beauty trends

  • How to achieve Glass Skin?

    How to achieve Glass Skin?

    Glass skin is everywhere right now as clients seek to achieve a fresh, ‘better than natural’ aesthetic. The glass skin trend evolved in the K-beauty scene deriving from Korea. It refers to skin that is smooth, flawless and luminous with a sheen that literally resembles glass. The look is achieved through a skincare regime that prioritises intense hydration, exfoliation, and nourishment to create a radiant, pore-less finish that appears as refined and reflective as glass. Many people opt to go make up free once they have achieve the glass skin look for their skin to help maintain the clarity of their skin. Note that creating the full translucence and refinement of the skin this look requires, also requires clients to be healthy from within both in their water intake, diet and lifestyle choices. Now let’s look at how to begin achieving this look…

    Step 1: identifying your skin type and condition

    This is vital to ensuring the products you are using will meet the needs of your skin. Skin can only be perfected when the products used remedy the concerns or provide the support the skin requires to look and feel its best. For example if you have dehydrated skin, this is down to a lack of water but this can cause the skin to overproduce sebum to compensate so understanding this will help you pick products with the right formulation and active ingredients to effectively hydrate your skin,

    Step 2: Cleansing

    You want to be using a cleanser formulated for your skin type. Oil or gel cleansers work well as part of a glass skin regime as they effectively remove environmental pollutants from the pores but donโ€™t strip the skinโ€™s natural oils when used daily. A double cleanse (cleansing your face twice) works best for thoroughly cleaning the skin. For your second cleanse, a foaming cleanser such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser works well.

    Step 3: Exfoliation

    Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and blockages from the pores, revealing the newer, more radiant skin cells beneath. This also allows moisturising products to be better absorbed. To avoid irritation or creating tightness in the skin, it is recommended to exfoliate only once or twice per week. Use a gentle chemical exfoliator such as Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad.

    Step 4: Use a Toner

    Toners help to reduce pore size, restore the pH (acid mantle) of the skin after cleansing to avoid irritation or tightness of the skin. They also help further products such as serums to be better absorbed. Avoid toners containing alcohol or witch hazel to avoid drying out the skin, which is the opposite of what the glass facial seeks to achieve.

    Step 5: Try an Essence

    Essence products are water-based products that add moisture to the skin. They are becoming popular with the K-beauty trendsetters as they deliver potent ingredients to the skin for anti aging, hydrating, healing and soothing properties that make them suitable for almost all skin types. One product well recommended is Then I Met You The Giving Essence.

    Step 6: Hydrate with Serums

    This step is about applying serums tailored to your specific skin needs to actively improve the skinโ€™s condition and appearance through greater hydration. Serums containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid will all be effectively absorbed by skin that has now been thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated. Some products have been formulated to combine the most useful active ingredients such as Peach & Lilyโ€™s Glass Skin Refining Serum which is great for oily or acne prone skin, whereas The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a natural oil that is greater for drier skin types.

    Step 7: Lock in moisture with a moisturiser with SPF

    Seal in the benefits of your chosen serum or oil, using a high quality moisturiser. One product highly recommended for glass skin results is Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser as it is quickly absorbed into skin but leaves it feeling supple without any sticky or oily residue. Moisturisers which contain SPF benefits are great as an all-rounder to also help protect skin from the effects of sun damage, otherwise be sure to apply an SPF with a protection factor of 15 or above at least once daily.

    Step 8: Weekly Maintenance with Masks

    Once a week you want to use an exfoliating mask such as one formulated with 10% glycolic acid and around 1% salicylic acid. Alternatively a clay mask works well to deeply cleanse the skin. This works well for those prone to oilier skin or blemishes, but is equally kind to dry or sensitive skin to shed dead skin cells and keep the skin feeling smooth. Youโ€™ll also want to follow this with a once weekly hydrating face sheet mask such as Original Glow Sheet Mask is great to leave skin feeling plumped, fresh and radiant.

    Natural steps to achieve glass skin from the inside out include:

    • Avoid excessive sun exposure.
    • Eat blueberries which are high in anthocyanins which are high in antioxidants and avocados which are high in oleic acid which are a healthy fat that helps fight inflammation. Eating cold water fish such as salmon or tuna which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for maintaining healthy skin.
    • Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking and environmental pollution will also help keep skin looking its best.
    • Regular sleep is essential for skin renewal and avoiding dull skin or dark circles undereye.

    Learn the essential skills to work in skincare, providing therapeutic treatments to your clients (and earning up to ยฃ100 per treatment) with our Accredited Coursesโ€ฆ

  • Top Nail Trends for 2021

    Top Nail Trends for 2021

    The catwalks may have been digital this autumn, but the trends for spring 2021 are out including all the latest predictions for top nail trends for next year. Get ahead with practising your nail art skills and updating the polish shades within your kit, ready to promote your nail services as one step ahead of other nail techs and set your work apart from the competition. Eye catching nail polish shades and distinctive nail art can be real conversation starters and get word of mouth out about your work so don’t miss out…

    Nail Shapes

    • Short, natural nails โ€“ there has been a shift following lockdown towards more natural, lower maintenance nail lengths and we expect to see this continue into 2021.
    • For those nail extension fans, fashion is moving away from the almond and pointy shapes of 2020 towards stronger, squarer styles. Think squared off ballerina nails, squoval or straight up square for a more modern look.

    Nail Colours & Nail Art

    • The metallic trend remains strong with silver nails created using matte finish polishes, quick dip and glitter infused acrylic powders and pressed glitters for everything from shimmer to high shine chrome finishes that will certainly be popular into the festive period and beyond.
    • Bubblegum pink is set to be HUGE in 2021, better yet if matched to pink lipstick of a co-ordinating bold statement.
    • Emerald green, especially when combined with graduated glitter or contrasting metallics like copper or rose gold will be everywhere in spring.
    • Vibrant shades of blue from royal blue to pastel blues.
    • Matching your nail shade to your face mask has also been an emerging trend that may continue into early 2021.
    • Natural nudes from beige to barely there pinks. The classic french tip over clear polish is also another more natural look growing in popularity. Negative space florals over nude shades or clear polish will also be another big look for Spring 2021.
    • Dark brown shades, especially when combined with tortoiseshell or cow print nail art will be a popular look for Autumn/Winter 2020 and into next year. Animal print in general will also be making a return to favour with leopard prints being a strong contender on nails.
    • Punk inspired looks from dark black and purple hues will be appearing towards Christmas and into the New Year. Overlaid with chunky crystal embellishments or gold leaf foil over a dark polish will be a key look. Monochrome will also do well over the next 6 months with black and white, nudes and silver touches expected to be in demand.
    • Geometric nail art continues to be a popular style with everything from patterns on just the tips to a โ€˜featureโ€™ ring finger alongside neutral shades. Think linear designs in bold colours against softer, muted or pastel shades.
    • Quirky takes on classic French from a rainbow collection of pastel shades on nail tips only to glitter fades from free edge to centre of the nails. French will be back in a big way so now is a great time to start revisiting your skills in creating crisp smile lines.

    Instagram inspired Nail Art for the braveโ€ฆ

    • Seashell nails as inspired by LA based nail artist Bana have been a huge hit on Insta. The look appears complicated but is actually very simple to create and certainly a talking point design for more open minded clients.
    • Rainbow nails with a plethora of colour or โ€˜anything goesโ€™ nail art that is different on every nail will be very popular with celebrities into the Summer 2021.
    • Inspired by famous nail artist Unistella, instagram is on fire with crochet nails โ€“ crocheted designs from flowers to stars are adhered to the nail for an โ€˜out thereโ€™ nail look that is not for the faint hearted.

    Products emergingโ€ฆ

    • Quick nail systems like quick dip powders and gel polish will be huge in 2021 as more clients seek faster appointments that are easier to wear and care for than traditional nail extensions.
    • 17-Free products will also become much more readily available and sought after as more clients become conscious of the products they are using on their nails and seek healthier options.
    • Vegan friendly products will also grow in popularity in 2021 as more clients seek more ethical and conscious product choices.

    Need to update your nail skills? Explore our Accredited Classroom based & Online Courses to get savvy and all set to take 2021 by stormโ€ฆ

  • How to choose which beauty treatments to learn?

    How to choose which beauty treatments to learn?

    We get so many calls from prospective students excited at the idea of jumping into a new career in beauty but totally unsure where to start – which treatments should they learn and which to offer first? Our wonderful team of Course Advisors are all fully qualified, experienced beauty professionals and have experienced the beauty sector first hand whether that was previously through working in salons, running their own beauty businesses or as beauty training professionals so they certainly know a thing or two about what sells to clients, what is in demand right now and how best to get started. Our blog this week focuses on how to decide which beauty treatments to learn, based on what is most in-demand with beauty clients right now…

    The beauty market as it stands todayโ€ฆ

    Online demand for beauty products has surged in 2020 and Mintel predicts that value sales of beauty/grooming products through online sales will rise 24% to ยฃ1.9 billion in 2020. The beauty sector in general, has been predicted to grow by up to 21.1% up to 2022, thatโ€™s a huge number of beauty products being bought and treatments being delivered every single day and a huge amount of money being earnt by therapists all over the UK. With unprecented times seen in 2020 through the COVID pandemic and sadly some industries failing to bounce back, it is not surprising many people are looking for other career options and perhaps to follow long-held dreams of working in beauty.

    Technology has evolved massively within the last 5 years with aesthetics being one of the largest growing sectors and with money being tighter for many, clients are also keen on treatments that give long lasting or multi tasking results allowing them to save time or money in other areas of their beauty regimes such as tinting, lash lifting (in place of extensions), spray tanning and facials like microdermabrasion giving flawless results that help reduce the need for daily make up application.

    Lockdown also saw a huge number of clients getting into DIY beauty at home (and seeing some disasters unfortunately) that made them both appreciate the benefits of a professional but the perks of mobile treatments, with many clients still not feeling fully comfortable returning to salons as yet despite Covid-secure measures. This is great news for those starting out, helping to keep overheads down on premises or renting a room, mobile working also allows you to have flexible working hours or maximise your earnings working just part time around other employment.

    The sectors of beautyโ€ฆ

    Beauty can be broken down into reasonably separate treatment sectors:

    • Massage & holistic therapy
    • Skincare & aesthetics
    • Make up artistry
    • Nail technician services
    • Lash & brow services
    • Other general beauty (hair removal, spray tanning etc.)

    Most beauty therapists will specialise in one or two of these areas of beauty, possibly offering the odd add-on treatment as demanded by their unique client base so picking the sector which most sparks your passion is the best starting point. Think about treatments you regularly receive already or beauty products that you canโ€™t live without โ€“ bring this passion into your work and share it with others, all while earning a living.

    Consider the optionsโ€ฆ

    Think about how you want to train โ€“ do you prefer the idea of face to face courses, is that practical for you in terms of travel, childcare, work shifts etc.? We offer courses 6 days a week across 10 centres so there is likely to be training dates that work for you. These courses are fast track, typically delivered in 1 day so ideal for those who work long hours where longer term study may be tricky. Prefer to take more time over your learning, studying online at your own pace? It might be that our accredited online courses or Virtual Academy training is better suited to your needs โ€“ no attendance of the centre is required for these so they are great for those with caring commitments or who live too far from a centre. Our online courses are also budget friendly and accessible, starting at just ยฃ99 each. Classroom courses start from only ยฃ129.

    Think about what is popular in your area โ€“ are there already a huge amount of lash technicians operating in your local area? Maybe you live round the corner from 2 or 3 nail bars. Remember there will always be business for a highly trained technician and other businesses simply signify there is demand but take your competition into consideration when deciding which treatments you start out with learning. Also think about your start-up costs in terms of kit and marketing. Online marketing through social media is free beyond your time and often very effective. A website is also a great investment, even just a free website building platform to get you started with an online presence. Youโ€™ll also need to think about where youโ€™ll work. Do you have a spare room at home or are you going to work mobile in which case youโ€™ll need a reliable car? Factor in any considerations like getting agreement from your landlord to work from home if renting or adding on use for work purposes on your car insurance policy.

    Start realistically โ€“ book courses to learn one treatment you will specialise in to begin with or consider a package of suitable linked treatments that will allow you to offer popular treatment packages to clients to boost your earnings. Our Multi Buy Course Packages have all been carefully selected as treatments that work well as a business start-up opportunity and save you money on training in the long run also, versus booking each course individually. Remember we offer payment options to help spread the cost, including 0% credit through PayPal Credit on balances over ยฃ99.

    Top treatments for 2020/2021:

    • Multi tasking treatments that deliver long lasting results that help your client cut down on additional product costs or treatments e.g. lash lift and tinting versus eyelash extensions, microdermabrasion and spray tanning to save on daily make up application, brow lamination and tinting over more expensive long-term treatments like microblading.
    • At home โ€˜spaโ€™ pampering such as holistic massage therapies and luxury pedicures. Lots of people have had a difficult year and might not feel safe returning to salons or spas. Many are also put off the idea of gift vouchers at the moment due to lots of businesses folding in these difficult times taking the go-to spa voucher gift for Christmas off the list so now is a great time to advertise in your local area for your mobile holistic treatments to get the bookings rolling in.
    • Make up and hair up services โ€“ with wedding numbers capped, many are finding their wedding budget stretches slightly further to include a professional make up artist or to have more pre-wedding pampering. Take advantage of this as wedding bookings increase in 2021 and donโ€™t forget to promote these services to ensure you get advance bookings. If make up is your passion, donโ€™t be put off learning these skills because of the current restrictions on gatherings, now is a great time to train so that you are ready to take advantage of pre-bookings for 2021/2022 as the industry will soon bounce back in abundance.
    • Nail services that promote natural nail care such as gel polish or fibreglass and quick dip powder overlays to help strengthen natural nails, give long lasting colour and cut out the cost of nail extension maintenance. Typically overlay treatments like gel polish can last up to 3 weeks and usually attract a lower cost per service for clients than ongoing nail extension infills, removals and full sets. More clients are also feeling the rewarding benefits of having long, strong nails of their own rather than plastic tips, having got used to nail self-care during lockdown.
    • Facial skincare and aesthetics are only going to grow in popularity lead by celebrity trends for clear, flawless and minimal make up perfection. Everyone wants to look fresh and youthful and facial skincare is certainly moving with the times. To pursue training in more advanced aesthetics, a VTCT Level 2 and/or 3 in Facial Skincare or Beauty Therapy are usually the pre-requirements and there has never been a better time to start learning to enable you to progress into these advanced skincare careers.

    Still unsure what training option is best for you? Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss our courses further and get answers to any questions you may have that are stopping you from taking the first step towards your new careerโ€ฆ.

  • Browse the options… Which brow service is best?

    Browse the options… Which brow service is best?

    With so many new brow treatments launching, it is easy to fall behind in knowing the differences and how best to market your brow services to clients. Our blog this week focuses on whether to highly define or laminate brows…

    What are Highly Defined Brows?

    Highly defined brows is a treatment involving multiple steps to ensure the optimum brow reshaping and redefining. Starting with a thorough consultation and brow measuring, brows are darkened using brow tinting. Brows are then reshaped using a combination of brow trimming, waxing, threading and use of tweezers. Finally brows are finished using mineral brow make up products to give the perfect finish. Typically highly defined brows leaves brows thinner, with a greater arch and more defined shape and also darker to ensure they really frame the eyes.

    What are Laminated Brows?

    Laminated brows is all about restoring brows which have previously been poorly reshaped, over plucked or simply where the client wants a fuller, more natural brow look. Brows are brushed into shape by encouraging the existing brow hairs to sit upwards to create a fuller look. Products very similar to those used for lash lift, are then applied to the brow hairs to lift and then set the brow hairs into line and shape to help restore a fuller, natural appearance to the brows. Brows can also be tinted as part of the process to give more definition. The treatment encourages clients to make use of brow products such as castor oil following treatment to encourage the brows to naturally begin enhanced regrowth, particularly where overplucked previously to give more improved appearance over time.

    Our quick table below outlines which treatment is best for which clients or desired resultsโ€ฆ

    Highly Defined Brows

    • Removes unwanted, stray hairs to give a better shape and greater definition
    • Involves use of brow waxing, threading, trimming and tweezers
    • Brows are tinted to give a darker, more defined look
    • Usually brows appear thinner, reshaped with an improved arch
    • Clients are encouraged to have regular treatments to maintain defined look

    OR

    Brow Lamination

    • Involves working with the existing brow hairs, taking away only minimal stray hairs
    • Involves use of techniques to brush hairs up then lift and set in place with products similar to those for lash lifting
    • Brows are tinted to give a darker but more natural look
    • Usually brows appear fuller, reshaped to give a restored, more youthful natural look
    • Clients are encouraged to use brow oils beyond treatment to stimulate regrowth of hairs

    Not trained to offer both of these incredible, lucrative brow services yet? Take a look at our fast track courses and start earning up to ยฃ45 per treatmentโ€ฆ