The Waxing Facial

The Waxing Facial

I have been doing waxing facials throughout my career. Most Aestheticians that I speak to have never heard of this concept. I would like to share this concept with you. This type of facial is for the Aesthetician who understands the skin and waxing procedures, and not afraid to combine them. If you break down a facial, waxing is done in laue of the exfoliation stage. Waxing exfoliates the skin naturally. Think of this facial as a cool facial, DO NOT USE STEAM OR HOT TOWELS!!! This facial does not include a massage as well. This facial can be done using strip or stripless wax. I personally prefer stripless or hot wax for the face. The hot wax doesn’t adhere to the delicate facial skin because of a protective barrier by using an oil. The wax only adheres to the hair only. With stripless or hot wax, you also can go over the treated area more than once, this helps to make sure you get every hair. This is why I prefer stripless or hot wax for Brazilians as well.

The Waxing Facial Protocol

Cleanse- Use a cleanser that is strictly for the clients skin type

Tone- Prepare the skin for wax. Many wax manufactures provide a pre-cleanser or toner.

Oil- Thinly and sparingly apply a prewaxing oil. If you utilize a strip wax, then apply powder. I personally don’t care for Johnson and Johnson’s because it has fragrance in it.

Wax- I use ONLY Stripless/Hot Wax

Start with Chin and move clockwise. It is as if you are plowing a field. By using Stripless wax you can slightly overlap your areas. This makes sure you do not miss any hairs. I like to finish with the brows.

Post waxing solution if wax residue is left behind.

Mask- Aloe/CoolingSoothing Mask allows the skin to calm down.

High Frequency- I use the mushroom bulb through the mask. High Frequency kills all bacteria.

Remove the mask with a cool towel.

Vitamin C- Anti Inflammatory

SPF- this is a must. Any exfoliation procedure elivated photo sensitivity

Contraindications

As skin therapist, we understand the basics in dealing with contraindications with waxing, however the facial skin is different. If the client is having exfoliation treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or even enzymes,  the skin has been compromised. The ability of removing skin is greatly increased. Prescription creams can cause trouble as well. Please stay abreast on common prescriptions that doctors give their patients, they may just be on your table. Make sure your intake form has been studied before any waxing is provided. As a cautionary time line, I prefer 1 month out of the use of ANY Alpha or Beta Hydroxy’s such as Glycolic’s, Salicylic, Lactic or Mandelic home care products or treatments. If the client is taking antibiotics or are on a course of medical skin treatment(s) such as Accutane, Retinol, Retin-A, or Renova, hold off on waxing until you have finished the medication and the chemicals are out of their system. These medications should be listed on your intake form for your clients and patients to indicate. Having a “clean” skin palette is the key to prepping their face for waxing, and has as much to do with what’s not present — as well as what is. Make sure the face is free of any injured areas which includes minor cuts, irritated pimples, or a sunburn. If your client is pregnant, they are more likely to be sensitive to waxing, and diabetics typically take longer to heal after a wax.

On the menu…

When I have listed “Waxing Facial” on my spa menu, this sparks peoples interest. This is why your spa menu is another avenue of advertisement and not just a list of treatments and prices. This tells your clients that you are prolific with facial waxing. I like to have The Waxing Facial on the menu booked out for 1 hour. This time allots you to be thorough. As you work with your clients and become comfortable then you can do the Waxing Facial for 30 minutes. Your pricing should be comperable to a basic 60 min and 30 min facial, minus $20 (for example, if your 60 minute European Facial is $85, then your Waxing Facial should be $65). Waxing is one of the most rewarding treatments we can do in our rooms because you give them immediate results and has the highest loyalty rate. When a clients mind is sparked with the possibilities of a hairless face, they book. —

If you are interested in having the Waxing Facial with me, I am at Essentials Spa in Wesley Chapel on Fridays and Sat’s! http://www.myessentialsspa.com/

Jennifer M. Anderson’s Introduction Video

This video says it all… who I am, what I do and how I can help you!

Thank You Carrie for the video!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKg-0bZFftg

Carrie Rokosz Managing Partner-Owner

727-631-1735

CarrieRokosz@me.com

ROKOSZ Studios

Bridal Must Haves!!!

I’m about to be a bride in the fall and I was thinking about bridal beauty. We brides need to be prepared for anything. Make sure you have your maid/matron of honor has these simple yet handy items ready and waiting for you!

1. Tissues, cotton balls, cotton swabs. Smudges happen!

2. Bobby pins for your updo!

3. Concealer/cover up.

4. Eye drops…for those red eyes!

5. Hand cream – for photographs of your soft, beautiful hands.

6. Hand sanitizer – you’re gonna be shaking a lot of them…need I say more?

7. Lip gloss, liner, stick AND balm.

8. Double-sided tape – you may have slippage you didn’t notice before!

9. Nail polish – in case of any chips or smudges.

10.Your perfume – you want to smell like your normal beautiful self, all day long…

11. Toothbrush and toothpaste – to freshen up after dinner if need be, garlic or onions in the salad maybe? And how about those little picks for in between teeth…essential!

12. Folding hairbrush with mirror – this tiny compact can be a lifesaver.

13. Deodorant wipes-you may never hug as many people as you do on this day, so smell fresh without fear of white residue!

14. Breath Freshener-you may never kiss/hug as many people as you do on this day!

15. Waterproof mascara.

16. Earing backs!

17. 1 or 2 pair of hose. Runs happen! You heard it here first.

18. Clear nail polish. See 17.

19. Needle and thread sewing kit.

20. Travel size can of hairspray.

21. Headache medicine.  Of the stress!

22. A small pair of scissors.

23. Safety pins in different sizes.

24. Small first aid kit.

25. Tampons or napkins.

25. A Detergent pen- like the Tide pen. This does work if the brides or bridal party’s dresses gets anything on it.

These are the essentials that are needed if there is an “Oh My God!” moment.

Also, if you have any questions about your makeup please refer to my latest article in Les Nouvelles Esthetique & Spa named “The Foundation of Bridal Makeup” http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/ec47d1b9#/ec47d1b9/110

If you are interested in makeup application, please visit my website www.skinchicinc.com and contact me personally!

Cheers!

The Beauty Blueprint Project #2

I mentioned in my last blog that  “I want to embrace change. It might appear scary at first but I know that with that change I will grow as a person. I WILL embrace it. I have felt for a while now that I have been in a rut and I am looking forward to this change.” I guess I’m still in this rut. I have been so preoccupied with starting a new employment position at Nucci Medical Clinic, my About FACE radio show, Directing About BEAUTY networking group, getting my new Web site up and running, and everything else in between. My point is that the reason I am in a rut is because I am preoccupied with life. We all have time to do what we would like to do, we just have to make the time!

If I am to do this project, I don’t want to half a$$ it. I really want to do a realy great job; not only for me, but for you my reader.

 

Okay, I’m diving in… but before I do…

“Using This Book” there are a few things I am going to need: A Journal, Index Cards, My Favorite Pen, Old Magazines, Colored Pencils, a Poster Board, Scissors, Thumbtacks, the Website www.michellephillips.com and lastly a special storage spot like a basket or a drawer. All check!

I realize this book is an eight-step process. For every step there will be written exercises. This will create a plan for your life, looks, and teach me how to find ongoing support to turn this plan into reality. Every chapter Michelle has thrown in some facts and exercises, as well as some powerful affirmations to recite. By step 8, Michelle says that I will have a wonderfully new, vibrant perspective on my real beauty.

I start this project with anticipation and excitement! I hope you join me in this new plan!!!

Minerals, Liquid and Talc, Oh My!

In my previous blog, ‘So many lines, so little time’ I wrote about how to specifically decipher between all the lines out there in skincare land. I next thought about all the makeup lines an all the choices of specific foundations to choose from. I wanted to break down all the formulations out there for you in order to choose the right one out there for you and your clients.

Are you confused on which is the right for you? Do you even know the difference between mineral, talc or liquids? Do you know that there are different levels or grades of products out there? If your confused then this blog is for you.

Let me break it down for you.

Minerals: Minerals are bio-inert. Bio-inert means that there isn’t a chemical or physical reaction between the skin and the makeup. Minerals and pigments are micro-pulverized using proprietary technology into microscopic flat particles. These particles overlap each other on the skin to allow the skin to breath and function properly while filtering out airborne pollutants. There is great staying power to minerals that rarely need touch ups throughout the day. Chemical free, preservative free and the pharmaceutical grade minerals are TALC FREE!!! The minerals are also smear proof and water resistant. Minerals have buildable coverage as well. Minerals are great for concealing so you don’t need another product. It is your liquid, power and concealer all in one.

Liquids: Liquid foundations have a liquid lotion base and pigments added for color and coverage. Many have chemicals, preservatives and parabins.

Tinted moisturizer– It is a lotion and pigments combined, 80% lotion and 20% pigment. VERY sheer coverage. Tinted moisturizer is perfect for softening and protecting the skin while adding a hint of foundation color. This makeup is also ideal because you don’t have to put on moisturizer and then foundation, it’s a one step process.

Liquid Foundation– 40% lotion and 60% pigments. MOST airbrush makeup utilizes a liquid foundation however, they add water so the spray won’t get clogged. This is great for easy application, personally I think it’s a fad. It may look cool but the makeup artist must carry the machine which might be cumbersome. Women with oily skin should avoid dewy finish foundation and should set any liquid foundation with a translucent powder to reduce shine.

Whipped Foundation– This is a liquid foundation that has been whipped with air. Mousse makeup is liquid makeup with air whipped in making it lighter and smoother. It comes in a spray or aerosol-type can, like whipped cream. It costs more than other cosmetics because you’re paying for the added air and specialized packaging but if you’ve ever spread whipped butter on a hot piece of toast then you’ll know the difference is vast. Whipped foundation is good for all skin types.

Talc: Talc is a mineral produced by the mining of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Processing eliminates a number of trace minerals from the talc but does not separate minute fibers which are very similar to asbestos. Talc is toxic and talc particles can cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become embedded in the lining of the ovary. Clearly with or without asbestos-like fibers, cosmetic grade talcum powder is a carcinogen.

I don’t mean to scare you about talc, as you probably gathered I am just not a fan of the stuff. I have been pro minerals ever since 1996 when I was a sales representative with Jane Iredale.

What I encourage you to do is be astute to the products you are going to personally use and the products you are going to use for your clients. Read labels, study the new technology, do your homework. I also would like to encourage you to try all the forms of makeup out on yourself. If you love a product yourself you will always be better at selling it.

Go to your makeup bag, empty it, go through it and then start to throw liquid items away if they are more than 3 months old. Now you have made a start.

Bring Home the Bacon… Now Where’s the Pan?

 ‘I’m a Woman,’ written by Lieber and Stoller and performed by the late Peggy Lee became famous for the Enjoli perfume commercials of the 1970s. Some however, may remember it differently as the duet with Raquel Welch and Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show!

It is a song of inspiration about the amazing feats that women perform every day and although I am constantly aware of this, do I really understand exactly what kind of feats they are referring to? I might not be saving lives, ending wars and giving all my money to charities but I do know of the amazing feats I perform for women every day. It goes a long way to helping women feel better about themselves, it’s rewarding and it inspires me.

This all began in my car this morning as I cruised over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and into the dawn of a glorious new day. (For those who don’t know, The Skyway bridge is the tallest, most majestic bridge in Tampa Bay connecting South Shore to Saint Petersburg.) Then suddenly as if by an amazing feat itself I found myself humming this very same song. I smiled.

Although I drive this same bridge everyday somehow today felt different, very different. Partial as I am to random humming, I have no idea why I began humming “I’m a Woman” this morning, it’s not as though it was on the radio or anything. In fact I hadn’t thought about the song in ages but just in that moment I was transported back and began thinking of how powerful women in business really are. I also began thinking how I feel when I am working on a woman’s face. How totally focused I am on getting her the results she is expecting, hand holding with every step. It is fulfilling and as I feel empowered, I am empowering them too. It is the most natural of motivations and makes me forever grateful for what I do.

I was also thinking about networking, due mainly to the rather large, bright pink directory of Working Women of Tampa Bay that is resting on the front seat of my car. (www.workingwomenoftampabay.com)  It made me think of all the women out there who are working and of those who are the only bread winners in the family. I paused to think a while.

Just prior to breaking in to my first hum of the day I had just finished a telephone conversation with Heather Sakelariou, owner and fellow Aesthetician of Heather’s Day Spa www.HeathersDaySpa.com. I had just booked her for my March 22nd. About FACE show on Rhino On Air www.rhinoonair.com and she shared with me about how much she does for her family. She is both gracious and humble. She is happy and she is inspiring. People like this are such a pleasure to work with, every day they stride forward with a purpose.

I also pondered over ‘About BEAUTY’ and I secretly hoped it would be a success.

As I said “In the Beginning” this is therapy for me. I reflect on my thought process, my own fears and insecurities and my hopes and aspirations for the future. With that comes a true, very real respect for women. We are powerful, we are strong and we are united.

We are women… now where was my pan?

Have Bad Skin Habits?

Do you do these bad habits? Look at the check list below… if your doing more than 3 of them; you need to break your habits!!!

1. Not removing makeup. This one is pretty basic, but it still needs to be said. Taking off your makeup before you go to sleep at night is so important.Think of your skin as the windshield of your car.  Toxins, oil, dirt, debris, makeup, free radicals, spores, mold, dust, and many more microscopic particles attach to your skin throughout the day. Wash once to get all the debris off and then wash again (it is like using Windex on the glass. To take it a step further, I love to use my Clairsonic brush too… www.clairsonic.com %60 more debris are removed by using the brush!!!

2. Not wearing sunscreen Apply a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF everyday to protect it from the harmful rays. Your face (and health) will thank you later.  I use my makeup for my SPF. I apply in the morning and throughout the day. www.randejames.com

3. Not drinking enough water. Only %5 of all the water intake throughout the day ever reaches your skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the lowest on the totem pole for water. Take your body weight, divide it by 2 and that is how many ounces of water you should consume a day. This is really a good challenge for you. Try it and you will notice your skin looking and feeling better!!!

4. Using bar soap to wash your face *Shudders*. There is no need, or excuse to be using a bar soap to wash your face with.  Every skin care line from an Over the Counter (OTC) to a prescription/pharmaceutical Skin care lines ALL have a wash. Figure out your skin type and choose accordingly.

5. Using moisturizer on the eyes. Use eye cream! The skin around your eyes is very delicate. Most skin care lines have an eye cream specifically for this delicate area. Most moisturizer can actually harm this delicate skin rather than help it… read the ingredients. Choose your eye cream in accordance to your skin condition (wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness etc.).

6. Wearing foundation that does not match your skin tone. NO ONE likes a demarkation line!!! If you’re unsure about what foundation you ought to be using, try a couple out at a cosmetics counter and have one of the makeup artists help you to find a formula and color that accurately matches your skin’s tone and texture. My favorite line is Randy James Lebrecque’s line Rande James Cosmetics. www.randejames.com He is in Saint Petersburg and time is running out to get a chance to work with him personally… get in to see him!!!

7. Smoking…. I can say a lot here but I think we all know enough about what smoke does to the body and skin. QUIT!

If you have any of these bad habits… break them. You will look better, feel better and your skin and health will thank you later!

The Birth of About BEAUTY

About BEAUTY started in my head during a Real Estate specific networking group I visited the last week. I was the only person attending who was not in the real estate business. One of the leaders of this group is a home stager. I thought how brilliant it was for him to be the leader for a group that buys, sells and finances the one thing he can stage? Brilliant.  I wanted to be him, but only in my industry.

The one thing that seperates me from all the other Aestheticians out there is that I use Micro-current technology from Beautiful Image for Non-Surgical Face-Lifts. That is my niche. That is what stands me apart. Not to mention that there are only 2 machines in the Tampa Bay area and I have one!!! www.beautifulimageLLC.com

I started About BEAUTY with that thought in mind… to have people in my industry come to me, get educated, find support and network with each other all the while get to know me and my talents and how I can help them in business! Brilliant! The name was easy. It is a play off from About FACE which is my internet radio show on Rhino On Air that airs Thursday mornings at 9AM EST.

About BEAUTY is an Open Professional Group for Education, Inspiration, Business Information & Networking, Beauty Industry focused.

This is a group that is open to Beauty Professionals: Hair Artist, Makeup Artist, Massage, Salon & Spa Owners, Photographers, Nails, Boutiques and Fashion Experts.

The meetings are more of a workshop: brainstorming, open forums, announcements and networking.

 1st Monday of every month at 6:30-8 AT … Remmel Wellness Center and Anti Aging Institute 6416 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N. St. Pete FL 33702 727-525-1141 www.remmelwellness.com

Find US on Facebook and get hooked up! https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/327600967272177/

Making your bottom line as beautiful as your clients!!!

In the beginning….

Skin Chic Inc. Picture

Hello out there in blog-land!!!

I have been told that I needed to start a blog, yet another tentacle out there in cyber space linking my two pages on Facebook, my personal Facebook page, my Twitter account and lastly my web site. It all seemed like more work but I really think this could end up being therapy for me, a diary of sorts. I might not be known especially for my writing but this doesn’t stop me having something to say and blogging is the perfect vehicle. So now I’m here and just like you, I’m hungry for knowledge.

By trade, I am a licensed Paramedical Aesthetician, throw in a little singing and there you have it. But let me stop right there because I realize not too many people understand what “Paramedical” means. Paramedical means that not only do I have advanced training hours outside of specific Esthiology but I also have an internship with a Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist. This training has given me a complete understanding of what skin conditions like Psoriasis, Rosecia and Eczema, the specific histology of the skin that goes with these conditions and what to do to minimize, control and treat each patient. I just love to help others with skin issues. I am a survivor of a skin condition called Cystic Acne. I literally stuck to my pillowcase at night, not only was it painful for my face, the pain went much deeper than that. After three rounds of Accutaine and some wonderful facials from a Paramedical Aesthetician, a passion grew deep inside to help others with similar skin troubles.

I am also a Professional Makeup Artist. This started from sitting on my mother’s floor watching her get ready to go out. I was fascinated by how a face could look so different, so colorful and so beautiful after one hour of work. I was transfixed and from there a seed was sown. I love make up, it is so easy for me, so natural. I can see a women’s face and know just what to do to make her natural beauty shine. I love for the light bulb to go on and then when I am finished for them to look into the mirror. The smile, the hug, the appreciation makes it all the while. That makes everything well in my world…. and theirs.

As you follow my blog, I ask you to open both your mind and your heart. I will be tearing down the beauty myths we all grew up with and sharing with you some of the wonderful stories from my 20 year career together with some helpful hints along the way. So join me, I am humbled to do this and looking forward to the therapy that awaits not only me but you too!