Your Makeup Career Archives

Feb 03

A Look Inside QC’s FREE Makeup Kit!

By Sarah Seguin Announcements, Your Makeup Career No Comments

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

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

So, how can YOU get a free makeup kit?

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

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

Let’s take a look…

Breaking Down QC’s Free Makeup Kit

88-Shade Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

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

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

28-Shade Powder Blush Palette

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

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

32-Shade Lip Palette with Glosses

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

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

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

20-Shade Correct & Conceal Palette

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

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

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

16-Piece Brush Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan 15

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Building Your Makeup Portfolio During COVID-19

By Sarah Seguin Your Makeup Career No Comments

As a professional makeup artist who’s new to the game, building your makeup portfolio is critical. This portfolio must reflect high-quality work that accurately represents who you are and which services you can provide to clients.

But while there are tons of tips and tricks out there to help you develop your makeup portfolio under normal circumstances, what happens once a global pandemic has been thrown into the mix?

With in-person contact at a minimum, it might seem impossible to build a high-quality makeup portfolio. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! The fact is, there are still ways to gather the material you need. It’ll just be a matter of getting a bit craftier and staying on the safe side.

Here are just 3 examples of what I’m talking about…

3 Ways You Can Build Your Makeup Portfolio During the Pandemic

1. Utilize Your Virtual Beauty Clients

Virtual makeup and skincare services became quite the hot commodity over the course of 2020. After all, many people didn’t want to leave the safety of their homes (or straight up couldn’t). So, beauty professionals needed to find a new way to offer their expertise in a way that works for everybody.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are plenty of online services you can offer instead of in-person ones. For instance, you can provide online consultations. Another option is to teach virtual makeup lessons or even develop personalized skincare regimens for clients.

The best part? These can all be done from the comfort of your couch!

What better way to illustrate to prospective clients that you’re capable of providing them with beneficial virtual services than to prove it in your online makeup portfolio?

Whenever you work with a client, ask them to take a high-quality photo of their full face prior to getting started with you. Then, once your work with them is complete, ask them to take a second photo of their full face. This second image should clearly show the difference your services have made when compared to the first picture.

Tips for Taking Photos

Most people use some sort of smart phone these days, and the majority of them have excellent cameras capable of taking high-quality photos. When requesting these photos, provide a few tips/requirements for the images, such as:

The photo is taken in front of a white or neutral background. There should be no clutter or anything else to distract the eye from the focus of the photo.
The photo is an up-close shot of their full face. From the top of their head to the bottom of their chin should all be within the frame.
The photo should not be a selfie. Advise your client to rest their phone or camera on a sturdy surface and set a timer. Selfies are never recommended within a makeup portfolio, as they aren’t very professional-looking.
There should be good lighting. Prompt your client to take a photo in a brightly lit room, or during a relatively sunny day, in front of a window. They don’t need fancy ring lights to get the job done. But the picture shouldn’t be taken in a dark or dim space either.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to request – in writing – for your client’s expressed consent to use their image on your website’s makeup portfolio, social media pages, etc. Ensure that the permission provided by the client is likewise given to you in writing so you can keep it in your records.

virtual consultation for makeup portfolio

2. Ask Members of Your Household to Be Your Models

If you live with someone else, you might have the perfect model sitting right there! So long as they agree to it, you can easily do a few different makeup looks on their face, take some nice pictures, and add them to your makeup portfolio.

If you have more than one member of your household who would be willing to be your model, take advantage of this! Remember: variety is key in your portfolio. In order to demonstrate to potential clients that you’re a makeup artist of many skills, you’ll want to highlight the different techniques, looks, and specializations in your repertoire.

For example, if you live with people of different ages and/or skin tones, this alone can give you plenty to work with! Additionally, if you happen to live with a man and he’d be willing to let you put makeup on him, this could be an amazing contribution to your portfolio, too.

makeup artist putting makeup on male model's face

3. Take Part in a (Safe) Stylized Photoshoot

There are countless reasons to take part in a stylized photo shoot, especially as you’re building your career. Not only can they help you grow your network and gain hands-on experience in the field; they’re also a great way to receive professional-quality images for your makeup portfolio, in exchange for your services.

Depending on the severity of the COVID-19 risks in your area, or physical distancing regulations, paying clients might be in shorter supply right now. By volunteering your expertise for a stylized photo shoot, however, you can continue doing what you love while also getting more material that showcases your work!

Tips for Working Together Safely

Just make sure to keep in mind the safety measures that you and everyone else participating in the shoot will need to abide by. Enforcing these protocols and sticking to them is very important since it’s the only way to make sure everyone is truly staying safe.

Everyone should be wearing a mask whenever possible and washing/sanitizing their hands regularly. On top of maintaining a minimum distance of at least 6 feet apart from one another, there should also be a limited number of people working in one space at a given time.

For more tips about working safely with others during COVID-19, keep reading here!

All that to be said, in the meantime, there’s no reason why you still can’t continue to grow your business, develop your makeup portfolio, and gain real-world experience. You simply need to explore the options available to you and always ensure that you (and everyone around you) are making health and safety the top priority!

Even though 2020 is now a thing of the past, we’re not out of the woods yet. While the bright light that is the end of COVID-19 is finally starting to be seen on the horizon, we all need to work together and do our part to get there. But so long as we do that, the world will one day return to normal.

Want to learn even more tips and tricks for creating an impressive makeup portfolio? Enroll in QC’s Portfolio Development Workshop to learn everything you need to know!

Jan 06

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The Makeup Artist Salary: What to Expect in 2021

By Nadia Calabro Student Ambassador, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Thinking of becoming a professional MUA in 2021, but want to know what sort of makeup artist salary you can expect?

QC Student Ambassador and alumnus, Nadia Calabro, is here to tell you what salary projections look like for the upcoming year – as well as 7 factors that could affect your income!

New Year, New Start

2021 is finally upon us, and I cannot be alone in saying, good riddance to 2020! Last year was challenging in so many aspects! The last time we made a blog post like this, we were predicting 2020’s makeup artist salary. But at that time, no one could’ve guessed that a global pandemic was about to strike.

COVID-19 certainly had a profound impact on the world of professional makeup artists. Business practices that we had been accustomed to for so long were suddenly pulled from under our feet. Thanks to social distancing, we were forced to adapt to a new way of working – or face the prospect of losing everything!

At first, it seemed like the worst possible thing that could have happened. It was easy to become discouraged. Many of us considered that perhaps there was no point in continuing on in what seemed like a predominantly hands-on industry. But once we all took a step back and reevaluated, we realized that this situation was actually a strange kind of blessing.

Turning a Negative Situation into a Positive One

The time off many of us suddenly had provided the chance for us to build a new mindset and a stronger game plan. We’ve been able to do more in-depth research into our industry and competitors and gain the tools we need to grow in our communities. We got the opportunity to put more focus in the education behind our business; taking new courses and furthering our training in order to enhance our skills and offer new things to our clients.

On top of all that, we’ve learned how to carry our business through an unprecedented time. For many of us, this has given us the confidence to believe that we can take our business anywhere! Everything that we learned throughout 2020 laid down the stepping stones and support to help us subsequently make it through 2021 in a much more successful way.

Even if COVID-19 does stick around for the unforeseeable future, it no longer needs to hurt our careers!

The Makeup Artist Salary in 2021

If you’re thinking about becoming a working MUA this year, chances are one of the top questions on your mind is: “What sort of makeup artist salary can I expect to make in 2021, with the pandemic still going on?”

It’s important to say here and now that there is no cut-and-dry answer to this question. The most I can offer are projections, based on current numbers. The future is uncertain, and there’s always the chance that the makeup artist salary in 2021 can be higher or lower than what’s currently predicted.

Not to mention, it’s difficult to nail down the makeup artist’s salary in general. This has been the case long before the pandemic began. For example, two artists living in the same area can find themselves making completely different yearly salaries!

This is a profession where there are a LOT of additional factors that can influence and determine how much you can make as a professional makeup artist. So, let’s take a look at 7 of the most common ones!

1. Location

Every country has an average makeup artist salary range per year. That average also tends to varies within the different parts of the country itself. For reference, here is a general breakdown of the average makeup artists salary from a few different parts of the world…

Canada: Average of approx. $42,278 CAD annually
United States: Average of approx. $47,917 USD annually
United Kingdom: Average of approx. £20,000 GBP annually
New Zealand: Average of approx. $38,800 NZD annually
Australia: Average of approx. $52,650 AUD annually

It’s important to also remember that this is a general breakdown of the country. Whereabouts you are living within the country will also make a difference in your makeup artist salary. For instance, people living and/or working in major cities in these countries can – and often will – charge more for their services than MUAs in smaller towns. Therefore, makeup artists residing in larger cities often land on the higher end of the salary scale.

2. Training

In today’s world, most people feel they don’t need to pay to get properly certified in any area of their industry. This is especially true for aspiring makeup artists. With easy access to online makeup tutorials, most people think that with enough practice, they can learn enough to become a working professionals.

Now, while this is very possible, most don’t realize that just because you can mimic a look does NOT mean you have a legitimate skill-set. Without properly learning the foundation, techniques, and theories involved in makeup artistry, you’ll only ever be left with the ability to copy other people. You’ll never be able to create authentic, original work that is both technically correct and foundationally sound.

Without professional training, you lack an understanding of the basic concepts and makeup techniques needed to truly succeed. A proper makeup education will allow you to take on any job since you’ll have the knowledge and training necessary to accomplish whatever your client is asking for!

3. Services Offered (or Not Offered)

As makeup artists, we can all find our very own niche. Our niche can be used to our advantage, in order to make our services all the more unique. This can potentially attract more clientele, which means a higher makeup artist salary.

This goes hand-in-hand with having professional training. The more training you have, the more areas of makeup you know!

That being said, while it’s important to find that part of ourselves, it’s also important to remember that our niche is not the be-all and end-all of our capabilities. Rather, a niche is an area that we have passion and excel in – but it’s not the only thing we can do!

If we only offer one area of service, we’re limited to how much income we can make. Take bridal makeup, for example. This can be a very lucrative area of business – but it also has its slower times of the year. If you only offer bridal makeup services, then during the quiet seasons, you won’t bring in nearly as much of an income.

The more you offer, the more you’ll be noticed. This, in turn, means a better bottom line for your business!

4. Your Target Audience

With every niche comes a target audience. After all, not every style or area of makeup is for everyone. When you determine your niche, you must also determine who the people are that will be looking for an artist like you. Once you’ve determined your target audience, you’ll need to find a way to grab their attention. So, make sure you’re advertising your business in ways that they’ll appreciate – and most of all, notice.

5. Your Business Name, Brand, Portfolio, and Website

Use all of these things to tell the story of who you are and where you see your business going. They’re meant to sell you to your audience! The stronger the sales pitch, the more clients you’ll be sure to book… which means a larger makeup artist salary!

Begin by picking a business name for yourself. This name has to be catchy, unique, and clearly identify what you offer. Next, pick a brand that identifies the services you offer, as well as your sense of style! After that, make sure that your professional portfolio and website are established, easy to find in an online search, and display everything you want your clients to see.

There are so many things that go into establishing and running a successful business! There are a few things you will need right away when first starting out.

6. Social Media Presence

Plus, there are TONS of ways you can maximize your social media game to help increase your makeup artist salary. Keep reading here to learn more!

A strong social media presence is ALWAYS critical for maintaining a solid business. By keeping active online, even during slower times when you’re not getting as many bookings, you can continue to increase your exposure and build an even stronger reputation for your company.

We live in a technological world. Everything we do revolves around social media! If you want to be known, get on social media ASAP! Build a profile that’s appealing to the eyes and shows off your style. Use all the appropriate and relevant hashtags, and add and interact with other people in your field. Most importantly, post something every day so your page is always relevant!

7. Be Different Than the Rest

Your only limitation is your imagination, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Offer workshops to teach people how to do their own makeup. Provide virtual services and consultations for those who can’t (or don’t want to) meet in person during the pandemic.

Do and offer things that make you stand out from the rest. Depending on where you live, there might very well be a makeup artist on every corner. Obviously, your skills, work ethic, and results will make people choose you over someone else. But it’s always a good idea to make your business stand out in other ways, too.

How to Increase Your Makeup Artist Salary in 2021

Right now, it’s still difficult for a lot of us to get in-person work. Many of us took a financial during the dreaded 2020. So, how can we make this year different and increase our income?

1. Get Professionally Trained!

If you’ve been working as a makeup artist thus far, without professional training, then there’s no better time than the present to change that. Getting professionally trained is a guaranteed way to enhance your skills, teach you new ones, and give you a certification behind your name that clients will trust!

2. Add to Your Qualifications!

Most of us still have a lot of extra time on our hands. If you’ve been thinking about taking a new course, now is the time to jump on it! You can never learn too much. With more education comes more expertise. This enables you to offer more services, and you can even charge more for your existing services, since you’ll have advanced training under your belt.

3. Develop a Specialization!

Specializing in a particular area allows you to grow and develop unmatched skills – perhaps ones that your competition does not have. This will impress clients and allow you to charge more for that unique service!

Being good at many different areas of makeup can lead to a bunch of different career paths. But if you also have a specialization in an area that you positively excel in, you’ll be able to open doors you’ve never even imagined before!

4. Adapt Your Business Online!

Interested in taking your business online but not sure where to start? Check out QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Makeup Training mini-course!

In order to survive this trying time, we must find a new way to connect and supplement our makeup artist salary!

In the age of social distancing, i’s time to transform your business into a virtual one. This might seem impossible in our line of work, but I promise you, it is not. As I mentioned earlier, you can easily offer virtual consultations and services, as well as teach virtual classes and workshops.

5. Strengthen Your Online Presence and Marketing!

Use your downtime as an opportunity to learn more about effective marketing strategies, or to fix up your social media pages. Make sure that your page is speaking the same language as your business, and that it’s reaching the people you’re intending for it to. Even if you don’t have a large number of clients to post on your social media feed, find at least one thing related to your business to post each day. This will ensure that you’re still staying relevant and noticed!

6. Revisit Your Website and Portfolio!

So, take the time to go through what you have already posted. Make sure the pictures are of high quality, that information is current and correct, and that everything is a proper representation of who and what you are!

Being busy with clients is a blessing, but it sometimes leaves us neglecting other areas of our business. For example, it’s easy to forget that potential clients are still looking through our website and portfolio to see if we are the ones for them. If our website or portfolio images are out-of-date or of poor quality, this can turn a client away before you’ve even had the chance to speak with them!

7. Create a Client Retention Program!

Create a rewards program, a referral program, and/or a loyalty discount! Clients want to feel important and appreciated – not like they are just a number.

Right now, with the way the world is, there may not be a practical reason for your previous clients to come see you. This is why it’s imperative to come up with a strong client retention program that will ensure past clients WILL come back to you once they require your services again.

2020 is done and gone, and with that, better times are upon us!

Being able to adapt to any situation is a part of who were are as artists. Right now, we have to adapt to the world instead of the job. But there’s nothing we can’t do if we just put in the heart and work to do so.

Who would have thought that we would be living through the times we have? When we became makeup artists, we could have never known what the future would hold for us. Running a successful business is hard, even in the best of times. But with a changing world, things quickly get even more complicated.

Make 2021 the year you follow your dreams and take the makeup industry by storm! Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and get certified in as little as 3-6 months!

Dec 17

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QC Makeup Academy lipstick and coffee on table with laptop

QC Makeup Academy’s Top 10 Blogs of 2020

By Sarah Seguin Your Makeup Career No Comments

Let’s be real: a lot of us are relieved to see 2020 come to an end. To say the least, 2020 was a challenging year across the globe. But it wasn’t all bad. We’ve learned how to adapt to the world’s new normal, and we’ve rediscovered the importance of human connection. 2020 was a year of change. We at QC Makeup Academy are optimistic that 2021 will provide a chance for things to turn around and bring good luck back to us all.

For QC Makeup Academy’s students and grads, 2020 was also a year devoted to pursuing their dream careers in the beauty industry by earning professional certifications and launching new businesses!

We are so proud of how hard our students and alumni have been working and wish them nothing but the absolute best in the New Year.

In light of 2021 being right around the corner, we thought we’d take a moment to look back and count down your top 10 favorite Beauty Buzz articles over the last 12 months…

Your Favorite QC Makeup Academy Blog Articles of 2020

10. What NOT to Do When Running Your Own Business

It takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work to build a successful career as a makeup artist. Unfortunately, it takes only seconds to ruin everything and destroy your professional reputation!

If you want to build a successful business in the beauty industry, you’d better make sure you don’t commit any of the 5 mistakes mentioned in this article!

9. Are Your Makeup Products Bathing in Bacteria?

We at QC Makeup Academy cannot overstate how important it is for you, as a makeup artist, to keep your products clean and sanitized. In this shocking article, we reveal the beauty products that are most prone to superbugs, the most common types of beauty bacteria, the causes of contamination, and what YOU should be doing to avoid it!

Keep reading so you can keep your makeup kit clean!

8. 4 Reasons Why You SHOULDN’T Add Hair Styling Services to Your Makeup Business

A lot of makeup artists see hair styling as an entirely separate field entirely from makeup. But if you play your cards right, hair styling can actually be your business’s secret weapon! In this delightfully satirical article, QC Makeup Academy explores 4 awesome benefits of adding hair styling to your services – and why you shouldn’t take advantage of them. 😉

7. 5 Common Complaints You’ll Hear as a Makeup Artist

Although you always strive to do you best, not every client will be pleased with your work. That’s just a part of life! As long as you know how to handle the situation, you can still turn a dissatisfied client back into a happy one. If you’re looking for advice on how to handle these difficult situations, read on! We take a look at 5 regular client complaints and what you should do in the face of them.

6. Hair Styling vs. Hair Dressing: A Breakdown

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in hair styling, you should know that hair styling is NOT the same thing as hair dressing. So, what exactly differentiates these two professions?

In this article, QC Makeup Academy discusses the answer to that very question (and so much more)! Discover their similarities, their differences, and the types of training and qualifications you need for both.

5. The Pros and Cons of Being a Freelance Makeup Artist

As an MUA, you might aspire to start to become your very own boss. The best way to do this is to start your own freelance business! Before you jump into anything, though, you should know exactly what to expect from this pursuit.

Join us as we explore the pros and cons of being a freelance makeup artist. This way, you’ll know for sure if this career path is the right fit for YOU!

4. Online Makeup Schools: Expectation vs. Reality

You might have heard the misconception that you can’t truly learn makeup online. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, we’ve got FIVE myths about online learning that we’re ready to debunk here and now. If you’re considering earning your makeup certification online (such as with QC Makeup Academy), read on to learn what the experience will really be like!

3. Special Effects Makeup for Beginners: 5 Best Ways to Start Learning

Do you have a passion for SFX makeup but no prior experience? No problem! QC Makeup Academy graduate, Gabrielle Rivera, has 5 suggestions to help you get started. Gabrielle will share her tips to help you gain experience and become a professional!

2. Which Makeup Jobs Have the Highest Salary?

Not only can you make a livable wage as a makeup artist– you can make a killing! In this article, we reveal the top 4 highest-paying makeup professions and discuss what each one entails. You’ll discover the different salaries associated with each profession and learn about 4 external factors that can impact your income.

1. Paid in Exposure: How to Scam a Makeup Artist into Working for Free

Have you heard of a “choosing beggar”? If not, working as a makeup artist means you probably will. Unfortunately, you’ll likely encounter your fair share of them throughout your career.

In this amusingly satirical article, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at the common strategies a Choosing Beggar might use to get free services from you. Discover their thought processes, their motives and their moves… so you can avoid them entirely!

The entire QC Makeup Academy team would like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to read The Beauty Buzz this past year. We hope our articles have been insightful, informative and fun! Stay tuned for even more awesome content in 2021!

Kick off the New Year by pursuing the career you’ve always wanted! Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and become a certified MUA in as little as 3-6 months!

Dec 17

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how to become a makeup artist, MUA doing makeup on bridal client

How to Become a Makeup Artist in 2021!

By Debbie Lawrie Your Makeup Career No Comments

Are you passionate about makeup? Do you want to know how to become a makeup artist and do what you love professionally?

We’ll let you in on a little secret:

The key is to success is to STOP putting off your dreams!

Don’t let the global pandemic prevent you from having the career you’ve always wanted. Getting started on your new career path sooner (rather than later) will give you a head-start against your competition.

Now, the real question is: do you want to begin working as a professional makeup artist right now?

If so, then we’re here to help! QC Makeup Academy offers a wide range of online courses on makeup, skincare, and other beauty specializations. Furthermore, as a QC graduate, you’ll be armed with the skills and know-how needed to kickstart your new career with the best chances of success!

With that in mind, let’s look at the main steps you can take to become a makeup artist this year!

Is Being a Makeup Artist a Good Career?

First thing’s first: you need to know if this venture is even worth your time. After all, if you’re not making a good enough income, doing makeup will be a great passion project – but not so much a great career.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about this!

For starters, this is obviously the PERFECT career path for someone who loves doing makeup. Moreover, if you thrive on being creative, flexing your awesome people skills, and having the freedom to work in countless different settings, you’ll also find immense joy from this job.

Not to mention, you can earn a killer income!

Check out this blog article to learn more about the average salary of a makeup artist – as well as the 4 HIGHEST paid MUA jobs you can book!

What Kind of Education Do You Need to Become a Makeup Artist?

In order to start a career as a makeup artist, you’ll first need to get trained and properly certified. Now, this is where things get a little tricky – because technically, you don’t actually “need” a professional education in order to work as an MUA.

But this does NOT mean that you shouldn’t still get proper training! In fact, to skip this critical step is to set your dream career up for failure.

Here’s Why…

Prospective clients will always prefer to hire a makeup expert who’s actually put in the time and effort to earn their stripes. Why would they risk paying someone who can’t prove that they know what they’re doing? I mean, think about it: would YOU prefer to hire a legitimately trained professional – or someone who can only claim to be a professional?

By having a reputable education and internationally-recognized designation under your belt, it’ll be a LOT easier for you to establish trust and credibility with customers. Moreover, proper training will increase your chances of long-term success, elevate your skills to a masterful level, provide you with ample business knowledge, and so much more!

How to become a makeup artist article in-post image 1

So, Where Should You Get Your Training?

The type of professional training you’ll need to get will depend on the types of services you want to eventually offer clients.

Cosmetology School

If – in addition to makeup – you wish to offer nail care services, hair dressing services, and/or esthetic skincare treatments, your best bet will be to enroll in cosmetology school. Cosmetology school will ensure to cover these other areas of the beauty industry and provide you with a license that meets a regulated standard.

*Just keep in mind that cosmetology school doesn’t really delve all that deeply into professional makeup artistry. So, if you want the focal point of your business to be makeup services, further training from an accredited makeup school will likely be needed.

Makeup School

On the other hand, if your career goals include working primarily as an expert MUA, providing skincare consultations, offering hair styling services, etc. then a reputable makeup school (such as QC Makeup Academy) will arm you with EVERYTHING you need to know in order to thrive in the industry! Plus, you’ll earn internationally-recognized certifications, thereby allowing you to service clients from all over the world!

Why did licensed cosmetologist, Angelica Hamlin, choose to enroll with QC Makeup Academy in order to further her professional makeup knowledge? How did QC’s training take her career to the next level? Find out here!

How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Makeup Artist?

The amount of time it’ll take you to get started as a makeup artist will, again, depend on where you choose to obtain your training. Some programs are self-paced, whereas others need to be done on the school’s set schedule. The latter can take anywhere from several months to a year (or more) to complete.

QC Makeup Academy’s online certification courses are 100% self-paced and done at YOUR preferred schedule! Starting on the date you first enroll, you’ll get a full 2 years to finish your program. However, since you get to set the tone for your education, you can use as much or as little of that time as you need!

As a point of reference, many of our graduates found that by simply devoting 1-2 hours per WEEK on their studies, they were able to graduate and earn their professional certification in as little as 2-6 months!

Interested in learning more about QC Makeup Academy’s full list of makeup and beauty courses? Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best course for YOU!

Which Field is Best for Makeup Artists?

There are countless directions you can choose to take your makeup career. For instance, you can specialize in:

Bridal makeup;
Editorial makeup;
Runway and fashion makeup;
Special effects makeup;
Special events makeup;
Theatrical makeup;
Makeup for film and television;
Global beauty makeup;
And SO much more!

Ultimately, you’re the only one who knows what you want your future as a makeup artist to look like. So, take the time to sit down and actually think through which field(s) you want to conquer. Once you have a clear idea in your mind, you’ll know which types of makeup courses to take in order to become a true expert in those particular fields!

Makeup artist doing bridal makeup on client

How to Become a Makeup Artist in 3 Easy Steps

Okay, now you’re ready to know how to actually become a makeup artist! Here are a few easy (but critical) steps to get the ball rolling…

Step #1: Enroll in an Online Makeup Course!

If you want to know how to be a makeup artist, this first step is extremely important! You’ll need to actually study makeup artistry, as we discussed earlier in this article.

(And no, watching social media influencers does not count. You see, social media trends might make it look easy… But without the proper foundations to your makeup skills, you’ll never be able to make a real career out of this.)

Through online makeup artistry courses, however, you can expand your knowledge of makeup without even leaving your home. What better way to start your studies this year than by doing them online?!

All you need to begin your new professional path is a computer and a trusty internet connection. Of course, when you’re choosing an online makeup course, you’ll need to look for some specific information…

Necessary Criteria

1) Make sure you’ll be taught by an expert makeup artist. All of QC Makeup Academy’s tutors are legitimate industry professionals with decades of experience to their names. As part of your QC training, you’ll receive regular, personalized feedback and video tutorials from your instructions. As a result, you’ll get to learn directly from the best in the business!

2) Look at the online school’s course content. You’ll need to know the basics of makeup artistry before you dive into advanced or specialty techniques. So, check that the course you want to enroll in will take you through all the steps needed to become a true makeup expert.

At QC Makeup Academy, you’ll start your education the Master Makeup Artistry Foundation Course. In this internationally-popular program, you’ll learn in-depth knowledge, from skin preparation to finishing touches. Furthermore, you’ll also learn about specialized applications, such as bridal makeup and runway applications.

3) On that note, think about specializations! This is where you can circle back to the section above where we took a look at the different fields you can dip your toes into. Are there any areas of makeup YOU want to specialize in later on? Do you want to take advanced makeup courses in a niche area?

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll then be able to expand your knowledge with QC’s Advanced and/or Specialty Courses!

When you become a certified makeup artist, you’ll be able to focus on the specific areas of makeup which interest you! QC Makeup Academy offers next-level training in:

How to become a makeup artist in-post image 3, fantasy makeup application

Step #2: Gain Experience!

As a makeup student at QC Makeup Academy, you’ll need to practice your makeup application techniques. However, during a global pandemic, finding a face to practice can sometimes be a bit tricky!

With careful planning, and by using your resources wisely, you’ll still be able to find plenty of opportunities to improve your skills. Let’s look at some ways you can gain real-world experience working with makeup…

Apply makeup on members of your household.

Practicing makeup applications on those you live with is a great way to improve your skills. You won’t even need to step outside your home!

Practicing on your household will help you get better feedback to push you to improve. Your sister, mother, or grandmother may even enjoy the experience of an at-home makeover!

If you live by yourself, or your household members don’t volunteer their faces for your practice, it’s recommended that you try to (safely) find someone outside of your home. Keep in mind that this person should be in your immediate “social bubble”, in order to abide by your local lockdown restrictions.

Always make sure that you won’t be putting yourself or others in harm’s way by meeting up with anyone you don’t live with!

Offer free makeup applications (but do it carefully).

You can also volunteer your services for free. However, you should take precautions when working with people outside of your household. Keep local guidelines in mind, such as wearing facemasks and social distancing measures.

As a makeup artist, you need to get pretty close to people to apply makeup. Keep your own safety in mind and ALWAYS disinfect your makeup supplies after use.

Apply makeup on yourself.

If all else fails, you are still welcome to practice on your own face in order to complete your QC course assignments.

Just keep in mind that this should be seen as a temporary solution, rather than a permanent one. In order to become a makeup artist, you need to become comfortable working on other people more than yourself. But for the sake of your assignments, you can be your own model in the event that finding someone else is too dangerous.

Step #3: Provide Virtual Services!

In the post-COVID era, businesses will need to know how to adapt to the new way of life. Not only will you have to consider local social distancing measures; you should also consider setting up online makeup services!

Conducting your makeup business online may sound slightly odd. After all, isn’t this job all about applying makeup in-person?

You’d think that, but 2020 proved to the whole world that beauty professionals can continue running their businesses, even from a distance. Needless to say, virtual makeup/beauty services have definitely been on the rise over the last year and a half.

For example, tons of clients still need skincare advice and makeup recommendations from an expert. But instead of leaving the safety of home, you can offer virtual consultations directly to their devices!

If you’re interested in transforming your services and taking them to the next level, enroll in QC’s 1-unit Virtual Makeup Training Course so you can successfully expand your new business into the virtual realm! You’ll learn how to conduct virtual consultations, discover all of the makeup and skincare services you can offer online, and find out how to market your virtual services.

So, what are you waiting for? Become a makeup artist in 2021 by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!

Dec 04

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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 05

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woman increasing makeup artist salary, putting money into piggy bank

5 Mistakes That’ll Decrease Your Makeup Artist Salary

By Charlotte Ravet From the Experts, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Charlotte is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date With Charlotte. From bridal to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte’s extensive makeup training allows her to provide a wide variety of services that cater to ALL types of clientele!

Her extensive resume includes working for Prada, L’Oreal, and even the cast of the hit show, Glee! A developer of educational programs, Charlotte has even been awarded Best Makeup Educator of the Year by the Australian Industry Makeup Awards.

Want to know 5 common mistakes that can decrease your makeup artist’s salary? Professional MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is here to tell you!

Do makeup artists make good money?

Understandably, this is one of the first questions that might come to mind when thinking about undertaking makeup training. Without ample research, pinning down the makeup artist’s salary can be a bit tricky. The good news is, it’s absolutely possible to earn a sustainable income with makeup as your primary career!

Admittedly, when I first started studying makeup, I was a bit worried about the money I could earn. Living in capital cities is very expensive, and with the cost of products and education, I was conscious that I needed to make good money quickly.

However, within two years, I was earning more than my friends who had a Master’s degree!

Let’s be realistic: earning proper money exclusively as a freelance MUA can take a bit of time. After all, you’ll need to build your network first and gain hands-on experience. But there are plenty of work opportunities which shouldn’t be ignored!

Doing a part-time job for a brand while building your freelancing business is an excellent option. Weddings and photoshoots are definitely well-paid, too. But to avoid decreasing your makeup artist salary, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Let’s take a look at 5 of them!

5 Mistakes That Can Decrease Your Makeup Artist Salary

Time is Money!

This definitely applies when it comes to makeup. If you are charging your client per face, imagine the difference you could earn by doing makeup on three clients instead of just one!

It’s okay to take your time when you just start. In fact, it’s recommended that you never rush. This way, you can provide the best service possible. But after a few years, you should be able to work faster and deliver the same high-quality results in a shorter timeframe.

The best way to achieve this? Remember to stay focused! Put a routine in place that will help you strengthen your time-management skills. Before you know it, you’ll increase your number of clients – which means a better makeup artist salary overall!

Over-Pricing or Under-Pricing

Establishing your rates can be a challenge at first. If you charge too much, you might lose some bookings. But if you don’t charge enough, you won’t get the money back on your investment (i.e. your products and time).

So, how should you set your prices? The answer is to charge what you are worth!

Doing a bit of research in your area is probably a good idea. Depending on your location and experience, the prices might vary. Don’t be afraid to ask others with more experience for the advice! There are plenty of Facebook groups where you can ask for advice on how to set up your pricing. (QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Classroom is an excellent example!)

In the long run, it’s better to be a bit patient and get the bookings you deserve. Starting on the lower end and working your way up can prove to be a great strategy. However, setting your prices on the higher side is also not a bad thing – so long as your work is worth the price!

Personally, I’ve noticed that my regular and most easygoing clients are often the ones who are not discussing prices. The right clients will understand the cost and value of a professional makeup service.

Neglecting the Importance of Proper Training

Before you go investing money into marketing your makeup services, you should first make sure you’re providing a service that lives up to the standards you are promoting.

But they’ll only benefit your makeup artist’s salary in the grand scheme of things!

If you’re just starting out in this industry, the best advice I can give would be to keep training and practicing your craft, obtain a professional certification, and then invest in marketing and business education on top of that. Yes, you’ll need to put money into these endeavors.

So, invest in makeup training to boost your skill-set to the highest level. The right courses will ensure to provide you with ample business training as well. For example, QC Makeup Academy’s courses come with an optional Business Unit that I strongly recommend taking advantage of.

Remember: while word-of-mouth is an excellent way to get booked (at no cost to you), you’ll need to be great at what you do in order for others to start recommending you. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the single most effective way to become a true expert is by getting professional training!

Not Investing in Your Makeup Kit

Your makeup kit and the products you use are the first things your clients will be looking at. You could be absolutely brilliant as a makeup artist – but providing services with only drugstore makeup products will drastically decrease your makeup artist salary.

While there are definitely budget-friendly items you can afford to save money on, there are also products you should be willing to invest a little more into. Makeup can be expensive, but there are reasons behind the costs!

The quality of the pigments, the ingredients, and their longevity are all things you should take into consideration when building your makeup kit. If you want to charge more for your services and boost your makeup artist’s salary, you will need to justify your prices to your clients.

Providing great service is definitely one way to do this – but this includes investing in your kit and working with professional, high-end cosmetics brands.

Only Working In Your Business, and Not On Your Business

All of this will help you better determine your service fee to clients, and add to your makeup artist salary in the long run!

Focusing one to two days per week towards this behind-the-scenes stuff is realistic. As much as we love providing makeup services, you can’t have a successful career based on this alone. Building your profile, creating a newsletter, maintaining a social media presence, and keeping records of your accounts and taxes are also things you need to factor into your business.

If your goal is to have your own business, then you’ll be required to spend time doing some administrative work. After all, it takes strategy and hard work to get noticed. From there, business smarts and marketing knowledge are also needed to keep you in contact with current clients, while also introducing your services to potential future clients.

What does that mean? Well, as all makeup artists will tell you, applying makeup is only part of the job. You’ll also need to market yourself to current and future clients, stay on top of invoicing, and constantly prepare and maintain your products.

Food for Thought: Increase Your Makeup Artist Salary By Diversifying Yourself!

With the skills you possess as a makeup artist, there are a thousand jobs you can do. Even if you dream about a career in editorial makeup, don’t ignore the opportunity to earn some money at the start of your career in other areas as well. For instance, weddings are a very lucrative industry that will give you the possibility to choose when you want to work or not.

Weddings can also be very creative. You will quickly realize that you can expand your network significantly with the clients you meet on the job. One happy bride can spread the word and share your details with lots of her friends! The need for bridal MUAs is huge, and always will be!

I have been extremely lucky in my career. In the 15 years that I’ve been doing makeup professionally, I’ve never found myself out of work. I have always made good money. I’ve worked for various industries – from fashion and TV, to education.

What’s fantastic about doing makeup is the fact that when one job is over, another opportunity always comes along! Every day is different. I remember when I chose this career, some of my friends and family were worried that I might not earn a good makeup artist salary. But they soon realized that I was actually making a decent income doing my dream job.

With the right attitude and work ethic, know that you can, too!

Boost your makeup artist salary by becoming professionally trained and certified! Click here to discover the wide variety of courses offered at QC Makeup Academy!

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 29

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makeup training for deeper skin tones - beautiful black model

Makeup Training: Contouring and Color Correction for Darker Skin Tones

By Charlotte Ravet From the Experts, Makeup Tips and Tricks, Your Makeup Career No Comments

Australian MUA, Charlotte Ravet, is the proud owner of her very own hair and makeup business, A Date With Charlotte. From bridal, to editorial, to film and television, and everything in-between – Charlotte’s extensive makeup training allows her to provide a wide variety of services that cater to ALL types of clientele!

Today, she reveals her top tips and tricks for contouring and color correcting darker skin tones!

The most important skill all makeup artists should master is the ability to create the perfect complexion for ALL skin tones. When it comes to color matching and/or correcting, proper makeup is crucial. This is the single greatest way to understand color theory. Knowing color theory will help you to create colors and custom foundations for all of your clients.

Let’s start with a quick recap on color theory and color correction…

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One of my favourite from @morganrichards__ @toniandguymcmahonspt collection. 📸 @annissbarton Makeup by me:)

A post shared by Charlotte Ravet (@charlotteravetmakeup) on Jul 24, 2018 at 7:11pm PDT

Makeup Training: The Basics of Color Theory

The primary colors are blue, yellow, and red. When you mix these colors together in different combinations, you can create all of the other colors on the color wheel!

Here’s an excellent exercise to train your eye to identify colors and undertones: swatch a bit of foundation on a piece of paper and then use proper paint to recreate that exact same color. For example: start by mixing red and yellow together. Afterwards, add a bit of blue and white for the lightness. Adjust your color until you obtain the perfect shade.

When I did my makeup training, we created makeup for two whole months using nothing but primary colors and white mixed together. This has definitely opened my eyes to the potential of all colors and their diversity!

Makeup Training: Cool vs. Warm Undertones

The undertone of your client’s skin will play a major role in how you should apply makeup on them – and which products to employ!

For those new to their makeup training, here are the basics:

Cool undertones can be identified as pink undertones;
Skin with warm undertones, on the other hand, will tend to look more yellow;
Skin with an olive undertone might look a bit more green;
A neutral skin tone is when the skin doesn’t have any predominant color (neither pink nor yellow).

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My favourite image of 2019 and which has been shared the most. Thanks for the love! Happy new year! @flavialazarus_ @annissbarton . . . . #editorialphotography #editorialmakeup #print #magazine #makeupartist #illustration #blackgirlmagic #model #create #love #creativity #work #lovemyjob

A post shared by Charlotte Ravet (@charlotteravetmakeup) on Jan 2, 2020 at 1:34am PST

When it comes to deeper skin tones, the same rules apply. For instance, Middle Eastern and Indian skin tones will often have an olive undertone.

Warm and neutral skin tones can be easily observed in deeper skin tones: for example, Beyoncé has a warm skin tone. As such, she will perfectly suit all golden and bronze tones. On the other hand, Halle Berry has a skin tone that’s more neutral. Their skin intensity is pretty similar.

African skin tones can present red and blue undertones, which are identified as ‘cool’ undertones.

The Colors I Recommend for Deeper Skin Tones

Middle Eastern and/or Indian Skin Tones

Here’s one of my best-kept secrets: for these types of skin tones, I tend to mix a pure orange to my existing foundation.

I often find that foundations containing too much pink wind up turning gray on these skin tones. Alternately, too much yellow increases the olive tone and can make the client look sallow. By mixing a bright pure orange to the foundation, I manage to adjust the shade and brighten complexion. I also recommend using tones of warm bronze or gold to create highlights, as well as an ashy shade for the contour.

Warm or Neutral Skin Tones

These skin tones are rather easy to work with, but I often observe that the chest of my model can be slightly lighter than the face. Remember to always check the chest of your client in order to perfectly color match!

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A few years ago... shot by the talented @jarredstedman Love the colours of this image. . . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . . . . #art #fashionshoot #photo #portrait #vintage #streetstyle #editorial #fashioneditor #fashionblogger #editorialstyle #editorialstyling #picoftheday #editorialphoto #photooftheday #beauty #makeup #editorialphotoshoot #editorialmagazine #photography #creative fashion #model #instagood #photographer

A post shared by Charlotte Ravet (@charlotteravetmakeup) on May 22, 2020 at 2:36am PDT

Depending on the undertone, I highlight using gold for warm undertones, or with a deep champagne/peachy shade for neutral skin tones. Contour can be done with a middle brown shade that has a blue undertone. A peach will help to remove pigmentation and dark circles.

Red/Blue Skin Undertones

As I mentioned earlier, red and blue are considered to be cool undertones. As part of your makeup training, this is really important when it comes to color combinations, correction, and contour! You will notice that deep blue, purple, and bright pink hues look wonderful on these skin tones.

There’s a common misconception that deeper skin tones are ‘warm’. As such, many will mistakenly use gold highlights. Yes, a gold highlight is going to catch and reflect the light – but it’s not going to best enhance the features of skin tones with blue and/or red undertones.

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My favorite from this editorial:) ・・・ VELVET NOIR - featured on the latest issue of @ellementsmagazine - #makeup @CharlotteRavetMakeUp #Style Eloise - designer @dontdopretty #Model @rjdradi @duval.agency #photo @annissbarton #retouch @cristalprod / #finishing @annissbarton #makeupartistsworldwide #fiercesociety, #wakeupandmakeup #liptrends #makeupaholic #beautyinspiration #butteryskin #blendwithtrend #temptu #nothingisordinary #postitforaesthetic #amazingmakeupart #thebabeface #lunarimakeup #muastars #muaawsome #bestmua #sigmabeauty #topthatpose #sigmapro #parismakeupartist #makeupinsider #instamakeup #instamua

A post shared by Charlotte Ravet (@charlotteravetmakeup) on Feb 19, 2020 at 11:41pm PST

I would recommend a cool bronze. You can also play around with the complementary pigments mentioned above for a creative effect. I sometimes use pure yellow to create stronger highlights. For the contouring, I recommend a deep, blue-based brown, as this will create a natural shadow on the skin.

These skin tones often have pigmentation around the eyes and lips. I use a pure orange to conceal these unwanted undertones. You will also notice that the middle of the cheeks and the forehead are often slightly lighter. Use these areas as natural highlights – and do NOT use thick coverage if your model has good skin!

Last But Not Least: Powders

In theory, a loose translucent powder should be suitable to set makeup on every skin tone. But in reality, you would have to select one with a very thin texture, and apply with an incredibly light hand, in order to avoid creating ashy tones on deep skin tones.

Applying powder is always the moment we fear that our makeup will change color. If you aren’t using the correct product, it can ruin all your hard work. For a light application, I sometimes use a bright, loose pink powder. This helps to soften a blue undertone – although most of the time, I like to enhance it.

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@flavialazarus_ model @annissbarton photographer For @dreamingless mag #fashionphotography #photoshoot #style #photographer #beauty #makeup #highfashion #models #photography #fashionblogger #fashioneditorial #instafashion #makeupartist #vogue #newyork #love #mua #byterrybyme

A post shared by Charlotte Ravet (@charlotteravetmakeup) on Dec 14, 2019 at 9:58am PST

When I started my makeup training 15 years ago, we barely learned about global skin tones. I had to do a lot of research and teach myself how all skin tones actually work. I was working for one of the most important African TV channels in Paris, and I discovered a lot during those few months. The TV host shared with me their favorite makeup tips, and it was definitely a great experience!

It’s important to regularly update your makeup training. As professional artists, it’s our duty to be able to work in all skin tones, all ages, and all genders. Mastering the art of making the most of everyone’s natural beauty is our everyday challenge!

Did you know that QC Makeup Academy offers a Global Beauty Workshop? Enhance your makeup training and enroll today!

Oct 21

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6 Ways to Find Makeup Jobs as a Beginner

By Nadia Calabro QC 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 6 ways to find makeup jobs when first entering the industry!

Becoming a professional makeup artist can be very fulfilling. But building a successful career as a makeup artist can also have its challenges. The most common challenge when starting out is finding makeup jobs.

It’s that classic (yet frustrating) double-edged sword: we need jobs to build experience, but we need experience to get jobs. This can be discouraging at first, but the truth is that there are MANY ways to overcome this challenge!

Get Professional Training

Social media is a blessing and a curse of modern society. This is especially true when it comes to makeup. People everywhere are going onto YouTube and trying to learn the latest trends and techniques. But this is impossible, because it’s simply not enough.

A lot of what’s found on social media reflects what is trending in the moment. Much of the time, it lacks proper education. These videos are not adequately teaching the viewers about how to determine your clients skin type, undertone, and ultimately, the products to use on other people. Classic makeup artistry techniques aren’t typically taught either.

When you learn nothing but ‘trendy’ makeup, that knowledge is going to go to waste. This is because those looks will inevitably die out and become irrelevant.

But when you get professional training, such as the training offered by QC Makeup Academy, you start with the very basics. You’re taught the classic techniques, makeup theory, and the foundational skills that will always remain relevant. The benefit of having this knowledge is that you can then create ANY makeup look, since these techniques can be adapted accordingly.

Proper education means that your makeup artistry will know no limits! You’ll never have to turn down a job due to a lack of knowledge. When you don’t have professional training, you’ll quickly become limited in what you can and cannot execute in your work.

Take Part in Stylized Photoshoots

If you’re not familiar with stylized photoshoots, this is when photographers partner with different vendors to create a mock photoshoot. A common example would be a staged wedding or bridal shoot. There really is no better opportunity to network yourself than by getting involved in one of these photoshoots!

You’ll meet all kinds of people within the industry, create meaningful impressions and relationships, and increase your chances of getting recommended for makeup jobs in the future.

Getting hands-on work is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Taking a chance on a mock photoshoot is a great way to practice your art in a safe environment. Stylized shoots also allow you to gain advice and expertise from other professionals.

In my opinion, one of the biggest selling points of a makeup artist is their professional portfolio. When you have a tangible collection of high-quality photos to show prospective clients, they’ll be much likelier to book with you. Stylized photoshoots can lead to excellent content for your portfolio – which means it can help steer you towards paying makeup jobs down the road.

Pro Tip: Certain styled photoshoots can open you up to even larger audiences. Mock wedding shoots, for example, will allow you to demonstrate your bridal makeup skills. In turn, you can get your foot in the door for wedding makeup services. This client base is massive and will absolutely lead to more makeup jobs than you know what to do with!

Build a Professional Website

Having a professional website is always a good idea. It’s worth noting that having a website is different from having social media accounts. This is due to one simple – yet extremely important – reason: potential clients can learn SO much more about you and your business through your website than they’ll ever be able to on Facebook or Instagram.

A business website allows you the chance to speak about your journey, what you love about your work, the steps you’ve taken to get to where you are now, and where you’re headed in the future. Just as critically, it gives you somewhere to list all of the services you offer, as well as your rates and contact information.

Being able to have a write up about yourself gives your customers a chance to see the person behind the brushes. This is important! A lot of the time, when doing makeup on people, we’re taking part in some of the biggest days of their lives. Giving them the chance to get to know us establishes trust and a meaningful relationship. This helps to ensure that people don’t see you as a one-time service – but someone that they can (and will) call on whenever your services are needed.

Establish a Presence on Social Media

You know the old saying, “Pictures speak louder than words“? There has never been anything truer when it comes to the world of makeup on social media! Everyone wants to see pictures of artists’ work.

Creating social media accounts for your makeup business allows you the opportunity to show what you can do. You’ll be able to promote yourself across so many different platforms, establish a name for yourself, and attract the attention of potential clients from all over the world.

You can also maximize your social media presence to connect with others in both your area and the industry as a whole. This can lead to you getting the chance to work with others. As your social media presence builds, the promise of makeup jobs gets closer and closer to your reach!

Work on People You Know

I’m not going to lie – in the beginning, finding makeup jobs is hard. People want to see that you have experience before they can trust you. Of course, this makes perfect sense. So, a good way to gain real-world experience, strengthen your skills, and potentially add to your makeup portfolio is to work on people who already trust you!

Start by practicing your craft on family and friends. You’ll be able to challenge yourself and possibly make mistakes, without the fear of repercussion. You’re also likely to get good feedback. Chances are, your friends and family will be completely honest with you, in order to push you to be your best.

By working on friends and family, you can also actively choose who you want to work with. This will allow you to add more variety to your makeup portfolio. Choose models in different age groups and with different facial characteristics, skin times, and skin tones. Switch up the types of looks you do, so that your portfolio can speak to as many people as possible!

Do Your Research

It’s scary to try and figure everything out on your own. It’s also, in most cases, downright impossible. The jump start of a business is the hardest, yet the most important. You want to get it right from the start!

Before making any decisions, you MUST do your research. Start by finding your niche, then create a brand and logo for yourself. You want it to be short and catchy. It should tell everyone exactly what you do. Before starting anything, register your business and make it official!

A legitimate business is always going to impress potential clients, which will result in more makeup jobs for you!

The most beneficial thing you can do is find people in your area that are specializing in that same thing as you. Make sure that you keep your pricing comparable, yet competitive.

You’ll also want to see what job opportunities may be out there for you. If there are any specialized or advanced makeup classes that you can take to make you stand out from the rest, do it. Never pass up an opportunity to shine!

How I Found Makeup Jobs

The courses I’ve taken with QC Makeup Academy really allowed me to find my strengths. Through my training, I was able to discern which areas of the industry I wanted to work in.

The last unit of the Master Makeup Artistry Course, for example, was all about researching makeup artists in my area. I had to make a business plan for myself so that when I graduated, I was confident and ready to get going. I started by doing makeup on my friends and family for fun.

Once I was really sure I could do something great, I booked a photoshoot with a local photographer. I put together an entire photoshoot concept that symbolized my business name and helped me showcase my work!

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Yesterday felt like a dream. I got the chance to work with a photographer and do the makeup for a photo shoot. I felt totally in my element, and was so happy! My vision of the nature backdrop and simple elegant makeup came together so perfectly I cant even express how I feel looking at these pictures. It has been a long time since I looked at a job and felt proud! This is a moment I will be sure not to forget! @pho.enixphotography thank you for listening and caring about this project. Thank you for capturing my work so well! You were a dream to work with, your talent is extraordinary! I cannot wait to work with you again ❤ @vanemiraglia thank you for coming to model for me you were perfect love you ❤😘 ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ #mua #makeupartist #makeup #toronto #woodbridge #vaughn #beauty #beautiful #beyondthemirror #photoshoot #highlight #contour #blush #lips #wedding #engagement #natural #elegant #evagarden #photography #professional #wedddings #weddingmua #weddingmakeup #engagmentphotoshoot #bridal #bride #wedding ♡ ♡ ♡ Makeup by @beautybeyond.the.mirror Hair by @beautybeyond.the.mirror Photography by @pho.enixphotography

A post shared by BeautyByNadia @ BlushBeautyBar (@beautybeyond.the.mirror) on Jul 10, 2020 at 8:43am PDT

I had my sister model for me and the photographer took high-quality pictures. That photoshoot grabbed SO many people’s attention. Suddenly, tons of people were contacting me and asking to work with me!

I also quickly discovered smart ways to tailor my services to specific clients. For instance, if I knew someone had a function to attend, I would offer my services at a cheaper price. While this might sound counterproductive, it was the exact opposite.

Because I knew that the client would be around a lot of people, my work would be showcased on a much larger scale. Ultimately, this would bring me more interested clients and more makeup jobs. That sort of exposure is worth shaving a few bucks off my services here and there. Sometimes, in the beginning, you have to spend a little to make more!

It’s all about putting yourself out there. So long as you have the right work ethic and positive attitude, I promise that the makeup jobs will come to you!

In the age of social distancing, you have a unique opportunity to book all sorts of virtual makeup jobs! Discover how to offer online makeup and skincare services by enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s new Virtual Makeup Training Course!