Category

Graduate Feature

QC’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop: Creating a Fantasy Look [Tutorial]

By Airbrush Makeup, Student Ambassador, Tutorials & Tips 2 Comments

Want to expand your skills and add airbrushing services to your repertoire? QC Makeup Academy’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop will teach you everything you need to know AND give you a professional certification!

QC Ambassador, Amanda Ramey, Shows How She Created A Fantasy Character with Airbrush Makeup!

Amanda is a professional makeup artist and a graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Special FX Course.

Recently, Amanda also completed her Airbrush Makeup Workshop and received her professional certification!

Today, she’s here to recreate the airbrush look she designed for the final assignment of her airbrush course. Check out her video to see how Amanda brought her character to life!

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

QC’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop

In this specialty workshop, you will work with celebrity makeup artist Nathan Johnson and Special FX expert Michele Mulkey. With over 35 years of combined experience, you will learn how to use airbrush makeup to create flawless complexions and special FX fantasy looks.

  • Safety and etiquette;
  • Pros and cons of airbrush makeup;
  • Airbrush makeup techniques;
  • Applying airbrush foundation;
  • Blush, contour, highlight applications
  • Airbrush corrections;
  • Stenciling;
  • Special FX for fantasy characters;
  • And more!

When you enroll, you’ll receive printed course books, over 200 minutes of instructional videos, and best of all, a FREE 9-piece Airbrush Makeup Kit! Your airbrush machine, along with a variety of airbrush makeup foundation and fantasy colors, will help you create a variety of looks.

QC’s Airbrush Workshop is entirely self-paced, so you can work on it on your own time with no deadlines. You have up to two years to complete your course, but if you dedicate a couple of hours each week to your course, you can graduate as quickly as 3 to 6 months!

Other QC Perks

Here are a few more reasons why you should enroll in the Airbrush Makeup Workshop and become a QC student:

  • You’ll get 50% off any additional courses you enroll in!
  • Take advantage of exclusive product discounts with QC’s preferred makeup partners
  • All of our courses include free business training to prepare you for a new career
  • You have lifetime access to all of your course materials
  • Our certifications are internationally-recognized
  • Join a community of makeup professionals in our free Virtual Classroom on Facebook

Expand your skills today and become a more competitive makeup artist. Enroll in QC’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop!

makeup classes blog article Luzaan Mar 12 2021 feature image

How to Stay Motivated During Your Makeup Classes

By Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 3 Comments

Having trouble getting and/or staying motivated in your makeup classes? QC Makeup Academy graduate and Student Ambassador, Luzaan de Bruyn, is here to help! Luzaan is the proud founder of Beauty by Luzaan and specializes in traditional, SFX, and airbrush makeup. 

Makeup classes article Luzaan Mar 12 2021 headshot image

Mental Health During COVID-19

Let’s face it: things have felt way more challenging than normal ever since the pandemic began.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on how we interact with others and go about our lives. For many of us, our jobs and education are just some of the aspects of our lives that have had to undergo major change. For these reasons, the topic of mental health has been more important than ever over the past year.

After all, combining such high levels of stress with so much uncertainty is guaranteed to have a significant and wide-reaching impact on one’s mental wellbeing.

Perhaps you’ve found yourself struggling with your mental health since the pandemic began. Maybe you’ve always battled mental health issues. Either way, I want you to know that there’s nothing wrong with you. Human beings aren’t programmed to feel ‘happy’ or ‘normal’ all of the time. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

Life can be a struggle on the best of days. Throw in a worldwide pandemic, and it’s completely understandable that you might feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, anxious, and demotivated right now.

My point is, everyone reacts differently to difficult situations – and that is COMPLETELY normal!

Why You Might Be Struggling to Stay Motivated in Your Makeup Classes

If you’re currently enrolled in professional makeup classes, you might have noticed over the last year that it’s getting harder for you to feel motivated. It might feel even harder for you to stay motivated.

The good news is, this isn’t a reflection of you. It’s not that you’re doing something wrong. The vast majority of people – from all walks of life, in all types of professions – have been feeling the same way lately.

Here are just a few reasons why we’ve all been struggling with motivation over the last year:

  • Your life was drastically turned upside-down without any warning.
  • Social distancing and extreme isolation, while necessary, are things that none of us were ever prepared for or used to.
  • A pandemic as large as the COVID-19 crisis has caused a sense of fear – not just for ourselves, but for our family and friends, too.
unmotivated woman at laptop

Losing My Own Motivation

I’ll get real with you… I have a heap of mental health illnesses and I’ve struggled more with them since this pandemic started. The pandemic forced me to lose control over my ability to see family and friends. Furthermore, it hindered my ability to book clients for my makeup business.

As a result, all of this has taken a toll on my mental health. My anxiety and depression have been particularly affected. I’ve had assignments to do in my makeup classes, with no one to do them on. Not to mention, my children were suddenly home all of the time, which meant more of my attention was needed on them.

All in all, I got terribly demotivated. I felt emotionally drained and incredibly stressed out. I was constantly worrying about everyone’s health. Very quickly, I found myself sitting on the couch and binging movies all the time. I wasn’t even looking at my makeup classes at that point.

3 Tips for Staying Motivated in Your Makeup Classes

While I still have days where I struggle to find motivation, I have discovered a few key tips that have helped me over the last year. Hopefully these tips will help you get back into the groove, too!

happy woman applying makeup on face

1 – Remind yourself why you care!

The same drive and purpose you’ve always had are still inside you, even if your makeup classes don’t feel as important to you right now.

First, think about your ‘why’. Why are you taking makeup classes? Why do you want to be a professional makeup artist? And why do you care about getting this certification?

Think about your dream career and how the makeup classes you’re taking NOW will help you progress towards this goal. Now imagine yourself two months from now…

Scenario #1

In the first scenario, two months has passed and you haven’t once logged into any of your makeup classes. You haven’t read one text booklet or watched one instructional video. Needless to say, you certainly haven’t completed any assignments.

  • Does this course of action line up with your ‘why’?
  • How do you imagine you would feel about yourself in this scenario?
  • Would you be satisfied with your progress?
  • How would it feel to not have progressed at all in your makeup classes?

Scenario #2

In the second scenario, you have been actively making time for your makeup classes. You’ve been forcing yourself to keep up with your practicing and your assignments. Even when it feels difficult, you have a set schedule that you always try your best to follow. You work on your makeup classes and assignments – maybe not every single day, but as much as your mental health will allow.

  • Does this course of action line up with your ‘why’?
  • How do you feel about yourself in this scenario?
  • Would you be satisfied with your progress?
  • How would it feel to know that you’re that much closer to getting your professional certification?

Spend time reflecting on how you feel in the second scenario. Do you feel proud? In control? Relieved? If you find yourself demotivated, come back to this tip and think about this again.

makeup classes article 2021 notepad on table

2 – Set small daily goals!

Goals give us direction. The best goals are concrete and achievable. Aim for 5 daily To-Dos.

Start writing a list of things you want to accomplish. Here are some questions to keep in mind:

  • What tasks are essential for your makeup classes?
  • Which tasks can you break down into smaller, more easily-manageable tasks?
  • Which aspects of your makeup classes make you feel good?
  • Can you find a way to make the most of these particular aspects each day?
  • How will you unplug and relax?

Once you’ve finished writing out your list, perhaps you’ll find that it’s still a bit too big. That’s okay, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Instead, just break down this list and make it even smaller!

  • Pick no more than 5 things you want to focus on each day.
  • Make sure that at least one of these goals is personal and not for your makeup classes.
  • If any tasks are too big and can’t be done within a couple of hours, break them down into one or two steps and only focus on those specific steps.
  • If you only get 4 out of 5 goals accomplished, celebrate anyway! You will feel more productive and motivated than you did last week.
  • Each night before bed, adjust your list for the next day. This way, you’ll wake up with a game plan!
happy woman studying on floor

3 – Pair the work you do in your makeup classes with something fun and interesting!

Sometimes, the thing you HAVE to do just don’t feel like much fun… but there might be ways for you to make them slightly more interesting!

  • Set a scene for your makeup classes and your assignments! Pick a comfy spot, light some candles, grab a glass of wine (or whatever your drink of choice is), and create a playlist of favorite songs. This way, work won’t feel like work!
  • Prepare a special treat that you’ll only get to have while working on your makeup classes! This will create a positive correlation between your training and indulging on this delicious treat. Soon, you’ll find yourself eager and excited for study time.
  • Have a virtual call with a friend or fellow student while practicing your assignments! Sometimes, the best way to get motivated is to have someone else cheering you on.

These 3 tips are ones that I’ve tried and tested. They’ve helped fuel me immensely! I’ve always been known to get demotivated quickly, even before COVID-19. These are my go-to ways to get myself back into my makeup classes quickly and efficiently.

makeup products in mini shopping basket, sitting on laptop

Perks of QC’s Online Makeup Classes

When it comes to reputable makeup classes, QC Makeup Academy’s online school is the best of the best. Based on my experience as both a student and a graduate, here are my Top 2 reasons why you should pursue your professional makeup training with QC!

Pro #1: Convenience and Comfortability

A major benefit of online makeup classes is the convenience of it all. As a student of QC Makeup Academy, you can log into your courses and work on them whenever YOU see fit. Since there’s no physical classroom you need to attend, all you need is a good Wi-Fi connection and you’re good to go!

You can do your course from quite literally anywhere in the world. During the pandemic, having the option to get professionally trained right in the comfort of your own home is a pretty rare luxury. It’s definitely a perk you wouldn’t be able to find in any brick-and-mortar school!

Pro #2: Availability and Affordability

With online makeup classes, the opportunities available to students are limitless! Since you can attend QC Makeup Academy right from your living room, you can save on commuting and student housing costs. An added bonus about virtual learning is the flexibility of studying remotely. You might not realize it, but by completing all of your makeup training via an online school, you’re gaining valuable skills that’ll serve you well in the real-world.

Unlike with brick-and-mortar learning, online schooling uniquely prepares you for a professional marketplace where remote options are commonplace. As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes students to alternative education routes, online makeup classes ease the financial burden of traditional college – while still giving you the same high-quality education!

Having our lives turned upside-down in such a short time does NOT mean that we have to give up on our dreams of becoming professional makeup artists! QC Makeup Academy makes makeup classes possible, even when stuck in isolation and socially distancing.

Now I’d like to know: how has COVID-19 affected your learning experience and career dreams? Do you have any tips for staying motivated?

Comment below, as we would love to hear them! And don’t forget to join QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Once in there, come find me and say hi! I love connecting and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thank you for reading. Lots of love to you all! 🙂

Learn more about QC Makeup Academy’s wide variety of makeup classes and get started today!

online makeup school video article jordan garcia mar 10 2021 feature image

5 Perks You’ll Only Find Through Online Makeup School [video]

By About the School, Career Advice, Education, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

So, you want to be a professional makeup artist. Awesome! Now the question is: should you pursue your certification training through a brick-and-mortar or online makeup school?

5 Unique Perks You’ll Only Find From an Online Makeup School

Jordan Garcia is a student of the following QC Makeup Academy programs:

Join Jordan as he reveals why he enjoys getting professionally certified through QC’s self-paced, online environment. As an added bonus, Jordan also breaks down 5 awesome benefits you can ONLY find with an online makeup school.

Watch Jordan’s full video below!

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

A Quick Recap

There are LOTS of benefits when it comes to training with a reputable online makeup institution. However, these are the Top 5 perks that Jordan discusses in the above video:

  1. Online makeup schools offer more affordable tuition than brick-and-mortar schools.
  2. Unlike in-person classrooms, the learning environment is much more flexible (often being self-paced) with most online schools.
  3. Since training can be done from quite literally anywhere you want, online makeup school is much more convenient.
  4. Rather than having one tutor mentoring an entire classroom, your online tutor will be working with only you. Thus, your training will be much more personalized!
  5. As a QC student in particular, you gain access to a much larger network than you would in most brick-and-mortar schools.

Remember: the right online makeup institution will offer the exact same quality of learning as you’d find in a brick-and-mortar school. In fact, a lot of people who’ve trained in both environments have stated that online makeup training (from a reputable school, of course) has been even better than in-person classes.

woman watching makeup lesson on laptop, sitting on couch with makeup products laid out next to her

Perks of Enrolling with QC Makeup Academy

There are countless reasons why you should pursue your certification training with QC Makeup Academy! Here are just some of those reasons:

  • QC has an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau!
  • We’ve got over 245 positive reviews on Facebook alone!
  • QC has been a trusted pioneer of online learning since 1984!
  • Our competitive tuition can be paid in low monthly installments!
  • Plus, we offer monthly promotional deals to help you maximize your training while saving even more money!
  • You’ll receive both a digital and physical copy of your course materials!
  • Hands-on assignments will give you tons of real-world experience!
  • Your tutor will be a real industry professional with decades of experience!
  • After every unit, your assigned tutor will provide you with extensive, personalized audio feedback!
  • If you ever have any questions, our awesome Student Support Team is available 7 days a week to help!
  • When you graduate, you’ll receive an internationally-recognized certification!
makeup artist blending foundation on hand

Enroll in an online makeup school and pursue your dream career safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get started with QC Makeup Academy today!

QC Makeup Student Ambassador Amanda Ramey

Becoming a Makeup Artist as a Busy Mom [video]

By About the School, Career Advice, Education, From the Experts, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Are you a busy, full-time parent with a hectic schedule? Do you also dream of becoming a makeup artist and launching a successful career you can be passionate about?

If so, then QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Amanda Ramey, is here to help!

Becoming a Makeup Artist as a Busy Parent

Amanda Ramey is a graduate of the following QC Makeup Academy certification programs:

  • Master Makeup Artistry Course
  • Pro Makeup Workshop
  • Special FX Makeup Course
  • Airbrush Makeup Workshop

In addition to her makeup career, Amanda also works full-time as a tattoo artist. On top of all that, she is also a full-time mother of two children!

So, how does Amanda juggle all of her priorities? How was she able to complete her professional training (in SO many courses, no less) and become a makeup artist with such a busy schedule?

Her answer: QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online training!

Watch her full video below to learn more.

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

Becoming a Makeup Artist with QC Makeup Academy

Amanda reveals a handful of reasons why QC’s remote learning environment is the PERFECT match for full-time parents who want to become professional makeup artists. Here are just 3 of the perks she discusses in her video:

  • QC’s online courses eliminate the need to travel or take time out of your personal schedule! Unlike brick-and-mortar makeup classes, there are no due dates and no rigid schedules to follow. Thus, you can train at your own pace and in your own space. If that means one hour a week, once the kiddies are in bed, then that’s totally fine!
  • You get 2 full years to finish your training! Being a full-time parent is a major commitment in-and-of itself. Your goal of becoming a makeup artist shouldn’t get in the way of your parental priorities. Thanks to QC’s 2-year time limit, there will never be any pressure to rush assignments (or your training in general).
  • QC’s courses are EXTREMELY affordable! As a full-time parent, you might very well be on a strict budget. That’s okay! Becoming a makeup artist doesn’t need to break the bank – not when QC offers low monthly payment plans AND monthly promotional deals.
mother becoming a makeup artist at home, daughter brushing nose with makeup brush

Even MORE Reasons to Enroll with QC Makeup Academy

There are tons of other reasons why your journey to becoming a makeup artist should start by enrolling with QC! Here are just a few more benefits of being a QC student:

  • You’ll be training with a school you can trust! QC has been a pioneer of online learning since 1984. We also have an A+ ranking with the BBB and over 270 raving reviews on Facebook.
  • Like to learn in different ways? We’ve got you covered! Not only will you receive digital AND physical copies of your course textbooks – you’ll also get instructional videos, quizzes, and hands-on assignments.
  • Get TONS of makeup discounts from big-name brands! All QC students and alumni are eligible for a wide variety of makeup discounts. Plus, depending on the program you enroll in, we’ll send you a starter makeup kit as part of your course materials.
  • Your QC tutor will be a legitimately pro! Every QC tutor is a real beauty expert with decades of experience in the industry. Plus, they’ll provide you with regular audio feedback throughout your training to help you grow.
  • Upon graduating, you’ll receive an official certification! All of QC’s certifications are internationally-recognized. As a result, you’ll be able to work anywhere! Moreover, a professional certification on your resume is SURE to impress clients and employers alike – and get you more bookings!
makeup products against pink background

Make your dream of becoming a makeup artist a REALITY in 2021. Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

makeup career youtube video blog article Veronika Kelle march 03 2021 feature image

Boost Your Makeup Career with Veronika Kelle’s Top Tips! [video]

By Career Advice, From the Experts, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 8 Comments

Want to boost your makeup career, attract more clients, collaborate with new vendors, and gain more success in 2021? If so, QC Makeup Academy‘s Student Ambassador, Veronika Kelle, is here to help!

Veronika’s Top Tips to Boost Your Makeup Career!

Veronika Kelle is a graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Special FX Makeup Course. Based in Phuket, Thailand, Veronika offers clients a wide variety of professional makeup services. Her specialties include glamor, bridal, special effects, and makeup for film and television.

Today, she draws on her professional training and real-world experience to answer some of the most frequently asked questions she gets from aspiring MUAs. In addition, Veronika also provides her top tips for taking your makeup career to the next level!

Watch the video below to find out what they are!

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

A Brief Summary of What You’ll Learn

In the above video, Veronika shares her advice and personal experience on all of the following topics:

  • Finding models;
  • How to contact potential models;
  • Putting together a stylized photoshoot;
  • Finding vendors to collaborate with;
  • Building your professional network;
  • How to create an original character;
  • Getting and staying motivated;
  • And the importance of makeup certification training.
makeup artist applying lip product to model's lips

Boosting Your Makeup Career with Professional Training

Do you truly want your professional makeup career to be successful? If so, then there’s NO substitute for reputable training! By getting properly educated in makeup artistry, you can be fully confident in your qualifications and skill-set. Moreover, your clients will be able to trust the quality of the services you can provide them. Not to mention, you’ll have a real certification to add to your resume!

Here are a handful of reasons why you should pursue your certification training through QC Makeup Academy:

  • QC has an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau! Plus, our certifications are internationally-recognized!
  • We’ve also got over 270 raving reviews on Facebook alone!
  • QC’s tuition rates are affordable for all budgets. As a result, you can pay upfront or break things up with our low monthly payment plan. It’s up to you!
  • Our learning environment is entirely remote and self-paced. Thus, you get to train at your own schedule, from the comfort of your very own home!
  • Get up to 2 whole years to complete your program!
  • Gain digital access to your learning materials. Plus, we’ll mail a physical copy right to your door, too!
  • Practical assignments will provide you with tons of hands-on training!
  • Your QC tutor will be a real beauty expert with decades of experience in the industry!
  • As an added bonus, your tutor will give you regular audio feedback throughout the entire course to help you grow!
makeup artist applying makeup to model

Start the makeup career of your dreams by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador, Krystle Clarkson, feature image

My Honest Review of QC Makeup Academy

By About the School, Education, From the Experts, Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Thinking of getting professional certified as a makeup artist through QC Makeup Academy? Check out this in-depth graduate review to get a crystal clear idea of what you can expect once you enroll!

Watch Krystle Clarkson’s Honest Review of QC Makeup Academy!

Krystle Clarkson is a graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and Pro Makeup Workshop. She’s also currently a student of the Special FX Makeup Course. Today, she’s here to break down what her experience as a student has been like and why she recommends QC’s online makeup certification courses!

Watch her full review below!

Want to connect with Krystle directly? Join our Virtual Classroom on Facebook today!

A Little History on QC Makeup Academy

QC has been a pioneer of the online learning experience since 1984 and holds an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer internationally-recognized training from the comfort of the student’s home, as well as on their personal schedule.

QC’s tutors are all real industry experts with years of experience. As a student, you’ll be paired with a tutor, who will help guide you throughout your entire course. After each unit, you’ll even receive customized audio feedback from them. This feedback will help you grow as an artist and become the best you can be!

Perks of Training with QC

Here are some of the best reasons you should enroll with QC Makeup Academy today:

  • QC’s tuition rates are highly competitive – we even offer low monthly payment plans to help make your course that much more affordable!
  • Every month, there’s a promotional deal for both new and existing students!
  • You’ll get all the benefits of traditional brick-and-mortar training – from the comfort of your own home!
  • Our self-paced learning environment means there are NO deadlines or strict schedules!
  • Get a full 2 years to complete your course!
  • On average, devoting just 1-2 hours per week on your studies can lead to you graduating in as little as 3-6 months (maybe sooner)!
  • Get digital access to your course materials, as well as a physical copy mailed right to your door!
  • Some QC Makeup Academy courses come with their own makeup kit, too!
  • Practical assignments will give you tons of hands-on training and real-world experience!
  • There’s a full Business Unit at the end of most courses to teach you how to start and run your very own business!
  • You’ll gain access to a whole community of peers and instructors to connect and network with!
  • And SO much more!
makeup on table with laptop keyboard

Start the career of your dreams by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

makeup discounts video jordan garcia feb 17 2021 feature image

QC’s Master List of Makeup Discounts!

By About the School, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Want access to AMAZING makeup discounts from big name brands? 💄 Enroll with QC Makeup Academy and gain access to all sorts of incredible deals!

Student Ambassador, Jordan Garcia, Reveals ALL of QC’s Makeup Discounts

Jordan Garcia is a student of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Skincare courses. Today, he breaks down every single makeup discount offered to QC students and graduates.

Watch the full video below to discover which big name brands QC has partnerships with, what YOUR discount will be, and how you can redeem it today!

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

More About QC Makeup Academy

QC Makeup Academy has been proudly pioneering the online learning experience since 1984. We’re accredited with an A+ ranking from the BBB and our internationally-recognized courses are done online. This means that as a student, you can get professionally trained at your own pace, in your own space!

On top of the makeup discounts discussed above, here are some more reasons why you should enroll with QC:

  • QC’s tuition rates are extremely competitive! However, we also offer low monthly payment plans and monthly promotions to help with costs, too.
  • Your tutor will be a real industry expert! Thus, you’ll get trained by someone with years of experience.
  • You’ll receive a digital and physical copy of your course materials!
  • If your course comes with a makeup kit, this will be mailed right to your door, too!
  • After each unit, you’ll receive extensive audio feedback from your tutor! As a result, you’ll be able to grow and become an even stronger MUA.
  • Your assignments will give you plenty of hands-on experience!
  • You’ll get an internationally-recognized certification or certificate after graduating from ANY of QC’s courses!
  • Once you enroll in one course, you can take ANY other course for 50% off. So, add to your qualifications at half the price!
  • There’s an entire QC community for you to connect and network with!
makeup desk laptop

Want to Become a QC Student Ambassador?

Interested in becoming a Student Ambassador for QC Makeup Academy?

Here’s what we’re looking for from you:

  • You’re at least halfway through one of your QC courses
  • You have a B+ average or higher
  • You’re interested in writing blogs and/or filming videos for QC’s platforms
  • You wish to build your skill-set for your own career endeavors
  • You’re passionate about QC Makeup Academy and want to help get QC’s name out there
  • You want to help other students in their own journeys

Does this sound like you? If so, we invite you to learn more here and submit your application today!

Tip: Discover exactly what you can expect when you become a Student Ambassador by reading this article!

makeup discounts jordan garcia video feb 17 2021 in-post image 2

Unlock your makeup discounts today by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!

global beauty article feb 16 2021 feature image

Why I’m Taking QC’s Global Beauty Workshop

By Education, Global Beauty, Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Katie Stegeman is a QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, graduate, and current student. Today, she discusses the reasons why she’s chosen to enroll and get professionally certified in the Global Beauty Workshop.

global beauty student, Katie Stegeman, headshot

A Little About Me…

Hi, everyone! My name is Katie Stegeman. I’m a stay-at-home mom of five (soon to be six) beautiful babies. I am also a professional makeup artist. When I first started my training at QC Makeup Academy, I had very little training in makeup. The only makeup I did was on myself – and I’ll admit, it wasn’t the greatest.

Since enrolling with QC, however, I have become a professionally certified International Skincare Consulting Professional (ISCP) and have received a certificate in virtual makeup services. I’m also currently working on completing the following additional courses:

  • Master Makeup Artistry
  • Pro Makeup Workshop
  • Hair Styling Essentials
  • Airbrush Makeup Workshop
  • Portfolio Development Workshop
  • Global Beauty Workshop

The Global Beauty Workshop is actually what I’m here to discuss with you today. I’d like to give you some insight into why I chose to get trained in this particular area of makeup artistry… and why YOU should, too!

What is Global Beauty?

Global beauty is so important for every makeup artist to understand. Ideally, any kind of person should be able to sit in your makeup chair, and you should be able to identify and understand:

  • Their skin tone;
  • Their undertone;
  • The texture of their skin;
  • Products to use;
  • Products to avoid, etc.

Why is Global Beauty Important?

This extensive knowledge is VITAL to your success! Global beauty training allows your skill-set to be inclusive to everyone. After all, not all skin is going to be the same. One client’s skin might react one way to makeup, while another’s will react differently.

Plus, global beauty training will make you well-versed in all the different types of skin tones. You don’t want to be known as the makeup artist who can only work on one tone, do you? No! You should be able to work with fair skin tones, dark skin tones, deep skin tones, golden skin tones, and everything in-between!

Speaking from personal experience, global beauty training has already helped me advance my makeup techniques. As a beauty expert, clients are relying on you to understand their specific needs. This is the ONLY way you’ll be able to give them their ideal results.

For example, say a client wants a traditional South Asian bridal look. You’ll need to understand everything – from the primer you’ll need to use, to the type of coverage this look requires, etc. Traditional South Asian bridal looks are very different from its modern counterpart.

Global beauty training has its place in editorial and media makeup, too. Not all skin tones will show up the same on camera. Each skin tone has its own needs and requirements in order for it to look its best with this particular medium.

I haven’t even covered the tip of the iceberg, to be honest. When you get trained in global beauty, you’re going to be learning a LOT of invaluable information that you didn’t know before. You’ll even be taught things like henna tattoos (which I’m particularly interested in learning about). If your goal is to strengthen your resume and take your career to the next level, my point is: global beauty training is the way to go!

South Asian bridal makeup

Why I Enrolled in QC’s Global Beauty Workshop

I enrolled because I’m always trying to absorb as much information as I possibly can. When I started with QC Makeup Academy last year, I didn’t have a lot of makeup knowledge. I wanted that education. My training needed to be as diverse as possible – and QC’s Global Beauty Workshop definitely meets this criteria.

A lot of the makeup artists in my area are not trained. To set myself apart, I wanted to gain a legitimate foundation. I wanted a reputable certification I could physically showcase to others. This way, clients would notice that I was different from the others… and it’s been working!

Enrolling in QC’s Global Beauty Workshop has already booked me clients! I know it will only continue to aid in my business from here.

What You’ll Learn

It would be impossible for me to fit the entire course curriculum into this article, because there’s just so much incredible information taught to you. However, here’s a short list of some of the skills you’ll learn by enrolling in the Global Beauty Workshop:

  • Understanding and working with a wide variety of skin tones;
  • Corrective makeup for different skin tones;
  • Special focuses on deep skin tones, fair skin tones, medium & olive skin tones, and golden skin tones;
  • Bridal, editorial, and other specialized looks for various skin tones;
  • Building your makeup kit;
  • Working with henna;
  • Marketing your services;
  • And so much more!

The course itself is less than 40 hours long. However, you have up to 2 full years to complete it. A lot of grads found that by devoted 1-2 hours per week on their studies, they were able to graduate in as little as 3-6 months (sometimes less).

The best part? Once you’ve graduated, you’ll receive a physical copy of your Global Beauty Workshop certificate to proudly add to your resume!

makeup artist applying lip product to dark skin model's lips

Applying My Global Beauty Training to Real Life

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve actually since booked even more clients, thanks to my global beauty training with QC. These are clients I know I would not have booked otherwise, because they had very specific needs that required the proper training on my end.

Here’s a perfect example… There was a client in my area who was looking for a makeup artist with experience in darker skin tones. As it turned out, the overwhelming majority of MUAs in our area did NOT have training in this. (Admittedly, where we live is not overly diverse.) Because I was the only makeup artist who saw the post and knew how to work with darker skin tones, I booked the job!

Becoming a trained global beauty makeup artist has made SUCH a huge difference for me. Taking this workshop has given me that little extra training that proves to go a LONG way. I now properly understand international makeup techniques and can work with any client interested in my services.

What Being a QC Student Looks Like

Within a day or two after enrolling in the Global Beauty Workshop, I received direct online access to my digital course materials. Not long after that, QC mailed a physical box of materials right to my doorstep. These physical materials included books, henna tools, and a cream concealer. Instructional videos, quizzes, and assignments are also provided as part of the digital resources.

If I’m being completely honest, I recommend ALL of the classes at QC Makeup Academy. The tutors have been outstanding! They care about helping me become the best makeup artist I can be. I truly appreciate all of their support and feedback. The Virtual Classroom on Facebook has also been one of my favorite parts about being a QC student! Being able to connect with other students, grads, and instructors is wonderful.

I’m a busy mom, so the self-paced course timeline has been invaluable, too. The Support Staff at the school have also been amazing. There are days when my children need more from me. Being able to take a day/week/month off to be there for my family is immensely helpful!

Before enrolling, I’d looked at QC Makeup Academy’s reviews. I did a lot of investigating into what the students had to say about the courses and their experiences. It took me a long time to make the decision to enroll. But looking back, I am SO happy I found QC Makeup Academy. It’s changed my life – and it can change YOURS, too!

professional makeup kit

Thank you so much for taking the time to read what I had to say. I truly appreciate it! If you want to come connect with me and other students before signing up with QC Makeup Academy, you’re welcome to join the Virtual Classroom for a 2-week trial. Feel free to find me there and ask any questions you might have. I’m always happy to help!

Ready to become a master of makeup? Take your career to the next level by enrolling in QC’s Global Beauty Workshop today!

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Alba Carpio feature image

Ambassador Feature: Alba Carpio

By About the School, Student Ambassador 2 Comments

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Alba R. Carpio, and my life has been a roller coaster for the past few years. But right now, I can say I’m happily married and a proud mom. My love for characterization, sci-fi, and horror films started when I was a kid. When I went to University, I got my Bachelor Degree in Architecture.

However, when my father passed away, everything changed. I went through a very hard time; dealing with depression and anxiety. During this time, my passion for makeup revived. At first, I used it as a therapy. But it ending up becoming my safe place.

What made you decide to change career paths and switch from architecture to makeup artistry?

When I graduated, we had plans to move to Europe. But when my father passed away, we had to stay in Mexico and take care of the family business. Then I became pregnant. At that time, my husband and I decided it would be best for me to stay at home.

If I’m being honest, I revived my love for makeup through social media and watching influencers. Over time, though, that wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn everything in a professional way – especially Special FX makeup. So, I investigated all of my options and that’s how I found QC Makeup Academy. This school gave me the possibility of doing this as a career!

Prior to getting any training, you mentioned that you learned makeup primary through social media. When was it you realized that social media makeup is completely different from real-world makeup?

I actually found this out the hard way. One day, I got a phone call from my husband, asking me out on a romantic date. I wanted to surprise him with the makeup techniques I’d just learned from YouTube. When we arrived at the restaurant, he said in a very gentle way, “Babe, I think you have dirt on your face… take this tissue so you can clean up.”

It was embarrassing! But when I looked in the mirror, it was obvious that my contour was completely overdone. As QC Makeup Academy makes clear in their training, social media and real-life makeup are designed for completely different environments. Social media makeup is definitely not meant for everyday life.

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Alba Carpio Portfolio Image 1
QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Alba Carpio Portfolio Image 2

Why did you decide to enroll in an online makeup school, rather than an in-person one?

Between being a new mom and dealing with all the tasks of running the family business, I had no time or energy to go to a physical school. But QC Makeup Academy did give me time and space to do my courses at my own pace. Plus, their amazing programs have been designed by industry professionals, and are led by the best of the best, in terms of tutors. This all gave me confidence that I was making a good investment.

So, how did you find out about QC Makeup Academy?

Online research! I knew that with my schedule, the only way I was going to be able to study was with an online school. I investigated very carefully into all my options. Once I found QC Makeup Academy, I quickly say that they offered everything I wanted!

Some of the reasons I chose to enroll are:

  • You have up to 2 years to finish your courses.
  • You have options to pay the course all at once or through affordable payment plans.
  • QC Makeup Academy’s certifications are internationally-recognized.
  • QC’s accredited with an A+ ranking by the Better Business Bureau.
  • They have very complete and interesting programs suitable for both beginning and advanced makeup artists.
  • Students are provided with personalized feedback from professional tutors.

You’ve since graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and Special FX Makeup Course. How was your experience with these programs, and how would you say they’ve helped you grow as a makeup artist?

QC changed my life in the best possible way. It’s not just the experience of learning professional makeup techniques; it’s also the personalized feedback you get from your tutors. They take the time to analyze your work and give you constructive criticism. Their goal is to help you grow by offering you advice, tips, tricks, and encouragement to be the best version of yourself as an artist.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced student. Your previous experience, social medial followers, or job position doesn’t matter either. QC Makeup Academy always make you feel respected and welcome. Personally, my makeup skills are now at a completely different level when compared to where they were at 3 years ago!

You’re also currently enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Airbrush Makeup Workshop. Why do you feel that these additional skills and qualifications will make your makeup career all the more successful?

I firmly believe that all of QC’s programs properly complement one another. For example, skincare is very important because it helps you understand how to take care of your canvas. With this basic knowledge, it’s easier to personalize the makeup routine for each client, since everyone has different skin types and needs.

The Pro Makeup Workshop goes into more detail about advanced makeup techniques, concepts, and applications. This next-level program is meant to help you perfect your skills and build upon what you learned in the MMA Course. Finally, the Airbrush Workshop adds yet another level of professionalism to your craft, both in beauty makeup and SFX makeup.

I can’t stop learning – this career path is just so fascinating to me!

How useful have the various course materials, assignments, and tutor feedback been? In what ways have they helped you grow stronger as an MUA?

At this moment of my life, I am mainly a social media makeup artist. But I also book the occasional freelance job for film, bridal, or special event makeup on the weekends. The knowledge I’ve gotten from QC Makeup Academy has helped me understand when to use certain makeup techniques, according to the occasion.

Like I said before, social media makeup is designed for a self-controlled, 2D environment. Real-life makeup, on the other hand, is designed for a high-definition, 3d environment. You can’t control the angles in which your artistry will be showcased. So, you need to understand the proper techniques… because there’ll be no place to hide imperfections!

QC Makeup Academy Ambassador Alba Carpio Portfolio Image 3

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned so far from QC Makeup Academy’s professional training?

With QC Makeup Academy, you learn:

  • The importance of skincare;
  • Proper makeup application for every kind of client;
  • Lifesaving makeup techniques;
  • How to treat your clients;
  • And more.

But to me, the MOST important lessons I’ve learned have been about proper hygiene and etiquette as an MUA. This knowledge alone elevates you to another level! Most aspiring makeup artists nowadays educate themselves strictly with YouTube videos.

However, beyond the popular trends and/or makeup tutorials available on social media, it’s very uncommon to find educational videos discussing topics such as taking care of your makeup kit, sanitizing your tools, etc. Being a makeup artist is so much more than simply applying makeup to another person’s face. This type of education is essential for success.

You’ve recently joined QC’s team of Student Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, what’s the #1 thing you want aspiring makeup artists to know about QC Makeup Academy?

QC Makeup Academy will give you the basic tools you need to pursue a successful career as a makeup artist. It doesn’t matter which area you want to grow in professionally – they cover it all!

Once you have these tools, it’ll then be up to YOU to become the artist you want to be. For that, you will need to dedicate time and practice. My personal experience has been amazing. I couldn’t be more grateful for what QC has done for me. As a Student Ambassador, I want to help others follow their own dreams.

You have over 266k followers on TikTok and over 17k on YouTube. What advice would you give to new MUAs for growing their online presence and increasing their following?

My social media channels were never about having a big following or becoming popular. They started as a personal space where I could express myself and what I love. They’ve helped me heal and make it through a very difficult time in my life.

What I can tell makeup artists who want to grow their social media is to NEVER let the numbers control you. Don’t let the views discourage you, or the likes make you feel as if you are not talented enough. Just do what you love and the numbers will come eventually.

What are your top career goals as a makeup artist?

I believe there is no small job. Everything can give you experience and knowledge to grow as an artist!

To start, I want to retire from our job at the family business and dedicate myself full-time to makeup artistry. I’m currently working towards this now. I also want to travel to congresses, take makeup master classes around the world, and eventually, teach them myself. Additionally, I’d like to dedicate more time to my social media and explore different makeup techniques I haven’t tried yet. I’d also love to learn even more about Special FX makeup.

I guess, when I think about it, I just want to try it ALL!

What is the #1 piece of advice that you’d like to give to aspiring makeup artists who are thinking of pursuing a professional career in 2021?

I want to inspire others to never give up on themselves. It’s is never too late to pursue your dream career! There’s honestly no better feeling than dedicating your life to something that makes you happy and that you have passion for. You’ll never get tired of it.

If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, just go with it! QC Makeup Academy will give you all the tools you need, but it’ll be up to you to figure out how you want to use them.

Inspired by Alba’s story? Write your own today by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!

how to become a makeup artist cheri article feature image

How to Become a Makeup Artist: The Importance of Constructive Criticism

By Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career 2 Comments

Want to learn how to become a makeup artist? QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador, Cheri Stevens, reveals why being able to accept constructive criticism is crucial to your career’s success! Cheri is currently enrolled in the Master Makeup Artistry Course. Read her full Ambassador Feature here!

What is Constructive Criticism?

So, you have a passion for makeup and have decided to turn it into an actual career. That’s awesome! You’re in for an exciting journey – but it won’t be one without hard work and dedication. If you’re serious about your craft and want to know how to become a makeup artist in the professional world, one of the key things you’ll need to be able to do is accept constructive criticism.

Constructive criticism is a very necessary tool. As an MUA, you’re more than likely going to encounter it more than once throughout your career. If you try to become a makeup artist and assume you’ll never be given feedback or critiques, it’s going to be a very jarring awakening when it eventually happens. This is why it’s important to go into your new career with realistic expectations.

Constructive criticism can come in many forms. Here are just a few general examples that one might hear in everyday life:

  • Someone critiquing your outfit: “These colors are good, but they don’t best complement your features. These colors would look amazing with your hair and eye color!”
  • Someone critiquing your cooking: “This chicken looks a bit too pink; it might need some more time.”
  • Someone critiquing your hairstyle: “This hairstyle doesn’t flatter your face because it’s more meant for [such and such] face shape. If you ever wanted to try adding some layers, I think that’d really draw attention to your awesome bone structure!”

Constructive Criticism vs. Insults

woman getting insulted

It’s important to know that constructive criticism is NOT the same as being insulted or disrespected. The latter is meant solely to bring you down and has negative intent. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is meant to help you. Moreover, it’s necessary for personal growth.

When someone is honest with you and providing constructive feedback, their intent is positive. They’re trying to help you see what could be done better, so YOU can do better next time. Now, I get it: receiving constructive criticism can sometimes suck. No one overly likes to hear when what they’ve done wasn’t perfect.

But imperfections are what make us human. Everyone gets constructive criticism at some point (or many points) throughout their life. But it’s important that you try your best to take with an open mind – especially while you complete your professional makeup training.

After all, if you really want to know how to become a makeup artist, the key is going to be remembering that constructive criticism will ultimately help you become the best artist you can be!

How to Become a Makeup Artist: Constructive Criticism as an MUA

Makeup artistry is a VERY competitive field. You will not be the best right away, nor will you be the only one. Constructive criticism in our field is necessary so that we can learn proper techniques and grow as an artist.

What might we hear as makeup artists, in terms of constructive criticism? Here are few examples of feedback you might get, particularly while getting trained:

  • “Watch your symmetry with the eyes.”
  • “Your blending needs more practice.”
  • “You need to better color match for the correct skin tone.”
  • “Try to do less of a blocked eyebrow and more natural, hair-like strokes.”
how to become a makeup artist cheri article in-post image 3

Why Critique from Others is Essential

Constructive criticism plays a fundamental role in the learning process. As an artist, the learning process never truly ends – you just get better at what you do. But there will always be room for improvement and growth. If you take offense to everything that’s being said about your work, you aren’t really listening to the people who are trying to help. As such, you’ll keep making the same mistakes over and over again.

As a result, this will severely impair your success in the field. You’ll only have so much room to grow before you become stagnant. Listening, learning, and applying the suggestions given to you is crucial. When you’re receptive to constructive feedback, you AND your career will soar to even greater heights because you’ll learn how to see your work with a fresh set of eyes.

For instance, would you want to create a look for someone – such as a bride – and later realize that it wasn’t what you expected? Even worse, what if it wasn’t what SHE expected? Of course not. You’d be hurting your reputation, all because you didn’t have the proper education and refused assistance. We know you don’t want that!

The Importance of Constructive Criticism in Your Makeup Course

As part of your professional makeup training, you’ll be paired with a tutor. This tutor will be an industry expert with years of experience. In other words, they know their stuff and possess an insight you don’t yet have.

If you’ve never before had proper makeup training, chances are there’ll be at least one thing you’ve been doing wrong. Your instructor’s job is to help you break bad habits, so you can instead learn how to do things the correct way. In order for them to do this, they’ll need to tell you what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong.

Remember: this is a natural part of the process. Everyone needs to go through it. Even they started somewhere and received the same types of critiques they’re now giving you. This type of support is essential for keeping you on the right track and giving you the proper skills to succeed!

If you truly want to know how to become a makeup artist, don’t you want to push yourself to be the best you can be?

makeup student practicing on female model

The Consequences of Rejecting Constructive Criticism

If you’re making mistakes, it’s EXTREMELY important that you’re aware of it. More importantly, it’s critical that you understand why and what specifically you’re doing wrong. Only then can you improve and move forward with the intent of correcting your errors the next time.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t walk into a professional restaurant and insist on cooking a meal if you didn’t know how to cook. The logic is the same for makeup artistry.

Simply put: if you continue doing the wrong thing over and over again, you will struggle to become a makeup artist. You will never learn properly and your reputation will take a massive hit.

Speaking from personal experience, the constructive criticism you’ll receive from your QC Makeup Academy tutor is going to be invaluable! Nathan Johnson has given me plenty of honest and straightforward responses to my work. He’s honestly the best!

No, your tutor is not always going to stroke your ego. But they WILL provide every last bit of feedback with kindness and knowledge. And as we all know, knowledge is the power to succeed. The critiques you receive during your training are only said with love. They’re meant to steer you in the right direction; pinpointing step-by-step what’s working, what isn’t, and how to achieve the best result.

Personally, my feedback has given me the motivation to become way more attentive to detail. I couldn’t be more grateful for it!

Constructive Criticism in the QC Virtual Classroom

This is a great way to get many different eyes looking at your work. It’s also the perfect chance to get you used to receiving constructive feedback, so you’ll be better prepared for the working world. I love that QC makes this sort of environment available to us!

In the Virtual Classroom, students and graduates are encouraged to share photos of their work. Then other students, alumni, and tutors (I’m looking at you, Nathan) can see your work and examine it. They’ll regularly congratulate what you’ve done well, as well as suggest beneficial ways the look can be improved upon in the future.

Being a part of QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom on Facebook provides a great opportunity to see how constructive criticism is offered to students. This group also demonstrates real-life examples of constructive criticism being given and received in a healthy, positive way.

woman on laptop

Tips for Giving Productive Feedback

  1. Back up your critiques. Don’t just tell someone what they are doing wrong. Rather, explain which technique appears to be incorrect and why.
  2. Be helpful. If you’re pointing out what could have been done better, take the extra minute to explain how the individual can better that technique next time.
  3. Please use tact. There is no room for nastiness in constructive criticism. If you can’t phrase your feedback in a positive way, keep it to yourself.
  4. Make sure you are qualified to make that judgement call. If it’s not your area of expertise, or you are struggling yourself, it’s probably not your place to comment.
  5. Always be kind and respectful. Consider the kind of constructive criticism YOU would prefer to hear. If it would hurt your own feelings, it could very well hurt someone else’s. Getting critiqued can make people feel vulnerable. Delivering feedback in a way that makes them understand without taking offense isn’t always easy. So, it’s important to be mindful of the things you say and how you say them.

How to Become a Makeup Artist: Tips for Taking Productive Feedback

  1. Don’t get defensive. Constructive criticism isn’t meant to be an attack, so don’t treat it as such. In the professional industry, the way you respond to critiques can make or break your career. You’ll need a thick skin. Just try to remember that it’s coming from a good place and not meant to hurt you.
  2. Really listen to what’s being said. Not ALL critiques will be correct, but many of them will be. So, don’t shrug them off. Even if you initially disagree, take the time to really absorb the feedback. Try to view things objectively. As we discussed before, you’re never going to know everything. Sometimes, the only way to truly get better is by first acknowledging this.
how to become a makeup artist cheri article last in-post image

Best of luck in your journey! 💕

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to join me today. Please feel free to comment below with any questions or comments you may have. If you’d like to connect with me directly, I’m always available to chat in the Virtual Classroom.

So long as you’re open and receptive to the constructive feedback you receive, you’ll be become a makeup artist and launch a successful career before you know it! You’ve got this!

The best way to become a makeup artist is by first getting professional certification training. Enroll with QC today and start your career in just 3-6 months!