Tess Holmes is a well-established makeup artist with serious industry cred and a serious Instagram presence. She’s given a glow up to everyone from Jessica Gomes to Sophie Monk and has been a jobbing MUA behind the curtain at events like The Logies and Melbourne Fashion Week, in addition to working editorial and television. She says what started as a hobby and personal passion wound up growing right into a full-time career. Her online makeup videos have been viewed tens of thousands of times and she is the creator of the sell-out makeup masterclass series.
Holmes says the concept for the classes originated from her clients, really. There is interest in the classes, but no supply, so she chose to do them. “I created my Makeup Masterclass after speaking with numerous clients about how exactly they wished they might learn how I did things i did. There was nothing available in those days for regular people to learn makeup. I saw a chance to provide a beautiful event that taught step-by-step makeup application with tips and tricks from an industry professional. It’s for all ages, and also you bring your personal makeup kits and brushes, where I help them learn how you can apply their very own makeup whether it’s for work or a night out. The boldness and enjoyment following the class is contagious. It’s this type of rewarding job, for which I’m forever grateful.”
Every time she announces a new class, spots are snapped up within a few minutes. We chatted with her about her career and where the concept for her classes came from, what they entail and just what skills you need to start one yourself.
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PB: Exactly what is a makeup masterclass?
“My makeup masterclass is really a way for the everyday person to understand skills from a professional regarding how to confidently apply their own makeup.”
PB: Who should enroll in one?
“I recommend it for everyone from 15 to 65 to gain confidence with makeup skills or even a makeup artist who is only starting out their career.”
PB: What sort of thing would you teach in yours?
“I teach every stage, from beginning to end, regarding how to apply makeup, what tools to make use of and the way to use them. Even the need for hygiene and quality makeup products.”
PB: What do students get to take away from the masterclass?
“I really hope they remove tips from an industry professional regarding how to apply their makeup whether it’s for work, an evening out or perhaps as a professional makeup artist starting out. Making people feel confident and beautiful is a very rewarding experience.”
PB: What is the format now, in COVID times, as well as in regular times?
“I had to put these classes on pause before the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. I had plenty of possibilities to offer an web based course but my makeup class is really personable and achieving the face-to-face experience is all I wanted in my guests. The experience is so much warmer and I can physically walk as much as someone and show them how you can hold a brush, angle to carry it and talk them through each step in a much more personal and more educating way.”
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PB: So how exactly does an MUA design their own masterclass?
“I’ve been to a lot of over the years and also to learn and grow from their store continues to be the easiest method to focus on the way i would design my perfect class to really help the guests and ensure they get the most out of the class environment.”
PB: Just how can they get good enough/become well known enough to create one?
“I would say it’s lots of years of experience and achieving the boldness in their own individual skills and talent not to doubt yourself or perhaps your skill. It had been when I would speak with my clients about certain techniques and merchandise, I’d actually surprise myself with the amount of knowledge I’d. It’s endless when there’s passion.”
PB: What are the best tools to create one? And to host one?
“Organisation! I’m so highly organised with regards to my job, always early, always prepared for anything! It takes sooooo much work behind the scenes. I am a one women team, I don’t possess a manager or PA or anything so I literally design and run this entire class from the layout towards the complete design and everything at the time. I’ve all of the contacts and dealings with the entire event planning from brands, food, drinks and products.”
PB: What is the most difficult about carrying out a masterclass?
“The above mentioned! Event planning is very time consuming.”
PB: What’s your pricing strategy?
“I love to gauge it on which an everyday person could justify paying to learn and educate themselves for life-long skills. Also to make certain my outgoings are covered and all the behind the curtain work and hours are covered too.”
PB: How do you market them? What has been your best way to market your masterclasses?
“Instagram! I have a huge demand for these masterclasses and can’t actually keep up with the demand at this time. (An excellent problem to have!)”
PB: How often do you do them?
“At this time I really hope to complete them every couple of months.”
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