Indulgence Academy student’s brush with success at major national beauty awards

DRIVE and ambition to get to the top has earned talented make-up artistry learner Lisa Finley a major national beauty award.

Lisa, 22, was awarded third prize in the Fashion Make-up Student category of the prestigious Brush Wars 2019 at London Olympia, a competition which attracts competitors from all over the world.

A student at the Indulgence Academy at Progress to Excellence Ltd in Frome, Lisa’s work was judged by some of the best-known beauty industry experts, among them Tonee Robiero who has worked with top models including Helena Christensen, Kate Moss, Jodie Kidd, and Sam Chapman, CEO of Real Techniques. The feedback Lisa received from all judges was very positive and all were impressed with the techniques and creativity shown.

Lisa decided to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Make-up Artistry to refine her self-taught make-up skills and, having only attended the centre for two months, was encouraged by her tutor and centre manager at the training academy to enter the competition.

Lisa based her entry around fashion designer Alexander McQueen. The competition brief was to create a mood board and design a look which incorporated make-up, nails, hair and a costume, with the hair, nails and costume completed prior to the show. Lisa had 30 minutes to set-up, two hours to complete the make-up and 30 minutes for finishing touches.

Claire Hughes, Manager of the Indulgence Academy at Progress to Excellence Ltd in Frome, said: “Lisa has had a remarkable journey to make her dream to become a Make-up Artist a reality. After teaching herself make-up techniques at home, she decided to undertake the level 3 qualification to enhance her skills and knowledge on route to a career in the beauty industry.

“Lisa’s talent and training gave her a fantastic score in her category where, competing among 20 students, she took third place – a remarkable result achieved in such a short space of time.”

After completing the Level 3 Diploma in Make-up Artistry, Lisa wants to become a Make-up Artist with her own brand as well as working in TV and film. 

Lisa said “While completing my course at the Indulgence academy I have gained confidence and my skills have improved majorly. My tutor Chrissy Grant has been amazing with pushing me out of my comfort zone and believing that I could complete elements to a high standard. Chrissy motivated me to enter Brush Wars and guided me all the way. Without her I wouldn’t have been able to do the things that I have managed to do. From this fantastic result I am looking forward to new opportunities that arise within the make-up and beauty industry.”

The door of opportunity to other beauty career adventures is open at the Indulgence Academy at Progress to Excellence Ltd in Frome which specialises in NVQs, VRQs and Diplomas within the hair and beauty sector and is based at The Business Courtyard, Marls Pit Lane, Trudoxhill, Frome BA11 5DL.

Courses are funded through an Advanced Learner Loan which, subject to eligibility, is available to individuals aged 19 and over who choose to study a level 3 to level 6 course. It’s easy to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan and household income isn’t taken into account. There’s also no credit check or upper age limit.