I am a former student of this school and i regret coming here and below i will be stating the reasons why. Let's hope they don't delete my review because I've heard that every time the owner tally doesn't like a review or it's a negative one she calls yelp and has them delete it. School- The school is located in dtla and they do provide parking but a parking lot full of rats. As soon as you walk in you are in an empty space that looks like a bad decorated warehouse. The floors have cracks in them and it's very dirty. The bathrooms are horrible. Seems like they don't wash or clean them often. I was afraid that I might slip and fall due to all the construction and the crack floor. The classrooms are located upstairs along with the admin office. Both the makeup and Hair class was filthy on my first day of class and it remained like that until i finished. The makeup chairs are falling apart, the makeup counter they have is horrible, seems like they get samples and just throw them in there, not only that but they buy cheap stuff from the alleys and use that too. I found foundation were the oil had settled and had turned green. There's alot of roaches too in the class. Education- Well this school has a serious rotation of teachers. I don't know what's going on, one week they're there and the next they are gone. Some of the teachers are students that just recently finished the makeup course at mva and others are "makeup artists" that haven't picked up a brush in years. The teachers are always cussing and talking smack about each other and other staff. I also overheard tally one day when i was coming back from the bathroom of how much she dislikes certain teachers and students. it was horrible to hear. That's when i decided to get my money back becuase The way that i learned was by alot of practice and watching youtube. it was honestly a waste of my boyfriends money. He spent 8000 dollars and paid everything up front and this leads into the admin review, oh boy oh boy does it get interesting. Administration- Okay so i started in April and i think they were going through a transition of some sort or maybe it's chaos everyday there. Jess was in charge of pretty much everything once the students enrolled. Poor girl was doing so much and i didn't know how she would keep it together but she managed. She was always on time with everything and anything. She was the only person you could go to and you would know something would be done about it. I was so sad when I found out she was on some type of leave. Audra (manager) said she was on medical leave but i don't think that was it. Anyways, Jess never came back. That's when things went from bad to worse. Jess was always so organized, always happy and so sweet, unlike audra. I tried to get my money back because i saw all the things that were happening and i didn't want to be a part of it. I sent my boyfriend in there since he paid and instead of him getting a refund, Audra gave MY BOYFRIEND her number!!! Talk about being so unprofessional. The following day i went in to ask for a refund and audra refused to talk to me and pretended to be busy. I sent her emails and i even wrote a formal letter but never got a response back. I then went to tally and she ignored me too. All of a sudden they had my money and they wanted nothing to do with me. They didn't care anymore. They just see us students as dollar signs. I know if jess would've been there, none of that would have happened. MVA also gives you beauty blenders in exchange for a positive review. Staff: Michael (owner) - He is all over the place, always talking about random things and inappropriate things. He offered me some herb. Shocking!!! Jess- She was such an awesome help and was always in a good mood, problem-solver, on time, dedicated, and always had the students best interest. Audra (manager)- Besides giving my bf her number with no shame or regard that im his girlfriend as well that she is messing around with their barber teacher "GLOBALCUTS", she walks around in brothel attire. She yells at all the staff and says horrible things about them to students. She is not professional at all. I don't know how MVA can hire someone like that. So much for trying to maintain a good image MVA! Tally- Omg this lady is seriously a piece of work. She pretends to like you and be all about your success and once she has your money, you will be forgotten. She also lacks professionalism.She goes dressed everyday like she is going to the gym and her hair and makeup is always a mess. I would think that For being the face and owner of a beauty academy, she would dress nicer and have someone from her staff do her makeup but she doesn't. She also discriminates against latinos. She refers to us as "the mexicans from home depot" DIana- She was the sweetest admissions counselor. She was very motivated and happy. Too bad she is gone too. I give this school zero stars!!! read more

Let me just start off by saying that Michael Vincent Academy is not just a school, it has become family!! From the first academy downtown La where my journey began, they have had some of the most prominent and influential educators!! My first class was an advanced makeup course and I chose that place because of how welcoming it felt, possibilities of working with celebrities not even knowing that the owners are celebrities in their own right!! Not only did I learn advance makeup but digital makeup and hair as well!! I was able to work on sets with people like Kevin hart & the migos to name a few!! Fast forward to the new and HUGE academy and full service production studio in Hollywood!! As soon as I heard they relocated I had to get another class!! As soon as I stepped in, I was greeted with stylish walls, marble floors, Ivan Britton style house and as I went up the stairs I was met with all types of photos of people who the academy was affiliated with and some business with until I reach the wall of fame where everyone signs their names I just felt like I was a star!! I met with Nina and Tal the owner who remembered me and educated me on all the many new classes they offer!! So many but I decided with special fx make up and microblading!! Awesome instructors, easy to learn from, and then I just graduated from their barber class!! It was super informative, practical, and I even got to work some events!! If you are looking to attend a beauty school and make it to places you normally would not, this is the vehicle to take you there!! If you're looking to take pics or shoot videos they have you covered as well!! I drive from Coachella to mva because of all the great things that happen with the people who are Mva!! I paid all my classes in full bc what they charge compared to a traditional beauty school is peanuts. I went to Marinello and got my license, and still didn't not learn what I learned at mva and I paid like 22k for Marinello!! Take advantage of this lotto before they get over booked and all the classes are full!! I wish I could rank them higher, they even got me in my 1st acting role as an FBI agent!! This is the place but like anything else, no matter how great the instructors and facilities, you have to put in that work and show yourself you want this!! The more you put in, the more you will get out!! read more

If it could be zero it would be. Makeup artists have to practice on each other and the one opportunity to work on a model is for our final, and then models are usually uncooperative. Instagram models are not real models, why am I paying $2,000 to work on a chick off Instagram who can't sit for 30 minutes without complaining about something? Can they pay for real models or is the profit margin just too high and they'd rather not WASTE the money on good models? How is anyone going to learn if they're picking up models off the street or in a fucking grocery store? How is that going to better my career? What is my $2,000 being spent on?? Not good quality makeup that's for damn sure. The makeup is old and used, and I was scared to use it on someone yet nobody said anything. The brushes are poor quality, and if you bring your own makeup be ready to share with everybody in the class. The owners are oblivious and care only for money and are trying to sell an unsellable brand to the internet. Jimmy the photographer is the only good part about this place, and he's not even there all the time. He should be. At least he makes an effort with his work, and actually tries to work with these ugly models he's been given. Everything is last minute. They never finish on time, and fyi all models- if you have plans after don't expect to be there on time with traffic. They spend so much time on music videos too much to notice the makeup skills we're learning aren't cutting it. HELLO YOURE A MAKEUP ACADEMY AND THE MAKEUP SUCKS. MVA more like MVRUNAWAY. 2,000$+ down the drain. read more

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Michael Vincent Academy! They are tremendously a blessing to my life. I appreciate everything they have and had to offer me throughout my weeks of being enrolled. I'm so happy I chose this school over all other makeup school options. Tal, the CEO of the company is AMAZING! She has such a big heart and is very supportive of your dreams. Rose, was my first teacher and she is absolutely the BEST! Her energy gave everything it was supposed to throughout my 6 weeks of being with her. Shes so energetic & supportive as well. Yaz, my final teacher was ending it wonderfully! I really love her spirit and how encouraging she is. She was very hands on & showed how much she wanted us to strive and I APPRECIATE her so much!! Such a great teacher. Barbara, and Anahid are also great instructors! Both ladies came everyday with such great positivity. Any questions you may have for them, they are ALWAYS willing to share. And let me not forget about Marci, she's in control of the dressing room & when I say she made getting the models dress SO FUN, I mean it! She always helped out with deciding the best final look & I so appreciate that. I love all of them *heart hands* Reece, Bruno, Jimmy, Mr. Vincent are all great as well! Jimmy is LITERALLY one of the BEST photographers out in Los Angeles, CA! If you are interested in furthering your talent rather it's makeup, barber, SFX, Airbrush, Microblading ... THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE! #MVA I encourage everyone to sign up, no matter the class! You definitely won't regret it. read more

I've done extensive research and visited several other makeup schools before selecting MVA. I've been in the cosmetics industry for several years before, and was looking for an institution to brush up on my artistry skills that would work with my availability and not break the bank. From the moment I walked into the school, I was extremely impressed with the faculty. I learned a lot just in the initial tour of the school where Admissions (thanks Aleks!) had walked me through set and discussed lighting techniques, camera angles, and set etiquette - just to name a few, things that haven't even crossed my mind. After the initial tour, I found myself beyond excited and extremely motivated on the next steps and I knew I wanted to be a part of team MVA. The classes have been nothing short of amazing, not only do the instructors take you thoroughly through the program, but they also offer tips and recommendations on industry standards/expectations, how to properly market yourself and make yourself/your skills indispensable in a competitive industry. Most of all, you feel a sense of community among other classmates and the school faculty. Speaking of the faculty, they are very responsive. Not only do you get responses/answers to your questions immediately (thanks Mo!), but they also seem to know every student by name. I am happy with my decision to attend MVA and have not looked back. Thank you Mo and Tal for all your support, you guys are the best! :) P.S. Parking is also free!!! read more

Let's just say, I found a hidden gem in North Hollywood by the name of Michael Vincent Academy! I came out from Coachella to get my eyebrows microbladed by Jeff who was taking the course offered there by his instructor Miss Tara. My brows are thin and let's just say I wanted to try something different. It's like 3+ hours from my house but it was SOOOOOO worth it!! As soon as I walked in I was greeted with all these photos of celebrities and amazing decor, then once up stairs there was this cool wall where all kinds of high end personalities sign this cool wall and more of some of my favorite singers like bad bunny who have got their hair cut there or whatever. The microblading class was welcoming providing clean and sterile areas for my procedure. Jeff was professional and really funny, attentive, and they provided food too after but when it came time for my brows, Miss Tara was side by side with Jeff and making me feel more comfortable. I mean come on, this is my face!!! The end result was so good and the after care instructions were clear and easy!! I rate this experience 12/10. Come to find out they are always looking for people to do free stuff on like makeup, haircuts,etc. I'm definitely coming in for something else!! I'd you live in so cal you have to come get hooked up or take a clear class or something! I had to take the time to write a review!! Super happy!! read more

I was trying to find a very good makeup school in LA with reasonable prices to learn makeup from "0". It was hard actually. But when I called to MVA I had impressive conversation with the owner Taly. She is a great person who ADORES MAKEUP and wants to spread her and her husband Michael's idea of beauty, experience and positive view for everyone who is a part of MVA. Michael is famous photographer. So MVA is a family project of the beautiful couple! MVA offers different programs and this academy gives several PAYMENT OPTIONS! So everyone can make EASILY their dream come true!) MVA has on Instagram more than 100K FOLLOWERS. I think it is another big "+". Tomorrow will be my 3rd class with instructor Xenia. Xenia is professional in this field. She uses practice as a best tool to teach makeup. By her instructions I've discovered useful correcting techniques. As I wrote before I am absolutely new and fresh in makeup and I am sure that finally with MVA team (Michael, Taly, Xenia, Jess, others ) I will get a wished result! Jess is an administrator and she assists students with any questions. So I hope my description will help for people who is now in same situation as I was before trying to learn makeup! P.S. Soon may be I will try Affiliate program - MVA offers for students a great chanse to do makeup on CELEBRITIES! Thank you guys for your hard work! Good luck for everyone! read more

I recently just took my finals from Michael Vincent Academy and I couldnt be happier that I attended this school!! My class was for 12 weeks and in that amount of time I know for a fact Ive become a professional makeup artist! Im always getting compliments on my makeup, followers, Ive already begun getting offers for professional jobs on set, I got my first paid gig before I even graduated!! Not only did I learn so much from my instructor but my classmates and all the different techniques we all have helped me learn so much as well. Before I began this career I was honestly in the worst depression of my life, I had no motivation or inspiration. I barely even had any friends or money! I attended this school on the most affordable plan, they are soooo understanding with my situation and never harass me when I am short on payments. All I knew when I signed up was I love makeup, I wanted another career and just to try something new. Ive made so many new friends here, found my passion and reason to want to push forward again and Ive found a new career Im good and passionate about! Even though Ive only got one paying gig so far its a start and I cant wait to see what else my future holds! Thank you Moe, Tal, Reuben and Michael Vincent Academy for everything!!! I have found my happiness again :) read more

I am thrilled to share my incredible experience at Michael Vincent Academy! I recently completed courses in Makeup, Advanced Makeup, and Special FX Makeup, and the journey has been nothing short of amazing. The hands-on approach at MVA is unparalleled. Each class provided me with the opportunity to practice on models, bringing my applications to life. Special shoutout to Jimmy, MVA's head photographer, whose guidance added an extra layer to my learning experience. As a business owner, I enrolled to better understand my clientele, and I consistently used my Privai Matte Moisturizer throughout the courses. The staff is beyond amazing, and the teachers were dedicated to pushing me to excel. Corrections were made promptly, ensuring I learned and improved with each session. Witnessing my makeup applications evolve and gain confidence with every class was a game-changer. I now approach different skin types and face shapes with confidence, thanks to the comprehensive training at MVA. A special thank you to Bruno, Nina, and Tal B for their support and expertise. I can proudly say I am equipped to do makeup with full confidence! Thank you, MVA, for this transformative journey. Highly recommend to anyone passionate about the art of makeup! read more