Graduate Feature

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a qualified beautician. I love every kind of beauty, as well as everything pink! I’m currently employed as a day spa. I’m also building my own studio, so I can spend the rest of my days doing makeup.

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

Makeup had me at “hello”! I was always geared to make people feel pretty.

How would you describe your makeup style? Do you have a favorite makeup style?

My favorite style would be pinup. But I do love the ‘no makeup’ look, where the natural beauty is enhanced.

Tell us the origin behind the name of your business, Bella D’s Beauty.

I named my business after my kids, Bella and Daniel!

You offer clients a wide range of MUA services, such as bridal, special occasion, and photoshoot makeup. Do you have a particular area of makeup artistry that you gravitate to most? If so, why?

I definitely prefer bridal makeup. Being part of someone’s special day is very rewarding!

You recently submitted your work into a “Spring Bride” makeup competition (for which, your photo above was the submission). Why do you enjoy taking part in photoshoots?

Photoshoots are always great fun! The images you can achieve when working with the right photographers are amazing!

Your business has a lot of fantastic reviews! In your opinion, what is the #1 secret to providing excellent customer service as a makeup artist?

There’s only one secret to excellent customer service: do what you love and love what you do!

What is the proudest moment in your makeup career so far?

I did the makeup for the singer, Jonny Taylor. I did the makeup for the music video, “You’ll Never Break Me“.

Why did you choose to enroll in QC’s online makeup classes?

I chose QC based on the course outlines. Plus, a proper certification goes a LONG way in this industry!

Overall, how has your experience been in your online makeup classes?

My experience has been fantastic! The course outlines, materials, and assignments were all easy to understand and follow. The feedback I received from my tutor in the Master Makeup Artistry Course was essential to moving forward. For me, symmetry is the goal!

Why do you feel that continued education and additional skill-sets are critical to any working makeup artist? How do you expect your growing qualifications will strengthen your career?

The industry moves at such a fast speed. We must always stay on top of trends! Building on your qualifications will provide you with extra validation and earn even more of your clients’ trust.

Why would you recommend QC Makeup Academy’s online makeup classes to aspiring MUAs who wish to turn their passion into a successful career?

There are many reasons, but my top reason would be that all of QC’s online makeup classes are self-paced and extremely easy to follow!

What’s on the horizon for Bella D’s Beauty in 2021 and beyond?

As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently building my business’s studio. I plan to bring 2021 in with style! #BossLady

Finally: what is your absolute FAVORITE makeup product?

I have so many – but definitely Huda Beauty’s Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette!

Inspired by Sara’s story? Start your online makeup classes today!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a retired special education teacher. In my 33 years as an educator, I have taught students from ages 5 through 17, in multiple different settings. I have worked with students that have disabilities; ranging from learning disabled, autistic, speech/language disorders, and students with severe/profound multiple disabilities. I am also married and have 2 adult children.

Why did you decide to earn your makeup artist certification and become a professional MUA?

I have always been fascinated by the transformation that makeup techniques can make. Since my retirement, I am now able to devote my time and attention to studying and practicing my passion. I have a curiosity for makeup and all it can do!

How would you describe your makeup style?

I would define my makeup style as a natural, clean look. Most of my practicing has been on models with more mature skin, or on women who do not typically wear makeup.

It’s an awesome feeling to apply makeup, and explain what I’m using and what I am doing. To have the client be amazed at how they look with such little makeup applied is a wonderful moment. Unless I’m doing a fantasy or special effects look, my style can be summed up as: “less is more”.

You aced both your Master Makeup Artistry Course and your Special FX Makeup Course. Congratulations! Overall, how did you find the online learning process and the assistance you received from your instructors?

I was very excited to enroll, but also very anxious. The Mastery Makeup Artistry Course was my first ever online course. But I found that the Student Support Specialists are extremely helpful. I don’t know what I would have done without the help and support from Shannon, in particular.

The entire process of enrolling, getting started, accessing your course materials, and submitting your Units is all very clear. ALL of my instructors/tutors – Nathan Johnson, Michele Mulkey, Corianne Cowan, and Laurie Vukich – are amazing. They provide positive feedback, as well as advice and ways to improve your work. They push me to be the best makeup artist and hair stylist I can be!

What is it about special effects makeup that you find the most fascinating?

It is so fun! All makeup can transform you, but special effects makeup can add that extra bit of shock. It’s also very challenging making the effect look “real”, and not just applied for shock value. There are lots of subtleties which may seem simple, but are not. For example: adding 5 o’clock shadow to a man, adding a mustache or beard, and old age makeup are all very tricky.

You’re also currently on Unit C of QC’s Hair Styling Essentials Course. Why did you decide to include hair styling in your overall repertoire?

I chose to enroll in the Hair Styling Essentials Course to broaden my skill-set. Since the theater is a venue I hope to work more in, having hair and makeup skills will be an asset. I did the makeup for 2 community plays, and the directors had actually asked me if I also did hair. At the time, I did not – so I knew I needed to get hair styling training!

On top of the professional makeup you’ve done for community theatre productions, you’ve also been involve in a calendar shoot and a kids’ show. Can you tell us a little bit about these experiences?

I did the makeup for a community theater show called Calendar Girls. In addition to the show, they made a calendar to go along with the show, which I also did the makeup for. Other than practicing for my Course, this was my first “professional” experience. It was awesome. I had so much fun!

I had to teach myself how to apply a bald cap. (This was before I took the Special FX Makeup Course.) I also did some makeup and assisted a bit with hair for a community children’s show, Prince and Princesses. On top of that, I got to do some makeup applications for a local thrift store’s fashion show fundraiser.

I was supposed to do the makeup for the community show Little Women this past summer, but it’s been postponed due to the pandemic.

What did you choose to pursue your makeup artist certification through QC Makeup Academy?

Since my retirement, I’ve been able to devote my time and attention to studying makeup artistry. I browsed online an looked at the different online makeup schools, but QC Makeup Academy immediately caught my attention. I did my research, and decided to call and speak with someone.

I was anxious to begin an online class, having never taken one – especially in makeup, nonetheless! I spoke with Shannon a few times, and she was so encouraging and motivating. She stated that there was assistance whenever I needed it. I did need to call a couple of times… and she was right! Shannon and all of the online support staff are extremely positive and helpful.

Is there any particular makeup technique you’re currently working to improve?

Of course, all the time! But one skill that I need to practice a lot, in order to master its many beautiful techniques, is eyeliner. There are so many gorgeous looks, and so many different kinds of eyeliner makeup to choose from.

What’s on the horizon for you and your makeup career?

I want to continue my theater experiences, as well as participate in more community shows, fashion shows, and fundraisers. I was supposed to do a friend’s daughter’s wedding this June, but that unfortunately has been canceled.

I would also like to do makeup and hair for friends and special events. I would be very interested in volunteering for a group home for young adults with disabilities, and do their hair and makeup for special events (such as proms and dances).

Imagine: it’s Halloween, and you use your special effect makeup skills to turn yourself into ANY character you want. Which SFX look do you choose?

I have done a “zipper face” look for fun in the past, and it received a lot of positive feedback – including a lot of, “Eww!” “Yuck!” “Gross!”

So, I guess it looked pretty good. I also enjoy creating my own deep cuts with added extras, such as a large fish hook or insects.

Ready to earn YOUR professional makeup artist certification? Enroll with QC Makeup Academy and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Why did you decide to pursue makeup training and become a professional MUA?

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

I think my makeup style is very influenced by the 1960’s. I’ve always been drawn to that era of fashion and makeup. I particularly like the look of bold eye makeup paired with nude lips.

You draw on classic techniques to create more elaborate, unique makeup looks. Which specific classic techniques would you consider to be the most important ones to learn in professional makeup training?

I think all the classic techniques are equally important! For example, through my makeup training, I discovered how important it is to have a good primer for BOTH the eye lids and the face, in order to create flawless, long-lasting makeup.

Another very important technique is to go in with a light hand and build the product using sheen layers. It’s so much easier to build towards the final look, rather than having to remove makeup if you’ve gone in too heavy-handed .

Your talent for intricate eye makeup looks is incredible! What would you say your favorite eye makeup look to create is, and why?

You’re very active on QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom. What do you consider to be the most beneficial part of being a member of this Facebook group?

There are a LOT of benefits to being a member of the Virtual Classroom! Particularly, I really enjoy the exclusive advice, tips, and free webinars available to us.

On top of that, it’s nice to feel a part of something, and with QC, it’s definitely a sense of community. I get to be alongside other people who have the same passion for makeup as I do! I’ve felt so supported from the other members, and it’s so lovely to see Nathan Johnson so active on the page, too!

You’re in the process of building up your very own makeup artist business. So far, what’s been the most challenging part of launching your own business, and how are you working to overcome it?

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I have not been able to get set up and promote my business yet. However, in the UK, we’ve recently been given the green light to work as makeup artists again.

Now that I can safely get back into the game, my plan is to start building a portfolio of my work on Instagram, as well as create a new website. In fact, I have taken QC’s Pro Makeup Workshop in order to advance my skills and to show my applications on these sites!

You recently graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Since earning your certification, how has your makeup training helped you in your professional career?

My makeup training and certification have given me the knowledge I need to confidently provide a professional makeup service to clients!

What ONE piece of advice would you give aspiring makeup artists who are considering online school to receive their makeup training?

Do your homework in finding a reputable course provider! There are a lot of shady schools out there, but the RIGHT one will help you truly make a name for yourself in the beauty industry!

What made you want to enroll in online makeup school, and why did you ultimately choose QC Makeup Academy?

I did originally look at attending in-person classes, but I realized that my work commitments wouldn’t make that possible. So, I started to look into online courses, and that’s when I came across QC Makeup Academy.

I’ll admit: I was skeptical about it to begin with, as I’ve been stung in the past by terrible online “courses” from different “schools”. But in my research, I quickly found that this makeup school seemed the most reputable, with the most genuine reviews.

Also, when I reached out with questions via email, the Student Support Specialist team were very hands-on and answered every query very quickly. I decided to take the plunge and enroll in the course, and do not regret it at all!

Is there any particular makeup technique you’re currently working on perfecting?

I’m still working at improving my symmetry, particularly when using bold lip colors.

What’s in store for you and your makeup business in the next year?

In the next year, I hope to have built a website that advertises for both bridal and special occasion makeup applications. I’ve also enrolled in QC’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop, so that I can eventually offer this advanced service to clients as well, once I have mastered it.

Finally: you’re stuck on an island, and can only have one makeup OR skincare product with you! What do you choose, and why?

I think I would have to choose a beauty balm with SPF in it. That way, I’m protecting my skin from sun damage – while also having moisturized, flawless-looking skin!

Back to School season is here, so it’s time to start YOUR professional makeup training! Until September 4th, enroll in QC’s internationally leading Master Makeup Artistry course today and we’ll give you ANY Advanced Course for FREE!