Product and Service Recommendations

This is a group where we can all ask for and share recommendations for products and services that we find helpful in our esthetic practices.
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  • Ms. S

    Hi there, looking for a homemade or a cheap gommage mask to demo for my students and of course let them try it out themselves...thanks!!

  • Susan Nathan

    Michelle,  I use a product which I formulate, Nutrifoliant.  It is a mixture of nutrients and clays with dermabrasion crystals.  Mix it with any facial cleanser, let it dry, turns into a mask.  Or, just rinse it off after application.  I will send a sample to you if you like.  By the way, I have been curious if it is allowed to respond to comments by suggesting products on this site.  If not,  I  cancel this message.  I also have a product called SkinAmino Mask, a proprietary blend of amino acids, nutrients and clays.  Just let me know.

  • Ms. S

    That would be great, and hopefully we don't get in trouble for this thread..never thought about it to be honest.  I'm taking over a class of almost finished esthetic students who haven't done anything except a basic facial so I'm trying to cram as much in as possible...thank you!

  • Susan Nathan

    Michelle,  You may contact me through my website, bornagainskin.com or bornagainskin@gmail.com to request the samples.

  • Emilie Spruill

    I think this is a really interesting topic and one that is near and dear to my heart, as I have been with a direct selling company for over 13 years, and as a result of my passion for skincare, I became a licensed esthetician.  I understand that it's frustrating that there are a lot of poorly trained, and often times pushy, even annoying, direct selling people out there in our communities (because I meet them each week too!), but I also have a heart for the business and personally, for my chosen product line.  I also have access to a fabulous "professional" line, and quite frankly, the products are quite comparable--ingredients and formulation alike.

    I don't really understand the negativity in regards to the MLM concept.  I prefer to call it Direct Sales it simply means that the products are directly sold through consultants and not in a retail environment; also, because any reputable company is a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA).  They are the industry watch dogs so they protect the consumer and the consultants against any sort of scams or shady situations.  Side note: Pyramid schemes are illegal.  If there is ever a company where recruiting is the main objective and product is not being sold, then this may be a pyramid scheme and it will likely be shut down--although, for the record, I'd say, run from it.  Corporate America, however, is one big pyramid in the sense that the people at the top make the majority of the money and the people at the bottom make a fraction of that, and it will basically never change.  The CEO of Exxon made $25.2 million last year.  My engineer friend made about $65,000 for Exxon.  And she will certainly not out-earn her supervisors no matter how hard she works.

    In regards to skincare and "professional" versus a direct selling brand.  I think it truly comes down to the product--is that the very best product that you believe will benefit both your clients and your business?  If a product line is exceptional, but it's sold through a non-traditional channel, does that make the product less exceptional?  I don't believe it does.  Now I understand and appreciate that unfortunately, people who have a negative association with Direct Sales companies have often either been burned by one, annoyed by a persistent recruiter or have been less than impressed by various product lines--I can completely relate.  Without product bashing, there are some very popular direct selling brands that I would never associate with, because in my humble opinion, they are very poor quality ingredients and they simply don't work.  It just so happens that the line that I am in love with is sold through a direct selling company--the products work, they meet my high ingredient and results standards, and I can have them shipped directly to my client so I keep no inventory.  I truly don't have the space or the funds to invest in inventory, so this has been an excellent benefit for me personally.  I also love that my clients can reorder from me, and they do, even if they are across the country--I have clients from coast to coast and even internationally.  With most professional brands, if they stop seeing me for whatever reason, they stop buying product, but with my situation, they can always order and that is great residual income for me.

    As for recruiting, I never offer to recruit my skincare clients.  I do have a team of consultants and I take great pride in educating them about the features and benefits of the products, but I keep my skincare business separate from my team.  At times, they could possibly overlap, but in my experience, it just doesn't come up.  My purpose isn't to recruit everyone or make everyone a party hostess, unless that is what might serve that person's needs best.  I love the options and variety that I have to offer.  

    I hope that my perspective sheds some positive light on the topic!

  • Vanessa Barrientez

    @Emilie what is the product line you use. If you don't mind sharing?
  • Monica Atterberry

    Emilie - I totally agree! My association with the Direct Sales company I'm with is what led me to become an Esthetician. I wanted to know the technical side and verify what I'd learned the company was true. Everything I learned from the company was on point and true. I use and totally believe in the products that is why I use and offer them. If for some reason they stopped making these products or the company went under, I wouldn't go out and look for another Direct Sales company. It's not about the fact it's a direct sales company it's about me believing in the products.

    I agree with you about beig pushy as well. My motto is no pressure just an option. I don't offer the business to my clients unless we are discussing something and there is a definite need, and then again there is no pressure it is just an option.

    As professionals we all have choices. I respect each and every one your choices to handle your business the way you see fit for you. This is what works for me for many reasons. Praying all the best for each and every one of you and your businesses.
  • Emilie Spruill

    Monica, thanks for your input.  I think you have a great outlook.  It is indeed all about choices.  While a good debate is always healthy, division among us professionals is no more productive than bickering among political parties or division among varying types of Christianity (not that we want to go there, obviously, I'm just saying that these are debates that may never be resolved).  


    I was just thinking about another example.  Let's say I want to research home-schooling my children.  I may look at the pros and cons, and while it may or not may be for me for very significant personal reasons, that does not make home schooling the only option, or the only right option, for me or for anyone else.  It's a personal decision.  Further, one home schooling curriculum may be incredible while another technique is not at all.  Another example: I drive a Hyundai Sonata--it is not the fanciest luxury car, nor is it the most expensive.  But based on the research that I did, it has great gas mileage, impressive resale value, excellent safety ratings and every luxury option I want without the cost of a luxury vehicle.  While some of my friends may question my decision as they drive their Porsches, Mercedes and BMWs, I have no doubt that I made the right choice for me--neither is right or wrong.


    I just ask that we all respect each other's personal choices as we are all (vast majority on this forum, I understand) professionals and we all have earned that title of esthetician.  I do feel like some of the posts are downright disrespectful and condescending and that is not a positive for anyone.

    Thank you, ladies, for your input.

  • Sheila Gordon

    I commend you ladies for actually being Estheticians and being involved with Direct Sales.  That's my problem that I have with most of the companies is that they are NOT skin care professionals and they recommend products based on a script.  I think it's awesome that you both are Estheticians and actually love and believe in the product.  I however have researched some of the companies that have approached me and I felt they spend more money on the marketing than actually producing a great product and the pushiness is what I can't stand so thank you ladies for actually doing it the "right" way :).

  • Yaneth De La Cruz Huges

    Does anyone knows about a professional product that controls rosacea?

  • Susan Nathan

    Yaneth,

    I use a product, SkinNutrients, under brand name Nutrient Skin Care, that has had positive impact on several of my clients with rosacea.  SkinNutrients is a combination of nutrient powders that may be added to existing skin care products such as a moisturizer or serum.  It is added at the point of use.  I can send you a sample of this product if you like.

  • Emilie Spruill

    Hi Yaneth, in my experience, the best results that I have had with rosacea are products that include ingredients such as Oil of Evening Primrose, Vitamin C, Licorice, Strawberry, and Mulberry.  These brighteners are typically used to reverse/prevent sun damage but the best reversal that I have seen was using these ingredients on someone with rosacea--her skin started to look porcelain as a result.

  • Brigitte McDonald

    Hi Yaneth,

    I have found alot of success with Epicuren's Acidophilus Probiotic Facial Creme.  One of the theories with rosacea is that it is caused by bacteria, this acidophilus facial creme is used like a moisturizer and puts "good bacteria" on the skin.  The theory is that bad bacteria and good bacteria can not occupy the same space so we flood the skin with good bacteria in an effect to "move out" the bad bacteria.  I have had clients who have been on steroid cremes and other rx find this creme to be more effective, with less irritation and costs less.  This creme can also be used in the fight against acne as well.

  • Cimberly Davis

    A client recently asked if I could start offering Anal Bleaching. I have no idea on where to get products to complete this or how to perform the service. Can anyone give me a little information about this or can maybe point me in the right direction.  Please and thank you!

  • Deborah Kenney

    @Cimberly-I  bought some on request-still sitting on shelf-decided she was too shy to do it-I bought South Beach-but it takes many applications-needing to be done about every day-could even be 2xd. and stop when desired whiteness is achieved. I think it was 65.00 w/postage.

  • Crystal Cheadle

    Hello all! I'm new to the site and oh so excited to be here! I'm almost ready to open for "official" business and need to know how to profit from selling products? Are there any product lines that sell only to professionals or at least offer a discount so I don't lose money? I'm very interested in natural or organic products. I'm not a fan of all the chemical additives in many products on the market today. Since I am new to this world, I don't have a ton of money to invest in a lot of products, so price is a definite issue. I would love some suggestions and advice! Thank you!!!

  • Sheila Gordon

    I would suggest that you contact a few lines and tell them that you are an Esthetician (they will probably require a license sent to them and resale tax certificate) and tell them that you are new and looking to start with a line and see if they will send you samples.  The best way to pick a product is to actually use it yourself first.  If you go to the forum and type in organic skin care there will be a ton of conversations that come up about it.  You will find that some have a min opening order and some will also sell online.  Your cost is usually about 50% off from retail  Here are a few that I have heard of from fellow Esty's on here:

    Acure, John Masters, Eminence, Arcona, Nardos Naturals, Image (Ormedic line), ilike, Pevonia (natural not organic), Skin Scripts (natural not organic) and many more

    Maybe go to Organic Spa Magazine and see what is listed in there. 

    Good luck with your new business.  You will love this site!  It has so much info and all of the fellow Esty's are extremely helpful and supportive!!  Keep us posted on your success!!

  • Crystal Cheadle

    @Sheila Gordon -

    Thank you so much for such great advice! I'll try some of those suggestions!

  • Janine Mease

    Hi...could anyone suggest a good professional brand skincare line that makes holiday/seasonal facial masks? I am looking for pumpkin, sugar cookie, gingerbread cookie or something similar. 

  • body&skincarebyenith

  • Robin Lemon

    Janine I just did the skinscript holiday facial on myself and it was wonderful!
  • Susan Nathan

    Janine,  Would consider adding some holiday scents to your existing masks?  Pumpkin pie spices, cinnamon, clove (use very small amount of ground clove), orange extract, powdered cardamom to name just a few ideas. 

  • Janine Mease

    Thank you all for your help!

  • monika bak

    can  anyone tell me where i can order product for oxygen facial? :) thanks

     

  • Shelley Hancock

    I've got two products that I had developed for use with my RejuvenAir oxygen machine. Real OxyPro Serum for anti-aging/pigmentation and Real Balance Serum for acne/oily/large pores. http://www.shelleyhancock.com/specialtyproductstools.html

  • Susan Nathan

    Natalie,  I use micro-current instead of galvanic to penetrate nutrients.  I use a very basic aloe vera based conducting gel which I enhance with a product NutrInfusion(TM) which is a collection of powdered nutrients I add to the gel at the point of use to make sure the nutrients are at their highest potency and at the concentration that is effective.  The power is in the nutrients, not the choice of gel.  I use the same gel boosted with nutrients for high-frequency.  However, I cover my client's face with to hold the gel next to the skin while using the high-frequency wand.  I am the formulator for the Nutrient Skin Care line which offers basic SkinNutrients(TM) and well as NutrInfusion.  Contact me via email.  I will send samples that you request.  Susan Nathan, BornAgainSkin@gmail.com.

  • Susan Nathan

    Correction to comment below:  However, I cover my client's face with GAUZE to hold the gel next to the skin while using the high-frequency wand.

    Apologies.

  • Synoia Tech / Shari Pilo

    WISHPro has officially launched in the USA! 10 days ago we launched in Denver at Esthetique Solutions Group, LLC (ESG). It was fabulous. Now the team just returned from Vegas, and from March 9-11 the WISHPro team will be in Chicago at the Face & Body show (booth 6314 & 6315) We will be holding live demos so you can see how the hottest new technology in aesthetics works! If you have any questions please message me! Check out the new website for our American Distributor at www.mywishpro.com and of course share some love on their brand new Facebook Page!

  • Deanna Wickey

    World Wide Launch Party

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    You ask – how do I get more information about this great skincare line?  RSVP to our World Wide Launch Party – See information below.  



    Date:
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    Le Saum, 1919 S. Grand, Ste. 100
    St. Louis, MO 63104

     

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    Delicious hor devours and cocktails that will definitely set the mood for our BIGGEST and BEST Launch Party Yet!!!!

    Hope to See You There

  • Rosemarie H Hunter

    Body Scrubs and wraps and navigating how to complete them with minimal client disturbances is my challenge. I would prefer to own a vichey shower table but currently perform them on a massage table with a protective sheeting made of mylar. So i wonder do i scrub one side, clean, and mask....flip repeat or try to do this by asking the client to move her legs, sit up etc. HELP! 

  • Rosemarie H Hunter

    BTW- what are your favorite sugar or salt scrubs recipes or masks that work great.

  • Jeanne Cowan

    If anyone uses GlyMed, I would love to talk with you! Not too much input from that group.
  • Brooke-Marie Halbert

    Arrg!  I am in my 4th week of school and already freaking out about...well everything but mostly what product line I will want to use!  The school I'm attending uses OFRA products which I don't really have an opinion about at this point simply because I don't know any better.  Starting out I'm obviously looking for ease of use and GOOD instructions.  I want something not tested on animals and something economical.  Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

  • Sheila Gordon

    Just stop and breathe!!  We are all overwhelmed by this.  Just make sure whatever product line you choose has free education r very minimal cost, has wonderful customer service, effective products that other estheticians are using, training, low shipping cost, affordable prices, etc.  Start researching on here if you type product lines in the search box you can probably find a few great conversations.  We are all going to have our own opinion but then you can forumlate your own.  I personally use Skin Scripts and Nardos Naturals.  Figure out if you are looking for Certified Organic, or is Natural ok. 

  • Christine Maloney

    I have used Glymed skin care products in the past, also attended their training 12 yrs. ago when I first became licensed.  Good products & good support system. 

  • Melissa Bradley

    This going to be a multi part question....first does any one use "Christina" skin care line and if so what do you think? Second....does anyone use those "Magic Globes" that you use cold to massage the face, do you like them and how do you incorporate them into your facials? And lastly....has anyone used the "iSkyn" pumpkin peel in their treatment room and what did/do you think of it. I got samples and just did the professional strength on myself last night. I definitely felt it and my face is very soft and smooth

    Thanks!!!
  • Wendy E. Reese

    Any recommendations on lash extensions?

  • Brooke-Marie Halbert

    Thank you Sheila and Christine!   Sheila, I'm even more anxious now after speaking with a woman this weekend who had less than complimentary opinions about the training I'm receiving.  She suggested that the school I'm attending offers only a "bare bones" education and that I had better be well versed on a multitude of products and be fully prepared to be out on my own or I will surely fail once I get into a salon or spa.  I see now what my instructor meant when she said that this is a dog-eat-dog industry and that it may be difficult to find people in my immediate area who will be supportive.  I am taking your advise very seriously and hoping to educate myself outside of the classroom in preparation for graduation. 

  • Johanne Wayne

    Brooke-Marie!

    It is very true that schools offer bare bones......their job is to get you to the exam and that is it. They don't have that much time to upkeep with the latest anything besides the state rules and regulations for their curriculum....

    I graduated last June and got my license Aug 3rd......since then I have had awesome education elsewhere by a few great mentors and it made me appreciate this license......I could never have gotten this information without it!

    Just get to your exam and then your world will open up with awesome estheticians and skin care companies that really want to teach you what you need to know..........

    Our daughter was a advanced grade 3 acne girl that brought me to get this license.......once I got it and introduced to the right people, it took 3 months to heal her face! When I look at this now, it is amazing.....but we never would have had this if I did not take this path.....

    Be encouraged......you can do it........yes, it can be a dog-eat-dog industry but there are many kind and knowledgeable people out there waiting for you.....

  • Brooke-Marie Halbert

    Johanne!  Your words have eased my mind considerably.  I know you are 100% right!  I am so eager to learn and more than willing to seek out opportunities for growth so I'm sure I'll be fine.  I need to remind myself that I will have plenty of time to sharpen my skills after graduating and that I'm not going to come away with my license knowing everything!  Bless you for your encouragement! 

  • Melissa Bradley

    Just got my case of Creative Energy candles. Saw them at the Miami show and they're candles are great. They double as a lotion with anti aging ingredients. Vitamin A, E, K and organic coconut oil and the all smell great. Thought it would be nice to rub into the hands while a mask is on and will probably sell retail as well. I'm not a distributor or anything I just wanted to share
  • Johanne Wayne

    Hi guys,

    I am wanting to find good mineral makeup that is not as expensive as Jane Iredale. I find that the cost of Jane's is preventing my people from purchasing. There has to be some line out there that is good besides that one......but which one is it? I don't know......I figured all you experienced gals would have good advice!       Thanks!

  • Vanessa Barrientez

    Conservatoire, Mineral Mine. I have not tried either one, but The Conservatorie has good ingredients.  You might want to purchase samples.  If you have a sales license, you can get it wholesale.

  • Cindy Greenwood

    Johanne,

    a smaller line but one that has great products IMO is

    the Osmosis Colour Line.  I am still using my Primer and Pressed Powder that I purchased in October!  Their concealer is fabulous. 

  • Jonathan Ross

    Has anyone used H2T products? I am totally in love with them. They have all sorts of great items, and the prices aren't bad either. If you want to try out their line, call and talk to Tony Vogel, tell him Jonathan from Fort Lauderdale sent you. They are very patient and explain everything to you and will answer any questions you have. I have been using their Vitality C Peel and their Pumpkin Peels, as well as Dermastage products. Now if I could just seriously find something to eat my wrinkles around my eyes. LOL

  • Deborah Bonjouklian

    Anyone have experience with the JeNu ultrasonic device? It seems similar to try Clarisonic Opal.
  • Joy Casamento

    Can anyone give me any insight on YG Laboratory products?  Do you use your private label?  How does it do selling retail?  Which ones are your top 5 must-haves on your back bar?

    Thanks, Joy

  • Melissa Bradley

    Anyone have experience with or know anything about Puramed Professional line of Skincare?
  • Eryn Cook

    Dermalogica has the worst customer service EVER!! They want your money and that is all. Their products are over priced and over rated to boot. The only reason most people know of them is because they make a point of trying to be in most beauty schools. That way new grads will recognize them and use them because they are used to them. But in reality, they are mostly mediocre at best. I love PCA Skin!! Excellent training and customer service too!!

  • Eryn Cook

    Dermalogica has the worst customer service EVER!! They want your money and that is all. Their products are over priced and over rated to boot. The only reason most people know of them is because they make a point of trying to be in most beauty schools. That way new grads will recognize them and use them because they are used to them. But in reality, they are mostly mediocre at best. I love PCA Skin!! Excellent training and customer service too!!