Benefits of Vaseline

On a budget? Need an alternative to expensive face creams? If you're on a budget, but you don't want to neglect your skin then consider the benefits of Vaseline.

(1) Vaseline Jelly locks in moisture-it protects and heals the skin. If you suffer from severe dry skin, or have wounds on the skin this product has great healing properties.

(2) After you wash your face, use Vaseline to retain water and moisture in your skin. Use it on fine lines to help smooth them out.

(3) Great make-up remover!

You only need a tiny, thin layer of it to reap the benefits. Many dermatologists recommend it too!

Spa Services Gone Wild!

        Do you work for a spa that seems to offer and sell everything under the sun? Do you work for a med spa that offers doggie daycare products or weight loss vitamins? Or do you work for a spa that caters to older clients, but the owner added Tiara Parties to the menu of services? Many of these spa owners want to get their hands in the money pot every which way they can, but it is it a good idea? Do you want to work for a place that seems to be spa crazy and can't seem to find where their niche is going to be? Is the spa going in the direction you want to be in? Sometimes these overzealous owners lose business by showcasing and selling too many different spa services and products. Think about how this might affect your bottom line. Customers can sniff out a desperate, money hungry operation in seconds.

Anti-Aging Secrets Italian Style

             Italy is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited; I can't wait to go back there one day soon. One of the first things I noticed about Italians is that their aging population is much more mobile than our aging population in the states. The second thing I noticed was their flawless skin. What makes their skin so different than ours?

(1) They drink red wine in small quantities every day.
(2) They consume olive oil in practically every meal, and many use it on their skin.
(3) Their lifestyle is more relaxed and easy going.
(4) They eat fresh foods; I only saw one fast food joint in 3 different cities.
(5) They get plenty of exercise just from walking the streets.

  

Coupon Esthetics

    If your employer uses the new almighty coupon trend that is exploding all over the U.S. right now--your bottom line is going to be greatly affected.Depending on the coupon, you could end up doing a treatment for peanuts. Sure, your employer will tell you that it will bring in repeat business but that is not necessarily always the case. Many times there are these coupon junkies that search and search for the area coupons and they shop salons based on those rock bottom coupons. Kayla, an esthetician I interviewed recently said,
"I work for $12.00 on these coupon clients, and they never return. It is not worth it."
Kayla is not alone. Many estheticians have reported that these rock bottom coupons are great to get business in the door, but converting them to loyal customers is another thing!

Top 3 Reasons Why Esthetics Clients Don't Return

     
(1) Esthetician Runs Late-Manage your time wisely. Clients do not appreciate wasting their time. While you might not think it is a big deal to make them wait a few minutes, it is. They can go down the street to another esthetician who manages their time well and can see clients promptly. Clients are busy. They don't want to wait around for you. If you make them wait for more than 15 mins. they will most likely walk out and make an appointment with an esthetician who can manage her time better.


(2) Esthetician Rushes Service-Do not rush the service. Slow down. Let your client enjoy the service. If you ran late, you need to give that client the entire treatment time. Do not shave off 10 mins. because you ran 10 mins. behind. Clients are not stupid. Most esthetics clients are professional, hard working and most have had facials before they plopped down in your facial bed. They are going to know if you are short changing them on their service. Don't do it!

(3) Service Lacks Pampering- Go the extra mile for each and every client. Your touch should be soft and relaxing. They should have your undivided attention for the entire service. Do not leave them while the mask is drying (unless absolutely necessary). Use that time to pamper them with foot reflexology, hand & arm massage and/or scalp massage (depending on your state laws). Many estheticians think that they can use that 10-15 mins. drying time to do administrative tasks, but the client is paying good money to be pampered for an hour. You are in the field of pampering so pamper your client for the entire time they have paid for...don't short change them or they will find another esthetician who will give them their money's worth.

College of Esthetics

   Thinking of going to college for esthetics? Should you go to a college of esthetics (trade schools/private schools) or should you go to the local community college that offers esthetics? It is a personal choice, but when making your decision think about the costs involved for schooling vs. how much you think you will make in esthetics per year. Schools these days operate as big business; a lot of these beauty schools or vocational schools only care about the bottom line. They will sign you up for a student loan as fast as you can sign on the dotted line in an effort to reel you in, but they won't give a hoot that you can't possibly make the loan payments after graduation. You need to stop here and think. Do you want to be in debt after esthetics school? Or would you rather go to a community college and take the courses and save a lot of money? It depends on what you are looking for and what you can and can't afford. There are some beautiful esthetics schools that offer all the bells and whistles, but at the end of the program those students might have spent a pretty penny while community college students spent a fraction of the cost, and they both come out with the same esthetics license. Think about how much money you want to spend!

Organic Spas

         Do you dream of working in an organic spa after you get your license? What do you need to know about organic spas? Organic spas are on the rise, and they don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. There are esthetics customers who want to get facials or waxing in a calm, peaceful and Eco-friendly environment. They want to go to a spa where they get ultimate relaxation while knowing that the products used on them are free of harsh chemicals and aren't tested on animals. They want a spa that truly cares about the environment, and doesn't use "organic spa" as simply a marketing tool. They want to know that the spa cares about the environment too. Make sure if you work at one of these spas that you recycle and you are earth friendly. Please don't smoke, you shouldn't smoke in esthetics period, but it is more important that if you work in an organic spa that you do not offend earth nurturing customers with your toxic smoke.

Bridal Beauty: Money, Money and More Money

      Recent esthetics graduates, do you need to make some extra money? Spring is almost here and the big business of weddings is waiting for you to bring your expertise. Were you good at make-up in esthetician school? Do you love to make people beautiful? Bridal beauty is big business. Buy a mini-pro kit, get some business cards and get your name out there as a bridal beauty expert! Between now and early fall the amount of businesses coming from the bridal industry is huge. Don't let this money making opportunity pass you by. Bridal beauty businesses are a huge market share. Even if you don't have your esthetics license yet you can still do make-up (check your state licensing requirements) and earn money while you wait to pass your state boards. The bridal beauty industry is a good niche to get into if you love make-up and working with brides.

Miracle Drug Store Cream for Puffy Eyes

          The first time I ever heard of using hemoroid cream on the face was many a moons ago on Oprah, back when I was a kid and didn't care about skin care. A woman on the show looked at least a decade younger than her chronological age, and in her skin care tool box was hemroid cream. Yes, I said hemroid cream, a.k.a. butt cream! I've always wanted to hide my face during the puffy times of month, but after a night of salty take out food and my eyes looked like golf balls, I knew I needed a solution ASAP. Desperate, willing to try anything, I decided to go to the drugstore and buy hemoroid cream. I knew in the back of my mind that this hemoroid cream would likely do nothing for my puffiness, but to my surprise IT WORKED! I couldn't believe it! Two weeks later, I am still using the hemoroid cream as needed, and I have to say it is a miracle in a tube! It greatly reduces my puffiness within a half hour of using it. This is my new miracle in a tube, and it definitely will travel with my cosmetic bag wherever I might go. (Please consult your doctor before using this; I am not a medical professional; and this is just my opinion and experience.)

Unethical Employers

       Imagine doing a facial for a local reporter in your town. He got the facial for free, and he asked what your favorite restaurant in town was and promised to bring you a gift card. Turns out the gift card never shows up. Weeks go by and you just assume that he is just one of those types that promise the world, but are full of b.s. Anyway, you just happen to hear the two owners talking (while they thought you were on break) about how they enjoyed the gift card to the restaurant (that happens to be your favorite!) thanks to this news reporter. After further investigation you learn that their lunch was courtesy of the gift card intended for you. Your bosses stole it from you!  It is sad that this type of stuff happens, but have a friend/colleague keeping their eyes and ears open for you so when tips or holiday gifts are left for you they are not swiped right under your nose. This story happened to an esthetician that I know.

What You Wish Your School Had Told You-More with Jamie

What do you wish your school would have told you about the esthetics world that you had to learn on your own?

I think the one thing I felt a bit "lost" with was the understanding of "running my own" business. I mean I guess in a sense I realized I would be, but, honestly, the insight wasn't there...I never realized the different kinds of contracts and what commission base and being paid by the hour was...I have worked my entire life, but, this type of business is and can be totally different, depending on the company you choose to work within. I think having a better knowledge of what it GOOD commission base, verses bad and how to figure out if paying a huge rental is worth it when you have clients and how it figure that out on your own. Understanding the paperwork side...I know compared to learning "hands on" stuff it's incredibly boring to think about...but it's VERY valuable, knowing what is expected in the "real world"  and all the state things I had to have beyond just having a license. (Insurance, if you practice within a salon of any kind and you are not an "employee" you have to pay a space fee yearly to the state I live in, plus a city license, plus federal/state tax identification so you can claim and file; and all the things you can claim; there are a TON of stuff you may not realize you can claim for your business.

What do you think you did differently than other newly licensed estheticians that landed you a job?

I started sending out "cold call" type of resumes. I had no great leads, however, I still sent them to several local salons in my area. Places I knew could be big enough to support having an Esthetician on staff...I was lucky. I think not giving up and getting frustrated even if you have to take something that's not necessarily what you want ideally, you might have to take something crappy until you get some experience and then you can get the "dream" job/position you really want.  

Learn more about Jamie at: http://jamiesesthetics.wordpress.com

Second Interview with Esthetician Jamie-Career Advice

Jamie is back with more career advice for you recent grads!

(3) Any advice for students, or recently licensed estheticians?

    Keep your eyes open and peeled for your dream job/place you would really like to practice at. Build your clientele, if you’re good and have loyal people they will follow you to another place. I think understanding you probably won’t make the big bucks right away….and knowing it may take a while before you are established. I also think once you find a place to practice in, go out of your way to keep clients, if they cannot get to you during your “normal hours” be flexible. Go in early or meet them late or on a weekend you typically won’t go…do this in the beginning, you will gain loyal clients. For the most part people will not abuse this. They will definitely appreciate your time. Even if it’s a eye brow waxing that I charge very little for….I will meet my client late or very early in the morning, I try to go out of my way, because they send more people to me. I gain a happy client that will talk me up the next time someone needs a service. Educate your clients, give your time to them and they will appreciate it. If you don’t know the answer, be honest and let them know you will find out for them. Be patient with yourself. Know we all have bad days and just take each client as a brand new experience, never carry over issues from your previous client. If you’re nervous about something…slow down and pay attention to details, the client will be happier that you took your time rather than speed through it…If you have a client come to you after they had really bad service by another esthetician, never bad mouth that professional; it’s hard not to…if you see some of the damage that occurs to said client, however, you can educate them, perhaps let them know you feel bad about that they were given such bad service, explain what you can do for them and give them good after care (if for example it was a waxing), show them not all Estheticians are like the poor example that they had prior to your visit.

Interview with Esthetician Jamie-Jobs

Interview with Jamie, esthetician, from Pacific Northwest Region.

Hi, Jamie. Thanks for joining us today. Your esthetics experiences will certainly help future estheticians. You can learn more about Jamie at: http://jamiesesthetics.wordpress.com

During the interview process, I asked Jamie six questions. This blog will focus on two questions; future blogs will continue to follow Jamie’s answers to these other questions.

(
1) What type of spa/salon do you work for?

I work at a “small town” Salon/Day Spa; I am the only Esthetician that practices, I have a small room that I do my services within. A couple stylists will and can do waxing, however, they seem to not want or desire to it; they do it when clients need it ASAP and I am working at my other job. I pay a small rent and then since it’s essentially my “own business” I pay for the state tax/federal tax, I have to pay a space fee to the state (very ridiculous fee), a city license and I cover my expenses; all money made is otherwise mine. My job # 2 I am also utilizing my Esthetics license; it’s located in local mall; we have a large KIOSK (sitting in center isle of said mall) with 3 salon style-type chairs where we service clients with “threading” it’s another way of hair removal. This job I work by the hour, minimal wages, but the tips are good, this job is good, and I am constantly busy from start to end of my shifts and it does get to be a strain on my back, neck and jaw after working with several clients, one after the other.

(2) How long did it take you to find your first esthetics job after graduating and getting your license?

The economy is slow and it’s a difficult job market right now, finding my first “job” wasn’t easy, I went to a lot of interviews and I was mainly not hired due to “not enough experience” but…w/o getting work I couldn’t get any. I sent out my resume to local salons within a short driving area of my home and a local VERY close by salon called me within the following few days.  I was offered the room, very cheap rent and I could paint and do what I chose. I had to spend extra money to start myself in this salon, and it was and is difficult, but, I am slowly gaining clientele and I feel encouraged. I completed my training and passed state board exams (2 of them) in March, and was working at the little salon by mid-June. My # 2 job I was hired in mid-December.

Estheticians:Working for a Non-Industry Employer

     So you just got a great job offer from a spa that is owned by a non-beauty industry person.You might be wondering, what is the problem with that? The problem is just because a person has the money to open up a spa doesn't mean it is a good idea. It doesn't mean they know what they are doing, and what that can mean to you ( the employee) is that you are working in an unstable environment where your employer is learning the ropes as they go. Money is the the key to opening the doors, but experience is the fuel that keeps the spa running. Tread carefully when working for these types of employers!
More to come about my own experiences working for a non-industry person! 

Grace Riley
Author: Jump Start Your Esthetics Career: A Guide for Newly Licensed Estheticians

Estheticians: Do You Trust Your Employer with Your Financial Future?

         If you trust your employer with your financial future then you can bypass this blog, if not keep on reading. It is a prudent esthetician who doesn't rely on their employer to cover them for liability insurance. I've heard over and over again from countless estheticians this very statement, "My employer said I am covered under their liability insurance so I don't need to buy it."
 When you get a job ask these questions.

(1) Am I specifically named in the coverage agreement?
(2) How much am I covered for?
(3) Are all the services I perform covered, or are some excluded?
(4) AND MOST IMPORTANTLY- Can I get a copy of the agreement that shows I am specifically named as an insured party for my records?
         

Estheticians: Sugar it Beautiful!

           Sugar,it is in practically everything we consume today, and now the sweet scents can delight our clients too. Two of my favorite things are sugaring for hair removal and sugar scrubs for back facials.
            Sugaring as a replacement for waxing is an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional waxing. Sugaring is recommended by dermatologists because the risk of infection is lower; the sugar wax adheres to the hair and not the skin.
            Sugar scrubs are a sweet way to exfoliate the back, it is a good alternative to sea salt (yes, some people are actually allergic to sea salt!) and you can design some yummy back facials on your menu of services. One of my favorite scrubs is by Cuccio Naturale  called Vanilla Bean & Sugar Scrub and I use it in my Vanilla Bean back facial along with the vanilla bean butter body and the milk & honey body wash. 

Medical Esthetics

          Even if you don't plan on working at a med-spa you should familiarize yourself with medical grade products. You might not plan on using medical grade products on yourself or clients, but sometimes there are conditions that warrant prescription based skin care lines vs. the traditional skin care lines. You want to be familiar with these so you can refer a client to a doctor if necessary.
           Products like Obagi and Skinceuticals (mention these two because I've personally used them) are physician grade that allow the products to penetrate deeper into the skin. The active ingredients are stronger and can penetrate through the epidermis, and clients with problematic skin conditions need medical grade products. Unfortunately, as wonderful as some of the esthetics product lines are right now they do not have the concentrated active ingredients that FDA approved pharmaceutical lines have in them.
           Certain conditions like: pigmentation, rosacea, acne, and/or deep lines might need medical grade products to help facilitate a greater change in the appearance of the skin. Your clients can still use the standard product lines while incorporating the medical grade lines (if recommended by physician) to achieve a better outcome.

Estheticians:Don't Double Dip Wax Sticks

For those estheticians in states where double dipping is illegal, bravo for your state! If you don't know what double dipping is, it is an unhygienic way estheticians speed wax by inserting the same side of the wax stick back in the wax pot after it has touched the client's skin; instead of taking the time to wrap one end of the stick with a paper towel and use the clean end of the stick (or just getting a new one). These estheticians think it is perfectly sanitary to touch their client's skin with the wax stick and put it back in a community pot (meaning the pot all the customers use). It is disgusting, unhygienic and frankly it is putting the customers health at risk. I don't care what state you live in, I don't care if it is lawful in your state to conduct yourself this way, don't do it! You are contaminating the wax pot! And the theory that wax is hot, and it kills the bacteria is false. Wax is not boiling (at least it better not be) so it cannot technically kill bacteria, in fact, many bacteria strands thrive in warm, moist places thus making the wax pot a perfect breeding ground for funky bacteria waiting to contaminate your client!

Estheticians: Do You Wear Gloves?

        As estheticians we are concerned with aseptic procedures and infection control. We meticulously store implements in clean, closed containers and we never double dip. We wash and sanitize our hands. We disinfect before and after customers, but all these protocols help keep our customers safe. What do you do to protect yourself from infectious disease?
       I have thought about this a great deal as I come in contact with soiled linens. I used to handle linens with naked hands, but now I won't touch any dirty linens without protecting myself. You might wonder why you should even consider going through the trouble of wearing gloves to protect yourself, but to me it comes down to Universal Precautions. Remember those? Sure, there might not be blood on the sheets, but do you really know what bacterias your customers harbor?
       All sheets have the potential to carry infectious microorganisms, and it only takes a rub of the eye or nose; a microscopic opening in your skin for Staph to attack your unsuspecting body. You can't look at a client and determine if they are a carrier for Staph, you wear gloves when you come into contact with bodily fluids, why not take extra caution with the potential fluids and other contaminants that scatter the soiled sheets? I don't know about you, but I just assume avoid the risk all together. Gloves are inexpensive, and my health is priceless.

Esthetics Instructor

       
           Most esthetics instructors that I've come into contact with are delightful and truly care about the success of their students, but sometimes in every student's career life (no matter what major) they come across an instructor who is horrible. I've had both types of instructors. I was blessed to have one instructor for a portion of  my esthetics school career who truly cared about her students, who wanted them to be proficient and successful at their craft, and then I had an instructor who had her head in the clouds. When I say "head in the clouds" I mean it, she didn't teach anything and her sanitation and disinfection example was pathetic.
        So what do you do when you are so excited about embarking on your esthetics journey only to arrive in the instructor from hell's classroom? Do you think you can be successful at your career goals with this type of instructor? If not, you should consider finding a school and instructor where you might have a better rapport and a higher chance of a successful esthetics career. It is not failure to drop out and start over again, it would be a failure to stay in an environment where you can't ascend to your full potential.

Smokin Esthetics

           If you are an esthetician (or aspiring esthetician) please do not smoke! Not only is smoking a great way to slowly kill yourself, but smoking and esthetics just don't mix. First, many smoking estheticians think that spraying a little perfume and plopping in a mint prior to treating a customer is going to minimize the offensive odors from smoking. Wrong! All that does is give you a minty-smokey smell, it is far from fresh or inviting, and most clients don't want to breathe that in during an hour long service.
          Secondly, do you think smoking projects an image of beauty and wellness to your customers? Remember, you need to practice what you preach. If you tell your customers about all these wellness products that would enhance the health of their skin, but yet you smell like a minty ashtray than you've lost credibility with your customers. P.S. The fastest route to a wrinkly face is SMOKING, it steals oxygen from your skin!
         

Tips to Get a Job at a Med-Spa

So you want to work for a med-spa? How can you get your foot in the door of a med-spa if you are fresh out of school? Well, it takes a little luck and knowing how to make yourself med-spa ready.

(1) Ask for a recommendation letter from your esthetics teacher which outlines exactly what type of chemical peels and Microdermabrasion you did, and WHAT A GREAT STUDENT you've been.

(2) Take an advanced class in chemical peels, medical esthetics, or microdermabrasion at advanced training centers. Most of these classes are just one day certificate classes. Ex: International Dermal Institute, Catherine Hinds, Von Lee and many more!

(3) Familiarize yourself with medical terminology. Take an online class, or buy a book at the local bookstore in the medical/nursing section. If you are very serious consider working on your Medical Assistant Certificate and let the employers know you are pursuing that degree as well.

(4) Learn about physician grade product lines (Obagi, Glyton, Avene', Skinceuticals and the list goes on) and have some basic knowledge of medical grade lines, and what makes them different than traditional product lines.

(5) If you still can't get a job at a med-spa go into med-spas and introduce yourself. Ask the manager if they would consider allowing you to work as an esthetics associate under the main esthetician. This might not pay much or anything, but getting your foot in the door to gain valuable experience is priceless.

(6) If you still have zero luck landing a job in the med-spa arena consider searching for newly established cosmetic surgeon's or dermatologist's office. Why? Well, many new doctors can't afford to bring on an esthetician while starting their practice, but if you are willing to work as an independent contractor on call until he builds his business you might have a nice, new place to hang your license.

It isn't necessarily easy landing a job in a med-spa fresh out of school, but it is not impossible!