Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/08/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I first toured L Makeup Institute on 9/16/24. I made cash payment in the amount $9,957 and enrolled on 10/10/24. Before enrolling or paying any fees I was promised a grand graduation ceremony. A ceremony that is vividly depicted on the website, promised verbally, and in slideshows for the public to see inside the school. The ceremony that I was led to expect prior to enrollment and consistently throughout my journey is not being honored, leaving me to feel disappointed, misled, and discouraged. This constitutes misleading and false advertisement, drawing in aspiring students under pretenses that arent fulfilled. My start date at L Makeup Institute began on Nov 4, 2024. A 6month journey that I wouldve completed by May *******, totaling in tuition of $25,725. A combination of grants, loans and cash payments made to attend.On May 5, 2025 it was communicated that the graduation ceremony I was led to expect was not going to be honored. It was verbally communicated that the graduation ceremony had been canceled due to attendance concerns from former students with past experiences. L Makeup Institute hosts one Grand Graduation Ceremony each year in October for all students that completes the program in the months prior. Unfortunately, now not only has the graduation ceremony been canceled, my enrollment was canceled with the program against my will. On May 7, 2025 I was criminally trespassed for 365 days due to having a peaceful, quiet, and safe protest. A protest that me and another student agreed upon to attend school but **** class in hopes to negotiate our graduation ceremony back. We sat quietly in the break area working on our ideas for final, only to be lied on and asked to leave. The school called the cops and made a false report of arguing, fussing, and disturbance of the environment and criminally trespassed us with the *************************** in the state of *****. The school has since made no attempt to rectify the situation.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/09/2025

  We are writing in response to the complaint submitted by former student Jermissia regarding her experience at L Makeup Institute (LMI).

  
  First and foremost, we must clarify that graduation was not canceled.The format of the graduation ceremony was changed to a more personalized and intimate celebration held on campus, allowing students to be honored alongside their peers in a meaningful way at the conclusion of their specific program.

  
  Furthermore, L Makeup Institute does not charge students for graduation. The complaints claim that she paid for a graduation ceremony is inaccurate. Her tuition and fees were applied solely toward the cost of education and training.

  
  Jermissia was not withdrawn from the program due to her opinion or disagreement regarding graduation. She was dismissed following a pattern of documented behavioral issues, including threatening, disruptive, and aggressive conduct, which culminated in a campus incident that left several students distressed and caused faculty and staff to feel unsafe. Despite receiving a formal suspension notice and being instructed not to return to campus, she came back in violation of that directive and interfered with instruction. It was this behaviornot a peaceful protestthat resulted in the school contacting authorities and enforcing a campus ban for the safety and well-being of others.

  
  Now that Jermissia is no longer enrolled at L Makeup Institute, we will process her account in accordance with Department of Education Return to Title IV (R2T4) requirements and applicable state refund policies. This includes a formal review of all tuition paid through federal financial aid,cash, or loans, and any resulting refunds due to the appropriate parties will be issued accordingly.

  
  We encourage any interested party to visit ********************** to view hundreds of authentic reviews from actual L Makeup Institute graduates.We remain committed to our mission of delivering excellence in professional makeup education while maintaining a respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/12/2025

   
  Complaint: 23302590
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I have several deeply concerning issues regarding false statements made about my behavior and the abrupt cancellation of the promised graduation ceremony.

  First and foremost, I am shocked and disheartened by the claim that there has been a pattern of behavioral issues on my part. At no point during my time in the program have I received a referral, warning, write-up, or had any documented conversation regarding behavior concerns. This accusation is completely unfounded and appears to be a deliberate attempt to discredit me. I request to see any documented evidence you claim to have regarding this allegation, as this is the first time I am hearing of such concerns.
  
  To be absolutely clear, I never claimed that I paid for a graduation. My concern is rooted in the fact that I enrolled in this program based on what was advertised and promised: a professional learning experience that included a grand graduation ceremony. This was a major factor in my decision to choose *** over other institutionsespecially considering the higher tuition.
  
  The graduation was consistently promoted throughout the program, right up until the sudden announcement on May 5, 2025, that it was canceled. That decision, made just two weeks before my completion of the program, is unacceptable and a breach of trust. Had I known earlier that these promises would not be honored, I would have chosen a different schoolone that offered the same certification at half the price and with greater transparency.
  
  The original vague email announcing the cancellation lacked details, rationale, and accountability. It was only after an overwhelming response from students that ******* addressed us verbally. Unfortunately, rather than offering empathy or clarity, her tone was defensive, dismissive, and antagonistic. Her exact words, Its just a graduation, guys. Its not a big deal, were not only inappropriate but deeply disrespectful to those of us who have worked hard and looked forward to that moment of recognition.
  
  It is not for *** or its staff to decide what is meaningful to students. We deserved a voice in this decision and fair notice if changes were being considered. The way this situation has been handled reflects a serious lack of professionalism and regard for student experience.
  

  Why was this decision made so late in the process, just weeks before completion? It raises serious questions about transparency and intent. Was this delay in communication strategicintended to ensure that the second half of tuition payments or financial aid disbursements were secured before revealing the truth?The justification provided to us on the day this news was delivered referenced facts and circumstances that clearly existed prior to November 4, 2024 when we started. This suggests that you were aware of potential issues long before the announcement and chose to withhold that information. That choice prevented students from making fully informed decisions about their education and financial investment.If the graduation ceremony was never guaranteed to happen, or if there were known limitations, that should have been disclosed clearly and in writing from the startnot marketed as a promised part of the student experience. Many of us enrolled in this program based on that promise. The timing and manner of this announcement has come across as deceptive and damaging.

  I am requesting a clear and transparent explanation of this decision. Id like to also address whose decision it was to contact law enforcement with false information reported?  
  Why were other students reportedly threatened with consequences for maintaining communication with me? This is not only unprofessional but also suggests an effort to isolate and silence legitimate concerns.

  These actions collectively paint a disturbing picture of intentional misrepresentation and retaliatory behavior. I reserve the right to pursue legal counsel if these matters are not properly investigated, corrected, and addressed with the seriousness they warrant.
  
  Sincerely,
  

  
  Jermissia ********

  Business Response

  Date: 05/27/2025

  Dear BBB,

  
  Thank you for the opportunity to respond. However, we will not be providing any further response at this time. L Makeup Institute is an accredited trade school recognized by the ***************************************************** (*****) with the prestigious ***** School of Excellence designationan honor awarded to fewer than 4% of all *****-accredited institutions.
  

  Due to the hostile nature of the complaint and the false accusations made, this matter has been referred to our attorney. Please note that we strictly follow the *************************** mandated refund policy and will continue to do so in this case.
  

  Sincerely, ****

  Business Response

  Date: 05/27/2025

  Dear BBB,

  
  Thank you for the opportunity to respond. However, we will not be providing any further response at this time. L Makeup Institute is an accredited trade school recognized by the ********************** of Career Schools and Colleges (*****) with the prestigious ***** School of Excellence designationan honor awarded to fewer than 4% of all *****-accredited institutions.
  

  Due to the hostile nature of the complaint and the false accusations made, this matter has been referred to our attorney. Please note that we strictly follow the *************************** mandated refund policy and will continue to do so in this case.
  

  Sincerely, ****