Learners on the Level 2 Technical Cert in Make-up Artistry are just some of the many students who are now receiving both theory and practical lessons through online learning with their tutors.
In recent weeks, students from areas such as travel and tourism, catering, hairdressing and animal care have been producing some innovative and forward-thinking work while the lockdown continues.
The class was tasked by their tutor Jasmine Mee to recreate hair and make-up looks from the 1920s. They could use any pieces of equipment along with any styles that they had learnt to incorporate into the look. For example the 1920’s were known for finger waves in the hair with small thin eyebrows.
The students used a technique called ‘blocking-out’ the eyebrows and redrawing them to achieve the thin shape. They then had to use costumes and props which they had at home to complete the look.
Student Beth Chilvers created her vintage look on mum Shelley Annable. She said: “It took me a couple of hours to create this. The outfit was an old dance costume of mine from back in the day. Luckily I have one of those mums who saves old costumes and clothes in case it’s something she can dress my daughter in so we kind of improvised. The accessories I bought for my synoptic exam and used them to give the look more style.”
Beth, 28, from Rainworth is now looking to take-up additional beauty therapy courses such as waxing, so she can add these services to her current make-up artistry and beauty business called ‘Paint Me Up’.
She added: “The online learning has been a challenge, as normally when I’m at college I can focus on what I’m doing but when I’m at home, I have to juggle studying with everyday stuff and parenting. The advice I would give to others in these unforeseen circumstances, things are going to be different and challenging, but if you want the grades just crack on with it and you’ll get there.”
Beth’s mum Shelley said of her elegant look: “I love my hair being played with so I found getting my hair done very relaxing. It was definitely a different style to try but I really enjoyed it and the outcome looked really good. It makes me happy to be able to help my daughter out with her college assignments and I’m proud of how far she’s come and the looks she’s able to produce throughout the year. We had loads of fun doing this - we were in fits of laughter.”
Meanwhile Amber Jacobs, 17, treated her mum Cilla to the flapper girl look from the era. She said: “I bought the costume from eBay for £15 and it was so worth it. While creating this look I found the 1920’s trend interesting because of how different it is compared to how people do their make-up now. The trickiest part was to cover the brows and draw the fresh brows on top while trying to make it look natural.
“I’m hopefully getting an apprenticeship in beauty next year and starting my own business on the side so I am still in education and learning while earning money.”
Evie Oldham, 17, created the look on herself. She said: “I already had my 1920’s costume at home. What I found interesting about creating this look was when I had to glue my eyebrows down so that I could draw a thin shape over them. One thing I found a little difficult to do was the hair style as I’m more of a make-up person.”
Tutor Jasmine said: “All of the students have worked hard on their pieces for the 1920’s themed project, including researching into the background of what makes the 1920’s style stand out.
“Due to the lockdown situation students found it tricky to adapt to the new way of learning. However, when they complete a piece of work they put all their effort into it to get the best results. I’m very proud of them as it’s difficult to complete work in this sector from at home with less resources and models, but they’ve all stepped up to the task brilliantly.”