November 2017

In the Fall of 2017, Chic Studios LA, School of Makeup, moved from our Santa Monica location into a space in downtown Los Angeles called CTRL Collective right next to the popular Verve Coffee shop. Located on 9th and Spring Street, we’re in the heart of the Fashion District and surrounded by many amazing restaurants and sights. It’s the perfect location for students to walk around and get a coffee before class or grab a quick lunch or dinner. We’re 10 minutes away from Union Station which is the central location for those students taking public transportation. Being in the center of the Fashion District is constantly inspiring our staff and students every day. There’s always so much happening down the street from us, whether it’s an outdoor fashion show or our building holding a major photoshoot in the space. We’re excited to be centered in a landmark that is the main hub of Los Angeles’ fashion industry.

The road to becoming a successful makeup artist is filled with lots of passion, hard work and dedication. One of our goals at Chic Studios is equipping our students with the tools and knowledge to make that journey a bit easier. Once enrolling into our Professional Makeup Course, they're able to not only learn the basics of makeup artistry, but build on their knowledge to create the perfect elements of day and evening looks, bridal makeup applications, and business branding.

Here are a few tips from our makeup school LA team that we wanted to share with anyone looking to jumpstart your professional makeup artist career in Los Angeles and New York. Whether you're an aspiring or established artist, it's always good to have these tips in mind...

Stay on top of your makeup kit

It’s important to always know what’s in your kit and how to organize it correctly! Learn to consolidate certain products into travel size containers so that it’s easier for you to find it and also it won’t take up much room in your kit. Along with that, hygiene is key! Make sure you come to a gig with a clean set of brushes and once you’re home, clean them again so you’re prepared for the next job. You want your client to hire you again, so make sure you show it by having a clean work station and makeup tools.  

“It’s very easy to let months, even a year go by without restocking it. Keep an inventory of what you you have and when you reorder supplies.”  –Cynthia Rivas, Makeup Instructor

As a makeup artist, you always want your tools to be the best in order to make your client look and feel beautiful. It’s a great feeling having your clients gush and compliment you on a job well done. Makeup artists need products that meet their client's criteria: long lasting, versatile, works with many skin types, and enhances natural beauty. Here is a list of makeup school approved products that are perfect for pro artists! These products are a must have in any makeup kit-- beginner or expert.

MAC Cosmetics Face and Body

MAC Cosmetics Face and Body is an absolute cult favorite for makeup addicts! It is seen everywhere worldwide, used by top professional makeup artists, and a favorite in our Los Angeles makeup school classroom. From everyday makeup routines to TV/Film, this foundation promises to stay beautiful no matter what.

This foundation delivers a satin finish and offers a completely sheer, but buildable coverage. The moisturizing long wearing formula glides onto the face and body and provides stay true color. With 13 various shades to choose from, people can find their flawless and perfect match by simply mixing the colors. This foundation is so easy to mix so you can create a custom made shade for any client. It covers any imperfections all while remaining invisible and hydrating. Face and Body is a common go-to for makeup artists when it comes to brides. Most brides don’t usually wear a lot of makeup, so putting on a lightweight foundation will feel comfortable to them. It’s long lasting and also gives clients a healthy glow! If you invest in Mac Cosmetics Face and Body, you will not be disappointed.

If you haven't heard of chic Viola Desmond, you are about to learn a little about a woman who is a real Canadian hero (our very own founder, Amy Nicole hails from Canada as well, so we have an extra sweet spot for Canadians). The culture of beauty and the cult of beauty owe very much to this woman born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We wouldn't have a thriving professional makeup school at Chic Studios NYC and LA if it wasn't for her doing. Because of Viola's perseverance, we're able to teach students the history and the art of makeup in our Basic Makeup 101 class!