Institute offers monthlong certification course

Her lips painted black (courtesy of her grandmother's eyeliner), 7-year-old Evi Queen was proud of her makeup masterpiece that also featured blush splashed across nearly every inch of her face.

Now 22 and a graduate from the class "Becoming a Makeup Artist ... The Journey" at L Makeup Institute & Agency, 241 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 150, the Summerlin resident has come a long way.

"I didn't know where to place anything, but it didn't matter. I loved it all," Queen said, recalling her early career choice. "I just love it. It fits me perfectly."

Queen moved to Las Vegas from a small Southern California town a couple of months ago to attend the school in hope of kicking off a career in celebrity makeup artistry. The institute, owned by former celebrity makeup artist Lissette Waugh, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month as it prepares for another batch of students. The school features a month long certification course, focusing on beauty make up application for film, high-definition television, photography, advertising and retail cosmetics. Waugh, who has worked on socialite Paris Hilton and actress Salma Hayek, provides hands-on instruction to her students during the 100 hours of training.

"I learned the correct way to do makeup," said Queen, who did work for a music video before completing her certification earlier this month. "Lissette inspired me to a lot more than just makeup, too."

The school offers classes in spray tanning and special effects makeup, as well as providing instruction for drag queen and cirque face art.

"We focus on every student leaving here a well-rounded artist," said Waugh, who grew up in Las Vegas. "Every time someone new sits in your chair, it could be for the same look, but you have to do everything completely different."

Although she is an aspiring celebrity makeup artist, Queen is most looking forward to showing off her talents on her mother when she visits this month.

Her mom has been battling breast cancer since 2008, and the disease has since spread through both breasts and to her liver and neck. The chemotherapy treatments have recently left her bald.

Queen said she is prepared to paint on her mother's eyebrows for a look so natural, no one will know they're not real.

After her visit, Queen, a single mother, plans to stay in Las Vegas with her 3-year-old son to pursue her career.

Contact Southwest and Spring Valley View reporter Jessica Fryman at jfryman@viewnews.com or 380-4535.