About Us

Welcome

Elite Hair & Make Up is conveniently located in Melbourne’s CBD, it is Victoria's #1 Make-up School offering short courses in makeup artistry showcasing the skills and experience brought by Justine Poniris of Elite Hair & Makeup.

Elite Hair & Make Up Academy teaches modern make up techniques used currently in the industry. All courses are conducted by professional and highly trained makeup artists, and classes are limited in size to ensure that every student receives the highest level of attention and instruction.

So whether you are looking at becoming a professional makeup artist, want to learn how to apply your own makeup, or advance your skills we will work with you to ensure that you get the most out of our courses.

We are the Number #1 School for Work experience and Job placement for Makeup Counters and Freelance work

We have graduated students working for Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, Runways Shows, Photography Studios, Make-up Counters and running there own Freelance Bridal/Special Occasion businesses

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Meet the Team

TEAM

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JUSTINE PONIRIS

Owner of Elite Hair and Makeup Academy Educator of the year 2020.

These courses have been developed by Justine Poniris, a professional hairdresser and makeup artist who has trained many successful make artists and hairstylists for:

  • TV
  • Fashion industry
  • MAC Cosmetics

Justine began her career over 25 years ago in Sydney and has worked on fashion week both in makeup and body painting in Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand.

Justine was nominated for Educator of the year in 2018 for the MAGAP Awards, along with Education Business of the year.

Justine has also:

  • Worked as the Head Makeup Artist for 30 Days of Fashion 2009
  • Worked at Channels 7 and 10
  • Worked on Theatrical productions including Mama Mia, Oliver, Lion King
  • Toured with Delta Goodrem
  • Worked on Princess Mary for a recent visit (hair and makeup)
  • Toured with The Young Divas (hair and makeup)
  • Been a makeup trainer for Victoria University
  • Been a makeup trainer for Chisholm and MAC cosmetics
  • Worked for MAC cosmetics for 8 years which included makeup for Melbourne and Sydney fashion week
  • Opened the MAC Pro Store in New Zealand
  • Worked at Fashion Week for Alana Hill, Tiger Lily, David Jones and Myer
  • Makeup and Hair director for David Jones Caulfield Cup
  • Personal Hairstylist and Makeup Artist for Joan Jett in 2019
  • Hair and Makeup Director for multiple Amazing Hair Campaigns
  • Finalist for the Makeup Artist Guild Awards 2018
  • Finalist for the Australian Beauty Industry Awards 2019 & 2020
  • Makeup Director for Paul Mitchell at Hair Expo 2019
  • Winner MAGAP Australian Educator Of The Year

 

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SARAH DINUCCIO

Assistant Manager

Sarah has over 15 years of experience in retail and visual merchandising. Before Elite, Sarah worked for major brands such as the Sussan Coporation and the Cotton on Group. Sarah has an extremely careful eye to detail and values organisation and careful planning above all else.

This year, Sarah decided to branch out into the beauty industry and undertook The Elite Hair and Makeup course, discovering her passion for both hair and makeup. Sarah now runs a side hustle called Mit-Ucci with her best friend Sindi where they both freelance hairstyling and makeup.

With the help of Elite, Sarah has now worked at runways and photo-shoots pursuing her passion for beauty.

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MOLLY SMALE

Social Media & Office Assistant

Molly started off with a passion for makeup, wanting to explore it further and really learn in-depth about Beginner & Advanced Makeup! Molly started the course in 2018 & completed in 2019. She instantly felt involved with the Elite Makeup Academy team & everything they had to offer!

With a creative background in Interior Design, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Events and love for Photography, Molly joined the Elite team to assist with all things Social Media & Marketing. She is so grateful to be a part of the Elite team. Molly is passionate about the business side of  Makeup! Molly now runs the social media & assists with anything hands-on. Molly loves meeting the students as she has been on the same journey they are now embarking on.

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MALLYSA NEEDLAND

Makeup & Lash Trainer

Melbourne based artist Mallysa Neeland took a lifelong obsession with transformation and used that to forge a highly successful career in the Make-up industry. In the early years of her Make-up career, Mallysa gained valuable experience on film sets, theater, and the fast paced environment of Fashion Week in Melbourne and Sydney.The following years saw Mallysa showcase her creative skillset in photo shoots where she relished the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and industry experts, before finally deciding to focus her talents on specialising in bridal and glamour.

Mallysa’s passion in this field resulted in the creation of a highly-successful Hair and Make up service called The Blush Project which she currently runs alongside a longtime colleague and business partner.Together, the pair create bespoke Make up and Hair styling for brides who are looking for a team with the ability to identify and enhance a client’s particular style, allowing them to feel beautiful and comfortable on their special day.In 2015 Mallysa was trained as a Lash Technician in one of the best salon’s in Melbourne, where her meticulous nature and eye for detail allowed her to gain a loyal clientele. A background in Beauty Therapy experience both in the salon, and in the classroom as a trainer has resulted in Mallysa becoming one of Melbourne’s most sought after and highly regarded trainers of Lash Technicians and Brow Artists.

With over a decade worth of experience across all facets of the industry, Mallysa's wealth of make-up knowledge and infectious personality ensures students are equipped with an environment that nurtures new learning and the technical skills required to blaze their own trail in the competitive world of make-up and beauty.

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Fiona Trask

Marketing Coordinator

Fiona joined the Elite team in 2019 and couldn't stay away. Fiona has worked in marketing since 2016. With experience across several different marketing functions, Fiona manages the website, Facebook, Instagram and everything in between!