Testimonials
Nadya V - 2021
Elite Makeup and Hair Academy offers everything you need – from very well structured courses to work experience.
Justine is very knowledgeable, delivers the content in a very clear way and shares her invaluable expertise and experience. She creates fantastic learning environment at the studio, makes it relaxed with her sence of humour, tells very valuable stories and provides recommendations based on her past industry experience. She gives enough attention to each and every student making sure they get the most out of each class.
I am very happy that out of all makeup schools at Melbourne I have selected Elite Academy, where I have learnt a lot and also made new friends.
Sudy Barak - 2020
Hardini Patel - 2020
Brett Fisher - 2020
I did the Online Makeup Course with Justine at Elite Hair and Makeup and had the best time ever! We had LIVE one on one lessons every week that covered Foundation and colour matching, to casual makeup looks and smokey eye looks. Justine is an amazing mentor and taught me so much in the six weeks we had together online. The courses at the academy are perfect for beginners and also for professionals wanting to refine their skills. I even was lucky to be able to go and work on a professional photoshoot for 'Paul Mitchell' with Justine aswell. Their online courses are the perfect thing to do during this lockdown period!!
Sarah G - 2020
I started the online course which is the best thing I did in lock down , Justine knowledge and passion is excellent also her free on line training during lockdown was not only funny but very entertaining
Looking forward to starting face to face training
Nisha Wong - 2019
I’m so happy I picked Elite! Not only is Justine is a great educator, she’s extremely passionate about cultivating talent into the beauty industry. The whole Elite team works hard to place students in real life situations like runway shows, photo shoots, roadshows, etc where we learn beyond just the classroom. I can’t thank Elite enough for recognizing me and providing me with so many work opportunities even after I’ve graduated.
Ranjana Pabla - 2019
I recently did my cert 3 in makeup from this academy, Justine is an amazing teacher, with incredible experience who Is willing to share all the ins and outs of the makeup industry. After finishing my course I have much more confidence! I learned new techniques and finally I recently got a job in Mecca maxima just because of this great academy, can’t thank enough to all the team members of elite hair and makeup academy, highly recommended thanks a lot again
Sarah Micallef - 2019
Elite has provided me with many opportunities following the completion of courses at their academy! I was privileged to work with Indian Fashion Week through Elite, and from there made wonderful connections with models, designers & photographers. This led to my company being approached to work with models and designers at Melbourne Fashion week! Through their network & expertise in the beauty industry, I have been able to accelerate the growth of Showcase Makeup, using the skills, business knowledge and resources Elite provide to all their students.
Flávia Burjato- 2019
I did the essentials and the advanced makeup course at Elite last year and I couldn’t be happier with everything that I’ve learned, with the friendly environment and with all the work experiences that Elite provided. And after going through a really hard recruitment process at Mecca, including a whole afternoon with a Skill Evaluation Test, I am glad to share that I’m gonna work at MECCA MAXIMA - Geelong. I do need to thank Justine and her team for training me. I’ve learned so much. Thank you, from my heart.
Sarah Schubert - 2019
Elite Academy of hair and makeup was a wonderful environment to refresh my skills and gain my confidence back into the beauty industry.
Justine and the girls were very helpful and supportive going forward.
What a great place to kick start your career, I highly recommend!
Shayini Yadav - 2019
Amazing! Its a great academy to learn makeup and hair or brush up your skills or practice.
Trainers are super helpful and they provide loads of work experiences along the way. Justine, Nikki and Marie Louise, Thank you so much.
Rozan Foronzo - Graduated September 2018
Thank you to Nikki from Elite Hair & Makeup Academy for arranging students to assist my client Amazing Hair Australia at the recent Hair Expo Australia event. Not only were the students professional, punctual and delivered outstanding makeup, but Academy Director Justine Poniris personally attended on each of the three days to ensure everything ran smoothing. I couldn't recommend your academy more highly and look forward to working together again soon.
Carmen De Souza - Amazing Hair Australia - Work Experience August 2018
I highly recommend Elite Hair & Makeup Academy for anyone looking around for an outstanding makeup school. Look no further as you will be trained by one of the best trainers who has a name for herself in the industry. I enjoyed essential and advanced courses and feel so confident to be able to start my own freelance business. Looking forward to the hair course later in the year.
Jan Khan - Graduated 2018
A M A Z I N G!!! Best experience!! Justine is beautiful inside & out!! Left from essentials & advanced makeup course so much more educated and skilled!! Justine really helped me further my artistry & love for makeup!! Wouldn’t recommend anywhere else to go ❤️❤️
Theadora Manaveris - Graduated 2018
I have just completed my Certificate III in Makeup at Elite Makeup Academy and loved every minute! The trainers are fabulous and have many years experience in the industry, they are all friendly and very helpful! There were many amazing work experience opportunities, and they made sure no one ever missed out. Cannot recommend Elite enough! Thanks so much Justine, Nikki and Marie! XXX
Kianna Mitchell Certificate 3 Class - Graduated 2018
To Dear Justine + Nikki,
A massive thank-you from all your girls in the wednesday night class. You have both been so amazing to all of us and we really appreciate all of your support and patience and for going above and beyond to try and make us the best makeup students. We hope we have done you proud 🙂 We are going to miss you both dearly and will hopefully see you out and about in the big world of make-up. Thanks again. Lots of love xxxx
Wednesday Night Class - Graduated June 2018
Hi Nikki,
On behalf of the whole Crew at Joey Scandizzo Salon, UVA Salon and Hair.Do by Joey Scandizzo, I want to thank the team that came and helped us out yesterday at the HBIA hair comps.
It was a great day, and I’m sure without their invaluable work we wouldn’t have walked away with the Salon of the Year trophy.
Thanks again. I hope they enjoyed the day, and we will make sure to be in touch in the future.
Brenton Keedle - Salon Coordinator - JOEY SCANDIZZO SALON 2018
Firstly, I'd like to thankyou for a great start yesterday. I was quite anxious that it wouldn't be right for me, but I had a fantastic time and am really looking forward to returning next week.
Danielle Pratt - Studying Make-up Essentials 2018
I loved my time at Elite. I completed the Essentials and Advanced Makeup course and never missed a day of it because I loved it so much! Great bunch of girls in my class and Justine is an amazing teacher and I loved learning from her experiences and techniques. Thank you Justine! I miss our class lunches too. The team at Elite helped me advance my skills in Makeup Artistry and gain confidence to pursue my passion in this industry. I'm now working for an amazing cosmetic company and I love what I do. I'm beyond grateful for the team at Elite, Marie-Luise and especially Nikki, for your guidance, support, knowledge and network. I have to come visit soon!
Liza Aczarraga - Graduated 2018
It was an amazing experience doing the cert 3 in make up with elite. We learn a lot of make up styles from vintage, creatives and upto date trends and style. Makeup includes from basic (traditional) to advance ( using airbrush). They also include hairstyling, tanning, lash and brow tinting in the course that you can definitely add to any makeup service you can offer to clients. The best part about this course was that its very interactive, fun and exciting. Justine, Nikki and Marie Louise are great instructors and very inspiring to work with. They were very helpful and you definitely finish the course confident with your work because of them. They also have wonderful work experience that surely you will learn alot.
Pia Factor - Graduated 2018
Had the best 3 months with Justine, Nikki and Marie-Louise. I completed the Cert III of Make-up and it was definitely worth it all, I learnt so much about the ins and outs of make-up, hair and beauty. Cannot thank Elite enough for all the work experience and amazing opportunity. Loved every bit of it!
Aylin Deran - Graduated 2018
Hi Justine, Nikki and Marie-Louise!
Just wanted to send an update on how I’m doing after completing the Hair Styling, Makeup Essentials and Advanced Makeup courses.
With many thanks to your education, resources and industry experience I am now Counter Manager for Clinique and Estée Lauder At TerryWhite Chemmart in Taylor’s Lakes! I am also running my own beauty studio at home on my days off for Hair Styling and Makeup.
I highly recommend your school and look forward to coming back to even further my skill set once I have the time 
Again thankyou so much and couldn’t do it without you,
Courtney House - Graduated 2017
To Justine, Nikki and Marie-Louise,
You've all been absolutely amazing and so lovely, doing this make up course is one of the best things I've ever done, I've loved every minute of it.
Just a quick note to say thank you to you all xx
Harveer - Graduated 2018
On behalf of all the staff and students here at Whitehouse Institute of Design we cannot thank you and your students enough for the wonderful support you gave us on our special day. I would personally like to comment on the professionalism of all students that came to assist us. I look forward to the continuation of building a stronger relationship between our two institutions.
Thank you again and please wish all your staff and students a Jolly Christmas from all of us here at Whitehouse.
Todd Anthony Heggie - 2017
Bachelor Degree Lecturer and Vocational Education and Training Coordinator
Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia
This is our second year in a row we have booked a group of makeup artists for our event, and will be rebooking for a third event! We love the caliber of staff from Elite, they are always so professional, punctual, are ever so friendly and have the best attitude. Their makeup ability is fantastic and never disappoints. If you're looking for an amazing group of professionals with an exceptionally high level of service get in touch with Nikki or Justine they are ever so helpful and accommodating.
Bianca - Neonormal - Caulfield Cup 2017
We collaborated with Elite Hair & Make Up Academy at the 2017 Melbourne Cup Carnival, we had a beauty bar in our enclosure. The MUA students were polite, friendly and very professionals. The beauty bar was a hit with all our clients. Well done to Nikki & Justine on producing excellent students, looking forward to working with you again.
Danielle - Mercury Principle Events
Thanks Elite Makeup Academy for the work experience at the Academy of Design runway! #melbournemakeupartist
Marlene Iswandana - Graduated November 2017
To Elite,
Thank you so much for this opportunity and the credit!! I had an amazing time at the Beauty Bar and Guineas Day! Thanks to the experience I've been able to have through Elite, I was able to get Christmas Casual Beauty Advisor Position at Benefit Cosmetics! I'm really excited to start my job and I'll keep in touch about how it all goes.
Liliana Ngyuen - Graduated October 2017
Dear Nikki, Raga, Rachel and Kaitlyn,
I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you for coming along to assist at the Girls Weekend in our hospice – the girl’s absolutely loved having their make-over, thank you so much for taking the time out to make them feel wonderful!
We really appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Lou - Very Special Kids - Work experience in October 2017
"To Justine & Nikki, I so much enjoyed my time in class. Thank-you for all the great experience, the amazing techniques about make-up, the fantastic environment and great products that we used. I learnt so much in my 10 week course. I am confident and proud to be a make-up artist."
Wendy Albins- Graduated September 2017
Thank you Justine and team because of your courses I have been able to start my own freelance hair and makeup business which is flourishing. I have learnt so much from doing the courses at Elite and found the teachers to be approachable and the courses to be easy to understand, yet challenging. Great for anyone wanting to start their own freelance business.
Katryna Cooke - Graduated October 2017
Loved completing the advanced makeup course so much. Justine and Nikki made learning each week fun. Highly recommend this beauty school. We now have our own freelance business and hope to do the hair course next year.
Isabella and Meltem from B&M Beauty- Graduated July 2017
Best 10 weeks with Justine & Nikki! Going to miss you all! I completed the advanced makeup and had the best time. Learnt so much and now running my own freelance business 🙂 you not only learn the ins and outs of makeup but are given the opportunity for work experience (eg; runways, photo shoots etc) I'll be back in August for the express hair class! Can't wait xoxo
Seyda Alsin - Graduated July 2017
"Happy Easter! Thank you so much for your assistance with helping out at the Kids Day Out Good Friday Appeal at the Melbourne Entertainment and Convention Centre, the day was a huge success with the Auxiliaries raising over $24,000, and the face painting stall taking over $1,500 for the day. The kids loved having their faces painted. Thank you once again for all of your help, the facepainting was extremely popular and would not have been possible without all of your help. We are so grateful that you could take part."
Laurel Lawson - Good Friday Appeal Fundraising Event April 2017
"Thanks Elite Make-up Academy for some amazing training! I've loved every minute xx"
Madison Paton - Graduated Student April 2017
“I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for last night… I was so nervous starting this course and you & your lovely staff made me feel so welcome & at ease. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I’m so excited to continue for the next 9weeks! I only wish I had done this sooner! “
Ellie McLean – Current Student February 2017
“Landed a job at Mecca!!!! A major thanks to you ladies xxxxxx”
Tahlia Liapis – Graduated Student 2016
“Just want to message and send a massive thank-you to you and your team. I have had the most amazing experience at Elite. Not many people know about the problems I was having with myself and my family, I lacked so much motivation and I’ve found it. I feel so lucky to have completed a course with you. You’ve given me something to look forward to. Again thank you so much. Much love oxoxoxoxox “
Shaira Bardien – Graduated Student December 2016
“Have Completed both Essentials and Advance – I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Elite Hair and Makeup Academy for the knowledge and skills you have provided me with and not forgetting the endless opportunities!!! Mad love to the girls at the Academy for all the hard work you all do xox “
Wilma Tangi – Graduated Student May 2016
“I have completed my essentials and advanced course and I’m about to finish my hair styling. I have learnt so much and all different techniques. Justine is a amazing teacher and her assistant Nikki is amazing, since doing my course at elite, I have had so many exciting opportunities, if your wanting a courier in hair and makeup, I highly recommend elite academy I loved every minute of it.
Thanks justine and Nikki for all of the opportunities that have come my way it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for you guys. Love you guys xx
“
Amelia Cutrupi – Graduated Student October 2016
“So I just finished up the Makeup Essentials course here at Elite! It was the best thing I ever did for myself. Justine and Nikki are amazing teachers and I will be sad to have my Tuesday nights back!”
Chloè Cotterell – Graduated October 2016
“I did my training in both essentials and advanced in early February this year and have already had so many opportunities! I learnt so much for someone who knew very little about makeup I am now a confident and qualified makeup artist. Justine, Marie – Louise and Nikki are all amazing teachers and mentors! I highly recommend Makeup Artist Essentials and Advanced Makeup for anyone interested in becoming a qualified makeup artist or if you just want to brush up on your skills. Once again thanks to Justine, Marie – Louise and Nikki! ? “
Emma Scully – Graduated Student April 2016
“I had a fantastic time at Elite Makeup academy. Justine is a wonderful teacher with amazing broad knowledge and experience in the industry. I highly recommend. You are awesome”
Millie Tran – Graduated Student April 2016
“5 stars – Best place to do your makeup course!! Justine and Nikki are very supportive!! Ive come there not knowing anything, I know a lot more than ever.”
Nurbanu Istar – Graduated October 2016
“Hey guys, I just wanted to send you all a big thank you for all the tips and tricks you guys taught me while taking the essentials makeup course this year! I have just done my first photo shoot and I am so happy with the outcome! I was able to take the photos with a minimal amount of editing which has actually brought on many clients! Thanks again! x"
Mina Cascanis – Graduate Student – 2016
“I wholly recommend Elite Makeup Academy – Justine, Marie-Louise and Nikki are excellent tutors and made every single class educational and fun! I’ve come a long way since I started and am going to be sad to have my Tuesday nights back! Thank you fabulous ladies xxx”
Jessica Telford – Graduate Student – 2016
“Hi Justine, I had a makeup class with you last night. I wanted to say thank-you. It was a great class and you are an awesome teacher with a lot of knowledge. Thank- you and have a wonderful day.”
Jasmine – Graduate Student – 2016
“With all my studies I’ve completed this year within beauty, Elite has been by the far the BEST decision. Both Justine and Marie Louise have been fantastic teachers both visually and verbally. I love that their classes are very hands on and the best thing about them is that they give you honest advice to help you achieve 100% every time. Thanks to Elite, I built the confidence in my skills and I’m now working for Benefit Cosmetics. So thank you all for being amazing!!! ”
Maddie Moroney – Graduate Student – 2015
“From completing the Makeup Artist Essentials course in 2013, i’ve gone on to work on many photo shoots, fashion shows, video and movie shoots. MAC Cosmetics also reached out to me and offered me a place in their company which is my current work. Thank you so much to the fabulous Justine and her team at Elite!! ”
Jacob Stella – Graduate Student – 2015
“Dear Justine, Marie-Louise and Nikki,
Thank-you so much for an amazing year – I feel blessed to have been a part of the inspiring and effervescent environment you have created at Elite. I am beyond grateful for all of the support, opportunities and guidance you have each provided me with throughout this past year. I hope you all have a beautiful Christmas and New Year.
Love Anjani”
Anjani Singh – Graduate Student – 2015
“This course was unbelievable! I picked this course because it fit into my lifestyle, as soon as you walk through that door you are instantly feeling comfortable and the way you learn is easy and fun. I recently finished this course and I loved it that much, I had to go back for more. I’m now currently doing the make up Advanced for Photography and wow there is so much to learn. It’s and really easy going course and in 10 weeks you will be surprise how much you can do. Definitely recommend doing the photo shoot so much fun!!
Marie and Justine you have been amazing and words can’t thank you enough for how far I have come. So if you are debating whether to apply for this course or not I say GO FOR IT!”
Tiffany O’Conner – Graduate Student – 2015
“I started this class wanting to know how to actually do my own makeup. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had!!! The first night (alone) I learnt soooooo much. Justine and Marie are the best teachers full of knowledge and experience. The best thing is that you get to learn from the best. Justine was the person who actually called me and signed me up. For an owner to be so hands on its great. I am now doing the advance makeup class and hair. It has made me a star at my own makeup and others. Sign up EVERYONE!!!!! Thanks girls x”
Megan Sharman – Graduate Student – 2015
“Recently completed my makeup essentials course at Elite Hair and Makeup Academy, a big thank you to Justine who made the classes fun and easy to learn. Would highly recommend Elite to anyone interested in this industry as Justine comes with so much experience and knowledge. I’ve even picked up work so soon after finishing my course and am able to take this on with confidence. Her personal one to one contact with all her students is fantastic, even after finishing my course. So once again thank you so much Justine.
Am definitely coming back…. “
Frances Delidis – Graduate Student
“Thank you for helping us out, the 4 makeup artists that came were amazing! They did a wonderful job!”
Peta Kalis – PROVOKATIV Dance Company
“Thank you so much to the team at Elite Hair and Makeup Academy, the makeup looked good and I hope your students enjoyed it and gained valuable experience
from it.”
Melissa Jackson – Kangan Batman Tafe
“I looked everywhere for a makeup course which was worth the money and I certainly found it and more at Elite. I loved that Justine works with small groups so it’s more intensive, personalised training. Justine is amazing, fun, treats you as a friend as well as a trainer. I have come out of my training with skills which see me working on photographic, catwalk, editorial, weddings. The quality of the makeup we use is amazing, the results are always above great! I researched for a long time and I’m glad I trained at Elite. Its more than a training course, you become part of the Academy family”.
Stacie Wurundjeri – Graduate Student
“Love Love Love it!. It was an awesome day. Sharon Blain workshop was so insprational . Her techeniques & originality were far ones of the best to learn from. I would definately recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for hair styling.”
Anna Boc – Graduate Student
“I had great, great fun learning tips and tricks from Justine! Although I’m a beauty blogger, I must admit my eye make up skills are somewhat lacking! Justine certainly showed me some very good tips that I can further harness! Hopefully, I’ll be a better participant next time!”
Nadia Noor – Beauty Blog Editor
“Thank you for spending the time to enthuse our students at Noarlunga and for your fantastic presentation last night. The staff at hair and beauty really value your experience and professionalism. Look forward to catching up next time!”
Lynn James – SA TAFE
“Justine has extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. Since completing her course I have gone on to a successful freelance career working in photography, bridal and TV, including Network 10.”
Laura Ginham – Graduate Student – 2015
“Thank you for participating in the Merli International Group Winter Forcast event (1st June 2009)… The make up application was beautiful and as instructed. Your enthusiastic attitude made it an easy process to deliver the desired look on the models. We were pleased with the creativity and it complemented the styling of the hair exactly”
Sonia – Merli International Group
“Love my 6 week Makeup Essentials express course. Justine and Marie-Louise are amazing teachers. Can’t wait to sign up for Advanced makeup”
Kelly Trivett – Graduate Student – 2015
"Known as KYKHAIR on Instagram and KYK on Facebook im a Melbourne hairstylist myself who done this course for extra skill many years ago! Highly recommended and great for stylists that want to expand on their knowledge and techniques. Justine is great ? I was not running my business when I was at the course but since then I have grown in many ways, accomplished heaps and have come across a lot of people in the industry. Thank you for playing a role in my career Justine xx “
Kristina Youssef – Graduate Student – 2015
“I walked out of the Advanced Makeup course and straight into a job. The work experience opportunities provided during the course helped me make contacts in the industry and gain the confidence to start my career in makeup artistry.”
Cecilia Mitchell – Graduate Student – 2014
“I have been Justine’s student for Hair and Make Up for close to 1 year now and have to say she is one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had. Justine is one of the best teacher’s/artists mainly due to her energy, dedication, knowledge of the market, personality and commitment to her students and her clients. I would thoroughly recommend Justine’s services to any prospective client, employer or colleauge.”
Elena – Graduate Student – 2013
“I cannot thank Justine, Marie Louise and also Nikki for not only there friendship but outstanding knowledge in helping me do something that i love and is always different every job i go to.”
Lauren McClymont – Graduate Student – 2013
“The Makeup for Photography, Runway and Bridal Industry course, combined with Airbrushing for Professionals and the Bridal styling courses have given me a huge kick start at the beginning of my career as a makeup artist. I immediately acquired two positions after completing the courses… I feel that having bridal hair as well as the professional photos from my photoshoots with you provided me with extra attention during my job search…I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and I just wanted to say thanks for everything”