Beauty School Directory Blog

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Are you wasting your beauty school education?

Posted on: April 29th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 13 Comments

shara-stevenson-esthetician-manicuristShara Stevenson is licensed esthetician and manicurist. She is also a marketing professional with a Bachelors of Arts from Georgia State University. Shara is passionate about multicultural beauty, fashion, market trends and branding. Follow Shara on Twitter @hellobeauty.

You purchased your kit, bought your uniform, and you’re officially enrolled in beauty school. That was the easy part. What you do next will determine whether you become a beauty school superstar, ready to conquer the world of beauty and esthetics, or, if you become just another person that went to beauty school and got their license but did nothing with it. You make the choice. Here’s how to make the most out of your beauty education.

Take Your Investment Seriously
You’ve invested the money in your beauty school education, so take it seriously.  Study your Milady book and take the practice tests. Participate in class discussions, and stay on top of industry trends by subscribing to publications like LaunchPad, Nail Pro, DaySpa, and Beauty Fashion. Memorizing theory is important, but it’s more essential that you can explain it. Many times students fall into the habit of treating cosmetology school like high school for adults. Instead of practicing hair cutting techniques, they’re gossiping with classmates. If beauty school becomes a chore, then reevaluate why you enrolled, and decide whether or not you want to continue your education. The amount of material that you need to cover can seem overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged! Don’t be the next beauty school dropout. Put your blinders on, stay focused, and keep unnecessary distractions at bay. You’ll thank yourself once you’ve completed your required hours.

Practice Makes Perfect
Okay, so your first five sets of acrylic nails popped off. The first time you did a perm it didn’t come out right. And, you haven’t quite perfected the effleurage facial movement. Now what? Keep practicing! The great thing about beauty school is that you’re not expected to be a shear genius overnight. Cosmetology school is structured to provide you with the foundation you need to perform basic services, and to equip you with information you need to pass state cosmetology licensing examinations. What you do with the training you receive is up to you. One way to get ahead is to practice, practice, practice.

Here are a few ways to sharpen your hands-on cosmetology skills:
-    Swap services with other students
-    Volunteer your services to community and nonprofit organizations
-    Offer services to your friends and relatives

Treat Yourself like a Business
Even though you’re a student, you are preparing yourself for a career in business so adapt the mindset of a businessperson. One of the most important things a business can do is maintain a consistent image. This is called “branding.” It sets you apart from competitors, defines what you stand for, and offers a way for customers to identify with your brand. If you’re studying to become a hairstylist, nail tech or makeup artist, would someone be able to tell by how you dress, and groom yourself? You say want to be the next hairstylist to the stars, but your hair is always messy. If you want to be taken seriously, then you need to become a representation of what you’re selling. Brand yourself. This means your clothing, hairstyle and color, and even your nails should reflect your beauty education and skills. It’s essential that your image is representative of your profession, and your target audience.

Take advantage of networking opportunities. Don’t wait until you graduate to attend trade shows and industry events. Research upcoming shows in your area and mark your calendar. Don’t have the money to attend? No problem. Most trade shows offer discounted rates to students. Another way to become acquainted with the industry is to contact other professionals that have become successful. You’ll be surprised how many beauty pros are willingly to give you advice, or even refer you for a position at a salon.

So Make the Most of Your Beauty School Education!

The statistics don’t lie. The increase in enrollment in beauty schools not only represents a need for people to diversify their skill sets, but it’s also a reflection of the growing billion dollar beauty, health and wellness industries. A career in beauty is a great way to take your passion for makeup, hair or nails to the next level. Study hard, be passionate about your goals, and position yourself as the next professional that sets trends, and becomes the voice of a booming industry.

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How much is too much?

Posted on: March 11th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

Some companies have gone to the ends of the earth to seek out the miracle ingredient that can help anyone with enough cash turn back the hands of time.

Do you want softer, smoother, more supple skin? It’s going to cost you. It costs $230 to purchase just 2 oz of Crème De La Mer. Why is it so expensive? It probably has something to do with one of its main ingredients: a rare sea kelp that is harvested twice a year and transported back to the lab on ice. However, according to its creator, Dr. Max Huber, it’s not the fancy ingredients that make this skin miracle happen – it’s the way they are distilled. The fermentation process, which takes three to four months, includes harnessing the powers of both light and sound.

Think that’s expensive? Compared to Switzerland’s La Prairie, it’s a steal! A few of La Prairie’s products also purport to harness the miracles of the deep. Ingredients like sea water and caviar in products sporting $500 price tags have people asking why eat this appetizer when I can put it on my face?

This company doesn’t just rely on the treasures found under the sea. When it comes to beauty, La Prairie leaves no stone unturned. Just 1.7 ounces of Cellular Cream Platinum Rare costs $1,000 thanks to its star ingredient – you guessed it: platinum. Rarer than gold, platinum’s unique ability to bond with the human face insures ageless performance by protecting your skin’s DNA. Its most expensive product boasts an even heftier price tag: $2,000. Although caviar is included, the limited edition Jeweled Skin Caviar Luxe Cream is probably so expensive thanks to its packaging. This refillable jeweled jar features 2,400 Crystallized Swarovski elements and targets the makeup jar collector audience.

Do They Really Work?

Although many people have seen results from these products, there isn’t an unbiased consensus among the scientific community on whether they’re worth it. In fact, most experts say that maintaining a youthful glow has less to do with spending exorbitant amounts of cash, and more to do with taking care of yourself. So, protect yourself from the sun, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet rich in omega threes, exercise regularly, and of course, avoid smoke at all costs.

Want to see more outrageously priced products?

Forbes Magazine published a list of the 14 most expensive skin products it could find. Here’s a list of more really expensive skin serums and wrinkle solutions:

1. RéVive Intensité Volumizing Serum
Price: $600 per oz.
Star ingredient: Keratinocyte growth factor.

2. Sisley-Paris Sisleya Elixer
Price: $582 per oz.
Star ingredient: Extract of weeping willow.

3. Clé De Peau Beauté La Crème
Price: $475 for 1 oz.
Star ingredient: Actually comes with a silver spoon.

4. Dermagenetics DNA Test & Custom Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
Price: $400 per oz.
Star ingredient: Your DNA. After your genetic propensity for wrinkling is tested, you receive a customized night cream.

5. Natura Bissé Inhibit-Dermafill
Price: $385 per oz.
Star ingredient: Octapeptide and black pepper extract.

6. Kanebo Sensai Ex La Crème
Price: $368 per oz.
Star ingredient: Extract of apricot kernels.

7. Dermalab Swissline Cell Shock 50% Pure Cellular Extract
Price: $331 per oz.
Star ingredient: Pure cellular extract.

8. Darphin Replenishing Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Price: $310 per oz.
Star ingredient: Iris isoflavones and essence of mamaku.

9. Valmont L ‘Elixir des Glaciers
Price: $288 per oz.
Star ingredient: Extract of coneflower, sea buckthorn and rosa moschata.

10. N.V. Perricone M.D. Neuropeptide Facial Conformer
Price: $285 per oz.
Star ingredient: Peptides and neuropeptides.

11. Orlane Hypnotherapy
Price: $277 per oz.
Star ingredient: Red tocol arctic cranberry.

12. AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Crème
Price: $235 per oz.
Star ingredient: Green tea.

13. Guerlain Sérénissima
Price: $210 per oz.
Star ingredient: Patented H-Captine Complex.

14: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Eye Crème
Price: $100 per oz.
Star ingredient: Crushed South Sea pearls.
So, how much is too much?

How much would you pay for these top-of-the-line cosmetic products? Do you know of any that accomplish the same goals with a much smaller price tag?

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Winter Hair Can Be Beautiful, Too!

Posted on: February 25th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Has your hair been experiencing some of winter’s harsh punishments lately, too? Static electricity, breakage, dullness – sound familiar? These can all be symptoms of the winter hair blues.

But don’t fret! There are ways to dig your lovely hair back out of the snowdrifts, even during the depths of winter. Whether you are on the receiving end of the winter blues or you are a professional hairstylist trying to help your clients get their winter hair in check, check out some of these tips based on expert hairstylists’ recommendations:

Get a Trim
Dryness begins at the hair’s ends, so regular haircuts can keep the dryness in check. Many stylists recommend scheduling a cut every eight weeks to trim off the dead weight.

Condition, Condition, Condition!
It’s no secret that many of us would have trouble functioning normally without some of those heated styling tools – I’m talking about blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. But all this heat can do a number on unprotected hair. A light application of a heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner before you blow-dry, straighten or curl can shield your hair from the heat and prevent damage.

Give a Deep-Therapy Masque a Try
A weekly deep-therapy hair masque treatment can be the perfect way to pamper your hair, especially in the winter. Beauty supply retailers have a number of hair masque brands and formulas from which you can choose.

Eat Right
It turns out that what you put into your body can affect your hair’s appearance and strength. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help your hair look its best. Low-carb diets are especially notorious for contributing to dried-out tresses. So if you’re following a strict diet to drop a few pounds, you may need to add vitamins or supplements to your routine.

Even though you may not be able to control the weather, you can control its effects on your hair. Do you have any other tips for keeping hair beautiful all winter long? Share the wealth!

When Good Makeup Goes Bad

Posted on: February 18th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Think your favorite shade of eye shadow will be good to you forever? Think again. Even good makeup can go bad. For all you makeup lovers and aspiring makeup artists out there, your makeup has a shelf life that shouldn’t be ignored! Expired makeup can be a hotbed for nasty bacteria that can irritate your skin and give you red, itchy eyes. It’s not a pretty sight, and probably won’t inspire your clients to keep coming back!

Cosmetic companies are not required to put expiration dates on products, so it can be easy to hold on to makeup long after it should have been trashed. But, try to avoid the temptation to keep the old stuff. Whether you simply love beautifying with your all-original makeup routine or practice the art of applying makeup every day at makeup artist training school, skin health is not worth sacrificing to keep using that discontinued, delightful shade of red lipstick!

Now, not all makeup is created equal – some does last longer. But here’s a rough guideline for you to follow:

•    Blush – 2 years
•    Blush (cream) – 18 months
•    Concealer – 18 months
•    Eye shadow (cream) – 18 months
•    Eye shadow (powder) – 2 years
•    Eyeliner – 18 months
•    Eyeliner (liquid) – 6 months
•    Foundation (cream) – 18 months
•    Foundation (oil-free) – 1 year
•    Lip gloss – 2 years
•    Lip liner – 2 years
•    Lipstick – 2 years
•    Mascara – 3 months
•    Nail polish – 1 year
•    Powder – 2 years

And, one thing always trumps these rough makeup expiration dates. If your makeup changes color or starts to smell, make sure you pitch it immediately!

What about you? Do you throw away your makeup around its expiration date, or do you use it until it’s dried up and crusty?

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On the Hunt for the Best Mascara

Posted on: February 4th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

Like most women, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect mascara since I was, oh, about 13 years old. And, man, have I run the gamut! From drug store finds promising big bang for my bucks to the more expensive over-the-makeup-counter stuff, I think I’ve tried it all to get those luscious lashes I crave. Maybe some of you aspiring makeup artists attending makeup artist classes know the answer?

I’ve talked to my girlfriends about the latest products and I’ve talked to mom’s friends about the brands with staying power – still, this holy grail of makeup products has managed to elude me!

So, I recently decided to hit up the wonderful Web for more info. According to my research (which consisted of quite a fair amount of Googling) it seems that Lancome DEFINCILS is the celebrated champion. The overwhelming majority of sites lauded this mascara for having the best lengthening, volumizing and staying power around.

It comes in 4 shades: black; brown; deep brown and navy. And, it’s available at most makeup retail stores. The price of this perfection? A whopping $24. It seems a little pricey for something I have to restock every 3 months, but I’m thinking it could be worth it since mascara is my one must-wear product (if I don’t wear it, people ask me whether I’m tired or sick all day.)

When it came to less expensive mascaras, my research didn’t come up with an obvious winner. However, Maybelline Great Lash (the one that comes in the hot pink and neon green tube) and Cover Girl LashBlast both came up a bit more often than others.

So, it seems that the hunt for the perfect bargain mascara continues. In the meantime, I’m going to try Lancome DEFINCILS out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Mascara

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How to Keep Your Up Do From Becoming an Uh Oh

Posted on: January 28th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

What do most women want when it comes to big events? From homecoming, to prom to their wedding day, the inevitable answer is: FABULOUS hair. Of course, we usually want pretty dresses, amazing shoes and flawless makeup, too. But, without the perfect hair style to tie it all together, a great look can easily become a great big flop.

Want to know the secret to an amazing up do? You may be shocked at the answer. The key to creating a gorgeous up do is dirty hair. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the grubbier your hair is, the better it will hold in place. Ask the professionals who have attended hair design school! They’ll tell you.

Clean hair can actually be incredibly difficult to work with and usually requires the addition of LOADS of product. So, if you’re about to get your hair swept up and pinned down, make sure to stay clear of shampoo for at least 2 days before the big event to give your natural oils some time to build up.

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I’ll Wear My Pony Tails on the SIDE From Now On!

Posted on: October 23rd, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Female celebrities are all different. They all support different charities, they all wear different designers, they all wear a different size 2 … you get the point.

Even though these ladies all have carefully crafted, appealing persona’s, it seems that this year, there is one thing they can all get behind: side ponytails.

Everyone from Tyra to Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo has been spotted sporting these flashback-to-1984 hairdos. And, they aren’t just reserved for the mall these days; they’ve been the look of choice for the red carpet lately.

Me: Hollywood, can I say something? THANK YOU! Finally, a look that’s super easy to create and wear – even for someone like me who doesn’t have $700 to pay someone to put my hair up!

Hollywood: Shhh. You’re figuring out how to replicate our style. Now, we need you to be quiet so we can think of a new one.

I’m kidding! But, really, here’s a demo I found on you tube that shows you how to create the side pony Jennifer Garner wore on the red carpet. The guy giving it is kind of funny, but he shows you how to get the look in less than 10 minutes.

Deep Tissue Bodywork:

Posted on: October 3rd, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue bodywork is a general term for a range of therapies that work to “unstick” the body’s connective tissues and/or muscles to encourage them to function properly again. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This procedure releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue massage because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and is an advanced for of Swedish massage. The muscles are slowly warmed with regular massage before heavier pressure is applied. Deep tissue massage is not intended to be a relaxation massage, rather, it is often aimed for treatment of muscle injuries by increasing blood flow to the injured area. Deep tissue massage is also frequently used for the release of scar tissue.  Watch this video for good examples!

 

Don’t drink it. Bathe in it!

Posted on: September 25th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Wine – a great drink to share with family and friends.  Tea – pleasant hot or cold. Coffee – gets many of us going in the morning.  What else are they good for besides drinking you might ask?  Bathing in of course!

Spas across the world are turning common eats and drinks into must-have luxuries for pampering your skin. Check out where to find these borderline whacky spa treatments and the real benefits they could have for your skin.

Beverage bathing.  Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.
Pick from bathing in wine, green tea, or coffee at this Japanese spa.  The wine spa is said to rejuvenate your skin and body.  The green tea spa has powerful antioxidants good for the immune system and the skin. The coffee spa is supposed to awaken your senses and fight fatigue while making your skin more beautiful.

Corona beer face lift.  Esperanza Resort. 
A Corona face lift sounds a little suspicious being that most people don’t feel or look so amazing after a night with Coronas.  But at this Cabo San Lucas resort, a Corona face lift is said to leave you with refined pores, a glowing face and firm skin. 

Chocolate for your body.  The Hershey Hotel.
The final and most delectable of the spa treatments can be found at The Hershey Hotel.  At their spa you can choose from a chocolate bean polish, chocolate sugar scrub or a chocolate fondue wrap.  The fondue wrap revitalizes and nourishes the skin while relaxing the body.  I’ll go for any of the chocolate treatments, as long as their feeding me chocolate while wrapping me up in it, and I would be happy!

Here’s a blog post … that you probably want to read!

Posted on: August 15th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

A while back, we at Beautyschoolsdirectory.com posted about the wonders of mineral makeup . Have you tried it yet? If not … then today’s your lucky day!

Let us introduce you to the wonders of Everydayminerals.com . They’ve got a rainbow of colors to match your skin tone, and a variety of formulas to match your skin type. Their products are 100% all-natural and organic. Here are just a few of the ways they keep their products and company environmentally conscious:

• They package and ship their products in 90% recycled tissue paper.
• Their products are 100% biosafe.
• They provide free bicycles to their employees after 6 months of work.

Best of all? They offer a FREE sample makeup kit so you can test out which colors work best with your complexion! You get to select sample sizes of 3 Foundations, 1 Blush, and 1 Concealer and get them sent to your house – fast. All you have to do is pay a few dollars in shipping costs – mine were only $3.

Also? These “sample sizes” are pretty big! As someone who keeps up with the cosmetology industry, it would be a crime not to order your free samples. Let us know what you think!

Sephora.com, Inc.

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