Sad News
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We just got horrible news at the salon.
The owner's lease ends in June and her daughter is moving out of her home and to Minnesota at the same time. The shop will be closed by the end of this month. We were all informed of this this week. Everyone is freaking out a little.
I'm kind of relieved because my spa wasn't the cleanest place. I kept my area clean but the owner didn't care about anything except the money. She never checked to make sure things were kept clean. She was rude to customers and the employees. These are examples of everything not to do at a salon.
I'll keep everyone updated as I search for a new place!
Ciao,
Toni
My life's musings as an Esthetician living in Illinois about clients, makeup, fashion and tales of my nightmare boss-- all from the humble confines of my Ipad.
April 13, 2013
April 10, 2013
Test Tube
Test Tube
I receive a package from Test Tube 6 times a year. Each package is 29.95 and is filled with an array of sample and full sized exclusive beauty products. In the box is also a pamphlet with information on each product and a magazine. The magazine is filled with the latest beauty breakthroughs, product reviews, and more. You also get 3 coupons to use on Spa Look!
Review
Last month I got Simple Facial Wipes, dr. brandt Pores No More Cleanser, stila Face the Day Multi-Use Moisturizing Gel Cream, tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, and Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 & LiftActiv Eyes.
The Simple wipes are nice for when you need to take off a small amount of makeup and you don't have a sink and cleanser handy. I like bringing them with me on a weekend trip or a vacation. They are pretty gentle. You can buy these at any drugstore.
So far I love the Pores No More Cleanser! I use it so often that I am almost out of the full size I recieved. Ever since I was in esthetic school I've had combination skin. (That story is for another day..) This cleanser cleans any oiliness I feel right off my skin. It's pretty gentle but to me it has a chemically smell. It doesn't bother me, it makes me feel more clean. Watch out though! If it gets in your eyes, it will burn!
This moisturizer is great! I love when makeup brands make skin care lines. This felt great on my skin and didn't leave me feeling greasy. It kept me moisturized all day long, even in the winter. I'm a little upset I got such a small tube because I really enjoyed it. I will be buying another one if I run across it.
The two other products really weren't for me. I don't use blush and I'm not in need of any lifting on my face just yet. The blush, I put aside for when I'm playing makeup artist. As for the serum and the eye cream, I gave those to my mom. If you're interested in how those products worked out for others, the test tube website located at the bottom of this post, has various reviews on all of the products.
This month I got suki® Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, Phyto Phytodéfrisant and Phytomist, John Frieda® Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray, Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, Paula Dorf Baby Eyes Enhancer, June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque, and Forever Young Face Wrap.
I haven't tried anything yet, however; I when I do I will write a review.
Here is the Test Tube website!
http://testtube.newbeauty.com/
Ciao,
Toni
April 7, 2013
Doing it Right
Client Situations
Doing It Right
I love coming to work when my clients love coming to me. Even for something as small as doing a face wax. "No one does it like you", "I don't know why, but it hurts less when you do them." Comments like that make me giddy. When a client walks to the front and starts telling my boss how much they loved me, my heart nearly skips a beat. I've never really excelled in anything in my life so doing a better job than someone else makes me feel so good. Now I get why athletes work so hard to be the best. It's a damn good feeling.
A few days ago a man came in to get his back and, get this, ears waxed. As I was doing his back wax he kept telling me what a wonderful experience it was compared to when other Estheticians do it. After I finished waxing the outside of his ear he said he didn't even need to look in the mirror because he trusted me.
Not sure what I'm doing different but, apparently I'm doing it right. =]
Doing It Right
I love coming to work when my clients love coming to me. Even for something as small as doing a face wax. "No one does it like you", "I don't know why, but it hurts less when you do them." Comments like that make me giddy. When a client walks to the front and starts telling my boss how much they loved me, my heart nearly skips a beat. I've never really excelled in anything in my life so doing a better job than someone else makes me feel so good. Now I get why athletes work so hard to be the best. It's a damn good feeling.
A few days ago a man came in to get his back and, get this, ears waxed. As I was doing his back wax he kept telling me what a wonderful experience it was compared to when other Estheticians do it. After I finished waxing the outside of his ear he said he didn't even need to look in the mirror because he trusted me.
Not sure what I'm doing different but, apparently I'm doing it right. =]
April 5, 2013
Shared Space
Shared Space
I'm sorry for this but I need to vent a bit. Hopefully someone can relate with me.
In my spa there are 2 Estheticians. I share my room with the other Esty. I'm here 4 days a week, she is here only 2 days. Our days never overlap so I barely see her. I hardly know she comes in 1/2 the time.Except when she leaves her messes..
Today, I came in after not being here for almost a week and the room was trashed. Waxing strips and sticks spread all over. Wax all over the trolley it sits on. Dirty sheet on the bed. Nothing that is out has been replenished. If I had a client first thing this morning I would have been a complete mess. I was out of everything!
In most salon/spas there is a supply room where you go to get anything you need at anytime you'd like. Apparently my boss has trust issues because we have to ask her to get our supplies. This wouldn't be such an issue if she wasn't the only one working the desk and allowed in the supply closet. So I basically had to sit around waiting until she felt like getting the things I need, whether I need them right now or not.. It's already embarrassing enough realizing I need something when I'm with my client, let alone leaving them to sit for god knows how long while I wait for her to get my supplies.
This wasn't the first time this as happened either. I'm especially irritated because I am one of the most anally organized people you'll ever meet. Everything must have a home. Why it's so hard to return it to that home is beyond me. I figure organization makes life easier. I know exactly here everything is when I need it in a pinch.
Ciao,
Toni
I'm sorry for this but I need to vent a bit. Hopefully someone can relate with me.
In my spa there are 2 Estheticians. I share my room with the other Esty. I'm here 4 days a week, she is here only 2 days. Our days never overlap so I barely see her. I hardly know she comes in 1/2 the time.Except when she leaves her messes..
Today, I came in after not being here for almost a week and the room was trashed. Waxing strips and sticks spread all over. Wax all over the trolley it sits on. Dirty sheet on the bed. Nothing that is out has been replenished. If I had a client first thing this morning I would have been a complete mess. I was out of everything!
In most salon/spas there is a supply room where you go to get anything you need at anytime you'd like. Apparently my boss has trust issues because we have to ask her to get our supplies. This wouldn't be such an issue if she wasn't the only one working the desk and allowed in the supply closet. So I basically had to sit around waiting until she felt like getting the things I need, whether I need them right now or not.. It's already embarrassing enough realizing I need something when I'm with my client, let alone leaving them to sit for god knows how long while I wait for her to get my supplies.
This wasn't the first time this as happened either. I'm especially irritated because I am one of the most anally organized people you'll ever meet. Everything must have a home. Why it's so hard to return it to that home is beyond me. I figure organization makes life easier. I know exactly here everything is when I need it in a pinch.
Ciao,
Toni
April 2, 2013
Happy Waxing
Happy Waxing
I have a lot of friends and clients ask about Brazilian waxing.
Most are shocked that I do perform it (not on friends so please don't make it awkward..) and I also get them. It took me a long time to convince myself to go. When I went, I was surprised to find it not as awkward as you think and definitely not as painful as it sounds.
First off, for those who don't know the difference in the different bikini waxing, here are the definitions:
Bikini Wax: hairs outside the bikini/panty line are removed.
Full Bikini Wax: hairs outside and a bit deeper within the panty line are removed. This style can also look to create a more definitive triangle shape by eliminating some of the hair resting towards the top of the pelvic region.French Bikini Wax: A more thorough wax, all of the hair in the front of the pelvic region is removed, expect for a small strip, which can resemble a landing strip.
Brazilian Bikini Wax: All of the hair, from the front of the pelvic region to the back (including the area leading to the butt) is removed. Typically, a small strip is left behind. Foresee a thong bikini in your future? This might be just the style for you.
Hollywood Bikini Wax: results in the pelvic region, including the labia and area reaching the butt, becoming completely hairless. The Hollywood is probably the most physical of the waxing styles—requiring a team effort from you and the waxing specialist. Expect to twist and turn into different positions to ensure a smooth result. You will be asked to lay on your stomach in order to remove the hair around your butt.
(Source: http://www.hercampus.com/health/sexual-health/your-complete-down-there-grooming-guide)
If awkwardness is keeping you away, don't sweat it. Make an appointment, that way you'll feel guilty for ditching out. You don't want some poor lady waiting around for someone who isn't coming, right? Think of it like this, neither of us wants to do this. She is going to get it finished as quickly as possible. You'll be in and out in no time. Another point, it's only awkward if you make it awkward. We have seen a lot of cooch in our waxing experiences. And when I'm doing a wax, the last thing I'm thinking about is what you look like down there. We focus on the hair, nothing else. Most Estheticians will engage you in conversation. This can help ease your stress because your thinking about other things.
If pain is your issue, take an Advil or other pain medication. This isn't necessary but it can help to calm your nerves. If you think it will hurt, it's going to hurt. Mind over matter. If you've gotten a bikini wax before, that is about as bad as it gets. The "bikini wax" area is actually the most sensitive spot in your entire pelvic region. The lower you get, the tougher your skin is. Funny because you'd think the opposite, right? Most, if not all of my clients say on their pelvic bone is the most painful. You can also take a warm (not hot) shower prior to waxing to soften pores for easier removal.
The benefits of waxing in general crush the convince of waxing. Body waxing regularly will make hair finer and more sparse. This leads to being able to wait longer in between waxes. Soon, you won't even notice the hair until it's long enough to wax. Your nerves will also deaden with time, meaning each time you go back it will be less painful. It is even rumored that if you wax from puberty on up, never shaving in between, you will not have any hair by the time you are 20. I wish I had known this as a 11 year old..
Things to Remember:
- Exfoliate 24-hours prior to waxing
- Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes
- Wear cotton underwear, to allow skin to breathe afterwards
- DO NOT tan or work out for 24 hours after
- DO NOT shave in between waxes. This will only make the next time
Happy Waxing!
If I left anything out let me know! Comment below with questions, comments, or concerns.
Ciao,
Toni
I have a lot of friends and clients ask about Brazilian waxing.
Most are shocked that I do perform it (not on friends so please don't make it awkward..) and I also get them. It took me a long time to convince myself to go. When I went, I was surprised to find it not as awkward as you think and definitely not as painful as it sounds.
First off, for those who don't know the difference in the different bikini waxing, here are the definitions:
Bikini Wax: hairs outside the bikini/panty line are removed.
Full Bikini Wax: hairs outside and a bit deeper within the panty line are removed. This style can also look to create a more definitive triangle shape by eliminating some of the hair resting towards the top of the pelvic region.French Bikini Wax: A more thorough wax, all of the hair in the front of the pelvic region is removed, expect for a small strip, which can resemble a landing strip.
Brazilian Bikini Wax: All of the hair, from the front of the pelvic region to the back (including the area leading to the butt) is removed. Typically, a small strip is left behind. Foresee a thong bikini in your future? This might be just the style for you.
Hollywood Bikini Wax: results in the pelvic region, including the labia and area reaching the butt, becoming completely hairless. The Hollywood is probably the most physical of the waxing styles—requiring a team effort from you and the waxing specialist. Expect to twist and turn into different positions to ensure a smooth result. You will be asked to lay on your stomach in order to remove the hair around your butt.
(Source: http://www.hercampus.com/health/sexual-health/your-complete-down-there-grooming-guide)
If awkwardness is keeping you away, don't sweat it. Make an appointment, that way you'll feel guilty for ditching out. You don't want some poor lady waiting around for someone who isn't coming, right? Think of it like this, neither of us wants to do this. She is going to get it finished as quickly as possible. You'll be in and out in no time. Another point, it's only awkward if you make it awkward. We have seen a lot of cooch in our waxing experiences. And when I'm doing a wax, the last thing I'm thinking about is what you look like down there. We focus on the hair, nothing else. Most Estheticians will engage you in conversation. This can help ease your stress because your thinking about other things.
If pain is your issue, take an Advil or other pain medication. This isn't necessary but it can help to calm your nerves. If you think it will hurt, it's going to hurt. Mind over matter. If you've gotten a bikini wax before, that is about as bad as it gets. The "bikini wax" area is actually the most sensitive spot in your entire pelvic region. The lower you get, the tougher your skin is. Funny because you'd think the opposite, right? Most, if not all of my clients say on their pelvic bone is the most painful. You can also take a warm (not hot) shower prior to waxing to soften pores for easier removal.
The benefits of waxing in general crush the convince of waxing. Body waxing regularly will make hair finer and more sparse. This leads to being able to wait longer in between waxes. Soon, you won't even notice the hair until it's long enough to wax. Your nerves will also deaden with time, meaning each time you go back it will be less painful. It is even rumored that if you wax from puberty on up, never shaving in between, you will not have any hair by the time you are 20. I wish I had known this as a 11 year old..
Things to Remember:
- Exfoliate 24-hours prior to waxing
- Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes
- Wear cotton underwear, to allow skin to breathe afterwards
- DO NOT tan or work out for 24 hours after
- DO NOT shave in between waxes. This will only make the next time
Happy Waxing!
If I left anything out let me know! Comment below with questions, comments, or concerns.
Ciao,
Toni
April 1, 2013
Never Happy
Client Situations
Never Happy
If you are in the beauty industry, we've all run into our client who is never happy. You've done your best and it's still not enough. You see the look of disappointment on their face and your heart sinks. This one client in particular made me question whether I was in the right field or not. I had just begun working at the spa I'm at now and I was still gaining my confidence. This woman basically shattered it.
We'll call her Diane. So, Diane comes in for a facial on the afternoon of her birthday. She had no main concerns, it was just time for a facial.
Diane was not much of a talker. She was very closed off. I asked her all the basic questions but she was not having it. I can take a hint so, I sat silently while going through the steps. This was strange to me because most people who I get talking during a facial basically tell me their life story. I shrugged it off to her just not being in the mood to talk.
Clients receive a complimentary eyebrow wax with any facial. Most decline but Diane wanted one. She had a nice shape already so I just cleaned them up. I handed her the mirror to see how she liked it and she flat out said she didn't. She wanted her "eyes to look more open." I didn't understand how to achieve this, seeing as I thought her shape was already perfect for her face. When I asked how she wanted me to do that, not even she knew.
FYI: In my experience, makeup is what helps to make your eyes appear more open. Here are a few tips. Apply a light colored shadow to the inner corner of your eyes. You can also line your waterline (the small area of skin behind your lower lashes and in front of your eye. Your tear duct is located here.) with a white or champagne colored eye liner.
I tried my best to achieve her goal. I waxed and tweezed until she finally said it looked "fine, I guess." This completely crushed me. Fine I guess? They looked great. I did everything in my power to make her happy.
After she left, I walked around for the rest of the day in a funk. Was being an Esthetician not cut out for me? I continued questioning myself despite my other clients raving about how much they loved the 'new Esthetician.'
That was until the next time Diane came in. It was the same old song and dance. She wasn't satisfied yet again. If she wasn't happy the first time, why did she come back? Finally, I chalked it up to her just not being happy in general based on the first attempt at a conversation we had.
Some people are just never happy.
Ciao,
Toni
Never Happy
If you are in the beauty industry, we've all run into our client who is never happy. You've done your best and it's still not enough. You see the look of disappointment on their face and your heart sinks. This one client in particular made me question whether I was in the right field or not. I had just begun working at the spa I'm at now and I was still gaining my confidence. This woman basically shattered it.
We'll call her Diane. So, Diane comes in for a facial on the afternoon of her birthday. She had no main concerns, it was just time for a facial.
Diane was not much of a talker. She was very closed off. I asked her all the basic questions but she was not having it. I can take a hint so, I sat silently while going through the steps. This was strange to me because most people who I get talking during a facial basically tell me their life story. I shrugged it off to her just not being in the mood to talk.
Clients receive a complimentary eyebrow wax with any facial. Most decline but Diane wanted one. She had a nice shape already so I just cleaned them up. I handed her the mirror to see how she liked it and she flat out said she didn't. She wanted her "eyes to look more open." I didn't understand how to achieve this, seeing as I thought her shape was already perfect for her face. When I asked how she wanted me to do that, not even she knew.
FYI: In my experience, makeup is what helps to make your eyes appear more open. Here are a few tips. Apply a light colored shadow to the inner corner of your eyes. You can also line your waterline (the small area of skin behind your lower lashes and in front of your eye. Your tear duct is located here.) with a white or champagne colored eye liner.
I tried my best to achieve her goal. I waxed and tweezed until she finally said it looked "fine, I guess." This completely crushed me. Fine I guess? They looked great. I did everything in my power to make her happy.
After she left, I walked around for the rest of the day in a funk. Was being an Esthetician not cut out for me? I continued questioning myself despite my other clients raving about how much they loved the 'new Esthetician.'
That was until the next time Diane came in. It was the same old song and dance. She wasn't satisfied yet again. If she wasn't happy the first time, why did she come back? Finally, I chalked it up to her just not being happy in general based on the first attempt at a conversation we had.
Some people are just never happy.
Ciao,
Toni
March 31, 2013
Ask for the World and Give Nothing
Client Situations
Clients who ask for the world and give nothing
This week we had a mother and her daughter coming in for facials at 3:00. No big deal right? It would take a hour and 15 minutes, if that, out of my otherwise painstakingly slow day. I prepared my room at 2:30. Not only did the pair come in 30 minutes late, they didn't even show any remorse. If it had been a busy day, this would have completely thrown off every one's schedule. I didn't exactly mind but Betsy, the owner and boss, wasn't pleased.
I took the daughter into my room and our other Esthetician (and hair stylist) took the mother into the other facial/waxing room. The daughter was sweet. She has never had a facial before so I explained to her what happens during one. I made sure she was aware what the extraction process would entail. Extractions are basically when we get those nasty blackheads out of your nose. She said she had no problem with that, however; they were going to a 5-day wedding that night. They were Pakistani, and that's how their weddings work. She didn't want her nose to be red so I said I'd just do a few extractions. Her skin was pretty clear except for a few blackheads here and there.
Next, I asked her what she does to take care of her skin. She replied saying that she usually just washes it and uses Nivea cream.FYI: Surprisingly, I hear this a lot. People coming in to get a facial, expecting you to work a fricking miracle on their face. Even with the help of steam to soften your pores, I cannot get many blackheads out if you're not exfoliating regularly. Without any exfoliation in your weekly routine, the dead skin on your face piles up making it nearly impossible to extract anything without using unnecessary force. Even dry skin needs a little scrub here and there. Don't over do it though because that can irritate your skin and make you very red. These days, many cleansers already have chemical exfoliants in them, even with that you need to use a scrub every couple days.
Continuing our story, throughout the entire extraction process, this girl was complaining. Every time I used even the slightest amount of pressure, I would hear "Ouch!" While extractions are usually my favorite part of a facial, I do not enjoy knowing that you're in pain. So I said the hell with it and stopped completely.
After her facial, she asked if she could have the top of her back waxed because she would be wearing a dress. I told her no problem, it would take about 20 minutes.
She asked to make a quick call in between, that was no problem. It was 4:05 by this time and their next destination was a nail salon. She changed their appointment from 4 to 4:30. This was ridiculous. It was already past 4 and exactly what she had done to us. There was no way that she would be there by 4:30 either. Anyone who works at a job where people make appointments to see you understands my annoyance with people like this. You think we have nothing better to do than sit around waiting to see if you show up or not?
During her wax, I decided I wasn't such a fan anymore. Every time I would spread wax onto her back she would hiss with pain and pull her head back as if the wax was too hot. Now anyone who has used wax knows the consistency of wax when it's too hot. It's as thin as water dripping off of the stick. This wax was anything but thin. Pulling her head back was another problem seeing as I was waxing her back.. she was basically putting her hair into the fresh wax. The kicker is, when I would pull the strip off she was silent. Either she was full of it or had serious sensitivity issues.
After the services were finished they went to the front and paid. Each facial is 70 and her waxing was 25. They then proceeded to leave without tipping. People like this really frustrate me. I get no percentage of that service. The only way I make any money from tips and my hourly wage. Honestly, I would have rather sat around for that hour doing nothing than had to work with you and get nothing from it except a headache.
That concludes Client Situation #1. Feedback? Too long? Too much complaining? Not enough? Let me know! Comment below if you have any feedback or suggestions!
Ciao,
Toni
Clients who ask for the world and give nothing
This week we had a mother and her daughter coming in for facials at 3:00. No big deal right? It would take a hour and 15 minutes, if that, out of my otherwise painstakingly slow day. I prepared my room at 2:30. Not only did the pair come in 30 minutes late, they didn't even show any remorse. If it had been a busy day, this would have completely thrown off every one's schedule. I didn't exactly mind but Betsy, the owner and boss, wasn't pleased.
I took the daughter into my room and our other Esthetician (and hair stylist) took the mother into the other facial/waxing room. The daughter was sweet. She has never had a facial before so I explained to her what happens during one. I made sure she was aware what the extraction process would entail. Extractions are basically when we get those nasty blackheads out of your nose. She said she had no problem with that, however; they were going to a 5-day wedding that night. They were Pakistani, and that's how their weddings work. She didn't want her nose to be red so I said I'd just do a few extractions. Her skin was pretty clear except for a few blackheads here and there.
Next, I asked her what she does to take care of her skin. She replied saying that she usually just washes it and uses Nivea cream.FYI: Surprisingly, I hear this a lot. People coming in to get a facial, expecting you to work a fricking miracle on their face. Even with the help of steam to soften your pores, I cannot get many blackheads out if you're not exfoliating regularly. Without any exfoliation in your weekly routine, the dead skin on your face piles up making it nearly impossible to extract anything without using unnecessary force. Even dry skin needs a little scrub here and there. Don't over do it though because that can irritate your skin and make you very red. These days, many cleansers already have chemical exfoliants in them, even with that you need to use a scrub every couple days.
Continuing our story, throughout the entire extraction process, this girl was complaining. Every time I used even the slightest amount of pressure, I would hear "Ouch!" While extractions are usually my favorite part of a facial, I do not enjoy knowing that you're in pain. So I said the hell with it and stopped completely.
After her facial, she asked if she could have the top of her back waxed because she would be wearing a dress. I told her no problem, it would take about 20 minutes.
She asked to make a quick call in between, that was no problem. It was 4:05 by this time and their next destination was a nail salon. She changed their appointment from 4 to 4:30. This was ridiculous. It was already past 4 and exactly what she had done to us. There was no way that she would be there by 4:30 either. Anyone who works at a job where people make appointments to see you understands my annoyance with people like this. You think we have nothing better to do than sit around waiting to see if you show up or not?
During her wax, I decided I wasn't such a fan anymore. Every time I would spread wax onto her back she would hiss with pain and pull her head back as if the wax was too hot. Now anyone who has used wax knows the consistency of wax when it's too hot. It's as thin as water dripping off of the stick. This wax was anything but thin. Pulling her head back was another problem seeing as I was waxing her back.. she was basically putting her hair into the fresh wax. The kicker is, when I would pull the strip off she was silent. Either she was full of it or had serious sensitivity issues.
After the services were finished they went to the front and paid. Each facial is 70 and her waxing was 25. They then proceeded to leave without tipping. People like this really frustrate me. I get no percentage of that service. The only way I make any money from tips and my hourly wage. Honestly, I would have rather sat around for that hour doing nothing than had to work with you and get nothing from it except a headache.
That concludes Client Situation #1. Feedback? Too long? Too much complaining? Not enough? Let me know! Comment below if you have any feedback or suggestions!
Ciao,
Toni
First Post!
Welcome to my blog!A little about me, < That's me. My name is Toni. I'm 20, going on 21 this August. I live in IL. I have two adorable dogs named Roxy and Sophie. I am extremely passionate about animals, fashion, and makeup.
A little about what I do,
If you don't already know, an Esthetician is a skin care professional. I do waxing, facials, body treatments, and sometimes makeup. I work at a salon and spa in Northern IL. My boss is basically a dinosaur. She's been running salons since she was 25. Her location right now has been there for 20+ years. She's stuck in her old ways and thinks she knows everything and can't trust anyone, making it very difficult to do my job. In this blog we'll call her Betsy. The rest of the staff is nice, we have an occasional crazy here and there. You'll find that anywhere you work. I am one of 3 Estheticians at my Spa. There are only 2 girls my age, thank god one of them is an Esty like me.
Here's a little taste of what's to come.
Product Reviews,
Client Situations,
Tutorials,
Amazing finds,
and much more.
Hope you like what you find!
Ciao,
Toni
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)