My daughter had a terrible experience at Blanche Macdonald. She was dealing with mental health challenges and received NO real support from the school. When she reached out for help and understanding the response from Pamela was consistently dismissive, lacking both empathy and any practical solutions. After being rushed through the admission process without properly being informed about the timing and processing of student loans all during a period of disrupted mail service my daughter was left financially unprepared and this added unnecessary pressure. She made several attempts to connect with financial department however went weeks before any sort of reply. Despite being very upfront about commuting from Vancouver Island we were reassured that this wouldn't be an issue, Blanche claimed other students had done it before. However when ferries were shut down or delays occurred- things entirely out of her control there was zero understanding or flexibility. No accommodations were made and attendance policies were rigid to the point of being punitive. This school and program operates as if students don't have lives or challenges outside of the classroom. The serious lack of compassion, poor communication, and inflexible structure make it a deeply flawed and poorly managed institution. I would NEVER recommend Blanche Macdonald to anyone - especially students who may need even the slightest amount of support. read more

My review is purely for the Facial service here by the students that I had last month in January. It's going to have both good and bad highlights, but overall I was very happy and I would return. Just a quick note: if you are very shy about being in groups of people, or want a private room to yourself with an esthetician, then this environment may not be for you. PS, I am in no way affiliated with Blanche, nor do I study at Blanche. I don't even work in beauty. My best beauty routine is putting on lipstick and running out the door with uncombed hair. Anyway, I was searching on the internet for "cheap facials" because I like to be very frugral, and when I asked around on Facebook where I could find cheap facials, people told me to search up beauty schools for student facials. Since these are students, you're going to have realize they do make mistakes and are learning. For example, while I was getting my facial done, other estheticians (and maybe mine too) were dropping stuff. It kind of breaks the peaceful atmosphere, but I'm not going to fault anyone for it. They're training on the job and maybe they're a little nervous. We were all once students too. The Good: * $30 for a 90 minute facial, total comes to $31.50 after tax. I left a $5 tip for the student, although I don't know if other clients tipped. * professional receptionists at the front, left me phone reminders for the appointment * had a polite and friendly esthetician student The Not-So-Good: * you are led into a shared room full of other women (not your own room) for your facial. These other women are getting facials and massages. Anyway it was a bit of a surprise to see this, but not a big deal for me * no real changing room, you change in the washroom and they give you a shallow small basket to put your clothes into. Summary: Overall, don't be so picky here when you're paying $30 for a facial. Professional spas out there are charging $70 - $120 for 90 minutes. So you're getting an excellent deal and you're aware that these are students in training. The esthetician student was excellent and very nice, so I would say I would definitely return. As for body massages, maybe when I feel more confident about my body before I enter the group room for that. :) read more

Blanche Macdonald Centre Uptown Campus - Waiting area - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Really enjoy the class in here!!!! Learn a lot of technique in makeup skill I came here to pursue my dreams read more

I want to tell you how I'm happy at my fashion class. Dear lovely Lucy has a amazing, friendly and very professional person that correct us carefully with patience, every student one by one . She care about everything and works hard with us. I learn a lot every class and I'm so glad to be a Blanche Macdonald's student. It's wonderful for me. Today I had a midterm exam , I feel so good and I want to say Blanche Macdonald's team I am grateful to all of you. read more

Service: 60min full body massage with student - $30 I love my regular spa and always recommend it to my friends and clients. However, I wanted to try something new and CHEAP. $30 for a one hour massage sounded perfect at the Blanche MacDonald training facility. Being that I work in the beauty industry, I understand how we need models while in school. My expectations were not outrageous. I really just wanted hands massaging me however for an hour. Nothing fancy. There are several reasons why I was unhappy with my experience here, but the worst parts of my experience were: a) No change room?? We are expected to change in a large laundry/storage room with no privacy whatsoever, and no area to lay our clothes down or hang anything. I was given a tiny basket to place my items into and carry back to my bed. The lack of privacy astounded me. I don't care about being naked infront of people, but I certainly don't want to see a bunch of old naked women. Privacy = essential. b) The "bed" (it was more like a gurney) was incredibly hard and uncomfortable. I like firm but this was insane. Immediately, I did not feel comfortable or at ease. c) The student failed to interact with me in any manner. She did not pay attention to my form where I indicated firm pressure, nor did she ask what type of pressure I would like. I don't expect a student to perform deep tissue, but medium pressure would suffice. I did not even receive light pressure - just hand motions and oil swirling. I'm not sure how the instructors assess when a student is ready to perform services on models. I think students should perform services on the instructors first, then each other, to acquire appropriate feedback until they are competent and ready to serve the general public who PAYS, still, a good chunk of money. For the "service" I received at Blanche.... I could've swirled oil on my skin at home and had my dog jump on top of me. read more

I had high-hopes for attending Blanche Macdonald as in general their reputation is positive, and I've seen some incredible work from students, past and present. However, upon attending I am unfortunately disappointed and appalled, and would recommend attending cheaper options for hair and makeup courses such as VCC. I was in the Professional Hairstyling program, more specifically the ITA program a while back, this is relevant as the instructor for that program conducts herself in a manner that is appallingly unprofessional and outdated. The first day of classes she openly mocked her former students for "getting fat" over the course of the program, and reminded us to not each too much during lunch to avoid this. Then there was the treatment of COVID-19 standards being frankly, reprehensible. Our teacher enforced a seating plan in the middle of a pandemic, when I was attempting to sit within my bubble of two students who I was close friends with I was told I was being disrespectful and forced to move despite expressing concerns to more than one staff member about this; I was ignored. I had a client in for a colour exam who complained about the lack of following standards, as due to the seating plan I was required to sit next to student who had been out of the province multiple times and was talking about it very loudly in the salon. Again I brought my concerns about too numerous members of staff as this incident caused me to lose a client because it made them so uncomfortable and again, was ignored. This seating plan continued until the end of the year, even in the case of being in very small classrooms. When a classmate was taking a break from classwork due to health reasons, she made a point to draw attention to this person and made the entire class stop and stare at them until they answered in front of everybody what was wrong. These are just two instances out of numerous ones, some which involved making an openly racially ignorant comment to a POC student, notable treatment difference towards openly LGBT+ students, and in one case throwing students belongings in the trash when she didn't approve of station setups. Due to this, and reasons I'll mention in a moment I would certainly not suggest this program specially if you're any kind of visible minority, suffer with any disabilities or are low income. I was told on the first day we were not allowed to sit while doing hair, interesting considering both of my work experience placements had senior and junior stylists alike sitting on stools while working on clients. When I had sustained an ankle injury and was working on my mannequin, sitting, while there were no clients in the salon, I had an instructor approach me and demand why I was sitting and when I explained she badgered me for a doctors note despite the fact I'd never been informed of the need for one. There's also the fact that I want to especially make students considering going aware of is the amount of unpaid labour you're required to do to graduate. You're expected to do a certain amount of clients hair in order to graduate, which I believe is very fair and is a perfect way to build skills, however. You're not compensated for this labour, and there isn't even a tip option when the clients are paying, I had more than one client try to tip me and be unable too, I actually had one client remark how "cheap" the school was for doing this. I find this incredibly exploitive and sets a bad example for new artists that they should settle for working for free or even for cheap, I would like to see more institutions advocating for the rights of artists rather than encouraging them to sell themselves short. Prior to attending Blanche I had a long term job, and I can most certainly say that none of the conduct displayed by some of my instructors at Blanche would be tolerated in the workplace. They tell you on the first day to treat the classroom like a job, while consistently displaying behaviour that would prompt any logical person to call Human Resources. Overall, I would like to believe Blanche can do better and in the future will make their school actually accessible to minority groups rather than just sending BLM emails about how they are "committed to anti-racism," and plaster queer people on their social media. read more

Attended this school and was an amazing experience. Worked on many TV series and Films. Supportive instructors and faculty. Thank you! read more

Huge thanks to BMC ! I went there two years to improve myself and sure it was one of the best decisions I have made. Thanks again to BMC for teaching me so many things that I didn't know and acknowledging my work. read more

After attending film school I took a 6 month course at Blanch MacDonald as I was interested in learning about sci-fi make-up. I wasn't going to make this my primary career graduating, however, just an additional skill, especially since I would be working on independents in which I would be required to wear multiple hats at once. I paid $12,000 for a 6 month course. The course is good, however, what they fail to tell you is the reality of what the job market is like after you graduate. They pump out so many of these girls to do the same thing that finding a job after is extremely slim (steady job). My best GF took a course in their regular make-up department and she is still trying to pay for the course through the slim gigs that she gets. False promises for the students. As mentioned, this was just an additional skill for me at the time for my film resume. read more

Garbage school, waste money. I just wanted to learn about makeup. I thought this school would be fun to learn, who knows that the school is so strict. Classmates and teachers are also not easy to get along with. At that time, the enrollment teacher Suggi did not introduce the school, and did not confirm whether I would like it. She accepted me to enroll and let me pay tuition. When I was preparing for the school, I told her very clearly about my situation. Who knows that when I join the half-year program and is not over half, I received an email from Suggi saying that I have dropped out of school. The school can directly drop the students, so the half-year course I only dropped out after two months of study. If she understands my situation at the time, she can suggest that can choose part time,don't need to be a full-time student to enroll. I paid a half-year tuition fee and bought a cosmetic case,and two months hard work at school.There will be such a way never come to school again. read more

I was surprised to read a couple of not so great reviews of Blanche. I have been a regular there for several years, as are some of the friends I referred. Its the best $31.50 value I ever spend and my face looks wonderful for week.s. Yes its a shared room with other but take it from an "old pro" I have been to several salons and the standards dont match. Most salons I have gone to, -scold me for not coming frequently, - try to get me to purchase their products - try to sell me a frequent user card - do not do extractions unless you pay more. At Blanche -The products are wonderful! -The students are usually enthusiastic and do an excellent job because they are supervised and receive feedback -It offers everything a luxury salon offers. plus freebies like eyelash or eyebrow tinting, which I had done on the last visit at no cost. - I literally get compliments on how great my face looks! If, you need privacy, a larger basket for your stuff or a comfy bed go and spend the $90 plus dollars. My only regret is that is isnt more frequent. read more

Hi everyone I graduated from the full makeup program at Blanche and have worked consistently in film and television since then. I found the instructors I had very professional and the curriculum covered it all. Great investment for me . read more

Going to Blanche Macdonald Centre was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The education I received at the school was outstanding. The support and encouragement received at school while I was a student, was offered to me after graduation throughout the years, by the wonderful instructors and director of the program. I am very proud to call myself a Blanche grad. The school had a great reputation in the industry, and their reputation has definitely created many opportunities for me within the spa industry. read more

I graduated from Blanche Macdonald Center over 20 years ago. The school provided cutting edge education in skin therapy and cared very much about the students long after completion of the program. Over the years I always knew I could go back and count on the knowledge and valuable relationships the school has with suppliers, educators and spas in the industry. Always without hesitation they would listen to what my current needs were and link me with the right people to talk to. Blanche Macdonald Center is a reliable and resourceful school to attend if you want cutting edge industry knowledge and people in the know to link to in the future!! read more

I graduated BMC in 1995. I've been an active esthetican since that time. "I figured, 'I'm getting a student loan, so I should do it right'. Why go to a community college when you can go to Harvard? That's where I'd put BMC they are definitely top of the game. It's very well known in the beauty,fashion, movie and tv industry "I always say that BMC gave me the foundation to grow into who I am today. They gave me, not only the courage, but the confidence to build upon that foundation.I found my instructors were Fantastic! I'm a technical person and always I want to understand every aspect of what I'm learning. Any questions I had, they could always answer them." "I try to come back to BMC every couple of years. I like to visit the spa days to see if they're learning anything different.It's also a great way for you to get a feel if this school is for you.Or a chance to talk with instructors about the program.On their website you can sign up for emails that tell you when they happen. I wouldn't be where I am today without BMC. read more

I took the 12 month Make Up Artistry program, graduated it last year. Anyways every minute in that school was great. When applying I had Robyn help me out, she was a lovely person. She answered any questions I had, she helped me get to know Vancouver and the housing, when I took a tour of the school she was so nice and knowledgeable about the school. Actually going there was great. The teachers there are active in the industry, unlike other schools where they are retired or else have had 6 months - a year of industry experience and then get a job at a school. The teachers there had years of experience and were still working on many films (Had teachers who worked on Star Trek, Deadpool, and Fear The Walking Dead well I was attending) So they know their stuff, they worked in large budget films, they still do, and they know everything. The teachers there are so happy and excited to teach you, I spent entire lunches and stayed after school talking with them and none of them seemed in a rush or annoyed. They stayed there and were happy to talk and help in any way that they could. Even the prosthetic teacher I had(I didn't feel comfortable in that course, I suck at sculpting, don't like using power tools, I am claustrophobic so when we did life casts of our faces I ditched that day even though it is the busiest day ever and she went on about how we can NOT miss that day) but even though I was probably annoying and could not do that stuff worth a damn the teacher was still more than helpful, happy, and encouraging. I myself would have just been like "Ok I tried, your hopeless, sorry" XD but the teacher would even come up to me and help me well the other students worked and would give me tips and advice. I read a review on here that said the teachers pump you up and then when you graduate you get no jobs and low paying gigs. That is SO wrong. The teachers there say right to your face and over and over again, the industry is competitive, it is busy, you will not get a big time gig right out of school. They tell you so many times that it takes years of hard work, taking low paying or free jobs to finally work your way up. But they don't just teach you the stuff and kick you out. Well you are in school they supply TONS of networking jobs including internships at large industry companies (We had opportunities with Elizabeth Arden, Origins, and MAC well I was in school) and even after you graduate they are with you the entire time. You can contact them for jobs, advice, and more any time. I have seen students who graduated years and years ago come in and say how Blanche gave them a job, even though they graduated in like 2008 Blanche still helping them, all you gotta do is ask. The school goes beyound just doing makeup as well. You learn set talk, lightning techniques, how to photograph your own work, simple hair techniques, how to make portfolios, and more. Blanche offers amazing opportunities. They hold events with big name makeup artists for all the students. We had Sian Richards (A Emmy nominated makeup artist who owns her own makeup brush line) come to our school twice. She did amazing demos and offered loads of advice. Great network opportunity right there. The ONLY negative things I have to say are this. 1. The kit does not have everything that you need. When we got our kit we were given a list of things we needed to get ontop of that. I think it would have been better if they even give us like a mini weeks worth of the extra items (It was stuff like a small bowl, Q-tips, makeup remover, toner, moisturizer, etc.) because when I went there they gave us the list and said we had to have it by tomorrow. So I think that it would be beneficial if they maybe give a little package of Q-tips, a tiny bottle (Like the ones you get from hotels) of toner and moisturizer, etc. Just so you have more time to get those things. 2. If you are really looking for making prosthetic, like making molds, full head or body pieces, etc. They don't do that really. You will learn about it, step by step on how to do it, but you don't actually do any hands on stuff. We used gelatin mixture for our prosthetic and did life casts. We did not do big molds and pieces. Also the course was only about a month to a month and a half long. One girl in my class joined thinking the main focus would be that stuff (Like what they do in the first half of Face Off) and was a bit upset when that wasn't the case. So if your looking for your main focus to be large prosthetic pieces with full body and face sculpting the teachers would be more than happy to give you advice (one offered to take me to a shop and teach me things) but you don't actually do that in the school. Loved my time there, very helpful school that will fully prepare you to work in the industry. If you wanna learn makeup this is definitely a good place to go. read more

I have been receiving wonderful treatments including facials, waxing, massages, manicures and pedicures from students at Blanche MacDonald Centre for more than 10 years. I have never been disappointed, always delighted by their professionalism and special care & attention to detail & my comfort on all levels. I highly recommend this Beauty School/Salon to anyone including men for all o of your grooming needs. read more

Blanche Macdonald Centre is an extraordinary one of a kind school!! No words can describe how grateful I am that I could graduate from here. I have a deep appreciation for all of my teachers, instructors and staffs' extraordinary help and support. Every single people who works there is truly thoughtful, warm-hearted, patient, supportive and really AMAZING! I took the Professional Esthetics / Spa diploma course and just graduated last month. Choosing Blanche Macdonald Centre is the best decision I have ever made!! I learned so much more than I expected! I learned Spa nail service, Physiology / Anatomy, Skin disorders and facial and body massage techniques, skin care products as well as ingredients, retail sales, Spa make ups, art and tech and so on. This knowledge is absolutely useful and important to know when you work at a Spa (even at high-end spas). I gained tremendous confidence and feel that I now have the resilience to fight through any challenges I strongly recommend Blanche Macdonald Centre to everyone who is interested in esthetics. read more

I am a Blanche Macdonald graduate, and I would have to say that the year that I spent in the Global Makeup Program was the best year of my life so far. Not only did I make incredibly dear friends and unforgettable memories, I learnt more than I ever thought I would about the makeup world. There is so much to learn and the instructors at Blanche Macdonald are all very experienced in their field and very supportive of their students. By the end of the year, I felt like a lot of my instructors had become my friends. They shaped me into the artist I am today, helping me improve in the areas I needed while praising me for the things that I excelled in. Also, finding volunteer/paid work is so much easier with the help of the staff at Blanche. There are always so many opportunities that are offered to the students at Blanche, which is really wonderful. If I were to change something about the program, it would be to take less time in Fundamentals or Fashion, and spend more time in Prosthetics/Final projects. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with my choice to take the Global Makeup Program at Blanche Macdonald. read more

I took this program a few years ago and I'm so mad at myself that I got suckered into coming here. I heard good and bad thing about the school but I decided I would see for myself. I really felt pressured to sign up here, I don't think I had adequate time to think it thru becasue the girl basically said sign up now or forget about it. So I did. The program didnt have enough hands on type of stuff, a lot of theory and reading, the instructors were ok some of them seemed bored to be there. After graduation I found the job search difficult, on more than one occasion during interviews when they asked me if I learned a particular technique I had no idea what they were talking about. I finally got a job at a little chinese salon not the high end salon they had said I would be workingat. Also, I found out that they were giving deals under the table to some studetns and not others- I wasn't one of those studetns I paid full. :/ My friend went to John Casblanca and now shes working at spa utopia. I wish I took the same program as her, dont let these blanch people pressure you in to signing up, research all your options first, take it from me read more