As a child, I would pour through my aunt’s make up collection with wonder and watch in fascination as she her put on her make up when she went out. I vowed to be just like her when I grew up, so it came as no surprise that when I did grow up, I had a steadfast desire to become a Makeup Artist.
However, when I researched the available make up courses, I became confused and bewildered. There were so many courses on the market, yet I was unsure whether they would give me the expertise that I needed and whether the hefty price tags were actually worth the investment.
It was then refreshing to meet with Justine Poniris, Director of Elite Hair and Makeup Academy. Justine has a wealth of experience in the industry, with over 26 years working as a Makeup Artist and Hairdresser for Fashion Week, Channels 7 and 10, touring with Delta Goodrem and the Young Divas, working on Princess Mary, styling for women’s magazines, working as a Makeup Trainer for Victoria University and 8 years with MAC cosmetics. Justine is also committed to ongoing study to remain up to date with the latest industry trends.
Justine’s academy, Elite Hair and Make Up Academy, trains aspiring Makeup Artists in modern and current industry specific techniques. Justine is committed to not only passing on her knowledge, but also to mentoring and preparing students for the industry.
All her classes are limited in size to ensure that all students receive the utmost of attention and leave the academy equipped with the necessary skills to become a successful professional Makeup Artist.
Speaking with Justine recently, I was impressed with her creative integrity and struck by her commitment to working with and mentoring her students not only in makeup application, but also on business skills and marketing to advance their skills to reach their individual goals. This includes guiding students to set up their website and promoting them on her website; and providing advice on the various personality attributes required for different industries including celebrity, television, theatre and bridal makeup.
Furthermore, students have the opportunity to work with world-renowned artists. Guest artists at the academy have included Fotini Hatzis, a highly regarded celebrity hair and makeup artist who has 20 years experience in the television, film and music industry; and Lok Lau a Hong Kong hairdresser with an international career spanning New York, London, Milan, Paris, Rio de Jeneiro and Australia.
Fotini’s clientele has included Dannii Minogue, Melissa George, Holly Valance, Charlotte Dawson, Sonia Kruger, Erika Heynatz, Kate Ritchie, Holly Brisley, Nadine Gardner, Carmen Kass and Toni Pearen.
Lok has worked for high profile brands including Chanel, DKNY, Moschino, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabanna, Calvin Klein, Versace, Armani Exchange, Harrods and Rimmel London. His celebrity clients include Sting and Trudy Styler, and he has styled for magazines such as Glamour, Elle and Culture.
All students leave the academy not only with make up application expertise, but with the opportunity to participate in a professional photo shoot to help build their confidence and leave them with a portfolio that they can use in the industry to progress in their career.
(Justine, centre, with previous students from Elite Hair and Make Up Academy)
Previous Elite Hair and Make Up Academy students have participated in events including Mercedes Australia Fashion Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Parade, Beaumarius Pavilion Spring Carnival Fashion Week, International Hair Styling Awards and the 30 Days of Fashion 2009. Additionally, Justine took some of her makeup students to the Westmore Academy of Makeup in the USA last November to work closely with Marvin Westmore.
I was lucky enough to attend an evening during the Advanced Course and experience Justine’s expertise first-hand. Justine demonstrated and explained the application technique for the evening’s subject on me, and then students paired off to recreate the looks on each other, whilst Justine attentively visited each student to monitor their application and answer questions. It was the perfect balance of theory and practice, which left the students competent in the evening’s advanced technique.
Katie Bennett, a participant of the Advanced Course, an experienced Makeup Artist who has trained with Mecca Cosmetica and Makeup Artists in London, spoke of her experience with Elite Hair and Makeup Academy, and reported that the course not only enhanced her existing skills, but provided her with additional skills in the industry that have proved to beneficial for her career as Freelance Makeup Artist.
Click here to visit the student gallery of former students htttp://www.elitemakeupacademy.com.au/gallery/
Students are trained in a variety of different cosmetic brands, including Justine’s soon to be launched Paintbox range. Classes are conducted mostly in the evening in an adult education environment, catering for a range of different age groups including young students starting out in their career to mature women seeking a career change.
Whether you are staring out in your makeup career, or want to advance your existing skills, Elite Hair and Makeup Academy has a course suited to you. Elite Hair and Makeup Academy also provides a range of flexible payment options for all of their courses.
Elite Hair and Make Up Academy Courses
Makeup Artist Essentials provides students with the skills and knowledge required to enter the makeup industry.
- Application of foundations with different products
- Eye shadow application and corrective techniques
- Corrective techniques for photography
- Brush control
- Application of natural & corporate makeup
- Evening makeup and mature makeup
- Application of false eyelashes
10 week studio work & week 11 photographic shoot
- Tuesday 27 July 6pm – 9pm
- Tuesday 28 September 6pm – 9pm
$995.00
This course offers a choice of two equipment kits.
Kit 1: $450.00
Includes professional brush set, tool belt, black mascara, mascara wands, brush cleaner/spatulas and two eyelash packs/glue and 5 piece essential eye shadow pallet.
Kit 2: $585
Includes all products from Kit 1 as well as lip gloss pallet, cream eyeliner, lip liner
Cost of photos
From $190
Advanced Makeup for Photography, Bridal, Fashion & Runway teaches advanced skills for professional makeup application and techniques.
- Advanced makeup techniques for the bridal industry
- Business planning
- Use of MAC cosmetics for different textures and finishes
- 1950’s period makeup
- Smokey eyes for bridal and fashion makeup
- Makeup for black and white makeup
- Runway makeup application
10 week studio work & week 11 photographic shoot
- Wednesday 28 July 6pm – 9pm
- Wednesday 29 September 6pm – 9pm
$995.00
The equipment kit for this course will carry over from Makeup Artist Essentials
Cost of photos: From $190
Elite Makeup & Hair Course combines Makeup Artist Essentials, Advanced Makeup for Photography – Bridal, Fashion and Runway; and Long Hair Styling – Bridal, Fashion and Runway.
- Makeup Artist Essentials
- Advanced Makeup for Photography – Bridal, Fashion and Runway
- Long Hair Stying – Bridal, Fashion and Runway
- Tuesday 27th July 6pm – 9pm
- Tuesday 28 September 6pm – 9pm
$2,985.00
As a special offer, students who enrol will receive FREE makeup products worth $200.
This course requires a Hair Kit in addition to a Makeup Kit. Please select either makeup kit 1 or kit 2.
Hair Kit: $350
Includes Baybliss hot rollers, long hair mannequin head/clamp, long hair styling combs, hair padding/nets, Kevin Murphy finishing spray & motion lotion.
Makeup Kit 1: $450.00
Includes professional brush set, tool belt, black mascara, mascara wands, brush cleaner/spatulas & two eyelash packs/glue and 5 piece essential eye shadow pallet.
Makeup Kit 2: $585
Includes all products from Kit 1 as well as lip gloss pallet, cream eyeliner and lip liner.
30 weeks studio work and an optional 3 weeks at photo shoots:
- Course starts with 10 weeks Makeup Artist Essentials Tuesday nights 6pm – 9pm
- Week 11 optional photoshoot
- Then 10 weeks Advanced Makeup for Photography Wednesday nights 6pm – 9pm
- Week 22 optional photoshoot
- Then 10 weeks Long Hair Styling Monday nights 6pm – 9pm
- Week 33 optional photoshoot
Cost of photos (per shoot): From $190
Airbrushing for Professional Makeup Artist creates a flawless look essential for HD television and digital photography.
Sunday 24 October 10am – 5pm (2 weeks, 1 day/week)
- Introduction & maintenance of Kett Jett Micro air pump
- Use and maintenance of the Iwatta airbrush gun
- Foundation application – water base & water proof bases
- Eye shadow technique
- Application of contouring and blusher
- Mixing of eye shadow pigments
- Body makeup
- Stencil use
- Product understanding
$650.00 + kit $800
Long Hair Styling – Bridal, Fashion & Photography designed for makeup artists and hairdressers who want to expand their knowledge.
- The latest bridal styles
- Adding hair pieces
- Classic styles – including 1950’s
- Hair down and half up
- Hot rollers setting techniques
- Placement of veils and head pieces
- Correct pinning techniques
10 week studio work & week 11 photographic shoot
- Monday 26 July 6pm – 9pm
- Monday 27 September 6pm – 9pm
$995.00
Eye Lash Extensions
- Theory & history of eyelash extensions
- Eyelash extension application procedures
- Eyelash extension application perfecting
- Removals and refills
- Live model practice and technique practice
- Eyelash extension products
- Lash after care and instructions
- Creative lash techniques
2-Day Intensive course from 9am – 4pm
- Sunday 1 & 8 August 2010
- Sunday 15 & 22 August 2010
$800.00 includes eyelash kit
For further course information and future course dates contact Justine:
Elite Hair and Make Up Academy
Suite 1 & 2, Level 7
94 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 1300 230 882
M: 0408 546 828
info@elitemakeupacademy.com.au
http://www.elitemakeupacademy.com.au/
