My Journey at the Makeup Pro Store: A Life-Changing Experience In autumn 2023, I took a leap and enrolled in a 10-week academy makeup course at the Makeup Pro Store with the incredibly talented Paddy McGurgan.

At 27, married with two young children one of whom was only 6 months, I was full of nerves and questions. I couldn’t shake the doubts: Am I too old for this? What if I’m not good enough? But I knew my passion for makeup was calling me, and now, looking back, I can confidently say this was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did this course open up countless opportunities, but it also pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Every Monday, I walked into the studio ready to learn, laugh, and challenge myself. And alongside my growing skills, I was introduced to amazing people—not only in the course but also now, with each client I meet. Being part of their special moments is a gift I cherish.

The Course Breakdown -The course was designed to build us up from the basics to more advanced techniques, so we started with the essentials.

Week one covered different skin types, common skin conditions, and the importance of hygiene—vital topics for our ITEC accreditation. From there, the real fun began. Each week, Paddy would demonstrate a look on a model, and then we’d pair up to recreate it on each other. Our homework? To practice and refine the look on two more models before the next class.

It was hands-on, intense, and thrilling. We began with soft glam looks, but as the weeks progressed, we experimented with color, bold liners, dramatic lips, and intricate cut creases. Working on a new model each week gave us invaluable experience with different skin types, textures, and facial structures. I quickly learned how to communicate with clients, how to adapt techniques for oily skin or dry patches, and how to bring out the best features in anyone. To complete our ITEC accreditation, we had a final exam where we were challenged to create a full makeup look in just 30 minutes. It was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience, pushing us to apply everything we’d learned under time pressure. This final test solidified our skills and gave us the confidence to handle real-world demands in the beauty industry. The course culminated in week 10 with a photoshoot that felt like the ultimate reward. We worked with ACA models and were tasked with creating two distinct looks—one bridal and one creative.

It was an exhilarating day, one where I felt the full extent of everything I had learned come together. By the end, I left feeling confident and ready to step into the industry, knowing I could handle any look, from a classic soft glam makeup to a daring rainbow cut crease. One Year Later… Reflecting on everything this course has brought me is nothing short of humbling. Since finishing, I’ve had the honour of working at the Miss Northern Ireland fashion show and finals, doing weddings, formals, and even becoming part of the Makeup Pro Store team. And now, I’m a finalist for Makeup Artist of the Year! For anyone thinking of pursuing their dreams, I can say from experience: It’s never too late, and you are good enough. This journey has been worth every step, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.