Beauty School Series: Life Lessons

Sometimes you go through things in life not because you want to but because you have to.  They mold you into the person you need to become.  My almost 6 months in school for Esthetics taught me so much.  It also helped  me open up more, broaden my dreams and open up about my real feelings.

I graduated years ago with a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, but wasn't really excited as I took the classes or even when I graduated.  One of the most exciting things about my college years was pledging my sorority and the friends I met along the way.  There never was a true passion for computers, it was more about making money and taking a traditional job.



Looking at my Linkedin page I noticed that one of the jobs I have held the longest has been makeup/skincare related.  It is one of the lowest paying jobs I have held but it is connected to what I am passionate about.  It made since to broaden my horizons with an Esthetics License.

When I started Esthetics school I was so excited for my first day.  It was even exciting to go over information I already knew, such as makeup, just to get a different perspective.  Working at a counter allows me to work on all ages compared to doing fashion and editorial shoots.  School also allowed me to work on different ages regarding makeup and skincare.  Learning how to do facials and waxing opened up other opportunities to me and increased my love of skincare.  

Spa room/My Happy Place

My first two months were mainly comprised of learning in the classroom.  No hands on with clients was allowed at that point.  My teacher taught up the basic facial, waxing, makeup, and individual lashes and then we practiced on our mannequins and each other.  As we moved closer to our minimum hours to get in the actual spa room with clients we also learned body wraps and more advance facial techniques, etc.  

That first 2 months showed me I am more than just a makeup artist!  It also showed me I was still a great student.  

Skincare: Know Your Type...Are You Using The Right Products!

Hey Divas,

Skincare is very important and high on my list of things to do for my clients.  I currently am not a licensed esthetician but plan to be one day.  I have the books the schools use, have read them and currently plan to save funds for my esthetics's education. That is how important skincare is to me.

Many times people think the makeup they are using is causing their skin to break out, make them too oily or too dry.  The truth is that many times it is the skin care products we use that cause these issues and what we put in our bodies.  Drinking plenty of water helps, but also using the right products for your skin type helps also.


There are various skin types, Dry, Combination, Oily, Acne Prone, etc. and you have to know how to treat the different types. Clinique is one of those brands that does their best to educate clients on skincare.  They were started in 1968 by dermatologists.  Their main focus still is skincare.  

My regiment: Oily Liquid and Travel Soap, #3 Clarifying Lotion
and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel(DDMG)

I have been using their 3-Step System for over 6 months and have noticed a difference in my skin. I use 3 because I am combination oily.  I love the products because they work great, are 100% fragrance free and allergy tested. 

The system is numbered from 1-4(1 for the driest skin and 4 for the oiliest). The numbers and types are printed on all the products to make it easier to know what to use.  Not knowing your skin type and using the wrong products can make your skin dryer or oilier than it is normally.  You should use what works best for your skin and not others.   

Clinique also has an iPad app in a majority of stores and online to assist with skin typing. Along with Clinique hired and constantly trained Consultants/Beauty Advisers this is a great tool.               


Check out various brands and sites such as Clinique and many others to see what they have to offer and how to learn your skin type.  Knowing your skin type leads to using the right products for your skin.  

XOXOX
BCB

Makeup/Skincare Mondays Basics Series: Winter Lipcare

During the winter time I noticed my lips are more prone to being dry, flaky and cracking.  This is due to dry heat, cold wind and a busy schedule. I normally keep 3-5 lip products in my purse at a time.  During the winter time I keep at least one thick/sticky gloss and/or lip butter in my purse and at my desk to keep my lips protected all day.  Thick/sticky gloss works great for me year round because it last longer and it more moisturizing to me.  I know some people hate the sticky lip feel but I love the fact that they last longer and I don't have to apply any gloss, etc. to my lips alot during the day.  I prefer lippies in the pot like MAC Tendertones, The Body Shop lip butters, and Rosebud Lip Balm.  They work great and I carry a covered  lip brush so that I am not dipping my fingers in the pots.  I also try to exfoliate 1-2 times a week with Lush Sweet Lips or Bubble Gum Lip Scrubs.  They are great scrubs, tasty and natural.

I probably should wear scarves more often to cover my lips and cheeks when out in the cold wind.  When I do, I prefer to wash my scarves at least every week or maximum of two weeks to keep the germs and dirt away from my face.         

Makeup/Skincare Mondays Basics Series: Office/Purse supplies

I apologize for being a day late.  Too many jobs, but trying to do more on the blog this year.  Today I want to talk about supplies to keep on hand at your work desk, in your purse and even in your car for the winter time.  I carry hand sanitizer in my purse and keep one handy on my desk at all times.  So many germs are being passed around these days.  I also carry a small kit that contains lotion, pressed powder, gloss and/or lip balm, and mascara.  I always keep a container of hand lotion in my desk also.  In this weather the skin dries out so fast and even though I wear gloves my hands tend to get dry every few hours.  I also sometimes use the lotion on my face if I do not have a facial moisturizer on me.

I sometimes will throw in a few travel eye brushes and a quad or trio of shadows if I forget to do my eye makeup before I leave the house.  This especially occurs on days when the weather and roads are bad and in Michigan the roads can get very bad and travel time can double.  Today the roads were ok but the parking lot and walkways were icy.  Being at work on time is more important than makeup so I will do it after I get to work or before I leave work if I have an event after work hours.  I also keep makeup books in my bag and on my desk in case the weather is too bad to go out to lunch so I can catch up on my lunch time reading.  Things I may add in the future are face charts, and a palette or two to create some looks.  You never know if you may get stuck at work or have to stay overnight in a hotel due to the roads are too bad to travel on and it never hurts to have some things to do. 

As far as in my car, I normally just keep lotion, sun block and hand sanitizer due to low temperatures can damage some products.