Nardos Naturals: Grade A for Awesome Organic Skin Care Products

Nardos Naturals

For any esthetician that is in business for herself (or himself) picking the right skin care line can be one of the toughest choices out there. It is even tougher for organi -estheticians who want to maintain their all-natural and eco-friendly integrity. There are many product lines on the market today, and it is difficult to find a product line that is esthetician friendly, all natural and one that doesn't require an epic opening order while you grow your business in this less than optimal economy.

When I set out on a journey to find an organic product line for a specific client base, I was looking for something that was universal enough that I could use on the most sensitive skin (oncology patients) to the sweetest clients (children), and I found it a challenge to find a product line that served two very different purposes. I stumbled across Nardos Naturals.

Nardos Naturals, is the new kid on the block in the skin care industry, but they are definitely a force to be recokned with in the organic world of esthetics. They were on Shark Tank and other national television shows, and they are located in Florida. Nardos Naturals is owned by two brothers, Kyle and Danny who bend over backwards to help estheticians get started with their product line, and make the checkout smooth as possible (although I would like to see an online ordering feature for their estheticians).

Now, that I have had a chance to try my new Nardos Natural products I have to say I am IMPRESSED. I tend to snub organics because a lot of times they seem to be all sales hype and no real quality product behind the sales pitch, and their scents tend to be less than appealing, but I am very pleased with these products. One thing that stood out in this product line is the use of pumps, I like that they use pumps for two reasons: sanitation and product control.  (I will individually review all the products at the end of the page).

The two things that stood out the most to me in this product line are the unbelievably wonderful scents that come out of their products (my favs are the Pineapple & Blueberry Mask & Facial Moisturizer) and how supple my skin felt afterwards. Then you add to the fact that the product line is gluten free, paraben free, Peta Approved, hypoallergenic, and filled with antioxidants and they are esthetician (and even student-esthetician friendly) how could I not fall in love with this amazing skin care line?

The only things I would like to see from this skin care line, if it fits in their company philosphy, are products that contain clay, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to treat acne clients. Another product I would love to see them add to their skin care line is an exfoliant (besides the masks that act as a gentle exfoliant) with some time of scrub action like nuts, oatmeal or rice. I think many estheticians like to have an exfoliant choice for those clients who can handle a little more abrasion.

My new addiction is Nardos Naturals, if you are a student reader, and you want to expand your skin care line knowledge beyond what you are doing at school, give them a call today and ask for your "student rate" and enjoy the luxurious products. If you are an esthetician looking for a new organic line, this skin care newbie might be the perfect match!

REVIEW of Individual Products
Facial Cleanser-Contains charcoal and green tea. I love charcoal because it helps balance PH (Potential Hydrogen) and the green tea because it provides antioxidants. This cleanser has minimal scent, and it glides on smoothly and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.

Pineapple Fresh Masque-A delicious smelling mask evokes thoughts of Pina Coladas as I apply it to my face. It is soothing and calming.

Blueberry Hydration Mask-A cool, soft mask that has a wonderful, natural scent. My skin felt soft and calm follwing the removal of the mask.

Rosacea Care-I don't have Rosacea, but I wanted to try the product just to see how it felt on the skin. It is smooth and creamy, and there is a sweet scent that I can't place. Although I don't have Rosacea, it appeared to calm down my Melasma.

Facial Moisturizer-This is one of my favorites! It is a Pomegranate Jojoba & Lavendar moisturizer that does what a moisturizer should do--soften, hydrate, and protect the skin. The scent of this moisturizer is divine, and the softness and glow of my skin aftewards says it all.


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

Sneek a Peek Inside The International Dermal Institute Post Graduate Classes

Clinic Area

Work area

Instructor Area

The Dermalogica Products

For anyone who doesn't know about The International Dermal Institute come join me for a look inside this exciting and fun class! IDI as it is frequently called, was created by Jane Warwurd who started Dermalogia Skin back in the 80's. She was one of the first industry pioneers to change skin care products from over-the-counter products to professional grade products that truly help change the appearance of skin. This blog is not specially about Dermalogica the product line, but about what it is like to embark on the 3 day journey through the school.

This particular 3 day class cost me $318.75. The class runs from 10AM-5PM for the three days and students get roughly an hour for lunch and a morning and afternoon break. The skin care instructors have years of industry experience, and they are friendly and open to answering all questions.

At the first class, the instructor begins the class with a "meet and greet" type of ice breaker where she tells the class about herself, and then asks the class to go around and introduce themselves. Most of the students were recent graduates, or had only been in the industry for a short time. There were a couple cosmetologists as well who were transitioning from hair stylist to esthetician. When you arrive you will be greeted with a lovely green binder with copies of the topics discussed in the class and the IDI training video. There is a locker room available for you to change into your esthetics gown, and to keep your Styrofoam mannequin head. There is also a nice lounge for you to take your breaks in with cereal bars, water, coffee and hot tea.

While this class reviews a lot of basics, it is advisable that you already have a good deal of working knowledge of esthetics and you feel comfortable giving facials, and using equipment. Of course, it is always a little awkward using someone else's equipment, but it is fine once you figure out how to use theirs. (Note: Their equipment is very expensive, and they make it clear you need to be extremely careful in handling it). The teacher will talk about the different layers of skin and focuses on the different layers of the epidermis, she goes into the different types of skin conditions vs. skin issues, and discusses the best products for those clients. At this time, the teacher hands out both in class samples to try and take-home samples of Dermalogica products. During class, you will watch the Jane Warwurd IDI Techniques Video as you practice on each other. You might be a little sick of Jane W. at the end of this course.

The second day is the IDI's massage techniques day where you practice on each other again and pull the facial together with a 20 minute massage IDI style. The last day is a recap, test your skills day and a class lunch with the sales person from Dermalogica to tell you all about the Dermalogica Skin Care Line. While I like a lot of the IDI methodologies, I don't think I want to be an IDI robot and do exactly every protocol in my facials as they do. They are very specific in how you cleanse the skin, with exact finger movements that you have to memorize, and I don't want to be so stringent in my facial protocols.

The Dermalogica brand was used in our classes, but I don't feel like they pushed Dermalogica on us. In fact, we were not allowed to ask any questions about the brand during our regular classes because the instructor did not want to undermine the quality of our technique learning, and she respected that we all came in using different product lines. I had experience with Dermalogia prior to this course, and I can't say it is a favorite brand of mine, and taking this class only reconfirmed it still doesn't make my lists of favorites. However, I am not saying it isn't a good line, it just isn't for me. But the classes are definitely for me, I think they have a unique edge in the industry that they offer so many post graduate classes all over the U.S. and the world.

This class is highly professional, and it is a great class for anyone who wants to a refresher course, or that wants to learn the IDI's method. If you are planning on taking any of the IDI courses you must take this 3 day course first. I am not sure if I would have plopped down the couple hundred dollars for this course if it weren't a pre-req to the other courses. I think the subsequent courses are much more affordable and I wish IDI would consider reducing their 3 day rate because a lot of recent graduates can't afford that kind of money after paying for regular esthetics school.

Overall, I am glad that I took this class. I am appreciative that Jane Wurward decided to open a post graduate school to offer estheticians across the globe a chance to hone in on their skills and bring better results to their clients. I give this school an A+ for upscale post graduate classes and quality education!