LAURA CLARE – LOCKDOWN STUDENT
For 22 years, Laura’s career has been in social care, working nightshift as a care worker in a home for adults with learning disabilities.
She is aiming to start her own business as a freelance makeup artist, however the current lockdown restrictions have limited opportunities for newly qualified makeup artists such as Laura.
Laura hopes that as she garners more experience in the industry and expands her clientele, she can transition to making makeup a full-time job. As well as studying her HNC, Laura also has been taking GlamCandy’s Bridal Pro Course and practicing on others as much as she can.
How was your experience studying with GlamCandy throughout lockdown?
“I had a really positive experience of studying during lockdown. Our daily lessons were over Zoom, which our tutor Paulina made so much fun for the class!
“The lockdown was really hard for everyone, as a key worker I was working throughout lockdown and having my HNC classes 3 days a week. The coursework gave me something to enjoy and focus my time on which was actually really helpful.
“There were more positives than negatives and I would describe it as bittersweet. I was frustrated at times that I was learning makeup and couldn’t get the full experience of attending college or having the opportunity to practice on others.
However, GlamCandy always looked after us. Students were given an ‘aftercare’ support package to help us gain more practical experience that we missed due to lockdown. I am really grateful for this.”
A make-up product you cannot live without?
“A product I cannot live without is primer! My favourite is the Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer as I have combination skin, so preparation is crucial to keep the shiny T-Zone area under control.”
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
“My biggest makeup inspiration is Rebecca Capel. I love her YouTube tutorials as she is such a talented, relatable and down to earth person. I follow her on Instagram too and have taken part in a few of her online masterclasses.
I’ve learned so much from her, from techniques to growing as an MUA in the industry.”
Your best make-up hack?
“My best makeup hack has got to be setting black gel liner with a black eyeshadow. This works amazingly in the waterline, especially if you are prone to watery eyes – that liner won’t budge!”
What has been your favourite make-up trend of 2020?
“My favourite trend of 2020 is the fluffy brow! I love using the Pink Honey Wonder Wax. So quick and easy, and I’m loving the full brow look.”
What’s your favourite beauty Instagram account and why?
“My favourite Instagram account is Beauty Bay. There are always artist tutorials creating looks with their products which gives you inspiration.
“It’s also a great platform to see new products and offers. As an MUA, you buy new products for your kit all the time and Beauty Bay are fab to see new trends and offers.”
Most used app on your phone?
“The most used app on my phone is definitely Instagram. I could watch makeup tutorials all day.”
If you could go back and give your teenage self advice what would it be?
“My advice to my teenage self would be to listen to my mum more, you don’t always know better! Also, don’t worry about what other people think of you.
“Be self-assured, have confidence and create your own style. One day you will look back and realise you wasted too much time worrying about stuff that doesn’t matter.”
What would you say to anybody thinking about studying with GlamCandy?
“To anyone thinking about studying at GlamCandy, DO IT! Studying with them has changed my life. I dreamt about becoming a makeup artist most of my life, but my career took another path.
“At 37 years old I’m so glad I took a leap of faith, believed in myself and committed to the course which will make my dream come true.
“The more you put into it the more you get out of it and the tutors are a constant fountain of knowledge. Yes, you have to work hard and push yourself out of your comfort zone at times, but it’s so worth it.”
Instagram – @lauraclare_makeupartistry