Merry Christmas & a VERY Happy and Beautiful 2014!!!
Thank you all for reading the Algarve Beauty Blog - We look forward to bringing you more blog posts in the new year.

All I want for Christmas.....is a Beauty Promotion!

At the time of year clients are flocking to have all things health and beauty carried out for whatever festive shin-digs they have coming up.  Not only this, when visiting salons it is an opportunity to purchase some of the beautiful Christmas beauty gifts and, for salons, the ideal time to boost retail sales.  It is therefore so important that salons ensure stock and/or vouchers sold are chosen and displayed in a way to make them sought after and on as many Christmas wish lists as possible.  Efforts therefore include window displays, shelf displays and even toilet displays, positioning the Christmas stock as attractively and prominent as possible.  In addition to this, staff can make personalised recommendations when carrying out treatments ensuring particular products and gift sets are front of mind for the client when thinking about their Christmas wish lists and/or shopping.

We asked a number of salons around the Algarve what they are doing throughout December to maximise treatment as well as retail profit over this busy Christmas period?

Firstly, of course, we have ourselves.  Estetica para Professionais – Algarve Beauty School, can provide lovely gifts to the Beauty Professional.  This could be one of our courses, workshops and/or one of the number of exclusive brands (e.g., Crybaby, ilash, Jessica, Hive Beauty range) on sale at our school in Lagos (available to purchase on-line – http://shop.algarvebeautyschool.co.uk).  If you wish to train as a City & Guilds qualified therapist or top-up your skills, keeping up-to-date with modern treatments for your treatment menu, put vouchers on your Santa Christmas list.  We offer vouchers for monetary or indeed for specific courses.  Call: 00351 282762606 Mobile: 00351 913211797 for details.

The Hair & Beauty Studio at Vila Sol in Vilamoura are displaying a selection of Elemis gift boxes and vouchers making gorgeous gifts.  In addition to this they are running a special winter promotion of a ‘Top to Toe treatment which includes a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure for EUR 99’ and is valid until Febuary 28^th’.  The Hair and Beauty Studio is at, Loja 18, Vila Sol Shopping, Vilamoura, telephone 289 098 680.

Bodyworx Beauty & Fitness are encouraging clients to 'make a healthy choice' for 2014 and to spoil your loved ones with a Bodyworx gift voucher.  They also direct people to their Facebook page for any other up and coming Christmas offers.   Bodyworx salon is at Balaia Plaza Hotel Apartments, St Eulalia, Albufeira.  Call Debbie today and wake up to a new you on 91674550

Innovation Health and Beauty are offering 10% off luxury manicure and pedicure treatments this winter using heated mitts and booties, leaving you feeling toastie warm and relaxed whilst choosing your favourite winter colour from thier vast Jessica nail varnish range! 

And finally Chantal’s Hair & Beauty have some marvellous Christmas gift sets on display and are doing some additional great deals on their product range!  For example should the client buy a conditioner and treatment, they will be given a shampoo of choice completely free as a Christmas present!  Or 500ml shampoos, conditioners and masks for the price of a 250ml bottles.  Additionally, if you book your appointment before the 7th of December for the week running up to Christmas you'll receive a 10% discount!!

Chantal’s Hair & Beauty and Innovation Health & Beauty are collaborative and therefore both at the same address of Edificio Vasco Da Gama, Rua Vasco Da Gama No 37, 8400 253 Ferragudo, Lagoa, tel:  282 353 132

We hope you all have a great December business-wise and ensure to use the month to maximise retail sales.  Most importantly Merry Christmas!!

iLash Extensions – the new wax?

Just in time to offer your clients, friends and/or family beautiful lashes for their Christmas and New Year celebrations, Estética para Profissionais  will be holding a one day workshop on Monday 16^th December to learn how to become an ilash Stylist, with 'ilash designer'. We teach the latest tricks and techniques, including layering, to make lash application easier and faster.

As Cosmopolitan (U.S.A) magazine reviewed, eyelash extensions are addictive – “once you start getting them, you can’t stop!”*.  Consequently this treatment is a growing market, with the eyelash extension poised to become as popular as other high-maintenance treatments such as manicures, pedicures and waxing!   As a result the eyelash extension industry is becoming incredibly profitable and therefore a must-have on any beauty treatment menu.

One of Estética para Profissionais’ preferred brands is ‘ilash designer’.  As one of the first companies to introduce eyelash extensions to the UK, iLash designer applies individual false lashes to the natural eyelashes, creating the clients desired look from natural to glamorous.  The outcome? Beautifully framed eyes that appear bigger, wider and brighter.

Naomi, director of the beauty school in Lagos says "I'm very excited by our product range, these eyelash extension products are the best I have worked with, they are made in Europe, and the glue doesn't even think about going hard in the bottle like other brands! The products last and last!"

At the workshop on Monday 16^th December, Naomi will therefore pass on knowledge and experience of iLash designer application techniques to ensure longer lasting and durable lash extensions for up to three weeks.

If you would like to enquire or book your place on the workshop, please contact Naomi on 913211797 or naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk. 

*As reported in http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/eyelash-extension-craze

Visit to Madrugada Advice Centre

Estética para Profissionais are thrilled to be visiting the new Madrugada Advice Centre on the 10^th December.

The charity’s new Centre in Praia da Luz has been created to offer support to anyone who is affected by a life limiting illness such as cancer. This service is available to patients from diagnosis, those undergoing treatment, to post-treatment, remission, recurrence, end of life or in bereavement.  

Many of us know through experience that those who love and look after someone with serious illness can feel just as frightened, vulnerable and uncertain; the Centre will also offer support to family members and carers who may be deeply affected and struggling in their own way. 

The Centre will promote well-being by helping people learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and enhance quality of life. Over the course of the next year Madrugada will be offering a variety of services including: counselling, complementary therapies, professionally-led support groups, stress management, nutritional advice, exercise and relaxation classes, a range of creative activities and courses and educational workshops for people living with, through and after serious illness.

On the 10th December, students from Algarve Beauty School, Estética para Profissionais, will be treating the Madrugada visitors with nail shapes and polishes, and their family members/carers with Indian head massages and back massages, combining a learning experience for students with a Christmas treat at this well deserved charity. Estética para Profissionais intend to visit the Madrugada Adivce Centre on a continuing basis.

Estética para Profissionais is a very proud supporter of this fantastic charity and wish them all the very best of luck with the centre.

For further imformation about the Madrugada charity and their Advice Centre visit their website on http://www.madrugada-portugal.com

Is Ayurvedic Massage for you?

An Ayurvedic Massage course is starting in November at the Algarve Beauty School....we've all heard the name but what is it all about?

Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice which aims to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it is often suggested that Ayurveda originated more than 400 years ago, making it one of the oldest systems of wellbeing to man. It is based on the philosophy of health and lifestyle that treats the whole person and not just the symptoms. 

It is recognized as one of the most complete and rejuvenating traditions developed and practiced in India. It was and still is used by families as regular practice, by medicine as a diagnosis, curative and preventive method and by religion as a process of purifying the body. Now considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available in the West, Ayurveda addresses all factors that influence our quality of life.

Although Ayurveda can be used to alleviate various conditions, it is founded on the principle of preventing disorders in the long term rather than waiting for problems to manifest themselves. Thus it is the ideal way for healthy individuals to maintain good health and general well being.

With a few small changes to a person's daily life, it is possible to live the Ayurvedic way and reap the benefits. Ayurveda is certainly not intended to replace modern medicine, but rather to give people the tools to treat their body according to its needs, leading to emotional and mental well being and good health.

The massage techniques used include tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as the more traditional massage strokes you would expect. The style and flow of the massage is determined by who you are, and what your body needs for balance and wellbeing at the time.

Now considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available in the West, Ayurveda addresses all factors that influence our quality of life. - See more at: http://www.ayurveda-retreat.co.uk/about/about-ayurveda/what-is-ayurveda#sthash.tgTdLNKT.dpuf

Now considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available in the West, Ayurveda addresses all factors that influence our quality of life. - See more at: http://www.ayurveda-retreat.co.uk/about/about-ayurveda/what-is-ayurveda#sthash.tgTdLNKT.dpuf

Now considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available in the West, Ayurveda addresses all factors that influence our quality of life. - See more at: http://www.ayurveda-retreat.co.uk/about/about-ayurveda/what-is-ayurveda#sthash.tgTdLNKT.dpuf

 

So if you are looking for a holistic treatment that helps to rebalance the body and mind, whether you wish to practise professionally or just help a partner, friend, relative or yourself then Ayurvedic Massage could be right for you.

Contact Naomi on 913211797 or naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk or Sophia on 966192091 if you wish to enquire about the course or find out more about the technique to decide if it is for you. The comprehensive course is running on Fridays from 8th November.

TIME FOR A NEW CAREER? - BEAUTY TRAINING SCHOOL OPEN DAY

The Algarve beauty school are having an OPEN DAY on Monday 26th August from 6pm. Come and find out about the various courses on offer, including City and Guild Massage and Beauty Therapy.

The school is situated opposite the Pizzalino restaurant in Lagos, address is:
Estética Para Profissionais
Rua Salgueiro Maia 29A
8600-620 Lagos
Portugal

Call Naomi or Soraia fior more information on 282762606 or 913211797

Are you happy?!

The Health and Beauty industry was recently voted within the top 20 happiest sectors to work in....maybe it's time for a career change?! Algarve Beauty Blog caught up with Naomi at the Algarve Beauty School to have a chat about training and working in the beauty industry today.

Her students are not just school leavers, more and more of us are now looking for job satisfaction, enjoyment and quality of life over financial rewards in later life. Due to the ever developing, expanding and diverse opportunities available in the beauty industry it has become a popular choice for those looking for a happier life!

According to Naomi the attraction for many is the huge amount of options that open up to a therapist once trained.....

There are luxury Spas in exotic locations all over the world, how about Thailand for a new home?

Fancy travelling the world on a luxury cruise liner and being paid to do so, like these beauty Therapists?!






Or if you want something closer to home there is work in salons, department stores, a home based business, a mobile therapist, salon owner or manager, product sales representative, teacher/trainer, make up artist, manicurist to the stars......the list goes on and on!

Fancy doing Kate's nails one day?!!

It's not an easy option, the course requires the students to learn in detail about human anatomy and physiology and there are constant assessments and assignments to complete, but for Naomi that feeling of fulfilment you get when a client goes away feeling and looking great is pretty hard to beat.

Feeling inspired yet?!

For more information on getting into the beauty industry please contact the lovely Naomi at Algarve Beauty School (naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk or (+351) 913211797) who'll be happy to talk through the options available to you.

A Mascara that lasts 2 weeks?!

At the Algarve Beauty Blog we were very excited to hear there is a new mascara from the US available here that will last for 2 weeks...our thoughts were does it really work? and where can I get it?!!

'CryBaby' semi permanent mascara is applied professionally by trained technicians adding volume, colour, curl and length to your lashes. It is 100% waterproof/smear proof so ideal for those gym bunnies or water babies amongst us. As the treatment is custom mixed for each client the final look can be tailored to your style, from natural to super glam.

Well, we tried it and......it's amazing! Went for quite a natural look but it definitely defined the eyes and makes you feel smarter some how, and lasted a little over 2 weeks. It was so nice to be able to be able to forget about applying mascara every day and get out the sea without the dreaded panda eyes! As it has to be professionally applied it is not the cheapest option so wont be for everyone but as a less expensive, maintenance free, more comfortable choice than extensions or tints it is definitely a winner in our books.

There are currently 3 qualified technicians in the Algarve, click through to the Beauty for Professionals site to get the contact details and book an appointment to try it for yourself, you never know, you may convert for life!

Any beauty professionals, you can also visit the Beauty for Professionals site to request information on becoming a technician and offering the treatments yourselves.

Bowen Therapy comes to the Algarve

An interesting therapy treatment is now being taught and practised in the Algarve. Bowen Therapy, an Australian born technique, is now widely applied to treat a broad range of physical ailments including muscular, structural and visceral (internal) complaints. It is especially useful because it can be effectively applied when many other therapies cannot, such as in cases of extreme trauma.

 
For the first time in the Algarve, you can now train to practise this sought after therapy, which is being increasingly sought out by patients. Lisa Black and Col Murray (founders of the International School of Bowen Therapy) have teamed up with the Algarve Beauty school  to offer a foundation course, consisting of 5 x 2 day modules to be conducted over selected weekends, starting 29/30 June.

The Therapy

It is a dynamic fascial and muscle release modality, with single, gentle cross-fibre moves being applied to specific muscles, tendons and ligaments to improve flow of blood, lymph and energy. These moves are usually applied in precise Sequences. When required, these Sequences often create self-correcting structural changes to promote overall body balance.

It is a minimalist approach to bodywork, doing away with the need for repetitive and often invasive action. It is especially useful with its ability to be effectively applied when many other therapies cannot, such as with extreme trauma, frail, elderly people and very young babies.

For more information on the therapy visit http://www.bowen-therapy.com/ and read more about the origins of the treatment and its founder in the fabulous book:

Please contact Naomi Adlington (naomi@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk) for course details, or see more information about the course in the May issue of the Olive Press