FREE FARMAESHETICS GIVE AWAY FOR ASPIRING ESTHETICIANS!

Are you an aspiring esthetician? Then you qualify for our monthly give away! IT IS SO EASY TO ENTER OUR DRAWING!
Want to win a Farmaesthetics Lip Balm during the month of August? To enter: send me an e-mail at gracerileypublishing@gmail.com and say in e-mail "enter August contest" for your chance to win.

Last month's winners won a free Image Skin Care Product and a copy of my book Jump Start Your Esthetics Career: A Guide For Newly Licensed Estheticians

All winners will be notified via e-mail, and have to reside in the continental U.S.A. to receive their prize.

Need An Esthetics Job While In School?

     You know you need some kind of job in the field of esthetics during your schooling, at least if you want to make the transition from student to esthetician easier.There is no doubt having experience makes it easier to land a permanent job in ethetics. How do you do that? Creatively!
   
 Here are some ideas to help you:

(1) Beauty Counter Sales-this is an easier job for someone with no experience to get.
(2) Receptionist-a spa receptionist/office manager
(3) Beauty Store-work at the beauty store where they sell esthetics/cosmetology products.
(4) Shampoo Girl-this might not be esthetics, but it gets your foot in the door of a salon.
(5) Freelance Make-Up-in many states you do not need a license to do make-up...think Beauty Pageants, Proms, Black Tie Affairs, Mom's Night Out (contact local mom's groups), teen birthday make-up parties, and bridal/baby showers. Learn everything you can about make-up!
(6) Spa Attendant-most of these jobs are part-time.
(7) Beauty School Receptionist
(8) T.A.-Teaching Assistant-ask your esthetics instructor (once you are near the end of your program) if you can help her with her/his new esthetics' students.
(9) Internship-work for free at any spa/salon/resort spa that is willing to let you work for free. Don't think of complaining about washing laundry, changing bedding or stocking shelves...this is great experience on your resume and it could lead to a future job!
     

Esthetics Contest Give Away Ends July 31st!

Hurry! My July contest give away ends July 31st! Send me an e-mail letting me know that you would like to participate in July's constest at:gracerileypublishing@gmail.com. Winners will be notified by e-mail. Winners this month will win either a free copy of my book JumpStart Your Esthetics Career: A Guide For Newly Licensed Estheticians or an Image Skin Care Product! Good Luck!
Grace Riley

Interview with Social Dermatologist: Must Read for Newly Licensed Estheticians

Did you ever wonder what Dermatologists are looking for in estheticians? Do you want to get some career advice to land that job in the medical field of esthetics?

Today, I am proud to present my interview with The Social Dermatologist, one of my favorite sites to read about everything skin care! This is a must add to your FAVORITES bar if you are an aspiring esthetician! Thank you Social Dermatologist for answering these questions for all my readers!


1) If you were hiring an esthetician, what qualities do you look for in that person?
" A good listener who is also appropriately engaging;, a consistent, reliable hardworker; someone who pays attention to detail in their work and also in their own professional appearance; and very importantly, someone who understands the structure and function of skin and the deeper the understanding, the better (Social Dermatologist)."

(2) Do you expect your estheticians to have some working knowledge of medical terminology?
     " YES! It's imperative (Social Dermatologist)."

(3) What do you think about estheticians who do not get skin cancer screenings?
      
 " I think they should be, at a minimum, doing self-screenings and if there are any concerns whatsoever they should see a dermatologist. Certainly anyone who interviews for an esthetician position should not have a tan or evidence of significant sun damage. Someone who does not practice what they preach would not considered a serious candidate for obvious reasons. We all get pimples and have skin issues, even dermatologists, so we don't expect perfection and there are some things out of ones {sic}control and that's o.k. But there should be evidence that an esthetician is serious about the health of their own skin (Social Dermatologist).":)

For information, please visit the doctor's pages. 

           www.facebook.com/socialderm
           www.socialderm.com

I :)

o    :)

Coming Soon: My Interview With A Dermatologist!

Check back soon, my interview with The Social Dermatologist is coming soon! Don't miss the details and interview of a Board Certified Dermatologist!

Grace Riley

Bridal and Baby Shower Esthetics

     A market niche for unique bridal and baby showers is blooming this summer, with competitive brides and soon-to-be mommas wanting to out do their friends' parties. Why not start your own bridal/baby shower pampering business (check state licensing laws first)? Get the brides, then down the road when they have a bun in the oven you can hit them up again with your fancy marketing skills for another pampering party. This is an area where a lot of estheticians don't go, but this can be both a fun and lucrative way to get your esthetics skills to use. You can keep your day job with this one, and do evening and/or weekend parties around your normal esthetics job, or go full force with your business. Whatever works for you.

 Here are some package name ideas:
Make-Up Mommas
Beautiful Brides
Pampered Brides
Spoil a Mom Today (surprise baby shower parties etc.)
Bun in the Oven Pampering
Diva Bridal Party Make-Up

Don't forget to have plenty of make-up and skin care products available to sell at the parties. Nothing like splurge purchases when everyone is happy with food and cocktails (minus pregnant momma-at least, we hope she won't be enjoying any cocktails!).

Out of State Esthetics School

    Before you pack your bags and head out of state to do your esthetics course work, stop and do your homework first. Make sure before you sign on the dotted line and enroll in some great school 3,000 miles from home that you can either transfer the license earned back to your home state, or take your state boards in home state with that certification. There was a lady I knew that decided to go to an out of state school and when she moved home she learned the hard way that it was difficult at best to get her license in her state even though the hours were the same. The last I heard, 8 months later she still couldn't get the licensing situation squared away. Let this be a lesson to you. Unfortunately, we have not come to the point of a national esthetics license yet, I think we should, but that is up to the government agencies to decide I suppose. Each state has its own set of requirements, never assume that all that hard work you put in is going to transfer back, make sure you double check before you catch that flight to the school of your dreams!

Esthetics: This Career Is Not For Everyone!

         There are some people who aren't cut out for the esthetics field. Some people aren't organized enough to stay on task. I have heard some estheticians complain that they can't keep a 60 min. facial to just 60 mins. and they run over most days and they end up running late for the next client. Others can't think of ways to do a 60 min. facial without finishing up too early. In esthetics, you have to be a good time manager. You need to wear a watch and know how long it is going to take you to do each service.
         This career is definitely not for everyone! If early on in your schooling you can't stay on time that is understandable, but by the time you are graduating you should be able to stay on time. There is no reason you should go over or under the time frame for a facial. If you can't do this, you might want to go back to school for more training until you get it down, or you might want to think about another career option.

Esthetician Students: " I Hate Waxing & Make-Up"

       This topic came up recently, a potential student mentioned she did not like waxing or doing make-up services, and she wondered had she chosen the wrong field. Her philosophy was that she is from a more organic perspective and she does not wear nor advocate make-up or hair removal. Concerned with her career choice, she wanted to know if she had picked the wrong field. Despite hating those two very important components of esthetics, she absolutely loved skin care. She had problems with her own skin and had decided on esthetics school because she was passionate about helping other people improve their skin as she had done.
        At first appearances, I would assume this is the wrong career path for this lady, but after thinking about it some more, I decided that it is possible to find a niche in organic esthetics. There have to be more people out in the world like her that want to take care of their skin, but have no desire to go hairless, sculpt their brows and/or get make-up done. In my opinion, this student might have a successful chance at organic esthetics if she does a business plan and markets towards those type of clients.
          Understandably, you give up quite a bit of potential earnings when you decide not to do two major parts of esthetics: waxing and make-up. Many clients expect that you can wax them and do make-up applications, period. However, in this entrepreneurial society it is certainly something that can be done. Just an example, but she could open an organic coffee shop that offers organic facials, hair care and yoga etc. There are so many things that can be done if someone has the passion for this field, if they have the drive to take parts of esthetics and make it work for their lifestyle and philosophy. So those of you out there that hate a certain part of esthetics, but LOVE another part, don't give up just recreate how it can work for you.

Esthetician Business Ideas

Birthday parties, bridal parties, baby showers, and any kind of party can use the services of an esthetician! This is one area of the market that is not saturated yet. If you are thinking about starting your own business, why not consider a beauty party business? Soon-to-be moms and her friends would probably love nothing more than min-facial treatments or make-overs. Teenagers are always looking for a way to have a fun birthday party, why not bring make-up lessons to them? Little girls love to get made up like a princess you can certainly do a specific party for them--think Princess Make-Up and Fruity Facials. Remember, to keep kid parties kid-friendly with lots of color and yummy snacks!

One Word Describes Esthetician School-FUN!

     Thinking about esthetics school? Wondering what it is like to be an esthetician in training? FUN! One word describes it, it is absolutely a blast! Those were some of my best days. While it was exciting, you do have to study and do the required work. You can't stay out drinking and partying all night and expect to go to class and function. This is a hands on program, you can't just show up and sleep through class. Most of esthetics is fairly easy, but for those of you who aren't big on science the lessons that involve anatomy, chemistry, electricty etc. might not be all that appealing to you. The publishers of the esthetics' books generally do a great job reviewing all the material covered in those lessons so need to worry!
    Being in esthetics class for anyone who loves skin care products and make-up is like being at an amusement park for a kid. It is a ton of fun to play with all the equipment; it is exciting to test out all the skin care products; and it is constant entertainment playing with the make-up kits. Sure there is clean up and tedious things too, but I can't think of anything more fun than being in esthetics school playing all the cool stuff!

Esthetician Students: Should I Pursue Esthetics When The Economy Is Bad?

     Let's face it, the economy is not great by any means and estheticians around the country are feeling the effects. Esthetics is a luxury business so the first thing to go in a customer's wallet are beauty services. If they need to pay the phone bill, that $75.00 facial or $45.00 hair cut is no longer a priority. When the economy is tough people start to figure out ways of cutting out beauty services.       
     Does that mean you should drop your esthetics courses? Absolutely not, it does not mean that at all. Most careers are adversely affected by this economy right now. So, what do you do when you love esthetics and you want to get that certificate, but you are afraid of how the economy will affect your future? It depends on your circumstances, but in an ideal world it would be optimal to get your esthetics license while pursuing another career path too. It can be something related to esthetics or not, but have a back-up-plan. Here are some career options that go well with esthetics:
(1) CMA-Certified Medical Assistant-think about combining your esthetics with this to work for a dermatologist
(2) Nursing-again you can combine this one with esthetics.
(3) Marketing Degree-combine esthetics with a sales/marketing degree to work as a product sales/store promoter for a product line, or even a store manager.
(4) Technical Writing Degree-can combine with esthetics and write training manuals.
(5) Cosmetology-while still technically in the beauty field, if you have both degrees you increase your chances of making money.
(6) Science/Chemistry-work on product development teams-who do you think creates this awesome products we use in esthetics?

Yes, A Dermatologist Is A Must!

    I am going to say this again, yes all estheticians should know a good dermatologist and see them at least once a year for an annual skin cancer check-up, I am writing this blog again because a reader mentioned that she could not see a dermatologist because of the lack of health insurance. Thank you Reader, for leaving the comment, so I can share it with all my readers.
     If you do not have health insurance, which I understand in this economy is tough, please seek out free skin cancer screenings for yourself. Pass out the free information to your clients too. Anyone who has gone through a skin care program knows that skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. I am not a doctor;I do not pretend to be a doctor, but I do know from going to a dermatologists and reading the medical literature that skin cancer is very serious if not caught early.
   We estheticians have to practice what we preach, we expect our clients to take care of their skin, to come get regular facials yet we won't go get yearly skin cancer check-ups? If you do not have health insurance, call around to area doctors and see if they offer reduced rates for skin cancer check-ups or better yet do they have a free skin cancer screening day? Many hospitals offer everything from free mammograms to skin cancer screenings on specific days throughout the year. Take advantage of these opportunities, and certainly pass the information along to your clients who may want to take advantage of it too.
   As an esthetician, it is part of your job to be familiar with these types of things. It doesn't mean you have to know every dermatologist in the area, or know about every free screening, but you do have to be proactive and find out about these things to give your clients the best possible information.

Eyelash Tint: Potential Dangers

Everyone wants gorgeous eyelashes, some people find that tinting their eyelashes make their eyelashes stand out. For others, well it is just fun tinting them colors like violet or blue, and why not if you can? I was one of those people too, I thought it was fun having different colored eyelashes, that was until my eye doctor told me it is one of the worse things you can do to your eyes. Even vegetable based products, while we were taught in school that these are safe to use because they are vegetable based, no one told us in order for them to develop that we are using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, alcohols, and certain forms of acids. While the chances of getting it in your eyes are slim, it is still not a good idea because there is still a possibility it could end up in the eyes. Secondly, some people have super sensitive eyes that react when the chemicals are close to their eyes.  The FDA has NOT APPROVED any eyelash color currently on the market (according to their website) and they go on to say, " Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been know to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness (www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/information)." 
In some states, eyelash tinting is strongly discouraged or banned completely from the state due to potential hazardous consequences to the eyes.

Estheticians:Spa Owners Who Push Retail

Many employers complain that estheticians are lazy when it comes to retail sales, I would say that is too much of a generalization, like saying all spa owners are money hungry thugs. Neither is a fair statement. There needs to be a happy balance between the two. Yes, estheticians need to retail to be successful and keep money coming in so the spa doors don't close, but at the same token spa owners can't expect estheticians to sell junk products either. Estheticians, know this, your employer wants you to sell products and a whole lot of them. The employer doesn't care if the products are junk and aren't necessary for your client's specific skin conditions, nope they just want you to sell. Yes, a lot of your income will come from retail sales and you should sell, but only sell products to clients that you know would benefit their skin. Don't sell them products that you know they don't need just to make a quick buck. Your clients trust you to sell them only what they need, only what will benefit their skin, no more. Some unscrupulous spa owners would have you sell watered down lotion if they could get away with it. Let your personal ethics guide you through your retail sales and don't be forced into any retail sales you don't believe in. If this doesn't jive with your current employer then find a new one or consider working for yourself. Obviously, money is what keeps the spa going, but it shouldn't be at the expense of your good reputation. Eventually your clients will catch on that you are junk product pusher if you just sell them everything under the sun.

Fake Eyelashes

I love the way fake eyelashes make the eyes look, it is no doubt one of the most dramatic cosmetic things you can do to your eyes. As much as I love them, I realize they are not ideal for the health our eyes. The adhesive can actually damage the delicate eye area surrounding the eye and remove eyelashes.In addition, some of the glue can get in the eyes by accident. Some dermatologists recommend, if you MUST have those eyelashes, that you only apply them to the outer eye area so there is less chance of damaging delicate eye skin.

Fake Nails & Esthetics Don't Mix

Esthetician students, if you have fake nails and your instructor hasn't already told you to remove them, let me tell you GET RID OF THEM NOW! I know this is not a popular statement, but the fact is fake nails are dangerous to our clients. Fake nails are beautiful, I definitely understand the need for gorgeous tips, however, not at the expense of our clients. Those nails breed bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Nurses, in many hospital settings, are banned from having fake nails because the nails trap moisture which causes fungi to breed; longer nails breed more bacteria because there is more space under the nail to retain bacteria; and even after hands are washed, many people with fake nails are still harboring bacteria because the hand washing does not remove all of the bacteria that hides under the nail bed.

Esthetician Students: Vitamins Good for Skin

    There are so many good vitamins on the market that benefit not only our skin, but our bodies in general. Many vitamins can be found in our foods, but that is assuming we are eating the right foods, and enough of those foods to absorb the vitamins. I don't know about you, but I know I am not eating perfectly enough to absorb all these beneficial vitamins. While we estheticians are not doctors, we certainly can benefit from learning all we can about vitamins that benefit the skin to pass along to our customers. It is important that clients maintain a healthy lifestyle because all of the skin care products in the world can't change skin that has been nutritionally depleted. Our skin is a reflection of our internal health in conjunction with our environment. Here is a look at some of the best vitamins for skin health.

     Fish Oil is one of those vitamins that slow inflammation, reduce cancer rates and help with cholesterol numbers. It benefits the skin and reduces acne inflammation, and helps smooth wrinkles out. Vitamin B-12 helps with cholesterol, heart disease, brain function and it is essential to skin cell turnover. Vitamin D  helps keep bones strong, reduces inflammation, and  helps with skin conditions like Psoriasis.

Esthetician Students: Acne Scarring

What do you do when you have a client who has severe acne scarring? You can try Microdermabrasion, many estheticians feel like Microdermabrasion can help smooth out the acne scars with a good amount of success. However, if you don't see a good deal of improvement after a couple of Microdermabrasion sessions, be kind to your client and refer them to a cosmetic surgeon.
The cosmetic surgeon can provide several options to your client that you can't. Sure, you won't be putting the money in your pocket, but your client will trust you and know that you have their best interests at heart by referring them out when you know you can't give them the desired results.
Don't forget you are not being replaced, your services are still useful and can work in conjunction with the cosmetic surgeon, and at the end of the day you will feel good that you helped a client achieve optimal results.

Options for acne scarring:
Lasers
Fillers
Saline Solution
Minor Surgery

Esthetician Students: Know When to Refer Your Clients Out

    As a new esthetician (even a seasoned one) don't expect that you can solve every skin issue on your own; there are times when skin issues become beyond the scope of our license. Obviously, anything that looks suspicious like skin cancers or unusual moles should certainly be referred out to a dermatologist. There are other times when estheticians should refer clients to doctors, if a condition is not improving after several treatments (think melasama or certain acne conditions) refer the client to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

        Sometimes as hard as we try we can't solve all the client's needs and they need a medical intervention to help them. Remember you are not diagnosing anyone; instead you are recommending working with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in conjunction with your treatment.

     Every good esthetician should have both a good dermatologist's and cosmetic surgeon's information on hand for clients. You should be familiar with the doctors that you recommend, better yet you are a patient of these doctors and at least can tell your clients what type of general treatments they offer: IPL Laser, Fraxel, Botox, Skin Bleaching Creams, fillers, etc. It would be helpful if you have tried any of these treatments as well.

Esthetics: My Favorite Make-Up Lines

I love make-up! Make-up can transform people into different versions of themselves. Make-up can be a way to self express, it can be a way to polish yourself and it can give you that boost of confidence you need. Ancient people before us paved the way to beauty for us, without them experimenting with berries, kohl and other organic materials we wouldn't have aisles of stores field with overwhelming choices. Here are some of my favorite make-up lines:

Mirabella- especially for professional make-up use, but I love it for personal use as well. Not as crazy about their eyeshadow though. Great foundation with SPF in it.
Clinque-just a good basic line. Lots of good choices in palettes.
Estee' Lauder-Love all her products; some great eyeshadow choices.
Mary Kay-I never thought I would say I like Mary Kay, but surprisingly Mary Kay has some great eyeshadow that goes on smoothly.

What Every New Esthetician Needs To Do!!

READ, READ and READ some more. There are so many valuable resources out there to expand your working knowledge of esthetics. Don't rely soley on your esthetics' school education to mold you into a great esthetician, to be an outstanding esthetician you need to continue learning period. Never stop learning. If you love esthetics, it won't bother you in the least to keep on learning. Here are some of my favorite READS:

(1) Skin Deep Magazine
(2) Med Esthetics Magazine
(3) Eye Candy- Linda Mason
(4) Beautiful Brows-Nancy Parker
(5) Skin Rules-Dr. Jaliman
(6) Make Up Makeovers Beauty Bible-Robert Jones
(7) Day Spa Magazine
(8) Successful Business Handbook from Associated Skin Care Professionals (must have!)
(9) Milady's Standard Esthetics Advanced

Readers-What Is Stopping You From Going To Esthetics' School?

Calling all readers, it is time to hear from you. Let me know what is holding you back from going to esthetics' school? What are your lingering doubts? Need some questions answered before you dive in? Send me your thoughts and questions, and check back often to take a sneak peek into other readers' thoughts about why they haven't taken the plunge into esthetics yet?

Grace Riley

Esthetics: A Labor of Love

When I originally started to journal about my esthetics' experiences through my human resources lens (use to work in human resources), I never thought these handwritten pages would turn into anything more than friends of the recycling bin. I could have never imagined these pages would one day be read by esthetics' students throughout the world. Even after I put the book together, I never imagined the response I would get from readers, I love answering questions from all of you students and those of you contemplating esthetics' school. My book JumpStart Your Esthetics Career: A Guide For Newly Licensed Estheticians is a labor of love. Esthetics is my passion, and I hope my book and blog has helped you decide if esthetics is right for you. Please remember, I love your questions so keep them coming in. Due to the amount of questions I receive, please be patient with me, I will do my best to respond. Don't forget to enter the monthly drawing!
Grace Riley

A Great Gift for Recent Esthetics' Graduates

Do you know an esthetics' student who wants to learn everything they can about the career of esthetics? Do you  have a child who is contemplating esthetics' school? This is a perfect gift for that child who isn't quite sure if they should go into esthetics' school or not; it is the perfect gift for the recent esthetics' graduate. Get them the gift that gives them a glimpse into what it is really like to be an esthetician, and gives them career tips that they won't learn in school!
 JumpStart Your Esthetics Career: A Guide for Newly Licensed Estheticians is now 40% off the list price at www.lulu.com.

Esthetician Students: My Favorite Supply Companies

As a new esthetics' student there is great anticipation to break into your kit, everyone wants to play with their new tools, products and supplies. If you want to play with some more great products, here are a list of my favorite companies. I promise you that you will want to break that bank account. Who wouldn't love esthetics with all the fun stuff to play with? It is like being a kid in a candy store.

Universal Companies-Great store to buy sample or starter kits. There are great professional cosmetics line starter kits; eye lash starter kits; DVD's and all kinds of supplies. This is a great one stop shop!

Pure Spa Direct-This is a good place to buy sponges, 4x4's,equipment, sheets and basics.

Cuccio-This is not a supply company, but this is a great product line to enhance your back facials. Great smelling products.

Cosmoprof-Stores nationwide-STUDENTS YOU CAN GET A STUDENT ACCOUNT with your student ID and your class schedule (verify with your local store)-Good for waxing supplies, cotton rounds, gloves, etc.

www.amazon.com-  Great place to get books and DVD's on esthetics...just type in esthetics and a ton of DVD's and books come up that will enhance your education.

The Worst Esthetics' Instructor

      As many of you have probably already read at some point, I attended three different esthetician schools (dropped out of one 1st week because I couldn't swallow the hefty price tag). I know you probably can't imagine attending more than one, but my life circumstances changed and it made it necessary. Long story. Anyway, I was blessed to have one exceptional teacher and then I was unfortunate enough to have Ms. Charlotte (name changed for privacy).
       Ms. Charlotte, she was a very nice lady, but she didn't teach much of anything. I don't know if she even had the passion or drive to teach us anything, she seemed to take the let them teach themselves attitude. She would pop in some DVD's for us, occasionally she would do a small practical lesson, and then the rest of the time she would have us read and answer our own questions. She never offered any real world experiences from her past; she never gave us projects to enhance our learning; and there was never a planned out lesson. It was kind of a free for all. Do what you want and hope you pass the state boards. It was a licensing course at best, it wasn't a place of higher learning, it wasn't a school that molded high quality and ethical estheticians. They wanted to turnover students quickly like a fast food joint, and they produced those types of estheticians.
     At the end of the program, I found out Ms. Charlotte never worked a day in her life as an esthetician. Instead, she worked as a secretary at the beauty school and attended esthetician school at night. Lucky for her, a job opened up after she graduated and she went from secretary to esthetics' instructor. She couldn't convey to the students what it was like to work as an esthetician, or give them real world experiences because she never had any.
      Fortunately for me, the other school that I went to was of  a much higher quality. The difference to me was the instructor; the instructor loved shaping and molding high quality estheticians. She was not going to let students out the door on her good reputation without training them to the highest standards! Ms. Charlotte, well I don't think she ever thought beyond her classroom doors and what types of estheticians she turned over.
      The lesson for this story is never be afraid to switch esthetician schools if you don't jive with the instructor, or you don't feel like you are getting your money's worth. Your esthetician program can make or break your career so make sure it is the right school for you!

Future Estheticians: Choose Your School Wisely

    Not all esthetician schools are created equal, I can say this from experience. Trying a few different schools, I realized they can be as different as night and day. If you are looking for a esthetician school, make sure you do your research. Don't settle for the first school that seems to have all the bells and whistles, find out about the instructor and their experience, find out the type of projects you will do. Why does this matter? It matters because the school experience is what is going to shape you into the professional esthetician you become.
    Your instructor's background is very important. You want an instructor who has plenty of real world experience, not just an instructor who has an esthetics' certificate. You need someone who can tell you about their real stories. Someone who can tell you about their own mistakes and how to avoid those pitfalls; someone who can be a mentor.
     Some of you students are probably grunting right about now that I even suggested a good program will have projects, but those projects make you get more involved in esthetics. It gives you a greater understanding of esthetics. Projects like "Pricing of Opening a Spa" or "Finding Material Safety Data Sheets" and writing reports on skin diseases are all ways instructors can help students understand the material beyond definitions. Remember, these definitions and terms do not come alive off the pages of your textbooks, they come to life when you begin to use them and the terms are automatic.



  

Esthetician Students: Finding Your Career Niche

The world of esthetics is an ever-changing explosive field that offers students a plethora opportunities to explore. There are many ways to exist within esthetics, many ways to carve out your niche within this exciting field. There are many opportunities within the esthetics realm that might not be on your radar yet. It might not come to you today or even tomorrow, but give it time and you will find your spot in esthetics. Here are some ideas:

(1) Work in a dermatologist's office as an esthetician-combines great with CMA (Certified Medical Assistant).
(2) Work in a dentist's office-another great option, more and more doctors are adding esthetic services to their menus. Combine it with dental assisting and make your resume more powerful in that arena.
(3) Open a Wax Bar-waxing combined with good food/drinks (check state laws).

(4) Work for assisted living facility doing facials and make-up on seniors. You might not see this advertised, you might have to promote your services.

(5) Facial & Make-Up Parties-think Bridal parties, baby showers, mom's nights out, etc. (check state laws)

(6) Children's Spa Parties-children's parties are hot, hot right now. Even with your regular esthetics job you can do this on the side (check state laws).

The list goes on and on, there are so many options in esthetics, you just have to find your way.

Esthetics: JumpStart Your Esthetics Career now in Paperback!

For your copy of JumpStart Your Esthetics Career: A Guide for Newly Licensed Estheticians go to www.lulu.com and save 18% today on your purchase of this book.

Esthetics: Do Aspiring Estheticians Need to Have Perfect Skin?

My skin isn't perfect, how can I be an esthetician? Don't you need perfect skin? These are the questions asked by people pondering esthetics as a career. Here's my answer to these common questions.

Not necessarily...a lot of women I meet who are interested in esthetics ask these questions. It is not a requirement to have perfect skin to be an esthetician, I wish my skin behaved nicely every day, but the fact is no one's skin is free from imperfections. Being an esthetician who has had her own bout of skin issues, makes you more compassionate and understanding to clients who have skin issues. When you go to esthetics school and you have bad skin, you are going to get the education and access to product lines that will help you improve your skin.

I knew a girl who went to esthetics school with her face covered in open pustules, it was red and inflamed. There didn't seem to be a view of her bare face anywhere in between those massive bumps, but after a few weeks of attending esthetics school her face slowly started to improve. By the end of her program, she had some of the best skin in that class!!! THIS IS A TRUE STORY!!

So don't let nagging skin problems deter you from esthetics school, in fact, your problems might clear up with the right education!

Am I too Old for Esthetics School?

I have spoken to many women lately who want to take that dive into esthetics, but they fear esthetics is only for the 20's and 30's somethings? That is not true at all. Sure, you will find a lot of students fresh out of high school, but you will find women of varying ages and backgrounds too. Many of the older students who go into esthetics do it because they have beautiful skin themselves and have aged well by taking care of their own skin, and they want to help other people in their age group achieve those great results too. I don't think it matters about age anymore, I have seen some women in their 40's and 50's with better skin than some 20's and 30's ladies, so I don't think age is a real reflection of success in esthetics. In addition, many of the older students are extremely dedicated to their craft and tend to flourish in this field because of their maturity and dedication. I know you are out there, you are going back and forth with your registration papers right now, thinking could I actually do this? The answer is a unequivocal YES, don't worry about age, it is just a number.

Estheticians: Why Knowing a Good Dermatologist is Necessary?

I am amazed when I meet estheticians who have never gone to a dermatologist, not only do they not go themselves, but they have no dermalogical information to provide their clients. Why is it necessary to know a dermatologist? In my opinion, everyone should see a dermatologist once a year (I am not a doctor-this is just my personal opinion) just for a body scan to make sure there are no suspicious moles on the body...skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers out there, by getting regular exams you increase your survival rates should you have skin cancer. Secondly, the dermatologist's office is like a candy store for a kid for estheticians, this is the office that will introduce you to so many new procedures and products on the market, skin conditions and more importantly knowing your dermatologist gives you the opportunity to ask your doctor questions that are relevant to your every day business. Finally, having a few of your dermatologist's business cards in your spa is helpful to give out to your clients. You never know when you are going to have a client who might request a name of a good dermatologist, or they have a suspicious mole (remember you are not a doctor so do not diagnosis a client, simply say, "You might want to have that looked at by a doctor.") and if you do not have a name of a doctor you will likely lose some credibility. Practice what you preach. Your clients expect that you are professional and you would at least be familiar with a dermalogical practice nearby.

Recent Esthetician Graduates

Did you recently graduate in esthetics? Are you struggling to find a position? Don't despair. It is a tough economy for almost every career out there right now, you are not alone. We are close to an 8.6% jobless rate, but that doesn't mean you can't land that job. Here are some tips to help you in your career search:

(1) Resumes should include a cover letter detailing your attributes.
(2) Resumes need to specify all product lines you have used.
(3) Include a professional picture of yourself with all resumes.
(4) Highlight areas showing your additional certifications and degrees.
(5) Consider purchasing a professional skin care membership and include that on resume.
(6) Highlight the job experiences that are relevant to your esthetics career: salon coordinator, shampoo person, spa receptionist.
(7) If you are a career changer-include you previous work experience, but remember to highlight the esthetics career experience.
(8) Volunteer your time giving free facials to at a local church to the elderly or to disadvantaged women and add that to your resume.
(9) Branch out on your own and do mobile facials and wedding/spa parties (according to your state laws) until you get your career off and running.

Calling all Esthetician Students: Contest Give Away!

Introducing my monthly give away...each month I will give away skin care related prizes so check my blog often to find out what the new contest is!

July's Contest

Calling all esthetician students, do you want a chance to win free gifts? I am giving away one Image Skin Care Product and one paper copy of my book Jump Start Your Esthetics Career: A Guide for Newly Licensed Estheticians. Two lucky winners will receive these awesome prizes, one will win the Image product and one will win the book.To Enter-- Send me an e-mail at: gracerileypublishing@gmail.com letting me know that you would like to be entered into the drawing.  On July 31st, 2012 I will randomly pick two winners. You will be notified via e-mail and asked for your mailing address where I can send the prize to. Good Luck!
Subject to change by Grace Riley.

Esthetician Students: Take Baby Steps for an Exciting Career

I know it can be overwhelming just to step foot in your first esthetics classroom, it is hard to see off in the distant future. It can be daunting to think about all the tests you have to get through just to be eligible for state boards, it might seem like an uphill battle preparing for your state boards, and it probably seems even more challenging to land your first job in esthetics. Don't let the insurmountable details overwhelm your drive to be an esthetician. Take baby steps. Focus on the here and now. If you have a test tomorrow, and a project due next week keep your focus on those tasks right now. There is plenty of time to think about state boards and job searches. If you want to get through the program think tiny baby steps, everything comes in due time. Nothing worth anything was ever easy...there is always work involved, but that work doesn't have to be achieved all in one day. Look at the parts not the whole, and your dream of achieving that esthetics license and new career will certainly come your way.

Projecting a Professional Look: 3 Types of Estheticians

Professional Minimalist

One of the biggest complaints I hear spa employers complain about is the lack of professionalism, and while that encompasses many things, one of the biggest complaints is the unprofessional look of many estheticians. When you are in the beauty industry you need to look your best, whether that be with make-up or without. I have come up with three esthetician looks:

(1) Rock & Roll-uses their face as a creative canvas--this is still professional with an eccentric flare--perfect, nothing wrong with it at all (unless you work in a super conservative environment).
(2) Minimalist-uses little to no make-up, but still looks well kept and clean.This is another great professional look.
(3) Unkept Mess-must not look in the mirror before meeting with first client. Hair is frazzled and/or pulled back in an unkept bun, make-up is either non-existent and their skin NEEDS make-up, and uniform is not well kept. Too much perfume, smoking residue, etc.

Minimalist-Clean & Polished

Rock & Roll Esthetician-Funky and still professional

Let's strive for the Rock & Roll or Minimalist look and steer clear of the Unkept Mess! Remember, none of us are perfect, we all have bad hair and skin days, but it is the esthetician who cares and tries to keep herself (or himself) well groomed that makes a professional statement to both employers and their clients. You are selling HEALTH primarily and BEAUTY secondly so you need to appear to be healthy. Be a good role model to your clients. 



Esthetics: Melasma Cures

       I am hesitant to use the word "cure" in the same sentence as "melasma." The reason being is that I don't know of any absolute cures for melasma. There are many products on the market that can reduce the visibility of melasma--my favorite is Obagi, which has to be purchased through a doctor. It is a full skin care system, but my favorite product is Obagi Clear. It seems to gradually smooth away the dark spots.
       Another favorite, more expensive option is laser photo facials. I have had a 50/50 shot with laser success. At one doctor's office I saw minimal results at best, at another doctor's office I literally saw my skin get darker, crispy and finally those dark spots shriveled up and fell off to leave me with fresh, new skin.
     In my opinion, the best way to eradicate melasma is by doing this tri-combination plan: sunscreen, laser, and a skin systems like Obagi. This is going to give you the best results. Some people recommend microdermabrasion, I can't say that I have personally had any success on my own skin or client's skin with microdermabrasion, but that doesn't mean it doesn't add benefits.
    Many skin care companies advertise that they have high concentrations of  hydroquinone (skin bleaching agent) in their products, but I can tell you in this lifetime I have wasted lots of money on junk products that lack the effectiveness needed to combat those brown spots.
  So what should you recommend for your clients? It all depends on the severity of the melasma, but I think a three pronged approach is best: Sun Care, esthetics, and dermatological care. Your clients need to be vigilant about using sunscreen and hats because they are already susceptible to melasma, secondly they need to get regular facials and use at-home skin care, and thirdly they need to work in collaboration with a dermatologist.

Esthetics: Why You Need to Know about Melasma

My first experience with melasma unfortunately was too close to home, it was not a client suffering with melasma, but me. This is one of the most horrific and difficult skin conditions to eradicate. It is not easy dealing with melasma. Generally, the rule of thumb is that melasma is brought on by poor sun care. People assume that people with melasma are sun worshippers, which is not entirely true at all. In fact, many people with melasma have darker skin pigments to begin with, while I am caucasian, I have a lot of brown pigment in my skin. I can literally walk outside and turn brown in a few minutes, and I rarely burn. Before you say, "Wow, you are lucky you tan so easily" give me a second to tell you that tanning easily is both a blessing and a curse.
Sure, I tan without a drop of tanning oil, but I tan in places I don't want to tan, even with sunblock. My face polka dots up with Girl Scout brown spots on my face that I feel like Spot the Dog...it might be cute on a 6  year-old with buck teeth, but it is hardly cute on a grown woman. My first bout with these brown polka dots came on in full blast when I was pregnant with my first child, it is what we call a "pregnancy mask," and while it did fade some after I gave birth, those brown dots remained on my face like a souvenir of those long nine months.  I learned later that I have a thyroid autoimmune disorder which wreaks havoc on my entire system and creates definite hormonal fluctuations which lends itself to melasma.

If you are a new esthetician, please learn everything you can about this condition before you just label your client as sun goddess. Here are some of the causes of melasma:

(1) Pregnancy (sometimes temporary melasmas)
(2) Sun (this is the one most often to blame)
(3) Hormonal Fluctuations
(4) acne scars
(5) certain medications
(6) genetic predisposition

Esthetics: Zap that Acne!

When you think of acne, you might conjure up images of a pimply faced teenage kid working behind the counter at a fast food joint, but the truth is that acne can strike anyone at any age. Teenagers, pregnant and hormonal ladies, and even middle aged people can be inflicted with active acne. As a new esthetician, how do you treat these special clients? Start with a lot of sympathy and compassion because if you have ever had an outbreak of acne you know you just want to run for cover, the last thing you want is for the world to see your red, inflammed skin! So, be kind, be patient and help your client zap zits.

(1) Use high quality acne reducing products ( I love Image Clear Cell Medicated) & recommend your client uses it at home, on as needed basis. Not a good idea to use these products on surrounding skin that is not afflicted with acne...it can cause irritation to stable skin.
(2) Electric Facials
(3) Clay Masks ( I love Bioelements-this dries out those pesky zits!)
(4) Microdermabrasion (manual or organic)-sand blast those clogged pores! If you do organic ( I highly recommend Eminence Pear Microderm)
(5) Vitamin C is another great anti-inflammation product.
(6) Any product containing oatmeal will also help with inflammation.