Despite her internationally renowned resume, beauty teacher and businesswoman Alarna Bell is a Gippsland girl through and through.
For almost 30 years, the makeup artist and casual TAFE Gippsland teacher has been making her mark on a global scale. Between her gig as the Director of Makeup for Miss Universe Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and working on large-scale events like New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim, Alarna’s creative skills are in high demand.
But it’s being able to impart this worldly wisdom with her students that means the most to Alarna.
“Helping others in my home region to achieve their career goals too and share how I did it is what I love,” Alarna said.
“To be able to teach them hands on skills and the work ethic involved that’s allowed me to travel the world and help make people feel good about themselves – it’s the best.”
Currently, Alarna’s Certificate III in Make-up students are putting their creative skills into practice behind the scenes of a local theatre production, as the make-up team for Shrek the Musical.
“They will work backstage on eight shows at the Traralgon Theatre and we have even had Shrek, the main actor in class for students to practice on,” Alarna said.
“While I do these sorts of things on my own time, these are the types of experience I can’t teach in a classroom, so was an incredible opportunity for our students that I couldn’t pass up. Some of these students are from very diverse backgrounds and it has been a great team bonding experience and created a wonderful learning atmosphere.”
In between her overseas jaunts, networking with industry and customising cosmetic looks for those in and out of the celebrity lens, this Moe makeup artist, salon owner and mother of two girls has somehow found the time to add another tool to her makeup kit – literally!
“I’ve just launched my new makeup tool brand is based all around education and simplicity of makeup application,” Alarna said.
“They’re designed for both left and right-handed students and to suit those who are vision impaired. Often, students will learn techniques by themselves, which is very difficult for students with vision problems. One of the tools I’ve produced is make up glasses that have only one lens and allow the student to flip from eye to eye to allow them to still see out of one eye while working on the other.”
Alarna’s Make-up Solutions tools will soon be available for all make-up students across all our campuses, with specific training to be rolled out to all teachers in a bid to improve training delivery across the organisation.
Working for Miss Universe, Alarna admits, has been one of the best experiences of her career.
Her extensive work in this high-profile space has had an enduring impact on Alarna’s career. A career which now, she uses to give back to those wanting to make their own mark in the beauty industry.
No matter how far afield her projects take her, Alarna’s roots remain firmly embedded into Gippsland ground.
“I have always lived in Gippsland, probably always will,” Alarna stated.
“I am just a girl that grew up in Moe and went to public schools here in Gippsland. There is nothing special about me. I wasn’t naturally talented, so if I can do it, anyone who puts their mind to it can too.”
So, while being trained by one of the best in the beauty biz is a coup for the cohort lucky enough to have Alarna as their teacher, they’re not the only ones feeling fortunate.
“Being a teacher at TAFE Gippsland is a role I am very proud of and love.”
You can check out the creative talents of Alarna and her students live on stage at the Traralgon Theatre from 25 August – 2 September. Head to the Latrobe Theatre Company’s website for details.
Want to study beauty therapy at TAFE Gippsland?
We offer many beauty and make-up courses at our Traralgon and Bairnsdale campuses. Visit the course page on our website for details.