Real Beauty 101

No More Cake Face! YouTubrity Marlena of Makeup Geek TV

2011-10-19T22:48:00-07:00

Have you ever seen someone that has so much make-up on that it looks like they rolled their face in foundation? Or have you ever applied so much powder over the course of the day that by the end of the day your make-up literally creases and cracks? That's what we make-up artists call Cake Face and it's a tragedy.

Here is a great video from Youtbrity (YouTube Celebrity) Marlena of Makeup Geek TV on how to properly layer primer, concealer, foundation, and powder in a manner that produces a very natural appearance - all day long.

Make sure you check out Marlena's other videos at Makeup Geek TV and follow her on Twitter at @makeupgeek!

No Double Dipping!

2011-10-14T22:26:10-07:00

Remember the Seinfeld episode when George goes to an office party and he’s caught double-dipping his tortilla chips?

Well, double dipping is not sanitary at a party and it's not sanitary in the waxing room either! The other character in the scene said that double dipping chips is like putting your whole mouth in the dip. If that analogy holds true, then double dipping in the salon during a bikini wax is like….well, you get the picture. Any way you look at it, it’s gross and is actually illegal in most states. Unfortunately, many waxing technicians double dip out of convenience and some are even trained to wax in that manner to control costs.

Here’s the deal, everyone has bacteria that lives on their skin and in most instances, that bacteria is not harmful. However, in some cases, the bacteria (like staph for instance) can be harmful to those people with weak immune systems like those with the flu or pregnant women. In addition, some waxing clients may bleed slightly during their treatments and double dipping will certainly contaminate the wax. Hot wax pots are perfect breeding grounds for germs and bacteria.

Here are some tips to ensure your next waxing appoint is germ-free:

(1) As the spa about their double-dipping policy.

(2) Make sure your wax technician uses a new application stick EACH TIME the wax is used.

(3) Any waxing tools tools should come in a sterilized pouch and should be sanitized. A new pouch should be opened each time.

(4) A new roll of waxing paper should be laid before each treatment.

(5) Lastly, make sure the technician wears gloves during your treatment.

Happy waxing!

"Fall" in Love With Your Skin This Season!

2011-10-11T23:56:16-07:00

As we bid adieu to our shorts and sundresses come September, we also need to leave behind our summer ideology to embrace the changing colors of fall. As the trees start shedding leaves, our skin tends to transform too, shedding dehydrated flakes of skin making our bodies dry, scaly and rough. These symptoms tell you that it’s time to switch your current skin care routine, into one that is more weather appropriate for this season.

Even though it’s the season to start covering up, this does not mean that you can get away with leaving your skin unattended to for fall. Under your jeans, sweaters and boots your skin becomes dehydrated, dry and patchy. It rubs against the material of your clothing which makes your skin flake, and leaves hideous white patches if it is insufficiently moisturized. People tend to take hot showers in cold weather, which makes the skin dry, as it removes the dead skin cells from the surface. Hot water removes too much oil from your skin, making it rough and can cause some skin damage unless moisturized correctly.

You can avoid all that by following a really simple and thorough skin care regimen, by yourself or at a spa. There are certain things you can incorporate into your skin-care routine which will ensure that your skin looks fresh and glowing throughout the season.

A new season inspires a change in lifestyle- new clothes, new shoes, maybe a new hairstyle. Why should your skin-care regime be any different? Here are some tips that would help make the transition easier:

Switch your fun, tropical, bubbly shower gels to something more luxurious! Fruity shower gels are preferred by many in summer, as they are refreshing and smell divine. However your choice of shower gel might not make you feel the same way as the weather gets colder. Make sure you get a soap-free, hydrating shower gel, as nothing dries out your skin the way soap does.

Another option which is even better is switching to shower creams and milk baths. Apart from being excellent moisturizers, they feel luxuriant and have the perfect mild scent to suit the weather. Try getting fall appropriate scents such as pumpkin pie and oatmeal cookies that seem to celebrate the weather.

Effective facial cleansers for the fall months are mostly those that are cream-based. They lock in their own moisture, which prevents your skin from getting dehydrated. If they are used along with a complementing hydration face cream, it will help in forming a protective barrier against extremes in temperature.

Hydrating dry skin is essential during fall. There are many great products that can help your skin to retain its moisture and smoothness. Lotions and body-creams created for this specific purpose are abundant in the market. The best times to use these are directly after you have dried yourself off a bath or shower, as it helps preserve the moisture that has already been absorbed by your skin. Body Butters are great for this purpose. They are both fun and luxuriant. Some examples are Shea-butter, Cocoa- butter, Almond-butter, Brazil-nut- butter and Macadamia-butter.

It’s always better to use oil-based scrub in cold weather. Oil-based scrubs help you exfoliate without peeling off your healthy skin, hydrating it at the same time. There are various oil-based scrubs available with varying consistencies. Some are more oil settled at the top while better ones have balanced consistency between the oil and the exfoliation beads. There are some amazing oil-based scrubs in the market such as Morocco Black Olive and Argan Oil Scrub and Brown Sugar Oil Scrub.

Just because you’re wearing clothes that cover you up does not mean you can forgo using sunscreen. There are plenty of sunscreens which are specifically designed for cold weather. A simple moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 would suffice. Try to get the ones which are mineral based, with a matte finish.

Lastly, do not forget your nails and feet! Dry cuticles are a tell-tale sign of insufficient skin care, which can be prevented by the simple expedient of putting a few drops of cuticle oil on your nails per day. Your feet are already strangled by heavy stockings, boots and close ended shoes. Do invest in a good foot exfoliation and moisturizing product such as pumice foot scrub and hemp foot protectors so your feet would be remain soft and ready to embrace sandals when the time comes. Visit the spa for all your skin care needs!

Here’s to a well moisturized season!

*Provided by InSPAration Management

Rub Don't Scrub - How to Choose (and Use) the Best Cleanser for Your Skin

2011-08-16T20:37:59-07:00

The foundation for an effective beauty regimen is the right cleanser for your skin type. However, the process for choosing the right cleanser is often complex and further complicated by manufacturer claims and clever packaging.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you navigate your way through the beauty aisles searching for your next cleanser.

Avoid choosing products with fragrance or dye. These two ingredients are largely responsible for nearly all allergic reactions that occur on the skin.
Choose the right formulation for your skin type. Foaming cleaners should be used primarily for oily skin types. They contain surfactants (detergents that foam when in contact with water and are effective at washing surface oils from the skin), which can be too harsh and drying for other skin types. These should be thoroughly rinsed from the skin. Milky cleansers contain moisturizers and should be used by normal to dry skin types. Oilier skin types may find these cleansers a bit heavy. They do not require extensive rinsing like their foaming counterparts.
Scrubs should be used occasionally and only as exfoliants. They should be used only on clean faces and only once per week for sensitive (they can be irritating and can lead to increased redness and inflammation) and oily skin types (they stimulate sebaceous glands and increase oil production).

Once you have chosen the best cleanser for your skin type, using the product effectively is they key to reaping maximum benefits from your purchase*.

Clean your face twice daily if you have oily or normal skin, once a day if your skin is dry or damaged.
Use warm water; too hot or too cold will dry the skin and may cause flaking and itching.
Don't scrub! Lather your fingertips and use a gentle, circular motion to wash; rinse completely.
Don't rub to dry! Gently pat with a soft towel.
While your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type; this restores the moisture balance that cleansing upsets by removing surface oils.

By using the above protocols, you will be well on your way to clean, clear skin!

*Utilization tips c/o Skin Inc.

Want to Open Your Own Spa?

2011-07-20T11:11:25-07:00

Ever dream about owning your on spa? I know I have! In fact, the dream of owning my own spa was the impetus behind me pursuing my esthetician's license. After getting my license, I developed a business plan and learned that the capital investment needed to make the spa a success was waaaaaaay outside of my budget. Where they heck was I going to get at least $$250k?? I was temporarily distraught until I heard of the concept of a mobile spa. Mobile spas are spas that travel to people's homes and/or host spa parties. The fantastic thing about mobile spas is that there is no ovehead and you only work hours associated with appointments. I was so excited about the concept that I opened my mobile spa within months and ran the company for several years.

So, if you are interested in opening your own mobile spa, read below! I originally posted this article on my career website, Golden Parachutes.

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Traveling spa operators go the distance for beauty. They travel to their clients to offer hair, skin care, nail, massage or other spa services. They succeed by finding niche markets. Their clients are willing to pay for the convenience of relaxing on home turf.

Personal appearance workers have been exfoliating, polishing and styling their way into many new jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says these workers will see faster than average growth through 2016. The spa industry has changed its own image. Before, spas had the image of pampering. But after the industry completed its own makeover, our busy, stressed population sees spa treatments as a necessity.

Pampering is a new necessity.

Surveys show that spa consumers are getting smarter and more demanding. Consumers are looking for an overall experience that is really worth the money. Traveling spa operators answer that demand by bringing their services on the road.

Hollie Merchant started Blue Valley Massage and Traveling Spa in 2000 with one friend. Now she has 13 employees and a successful business.

Merchant operates in a tourist area of Ohio. It’s popular for the natural beauty of waterfalls and caves. Many people vacation in the area and rent cabins. Merchant works with the cabin owners to help promote her services to the renters. She started out just offering massage. She has expanded the services her company offers. Her business now offers manicures, pedicures, facials, hair up-dos and makeup.

“Brides love it. It’s a 15- to 20-mile drive to the nearest salon,” she says. Having these services come to them makes their big day easier and saves them time. For Merchant, adding services meant finding skilled workers. It was a challenge for her to find experienced, reliable nail technicians.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job openings for nail technicians will grow 28 percent through 2016. Estheticians (skin care professionals) and skin care specialists have an even better outlook. The popularity of facials and improved complexion will swell the occupation by 34 percent.

Merchant agrees that the outlook for skin care professionals is great. She’s seen skin care and spa services take off. It’s a popular way for groups of women to bond. She sees women who want non-surgical options to look their best.

Find a niche market

There are some notable trends in the spa world. Family spas that allow couples or parents and their kids to share the experience are gaining popularity. More teens and men are visiting spas.

Merchant says that 80 percent of the men she massages are first-timers. They are often more comfortable staying in a familiar location. She says the couple’s massage she offers is really popular. The couple lays side-by-side and two massage therapists work on the pair at the same time. She has a lot of repeat customers. She sees them year after year when they’re on vacation. Ohio’s Blue Valley is a peaceful getaway. Getting a massage in the comfort of the cabin adds to the experience.

The good relationship Merchant keeps with the cabin owners is very important to the success of her business because she caters to tourists. She has noticed in many tourist areas that traveling spa services are not available. She thinks there are many untapped markets for this type of business. And she’d like to see more traveling spas so that she can use the services herself when she is on vacation.

Spas that are good for the environment are popular. There’s been a rise in eco-friendly spas that incorporate the outdoors. Using natural products and organics, hydrotherapy and ancient therapies is trendy.

Today’s busy spa-goers keep one eye on their watch. They want the spa experience to be a quick and convenient experience. Another trend was using spas as a bonding experience.

Amy Lee started a traveling spa business that caters to the elderly.

“There are many people who can’t leave their homes for whatever reason and they too want to have services done,” says Lee. Her services are often arranged by family members for an older relative. They want to do something nice for the older person who has trouble leaving home.

Lee also travels to pamper birthday party guests and bridal parties. “I do believe a lot of clients are wanting the whole spa experience including the tranquil and relaxing environment,” she says. That’s why more and more clients are choosing destination spas.

Keep things clean

Personal care and service is a popular occupational group for home-based businesses. That’s according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2004. Personal care and service includes the work of cosmetologists.

The report recommends thinking about what types of services you’d like to offer. Then you should look into local laws and regulations. There are some sanitation concerns for traveling spas. The tools used for any esthetic procedures must be sanitized. When you travel to a location for the first time, you will not know how clean it is. Certain procedures require a sanitary area.

Health concerns are important to keep in mind. The cosmetology industry is regulated differently from state-to-state. Traveling spa operators must know what regulations apply to the business.

Merchant says that she is able to manage safety concerns because she knows the cabins she visits. She does not offer any facial extractions or any medical cosmetic procedures.

“There’s nothing where we’re breaking the skin,” she says. A managing cosmetologist works with her business to make sure they meet all the Ohio State regulations.

Tips for starting out

Merchant advises people interested in starting their own traveling spa to start small. It’s important to build a relationship with the people you work with.

“Face-to-face meetings are free marketing,” she says. “You’ve got to be a people-person.”

Merchant says to make it as your own boss you must schedule your time well. You must be reliable for your clients.

“Some people require a more supervised environment to feel comfortable or to do well in their job,” she warns.

Lee is rewarded by the appreciation of her clients when she comes to them. But she has to work hard to manage her business and build her client base. And the work can be tiring, as you are always on the go.

“Traveling spas are popular but you must make sure there is a demand for such a business in your community before starting,” says Lee.

Contact me to learn more about starting your own mobile spa! As a former owner of a successful mobile spa company, I am extremely knowledgeable about setting up your company, marketing your spa, and all operational procedures that should be followed. Pursue your dream of being a mobile spa owner today!

Article provided by CareerPro.