A collage of two photos demonstrating professional hands-on makeup lessons at TMA's Oakland studio

makeup lessons

1:1 personalized lessons now offered!

Go beyond YOUTUBE university, learn techniques from TMA - that work for your face shape, your eye shape, and your complexion. 

With 25 years under my makeup belt, I’m ready to hold your hand as you practice your application.

As a bonus, you’re session includes a face chart that helps you recreate the look at home. 

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professional hands-on makeup lessons in Oakland

Ready to level-up your makeup skills? Book a 1:1 hands-on lesson.

Invest in YOURSELF, learn how to enhance your features without looking heavy or cakey.

TMA makeup lessons are designed for the client that feels like:

  • Shade matching feels confusing

  • Makeup doesn’t last or transfers on you

  • Achieving the universal “glow-up” hasn’t worked

  • Building confidence using cosmetics has always been your goal

  • You struggle with applying liquid eyeliner, lip liner or fun faux lashes - the details of the FACE

WANT EVEN MORE SUPPORT…

I can provide you with a list of products + tools to buy before you go beauty shopping.

Makeup is all about “confidence” and as your confidence builds, so will your skills!

how it works

  • makeup lesson strategy call

    We hop on a quick 20-minute makeup strategy call.  We’ll use the time to discover what you love, maybe what frustrates you but really focus on what keeps you inspired.  

    Let’s strategize together to find the right makeup module for you. 

    During the process of booking the strategy call, you’ll be prompt to an online questionnaire (super easy!) to complete.

  • customized makeup lesson

    The in-person makeup lesson is held at a shared studio in Oakland. After you unpack your cosmetics and settle in the chair, we’ll get to work. 

    I’ll demonstrate on one side of your face (step by step) so that you can see the “pro version.”  Then, I’ll provide hands-on coaching as you practice the other side.

    As a bonus, you'll get a face chart to take home. This essential tool will reinforce your learning and help you remember everything we covered, including product names and application techniques.

Book your makeup lesson strategy call →

TMA’s most popular makeup lesson modules

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15-minute face (60 min | $197)

Learn 3-key beauty essentials that will help you achieve your signature look if 15-min is all you got!

Unlock the secrets to daily glam with your own customized makeup routine.  In this session, learn skin prep & base application, eye & brow work, and lip application. 

Get the tea on “techniques and tools to, so you can confidently build that 15-min routine you’ll love.”

A Black woman with braids and glam makeup sits in a wicker chair in front of a sage green background

ultimate glam (90 min | $250)

This session is for the girlie that wants to know “how to elevate her look fitting for the red carpet!”

Or maybe you’re a wedding guest and you’re ready to add more razzle-dazzle than your norm.

Learn how to add shimmer tastefully. Tightline your eyes for an evening affair and elevate your pout. Get hands-on practice and learn the right tools and products to make you feel like a pro did it!

other makeup lesson modules (offered*)

Check out the menu for other featured tutorials below - see if one sparks your interest!

  • complexion perfection

    Say hello to using the right foundation, creating a smooth natural-looking and long-lasting base with the right tools, and education. Spoiler alert: it requires using fine powders, trusted concealers & setting sprays to lock in that perfect complexion. Tools & techniques demonstrated.

    60 min | $197

  • cheekbone elevation

    Learn the impact of layering blush & bronzer together. Create a snatched sculpted cheekbone when you learn how much to apply, which artistry brushes and products give you the best color payoff. Pro tip: texture matters. Tools & techniques demonstrated.

    60 min | $197

  • eye/brow refresh after 40

    Over 40, our skin gets thinner and loses its elasticity & collagen. If you struggle with dark circles or puffy eyes, color correction is needed to neutralize discoloration and help brighten the eye zone. Learn eye basics that create a pretty eye & complimentary brow that frames your face. Tools & techniques demonstrated.

    60 min | $197

  • wearable brown smokey eye

    Learn to create a sophisticated and wearable smokey eye look, using rich brown tones.  Pro secret: the monochromatic hues give off the posh, chic, expensive vibes.  Perfect for any occasion.  We’ll cover techniques for blending, color selection and customizing the intensity for day or night.  Unlock my secrets to this universal flattering eye look. Tools & techniques demonstrated.

    60 min | $197

Book your makeup lesson strategy call →

beauty shopping made fun & simple

Need support up-leveling your makeup bag?

Meet me at a beauty counter.

Add-on a personalized shopping trip to Sephora, Ulta, Blue Mercury, etc. Experience the difference of navigating a beauty store with an actual PRO. Swatch colors and textures with me, stress-free. We’ll comb the aisles of your favorite Bay Area makeup store together using a tailored curated list. My assessment tools ensure you get the cosmetics for your skin type, style preferences and budget.

Let’s go!!

take a peek at my favorite products & tools

  • "I had a fantastic experience working with Tamra for a makeup lesson! She was super kind and knowledgeable, and helped me gain a better understanding of how to use the brushes/makeup products I already owned! She was also great at understanding what sort of a look I was going for and I left feeling more confident in my own abilities! I would definitely come back for another lesson."

    ABHA S.

  • "I give the entire experience 10+ stars! Today was my first lesson in a series. Our focus was on complexion and Tamra hit out of the park. I learned about undertones, color correction, and numerous techniques for ensuring that your makeup looks fresh all day. Tamra is patient, kind and gifted. If you are looking to glow up your glam, you need her in your makeup bag! Today met all my expectations and more."

    ERICA J.

  • "I worked with Tamra for a makeup lesson. It was a great experience. She’s warm, personable, is a great and patient teacher, and a true artist. She kept the lesson and recommendations practical, easy to integrate into my daily life, and aligned to my skill level. She’s also put together these great guides that were useful for zeroing in on the basics and brands one should know. I learned tons, enjoyed Tamra immensely and would recommend her!"

    ROSANNA T.

makeup lesson faqs

  • Beginner & intermediate levels love these. If you’re a makeup artist and would like to learn some new techniques, email me for a customize advanced-level lesson.

  • It’s personalized. I will help you color-match, find skincare or beauty products that meet your needs, preferences and budget. Get guided through the sea of makeup, so you can confidently build a routine you love!

  • Yes! Shade matching is the “gift that keeps on giving”. Think of how useful it would be to just be able to find the right complexion (foundation or concealer) by just a couple of swatches. Learn the basics of shade matching & undertones and why they are important!

  • No. My modules are taught in bite sizes, this won’t be “university beauty coursework:)”. Get the basics down in one hour session. I cover (shade matching) how natural lighting plays a part and why testing formula’s on our hand should stop!

  • Thru the 20-minute makeup strategy call we’ll find what’s right for you. if you don’t already see one amoung the list, I can possibly customize something.

  • Please bring your tools/brushes/sponges, cosmetic bag disposables and a pen. TMA will supply the rest: including a mirror, lighting, face chart, and a small primary kit to swatch/try out brands.

  • Makeup lessons can be scheduled Sunday’s - Wednesday’s and most Friday’s between 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Advanced notice is required to secure studio space, so I ask that we coordinate ahead.  Thank you for your understanding.

  • TMA makeup lessons are held at 1855 Alcatraz Avenue on the border of Oakland and Berkeley. The studio is a 10-minute walk from the Asbhy BART Station, and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.

    The styling space is shared, so I request we schedule at least one week in advance of your lesson.

  • Yes, I plan to offer virtual makeup lessons via Zoom soon. Stay tuned!

  • Yes. Gather your friends! I offer group makeup lessons for up to 8 people at your home or office in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, or the greater Bay Area.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to video or audio record during the session but remember you’ll be provided a face chart that includes the products and techniques used, so you can easily recreate the look. I may also ask to record but will only share clips with your permission.

A white woman with dark hair in a bun uses an eyelash curler to curl her lashes during a makeup lesson

Go beyond beauty university via YouTube and get expert advice plus hands-on techniques from a pro. As a first step, click below to book your makeup lesson strategy session.