Spa Find – Christmas Gift Set Review

SORRY THIS IS SO LATE !!! BEEN SO BUSY LATELY, BUT ENJOY THE POST,

Jess xx

If you guys check my Instagram  and/or Twitter I’m sure you have seen that I won an Instagram giveaway competition! Hosted by Spa Find all I had to do was like and comment on their post (seen below) and follow their account! Simple ! I didn’t think I’d win but I did. Instead of jumping straight into using the new products; I thought I’d review them for you.

But first of all a little bit about them; Spa Find uses dead sea minerals and organic plant extracts to offer a spa experience both in salons, spas, health clubs and at home. Spa Find do not test on animals and their products contain allergen free fragrance, no parabens, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or animal ingredients.

The brand believes that almost all skin conditions/ complaints are partly caused by the lack of a mineral or vitamin in the body. Any imbalances in these minerals/ vitamins can cause a variety of conditions and complaints within the human body.

Spa Find use seven main minerals in their products which helps to rebalance the body. MAGNESIUM is good for anti stress, POTASSIUM and SODIUM are purifying and rehydrating minerals. CALCIUM for its anti ageing benefits, BROMIDE for relaxation, SULPHUR for healing and IODINE for its detoxifying properties.

To find out more about Spa Find, their products, treatments and history click here.

To BUY their products click here or to FIND A STOCKIST near you click here.

Ok here we go……

The gift set that I chose is Amethyst ; their ultimate pamper collection, containing FIVE full size products and priced at £35 but would come to a grand total of £87 if you bought them individually!!! So really worth the money buying them in a gift set. And a really nice present to give for Christmas too (or treat yourself with!)

The gift set contains (pictured above, named left to right) ;

• Heavenly Hydration Foot Care Cream (100ml)
• Heavenly Hydration Mineralizing Body Lotion (400ml)
• Heavenly Hydration Dead Sea Bath Salts (1kg)
• Heavenly Hydration Mineralizing Bath Shower Gel (400ml)
• Heavenly Hydration Hand Care Cream (100ml)

All of the packaging, from the box it came in to the products themselves is beautiful and of high quality. The box for the gift set (pictured below) is a lovely deep purple with a gold peacock feather design; fitted with a black sleeve which details the products and on the back has a handy spa regime description of how to create the perfect spa pamper experience at home.

I have to say the packaging alone screams luxury to me and I have to say it looks nice in the bathroom, and the products leaves it smelling heavenly after use. To ensure a fair review I followed the regime (pictured above) once a week for two weeks. I also used the shower gel, body lotion, hand and foot creams every day.

Spa Regime

The spa regime was brilliant, after using the products individually it was great to be able to create a spa environment at home to pamper myself. Loved the fact that the products all have a similar smell, I would definitely recommend doing the spa regime, and using candles as well, very relaxing !

Heavenly Hydration Foot Care Cream

Wow! I love this foot cream, it’s a thicker consistency than the hand cream and smells more fruity and feels cooling on the skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky or slippery feeling so I could get dressed and walk on tiled floors straight away, with its mineral age nanoplex  it is a great anti aging product and promises youthful and baby soft feet which I can definitely agree with!

My feet have never felt or looked so soft! It’s deeply nourishing formula ensures to repair cracked heels and deodorises too! Plus you need the tiniest amounts as the product goes a long way! And at £19.36 (individual price) it is a higher end price but it works so I would definitely buy again!

Heavenly Hydration Mineralizing Body Lotion

OMG !! This is by far my favourite product in this set; I used one pump of lotion per limb (leg/ arm) and two pumps for stomach & chest/ and back. The lotion isn’t to heavy and smells divine! After working it in it dried within 30 seconds so I could easily put clothes on afterwards. It didn’t leave a sticky feeling and my sister commented on several different occasions that I smelt amazing! PLUS I had a client ask me what perfume I was wearing!! I had to tell her it was the body lotion as I hadn’t put perfume on that morning!

The smell isn’t strong or overpowering but quite subtle and you can smell it easily if you are close enough to someone. I think I can mainly smell the rose and Cameilia but my sister said it smelt of jasmine. Overall a really good product and for the individual price of £24.35 it is expensive so I think I would only purchase this in a gift/ or Christmas set.

Heavenly Hydration Dead Sea Bath Salts

First of all they are only £7.96 for a massive 1kg bag (individually priced) !!! These are amazing !!! It says two handfuls per bath on the bag for relaxation and toning purposes but I went for two heaped tea spoons and I have to say the bath smelt divine!

I love that it also gives you directions for concentrated use and for aching or cracked hand and feet. PLUS you can reheat the solution for hands/ feet for up to two weeks and use everyday which is ideal so you aren’t steaming through product everyday! The only con to this was finding somewhere to store and reheat the water but it did work really well!

The water goes sort of silky and softer but I have to say as part of the spa regime I loved this! I have also used them separately for hand/foot soaks and this just creates a spa like treatment at home. I usually soak them and then do a manicure/ pedicure as well as use the lotion and foot/hand cream to really deeply nourish my skin!

Really helped some small patches of eczema on my back and wrists after just one bath, and with using the body lotion and hand/foot creams I noticed a dramatic difference in my skin in a week!

So easy to use with a re-sealable pouch so no worries when it comes to spilling them. I would say that the bottom of the bath is slippery after use so if you are having a shower the following morning just give the bath a rinse down. Other than that a perfect price and product!

Heavenly Hydration Mineralizing Bath Shower Gel

OMG this smells amazing ! If you don’t believe me you just have to try this, foams up really well with little effort and water. I would say that it doesn’t smell like anything else I have used and this made it a very unique product to use in a daily routine. Lovely deep blue colour and actually nourishes skin instead of drying it out like your general soaps do, very refreshing scent. A bit expensive at £18.90 but worth the price as I still have over half a bottle left and its good for your skin !

Heavenly Hydration Hand Care Cream

Okay expensive at £17.00 but I am nowhere near half way through the tube, because of the richness of the product I haven’t needed to use as much as I normally would with a hand cream. I’ve generally been using about a five pence piece size whereas I would normally go for a ten pence piece. A MASSIVE PRO FOR ME it helped to combat my eczema that I get, soothed the general itchiness as well as helped the dry and flaky patches. PLUS anti aging benefits also. A good all-rounder.

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Overall great products from Spa Find, would definitely buy again for myself or as a gift for others. Would most likely buy the gifts sets as they save you so much money than buying them individually. I am looking forward to trying more of their products in the future.

I would definitely advise you to check out their instagram account (@spafind) as they host their FREEBIE FRIDAY competitions, you guessed it every Friday. Plus you can check out their amazing products and learn more about them as a brand. Don’t forget to check their website for more information and follow the links throughout this post direct to the products.

Finally I would like to finally say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Spa Find for gifting me this incredible gift set and for introducing me to a new product range !!!

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If you enjoyed this post then please follow me on my other social media sites;
Instagram: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist 
Twitter: @MLAJessTBT
Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post and on my other social media platforms or email me @ mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist@hotmail.com with ideas for new posts, requests, thoughts or questions !
J

 

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40 Beauty Questions!!!

I saw this on The Glam Surge blog (click here to read!) and found it really interesting so here is mine! I hope you enjoy! If you have any further questions please just comment below!

S K I N C A R E 

How many times do you wash your face a day? 

It depends. Always ONCE in the morning with Dermalogica’s Essential Cleansing Solution.

At night ONCE, if I haven’t got makeup on.

And anywhere up to THREE ‘cleanses’ if I am wearing makeup. One to break down the makeup using a oil to cleanse (I use Pre Cleanse Dermalogica). Two to remove makeup ( I use Special Cleansing Gel Dermalogica)  And three to ensure nothing is left behind and to replenish dry skin and maintain moisture levels (I use Essential Cleansing Solution Dermalogica) !

What skin type do you have? 

Typically it’s dry, I sometimes get eczema when I’m stressed. And at that time of the month I do get a bit of an oily T-Zone. .

What is your current facial wash?

My cleanser is Dermalogica’s  Pre Cleanse which breaks down makeup and Essential Cleansing Solution. (Click here to read about my current skincare routine!!!)

Do you exfoliate ?

Yes, once a week.

 What brand do you use?

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub.

What moisturiser do you use?

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

Do you have freckles?

Nope

Do you use eye cream?

Yes Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

Do you or did you have acne prone skin? 

As a teen I had regular teenage spots nothing as bad as diagnosed acne though, and now I get regular outbreaks around the time of my monthly cycle.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?

No but I used clearasil which is like the UK version. It doesn’t work, just dries your skin out more.
M A K E U P 

What foundation do you use? 
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer. In shade 0.5 Breeze.

How about concealer?

It’ll depend either No7 Match Made Concealer in shade Calico or Clinique Airbrush Concealer in shade Fair.

Do you know your undertone color? 

Cool !!! I’m basically transparent!

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

Look great but I haven’t got a good level of patience to apply them.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months? 
Yes! But who is going to spend £10+ on a mascara and throw it away after 3 months? We aren’t made of money! As long as you don’t share it, pump the bottle or use it after an eye infection your all good by my books. You’ll know if it’s off. If it goes really clumpy and it’s smell changes!

What brand of mascara do you use? 
No 7 Exceptional Definition

Sephora or MAC? 

Neither we don’t have Sephora in the uk. And I cannot stand the service you get in MAC !

Do you have a MAC Pro-card?

No

What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 

Not that many actually. A foundation brush (I love the Ciara Daly Hero Brush), multiple eye brushes, eyebrow comb, contour and cheek brushes.

Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Only if I wear eyeshadow

For the face? 

Yes ! Either Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer or Avon MagiX Prime and Set Spray !

What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?

Any from the Urban Decay Naked Palette

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 

Neither. Again I haven’t got the patience to master it. Plus I’m to much of a perfectionist to ever have it right!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? 

Never, but a mascara wand is a whole other story.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? 

I prefer set powders, pigment is just too messy.

Do you use mineral makeup? 

No but I used to!

What is your favourite lipstick? 

Don’t particularly use lipstick that often.

How about lipgloss? 

It’s Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in shade Orange Your Life !

What is your favourite blush to use?

It’s in a Sculpting Palette by Tropic Skincare in shade option Coral Blush.

Do you buy your makeup on eBay?

No!!! (You don’t know how long they’ve had it !! )

Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes.

Do you go to CCO’s? (Cosmetic Company Outlets)

No

Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?

I’m a beauty therapist but we only did a make up unit, nothing fancy. It consisted of applying green/ blue eyeshadow, applying mascara without poking your classmates eye out and wearing foundation two shades to dark. I’m naturally really pale so just imagine that !

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I’ve got it down to a fine art, but eyeliner and lipstick is a big no no for me !

Name a makeup crime that you hate. 

It’s got to be Oompa Loompa foundation!!!  When your face doesn’t match the shade of your neck!

Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

Neutrals are just right for me, the boldest I go for is gold (and that’s blended with the browns !) On other people though it looks great! I like to keep my make up ‘safe’.

Which celebrity always has great makeup? 

Adele, Jennifer Lawrence or Beyoncé !

If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use?

Foundation

Could you ever leave the house without makeup on?

I do it all the time and then regret it instantly when I see someone I know!! I’m not ashamed of my skin but makeup gives you confidence and a good skin day makes you shine!

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

From above the bridge of my nose yes, anything south of that is hit and miss!

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

Budget – Barry M / No7

Splurge – Clinique/ Urban Decay

What do you think of makeup? 

It’s something that I could live without if my skin was amazing, but I know it gives confidence to so many people and myself so I’ll keep buying it !

If you enjoyed this post then please follow me on my other social media sites;
Instagram: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist
Twitter: @MLAJessTBT
Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post and on my other social media platforms or email me @ mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist@hotmail.com with ideas for new posts, requests, thoughts or questions !
J   xx

My Skincare Routine

Hi guys ! Back again I see. So this week I’ll be talking about my skincare routine and what products I use.

If you haven’t read my skincare story click here and give that a read first. It explains a little bit of my history and how my skin has got to where it is today.

Sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin.

Okay so it might sound ridiculous but I kinda love cleansing my face! Especially to get rid of any makeup I’ve had on for the day. When I’ve been at work all day and listened to clients stories of their lives; some happy and some sad. It’s kind of a way for me to strip myself back and just become me again. The me when I’m not at work.

I mean I’ve had clients in for facials and they’ve broken down because a pet has died or a woman for a bikini wax whose sister is cheating on her boyfriend and she feels guilty for not telling him, but feels loyalty to her sister! I get told all sorts of things! I’m basically a therapist as well. Taking off my makeup is a way to remove all those things that I’ve had in some small way experienced with them.

The routine started off simple, but it’s evolved and grown from simply cleaning and moisturising.

My Daily Skincare Routine:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Moisturise
• Eye Cream

Both morning and night I follow this routine, I will generally use the same products each day but I will sometimes use samples that I have been given at work, or what I have gotten from magazines.

My Weekly Skincare Routine:

• Exfoliating once or twice a week depending on what my skin needs
• Use a mask to target different issues. I will multi-mask (use two or more masks at once to get the best results) if needed.

I ensure to remove dead skin cells at least once a week, if I didn’t I would basically be using my moisturiser for no reason. What is the point in moisturising already dry and dead skin cells when you can have fresh regenerated ones from underneath !

My Miscellaneous Skincare Routine:

• Have a facial at least once every 4 months (I basically do my own every day so I don’t need them as often, but I always recommend a facial every 4 -6 weeks to clients!)
• Clean my face sponges and replace regularly so that bacteria, dirt and makeup doesn’t build up over time (This can cause spots, eye infections etc.)
• Clean my make up brushes every day with a sanitising spray to prevent spot causing bacteria from building up on the brushes
• Deep clean make up brushes once a week to really get the ingrained make up and bacteria off them !

I do these ‘extra bits’ because it ensures that I keep my tools/equipment as sterile and as clean as possible, using dirty tools and make up applicators can make spots worse !

Now yes this may seem a lot, but it is truly worth it. My skin has never been as good as it is now and it also helps to plan for the future. After all the quicker you start to look after your skin the less wrinkles you’ll have when you get older, BONUS !!! (Check out this article if you don’t believe me!)

Our skin is the largest organ in the body; cleansing ensures that make up, dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria are removed. And when using certain products cleansing can also help to fight the first signs of ageing, adult acne, rosacea, redness and many more… It’s all about finding a routine that works for you.

I always try new products, mainly because its part of my job to know what’s on the market and what works and what doesn’t. But I love trying new things, especially if I find a new product that I simply cannot live without! But listed below are my staple products that I return to again and again.

My Holy Grail of Skincare Products:

• Eye Make-Up Remover Lotion – Boots Essentials (£1.50 each or 3 for £3.00 across the range)
• Pre Cleanse – Dermalogica (£34.35 for 150ml)
• Essential Cleansing Solution – Dermalogica (£49.00 for 500ml)
• Balancing Lavender Toner – Elemis (£22.50 for 200ml)
• Skin Prep Scrub – Dermalogica (£28.50 for 75ml)
• Skin Smoothing Cream – Dermalogica ( £47.70 for 100ml)
• Herbal Lavender Repair Mask – Elemis (£31.00)
• Radiance Face Mask – Balance Me (£18.00)

 

Check out Dermalogica here !

 Check out Elemis here !

Check out Boots here !

Check out Balance Me here !

YES I KNOW ITS AN EXPENSIVE HABIT !! (£210.05) But I did not start out on the higher end products, I started on Boots, then Simple etc. I worked my way up and found what worked for me and trust me it was worth the money (Plus I get 20% Dermalogica at work !), and they last for ever ! With the higher end more professional skincare brands a little product goes a long way. They roughly last me anywhere between 8-12 months !!! Plus I ask for a lot of this stuff for birthdays and Christmas so I wont be buying it constantly, the thing is I know it works, it works for me its worth the money !

Thanks for reading this far STAY TUNED next week for another post !

J

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If you enjoyed this post then please follow me on my other social media sites:

Instagram: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist

Twitter: @MLAJessTBT

Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post and on my other social media platforms or email me at: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist@hotmail.com with ideas for new posts, requests, thoughts or questions !

J

x

Tropic Skincare Party !

Hi all, I told you that I’d get something up on Thursday didn’t I?

Just last week my cousin hosted a Tropic Skincare Party and I thought i’d just give you a little write up about the experience I had.

But first of all…

 

At just fifteen Susan Ma (founder of Tropic)  was in her mother’s kitchen making the products and later selling them at Greenwich Market, London.

‘The Apprentice’ 2010 contestant then went on to prove her business to Lord Alan Sugar. She put forward her vision for a vegan friendly, all natural and cruelty free skincare and makeup brand and later became a 50/50 partner with Lord Alan Sugar! The company has grown from strength to strength and offers ‘pamper experiences’ at people’s homes. I’m imaging something like the Virgin Vie parties that used to happen (Is Virgin Vie still a thing?)
The range consists of makeup, skin and body care which all come with a 30 day money back guarantee – something not many beauty/skincare brands offer!

The Party Experience…

To start the night the host, let’s call her Sue* introduced herself and explained why she had started to host the Tropic parties. She was very bubbly and friendly and explained what products she would be talking through with us. She asked each of us our names and generally welcomed everyone to the evening.

She explained the history of the company which I had already looked at online. To begin she used my cousin to demo a mini facial on using the cleansing products from the range. Whilst doing this Sue* then went around the room with the product to each guest and applied a small trial amount to the back of our hands. This allowed us to feel and smell the products; as well as feel the benefits the products gave.

When smelling each of these products Sue* explained that different people will be able to smell different ingredients that the products have; from lemon, cherry, shea, cucumber and citrus there was always something each of us smelt differently. Being able to smell and feel the products before potentially buying them was a big plus for me!

Sue* went through each of the products she had in the collection from the foot spa to the deluxe collection to make up and body care; there was so much to look at, feel and smell !

At the end of the product demos and questions, Sue* then explained that there wasn’t any pressure to buy anything and that she was plenty happy that we had shared the experience with her.

Although Sue* was enthusiastic about the products I think she did need a little more training and background knowledge of the products and their ingredients. Instead of Sue* saying that the products had “really good things in them” it would have been more beneficial if she had known just a couple of the ingredients; this would have shown more knowledge and professionalism with the products.

Before we left we were advised that if we wanted to place an order that we would need to fill in a order form which Sue* helped us individually fill out. My cousin was the last to place her order; as the host she would get 15% of the final total sales to use against products for free!!! I do feel that this is the main lure and attraction of hosting a party to begin with as many people and clients I know are not aware of the amount of products that are not cruelty free.

 

I bought the body smooth refreshing polish (£24.00), sculpting palette in coral blush (£24.00) and the organic nail nectar (£8.00). I will be doing a review of these products in the coming weeks once I’ve had chance to use them. I would say that the price is mid range but for the quality and the cruelty free and vegan friendly products they are worth paying extra for if you want to support the ethics of the company.

Overall I think that the party was a good experience and I have mentioned the company to my family, friends and clients and they seemed interested. the ethics of the company is definitely  something that I will be looking out for in other companies and brands. It makes you so much more aware of what goes into skincare, body care and make up products.

STAY TUNED for a review of the products that I bought at the party within the coming weeks. And if you are interested in Tropic just click here and go visit their site !

If you enjoyed this post then please follow me on my other social media sites:

Instagram: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist

Twitter: @MLAJessTBT

Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post and my other social media platforms or email me at: mylifeasjessthebeautytherapist@hotmail.com with ideas for new posts, requests, thoughts or questions.

J

xx

*The name of the party host was changed for confidentiality purposes.

Back again?

Hi everyone, I’m back and now have the freedom to use this blog as a creative outlet.

Previously this blog was used as a means of assessment criteria for my HND course which I will now be graduating from in November 😊 !

I’ve had to wait for the examining board to mark everything so that explains the silence from me and the lack of posts; as of late.

I want to take this blog in a different route compared to your general beauty bloggers. Yes I might do certain posts like reviews or how to’s etc. But I want this blog to be more than that.

I’ve had some ideas of things to address from what to expect from a massage to how to act in a spa environment to Q&A’s on skincare and spa and many more…

If you have any suggestions for posts or any questions just comment below and I will get back to you ASAP !

Thanks

J

It’s nearly over…

This academic year is coming to an end and the end of this blog; I have completed many different tasks in order to complete my action plan however before the action plan I discounted some tasks from my SWOT analysis because of time and commitment restrictions these included:

• Completing the Dermalogica Training – Unfortunately I did not have the time to be able to complete this training due to work and university commitments; however once this academic year is finished I will be completing the training as I will have the time and resources to do so. I feel that when I have completed this training I will be able to offer a deeper breadth of knowledge to myself and therefore offer greater knowledge and expertise to my customers

• Completing Hot Stone Massage – Regrettably I also did not have the time to be able to attend a hot stone workshop at college. I did look into this option but again the sessions clashed with my work and other personal commitments ;  I will hopefully be able to attend these sessions when the new level 3’s start in September. I feel that if I can offer this treatment it will greatly improve my skills and offer new opportunities to my customers.

I believe that once I have completed these tasks I will overall be more knowledgeable and determined to succeed in other aspects of my career; gaining this experience is the first step to my progression in the beauty and spa industry.

Signing off…. J

xx

 

 

 

What I’ve accomplished this year…

Okay this year has been hard and challenging in places and I’m not just talking about academically im talking about my personal life to; but I  won’t bore you with those details (Plus there personal).

One of my favourite quotes is the one stated above from The Incredibles and in some situations its true like for personal things that can’t be changed but for academia it doesn’t apply. Reflection and development are the core to succeeding. By using an action plan for the year I have been able to focus on what my weaknesses are from the past and turn them into strengths.

 

Kolb’s Reflective Cycle (1984) has been of great help to me over the course of the year. I have been able to use it to determine what went wrong or well, what I learnt from the experience and then developing those skills further and reusing them more effectively.

Step 1 – Concrete Experience

This year has been tough definitely, but I have had many experiences that I have been able to develop my skills over. Take for example my blog post on the Indian Head Massage tutorial.

Step 2 – Reflective Observation

Once having an experience I wrote down what I think I did well and what I didn’t do so well. I then asked the people that were there if they had any other ideas for how I could improve.

Step 3 – Abstract Conceptualisation

Then I concluded what I learnt from the experience or what I hadn’t and this lead me to step four…

Step 4 – Active Experimentation

I then tried out what I had learnt again and practiced different things that the other people had mentioned (Indian Head Massage… Again) After I had practiced the whole process started again to see what I could strengthen next time

I’ve accomplished so much this year through my action plan and my personal life, I think I’m finally learning that I must develop to be able to progress.

This year has been full of reflection and development for me and I can only hope that I can continue to learn, reflect and develop over time.

 

J

 

 

I’m almost there !!!

OMG !! Where did this (academic) year go ? This is crazy but it’s nearly well and truly over!

I’ve got my research project all printed and bound ! #soproud This took me hours and I’m so happy it’s done but a little sad to.

I’ve got four units left to do and two are to be handed in next Monday! So then il have two left ! This is madness it’s literally going so quick.

I’m now having to make a BIG decision! Do I do the level 6 in BusinessManagement or do I do my assessors training and then see if I want to do teaching???

Anyway better get some more work done, I’ve got to get everything ticked off this list !

J

Employability Week

For employability week I was asked by my university supervisor if I would come and talk to the Level Three hair groups about progression onto Levels Four and Five. I said that I would enjoy doing that and asked what kind of things they would want to know.

When I arrived at the session the students were rowdy and noisy but soon calmed down once their tutor had explained what we would be discussing. V the study skills coach also attended the session and gave a short presentation of the sorts of things to expect once studying the level 4.

I then asked if any of the students were thinking about going on to the program; none of them were particularly interested as they all had jobs currently is salons and would be working full time once they finished their level 3.

I explained to them if they did change their minds they can still apply and I would answer any questions they had then by email.

I then attended a session with the older group of hair students who were studying the level 3; one of these students was really interested in the course and asked lots of questions. I explained about the level of work and commitment you have to give to the course just in order to finish one unit; and she was still very enthusiastic. I explained to her if she needed any advice about the course she could contact V or myself and I would help them the best I could.

I then went to see the current Level Four’s and spoke with them about the change onto Level Five; they all seemed enthusiastic and also had some questions about Unit 6 Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation. I explained to them about my project but told them there were not set topics to choose from so they could take the unit wherever they wanted. This seemed to really boost morale of the group to finish the Level Four and continue onto Level Five.

The group also had some questions about their current units so I spoke with them on what I had done to reach each assessment criteria. I then wished them good luck with the rest of their course and said if they wanted to contact me on anything else they could do.

I wished all the groups with the best in their studies and their careers. I would say that although some of the students were not necessarily interested in the courses that they did gain something from myself coming to speak to them. It may not be something that they consider straight away but maybe in a couple of years they would consider studying.

In terms of my own employability I have continued to network on LinkedIn and all other social media platforms and on Twitter I even had a conversations on one of my Tweets with Models Own !!!

  

J

 

Keeping up with the Karda… Beauty and Spa Industry !

You didn’t really think I’d do a post on the Kardashian’s did you? Well I suppose in some ways they do have an influence on the industry. I mean they have makeup, nail care, hair care, eyelashes ! You name it they’ve probably done it! (And probably will do everything else beauty related in the future).

They’ve definitely left a large stamp on the beauty industry and with shows such as theirs; TOWIE, Geordie Shore and various others it’s no wonder these ‘celebrities’ make such an impact on our industry.

Just the other day I had a lady for an eyebrow wax and she wanted them like ‘Kim K’ and yes I knew instantly what that meant; I had to explain to the client that eyebrows are defined by your face shape and will not look the same on everyone! I explained and she asked tonnes of questions and seemed really pleased that I spent the time to explain this to her (She left really happy I might add – without Kim K eyebrows).

So as part of my action plan I decided that being in the hair,beauty and spa industry is very quick paced with new products coming out every week or so. I needed to brush up on my knowledge and keep ‘on trend’ and up to date.

I started by looking at companies on Facebook and these linked to different pages that advertised new products and up and coming trends. Facebook was easily accessible as I already have an account and know how to use it. Facebook was ideal also as it linked me to local and international companies that had great products; I was notified immediately when these companies posted new trends or products so it was easy to keep up.

    

Next I looked to Instagram which I also use on a daily basis to keep up to date with friends and celebrities day to day lives. Again the format was easy to follow as I already have an understanding of the site and use it regularly. I could easily look through ‘tags’ on different subject areas such as ‘spa’ or ‘facial’ to bring up products, reviews and new treatment ideas. I have found that both Instagram and Facebook are really current and up to date as they can post anything with a few clicks. Twitter offered a similar platform to Instagram and often posted links to websites, training courses and companies with new products or treatments. Just by searching terms such as ‘beauty’, ‘spa’, ‘facials’, ‘waxing’ etc.

   

 I’ve found that for myself as a Beauty Therapist Dermalogica’s Instagram accounts are really up to date and show new products and trends. There is at least one new post each day; whether it be a new product launch, inspirational quote or competition.

 

   Another really good find was my subscriptions to Cosmopolitan and Glamour Magazine; the monthly magazines have regular beauty coloumns, articles and pages on hair and beauty products, trends and spas.
  

LinkedIn has also been a great influence in keeping up with the trends; being able to connect with people in my industry and following companies, and people who I can learn from or have an invested interest in. It has allowed me to contact people in the industry that have different skills and training to me and has also opened up an opportunity to attend the Beauty UK Show in May this year.

    

I’ve also made use of the thousands of videos on Youtube; I have watched different videos from how to carry out Dermalogica Skin Mapping, The Spa Find Youthful You Anti-Ageing Facial and more…. The opportunities were endless, I watched product reviews, product and treatment reviews and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos which has opened up a new variety of explanations as to why people experience goosebumps or tingles on their body when listening to a person carrying out their treatment.

 

 

Although these websites, apps and accounts have been helpful and influential I still think that training is essential in terms of continually keeping on trend and up to date. It has helped me to be able to converse with clients about new products on the market and to be able to sell Dermalogica products but I feel that if I attended some training I would have seen more benefit from this development activity.

These social media platforms however are a really easy and cost effective method of ‘keeping up with the beauty and spa industry!’

J