Barbara Rodriguez Co.

Barbara Rodriguez Co. operates from 262 Merrimack St in Lowell and combines brow and wax services with skincare and makeup education. The business says its mission is to help people feel present, passionate and purposeful through beauty education, and that it aims to make each experience helpful, motivating and inspirational.

Brow services range from a basic wax and shape to combined packages. Lamination reshapes the brow hairs, sets the new shape and finishes with a keratin treatment, and aftercare instructions are given at the appointment. Tinting uses a temporary dye that colors only the brow hairs and can last up to two weeks, depending on brow care and skin type. Several visits can be combined into one appointment, such as lamination with waxing and tinting, which takes about 55 minutes. Facial waxing covers the chin, the area under it and the sideburns.

The in-person Makeup Artistry Course runs six weeks and covers skin care and sanitation, soft glam, bridal makeup, a classic smokey eye, mature skin and a final evaluation. Students receive a professional kit with a travel case, brushes, a BRCO skincare set, palettes, liners and lipsticks. Tuition is $3,500 paid in full or $4,000 through a payment plan that starts with a $500 deposit and four equal weekly payments. Attendance is required, and students bring their own model to each class except the first. Completers receive a Certificate of Completion. The course page notes that Massachusetts does not require certification or licensure to practice makeup artistry.

The online Makeup Artistry Course uses pre-recorded classes released weekly on Sundays, with enrollment open at any time. It covers sanitation, skin, brows, lips, soft glam, bridal makeup, a classic smokey eye, cut crease, mature skin and a final test. Tuition is $1,600 in full or $800 with a payment plan. Students send practice photos each week, can rewatch classes for three months after signing up, and receive a certificate by email and mail with materials shipped to them.

The studio also offers private one-on-one lessons where students learn to apply a look on themselves, and private or public group classes for events such as birthdays, girls' nights out and bachelorette parties. For groups, the instructor travels to the group, and the content is tailored to the group's goals. Specialized options include a Business Class and an online Everyday Makeup Look class.

Beauty education is central to the business, with courses aimed at people who want to build a career in makeup artistry.