Makeup school vs makeup DIY: The differences between professional and informal training
Words by Crissy Martinez
In the late 1990s, I discovered makeup reviews, looks, and trends from newspapers and magazines. Over time, you could see the shift from print to blogs and social media. The key opinion leaders used to be newspaper or magazine columnists, but that changed with the rise of bloggers and content creators.
I wanted to take my love for makeup to the next level by taking a makeup artistry course. Formal makeup training felt like I had to learn about makeup again. I noticed the differences between learning through makeup school and online, and here’s a few that you might find useful. Let’s go!
Hygiene
Hygiene is of utmost importance, even before the pandemic. In makeup school, sanitizing your hands and tools before applying makeup will prolong the product’s shelf life but prevent infection. Conjunctivitis or cold sores are not a joke. Many self-taught makeup enthusiasts may not know or develop hygienic practices. Transferring the product from a container to a palette and using disposable applicators are some of the best ways to ensure a clean and sanitary makeup application. Don’t forget to sharpen pencils and clean your brushes and sponges in between uses!
High-definition makeup
The higher the resolution in photos and videos, the easier it is to examine any flaws in your makeup. In makeup school, you assume that you apply makeup like there’s no camera filter, airbrush, or photoshop. Some makeup application techniques taught online may not translate well in person, in photos, or in videos. For example, the baking technique, or applying excess amounts of powder under the eyes to set your makeup, can result to a cakey finish.
Adapting to a client’s face
It’s one thing to apply makeup on yourself, but it takes a pro to master applying makeup on someone else. You have to consider the client’s face shape, skin tone, features, and things that they might want perfected further. Once you learn the different makeup techniques and practice, you will eventually have a feel for making your client look their best.
Color correcting
Color correcting is the application of color theory in art school. It’s where you combine two complementary colors to neutralize unwanted tones. For example, you neutralize the red tones due to acne by using a green corrector. This was a game-changer for me when I started applying makeup. Back then, I was wondering how come my dark circles look grayish, even after applying concealer. Turns out, I needed to add a peach/orange corrector. It’s not just the shade that matters, but also the undertone.
Pigments
Pigments are the core of color cosmetics. Makeup formulations are differentiated not just by shade, but also by the level of opacity or coverage. Coverage refers to how much color will conceal the skin. Sheer coverage is less than 5% pigment, full coverage is over 15% pigment, and some professional and theater makeup brands are over 35% pigment. In makeup school, they teach you to apply the least amount of product, using highly pigmented makeup.
Feedback and network
While social media and blogs have comment sections, nothing beats the objective criticism and encouragement that instructors provide. Their feedback will be constructive, to improve your craft and motivate you to keep going. The professional network is also an advantage. Many schools give you real-life makeup artist experience, such as internships, fashion shows, photoshoots, theater shows, or a stint at a makeup store counter. This can help you decide on which track of makeup artistry you wish to pursue later on.
Product reviews
Online reviews are a great way to read about products you are considering buying. In makeup school, instructors will recommend tried and tested makeup, which is usually meant for professional use. On the internet, you can find detailed reviews of products across all price points, tested on people of different ethnicities and skin tones. While some reviews may be paid, the reviews are usually very thorough and honest.
Personal makeup
Professional makeup school teaches you to apply makeup to someone else’s face or body. The internet usually has tutorials and reviews on how to apply makeup on your own. Who else would know about the smallest details on your face, but yourself?
Variety of looks
Professional makeup is designed with a purpose. It’s meant to be long-wearing, withstand strong stage or camera lights, and give full coverage. This can be overwhelming for a typical person’s everyday look. The advantage of learning about makeup online is the convenience to discover makeup looks for any situation, whether it’s a job interview, date, wedding, or themed look.
Dupes
Dupes or duplicates are products that can look and/or feel like a high-end product, for a more affordable price. When looking for dupes, we do not mean buying counterfeit makeup. Not all dupes posted online are guaranteed to perform like the more expensive brand, but there are viable dupes that are worth the switch. In the end, you want to get the best value for your hard-earned money.
Example: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (Php 3350) vs Body Shop Shimmer Waves Compact (on sale from Php 1295 to 777)
Information is easily accessible and free
The internet gives you unlimited access to a portal of information. Makeup schools have also pivoted to online learning. Whether you want to learn personal or professional makeup, the courses still come at a cost, compared to the “University of YouTube and Social Media”. You can learn at your own pace and time, and can easily rewind or go back and repeat.
Content creation and beyond
Over the years, one’s ‘how to’ or ‘get ready with me’ videos have evolved into full-time careers. What started with blogs and YouTube videos, have turned into books, endorsements, or even their own business. The quality of filming, editing, and filtering techniques have enhanced the visual experience for their audience. Beauty is one of the most popular categories on YouTube, and they expand their fanbase to other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Makeup school will equip you with the fundamental techniques of applying makeup to another person, along with developing more hygienic habits. I highly recommend it, if you plan to become a professional makeup artist. Learning about makeup online is great for updated product reviews and trends. In the end, your makeup skills will get better through application and continuous practice.
Sources:
• https://www.qcmakeupacademy.com/youtube-tutorials-vs-online-makeup-courses/
• https://www.qcmakeupacademy.com/2018/06/why-youtube-tutorials-arent-the-same-as-makeup-classes-online/
• https://www.wired.com/story/rise-of-virtual-makeup-classes-blushington/
• https://www.glamoramamakeup.com/professional-make-up-artists-and-the-importance-of-hygiene/
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