MAKEUP: KIMMIE FOX, BOMBSHELL BEAUTY

MAKEUP MAESTRO

Founder of Bombshell Beauty Academy and Australia’s only dedicated makeup conference, Kimmie Fox is a master of many. Hannah Gay chats to the educator on the ongoing relevance makeup services play in 2023.

Kimmie, I understand you launched Bombshell Beauty Academy in 2018. What led you to do this?

“I launched Bombshell Beauty Academy because I wanted to create a space where beauty enthusiasts and aspiring makeup artists could come together to learn, connect and grow. As a beauty therapist with over a decade of experience, I saw a need for high-quality education that went beyond just technical skills. I wanted to create a supportive community where students could develop their confidence, creativity, and business acumen.

I also wanted to challenge the traditional beauty industry narrative that often focuses on unrealistic beauty standards and competition. At Bombshell Beauty Academy, we prioritise inclusivity, diversity and empowerment. We believe that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colours, and that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.

Overall, launching Bombshell Beauty Academy was a natural next step for me. I’m passionate about the beauty industry, and I wanted to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact and help others succeed.”

How many courses do you offer via your academy?

“I’m proud to say that we offer a wide range of courses to meet the needs of our students. In total, we offer 28 different courses which can be completed online, in-person at our academy, or through blended learning.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive, hands-on training that prepares our students for successful careers in the beauty industry no matter the employment path they take, whether it be working for themselves or for an employer. We’re always updating and expanding our course offerings to ensure that our students have access to the latest techniques, trends and technologies.”

What percentage of your courses are offered online versus offered in-person?

“We offer all of our courses in a variety of formats. We believe it’s important to cater to each student’s unique learning style and provide flexibility in the way our courses are delivered.

If a student enrols in an online course and feels they need more support, we offer a one-off training fee for existing students to join our in-person classes. This allows our students to get the most out of their education and have the support they need to succeed.

Therefore, it’s difficult to give an exact percentage of courses offered online versus in-person, as it varies depending on the course and the needs of the students. But we strive to offer options that are accessible and effective for all.”

Name the three most popular beauty courses students undertake with you.

“The Beginners Makeup Course is perfect for those who are new to makeup or looking to refine their skills. This course covers basic makeup application techniques, including foundation, eye makeup, contouring, and highlighting. Students will learn how to create a range of makeup looks, from natural and everyday to glamorous and special occasion.

Our Classic Eyelash Extensions Course is another popular option, providing students with the skills and knowledge to create beautiful, natural-looking lash extensions. Students will learn how to apply individual lash extensions, as well as proper lash hygiene and maintenance.

Finally, our Eyebrow Waxing Course is a popular choice for those interested in shaping and grooming eyebrows. This course covers a range of techniques for waxing and shaping eyebrows, as well as proper sanitation and aftercare.

These courses have all been designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on training that prepares our students for successful careers in the beauty industry.”

I also noticed you’ve developed a product line under the Bombshell brand. Tell us about this.

“Yes! We offer a range of makeup products that are designed to help both students and professional makeup artists achieve stunning looks. Our products are designed to complement our particular style of makeup that we teach at Bombshell Beauty Academy, and we are proud to offer a range of products that are both highquality and affordable.”

Our eyeshadow palettes and face palettes are highly pigmented and offer a range of shades and finishes, from matte to shimmery. These palettes are perfect for creating natural, everyday looks as well as bold, dramatic looks for special occasions. Our loose pigments come in a variety of shades and can be used on the eyes, lips, and even as a highlighter.

Our strip lashes are also a must-have in any makeup routine, and we offer a variety of styles to suit every occasion. As a makeup artist, I know the importance of using high-quality brushes. Our brushes are made with high- quality materials and designed for easy use. We also offer a variety of lash extension accessories, including adhesives, tweezers, and under-eye pads.”

I understand Makeup Con 2023 was the first you’ve held, and the first makeup-only conference held in Australia! Why did you feel the need to develop this event?

“I have personally experienced bullying and discrimination in this industry. It made me feel like I didn’t belong, and I knew there must be a better way. I wanted to create an event that would bring together the makeup community - to connect, inspire and empower eachother.”

How many guests attended this year’s Makeup Con?

“I’m happy to say that we had a great turnout at this year’s Makeup Con, with 140 guests in attendance throughout the day. It was so amazing to see so many people come together to form meaningful connections, and to celebrate and learn about the art of makeup. We are thrilled with the positive feedback we received and are already planning our next event in Sydney.”

What occupations/training did attendees generally hold?

“I can say that our Makeup Con event attracted a diverse range of attendees from various beauty-related professions. We had makeup artists, retail makeup workers, beauty therapists, and content creators among the guests who attended the event. It was great to see such a diverse group of people coming together to share their knowledge and passion for makeup.”

What were some of the key things you hoped your guests would take away from Makeup Con 2023?

“My hope was for makeup artists to have the opportunity to expand their professional network, form new connections and friendships, and gain valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their careers. I strongly believe in the importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends, regardless of how long someone has been in the field. My goal was to provide a platform for our guests to take their success to new heights.”

What role do you see makeup services playing in Australian beauty salons today and in the future? And furthermore, why should salon owners invest in professional makeup brands and artists as a part of their business?

“As a makeup artist and educator, I strongly believe that makeup services have become an essential part of beauty salons in Australia. Investing in professional makeup brands and artists can provide a significant boost to a salon’s bottom line, as makeup services continue to grow in popularity and demand.

However, it’s not just about having the right products and artists; salon owners also need to ensure that their artists receive ongoing training. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, upskilling is crucial to maintain a competitive edge and provide clients with the best possible service. By investing in professional makeup brands and artists, and offering ongoing training and development opportunities, salon owners can create a dynamic, thriving business that keeps up with the demands of today’s beauty market.”

Final thoughts?

“I believe it’s important to continue pushing boundaries and innovating, while also prioritising inclusivity and diversity. At Bombshell Beauty, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive community where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or experience level."