We put together a list of four books that every serious cosmetologist should have on their shelves. Not only can these books be page after page of beneficial information, they can be used as a reference guide for both beginners and experts or provide inspiration when you need it most. In the world of cosmetology, these 4 cosmetology books stand out as must-reads.
The first cosmetology book is Milady’s latest textbook. Ok, obvious, I know. But hear me out. Since 1938, the Milady textbook has been one of the leading resources for cosmetology schools. Throughout the years, the Milady textbook has updated and reinvented itself with information regarding the latest trends in the industry. But the book also still includes timeless information regarding makeup application and other basic procedures. As of 2012, the book has updated the infection control section, as well as new procedures and a step-by-step guide for left-handed individuals. It’s so thorough and up-to-date, you really should try to always have the latest edition on-hand.
Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa is another book that every cosmetologist should read. Whether you are looking into opening your own spa, or you are interested in advancing your salon and spa management skills, this book covers it all – from choosing a venue to open your salon to planning for the future growth of your business. Even if you don’t have the entrepreneurial spirit and you just are or want to be a leading stylist at your salon, this cosmetology book is a must-read. The book features information regarding prices, marketing and establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with vendors, and so much more.
It’s not all manuals when it comes to books about cosmetology. If you are interested in an inspirational story about the amazing adventure of a woman who went to Afghanistan shortly after the fall of the Taliban in 2001 to teach women cosmetology, check out Kabul Beauty School. She was there with a group offering humanitarian aid. Unlike many of the doctors and nurses she was participating with, Deborah did not have nearly as much to offer, or so she thought. However, this mother and hairdresser learned that she had a talent for befriending individuals throughout the community. It was not long until she started showing off her talents, and the citizens became interested in her craft. Two years later in 2003, she opened up the Kabul Beauty School, which empowered women to take charge and thought them how to do makeup and hair. The story even included how the Afghan women in troubled marriages inspired her to leave her own unhealthy marriage.
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro is an excellent book for cosmetologists. Bobbi Brown, (no, not Whitney Houston’s daughter), has 25 years experience in the field, and she is dishing out the information. She provides an informative guide that includes information on makeup techniques like eyeliner, blush and bronzer and other special techniques to create a flawless makeup look. She also supplies readers with bonus information regarding skin care and foot care. There is even a special section dedicated to breaking into the industry and how to work with celebrities!
So whether you’re looking for a graduation gift for your favorite cosmetology school graduate, or you’re just not sure what to buy your cosmetologist friend who has everything, or if you’re a cosmetologist yourself who wants to be the absolute best in the business – pick up these 4 books today!
Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by Heather No Comments
We joined professional makeup artist Mandy McKenna at The Last Tangle Salon to put together this tutorial for you about how to do a 1940s pinup makeup look! The look includes the lightly shadowed eye, cat eye eyeliner and of course ruby red lipstick! This video covers the vintage pinup makeup look, and then shows the final product at the very end. The video is a little long, but trust me – you’ll want to watch it start to finish. The professional makeup artist gives tons of valuable insider tips and advice you won’t want to miss! I also ask Mandy about her experience in cosmetology school and her career as a makeup artist, and she has tons of valuable information to share.
If you like what you see here and you’re interested in becoming a makeup artist, look for makeup schools near you.
Here’s the final look!
“How to Do a 1940s Pinup Makeup Look Tutorial” Video Transcript
Heather/Beauty Schools Directory: Hey there, this is Heather with Beauty Schools Directory. I’m at The Last Tangle Salon in Overland Park, Kansas. We’re going to go in and talk to some of their very talented hairstylists and makeup artists about doing a pinup hairstyle, as well as pinup makeup for the vintage holiday party tonight. We’ll ask them a little bit about how they got into beauty and cosmetology, and see what interesting tips and advice they can offer us. So come on in!
Heather: We’re inside The Last Tangle Salon in Overland Park, Kansas and we’re going to meet our makeup artist of the day. Would you like to introduce yourself and tell us who you are?
Mandy McKenna/Makeup Artist at The Last Tangle Salon: I’m Mandy McKenna, and I’m a hair and makeup artist here at The Last Tangle Salon.
Heather: And what are we doing today Mandy?
Mandy: We are going to give you a nice 1940s pinup makeup look.
Heather: And what is all this over here?
Mandy: Well these are my brushes. You gotta have a good eyeliner brush because they really concentrate on the cat eye eyeliner. It’s very important to have that, and a nice contouring brush, too. Though it doesn’t look like they wore a lot of eye shadow, it’s mainly contouring with nude looks.
Heather: So is this your standard kit? You have this on you at all times? This is what you use?
Mandy: Yes, this is for the salon, then I have a kit for on-location.
Heather: What’s the makeup style you tend to do most often?
Mandy: The smokey eye. Everyone wants the smokey eye!
Heather: So what do you say we get started?
Mandy: Sure, grab a seat!
Heather: What just happened there?
Mandy: That’s just alcohol. We like to be nice and sanitary. Any time you see me spraying this I’m just sanitizing.
Mandy: Because I can’t put liquid foundation over powder, it’ll get cakey. I’m actually a MAC Artist, MAC Cosmetics. I’ve been doing that since 2008.
Heather: About 3-4 years now?
Mandy: Yeah.
Heather: Have you been doing makeup for just the three years, or did you do makeup even before you got into cosmetology schools?
Mandy: Well I’ve been an artist my whole life, so it kinds of coincides.
Heather: An artist like paintings and other creative stuff?
Mandy: Yeah, I like watercolors and charcoals.
Heather: So is that how you knew you wanted to be a makeup artist?
Mandy: No, I actually wanted to be a vet.
Heather: Really? What happened? What changed?
Mandy: I don’t like needles or blood, so that was the realization I came to. And I actually have my degree in computers.
Heather: Interesting – what a strange place to end up then! So what happened or changed that made you want to go to cosmetology school instead?
Mandy: I ran a salon for three years when I was in college, and I just really liked watching him. He was a world renowned hairdresser. He’s actually a judge of competitions internationally and he trains the U.S. Olympic Hair Team. So it was fun watching him create things and he was just very inspiring. And there was another lady who worked there who was a Miss Missouri Pageant Consultant for 12 years, so it’s just fun to watch people create. People always feel a lot better going out than coming in.
Heather: So that’s probably why you stick around? It makes people feel good?
Mandy: Yeah.
Heather: So do you feel makeup allows you to be as creative as you are as an artist already?
Mandy: Yeah, actually this weekend Jen (the owner) and I did a creative thing. It was like Carnivale and the masks. So she did some crazy hair and I actually created with makeup masks on the face. Ok, this is an eye primer, for the eye shadow. You want a nice primer to give you a nice base since there are a lot of blood vessels and stuff throughout the eye, and the skin is very thin there, so you want to camouflage all that with a nice primer. You can see the difference.
Heather: When you do event makeup do you typically do makeup first and hair second?
Mandy: It really depends. It depends because I do their hair, too, but it depends on what they’re doing with their hair. I do spray tanning, lash extensions – I do it all.
Heather: How long did it take you to finish cosmetology school?
Mandy: About a year and a half, because I actually worked while I was going, too. I worked 30 or so hours a week. Usually it will take a year if you’re not working, too. cosmetology school is basically worknig but not getting paid, because you’re behind the chair, but you’re only getting tips.
Heather: Or if you’re a makeup artist you’re in front of the chair!
Mandy: So we’re going to do a nice neutral eye, with this kind of vanilla color. I’m going to put this all over your lid. And that’s going to create a base for your eye shadow.
Heather: I have blue eyes, so she’s going to do an orange.
Mandy: I’m going to do an orange undertone, so it’s going to make her eyes even more blue. Yeah, it looks gorgeous right now. [Laughs] Kind of dust the brush off and we’re going to blend it.
Heather: I heard that blending is the most important thing you can learn as a makeup artist . Is that true?
Mandy: Yeah, it is. It’s very important. I’m blending that on the outer corner and the inner corner. For the ’40s makeup they really had a highlight over the middle of the eye. And then blend it in the crease.
Heather: I’m the worst client ever, I’m opening my eyes half the time. I want to see!
Mandy: Dab a little here, a little there. And just to show you the color I’m using, it’s this color right here (a bronze orange hue)
Posted on: October 26th, 2011 by Becca No Comments
We know, we know – if you want to rock out the trendiest Halloween costume for 2011, there’s only one way to go: zombie.
Once upon a time, chatter about zombie apocalypses was relegated to the true fanatics, but now – thanks to The Walking Dead and a resurgence of zombie flicks like The Crazies – everyone’s got the rotting undead on their braaaaaiiins.
And who doesn’t love a good zombie costume, right? It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it embraces some of the best parts of the Halloween holiday – the scary, the gross, and the muddied line between dead and alive.
Still, there’s one big part of the costume that you need to tackle: zombie makeup. If you’re looking for zombie Halloween makeup tutorials, you’re sure to find quite a few, from the straightforward to the seriously ick-inducing.
Our favorite is xteeener’s zombie makeup tutorial in association with MonsterBuster Entertainment, which walks a fine line between “I guess you’re kind of dead” and “Oh god, ew – I can’t even look at you.” Bonus points because her zombie makeup addresses other places than just the face.
How do you like your zombie makeup? Gross and gooey? Or a little more newly dead?
Posted on: October 19th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment
Sure, if you’re looking for scary Halloween makeup, you can go traditional. A little white paint, some red trailing from the lips for a sexy vampire costume. Or go for the gore with zombie makeup, which is huge this year.
If you want our opinion, though, you can tow the line between pretty and scary with Halloween makeup ideas that are off the beaten path. Our favorite: the creepy psycho doll. And no one is rocking it better than Siobhan in her tutorial above.
Not only is the video itself a lot easier to watch than most (bonus for her awesome accent!), but the look is eye-catching and distinctive. Pair it with a twee babydoll dress, ripped stockings and Mary Jane-style shoes for a unique Halloween costume that’s sure to stand out at a party.
It’s time to break out of the box a little? What are your favorite unique Halloween makeup ideas? Or who’s rocking the traditionals looks in brand-new inventive ways?
Posted on: August 31st, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
BeautySchoolsDirectory.com was asked to be featured again on KCTV5, this time concerning the largest hair craze – Feather Hair Extensions. Just as exciting as the first, the BSD team met at Xenon International Academy in Olathe, KS where one of their stylists spoke on the fascination of the feather trend and demonstrated how simple it is to apply.
Carisa Gaul, a local Kansas City resident also spoke out on her love for the trend. Gaul created the website, getfeatherhairextensions.com, as a way to have full access to the product herself and help spread fashionable looks.
Posted on: August 25th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
Get feather hair extensions! Yes, we’re telling you to, but what we are really talking about is the fashionable business exec, Carisa Gaul, creator of the website getfeatherhairextensions.com. Originally launching the website due to the inability to find a website to purchase her own pair, Gaul decided to just do it her way – creating a website that was never sold out!
Tell us about the time you purchased your very first pair of feather hair extensions.
My first purchase was actually a bulk order of 100 feathers. I started off just wanting a pair of feathers for my hair for a Jimmy Buffett concert, but after shopping online trying to find the best deal, I was noticing a lot of websites were sold out. Which also was why I wanted to start a website.
What made you decide to start a website on feather hair extensions?
A couple of friends and I were going to be attending a Jimmy Buffett concert and after seeing them on YouTube I knew I wanted to have them for that concert. Salons weren’t selling them in Kansas City yet so I was going to have to purchase the feather hair extensions online and install them myself. I was noticing a lot of websites were sold out. I decided I wanted to have a site that didn’t “sell out” of feather extensions and cater to the Midwest.
How long did it take you to start seeing success?
Almost instantly! I bought the domain in April and built it from ground up in two days and bought my first 100 feathers. On April 7, I had my first sale of Blue Feather Hair Extensions. By April 24, I had to buy more feathers because I only had a couple left.
What has been your greatest moment during the whole process so far?
My greatest moment would be after getting so many inquiries about people wanting to buy feathers in bulk, deciding to put the option up with prices on the website and getting that first 50 feather bulk order.
I would also say another moment that I get to enjoy almost daily is seeing girls with feathers in their hair. Just knowing that I’m supporting the trend and people can find them on my website without the words “sold out” or “out of stock”. I’ve maintained low prices from day one and haven’t raised the price even though demand has got increasingly higher. I think that this helps with sales as it can help generate word-of-mouth because not only are they in stock, but they are some of the best prices out there.
Do you consider yourself a feather lady aka frequent wearer of feather hair extensions?
I was wearing the feathers for about 2 months. Then when I had to take them out to reposition them back up my hair shaft, closer to my scalp, I didn’t put them back in. I still love the look of them and might put mine back in this fall.
For a beginner looking to purchase feather hair extensions, how difficult are they to attach to the hair?
Very Easy! The most difficult part is holding the feathers in place while you are trying to clamp down on the micro link with pliers. It’s sometimes easier if you can have three hands, but it’s not necessary. We supply everything with your order from our site, expect for the pliers.
Steven Tyler is certainly not shy about his love for feather extensions. Do you think this trend is a fashion do or don’t for men?
Personally, I think it’s a don’t for men. Steven Tyler can certainly pull them off, but he has a unique style about him. My boyfriend, and business partner, wore feathers in his hair to the Jimmy Buffett concert, and I think they’re fine for an event but not really an everyday thing. However, some men are very fashion forward and I’m happy to help them find the best feathers for their hair!
What would you tell other women looking to start a website on the next big fashion trend?
If you really put your heart into it and keep focused on what your main goal is, you’ll have success. Also, don’t listen to other people that don’t think “it’s the thing to do” because in the end, they will be coming back to you saying, ‘Wow I really like this’. I had this happen to me. I told my family about the feathers and one of my very-fashion-forward sisters thought it was a stupid idea. I was hurt by it and it prevented me from buying the feathers for a couple weeks. After keeping my eye on the market I knew I wanted to move forward with it. She now sees feathers in girl’s hair and tells me, and supports me by passing the website information along.
So what’s next for getfeatherhairextensions.com? GetFeatherHairExtensions.com has started to add new products like Feather Earrings for people that don’t want the commitment of feather extensions, but still love the look. We also are looking into adding synthetic feather extensions, clip-in feathers, peacock feather extensions, and hair tinsel. We’ve also thought about putting a fashion line on our website for things such as: rings, bracelets, headbands, earrings, etc.
Posted on: April 19th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
Mysocialbeauty.com is a beauty social networking site that allows cosmetology students throughout the world to connect, learn from each other, and network with other cosmetology educators and professionals. Working with many cosmetology students, we found this site to be a great social networking tool as they enter and go through the beauty industry.
Posted on: February 17th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
A post by Charlotte Willer, Maybelline New York’s Global Makeup Artist, reporting from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.
“The inspiration for the beauty look at Betsey Johnson is Betsey herself,” says Maybelline New York Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer. “It’s a flirt look, full of pizzazz and spunk. But it’s quite mysterious at the same time. Ultimately, it’s a spin of Betsey’s exuberant personality – mixed with the rebellious roaring 20’s.”
Get The LOOK: Fit me! Foundation: Charlotte applied foundation to the skin using her hands. She blended it into the face and neck for seamless coverage.
Fit Me! Pressed Power:The lightweight powder was dusted across the forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin for a natural finish.
Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow (New for Fall 2011): To achieve an intense smokey eye, Charlotte layered two midnight blue eyeshadow shades onto the lids and extended up to the brown bone. A vivid shimmery gold shade was then applied to the inner corners of the eye, for a dramatic and eye-enhancing touch.
Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner (New for Fall 2011): To add even more drama and definition, Charlotte linked the upper and lower lids with this deep gel eyeliner.
Volumin’ Express The Falsies Mascara: Dramatic lashes were created with two coats of this volumizing mascara, for a show stopping look.
Color Sensational Lipcolor (New for Fall 2011) Red Haute: A bold, vivacious red lip brought an artfully chic balance to the face. Charlotte applied the flaming hot shade with a lip b rush for striking definition that could be seen a mile away.
Posted on: January 4th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
To kickoff the New Year, Beautyschool.com is holding a Top Beauty Blog Contest. Bloggers work hard perfecting their beauty blogs and Beautyschool.com wants to award beauty bloggers for having great blogs and contributing to the social realm of beauty. So how does it work?
Fill out the entry form and tell them about your blog. That’s it!
Entering your beauty blog makes you eligible to win the Ultimate Beauty Giveaway Basket, which includes Barelle Cosmetics Model’s Professional Makeup Kit valued at $125, along with other fab (and free) beauty prizes such as a beauty pack from Motives cosmetics, a skincare set from Decleor, beauty essentials from Rimmel London, eye must-haves from Beautisol and Virginia Alexander’s 5 Minute Makeover DVD on creating a professional and evening look. Not to mention, a Top Beauty Blog badge to post on your blog page, and a featured post on Beautyschool.com and Mysocialbeauty.com’s “Top Beauty Blogs to Follow in 2011” list.
Posted on: February 23rd, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments
Everyone knows that beauty bloggers are making their mark on the web and the beauty industry, but did you know that video bloggers (also known as vloggers) are making a big splash, too? With websites like YouTube and My Social Beauty making it super easy to post beauty tutorials to the web, beauty aficionado’s are posting videos in droves and becoming beauty industry stars!
Lauren Luke
Last year UK beauty vlogger Lauren Luke launched her own cosmetics line, By Lauren Luke. The line was picked up by beauty giant Sephora, and is sold at over 135 Sephora stores. Not too shabby, huh? If that wasn’t enough, Luke also released a beauty book in the UK and has her own Nintendo DS video game!
Michelle Phan
Recently, 22-year-old beauty vlogger Michelle Phan was named Video Makeup Artist for prestige beauty brand Lancôme. With over 500,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, Phan will produce one video per month using only Lancôme products, according to WWD.
These beauty vloggers, and others like them, are making the beauty industry take notice of their influence on consumers. Luke and Phan are examples of vloggers who have parlayed their influence into bonafide businesses and beauty careers. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your webcam and post a beauty tutorial!
Interview with Kathy Jager - Cosmetology Author It takes more than just being great at cutting hair to be a huge success in the beauty business. It takes top notch client consultation, relentless marketing, a growing and steady clientele, professionalism and poise, and much more. We interviewed author Kathy Jager, who has more than 30 years of experience in the beauty business, about what it takes to really make it in the cosmetology business.
Interview with Meg Haas - Blowdry Bar Owner Blow Dry Bars are the hottest new beauty salon on the scene, and one has opened up in the heart of Kansas City. No cutting and coloring here, though – it’s all about hair design and styling! Parlor is Kansas City’s first blow-dry and cosmetic bar. We checked in with Meg Haas, the owner of Parlor, a “beauty bar” located on the Kansas City Plaza to find out more about what a blowdry bar is, what kinds of clients they serve and services they perform, and what she looks for in blow dry bar employees as a salon owner.
Interview with Brenda Corona - Scholarship Winner It was an incredibly special moment when the Beauty Schools Directory team was able to surprise Brenda Corona from Las Vegas, Nevada on Skype with a $2,500 scholarship for esthetics school. We would like to thank every single applicant who told us their story and applied for the scholarship to pursue their dreams and attend a beauty school or cosmetology school, and everyone who had a hand in making this scholarship possible. Congratulations, Brenda! We are so excited for you!
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