On May 31, 2014 I had the pleasure of attending Alexandra Butler's 'A Beautiful Face 101' in Virginia Beach. I have been a fan of Alex's work for some time now; being a new resident of Virginia Beach, it only seemed right that I attend this class.
Why this class was a good fit for me:
Honestly, I wasn't planning on attending a makeup class. I always thought they were for professional working makeup artists or super glam divas. I thought I wouldn't need the information being taught because I only did "my own makeup".
"I didn't need to do a model's makeup at photo shoots so why would I need this class?" I thought. However, Alex's ability to transform everyday women into super models made it an easy decision. I wanted to know how to properly apply a natural daytime makeup look, know how to jazz it up for a night out and how to be "Super Glam" for special events/photo shoots.
"I didn't need to do a model's makeup at photo shoots so why would I need this class?" I thought. However, Alex's ability to transform everyday women into super models made it an easy decision. I wanted to know how to properly apply a natural daytime makeup look, know how to jazz it up for a night out and how to be "Super Glam" for special events/photo shoots.
Purchasing My Ticket:
The idea of attending this class came to me when I was about to hit 'Confirm' on a large makeup purchase. It was spring and I wanted to revamp my look. I went to my favorite online beauty retailer and filled my cart. I had everything from foundation to concealer, powders, eye shadows, brow pencils and brow gels. I watched the price rise into the hundreds but it didn't bother me one bit. Then I thought to myself, "Why am I so comfortable purchasing all of this makeup and I'm not comfortable investing in learning how to use this makeup?"
I immediately canceled my order and made my way to Alex's Facebook Fanpage. There I was able to get the link to her makeup classes. The only tickets left for the VA Beach location were the "late bird" tickets that retailed at $300. I purchase my ticket right away.
Attending A Beautiful Face 101:
The big day had finally come! I was so excited to learn and I couldn't sleep the night before. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. The class was held at Studio CK Salon in Virginia Beach. The doors opened at noon, which allowed us enough time to mingle and network before class. There was delicious food and desserts, as well as juice, sweet tea and water.
The class started around 12:45pm and went until a little after 4pm. I brought a pen, my clip board and took notes on the syllabus she provided for us. We received step-by-step instructions and a live makeup application demonstration by Alex. We also received a personalized step-by-step lesson on how to take our makeup to the next level. What I loved most was that she didn't go to the next step in the makeup application until she was sure we ALL understood what she did and, most importantly, why she did it. Alex made sure we all knew what techniques were best for each of our faces and eye shapes; as well as how to update our current makeup techniques and make the most of the products we already own.
The class started around 12:45pm and went until a little after 4pm. I brought a pen, my clip board and took notes on the syllabus she provided for us. We received step-by-step instructions and a live makeup application demonstration by Alex. We also received a personalized step-by-step lesson on how to take our makeup to the next level. What I loved most was that she didn't go to the next step in the makeup application until she was sure we ALL understood what she did and, most importantly, why she did it. Alex made sure we all knew what techniques were best for each of our faces and eye shapes; as well as how to update our current makeup techniques and make the most of the products we already own.
(Our model was Coko (@cokoclemons) from the super talented R&B group SWV, and from WeTV's hit reality show "SWV Reunited".)
A few things we covered:
- Skincare and learning what products are best for your skin type (personalized for oily, dry, or combo skin)
- Proper tools and techniques to use during your makeup routine
- Precise eye shadow placement and blending
- False eyelash demonstration
- Selecting the best products and details on perfecting your brows
- Color correcting and blending when applying foundation and concealer
- Highlighting and contouring
- Current makeup trends
Plus so much more...
What we got:
I received an amazing Makeup Swag Basket filled with Beauty "Must-Haves" hand picked by Alex. (This basket contained over $75 worth of products.)
Some of the beauty products included: a full pack of makeup removing wipes, 4 makeup brushes, a 9 piece eyeshadow palette, eye liner, loose eyeshadow pigment, lashes, a full tube of lipstick, and lip gloss.
Alex also made sure we had some of her favorite skincare products to keep our skin clear, soft and moisturized. We also received some liquid black soap, organic shea body butter and cocoa butter.
(All of these products smelled so good.) Plus a cute basket to hold everything.
After the class portion was complete, it was time for prizes and giveaways. Everybody won at least two prizes. I won a beautiful gold bracelet and some amazing earrings. During this time we were able to chat with Coko, mingle amongst each other and ask Alex almost anything.
(Both professional and personal questions; she was an open book.)
Final Thoughts:
Do I think this class was worth the money?
YES!
Would I attend another workshop with Alex?
YES!
Would I recommend this course?
YES!
This class was a complete game changer. I realized I was doing almost everything wrong when it came to my makeup. I learned less is more.
I use less products doing my makeup now because I know and understand the techniques needed to get the desired effect I am looking for. I now know how to use my makeup correctly. Most importantly, I understand why, where, and how to use my makeup.
My biggest take away from attending 'A Beautiful Face 101' was learning color correcting, skin care, eye shadow placement and how to apply bold lip colors...while making my makeup last all day.
I'm already looking forward to Alex's 2015 makeup tour. I am planning on purchasing a ticket to her more advanced makeup class, 'A Beautiful Face 103'. I'll be sure to let you guys know what I think of that, upon completion.
If you're interested in learning more about professional makeup artist Alexandra Butler, click HERE to read her Featured Entrepreneur post on my blog. Some of her contact links are below.
Link to attend makeup classes
Did you attend one of Alex's classes? Or are you interested in taking one of her classes? If so, I'd love to hear more. Leave a comment below.
Did you attend one of Alex's classes? Or are you interested in taking one of her classes? If so, I'd love to hear more. Leave a comment below.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time...
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