Sunday 23 February 2014

Semi Permanent Mascara? It must be Crybaby.....

What is Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara?

Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara is a half hour treatment application to offer your clients. The effect of which is eyelashes that look and feel just like they have mascara applied. This ‘look’ lasts for a good two weeks.

What if I already offer eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are fabulous – when applied professionally, with good products – and you can create a fantastic look when you apply Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara to your client’s lower lashes with eyelash extensions on the upper lashes.

It is not an ‘either/ or’ option. You can offer both services successfully. Especially if you focus on eyelashes / make up / nail extensions. However, Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara also attracts its own, different and new clients from eyelash extensions too. I, for example, would not opt for eyelash extensions, it is not my style, but I love the Crybaby Mascara look. I like to wear mascara, but with a 2 year old and a busy professional life, what used to be my make-up application time is now my sitting having breakfast with my daughter time, and it is enough if I remember to change out my slippers as we leave to crèche/work in the morning, let alone stop to apply mascara. With the application of the Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara it is just there - on when I wake up! 

What type of salon/ spa / therapist would this treatment best suit?

All !!! If you are in an area with many seasonal clients this treatment offers you a successful treatment opportunity, it is ideal for holiday makers, that will have them rebooking with you year after year on their return. Going to beach, lazing by the pool, sweltering in the sun and in and out the water - advertise the application of the original smear-proof mascara, professionally applied, a promise of beautiful lashes with no ‘panda eyes’.

Crybaby Mascara is great for regular use by sports people, water lovers and busy mums. Gym bunnies, glasses / contact lens wearers…. Anyone who wears mascara.

If your treatment menu offers eyelash tinting and eyebrow shaping, upsell to add a Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara application, market this product and watch the enquiries come in.

You can easily work mobile with this product, your kit is all in a beautifully presented bag and for those who want to offers a fantastic opportunity to offer the treatment from spas/ salons across the Algarve as a freelancer.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to apply?

This is a quick treatment to offer…it’s an easy, 30 minute application, and the charge should be between 35€ – 40€, of course if you are in a high market area or a Spa where general prices are more then by all means charge more – know your market.

How does it come off?

It is really easy and quick to remove professionally, and I would recommend the client comes back to me for removal, because it is such an easy removal I would include it in the cost – it also stops them picking off the remains!!! And they may well book something else to have at the same time as the removal!
If the clients are off, back to their home countries, advise them that they will notice the Crybaby Semi Permanent Mascara gradually start to crumble and wear off after 2 weeks. If they find a technician where they live they can have it removed, otherwise they can purchase a specially designed, and very lovely, high quality, Crybaby home use Mascara, for application over the top until the last has worn away naturally.

Who can attend the training at Estetica para Profissionais?

If you are a make-up artist used to applying mascara on others, or an eyelash technician for eyelash tinting or eyelash extensions you can attend the training. I would not recommend this training for someone with no experience working around the eyes.

What do the training costs include?

Training costs include a full salon kit that will keep you going and going in a beautifully presented bag, with the machine for drying the product, all the tools and products for the application and marketing posters, promotional leaflets and after care advice leaflets, as well as a window sticker and of course your training, certificate and our ongoing support. The costs of the course and kit are earned back quickly.
After the training day we ask therapists to practise 5x immediately after training for confidence development, if therapists are local we ask them to practise in our student treatment room, if not local we ask them to send pictures of their treatments via email.

Not many people offer this treatment, so if you choose to market it well you could do very well for yourself!

Training at the Algarve Beauty School - Estetica para Profissionais is on the afternoon of Wednesday 5th of March.  To get more details and/or book, contact sales@algarvebeautyschool.co.uk or call 00351 282 762606.

To book training at your salon or Spa – ask for a quote.


Wednesday 12 February 2014

The First Lady of Nails.....JESSICA

Estetica para Profissionais are incredibly proud to be the ONLY distributors of Jessica Cosmetics but who is Jessica and what makes her nail products, in ours and many more, one of the best nail product ranges ever? Estetica para Profissionais's very own Sarah Bruton tells us............. 

Jessica Vartoughian, known as the “First Lady of Nails,” founded Jessica Nail Clinic in 1969. Being the first nail salon of its kind it was the first ever nail only salon.

Jessica Nail Clinic remains the foremost centre of natural nail care with its unique manicure technique and exceptional treatments created by JESSICA.  Known as “Nail Cultivists” all those who use the JESSICA range have all been trained and certified in Jessica’s Nail Cultivation System by JESSICA and before each manicure begins, the Nail Cultivist analyses the client’s nails and prescribes based on the nails’ condition.

JESSICA is a pioneer in the professional nail care industry as she was the first to recognise that like skin and hair, all nails are not alike.  She identified four different nail types – damaged, dry, brittle or normal – and created specific treatments for each type.

JESSICA’s unique nail care philosophy is behind each and every product of her extensive Jessica Cosmetics line that offers products specifically targeted to treat each different nail type.  Natural Nail Care has never looked so good!

Frequented by celebrities of film, television, politics and society, as well as those who simply want lovely natural nails, the Jessica Nail Clinic USA offers elite services that exceed the everyday manicure and pedicure. 

And in the UK, JESSICA can be found in the prestigious Fortnum and Masons who's nail cultivist's will also be polishing our models to perfection at the London Fashion Week.

Today, Jessica and her unique 'System' and product range is successfully offered in over 28 countries.   In all ways, Jessica was at the forefront of both a product and marketing revolution in the multi-million dollar nail care industry that exists today.  And now Portugal has it's very own JESSICA distributor!

So what is the philosophy behind JESSICA?

Q: What Women Want ……..

A:Beautiful Nails!!

Intelligent, informed women want more. They are selective in their use of nail care products. They want to be confident that they are getting the proper treatment for their individual nail condition. From experience we know about the healthful or damaging effects of different products and methods and the effects they have on our nails.

No matter how good a manicure looks at first, its beauty will fade within days without a healthy foundation underneath.

Every part of the Jessica Nail Cultivation System® is about promoting the well-being of the natural nail …and your business. The System is a synthesis of technique, philosophy and products. The cornerstone of the JESSICA System is the ability to analyse and recognize each nail type and treat each nail with specially formulated treatments. Any man or woman can achieve healthy nails with proper care and maintenance.
No nail service is complete without offering your client a kaleidoscope of colour in a wide variety of dazzling shades, textures and finishes.

Your journey into JESSICA has begun…...

If you or your salon/spa would like any more information on the JESSICA products available in Portugal, please get in contact with our JESSICA Representative, Sarah at jessicanailsportugal@gmail.com.  So join the elite and reflect your treatment quality with the products you use - start using JESSICA as your nail products of choice! 


Sunday 2 February 2014

Ware's the Inspiration!

In this month's inspirational people blog we have spoken to Mandy Ware who told us all about her background within the beauty industry, her ambitions within her profession and indeed what/who has inspired her:

Studying my profession

I studied in both Surrey and London and am qualified with a IHBT (1980), Reflexology and Aromatherapy ITEC, and IMA in make-up artistry.

When studying, I really enjoyed the practical side, i.e., meeting and helping people, but what I found particularly hard was the written side since I am slightly dyslexic, but not enough to warrant verbal exams (spell check is my best friend!).  I was however very determined to pass the written exams and worked hard to do so.  Consequently, although not achieving the top grades in the class, I achieved student of the year which I believe was for the sheer effort I put in to achieve the grades I was awarded.

My career to date

Having studied initially in Surrey, I moved to continue my studies in London, also working in Salons and spas in Central London where I went on to run 2 salons. I then moved back to run salons in Surrey, eventually becoming a self-employed mobile therapist and then a therapist on Cruise Ships.  Eventually I ended up here in Portugal working on a freelance basis for a couple of salons.  I do this as I still enjoy the therapy side of my profession….but my new passion is make-up!

After gaining the essential professional make-up qualification I started being asked to do a couple of weddings and then via word-of-mouth more and more. Consequently this part of my career has blossomed. 

I just love being part of someone's big day.  It's a massive responsibility and I take that very seriously.  Emotions run high and you as the make-up artist have to be able to fit in, especially not ‘flapping’ when everyone else is.  Most importantly, when doing make-up you must deliver your best work every time and as if it's a final exam.

My ambition

I adore learning and that will only stop the minute my desire to learn stops.....if that happens it is time to do something else.  So personally I would like to expand the photographic side and catwalk side of my profession.

However being a make-up artist is not all glamour - you are the first person on set, to prepare and set up, and the last to leave.  Your case weighs a ton and you have to take care of your make-up brushes and make-up, specifically in Portugal keeping it cool in high temperatures on location can melt and ruin the products.

What I believe makes a great therapist

To me, what makes a good therapist is a person who is genuinely interested in people and thinks of them before themselves.  Call it a nursing instinct without the blood and dressings! A good interest in human biology is essential as well as a wealth of knowledge in skin conditions and diseases.

I also believe a good therapist also cares about your own appearance (but no in an obsessive way) – you are after all a walking advert! 

Overall, I have had the pleasure of visiting many salons and spas whereby the good ones, to me, are apparent by the clear excellence of their staff who have the above qualities. 

My favourites

When it comes to products, I have no one range that I favour, but like to think that I choose the best for the condition and from a variety of different companies.  Nevertheless I do like Elemis, Liz Earle, Aromatherapy Associates, and a range that a friend of mine has developed over here using organic oils called Pura. 

Regarding treatments, nobody can dismiss the value of relaxation, the benefit of a facial or body massage. But the revelation of sound waves and laser for the regeneration of the skin, to me, is the next big growth area within the industry.  Fads will come and go but I have had the ethos of only doing and selling what I believe in.

Beauty therapy is a great profession, hard work both physically and mentally, but so rewarding! Some of my best friends were and still are my clients.  Not only has my profession given me the fortunate position to travel the world but it has also allowed me to meet some awesome people!

My personal inspirational people


Many people have inspired me - a gentleman who passed away at 92 a few years ago called Mr Donald Rees, my dear friend Sam Spilanne (AKA mrs attention to detail!), Verna Kinder (a lady who has an enormous heart and sharp business acumen) and last but not least my father, Mr Malcolm Elson, who showed me that hard work, compassion, determination, and reading a situation will get you a very long way .......my journey continues thanks to my dad!