Hi all.
It's day 3 of the half term and I am wondering if all places all over the world have the amount of half term breaks that we do in the UK. It seems insane that they are at home almost as much as they are off school.
I think my point is that when you are self employed or running your biz from home it's an utter nightmare to keep the same consistency with the kiddie winks at home. For example, housework increases 10 fold so your workload increases overnight meaning that to invite clients into your house you are running around like a crazy person keeping it clean.
Making sure you have the work life balance is worse because an hour long pedicure seems like an age to a child so making sure they are busy seems like a task only Jesus can perform.
Getting any sort of paperwork done is near impossible as for some reason they are completly occupied all the while you are effectively doing nothing (not that this is even possible in a house with kids) but the second you sit to complete an important task they are all equally hungry, thirsty, bored and want to know what we are doing today, making the tasks last an hour longer than they should due to all the stop start explaining you have to do to keep their enquiring minds satisfied with the nessesity of the task at hand.
I enjoy my children don't get me wrong, keeping the balance between work and home, earning money and being with the kids is challenging to say the least. Not to mention my daily meditation has got to pot and having a bath in the day is no longer the peace, tranquility and reflective time it has been, so keeping calm and patient with the kids is a stretch to say the least.
Let's hope all of us mumtrepenures survive another holiday, may the sanity of work and school return to all as quickly as it can. Let's enjoy the precious moments with our children and breathe a sigh of relief once they return to school until Christmas holidays, hold on to your hats because that's a 2 weeker.
For now it's back to the grindstone.
Lots of love
Mrs G xxx
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Monday, 24 August 2015
My Actiderm journey part 2
Hi everyone
So as you know from previous posts I work for a direct sales company called Actiderm as part of my beauty business. As I have had a chance to try out a fair amount of their products I do now have some firm winners within the line and some definite misses. This may be down to my particular skin type but also to do with value for money. I thought I'd share with you where I am currently the products that are absolute wins for me and any direct sales problems I have and am facing and where I plan to go with direct sales within my business.
As far as working with Actiderm and I'm not sure how this runs with other direct sales companies but it was sold to me as no minimums, no pressure just earn at your own pace. Now I found out very quickly that the higher up line you get the pushier they are about you stretching your personal targets, I totally understand they are in it for the money the more you earn the more they earn I get that but training became very focused on recruitment and high sales figures, I own my own business as well as parenting 3 children so getting out to sell, sell, sell is difficult. When I explained that my area is hard to generate sales their answer was move out of your area now for me what is the point I want an extra couple of hundred per month if I'm travelling to pamper events that costs me more in fuel pushing costs up and return down another issue. Last major issue is that due to yet another rebranding the packaging is changing, products and sizes are changing therefore stock levels have somewhat depleted leaving me at a place where the products that gain the most sales for me are constantly out of stock. Selling a product to someone for the sake of sales is not working smart it will put people off. I really hope this issue is resolved in September as promised or I will totally loose my client base altogether.
With the negatives out of the way I will talk you through my hero products from the line and the products that don't quite hit the mark for me.
I have fairly normal skin, in the summer slight combo on the oily side but in the winter slightly dehydrated so my skincare changes slightly according to time of year.
SKIN CARE
My first hit is with the detox purifying mask retailing at £16.50, for me worth every penny it uses that ionic clay type of thing to extract impurities and I also use as a spot treatment to dry up active breakouts, great for congested skin due to acne or hormonal breakouts. Eye and lip contour concentrate is one of the best eye creams I have ever used seeing results in as little as 2 weeks, who can argue with that, great for mature skin or to prevent the first signs of ageing at £23.50 for 3 months supply I'm not complaining. Collagen concentrate is great under your chosen moisturiser and just boosts skins texture there are better serums but it is a good one for those new to skincare, all serums are £23.50 which is good value in my opinion. Concentrated Hyaluronic serum can be used as a moisturiser for younger skins but as a boost if you are feeling dry, my husband utterly loves this product. Fresh start mask is the best product ever for uneven skin, a 15% glycolic is stronger than on the high street so is effective at giving your skin a renewed appearance after the first session. In my opinion the cleansers are overpriced for what they are you can get better at the chemist, the face creams with the exception of collagen night cream and no tox are very rich and even those need to be used sparingly.
BODY
The body scrub is nice, it could be to harsh for delicate skins and in terms of value it is only £10.50 but you receive only 150ml of product where if you buy something like soap and glory you get much more product for your money, however for at home pedicures this stuff is fabulous especially when your feet are tired from wearing flip flops all summer. Lipo sculpting wraps are an utter win they really work well and I have purchased many for myself the fluid doubles up as an anti cellulite body lotion. All of the body lotions are really nice, they are priced well and a little goes a long way they are very light in texture and due to the technology throughout the whole line they really work.
MAKEUP
I will start with base the two foundations are ok, I'd say they are more suited to dry skins as they are very rich and application is hard work, from a makeup artist point of view not great but for a night out the HD foundation is very full and flawless so fab for a night out or bridal so long as you set it with a powder at £20 I'm sure you can get better on the high street for every day use but for a full coverage night look it's good . Concealer, just yes, I love it, covers dark circles, blemishes, melasma, it's just so good I can't get enough £16.50 well spent. The powder products are the winners for me, I feel like they stay all day, the colour ranges are fab and they blend like a dream, the eye shadows need a primer base, and the bronzer has a slight shimmer across them so not ideal to contour but otherwise beautiful, the winning powder product is hands down the highlight powder its stunning. The creme lipsticks are lovely, lip liner nice and gloss is ok a bit overpriced for what they are but a nice addition to your makeup collection, eyebrow wax should be in everyone's makeup bag and the gel liner is great, I'd steer clear from the mascara and the creme to powder shadow I think they are a waste of money in my opinion. A great way to buy the powder product is in the palettes a double saves you £3 and a triple saves you £3.40 plus you get them in a nicely packaged palette.
As I am running a busy at home/mobile salon I am interested in more direct sales as an opportunity to really connect with my clients, there are gaps in the Actiderm line that can be not only filled with my salon brand but with other direct sales products so I have joined another one this morning. I will blog about my first impressions very soon along with my direct sales journey. I really hope that the stock problem is rectified when the packaging is launched because this will make sales easier as well as the fact that I have decided to sell mostly online hosting virtual parties via Facebook. More on how this goes when I have figured out my routine.
I really hope this was somewhat incite full to some of you at least.
Lots of love
Mrs G xxx
So as you know from previous posts I work for a direct sales company called Actiderm as part of my beauty business. As I have had a chance to try out a fair amount of their products I do now have some firm winners within the line and some definite misses. This may be down to my particular skin type but also to do with value for money. I thought I'd share with you where I am currently the products that are absolute wins for me and any direct sales problems I have and am facing and where I plan to go with direct sales within my business.
As far as working with Actiderm and I'm not sure how this runs with other direct sales companies but it was sold to me as no minimums, no pressure just earn at your own pace. Now I found out very quickly that the higher up line you get the pushier they are about you stretching your personal targets, I totally understand they are in it for the money the more you earn the more they earn I get that but training became very focused on recruitment and high sales figures, I own my own business as well as parenting 3 children so getting out to sell, sell, sell is difficult. When I explained that my area is hard to generate sales their answer was move out of your area now for me what is the point I want an extra couple of hundred per month if I'm travelling to pamper events that costs me more in fuel pushing costs up and return down another issue. Last major issue is that due to yet another rebranding the packaging is changing, products and sizes are changing therefore stock levels have somewhat depleted leaving me at a place where the products that gain the most sales for me are constantly out of stock. Selling a product to someone for the sake of sales is not working smart it will put people off. I really hope this issue is resolved in September as promised or I will totally loose my client base altogether.
With the negatives out of the way I will talk you through my hero products from the line and the products that don't quite hit the mark for me.
I have fairly normal skin, in the summer slight combo on the oily side but in the winter slightly dehydrated so my skincare changes slightly according to time of year.
SKIN CARE
My first hit is with the detox purifying mask retailing at £16.50, for me worth every penny it uses that ionic clay type of thing to extract impurities and I also use as a spot treatment to dry up active breakouts, great for congested skin due to acne or hormonal breakouts. Eye and lip contour concentrate is one of the best eye creams I have ever used seeing results in as little as 2 weeks, who can argue with that, great for mature skin or to prevent the first signs of ageing at £23.50 for 3 months supply I'm not complaining. Collagen concentrate is great under your chosen moisturiser and just boosts skins texture there are better serums but it is a good one for those new to skincare, all serums are £23.50 which is good value in my opinion. Concentrated Hyaluronic serum can be used as a moisturiser for younger skins but as a boost if you are feeling dry, my husband utterly loves this product. Fresh start mask is the best product ever for uneven skin, a 15% glycolic is stronger than on the high street so is effective at giving your skin a renewed appearance after the first session. In my opinion the cleansers are overpriced for what they are you can get better at the chemist, the face creams with the exception of collagen night cream and no tox are very rich and even those need to be used sparingly.
BODY
The body scrub is nice, it could be to harsh for delicate skins and in terms of value it is only £10.50 but you receive only 150ml of product where if you buy something like soap and glory you get much more product for your money, however for at home pedicures this stuff is fabulous especially when your feet are tired from wearing flip flops all summer. Lipo sculpting wraps are an utter win they really work well and I have purchased many for myself the fluid doubles up as an anti cellulite body lotion. All of the body lotions are really nice, they are priced well and a little goes a long way they are very light in texture and due to the technology throughout the whole line they really work.
MAKEUP
I will start with base the two foundations are ok, I'd say they are more suited to dry skins as they are very rich and application is hard work, from a makeup artist point of view not great but for a night out the HD foundation is very full and flawless so fab for a night out or bridal so long as you set it with a powder at £20 I'm sure you can get better on the high street for every day use but for a full coverage night look it's good . Concealer, just yes, I love it, covers dark circles, blemishes, melasma, it's just so good I can't get enough £16.50 well spent. The powder products are the winners for me, I feel like they stay all day, the colour ranges are fab and they blend like a dream, the eye shadows need a primer base, and the bronzer has a slight shimmer across them so not ideal to contour but otherwise beautiful, the winning powder product is hands down the highlight powder its stunning. The creme lipsticks are lovely, lip liner nice and gloss is ok a bit overpriced for what they are but a nice addition to your makeup collection, eyebrow wax should be in everyone's makeup bag and the gel liner is great, I'd steer clear from the mascara and the creme to powder shadow I think they are a waste of money in my opinion. A great way to buy the powder product is in the palettes a double saves you £3 and a triple saves you £3.40 plus you get them in a nicely packaged palette.
As I am running a busy at home/mobile salon I am interested in more direct sales as an opportunity to really connect with my clients, there are gaps in the Actiderm line that can be not only filled with my salon brand but with other direct sales products so I have joined another one this morning. I will blog about my first impressions very soon along with my direct sales journey. I really hope that the stock problem is rectified when the packaging is launched because this will make sales easier as well as the fact that I have decided to sell mostly online hosting virtual parties via Facebook. More on how this goes when I have figured out my routine.
I really hope this was somewhat incite full to some of you at least.
Lots of love
Mrs G xxx
Friday, 14 August 2015
Dont be a busy fool !!
Hi everyone
I don't know about anyone else in the mobile sector but I have a fair amount of business through the summer holidays. This consist of regular waxers, tanning and people wanting to spend real time and money on some proper pampering.
I've not run a single new offer through the holidays and have still been ticking over very nicely.
I plan on running a back to school offer but just on 2 treatments and if experience is anything to go by giving something for free rather than lots of treatments all with money off will bring you much more returning business.
Then there are the wide eyed, selfie loving, everybody's friend therapists that are breaking their backs cutting prices on all treatments to fill their diarys with customers wanting a bargains that either won't come back or will only come back if the price is right. Yes they are busy but they are not recouping enough money on gel manicures or facials essentially leaving them out of pocket therefor being busy fools.
Example :- Buy an express mani/pedi priced at £22 for both + £5 for gel polish( minimal products are used in these treatments and take no longer than 30 mins each) and get a free full body massage worth £39, again very little outlay in terms of costing but the client receives a free treatment saving them money. You use your brain with these clients, if using gel polish there is possibilities for rebook for removal and reapplication, reccomending regular back neck and shoulder massage means a returning customer, the possibilities are endless.
If there is a full menu with 10 or 20% off there is a lot of choice which puts people off and you appear cheap, there is nothing wrong with a bargain but bargain hunters will look for someone cheaper than you and most of the time are full of complaints. Getting too familiar with your clients can be a bad idea too and may lead to some major puss taking on their behalf, we all know someone who says "my friend is a hairdresser and does it cheap/for free" don't fill your diary with people who aren't willing to pay full price, offering free treatments in return for reviews and reccomendation is a great idea if you are select but other than that keep the offers clean crisp and guenuine.
No one wants to be a busy fool so think about what you are doing and planning, the business will come to you, and when every Tom dick and Harry is offering the same thing at rock bottom prices and a fully booked just think to yourself it's not sustainable, build yourself a viable business not a value business.
We've all been there thinking how do they do it and if you look at the truth behind it all they can't !!
Lots of love
Mrs G xxx
I don't know about anyone else in the mobile sector but I have a fair amount of business through the summer holidays. This consist of regular waxers, tanning and people wanting to spend real time and money on some proper pampering.
I've not run a single new offer through the holidays and have still been ticking over very nicely.
I plan on running a back to school offer but just on 2 treatments and if experience is anything to go by giving something for free rather than lots of treatments all with money off will bring you much more returning business.
Then there are the wide eyed, selfie loving, everybody's friend therapists that are breaking their backs cutting prices on all treatments to fill their diarys with customers wanting a bargains that either won't come back or will only come back if the price is right. Yes they are busy but they are not recouping enough money on gel manicures or facials essentially leaving them out of pocket therefor being busy fools.
Example :- Buy an express mani/pedi priced at £22 for both + £5 for gel polish( minimal products are used in these treatments and take no longer than 30 mins each) and get a free full body massage worth £39, again very little outlay in terms of costing but the client receives a free treatment saving them money. You use your brain with these clients, if using gel polish there is possibilities for rebook for removal and reapplication, reccomending regular back neck and shoulder massage means a returning customer, the possibilities are endless.
If there is a full menu with 10 or 20% off there is a lot of choice which puts people off and you appear cheap, there is nothing wrong with a bargain but bargain hunters will look for someone cheaper than you and most of the time are full of complaints. Getting too familiar with your clients can be a bad idea too and may lead to some major puss taking on their behalf, we all know someone who says "my friend is a hairdresser and does it cheap/for free" don't fill your diary with people who aren't willing to pay full price, offering free treatments in return for reviews and reccomendation is a great idea if you are select but other than that keep the offers clean crisp and guenuine.
No one wants to be a busy fool so think about what you are doing and planning, the business will come to you, and when every Tom dick and Harry is offering the same thing at rock bottom prices and a fully booked just think to yourself it's not sustainable, build yourself a viable business not a value business.
We've all been there thinking how do they do it and if you look at the truth behind it all they can't !!
Lots of love
Mrs G xxx
Sunday, 9 August 2015
The Beautiful people
Hi everyone
I hope this post finds you well.
I have had a lot to deal with of late some good some bad, my dear Nan passed away. I had a birthday, my son had a birthday, my sister got married and in amongst it all I felt like I was a bit lost, I still do if I'm honest. So while my little boy is restring his sore head (he cracked it open at my sisters wedding reception, that's another story) I thought I'd get cracking with some of the things that have been on my mind lately.
Even tho this has a bit of a funny title all will become apparent, I hope......
So at the end of the school year my eldest daughter asks if she can get her nose pierced and dye her hair pink. Now I like to think I'm fairely open minded as a parent, I was 18 myself when my daughter was born and I remember very vividly thinking my mum knew nothing about being a teen. Being a teen in the 90's grunge era too we were all full of angst. I digress, I have no problem with this at all so long as the hair returns to a natural colour before school starts in September and the nose stud is not an issue, my little one having an answer for everything insists she can get a clear stud and the dye will wash out, this is all fine by me and I reiterate the fact I will not pay to have it rectified, her hair her nose, if she is old enough to have these things done she can take responsibility.
I have a point I swear......
My husband and I take her for the piercing and to buy hair dye, when it is done she looks beautiful. We do a stupid face selfie and I announce to the FB world my teenager is quite normal after all.the picture received nothing but negative comments, "what a mongy face" "why would you put that pic on FB" "omg what a picture" My initial reaction was anger, why would you write such horrid comments on a picture of a child clearly pulling a stupid face, what nasty people I have the displeasure to know, then when I thought about it all of these people put pictures of themselves and their children on FB that are fully made up, pouting faces, posing in their best clothes selfies. I HATE THESE PICTURES what are you teaching your kids people, only posing, made up pictures are acceptable, I don't comment on any of them because I believe to each his own but I do question why I joined the beauty industry if this is what we are creating. Then I took a long hard look at my daughter and took inspiration from her and remembered why I love the beauty industry. I love anything that makes you feel good about yourself, whether it be natural beauty or faked from top to toe if that's what makes you feel great then I'm happy, I want my clients to be left feeling like the best version of themselves no matter what.
We all judge, we are human its natural, some people need a good dose of judging. When it comes to beauty anything goes and for the most part it can be washed off and put on completely different the next day. I love the 60's at the moment, my daughter is going for a classier grunge look, the majority are going for pouty selfies but we're all different and I love it.
I'm not angry at the comments anymore, I don't feel the need to say nasty things about others even if I don't like what they do, say, think or how they dress. I'm secure in my own skin and love playing with makeup, hair and nails to change things up.
We are all beautiful people.
Lots of love
Mrs G XXX
I hope this post finds you well.
I have had a lot to deal with of late some good some bad, my dear Nan passed away. I had a birthday, my son had a birthday, my sister got married and in amongst it all I felt like I was a bit lost, I still do if I'm honest. So while my little boy is restring his sore head (he cracked it open at my sisters wedding reception, that's another story) I thought I'd get cracking with some of the things that have been on my mind lately.
Even tho this has a bit of a funny title all will become apparent, I hope......
So at the end of the school year my eldest daughter asks if she can get her nose pierced and dye her hair pink. Now I like to think I'm fairely open minded as a parent, I was 18 myself when my daughter was born and I remember very vividly thinking my mum knew nothing about being a teen. Being a teen in the 90's grunge era too we were all full of angst. I digress, I have no problem with this at all so long as the hair returns to a natural colour before school starts in September and the nose stud is not an issue, my little one having an answer for everything insists she can get a clear stud and the dye will wash out, this is all fine by me and I reiterate the fact I will not pay to have it rectified, her hair her nose, if she is old enough to have these things done she can take responsibility.
I have a point I swear......
My husband and I take her for the piercing and to buy hair dye, when it is done she looks beautiful. We do a stupid face selfie and I announce to the FB world my teenager is quite normal after all.the picture received nothing but negative comments, "what a mongy face" "why would you put that pic on FB" "omg what a picture" My initial reaction was anger, why would you write such horrid comments on a picture of a child clearly pulling a stupid face, what nasty people I have the displeasure to know, then when I thought about it all of these people put pictures of themselves and their children on FB that are fully made up, pouting faces, posing in their best clothes selfies. I HATE THESE PICTURES what are you teaching your kids people, only posing, made up pictures are acceptable, I don't comment on any of them because I believe to each his own but I do question why I joined the beauty industry if this is what we are creating. Then I took a long hard look at my daughter and took inspiration from her and remembered why I love the beauty industry. I love anything that makes you feel good about yourself, whether it be natural beauty or faked from top to toe if that's what makes you feel great then I'm happy, I want my clients to be left feeling like the best version of themselves no matter what.
We all judge, we are human its natural, some people need a good dose of judging. When it comes to beauty anything goes and for the most part it can be washed off and put on completely different the next day. I love the 60's at the moment, my daughter is going for a classier grunge look, the majority are going for pouty selfies but we're all different and I love it.
I'm not angry at the comments anymore, I don't feel the need to say nasty things about others even if I don't like what they do, say, think or how they dress. I'm secure in my own skin and love playing with makeup, hair and nails to change things up.
We are all beautiful people.
Lots of love
Mrs G XXX
Friday, 5 June 2015
Top Tanning Tips
Hi Guys
Today I thought I'd talk about the tanning advice I give my clients and some top tips I've picked up along the way.
First off I've mentioned this before I'm sure but you absolutely must patch test a brand new client. This protects you from any comeback incase of client reactions, and it prevents any likely hood that the client will react to the tan when full spray is applied. This must be done st least 48 hrs before the first tan.
All waxing, threading and shaving must be done 24 hours prior to spray tan as must a fully proper exfoliation with a mitt, exfoliating sponge or equivalent. Trying to exfoliate with a normal sponge, loufa or puff is not going to cut it this does not remove enough of the dead skin cells and will end up with the tan either going on patchy or wearing off patchy.
Hydration.... I advise every day, on the run up to the tan until the day, to keep moisturised with an oil free moisturiser. Most tanning companies sell pre and post tanning products as well as extending products that can be a great retail opportunity too, these products are compatible with the tan therefor will compliment the treatment. On the day of treatment the body must be free from any lotions potions, creams, perfumes and deoderants, these things create a barrier and can cause the tan to discolourso although the skin needs to be hydrated it also needs to be completely clean and dry on the day of spray.
Now most of that information you probably already know but there are a few other little tips I picked up that will ensure a perfect finish.
1. HANDS, be sure that at the very least barrier cream is applied to the knuckles and rubbed in thoroughly, tan will grab on the knuckles especially when dry.
2. If the entire hand is dry applying hand cream all over immediately before tanning will help the tan absorb evenly.
3. The palms of the hands need a lot of barrier cream to prevent the 'baked bean' look.
4. Cuticles and nails on hands and feet should be protected with either barrier cream or vasaline, they can discolour with the DHA leaving the tell tale signs of a fake tan behind.
5. Dry areas need a little barrier cream rubbed in thoroughly to avoid that 'snake skin' look.
6. FEET, obviously the ankles and around the bottom of the feet are dry so extra cream should be used here, I also put a layer of barrier cream across the top of the feet because they catch a lot of the over spray making them very dark compared to the rest of the body.
After spray tanning the nails palms of the hands need to be wiped clean either with a baby wipe or prep spray on couch roll.
After care advice of gentle showering off rubbing lightly with your hands under the water until the water runs clear without using soap as this will strip the tan.
Pat dry do not rub as again this will rub the tan off.
Keep moisturised with an oil free mosturiser.
After 5 days the tan may be starting to fade so a light exfoliation may be required along with some type of extender if the client requires the tan to last longer.
Showers are better that baths as soaking can cause the tan to wear off quicker.
So I hope this is helpful to anyone doing tanning treatments and anyone going for a tan for the first time and is unsure of the pre tan prep.
Until next time
lots of love
Mrs G xxx
Today I thought I'd talk about the tanning advice I give my clients and some top tips I've picked up along the way.
First off I've mentioned this before I'm sure but you absolutely must patch test a brand new client. This protects you from any comeback incase of client reactions, and it prevents any likely hood that the client will react to the tan when full spray is applied. This must be done st least 48 hrs before the first tan.
All waxing, threading and shaving must be done 24 hours prior to spray tan as must a fully proper exfoliation with a mitt, exfoliating sponge or equivalent. Trying to exfoliate with a normal sponge, loufa or puff is not going to cut it this does not remove enough of the dead skin cells and will end up with the tan either going on patchy or wearing off patchy.
Hydration.... I advise every day, on the run up to the tan until the day, to keep moisturised with an oil free moisturiser. Most tanning companies sell pre and post tanning products as well as extending products that can be a great retail opportunity too, these products are compatible with the tan therefor will compliment the treatment. On the day of treatment the body must be free from any lotions potions, creams, perfumes and deoderants, these things create a barrier and can cause the tan to discolourso although the skin needs to be hydrated it also needs to be completely clean and dry on the day of spray.
Now most of that information you probably already know but there are a few other little tips I picked up that will ensure a perfect finish.
1. HANDS, be sure that at the very least barrier cream is applied to the knuckles and rubbed in thoroughly, tan will grab on the knuckles especially when dry.
2. If the entire hand is dry applying hand cream all over immediately before tanning will help the tan absorb evenly.
3. The palms of the hands need a lot of barrier cream to prevent the 'baked bean' look.
4. Cuticles and nails on hands and feet should be protected with either barrier cream or vasaline, they can discolour with the DHA leaving the tell tale signs of a fake tan behind.
5. Dry areas need a little barrier cream rubbed in thoroughly to avoid that 'snake skin' look.
6. FEET, obviously the ankles and around the bottom of the feet are dry so extra cream should be used here, I also put a layer of barrier cream across the top of the feet because they catch a lot of the over spray making them very dark compared to the rest of the body.
After spray tanning the nails palms of the hands need to be wiped clean either with a baby wipe or prep spray on couch roll.
After care advice of gentle showering off rubbing lightly with your hands under the water until the water runs clear without using soap as this will strip the tan.
Pat dry do not rub as again this will rub the tan off.
Keep moisturised with an oil free mosturiser.
After 5 days the tan may be starting to fade so a light exfoliation may be required along with some type of extender if the client requires the tan to last longer.
Showers are better that baths as soaking can cause the tan to wear off quicker.
So I hope this is helpful to anyone doing tanning treatments and anyone going for a tan for the first time and is unsure of the pre tan prep.
Until next time
lots of love
Mrs G xxx
Monday, 1 June 2015
Pro brand snobery
Hi everyone
Today is a bit of a random unplanned blog (as most are) because something popped up in one of the facebook groups I joined, the reference was 'Brand Snobery' A bit of a strange thing to talk about you may think but it occured to me that the obsession with pro brands really depends on the type of buyer you are yourself.
Lets start at the beginning. The question was raised about sticking to one brand of polish for your mani/pedi treatments, the lady in question was asking other therapist opinions about whether or not they stick to one brand and what brands they use, for the most part several of us agreed that to stick to one brand was much more beneficial to customers, it shows consistancy through the treatments therefor building client trust, some felt it didn't matter if you used a couple of brands so long as what you use is quality and others said use what you like regardless of brand whether it be from the local boots or your local pro beauty store.
Then came a little debate whereby one therapist claimed that she uses brands from boots and she has 100% return rate with happy clients and that using a pro brand is just brand snobery. I ( and most others ) feel that you should provide a service not readily available for all to do at home themselves. A cheapshot being thrown at discount stores selling OPI now and how they dont like it. For a start if you are a professional going to a discount store to buy you products for professional use surely that brings your professionalism into question, if you are not prepared to pay out for products in the first place how can you charge for a first rate service? My opinion only of corse to each his own.
This got me thinking very hard about what clients think about the products used on them. I personally feel that if I am going to spend my hard earned money on a luxury service such as hair, nails or waxing I want to know that the products being used are at the very least considered luxury but at best the professional range. Anyone can go and buy head and shoulders, veet or Barry M so why would I pay through the nose for it in a salon/spa or via a mobile professional. I opened up the question to my business page, I only got 2 responses but the two whom responded are like both ends of the client spectrum, One lady who never quibbles about price, rebooks for other treatments and loves the service said exactly what I did, to each his own but if I'm paying for luxury I want luxury in return. The other is a very different type of client, always wants a discount, moans about everything, expects appointments last minute then cancels and even said to me she shops around to get deals on everything so it is cheaper for her, her response was If the service is good and the right price I don't care what people use as their products.
This says a lot for the type of clients you want to attract to your business. There are those that will always compare the price, these ones expect a £100 service for £50 and will drop you as the provider for that service if they find it cheaper elsewhere and there are those that appriciate you are providing luxury treatments, they know that for the most part they can not do this themselves for whatever reason and are prepared to pay the going rate for you to do it for them, these clients enjoy the treatments, products, atmosphere and come back for more without quibbling on price. I know exactly what type of client I want to attract and have turned people away for wanting a second rate service just to get it cheaper, you know they want just a set of gels none of the fancy stuff just gel polish then complain about the coming off too quickly, before you know it that 15 min client turns into an hour client but doesn't pay anymore.
Be wise about where you spend your money in your business, be sure of the types of clients that you want to attract into your salon/spa or mobile database, I am certain that if you are true to what you love then that will come across and you good clients will return. Brand snobery? I don't think so I think you set the standards. How high are yours?
Lots of Love
Mrs G xxxx
Today is a bit of a random unplanned blog (as most are) because something popped up in one of the facebook groups I joined, the reference was 'Brand Snobery' A bit of a strange thing to talk about you may think but it occured to me that the obsession with pro brands really depends on the type of buyer you are yourself.
Lets start at the beginning. The question was raised about sticking to one brand of polish for your mani/pedi treatments, the lady in question was asking other therapist opinions about whether or not they stick to one brand and what brands they use, for the most part several of us agreed that to stick to one brand was much more beneficial to customers, it shows consistancy through the treatments therefor building client trust, some felt it didn't matter if you used a couple of brands so long as what you use is quality and others said use what you like regardless of brand whether it be from the local boots or your local pro beauty store.
Then came a little debate whereby one therapist claimed that she uses brands from boots and she has 100% return rate with happy clients and that using a pro brand is just brand snobery. I ( and most others ) feel that you should provide a service not readily available for all to do at home themselves. A cheapshot being thrown at discount stores selling OPI now and how they dont like it. For a start if you are a professional going to a discount store to buy you products for professional use surely that brings your professionalism into question, if you are not prepared to pay out for products in the first place how can you charge for a first rate service? My opinion only of corse to each his own.
This got me thinking very hard about what clients think about the products used on them. I personally feel that if I am going to spend my hard earned money on a luxury service such as hair, nails or waxing I want to know that the products being used are at the very least considered luxury but at best the professional range. Anyone can go and buy head and shoulders, veet or Barry M so why would I pay through the nose for it in a salon/spa or via a mobile professional. I opened up the question to my business page, I only got 2 responses but the two whom responded are like both ends of the client spectrum, One lady who never quibbles about price, rebooks for other treatments and loves the service said exactly what I did, to each his own but if I'm paying for luxury I want luxury in return. The other is a very different type of client, always wants a discount, moans about everything, expects appointments last minute then cancels and even said to me she shops around to get deals on everything so it is cheaper for her, her response was If the service is good and the right price I don't care what people use as their products.
This says a lot for the type of clients you want to attract to your business. There are those that will always compare the price, these ones expect a £100 service for £50 and will drop you as the provider for that service if they find it cheaper elsewhere and there are those that appriciate you are providing luxury treatments, they know that for the most part they can not do this themselves for whatever reason and are prepared to pay the going rate for you to do it for them, these clients enjoy the treatments, products, atmosphere and come back for more without quibbling on price. I know exactly what type of client I want to attract and have turned people away for wanting a second rate service just to get it cheaper, you know they want just a set of gels none of the fancy stuff just gel polish then complain about the coming off too quickly, before you know it that 15 min client turns into an hour client but doesn't pay anymore.
Be wise about where you spend your money in your business, be sure of the types of clients that you want to attract into your salon/spa or mobile database, I am certain that if you are true to what you love then that will come across and you good clients will return. Brand snobery? I don't think so I think you set the standards. How high are yours?
Lots of Love
Mrs G xxxx
Friday, 29 May 2015
Actiderm Facial review
Hello peeps
This is quite an exciting one from a professional and consumer point of view.
As I have mentioned before I do some direct sales with Actiderm Cosmecuticles. They sell results driven skincare that is paraben free, SLS free and isn't tested on animals. They also sell make up that is free from all of those nasties and free from talc.
I am out doing 1 to 1 consultations with ladies wanting to try out the products and using them in my anti ageing facials for clients. The products are going down a storm, the results are immediately visable as well as ongoing with continued use.
This is a before and after of a lady who I saw a couple of weeks ago who as you will be able to tell was so happy with her facial she will be a regular.
I used much of the same products that I love to use in the mornings. Micellar lotion to cleanse, an eye mask to lift and tighten under the eyes (I use once per week on myself) and a fresh start mask which can only be used for 3 days on 3 days off as it is a 15% glycolic acid, a second cleanse to remove the masks, energising vitality lotion that has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to aid hydration and prepare the skin for the next step, eye and lip contour concentrete that helps fight fine lines and wrinkles as well as under eye circles and bags, collagen concentrate that sinks deep into the skin to help rebuild the skins natural collagen building blocks plumping the skin, tightening smoothing base to do just that tighten the skin firmness, and collagen night cream that sinks in so well that I love it as an all round day and night cream.
The pictures speak for themselves. I use all of those bar the tightening smoothing base as I only use this before a night out so my makeup sits better, every morning. I feel for my normel to slight combination skin the combination is just perfect.
The formula's are water based so you are not left with a greasy feel to the skin, the serums are light yet powerful so the effects are immediate and the cleanser is so gentle it does not strip the skin of all of its natural oils. The overall texture of my skin has improved no end, pores are unclogged, scarring and pigmentation reduced leaving a fresher brighter appearance.
The only downside is that some of the face creams have a strange smell, I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it's just a bit strange. This smell does disappear after a while but I know that could be off putting to some people.
I am using more and more of the make up products so will undoubtably post some pics and a review soon enough.
Until next time
Lots Of Love
Mrs G XXX
This is quite an exciting one from a professional and consumer point of view.
As I have mentioned before I do some direct sales with Actiderm Cosmecuticles. They sell results driven skincare that is paraben free, SLS free and isn't tested on animals. They also sell make up that is free from all of those nasties and free from talc.
I am out doing 1 to 1 consultations with ladies wanting to try out the products and using them in my anti ageing facials for clients. The products are going down a storm, the results are immediately visable as well as ongoing with continued use.
This is a before and after of a lady who I saw a couple of weeks ago who as you will be able to tell was so happy with her facial she will be a regular.
I used much of the same products that I love to use in the mornings. Micellar lotion to cleanse, an eye mask to lift and tighten under the eyes (I use once per week on myself) and a fresh start mask which can only be used for 3 days on 3 days off as it is a 15% glycolic acid, a second cleanse to remove the masks, energising vitality lotion that has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to aid hydration and prepare the skin for the next step, eye and lip contour concentrete that helps fight fine lines and wrinkles as well as under eye circles and bags, collagen concentrate that sinks deep into the skin to help rebuild the skins natural collagen building blocks plumping the skin, tightening smoothing base to do just that tighten the skin firmness, and collagen night cream that sinks in so well that I love it as an all round day and night cream.
The pictures speak for themselves. I use all of those bar the tightening smoothing base as I only use this before a night out so my makeup sits better, every morning. I feel for my normel to slight combination skin the combination is just perfect.
The formula's are water based so you are not left with a greasy feel to the skin, the serums are light yet powerful so the effects are immediate and the cleanser is so gentle it does not strip the skin of all of its natural oils. The overall texture of my skin has improved no end, pores are unclogged, scarring and pigmentation reduced leaving a fresher brighter appearance.
The only downside is that some of the face creams have a strange smell, I can't quite put my finger on what it is but it's just a bit strange. This smell does disappear after a while but I know that could be off putting to some people.
I am using more and more of the make up products so will undoubtably post some pics and a review soon enough.
Until next time
Lots Of Love
Mrs G XXX
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