Blanche Macdonald Canada's Makeup And Hair School review: Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school! 40

I was a student at Blanche Macdonald June 2003-March 2004. Our first teacher, Sandra, was really nice, so was Sidney. Michelle the hair teacher was a bit rough, but we learned a lot from her. The rest of the teachers were really bad. Our fashion teacher was an old graduate from the school and some of my classmates had more professional experience than her. The worst was the teacher we got for the last course, Special F/X Make up. She had been a make up artist for a tv series (her first gig) and when the series got cancelled they brough her over to teach us Special F/X. There was a great teacher, a guy, I don't remember his name, he used to be the one in charge of teaching F/X but he got called for a movie, so we got stuck with the "apprentice". She was soooo bad. Half of my class didn't finish the course because of her and the other half complained about her, but she was friends with the director...The school policies were incredibly harsh for the students. At the time I paid in school tuitions almost 8 thousand dollars. After I graduated most people from the cinema industry told me that Blanche Macdonald was a "rip off centre" and that I should go to another centre to obtain a better training in the make up field. So my advice to people considering to study there is "Don't do it", It is not worth your money. I left Canada since then, but I still work on the make industry in Europe, and I can tell you that I had to learn all new things from more experienced make up artist around me because what you learned at BMC was of no use in the field. As I said from Sidney, he taught us TV make up, I learned a great deal, and from Sandra and Michelle, the rest, not worth it and the manager and director of the centre were very rude women that treated us like little idiots and talked to us like we were dumb student girls.

waste of time to take the artificial nail course at blanche Macdonald. In total i got to do 5 full sets of both gel and acrylic and the teacher who i had for term 1 and 2 of Esthetician program just sits at the front of the class and once you have completed to the best of your ability she then tells you everything that you have done wrong and doesn't spend any time with you to try and fix it or improve it. Overall i have had a final for a swedish facial, swedish body massage, 1/2 leg waxing and underarms, and a couple written exams in esthetics and just finished the acrylic nail exam and we are required to finish one hand in 75min when the entire time in class we were lucky to finish a full set in 3 1/2 hours because we need more practice. Not to mention having to bring back and forth your materials which causes bubbles in the gel products from being on its side or flipped over. I expected more from this program and not just doing french tip a few times with each product and saying congradualations you are a nail technician. No wonder there are so many nail techs out there that are not that great because we are funding schools such as this. In order to be even employable and get good clientele further classes with a better teacher who is still currently in the industry is required which means even more money poured out when blanche should be teaching us the tricks of the trade. I didn't feel ready for any of my practical exams because there isn't enough practical practice on different people other then classmates. In conclusion if you are planning on going to beauty school I employ you to spend your money else where because blanche is a rip off all you are paying for is the name and it is outragiously exspensive. You don't even get proper student ID cards they are too cheap and give you a piece of paper the size of a business card with your name written on it. You can probably go to a school that is not as well known and get a better education then what is being provided currently at Blanche MacDonald. I will continue to teach myself the material and seek out professionals in the industry to help me get the best out of a bad school. Many of my classmates are concerened just like me about out confident and knowledagable we will be as certified beauty professionals. No wonder so many people have bad experiences and never want to go back for that service again. Its just like the hair industry if a hairdresser doesn't do what you want or completly makes a mess of your hair you are very unlikely to return and will take your business elsewhere. We are not going to become great in the industry without an adiquet amount of practice and knowledge. I fear for the beauty industry in the future if schools continue to have large classes and teachers who don't care and are just there for the pay check at the end of the day, only doing the bare minimum required. I am glad to be over with the artificail nails and will be following up with a friend in the industry to help me improve and learn new tricks. Im also glad to be starting term 3 in esthetics who actually cares for the students and is really knowledable in the field. She is open to questions and feedback from her students and makes things easier to understand especially students who have a language barrier making the material harder to understand and absorb. She takes the time to know each and every one of us and our needs for learning. Im so happy to be done with the first half of the year full of struggles and the feeling of never being ready in the pit of the stomach because Ive been learning on my own without the help of a good teacher. A good teacher does not just sit by and watch all the time telling us we are all going to fail because we are doing things wrong, no a good teacher is hands on and corrects whatever it is before it becomes a habit. They are encouraging and positive and don't knit pick on you for every little thing because they understand that we are learning and its like the pyramid which was not built in a day it takes time to perfect and modify behaviours in a more professional manner.

Disorganized, no printers for students to use, no student councillor, also no breaks to study for midterms/ finals. Teachers do not seem communicate scheduling, so be prepared to be doing 6 big final projects, and 2 written final exams without a sufficient study break. Some courses are completely out-dated and you're treated in a condescending way. A lot of the teachers are in the Fashion/ Make Up Merchandising work field, therefore are not fully dedicated to their teaching jobs, and will only be available to 'help' if they are on campus 1 - 3 days a week; also they are only going to help you with their course. No study groups for struggling students. No online platforms to receive grades, some teachers do not have even an e-mail to contact through. Teachers expect you to volunteer/ work on top of this immense work load which is nearly impossible, and unfortunate because that is how to network; and this industry requires networking or you will have a hard time finding a job. The terms are not balanced well in terms of course load, you will go from super heavy terms that are all left-brained, analytical study based, to completely right-brained creative, kinetic based.
Classes are about 3.5 to 4 hours long each - it can be quite draining at the end of the week, as you spend most of your weekend doing homework.
There is no residence/ student housing for students, and a lot of scammers in this city when looking for renting, if you are not from YVR and are coming out here for BMC, then please book a week to come out to find a place; craigslist can be quite notorious for scams. The school has a designated person helping with 'student housing' however I did not really find it useful. It was more of a Facebook page for finding roommates. There is no U Pass for the school so depending on where you choose to live, you will be paying $100 + a month on your Compass Card. The 'cheaper' your rent, the worse your place, or the location is far. All of this is relative, keep that in mind.
If you're looking to do this course, please be prepared to work some of the hardest times you'll ever work, and set up written schedules for yourself. Also I would not recommend working during this course as it is very heavy in terms of homework/ studying and you do not get reading breaks to do so. I found a huge lack of support from the faculty and a lot of disorganization with scheduling. It is not a cheap program, which makes the issues stand out that much more. This is not a full reflection, but a mere one that speaks of the worst of issues I, and a lot of other pupils encountered.

The facilty is also very unprofessional I was pulled at the end of a class and was told that i wouldn't have any friends b/c i was coming across as a know it all and that I needed to dumb myself down for the rest of the students. and when a question is asked i always get singled out "anyone except me" know the answer. the rules that they put in place are being contradicted by what they are allowed. e.g.. shoes, jewels, and hair. We have to wear black runners and they are allowed black leather boots so our feet get soaked and they get to stay dry b/c it rains a lot and most of use travel by transit for an hour to get there. when they are demoing a service they have their hair down and jewelry on. They are not current in the industry and seem to have lost their spark or love of the industry and it shows in the teaching. 4 ppl have already failed first term and another dropped out in the second term. Im constantly reaching out to other avenues to learn as much as possible (other professionals, youtube, internet) to go over things b/c we are expected to do a practical exam after 5 facials and 3 waxing days on our classmates and we don't have client days to learn on other ppl. They focus too much on writing the steps down then actually getting to phyciacally getting to do them. I do not recommend going to BMC for education they pull you in and keep taking and taking and taking bc you are continuously having to purchase more and more material as the year progresses. Im very skeptical and believe there are better avenues/schools to attend with a more friendly, passionate and learning environment(practical). Ive heard similar complaints in the lunch room from other programs and they are looking into other schools for further education in beauty.

The teachers are not even that great and I was even told that I wouldn't have any friends b/c I was coming across as a know it all and that I needed to dumb myself down for the rest of the students. Im constantly reaching out to other avenues to learn everything possible for the industry(such as professionals in the industry to go over things, youtube, and the internet) We are expected to be able to do a practical exam when we have only done 5 facials and 3 waxing practices in class with our class mates. We already had 4 ppl fail the first term and another dropped out a little more then a week into second term. They facility is supper anal about dress code(specially shoes) but are very contradicting b/c they feel they don't need to follow the same rules(such as jewelry and always having hair back when doing a service) all and all they are unprofessional and Im unsure where I will be going for makeup and hair.

On top of that the teachers or not the best and I was told that I would not have any friends b/c I'm smart and was coming across as a know it all and to dumb myself down for the rest of the students. I am continuously reaching out to other avenues such as other professionals in the industry to go over things with me bc I feel that i am not ready for the practicals with the lack of practice and going to youtube and the internet for help on receiving more information and basically teaching myself and another student who are currently getting the highest in the class. we already had 4 students fail first term and 1 drop out. I will not be recommending this school to anyone looking for a positive environment to become a highly qualified professional in the beauty industry today. Which is sad now Im torn as to where to go for hair and makeup when even JCI has bad reviews from actual students are no good. Im dissapointed in the lack of proper education in this field.

I will not be returning to blanche for my makeup or hair. Instead going to go to JCI bc I feel that there is not enough practical experience being given at blanche, we don't get actual textbooks with color diagrams to learn the material, and the amount being put into the kits for what is given doesn't seem legit. I am especially unhappy with the nail kit and how we barley have enough material to learn in class and have to go and buy the same brand to practice at home bc for the practical exam we have to use the brand provided in the kit. As students we can barley afford to pay rent, buy food, and need to have a part time job just to get by. Its expected that we will have everything that we need for the course for that amount we pay and we need to go and buy our own things along the way bc its not provided in the kit. The nail kit doesn't even hold what is given to us and Im expected to buy more of everything for practice. Im not confident that at the end of my time at blanche I will be ale to preform all the services bc of lack of practice on clients. You also need to consider that putting someone in both esthetics/artificial that maybe one should have learned mani/pedi and the fact that i need to be at the school from 9-5 in esthetics then 6-10 in aritifical on tuesdays when i could have been put on different days. Ive been told its due able to do it but the fact that i need to travel an hour there and back each day on top of that and then study and work. Ive been running on lack of sleep. Then we are expected to go to the spa show for attendance and have to pay $30 or we get marked absent. Things such as these are considered field trips and should be considered in the price of the school. These are just some of the concerns I am either experiencing or either have had other students express the same concerns and are considering other options for their other years. Now looking more into other schools and even JCI has many scam comments so is there even a good school in canada to attend for the beauty industry of today?

I went here not too long ago to get info on my preferred course. Global Makeup Artistry Program. 17, 000 and change. I wish I was around for when it was 8 grand! After going on a tour and having my makeup done I was sold. Then I came home. Told my dad all about it. I told him how everyone that works there are graduates from there. His reply. "Why? Because they could get jobs anywhere else?"
My father supports my wanting to follow my makeup dreams. Just doesn't want me drowning in a sea of debt because of it. Especially being that I am a single mom. It makes sense.
I'm not sure what to do at this point. Especially after reading all the mixed reviews

I'm torn.

I went to apply here not too long ago. Global Makeup Artistry Program. 17, 000 and then some. That kinda makes me not even wanna do it anymore. I told my dad all the staff there are graduates from BM. His response, "why? Cuz the couldn't get a job anywhere else?"
My father is looking out for what's best for me. He supports my love of makeup art . But doesn't wanna see me drowning in a sea of debt to pursuit it. Especially being that I am a single mother. I'll admit she had me sold at the tour and of course I got a makeover. I'm just truly terrified of spending that kind of money for one year of schooling.
I'm torn...

I attended the hair program in September 2011. I was hoping for one of the best experiences in my life but that is not how it really ended up. I should have done my research so its partially my fault. First of all I hated the schedule because you go for nine hours a day. that is not including travel time to get there and back from home. its a school for hair not Harvard, shouldn't have to attend that long. but that was the least of my worries. the instructors knew the business but were not good at teaching it to students. they were very rude to me and some other students. they would embarrass one right in front of the whole class or salon and think it was funny. it happened to me several times with the same instructor-Ty. She was so rude to me and did not make my day any better. A french lady who worked there made a student cry. On one occasion my Color instructor stood at the front of the class and said 'If you cannot understand the color wheel right away drop out, drop out now because it just gets more hard'. If we are paying $30, 000 to learn at that school do not say stupid things such as that give me encouragement! If you are 5 minutes late for your class they make you wait in the hall until the next break. which can be 2 hours of lost time and you can only miss 40 hours in the whole year. it sucks especially if you rely on public transit. The people there act like they know everything. they truly don't. i have a lot more to say but I rather not. do your research before applying.

I personally think all the negative feed back is from the same person trying to drag Blanche Macdonald down by posing as different people. It's unfortunate that you had to go this far to talk down on these people!

I am a graduate from Blanche Macdonald and had a great time! Although the courses were very challenging, I found myself really enjoying it. Most of it was because the teachers were all very nice and they were really great help! I've also seen a lot of the work that these teachers have done that were all very well known and all of the teachers have amazing portfolio and experience! Although some better than others, I'm sure every school is the same.

I am currently a student at Blanche finishing off their year. I am in the fashion design program and my experience is very different from many that I have read. For those of you who think Blanche is expensive, then you should do some research, some schools are ridiculously a lot more. I came to Blanche from Art Institute, my tuition there would have been $41, 00! So I thought Blanche was quite reasonable. Still pricey, but your standard diploma/certificate tuition fee.

First off, if you are thinking of attending Blanche, be prepare to work your butt off. Be prepared for long hours, sleepless night and maybe a few tears here and there. No one said this was going to be easy. Be prepared to be confused too. Almost my entire class was confused for the first month just because this is new information, unless you are already knowledgeable in pattern making and sewing.

Those who have had horrible experiences probably struggled throughout the school year and that is very normal. I am finishing my program and am still struggling. Its so easy to blame the school and the staff when you're confused. Its a very condense program and can really eat at you if you don't have a clear mind coming into this program. What I am saying, is if you have family problems at the moment, personal issues or going through a break up, maybe this isn't your time to attend this school. It can really effect your performance.

Someone mentioned the pattern making teacher Brenda Swinglehurst and her not being there for her students. That is completely false. I've never met such a supportive instructor in my entire life. She's missed her lunches for me and sacrificed a lot of her own time for her students. Those who probably didn't receive help were not asking for it. Don't expect that they will come to you, you have to ask for help if you need it. Not to mention, you have to show that you want to learn. I've seen some of my classmates not give a crap about their work and the program and the instructors will see that. Even if you're not the best at sewing or pattern making but if you show a great desire to want to do better, they will see it and help you.

All I can say is do your research, see what kind of jobs there is after you graduate, that is something I failed to do. Good Luck.

I'm currently a student in the blanche macdonald fashion merchandising program- while I definitely DO NOT agree that the teachers are "worst in the industry" or whatever (some teachers I cannot stand but I actually HAVE learned a lot from some) - I do agree that this school is full of people who don't actually give a ### about students. I have been jerked around too many times by staff and am BEYOND sick of it. I was lied to by admissions to even enroll. It's a joke and while I do think that some of the education was worth while, I will NEVER recommend blanche to a prospective student.

Bizarre. My experience with BMC was wicked. It was in the hair program though, so maybe that was the difference.

We totally got trained in everything I could think of regarding the whole industry...not just working in a salon, but all kinds of stuff. Photo shoots, fashion shows, Film Sets, *and* salon Work.

Our instructors were the most supportive group of people I've ever met. I've never seen such positive, skilled and fun people in a work environament before. They are crazy overworked, but man do they get it done.

Sorry your expeirence with the Fashion program was no good...come over to Hair :)

I currently attend Blanche Macdonald in the Fashion Merchandising program. I love everything about this school. About two weeks before the Christmas break was supposed to start there was a girl in my class and her dad passed away. The teachers let her leave two weeks early for christmas and gave her the time to make up all the assignments and to do the final exams. I have found that the teachers are relevant to the industry and the environment is very relaxed. My first semester was hard but very do-able, and at the start of my school year I got a contract reviewing all the terms for expulsion and so forth. We signed a contract stating that if you miss more then 2 classes per course that you get a warning and if the problem occurs often that you will get terminated from the program. This contract was well worded and there was absolutely no "small print references" and I understood it very well. I really think that this school is the BEST hair, make-up and fashion school in Canada.

Blanche Macdonald Centre would like to express it’s sincerest thanks to everyone who has posted a comment on this website. It is great that a forum such as this exists, as it can be incredibly helpful in giving guidance as people conduct their research of schools.

As a result of the reviews, BMC has been given an opportunity to hear all feedback and we are appreciative of all the views that are expressed. It has created a safe haven for all to voice themselves, including Blanche Macdonald Centre. Here is some information about BMC that some of you may not be aware of.

Blanche Macdonald Centre is committed to our students. To show our commitment, we work with instructors who are currently working in the industry. BMC works with our instructors and supports them to work in the industry. We have found that this has created many volunteer and work opportunities for our students. Because we have some of the top people in the industry, this has opened the doors for our students and graduates. Our instructors feel confident to recommend our students and graduates to others in the industry because they know the high standard in which they have been taught and the high caliber of their work because they have taught them themselves. Our instructors are respected in the industry and people are happy and willing to work with our students and graduates because of their teachers.

Our instructors work Internationally, from London, Paris, Milan, Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Our instructors have won awards for their work, such as IMATS, Emmys, Leos & Gemini’s. Many of our instructors have been in the industry spanning anywhere from 10-30 years.

BMC is actively working in the best interest of the students. We are continually updating our makeup kits, materials in the programs, updating and revising our curriculum to meet industry standards. We have Career Directors for our departments who work actively on volunteer experience for our students so that they are ready and prepared to work in the industry. The employment rate of our students after finishing BMC ranges from 85% to 100%.

BMC has received feedback from our students regarding the expenses for the makeup program. BMC has taken this feedback and created a different system to have expenses and the obtaining of additional supplies much more manageable and easier on the students.

BMC maintains a high standard of attendance and work ethic. As a result, our students are able to obtain funding from government loans, their own employers and other various group funding. All these financial support groups understand and fund the students as they recognize that our programs are an investment in a person’s career and success for the future. BMC works in partnership with them and up holds and follows their attendance policies as required by their rules.

Education is a privilege and a right. Education is an investment to someone’s career. It is saddening news when graduates express that time and money was wasted. Education is the opportunity for everyone to exercise being at his or her best and the opportunity to move forward in success.

BMC does maintain a high standard regarding attendance. BMC would like to advise anyone reading the reviews with an open mind. If something sounds funny, does not make complete sense or is not quite right, trust your instinct. All the facts may not be shared. Information regarding attendance, illness, etc… is shared simply for shock value and to give credibility to one’s claim.

BMC has been around for over 50 years. BMC has been able to provide a high standard of education because we continue to strive for the highest standard. BMC is dedicated and works hard in providing the best education.

Our graduates have been recipients of IMATS awards, Emmys, Leos and Gemini’s. Our graduates have created their own design labels, salons, and spas, worked Internationally, signed by various agencies. BMC grads have opened their own business and are booking clients 2 years in advance. BMC grads have had successful and continue to have successful careers that span many years and continue to be top people in the industry.

For 2010 Olympics, many Industry people and companies contacted Blanche Macdonald Centre to assist in the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremonies and many events for the duration of the Olympics. Fashion, Makeup & Hair students, grads and instructors were involved. We were informed directly by these companies that they would only be working with BMC.

BMC does not take the success of our students and grads for granted. We do not take our students for granted. We are successful because we earn it, we respect it and we share the success.

BMC congratulates those of you who are doing their due diligence by researching all schools. No matter which school is being reviewed, BMC has faith and trust in your intelligence to know when some reviews are being written purely to be hurtful and harmful and to separate those reviews from those that are meant to be helpful and informative.

BMC is extremely thankful to all of you who have written reviews to be helpful to others in order to help them make an informed decision to help them achieve their individual success.

Blanche Macdonald Centre wishes the best of success for all of you. Trust yourself with all of your research to know which school and program is the best for you. No matter where you enroll, you need to make sure that it’s the best choice for you.

Good luck to all of you!
The Blanche Macdonald Centre

I attended Blanche Macdonald for fashion design and I can honestly say that i wish i had gone somewhere else. Long story short it is all about money, and the sewing and pattern making teacher, Brenda Swinglehurst, could actually care less about the students. Those classes were a full year and one of the most important classes of the program. She did demonstrations around a table with 18 - 20 girls crowded around the table as well, but if you couldnt see which sometimes you couldnt and you were expected to know what to do and go from there, and if you didnt...good luck. Brenda would be the first one out of class on breaks and the last one back. Once 5: 30pm hit, she would be out of there before any of the students. Her knowledge is very good, and she can sew and draft very well, that is not what im saying, what i mean is that she didnt care about the designers themselves. I paid $15 000 to pretty much get together with girls from our class to teach each other because we had no help from Brenda.

Blanche Macdonald ... Don't Do It
Im attending BMC for fashion design right now and I can honestly say that this school needs work. All they care about is money, and if you need help..good luck. Once class ends they're out, and you have to leave the school by 6pm. Even during class time help is very minimal. For our sewing class for example, we have 22 girls in there and the teacher does a demo on a machine at the front of class and of course we cant all see, but from there we're expected to know what to do. Notes are completly useless and usually hand drawn with no narratives written sometimes. Also, the notes are such bad quality, which seem to have been photocopied over and over year after year...sometimes quite illegiable.
The school has a computer lab which we are not permitted to use unless your class is active at that time. Even then we must ONLY do work related to Illustrator. If we need to print or scan they send us to the library down the street. Even though printers and scanners are present in the school.
They control where you are able to spend your breaks, and you can only use cell phones in the lunch room and only during your break. What would you do if you had an emergency? Wait until your lunch break and run to the lunch room to make your call? Which by the way is usually jam packed with students from each of the departments by then.
Tuition was $15000, which did not include supplies or books (those were another $240). On top of that lab fee's at the beginnning of each term are $20 (x 4 terms). On top of that the amount of money ive spent at Staples for the 300+ page creative assignments have also cost me a lot. What did my $15000 go to exactly. Not supplies or printing and paper costs thats for sure.
If i'd known all of this earlier, I would have spent my $15000 tuition (and all that extra) somewhere else.

Im attending Blanche Macdonald for fashion design right now and I can honestly say that the schools policies and rules are not very good at all. All they care about is money, and if you need help..good luck. Once class ends they're out, and you have to leave the school by 6pm. Even during class time help is very minimal. For our sewing class for example, we have 22 girls in there and the teacher does a demo on a machine at the front of class and of course we cant all see, but from there we're expected to know what to do. Notes are completly useless and usually hand drawn with no narratives written sometimes. Also, the notes are such bad quality, which seem to have been photocopied over and over year after year...sometimes quite illegiable.
The school has a computer lab which we are not permitted to use unless your class is active at that time. Even then we must ONLY do work related to Illustrator. If we need to print or scan they send us to the library down the street. Even though printers and scanners are present in the school.
They control where you are able to spend your breaks, and you can only use cell phones in the lunch room and only during your break. What would you do if you had an emergency? Wait until your lunch break and run to the lunch room to make your call? Which by the way is usually jam packed with students from each of the departments by then.
If i'd known all of this earlier, I would have spent my $15000 tuition (and the extra $500 spent on supplies) somewhere else.

My daughter's friend graduated from BMC and now has a good job in the industry. However, her daughter was extremely talented and simply felt she needed the credentials of a well known school on her resume. Apparently she learnt more from the visiting guest speakers than the actual school instructors. What does this mean to those that are not naturally gifted? Well, you will have to put into a lot of extra effort and endure some frustrations when you feel disappointed by the lack of highly qualified instructor or ones with poor teaching skills or lack the necessary people/student aptitude to deal with students issues.

This was all a fluke I actually started doing some research on BMD and came across this site and felt compelled to share my experiences and thoughts. The fashion and beauty industry is BIG BUSINESS and anything related to it including the schools. Businesses will try to take advantage especially of younger people so you really needs to do your due diligence before making a decision. We are fortunate to have a website where we can share our experiences with other. Which is why I would like to share mine with you.

l attended a Marvel College which is a school for esthetics and cosmetology in Calgary, Alberta six years ago. I felt they dragged the program out unnecessarily which caused the tuition to be a lot more than necessary. This results in more profit for the school. And keep in mind that the government provides grants to students who qualify which means the taxpayer ultimately ends up paying the school who in turn provides a mediocre environment, with mediocre instructors. The directors of the school make good salaries and the owners are banking lots of $$$$ into their accounts. One of the head instructors actually gave us the exact questions we would be asked on our exams so that we all did well on our exams which made her look good and the school. Marvel in Calgary is extremely run down and dirty. They make the entrance way look good but when you go behind the locked glass doors into the actual school it is rundown and the furniture, materials such as towels are worn out and some even have holes!

I hope for my daughter's sake that she learns a lot and has a positive experience. I am shocked to learn that one can get expelled from the school after missing three classes. This is unnecessary. If a student has a very good reason such as severe illness or has to be hospitalized or directly industry related as the one lady pointed out. One would think the school will make an exception. We need to share our experiences with others without exaggerating unnecessarily and let the school know about grievances while you are there. Approach the director of the school and have a mature adult attend the meeting with you. Life experiences teach us to be wiser and smarter so younger people can benefit from our wisdom. Talk to the people you trust and admire and ask them for moral support. Good luck and keep posting your experiences so we can all benefit from it.

I attended BM 7 years ago. Here is what I can present as a balanced view;

Instruction

The faculty are well qualified. You learn alot. There are no complaints about them. If you want to learn makeup, they will teach you. They also provide alot of opportunties to do real gigs, although unpaid, as a student, which is a good thing.

Administration

Positively evil. Especially Karen, the head of the program. For one, her makeup skills are abyssmal. She cant teach her way out of a paper bag. But thats not my complaint, thats just my opinion. BM introduced me to Rob Walters, a leading theatre artist. I took them up on the offer and began to help Rob out on productions. Got alot of great education from him, really worthwhile. I missed 3 classes, over ONE year, and was kicked out of the program for that. I have a Ph.D. from University of Toronto, served as an Academic Dean in Toronto, and worked at Ryerson University, UBC, and Simon Fraser in admini and faculty. In all my days I have NEVER seen someone expelled for missing 3 classes. I lodged an appeal and was readmitted by going above Karens head, to the director, who was a fair minded gal. At the end of the day, I withdrew from the program, I didnt want to stay in such an anal retentive, essentially negative environment.

I went on to become the National Artist for Estee Lauder, then for Arden. I then accepted a faculty position at the School of Makeup Art on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto.

So what is my final verdict?

I would avoid BM and seek out JC or another program. All the good instructors in the world dont make up for the repressive and old style high school style of administration they have in place there. For a tuition of 8 grand, I feel, with a Ph.D. behind me, at 49 years old, that I should be able to miss 3 classes without being expelled. The 3 classes I missed were because I was workign on set on production, and couldnt make the class. I wasnt hanging out at the beach, I was gaining industry experience.

I wouldnt submit anyone to this type of treatment.

I have been researching schools for Fashion Design in Vancouver, and the two I've been wavering between are Blanche Macdonald and John Casablancas. I live in Ontario, and have not actually visited either of the schools, but I did notice in a phone interview that the John Casablancas rep was significantly putting Blanche down...because they are in competition. Both schools are at around the same price, same length, and relatively simular curriculum. I am still choosing, and I am still open to both of the schools. However, I do wonder if the fashion industry is maybe just too ### for me. Does anyone have any suggestions of a great school at a simular price and length with kind-hearted, talented instructors? Or have all of your experiences with these industries been shallow and cruel?
Thanks
N

If you're looking to read full fledged reviews from alumni of Blanche visit http://www.artschoolreviews.ca/category/reviews/blanche-macdonald-centre.
You'll find in-depth and informative reviews, rather than short and small comments.

I went through another hair school in 2001 and suffered an accident a little more than half way through. Any hair schools policy is that if you attend more than half way you are liable for the whole tuition regardless of the cicumstaces. READ the fine print. I didn't do that either beforehand. my hand was injured during a car accident and I had all the doctor's letter's in the world, but the point is WE signed that paper. BLANCHE MACDONALD is an excellent school i have never attended, but the head instructor of hair is the same guy who taught at my old school (phil) and he is amazing! And well known. I don't believe for one second that no one who hire you because of your attending Blanche. Could it be your attitude? I think so. If your online placing blame on a well known school I'm willing to bet your attitude has a factor. Take responsibility for your own actions! You wanna see bad staffing and snippy instuctors go over to John .C
ALWAYS REMEMBER... regardless of what school you choose read the fine print!

i have no idea what you guys are talking. Blanche Macdonald is an amazing school. You say that they have a bad reputation and that no one will hire you because of it? Sorry but they have one of the BEST reputations in the industry, potential employers are ALWAYS stopping by to talk to the students because they know when they graduate they will have the knowledge to be succesfull in their business. The teachers expect you to be there on time everyday and can be strict BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOU PREPARED FOR WHAT EMPLOYERS WILL EXPECT FROM YOU. It is expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you're there to just mess around, then you've wasted your time and money.

bmc isnt that expensive, vancouver film schools makeup program costs 29 000, and BMC costs 12 000. and john casablanca is a scam, everyone knows it, and ive noticed that most of these comments have "copy and paste"'s from other comments, over and over and over.

I think you guys are just jealous this is a wonderful school and you wouldnt no what a good school is if your life depeneded on it .. get a life and find somthing else to ### about!Welcome to the real world wheres theres not sun shine and lollypops sweeties and open your eyes work hard for what you want cant handle it then move on you dont love it enough.. seriously people if you havnt been to the school then you have no idea .. and for the people who think they ripped you off, your own fault for putting yourself out there saying your going to attend there school what school would just give you, your money back just like that .. really come on

I presently am attending the fashion design program at BMC. I love my teachers. Our teachers also taught at many schools in BC. So i understand that the two crazy lady that made the complaints about the school is just totally over the top. you want to know why you don't get a refund! you sign a contract for crying out loud. At the beginning of the school year, BMC sent at least 3 contracts, you probably didn't read them clearly. It's 3 pages double sided for heaven sake. Read the Contracts ladies. And by the way, your mother having cancer, really, it got nothing to do with the school. In the industry, people don't care. this is reality. life is hard. and also, the complaints are coming mostly from people that didn't finished the program. So, the accuracy of their exprience is just inadequate. Don't blame the school for your issues, put yourself in their shoes for once, they have family as well, they also have to take care of hundreds of people that's in the school. And really John Casablanca is not any cheaper you know! And if this is really the worst school like you said, how is it that half of the graduate are all from east coast, and its interesting that the school has survived for the last 40 years.

I have used Blanche MacDonald esthetics and now the new hair program's services (as a client) and have found the students to be even better than the actual people out there working in the industry and I've been modelling for many years and have seen some of the best around.

Over the 18 years I've been going there (City Square, Robson and back when they were on Smithe Street), I've met many wonderful students and not one person has said anything bad about their training, experience or instructors and said they were super pleased they chose them. I've been to Dominelli, London School, VCC and no one can top the training received there. I even went to modelling school with them in 1988 when I first started for a rather long period of time and everyone was so great and professional. In fact the owner is still the same professional woman I knew back in 1988 with the same high ethics and standards.

So all I'm saying people is that to do your research and you will find many people recognize this school and don't go on what you read here, do your own research by calling some top salons in Vancouver and see what they say.

I have nothing but good to say about this school. True, they expect you to work hard, be there every day, and be prepared, but, hello! welcome to the work force. I agree, it is a lot of money, so get there prepared and ready to learn, and it wont be a waste of money. I was offered a job right out of school at a trendy downtowne Vancouver salon. I made more money than I have have ever made and the the job was great. When I moved back to my home town, I dropped off many resumes. Almost every placed phoned me, intrested in offering me a job. Because of my education I had the advantage of basically choosing where I wanted to work.

I graduated from B.M about 6 years ago. I have two daughters, so i am not in a salon any longer, however I now work in my home. I love it. I make my own hours and am quite busy.
I laugh now because I just read through our local college brocshure and saw that there is a former B.M student there now teaching and ethetics program. (in AB, you dont have to be licenced).

I learned a lot and was very confident and knowledgable when starting my esthetics career.

I worked at a cosmetics counter with a graduate from blanche macdonald, and was advised not to waste my money on makeup school, she really regrets spending her money, lots of money. And she is only making a bit more than min wage for all the money spent on her makeup training and working in a department store at a cosmetics counter with all her training, and making less than the counter manager with no training except what the line she works for trained her on. She is an amazing makeup artist, but the work is not guaranteed, i work with alot of untrained artists that are getting more work than she is with her education, the school doesnt help with decent job placement. I was interested in attending this school but now that i was informed by my coworker that this school is way over priced when you can get the exact same training at another school im not going. I am going to the school of makeup art in toronto, i have gone to the marvel school of esthetics and loved it so i know it will be a better school and cheaper.

The company is a ripp off. You should try some other make up schools, but stay away from blanche macdonald.

Search results: 9 matching "BLANCHE MACDONALD"
Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (complaint)
Posted: 2007-05-30 by Binder [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
This is the worst makeup school in Canada. Anyone needing to go to school for makeup and esthetics should stay away from BlancheMacDonald. My friend joined and they ripped her off. Never gave her a refund cos she was sick as a dog.

The teachers are known to be the worst in the...

BLANCHE MACDONALD CENTRE (complaint)
Posted: 2008-04-11 by Angela Leblanc [send email]
WORST MAKE UP ARTISTRY SCHOOL
Industry loser in make up Make-up Artistry for Television and film, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. Makeup Artist, Makeup Stylist, Make-Up Stylist, Make Up Stylist, Make-Up Artist, Makeup School, Stylist School, Make-Up Stylist Schools, Make Up Schools, makeup...

BLANCHE MACDONALD CETRE IS WORST MAKE UP SCHOOL (complaint)
Posted: 2008-04-11 by Angela [send email]
THE WORST MAKE UP ARTISTRY SCHOOL
IF YOU WANT TO GET RIPPED OFF AND LEARN A BUNCH OF HIDEOUS MAKE UP TECHNIQUES, THEN GO AND WASTE YOUR MONEY AT BLANCHE MACDONALD

Company information:
BLANCHE MACDONALD IS WORST MAKEUP ARTISTRY SCHOOL
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Industry...

Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (comment)
Posted: 2007-05-30 by Diana [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
Yeah a lot of my friends got ripped off by blanche mcdonald, you should go some other school. This school is a real rip off. I have heard many people say nasty things and once you join you are forced to finish as they will not give any refund.

Even the teachers are really nasty...

Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (comment)
Posted: 2007-06-06 by Francisca [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
This blanche mcdonald is useless. they appear to be nice at first but soon after they get your money you are not treated with respect. the teachers are rude and obnoxious and so is the recruiting director. She will actually go out of her way to make sure you fail if you cross her. Stay away...

Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (comment)
Posted: 2007-07-16 by Amber [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
I have attended Blanche Macdonald, and so have plenty of my girlfriends, and we all had a wonderful experience, I thought the teachers were well trained, and went out of there way to make sure you understood. I have heard great things about the school since i have graduated. It is well known...

Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (comment)
Posted: 2008-04-14 by Joann [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
My daughter attended this school and it was the worst experience she has had.

The school is absolutely ridiculous and has no proper staffing and the instructors are very abnoxious.

If you want to lose your money, and learn nothing, then go to this school.

Blanche MacDonald Canada's Makeup and Hair School (comment)
Posted: 2008-04-14 by Evangela McCarthy [send email]
Blanche MacDonald is Canada's worst make-up and hair school!
I arrive here from Europe and had send deposit to blanche macdonald school from my country. when i got here and ready to start the director lady say the place was not availalbe as they did not fill the class and i have to wait til next semester. I try to get money back but they say no you have...

BLANCHE MACDONALD CENTRE (comment)
Posted: 2008-04-11 by Angela [send email]
WORST MAKE UP ARTISTRY SCHOOL
Company information:
BLANCHE MACDONALD IS WORST MAKEUP ARTISTRY SCHOOL
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Industry loser in make up Make-up Artistry for Television and film, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. Makeup Artist, ...

I arrive here from Europe and had send deposit to blanche macdonald school from my country. when i got here and ready to start the director lady say the place was not availalbe as they did not fill the class and i have to wait til next semester. I try to get money back but they say no you have register, so i say but you have to give money back becos you don't have the class.

i come all the way and spend many money to come and study on student visa, and now can not go and immigration said i have to go back. We are hard working family and education from canada gives good job but now i suffer for doing of blanche macdonald.

Not very nice people after they get money from you, so you have to be careful. Please you mustmake inquiry and never send money until you come to this school.

I go then to John Casablanca and they help me very muchand enrol me so i dont go to my country by immigration and wait till my father send more money to me. John Casblanca is very nice, the people nice and the staff very very good.

Evangela

My daughter attended this school and it was the worst experience she has had.

The school is absolutely ridiculous and has no proper staffing and the instructors are very abnoxious.

If you want to lose your money, and learn nothing, then go to this school.

My dauher now attends ubc and blanche macdonald was a complete waste of her hard earned money.

Sorry, but I have to strongly disagree with complaints made against this school. My daughter started the full-time make-up diploma program in September and she absolutely loves it! She hasn't had any complaints worth talking about since she started. She loves the instructors and has been thoroughly enjoying each course. In fact, she's going to be really sad when she finishes in July. Before she went to Blanche, she read all kinds of negative comments posted by disgruntled students and wondered about the school's reputation. I'm glad she didn't listen to them because her's has been a wonderful experience. For anyone planning to go to Blanche, don't believe everything you read. Check it out for yourself. If you are serious about the make-up buisness, have an aptitute for creativity and are willing to put 100% into it, you won't be disappointed with this school. It will be what you make it.

I am considering attending this school at the end of the year but I am concerned now with all the complaints. HAs anyone had a good experience?

Exactly why are you making these comments and not your sister friends who were actually involved? That makes this just hearsay.

I have attended Blanche Macdonald, and so have plenty of my girlfriends, and we all had a wonderful experience, I thought the teachers were well trained, and went out of there way to make sure you understood. I have heard great things about the school since i have graduated. It is well known in the industry, its to bad that these things have happened to you, but you cant deny that these people know what they are doing, and talking about. Its a tough school, yes. They don't mess around, your there to learn, and be trained. The teachers are tough, their not there to be your friends, although there are some who like to talk and joke around with their students. I would have to say if there is anyone out there looking to learn these trades, this is a well respected school, and you learn all the proper techniques. I really enjoyed my time there, and continue to work in my field and talk to the admins there.

This blanche mcdonald is useless. they appear to be nice at first but soon after they get your money you are not treated with respect. the teachers are rude and obnoxious and so is the recruiting director. She will actually go out of her way to make sure you fail if you cross her. Stay away from BLANCHE MCDONALD they have a really bad name in the industry, and if you are looking to get work after finishing here, good luck cos now everyone knows their reputation and you will not get a job.

This is the worst makeup school in Canada. Anyone needing to go to school for makeup and aesthetics should stay away from BlancheMacDonald. My friend joined and they ripped her off. Never gave her a refund cos she was sick as a dog.

The teachers are known to be the worst in the industry so if you want to get a job after graduation then go to John Casablanca or some other college but stay away from this scamming school of makeup and heir design.

These thieves have whats coming to them they ripped my best friend off and the world is going to know. BlancheMacDonald is Canada's Worst Make-up and Hair School- Blanche Macdonald Centre - Professional Training in Make-up Artistry, Hair Cutting, Coloring and Styling, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Esthetics/Spa Therapy, and Nails.

Yeah a lot of my friends got ripped off by blanche mcdonald, you should go some other school. This school is a real rip off. I have heard many people say nasty things and once you join you are forced to finish as they will not give any refund.

Even the teachers are really nasty. A good school would be John Casabalance and it is recognized worldwide. Blancemcdonald is the worst school for aesthetics, makeup and hair design

Darcy Posted - 5/30/2007 6:10:12 PM
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Yep, you are right. That is my sister you are talking about. My mom had cancer and so she missed a couple classes and they terminated her without a refund. Mow we are taking them to court. BlancheMcDonald is as bad as they appear to be good. Join some other school.

This is the worst makeup school in Canada. Anyone needing to go to school for makeup and aesthetics should stay away from BlancheMacDonald. My friend joined and they ripped her off. Never gave her a refund cos she was sick as a dog.

The teachers are known to be the worst in the industry so if you want to get a job after graduation then go to John Casablanca or some other college but stay away from this scamming school of makeup and heir design.

These thieves have whats coming to them they ripped my best friend off and the world is going to know. BlancheMcDonald is Canada's Worst Make-up and Hair School- Blanche Macdonald Centre - Professional Training in Make-up Artistry, Hair Cutting, Coloring and Styling, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Esthetics/Spa Therapy, and Nails.