Makeup is a billion-dollar industry, so it should come as no surprise that many spas are cashing in on this opportunity by expanding their menus and product lines to include makeup. However, for professionals without a background in makeup artistry, such an addition may seem daunting. Not knowing where to begin, many give up on trying, missing out on the profitable expansion into makeup altogether.
However, those first few steps into a colorful, new horizon do not have to be big. In fact, simple makeup additions to retail, or as add-ons to current services, like facials or eyebrow treatments, can be a good place to start for professionals who are ready to venture out and see their businesses grow. Here are three easy makeup products to add to a current menu or retail counter.
PRESSED OR LOOSE MINERAL POWDER
Providing a makeup-free, flawless finish while educating clients on the importance of minimizing harmful ingredients can be achieved through the addition of a pressed or loose mineral powder. Many retail lines use talc (known to dehydrate the skin), bismuth oxychloride (known to cause mild irritation), or other filler ingredients to bulk up products, so avoid these ingredients when selecting a product line. Instead, look for anti-inflammatory ingredients, like green tea, aloe, and vitamin E, which can be soothing to the skin without combating clients’ homecare regimens or treatment plans. Pressed mineral powders are ideal for clients who want medium-to-full coverage, while loose powders offer sheer-to-medium coverage and smooth skin tone.
NUDE BRONZER OR PALE BLUSH
Depending on the client’s skin tone, adding a touch of warmth to the cheeks, forehead, eyelids, or chin could provide a finished look, leaving a natural, healthy glow. For example, a peachy blush works well for fair-to-medium skin tones. A well-chosen blush collection and a sheer, buildable bronze tone are great tools to have on hand for finishing a service or recommending a service-complimenting product.
LIP GLOSS
Many professional brands have begun adding moisturizing ingredients to their lip gloss formulations such as shea butter, mango butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. These types of lip glosses provide a soothing treatment with a touch of color, and are perfect for use alone or over a client’s favorite lipstick. This type of product is a great end-of-service add-on or retail item.
These three makeup musts can be used to complete clients’ services in 60 seconds or less. Not only do they provide the additional opportunity to share ingredient knowledge that can boost a client’s treatment plan goals, but they are also three retail items that do not take up a lot of space but still increase profits. Additionally, these enhancements do not require a certification as a makeup artist, so any professional can use them. Whether it is with these three tools or other simple makeup products, incorporating a few, easy makeup products into the spa is a great way to boost revenue and test the waters for further makeup expansion in the future.
Richard Merrill-Rivas is a 15+ year beauty industry professional and educator, award winning licensed aesthetician, makeup artist, and a certified holistic health coach in the state of California. He is passionate about training and mentoring professionals in the spa industry and this motivated him to develop partnerships with leading industry associations such as the National Aesthetic Spa Network to support professionals in acquiring affordable continuing education for rewarding and successful careers. richardmerrill.net