Coco Chanel popularized tanning by visiting the south of France, only to return with a darker complexion. Before that, milky skin was the fashion. As aestheticians, our focus must be on the aging effects that the sun has on our clients’ skin. Today, we are using more aggressive products to exfoliate clients’ skin while working actively to help our clients with their anti-aging regimens. These regimens require extra sun protection measures. Our results-oriented focus provides great results, assuming we properly train our clients to protect their vulnerable skin from the sun. Read More

Cosmetics have been an integral part of human cultures for thousands of years, but today the cosmetics industry rakes in over 50 billion dollars each year.  The industry has undoubtedly come a long way from the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the most primitive forms of makeup.  Indeed, each year companies offer more scientifically advanced products due to developments in technology, ingredients, and formulas. It is important to understand the history of makeup to really be able to appreciate industry trends of today and the outlook for future trends. Read More

It is no secret the men’s grooming market is rapidly gaining market share. Men are becoming savvy consumers of skin care, seeking ways to look and feel better. According to research, and countless predictions, this trend is only going to gain momentum. Many men are already steadfast to their brands, but others have yet to venture out beyond hygiene products and drugstore brands; therefore, opportunity abounds. It will prove essential for skin care professionals to know which products appeal to men and which will solve specific skin challenges and improve their overall well-being. Read More

Cleansers are a staple of skin care. Yet, with multisyllabic ingredients and a multitude of choices on the market, the selection process is anything but easy. It is time to lather up and come clean with cleansers.Dating back to Ancient Babylon, the first skin cleansers consisted of plant extracts, including crushed seeds and fruit-derived oils, which were used in conjunction with scraping tools to remove surface dirt from skin. Many of these same natural plant extracts are used today to color, scent and protect skin. Some of the earliest crude forms of soap were made of goat’s tallow and wood ashes to which salt was added to harden the formulation. In the ruins of Pompeii, archeologists discovered a soap factory with bars as evidence of these early renditions. Read More

To many skin care professionals, makeup application represents a form of artistic expression. Working with various colors and textures to compliment and enhance a person’s overall appearance can be a rewarding experience for both the client and the professional. When applying makeup, each step is important to achieving a flawless appearance. Choosing the right foundation for your client is the initial step toward creating an even base. Used to eliminate wrinkles, fine lines or camouflage blemishes, makeup foundation sets the stage for the entire makeup application. It is important that skin care professionals choose the correct foundation based on the client’s skin type using a professional-grade product that will benefit the skin’s condition. Read More

Cellular buildup is a key culprit to premature aging, dehydration and acne breakouts, which is why skin exfoliation at home is an integral practice to maintain optimal skin health. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are widely used to exfoliate and smooth the skin, but can cause unwanted irritation and are not suitable for sensitive skin types. However, the use of enzymes can be ideal in achieving optimal cleansing and exfoliation of the skin. Enzymes are versatile agents that can be paired with an antioxidant, acid or added into a scrub, to effectively improve the appearance of the skin and help alleviate a variety of conditions. Read More

Hand and feet products are important to any business that wants to earn additional revenue. Our hands and feet are used on a daily basis, causing mild to extreme wear and tear on the skin. The skin on these two extremities may become rough, dry, cracked and could possibly suffer from eczema, psoriasis and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The misfortunate skin nuances on the hands and feet become fortunate to the business that chooses to sell the right products and treatments that can assist in the varying concerns of its patrons. Hand and feet products are an instant gratification to the client when applied on the skin. Whether these products hydrate, soothe or treat, clients can feel the difference immediately. Read More

The use of facial masks as part of the beauty regimen dates back to ancient Egypt and China when several notable historical women used clays and creams to help purify their skin and preserve a youthful appearance. These women set the tone for what would become an essential part of any good skin care regimen.Facial masks transcend generations since they can be used to clean up excess oil or acne conditions, maintain skin health, tone, tighten and brighten or simply provide some pampering time. Read More

It smirks, pouts, can be petulant, or even a subtle invitation to play. Our lips frame our teeth and next to the eyes, they are one of the most focused areas regarding what we deem beautiful.Currently Angelina Jolie is the standard bearer for lips. Thousands if not millions admire her lips and try desperately to imitate them. Her signature pout has been responsible for a dramatic increase in procedures to increase lip volume. As fashion continues to dictate, there is a vast array of products on the market that can help to enhance the lips in order to achieve the desired result. Whether the pigments are naturally or synthetically derived, there is a product for everyone. Read More

One of the most prevalent motivators among the massage, aesthetics and bodywork graduates I have met is the desire to work in an environment where they have the opportunity to heal others through touch. The art of healing requires more than a pair of skilled hands (or in the case of some modalities, feet). It actually starts the moment you have to decide which products you would like to use during your service. The right products can help turn a good spa service into a memorable experience for your clients. The key lies in knowing where to start. The best paint cannot cover a wrinkle or keep persistent shine away for long. Read More