Hello, I am a brand new esthetician and am getting more and more confused about a skin care line to purchase. I don't have the luxury of purchasing something that is not going to be effective (limited budget). When talking to skin care reps they all say that their products are "the best". Any real advice for a first timer looking to make a pretty big investment? Thanks:)

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When clients open a wholesale account with my company, De La Terre Skincare, we always ask the questions "What is the mission statement of your practice?"  I think if you answer this for yourself and explore what you want your practice to look like, it will be easier to find the right company, with the products and protocols best suited to your needs. 

Here are some things to consider:

Are you looking into a holistic/organic approach?

Are you interested in pampering, medical or wellness?

Are you going to be utilizing machines?

What kind of experience do you want your clients to receive?

Do you plan on retailing?

What is your budget?

We had an article on this in a recent issue of Skin Deep magazine - here's a link to read it online. It might give you some good starting points for what to consider. Selecting A Product Line - Skin Deep Sept/Oct 2012

I researched this exact topic. At first, I was pretty overwhelmed. But after really researching, and trying different products, I choose SkinCeuticles. First, because I work in an affluent area and asked around to find out what people are saying they heard works. Over and over this company came up. This included my doctor friends that want proof and studies that shows the product actually works and does what it says. Then, after trying several other lines, my own skin never looked so good. I have acne, slight Rosacea, I get red and was experiencing a lot of dryness. It took about a week to see some pretty remarkable difference. The line I liked before I found SkinCeuticles was Dermalogica. I love a lot of their product too. My favorites are PreCleanse, Daily Microfolient and their MultiVitamin Mask or called something close to that. Those products rock. But the whole pre-cleanse idea means you wash your face twice, not once. And buy two products to clean your face. But the idea is the pre-cleanse in an oil base cleanser and like attracts like. It removes makeup, dirt and oil really well. Both these companies have pretty hearty minimum orders for the first time you buy, then $250 per order after that. Plus, the retail price itself can be pricy for some clients and I wanted an alternative that I might even private label. I searched and found MC Skin Care out of Napa, California. The product is good, price reasonable, no minimums and you can put your own label on it for something like $25 per product. That's my two cents so far. Good luck! Lots of choices!!!
I am a big fan of Mark Lees. I find Skinscripts sells well because it is less expensive though.

Skin Scripts is great, easy to use, awesome support for the esty, free education, affordable, $5 shipping and FAST!! Owner is always right there to answer a question and if she doesn't know the answer she will find it. 

Above anything, pick a line that has free or low cost education and has a lot of it, shipping cost and time are huge, price point of their products...if they are pricey for you they will be pricey for the client, smells, effectiveness, etc.  Choose a company that is willing toi give samples or let you purchase samples and always try the line on yourself first. Decide if you are concerned with natural products, organic prioducts or it doesn't matter.  Do you want to be more resutls driven focusing on anti aging or acne where you need more medical type lines, or do you want a nice line, gives results and provides nice scents to provide a relaxing facial as well.   Don't worry about investing in "backbar" sizes to start out...it's definitely not necessary when you are just starting and if you are picking up retail items, start with the basics and slowly add.  I start with 2 of everything.  I am ojnly saying these things becausue last year I was a new esty and started a new business and totally did everything wrong and learned form my mistakes. :).  I hate seeing others make the same financial mistakes.  PLease keep us posted and good luck with your new adventure. 

Great advice Sheila.

The only lines I will use on my own skin are Circadia and Dermalogica anymore.  I get such great results on my own skin as well as my clients with these lines.  They are not overly expensive, and have ingredients that work and great education.  I've tried other lines, samples and such I got at shows, or ordered and I have yet to find anything that measures up.  And Circadia has no minimum order. 

 

Thank you all so much for the great advice. I am so thankful to have found this web site. Since October, 2012 I have been trying to get fellow estys to talk with me that are located in my area and no one and I mean no one would give me any information. You have all been so kind and thoughtful in your responses. I appreciated it more than you know. Thanks again!

Hi Melinda,

Have you decided what line you want to carry? I am also in your shoes right now.

Melinda,

you really don't want what everyone else is using anyway.

I wish there was a "like" button to put on Anne's reply...

you just need to find the product line that works for you and she mentions ALL the things to consider.

Make your first selection on product only - I look at what the line offers in retail and backbar and make sure that they have the products and ingredients that I am looking for. Then look at pricing. You may end up having to go with your second or third choice depending on your situation - but you can work up to the preferred line once your business grows. 

Your priority always has to be what YOU want to work with and what your clientele NEEDS.

Osmosis.  Great line with great results and there is NO minimum order.  I just started using it about 4 weeks ago and loving it...the rep we have is lovely too and very helpful with training.   

Didn't get a chance to try any of the Osmosis products yet - but solid science behinds the products and ingredients!

I DID get a chance to purchase the Osmosis Color products and I really like them.  The lip gloss I got (hmmm - I think the color was pink sapphire or something like that) is the absolute best color I have ever had.  If I did makeup, I would take a serious look at this line - not overwhelming to start up at all.

The wellness treatment waters that Osmosis makes are also very interesting - I was considering bringing them on at my last location.  Unfortunately they won't make a good fit at my new location.

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