 – The school has some sort of social media presence (bonus points if they post original content on a regular basis!)

QC Makeup Academy can be found across all major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter. They have thousands of followers, and are constantly creating new, original content.

I also love how they’re always posting student/grad success stories, and sharing their work on their Instagram and Facebook. It’s great when online makeup schools appreciate and showcase the hard work of their students! It reiterates how much that school truly cares – while also allowing their students to gain more exposure and potential job opportunities!

9 – There are lots of great reviews

QC’s website reflects countless positive reviews. They also have a 4.9 rating on Facebook. It’s easy to see that the many students who have attended QC have had great success within their courses – and even more importantly, in their careers!

10 – You can easily contact the school’s Support Team

Reputable online makeup schools will have a team ready and willing to assist you, provide more information, etc. QC’s website clearly provides 3 different ways to contact their Student Support Specialist Team:

Email
Phone
Live chat

Support is available internationally, and is also available via social media as well. The team is known to respond promptly and thoroughly to all inquiries. With such a wide range of ways to gain support, students never feel alone. They’re always able to resolve any issue they may have quickly and with ease.

11 – You can connect with REAL students and alumni

Before investing your money into an online makeup school, you might want to first talk to real people who have enrolled, in order to find out how their experiences were. This is a smart idea, and one I highly recommend!

This is why I personally love the fact that QC Makeup Academy has a Virtual Classroom on Facebook. This is a private group where students and grads from around the world can come together and connect. It’s also a place where prospective students can go for a 2-week trial). This way, you can chat with real students, see how QC operates, and get a clear idea of whether it’s the right school for you – BEFORE spending any money!

Final Thoughts

Finding the right makeup school is the first step towards building the future of your dreams. In order to make sure you’re starting your journey on the right foot, put in the work. Research online makeup schools to find the best one for you!

I did my research, and I can tell you without a doubt that QC has been the best choice for me. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself!

Check out QC Makeup Academy’s wide variety of online courses here!

Nov 04

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5 Game-Changing Skills I Learned From My Online Makeup Course

By Nadia Calabro Education, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Nadia Calabro is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, as well as a QC alumnus. She has graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. She is also the proud founder of her very own makeup business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror. Today, Nadia reveals the top 5 skills she learned through her online makeup course!

I have been in the beauty industry for well over 10 years. But it was just over 2 years ago that I decided to make a change, and focus my energy into the places that made me the happiest. From there, my heart led me to makeup!

I have two young children at home, so the hardest thing for me was figuring out how I was going to get the education I needed while still being a mom. That is, until I found QC Makeup Academy! QC offered an online makeup course that had everything I needed to succeed. Most importantly, their self-paced, online learning environment gave me the freedom to pursue my training while still being with my kids.

Through QC Makeup Academy, I graduated from three different programs. Once I’d finished, I felt confident in my art and decided to open my own freelance business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror. Through my business, I have done makeup applications for special events such as graduations, engagement parties, baptisms, and photoshoots. Most recently, I’ve been given a spot on a team of professionals who do makeup for weddings.

Before my Online Makeup Course

Before enrolling at QC Makeup Academy, I did have a makeup certificate through Cosmetology school. However, I never really felt like that was enough. So, I’d convinced myself that if I used that bit of knowledge, and watched YouTube tutorials on top of that, I would have everything I needed to be successful.

The thing was, each time I did an application, there was something about it that just wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t until doing my online makeup course through QC that I realized how little I actually knew.

I could go through the motions of a makeup application, but I had absolutely no technique or real knowledge. I understood very little (to nothing) about skin types, tones, undertones, or color correction. I lacked all of the fundamentals in makeup, which was ultimately causing me to be unsuccessful.

Enrolling with QC Makeup Academy

I wanted to do what made me happy, but because I had small children, I needed to find a way to do both. The only option for me was to do an online makeup course. To be honest, I didn’t even know where to begin when going down this route. What I did know was that everyone told me it was impossible.

One day, while I was on Instagram, an ad for QC Makeup Academy popped up. I clicked the link, and from the moment I was sent to their website, I was intrigued. I read up on their online makeup course materials and who their instructors were. I also looked at past and present students, both on their website and through social media.

I knew they were the real deal!

I could have never known how incredible these classes would be. The text material and videos were so detailed, that I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything I would have learned in a physical classroom. The assignments really targeted the essential knowledge to do any makeup look – and then escalated to challenge that knowledge. I was pushed to put my own creativity into everything I did, which really helped me grow.

Through the assignments, I was able to see how important the basics of makeup are. They can be taken anywhere and applied to any look! I also learned that by knowing the basics, I was better able to create looks entirely on my own, rather than simply copying from others.

One of the most valuable things from my online makeup course was the feedback I received from my tutor. I appreciated that it was always honest and constructive. Even if it was to tell me what was not working in my looks, it helped me get better. By pin-pointing the areas where I was lacking, I could sit back, re-evaluate my application, and practice those areas more. As the course went on, I was encouraged to find ways to strengthen my weaker areas and sharpen my overall skin-set.

5 Skills I Gained Through My Online Makeup Course

QC Makeup Academy gave me all the skills I needed to have a successful career. They have rounded out my expertise, and have allowed me to create seamless applications that enhance my client’s natural beauty. Below are the top skills I have learned through my online training!

Skin Tones and Undertones

Skin tone and undertone are two very different things. Yet when it comes to makeup, they are equally as important. Skin tone is the color of the skin on the surface, while the undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface.

Skin tones range from light, to medium, to dark. Skin undertones are considered war, cool, or neutral. Determining a person’s skin tone is easier than its undertone, as it can be seen just from looking at the person’s face. The easiest way to determine a person’s undertone is by looking at their veins. If their veins appear to be bluer or purple, then they have a cool undertone. But if the veins appear to be greener, they have a warm undertone. If it’s hard to determine what color is more dominant, it’s likely that the person has a neutral undertone.

By knowing this information, I was able to ensure that I picked the right foundation that would give them the most natural results for each individual. Without properly matching the foundation to their skin, you run the risk of:

Making their face appear green or gray
Making their face a different color than their neck
Creating a mask-like effect that’s overtly unnatural

Color Theory

By using the color wheel, I was able to learn how to color correct areas on a person’s face that were not wanted. The color wheel teaches which colors cancel each other out. For example, to remove redness in the skin, you would use a green color corrector. By cancelling out unwanted colors in your client’s skin, you’re able to create a more even skin tone. This then allows for an easier application of foundation, and a more perfect complexion overall.

Primers

We have all heard of primers, without ever really knowing the importance of them. The fact is, facial and eye primers set the mood for the entire application! Without primer, you do not get the proper base for application. You won’t be able to get the most out of your products.

Using an eye primer is particularly important because it keeps oils at bay and prevents the eye shadow from smudging, breaking, or moving. It also enhances eyeshadow colors and helps them to pop. Using primers on the face and eyes keeps the makeup in place all day!

Classic Makeup Technique

Trends will always come and go. While it’s important to learn these trends, it’s equally as important – if not more so – to learn the basic, classic looks.

Classic makeup techniques have proven to surpass the test of time. They are techniques that have influenced every trendy look that’s ever been created, in one way or another. By taking an online makeup course and learning the classics, you can take a look anywhere!

Some of these classic techniques include:

Eyeliner (basic to the cat eye)
Filling in eye brows
Enhancing the natural crease in the eye
Blending eyeshadow
Lipliner

Working with Different Skin Types

Not every client is going to walk in with a perfect canvas. We aren’t made like that. As artists, we need to adjust to each person’s individual needs. In order to do this, you need to first determine if they have dry, oily, combination, or normal skin.

While I truly learned all about skin types from QC’s Skincare Course, my online makeup course still touched on this in a beneficial way. Makeup artists need proper skin knowledge if we want to be the best at what we do. Without it, we cannot properly prep the skin, and could potentially use the wrong products for our client’s skin type.

Why YOU Should Consider an Online Makeup Course

Through QC Makeup Academy, I have been able to achieve my dreams and do it in a way that worked for me. QC’s online courses allowed me to still be a mom while I learned my craft. The programs are self-paced, so I could choose when and how much I focused on my studies. Since students get a full 2 years to complete their online makeup course, I was also provided the room to focus more on the areas that needed particular attention and never feel rushed.

On top of this, QC’s tutors are real industry experts with extraordinary experience. They’ve worked in all areas of the industry and have years behind them. Their feedback pin-points areas of strength and weakness in order to open your eyes to your own work. With their guidance, you can be sure to get things right and symmetrical. They push you to your limits so that you’re able to see your own potential – and grow!

Sometimes, what holds people back from pursuing their dreams is how much getting a proper education can cost them. QC Makeup Academy is amazing for this, as their monthly payments are SO low! They also offer amazing monthly promotions.

It’s also worth mentioning that the support through QC is endless! This is more of a family than a school, because everyone wants to ensure you are successful in your endeavors. There’s a full team of Student Support Specialist who are always ready and willing to answer any questions you may have along the way.

One of my favorite parts of being in the QC community is having access to the online Virtual Classroom on Facebook. This is a safe place where current, past, and even future students can connect and grow together. We can work through our challenges together, learn as a group, and celebrate each other’s successes.

Taking the first step towards following your dreams is always the hardest. But I promise you, it’s worth it. Start on the road to happiness TODAY by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!

Oct 16

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Why YOU Should Take QC’s Virtual Makeup Training Course

By Sarah-Lynn Seguin Education, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Social distancing has undoubtedly changed the way makeup artists do their jobs, but that won’t stop you from running a successful business! By learning how to effectively provide virtual services, you can continue to book clients, build your brand and make a profit during COVID-19. Luckily, QC Makeup Academy’s new Virtual Makeup Training provides everything you need to get started on the right foot!

The Value of Virtual Makeup Training

QC’s flexible, online learning environment allows you to complete your training at your own pace and in your own space. This means no deadlines or rigid schedules! Through our Virtual Makeup Training, you’ll discover:

How you can take your makeup and/or skincare business online!
How you can expand your business and attract clients from all over the world!
How you can earn an income and work with clients from the comfort of your own home!
And so much more!

You might be wondering how exactly this mini course can make all of this possible. The answer is: By teaching you all about the fundamental business components and virtual beauty services that are so high in demand right now.

That way, you know exactly what potential clients are looking for and can provide it to them as soon as you graduate!

What You’ll Learn

Specifically, QC’s Virtual Makeup Training will teach you:

The different types of makeup and skincare services you can offer online
The essential steps to prepare for and run a full virtual consultation, from the initial contact to the follow-up appointment(s)
How to produce high-quality videos
Considerations for pricing your virtual services
How to educate your clients and communicate effectively through virtual platforms
Tips for marketing your online services

The best part? Once you complete this one-unit course, you’ll receive a physical certificate that you can highlight in your resume. This certificate will show potential clients – and even prospective employers – that you’ve been trained in virtual consultation services, and that you’re qualified to offer these services as part of your makeup or skincare business.

Talk about setting yourself apart from the competition!

QC Graduate Katie Stegeman’s Experience with the Virtual Makeup Training Course

Katie Stegeman is a professional makeup artist and the proud owner of Katie Stegeman Beauty. She has graduated from QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, and is currently a student in 6 other QC courses. (Wow!)

Recently, Katie also completed our Virtual Makeup Training and was kind enough to share her experience with the program. Here’s what Katie had to say!

makeup training graduate, Katie Stegeman

Why did you enroll in the Virtual Makeup Training Course?

“I enrolled in the Virtual Makeup Course because I felt like now more than ever is the time to learn how to do virtual services well. I think that virtual makeup and beauty services will continue to be valuable long after the pandemic!

Expanding my client reach was also so important to me. Our current world is so technologically-based, but certain services can sometimes be hard to translate to an online platform. But as makeup artists, we do not necessarily have to be hands-on all the time.

The internet has evolved our careers! I really wanted to feel confident in the services I was presenting to my clients, and have professional training behind me so I could do this well.”

What valuable lessons did this course teach you?

“Seeing an actual virtual consultation, and being provided with worksheets and informative research, made all the difference in understanding how to effectively offer virtual makeup and skincare services!

The course walks you through what you’d actually have to do to be extremely successful at virtual consultations. That alone has given me so much more courage and understanding in terms of what I need to do in order to really be great at these services.”

In what ways do you feel this additional training will help strengthen your career and/or business as a professional makeup artist?

“Adding this Virtual Makeup Training Course to my makeup and skincare courses could not have been a better choice! I wanted to try and branch out into online skincare and makeup services, but I was not exactly sure how to go about it. So, this course was perfect!”

How does the training provided in this course better prepare you to succeed as a makeup artist during the global pandemic, despite the limitations of social distancing?

“With the current global pandemic, I wanted to be able to still do what I was passionate about. But as I said, I wasn’t exactly sure how to start. Not being able to physically meet with people can absolutely cause makeup artists to struggle to find clients.

Virtual makeup training allows us to offer alternatives! We can conduct online consultations and services with total confidence, and in a way that keeps everyone safe.”

Why would you recommend QC’s Virtual Makeup Training Course to other aspiring makeup artists?

“Having graduated from this course, I feel like I have the knowledge to confidently offer online services now. For new makeup artists who want to find a way to adapt their business to an online platform, there is a lot of value to be found in this course. QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Makeup Training is a MUST!”

Note: Want to connect with Katie directly? Join our free Virtual Classroom on Facebook and chat with real QC students, grads, and tutors!

2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, but there’s still time to turn things around! Add virtual makeup training to your repertoire and watch your makeup business soar into 2021!

Until midnight tonight (October 16^th, 2020), enroll in QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and receive our Virtual Makeup Training absolutely FREE!

Sep 16

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How QC’s Pro Makeup Workshop Accelerated My Makeup Career

By Nadia Calabro About the School, Education, Student Ambassador No Comments

Nadia Calabro is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, as well as a QC alumnus. She has graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, the Pro Makeup Workshop, and the Skincare Course. She is also the proud founder of her very own makeup business, Beauty Beyond the Mirror. Today, Nadia reveals all the reasons why taking QC’s Pro Makeup Workshop has benefited her professional makeup career!

A little over a year ago, I decided I wanted to accomplish my dream of becoming a successful MUA and starting my very own makeup business! Prior to this, I was already a hair stylist. This means that I’m fully aware of how competitive the beauty industry is. (This is especially the case in my area.) So, I knew without a doubt that the first step to accomplishing my overall goal would be to get the best education I possibly could.

I did my research, and lots of it. I looked into different makeup schools; trying to find the one that would best suit my needs. Once I discovered QC Makeup Academy, it quickly climbed to the top of my list!

The first thing that grabbed my attention was that all of their makeup courses are done completely online! For me, being able to do my studies from home was essential. As a busy mom of two young boys, sitting in a physical classroom all day and being away from them wasn’t an option for me.

As I continued my research into QC Makeup Academy, everything I found had me even more convinced that by enrolling in this school, I’d be taking the first step towards launching a great makeup career! I noticed that QC always had some sort of promotion running each month, so when I was ready to get started, I took advantage of the promo being offered to me at the time.

As such, after enrolling in the Master Makeup Artistry Course, I was also given the opportunity to enroll in a free Advanced Makeup Course as well. After careful deliberation, and reviewing the wide variety of courses QC had to offer, I decided that I would also enroll in the Pro Makeup Workshop.

Why I Chose the Pro Makeup Workshop

All of the Advanced Courses appealed to me. In fact, it was hard for me to choose which one I really wanted to enroll in at first! But I knew that my decision had to be based on whichever course would take my skills to the next level.

After all, you have to remember that my ultimate goal was to start a makeup career. I wanted to work professionally within this industry and find success. The beauty industry can be a pretty cut-throat world, so I knew that in order for me to prosper, I’d need to continue strengthening and refining my craft as much as possible.

The only way for me to make my decision was to research into each class. To do this, I used the school’s website to read up the different course descriptions and outlines. After that, I then went onto their Facebook and Instagram pages. I wanted to find past and present students’ work, as well as read reviews from real people who had taken QC courses.

Of everything I saw, though, I have to say that reading the course breakdown of the Pro Makeup Workshop was actually the thing that convinced me on my decision. it ticked off each one of my boxes, in terms of what I needed to accelerate and succeed in my makeup career!

What I Learned from My Training

This course gave me so many amazing challenges and lessons! I got to build on the foundational skills I learned in the Master Makeup Course, in a way I didn’t think was possible. For instance, I learned advanced makeup techniques, such as:

Makeup for the limelight
Editorial, runway, and avant garde looks
Intricate eyeliner and cat-eye applications
The reverse smoky eye
Pin-up looks
And much more!

As part of the Pro Makeup Workshop, I also got to take classic looks and put modern spins to them. Most importantly, I got to take the techniques I learned about bridal makeup from the Master Makeup Artistry Course, and elevate them to the next level!

A Look into My Assignments

The Pro Makeup Workshop gave a more focused look into both the classic and the most in-demand makeup techniques. I worked on creating makeup looks for:

TV and runway
Dramatic pin-up looks (both classic and modern)
On-trend designs
Various types of smoky eye designs, etc.

On top of all this, I got to work with glitter for the first time, too. With the help of my instructor, I learned how to incorporate it into all my other looks. I practiced perfecting the brows and eyeliner – most specifically the cat eye.

Lastly, and most important for me, I got to take a very in-depth look at bridal makeup.

My favorite parts of this course were the smoky eye lessons and the additional bridal makeup training. In my opinion, as a makeup artist, you can never know too much about the smoky eye! Literally everyone is always requesting this look, whether it be for a night out on the town, for a wedding, etc.

This course taught me the various stages to creating:

A flawless smoky eye, ranging from softer to more dramatic designs (i.e. starting with grays and moving to black shadows)
The different types of smoky eyes (i.e.e classic, reverse, and glitter smokey eye)
The ability to know which type of smoky eye is appropriate for any given occasion

The bridal component of the Pro Makeup Workshop was the most important piece for me. You see, my dream is to run a successful bridal makeup business! So, having the chance to learn how to create timeless, elegant, and picture-perfect bridal looks was EXACTLY what I needed!

Through my additional training in this course, I learned how to quickly and effortlessly take a clean, dewy, and simple morning bride – and transform her into a more dramatic, evening bride.

Each assignment reinforced everything I’d originally learned in the Master Makeup Artistry Course, and then built upon it even further. The Pro Makeup Workshop gave me the chance to practice more and get better at my craft.

At the same time, it also took me to new levels as well. Getting extra training helped boost my confidence. It made me feel like I really could pursue a successful makeup career, and that I’d be properly prepared to do any look in the real world!

How the Pro Makeup Workshop Accelerated My Makeup Career

Taking this course allowed me to push myself to the absolute limits! When I completed the Pro Makeup Workshop, I truly felt like I would be able to tackle any task that I was presented with.

From me to you: when it comes to having a fruitful makeup career, there’s NOTHING more important than getting a high-quality education. The more you know, the more you can do! The truth of it is, when you’re working as a makeup artist in the real world, your clients will always be looking to see what you know and how you perform.

While I knew that I could still make something of myself by completing only the Master Makeup Artistry Course, I also knew that I’d be increasing my chances of success by leveling up with the Pro Makeup Workshop. As the old saying goes: knowledge is power!

By learning how to create more advanced looks, thanks to the Pro Makeup Workshop, I’ve been able to improve my makeup portfolio and make it that much more impressive to clients. I’ve gotten noticed much more – and with this recognition has come even more people reaching out to me with booking requests.

By completing this course, I gained the tools, the power, and the confidence needed to take on ANY client that comes my way. I’ll never have to say no to a potential job ever again! For this reason alone, I could not be more grateful.

Ready to start your very own makeup career? Until September 18th, enroll in QC’s internationally-leading Master Makeup Artistry Course, and we’ll give you the Pro Makeup Workshop absolutely FREE!

Aug 20

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Why Small Makeup Adjustments Make a BIG Difference!

By Corina Wan Education, From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks No Comments

Written by Corina Wan and Alexis Myers.

Here at QC Makeup Academy, we strive to give our students the MOST out of our their learning experience. Our goal is to make the process of learning makeup online highly effective and all-encompassing, as well as strongly beneficial to those with dreams of launching a success career in the industry!

One of the ways we try to saturate our students with new and useful information is through our regular monthly webinars. Last month, our makeup guru, Nathan Johnson, devoted a full webinar to critiquing real work by students and graduates.

Didn’t get a chance to catch it? Watch the full video below!

Nathan’s goal in this webinar was to teach one major fundamental lesson: that the smallest adjustments in makeup often make a HUGE difference to the overall look!

Let’s examine a few of the student photos that were submitted for this webinar, and see how well they illustrate this lesson!

Why does such a small change have such a big effect?

We were intrigued by this question, so we did some research. Specifically, we looked into how a person’s brain perceives the human face.

In recent years, research has shown that the brain does not actually recognize the entire face. Instead, it recognizes about 20 different aspects of the face, such as distance between the eyes. Our brains then build an image from these different elements.

This explains why a tiny makeup change around the eyes, for example, can have a drastic effect. Amazingly, such adjustments can make the eye seem bigger, smaller, or even change its position on the face! Think of it as a nifty optical illusion, done by tricking the brain into relying on the way it builds the image of the face.

Bet you didn’t think that learning makeup online could get THIS interesting, did you? Well, sit tight, because we’re not even finished yet!

Let’s add in another critical factor. Our brains are said to perceive facial symmetry as a sign of great beauty, right? The problem is that hardly anyone actually has a symmetric face!

Makeup, therefore, has to trick the viewer’s brain into believing that the face is symmetrical.

Great makeup artists do two things. First, they strive for symmetry in makeup application. Secondly, they pay attention to the tiniest detail, knowing that onlookers will subconsciously respond.

As a makeup artist, you’re basically tricking the brain into seeing something that’s not actually there. You’re practically a magician! (Feel free to start calling yourself ‘Harry Potter’ – we won’t judge you.)

Anyone learning makeup online can go to the internet and get a rough idea of how to apple makeup to the face. But this method of learning will only ever be superficially rich, at best. Fact is, the internet will NOT teach you the necessary fundamentals of makeup artistry.

Not only will you be denied information surrounding proper makeup theory, classic technique, etc. – you won’t learn about the psychological aspect of makeup, such as the detail and symmetry perceived by the brain when looking at the human face.

This is why all of QC’s online makeup students are coached by experts like Nathan. Specialized guidance by a true industry professional is the single most effective way to learn how to focus on detail – and THAT is how you’ll bring your work to a professional level!

Do you find it hard to believe that great makeup is defined by attention to detail? Then consider this: an amateur pianist and a concert soloist play the same piano concerto. The same notes are played, in the same order and at the same pace. But what makes one jarring and the other lyrical?

Simple: the attention to the tiniest detail.

Become a true master of your craft by learning makeup online and training at QC Makeup Academy. After all, it’s “The Juilliard School” for makeup artists!