Virtual Lessons FAQ’s

What’s the benefit of doing an online lesson?

I introduced my online personalised 1-1 makeup lessons as a result of feedback from my clients on what they actually needed. They told me watching makeup tutorials on social media platforms, they often forget things or stop paying attention half-way through watching.

Most online makeup tutorials focus on hyping new products, often by makeup artists that are sponsored or in paid partnerships with brands. I’ve learnt from feedback from clients, that people watching makeup tutorials on social media often struggle with learning practical application techniques. Often, they can be hard to replicate when the MUA looks nothing like you and you are easily distracted by silly filters, music in the background and #gifted written all over the screen, sound familiar?

Who are the online lessons for?

My personalized virtual lessons can be for ANYONE of ANY skill level, ANYWHERE in the world.

Why would I pay for this when I could just watch free tutorials on YouTube or Instagram?

Social media is great, don't get me wrong - it’s where I have been watching tutorials and educating myself for years. It’s possible to learn a lot from YouTube but most of the time, the basics aren’t covered. Also, with platforms like Instagram where paid partnerships, affiliate links, discount codes & PR samples are heavily used, it’s almost impossible to watch an unbiased and impartial tutorial nowadays. You never know if a person is genuinely mentioning a brand or product because they love it or if they’re either getting paid to say they like it or worse again, just trying to get noticed by a brand.

Do I need to already have some basic makeup skills?

Not at all. And that’s why you’re doing a makeup lesson with me in the first place, to learn these skills. So it doesn’t matter if you’re a total beginner or a bit more advanced. You’ll still learn exactly what you need and want to learn at your lesson.

Are Your lessons For Professional Makeup Artists?

My lessons are for everyone. They are not accredited or designed to teach you how to become a pro makeup artist, however there is a lot of valuable information that will help you on your journey to becoming one, or as a ' top-up' if you're already working as a MUA. My private, in person MUA lessons will help working MUA’s build their confidence and upskill. Ideal for anyone who has recently qualified and is looking to put what they’ve learnt into practice.

How do the lessons take place?

Everything is online, so you just need access to a screen and an internet connection! I’m an Apple customer with an iPhone so for quality purposes, FaceTime may be the best connection wise.  But whatever works best for you. If you have a smart phone, we can use Facetime, WhatsApp, Messenger . If you have a tablet, laptop or PC we can video call via Zoom or Skype. Whatever your preference is, I’ll work around you. 

Do I need to buy products in advance of my lesson?

No. In the Pre- Lesson Questionnaire you can tell me what products and brands you are currently using. We’ll work with the products you have. Each lesson is tailored specific to you, so if you’ve a new eyeshadow palette you’ve just bought but don’t know how to use it, tell me and I’ll show you how to use it correctly. 

On the other hand, if you want a list of Product Recommendations, I am happy to send that to you before your lesson if you would like. Please state that in the questionnaire, if you would like time to purchase the products before your lesson.

For the Update your makeup bag lesson, the same applies. If you would like your product recommendations guide before your lesson, just let me know!

For skincare consultations, do I need to buy all of the skincare products at once that you recommend for me?

I don’t recommend you buy everything all at once. What I recommend instead is introducing just 1 or 2 new products into your routine at a time. For one thing, it’s better for your skin. Especially when it comes to skincare products. It’s best to start with one new skincare product at a time and let your skin get used to it first. And also to see if it’s working. Then once all is okay, you can slowly but surely introduce another product into your routine. If you’re using too many products all at once, it’s hard to know what’s working and what’s not. And it could also cause skin reactions too.

I also recommend this for makeup products. It’s best to practice just a couple of techniques and products at a time so you can get used to them and feel confident at applying them. And then move on to the next technique and product. Another reason is cost. It can be very costly buying everything all at once. So 1 or 2 products at a time is more than enough.

What brands do you recommend products from?

You can let me know your preference in your Pre lesson questionnaire. I will recommend products based on your budget & style.

For skincare, I will only be offering product recommendations on cosmetic skincare brands I have tried & tested and or are familiar with and are available to purchase directly off the shelf or online. There will be no product recommendations on medical grade cosmeceutical brands that need to be prescribed by a skincare professional or brands in which you need a consultation before using.

Do you think you can accurately recommend what colour foundation/concealer I need without seeing it on?

I do a lot of prep work before every client session. I always ask my clients to complete a questionnaire in advance of their lesson so I know what they’re struggling with, what exactly they want to learn and how exactly I can help them. I also ask them to send me a photo of themselves in natural daylight if they feel comfortable. So I can absolutely recommend the right shades for you. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients with many different skin tones. So I know what works for each skin tone. Between the photos you send and answers in the pre-lesson questionnaire, I’ll have a good idea of what products and shades I’m going to recommend for you. I sometimes ask my  client to use a website called findation.com – a comparison database that compiles thousands of shades from hundreds of foundations created by all the major beauty companies. It uses information entered by customers on which foundations and shades they normally wear and cross-references it with an algorithm to then provide you with similar shade options for every other brand out there.

Do I need to take notes during the lesson?

You don’t have to, you can if you like. Jessica will send you a PDF step by step guide for you to have next to you for your lesson. You can take extra notes during your lesson if you wish, she will send you a product recommendation guide after your lesson and any other notes from during your lesson.

Do I need good lighting?

If possible, it’s best to have good lighting. However, literally just facing a window will be perfect in this instance as natural light is the best source of light you can have. However, it’s not essential as long as it’s not completely dark in the room, the lighting you have will be fine and if I’ve already have seen a photo of you in natural light, I’ll possibly already know what your skin type/tone/face shape/colouring is like in advance of your session.

Do I need to be good with technology?

Not at all. We’ve probably all done some sort of online shopping at some point in time. My SHOP section is quite easy to add to cart and makes checking out simple. You can pay by card or PayPal. Once you can access your email, all you need to do is click on the link and enter the password sent to you to fill out the PRE- LESSON QUESTIONNAIRE. Once you can work your smartphone and make a video call, we’ll be able to connect online for your lesson.  It’s that simple. And I take care of everything else for you. If you struggle with technology, please let me know in your questionnaire and we can discuss this further in our phone chat before our lesson.

I’d prefer to have my products at my lesson, as I’d like to use them. Is it possible to get my product recommendations in advance my lesson so that I’ll have time to buy them and have them ready in time for my lesson?

Yes. If you’d prefer to have some of your products at your lesson, I’d be more than happy to send you your product recommendations in advance of your lesson. That way, it would also give you time to purchase them. And they’ll most likely have arrived well in time for your lesson so that you can use them at your lesson, and I can watch you apply them.

What if the connection is bad and I’m not happy with my virtual lesson?

If the connection is bad from my end, or my internet fails midway through the lesson, we will try reschedule a call for when suits you best. If you are still unhappy, there are a number of other alternative ways to finish your lesson perhaps via phone call. I can record step by step tutorials and send you videos. Last resort, if we are still unable to finish the lesson, you can visit me at my studio room in Blackrock if possible. All payments are non-refundable if a connection is established.