1. Foundation: This is used to give the skin an even tone. It neutralizes red cheeks, broken veins and freckles. It is very useful if make-up is to look very effective. It provides the base for all other make-up and makes their application quite easier. It is very essential to keep in mind that the main purpose of a foundation is to even out natural skins tone and not to change the colour of the skin. Foundation is available in either liquid, cream or solid form.

2. Face Powder : This is used to set the foundation which would otherwise within 2-3 hours, slide off the skin. Face powder is the essential finishing touch to all make-up. It also gives staying power to lipstick and prevents cream blusher and eye shadow from creasing. Face powder is available either in a loose from or in a compressed form.

3. Concealers: These are required to ‘blot’ out dark shadows under eyes, broken veins, high cheek colour, blemishes etc. Concealers come in sticks or as thick cream and are generally applied before foundation.

4. Blusher: This is the first of the color cosmetics that you apply to your face and one of the most flattering Its main purpose is to accentuate the cheek bones and to add colour and warmth to the skin. Blushers come in a variety of colours and shades in a wide thrice of textures as well.

5. Eyebrow colour : This is used to add colour to the eyebrows. These colours are either in the form of a pencil or a powder.

6. Eye –Shadows: These are used to give colour, definition and shape to the eyes.

7. Lipstick: This is used to balance the made-up face and to emphasise the mouth. Nowadays, lipsticks have a much softer texture. Lipsticks can be used directly on the lips but it is difficult to achieve a clean outline this way. It is thus better to take the lipstick off the stick with a lip brush.

8. Highlighter: This is generally used for dramatic effects to give a flattering ‘lift’ to a face.It is used on the browline, top of the cheekbone and the top line centre. The colours are light cream or white and are available either in the powder or cream form.

9. Shaders and Contours : Shaders are always brown and are used around the face to give a slimming effect. Contours are generally brown and are used under the cheekbone, to give a hollow look. The key to successful application for shaders and contours is a very light touch.

10. Mascara : This is used to emphasise eyes further by adding colour, thickness and sometimes even length to lashes.

When Buying cosmetics and perfumes online make sure to buy from proper sources to avoid buying sub standard cosmetics and perfumes

To make a visit to the salon a unique experience, the ambience and salon furniture must provide thematic elements that embody the spirit of chic relaxation. Salon furniture encompasses an assortment of chairs, tables, spas and cabinets that are essential to beauticians and customers alike. Designs must combine the practical with the stylish, with comfort at the cornerstone of all salon furniture concepts. The experience must be a treat to the senses, especially to one’s sense of touch, and well selected furniture is therefore judged accordingly.

In addition to furniture, the various tools of the trade include scissors, blow-drying products, salon towels, and the all-important cosmetics themselves. While most cosmetics and blow-drying equipment are brand related products that are identifiable to regular customers, the salon towels remain the invisible accessories. Salon towels are, more often than not, replaced far in advance of their normal life simply because they stain and become unsightly quickly. Choosing premium quality products is essential to maintain profitability as well as a reputation for excellence.

Successful management of a beauty salon means tying together all the ends – from stock taking to handling appointments and schedules. While the former is generally handled by the salon owners, a receptionist is often employed to keep track of schedules using a salon appointment book. The receptionist uses the salon appointment book to schedule the right employee for various clients and their individual needs. A good salon appointment book is a guide which provides the receptionist with essential names and numbers as well as notes and reminders, in addition to appointment details.

Running a beauty salon requires a blend of good management practices plus an extensive knowledge of trends in both fashion and luxury. Combining these many elements together to offer clients an oasis from the bustle of everyday life is the ultimate aim of any beauty salon.

Design and décor are key elements to creating the perfect salon environments. Choosing the right salon furniture means sifting through catalogues of a multitude of salon furniture designers. This tedious task is well worth the effort. With proper salon furniture, comfort is paramount, as is design aesthetics. When conceptualizing the salon, certain thematic elements must make their way into the décor and consequently the furniture. By using a central design theme, owners can work color schemes and patterns that best suit the experience they wish to craft for their clients.

A salon today offers clients a variety of treatments from hydrotherapy to haircuts. Since each treatment varies so drastically, the salon equipment too differs from one to the next. Most salons offer massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, hair removal and haircuts as part of their cosmetic solution. Salon equipment includes the chemical cosmetics like shampoos, hair colors and makeup, and the gear – scissors, blow dryers and steamers. Invisible and yet so essential, salon equipment plays a pivotal role in the success of a beauty salon. A reputation for providing the best services can only be acquired by using premium quality products and equipment.

Managing a salon is as intricate a job as equipping it is. While stock taking is a standard monthly procedure, maintaining appointments is not. The receptionist is the key to coordinating the staff and clients; something he or she would accomplish with the trusty salon appointment book. Along with details of dates and times, a salon appointment book contains phone numbers and sometimes, important information about clients. Scheduling is what a salon appointment book must do best, and every receptionist must quickly learn to make the most of this handy guidebook.

The importance of skin care:

Why is it that so much attention is paid to skin care? It must be understood that our skin especially the exposed areas are the first to bear the direct impact of adverse environmental conditions. Consequently, it is more prone to damage in several ways. The sun is a big factor that causes wrinkles, age spots, tan and other kinds of damage to the skin. Next is the dirt and grime that we are daily exposed to, leading to clogging of pores, which further create conditions suitable for acne, eruptions and blackheads. It is therefore, important to take proper care of our skin on a daily basis. This would include thorough cleansing, toning, moisturizing and ex-foliating from time to time to reveal and maintain radiant skin. In this endeavor you have skin care products to help you out.

The skin is the largest organ of the body serving as the protective shield against infections, extreme temperatures, dehydration and injuries. Those who neglect their skin health will do so at their own peril because very soon they will begin to encounter serious skin problems. When the skin attains a dry and itchy state it is very important to treat it with skin care cosmetics or it will flare up into a major problem.

Experts warn that this dry and itchy condition of the skin is an indication that the protective layer of the skin has been destroyed. However, timely detection of the condition can help in preventing any serious damage and skin care cosmetics can be employed to restore the health of the skin.

The safety aspect of skin care cosmetics:

Skin care cosmetics in the United States are supposed to be quite safe for their intended use. It is considered so because they have to undergo strict quality checks based on government regulations. At the same time, it must be remembered that improper or incorrect use of some skin care cosmetic products could cause allergic reactions and skin damage. To ascertain the suitability of a skin care cosmetic for your skin, it is best to consult a beauty expert, at the same time making sure that you go through the product label carefully. In case of uncertainty you should not try out the product without first removing all doubts.

Shopping for skin care cosmetics:

Once you are armed with expert advice from a professional, you can set out to purchase a suitable skin care cosmetic product. You can be sure of finding all the popular skin care cosmetic products at the local mall so, go out and explore. To add some fun you can bring along a friend for the beauty consultation sessions. If time is a constraint for you, it is best to shop online. By shopping online you not only save on time but the effort needed too is reduced. You will have to pay for shipping and handling charges, a small price to pay for the great convenience that you benefit from while shopping on the Internet.

With so many products making so many claims, it’s easy to be confused by clever marketing. Fortunately, just a bit of education can get you on the path to choosing the proper cosmetics and using them wisely. Here are seven good rules to follow for a healthy make-up regimen:

1. Avoid penetrating oils. Contrary to popular belief, not all oils are comedogenic. Petroleum products, mineral oil and sunflower oil do not penetrate into the pore. Most cosmetic oils, however, can aggravate acne — so it’s best to avoid them. In general, products labelled “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” are less likely to clog your pores and trigger breakouts.

2. Steer clear of sweet smells. Fragrance is a major cause of allergic and irritant reactions on the face. Even products that claim to be “unscented” may include fragrances added to mask the smell of other ingredients. It’s best to stick with products labelled as “fragrance-free” or “hypo-allergenic.” Of course, reactions to fragrance differ dramatically, and you may find certain perfumes that don’t affect your skin.

3. Be smart about shadow and blush. The stuff that puts the sparkle in your eye shadow, face powder and blush is usually mica, a common mineral. The jagged, flaky shape of mica particles can cause irritation and/or clogging in the follicle, so it’s best to use products without too much shimmer. Check the labels for blushes that use carmine, which has been a natural, healthy cosmetic colorant since the time of the Aztecs. Also, cream blushes are more likely to have comedogenic ingredients, so stick to powder or gel blushes.

4. Get wise to eye creams. Because of the delicacy of the skin around the eyes, creams created for this area are often thicker and greasier than regular facial moisturizers. Heavy eye creams and oily eye make-up removers can promote milia, tiny white cysts under the eyes. These kinds of products can also migrate to neighbouring areas, creating acne on the cheeks, temples and forehead.

5. Style your hair with care. Most hair products are full of the ingredients we’d like to keep away from our skin: alcohol, adhesives and oils. So if you’re prone to acne, use care when styling your hair — cover your skin when you spray, and try to keep oils, mousses, gels and pomades away from the skin at the hairline. And don’t use hair products when you exercise; perspiration from your scalp can carry styling products onto your skin, contributing to new breakouts.

6. Wash after exercising. While we know that sweat doesn’t cause acne, it can promote it in those who are prone — and make-up can make matters worse. Even non-comedogenic products can cause clogging or irritation in the presence of heavy perspiration. As a rule, it’s best to wash immediately after exercising with a medicated exfoliating cleanser.

7. Use the right lip lube. If you have problems with pimples around the mouth area, you might want to reconsider the products you use on your lips. Lipsticks and glosses are greasy by nature, with high concentrations of petroleum, wax and other comedogenic substances. The greater the shine, the greater the potential for pore-clogging — so if you’re breaking out, try going for a matte finish rather than a high gloss.

In general, it’s fine to doll up! Just choose your cosmetics carefully — look for products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Read labels carefully to avoid common topical triggers. And of course, use your common sense; if a product that looks okay on the label is irritating your skin, discontinue usage right away.

In the modern world, the Spa has evolved tremendously and you can find a spa in almost any city in any country. Spas now offer a wide range of treatments extending beyond those associated with water. Some spas aim to provide you with total mind and body fitness including healthy eating and a complete body relaxation. These are its main benefits. Some spas offer a one-day experience, or alternatively two to three nights of pure peace and relaxation.

Some spas offer treatments to enhance your beauty and appearance. Examples are mud spa or wrap, facial spa, pedicure, manicure and many others. A body spa or wrap will have the effect of slimming and toning your body. With the appropriate ingredients used, it can even have a whitening effect on your skin. These treatments are particularly popular with women but men are already taking advantage of these treatments to enhance beauty and leave you feeling younger.

Nowadays, massage is an important ingredient of a spa as well as water. While you are soaking in the water, complimented with aromatherapy you can begin to let go of your worries and troubles. After which, you can immerse yourself in a full body massage where the masseuse aims to revitalize your body and relax your mind. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after these treatments are its main benefits.

Spa treatments that are associated with hydrotherapy have a number of health benefits. They help to soothe tired, sore or stiff joints and muscles better than a consistent therapy of warm water massage. An early morning soak in a spa hot tub provides temporary relief from arthritis pain and helps you feel better throughout the day. The heat from the warm water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to damaged tissues and accelerates the body’s natural healing process. Hot water reduces pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

Many people plagued with sleeping problems are finding the answer in a spa where they can have a relaxing soak in warm water before going to bed to induce a good night’s sleep. This alternative to medicine or other sleep aids has created hundreds of happy customers who cannot imagine going to bed at night without that lovely, starlit soak in their spa just before sleep. It is truly a healthy way to end the day and prepare for the next with a good nights sleep

While some spas offer a range of generic products some spas are differentiated by the kinds of treatments they focus on. Some examples are destination spa, medical spa, health spa, beauty spa, day spa and their name tells you the focus of their treatments.

Spas have a healing and relaxing effect and can be a source of renewed health and pampering. Spas are increasingly offering their services on-line. Spend some time looking around at the various treatments available and having chosen something you like, treat yourself and your loved ones to a luxurious spa on a special occasion or just for the hell of it. It is guaranteed to spark up your life.

You can find a great beauty salon without going through the trials and tribulations of getting a bad cut, or a great cut in a salon setting you hate. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding an excellent beauty salon as long as you know what to watch out for, and what sorts of questions to ask the stylist.

Where to find one?

You can look in the phone book, but the best way to find a great beauty salon is to ask friends, family, and even co-workers who are sporting nice hair. If they are thrilled with their beauty salon they’ll be more than happy to offer the name of the salon and their stylist. Keep in mind, though, that you may not find the salon to be a good fit for your needs, even if your Aunt Bertha raves about it.

There are other things you should take into consideration besides excellent reviews.

Services:

The first thing to look for in a great beauty salon is services—do they offer what you need? More and more salons are expanding their list of services to accommodate today’s busy lady, but not all offer what you may want to accomplish in your day of beauty.

Not only can you expect to get your hair done (cut, styled, processed and hair extensions), but you can also have unwanted hair waxed, indulge in a manicure, pedicure or facial, or even splurge for spray tanning. Some salons are even offering cosmetic processes under the hands of a medical professional, such as laser hair removal or Botox injections.

So, what are service options that you should think about?

Well, if getting your brows waxed is something you like to have done at the same time as getting your hair cut, you will want to find a salon that offers both services. Or perhaps you’d like to have a manicure and a color touch-up regularly. In either case, a great beauty salon will take care of your needs, as basic or complex as they may be.

If you’re looking for a very detailed service, such as hair extensions or special weaves, you might want to do a little more research to find the perfect salon that can give you the look you want. Going with a nearby salon with only marginal experience could end disastrously.

Location and Hours:

A great beauty salon will have a location and hours of operation that fit your busy schedule. If you work late and the salon rarely has appointments when you need them, it’s not a good salon for you, even if others rave about it.

You also want a salon that’s easy for you to travel to and from. If you have to travel many miles or a half hour through dense traffic, you’re either not going to enjoy your time at the salon, or you might not get your hair cut or styled as often as you need.

Price:

Some of the product brands may think you’re worth it, but if you have to rob a bank to pay for your hair colour or other salon services, it’s not the best beauty salon for you. When inquiring about a salon ask about prices for services and don’t be afraid to call around.

However, don’t jump at the first salon that offers you a cheap price on a hair cut. You definitely get what you pay for, especially for the more involved processes like hair colour and perms. Look for a fair price for good services and you’ll be good to go.

Environment:

Beauty salons come in a variety of different environments, and they may or may not be to your preference. For example, some cater to a family environment, others are more upscale to the point of bringing you a latte while you wait for your nails to dry. You may find you’re more comfortable in one setting than another. Knowing what atmosphere you’re looking for will help you choose the best beauty salon for you.

Your First Visit:

Once you decide on a salon, instead of jumping in with both feet and going for the hair cut—which could be disastrous—see if the salon offers a free consultation. At this point, a stylist will evaluate your hair, its health, and what style would look most flattering with your facial features.

You’ll want to take note if the stylist listens to your questions and needs instead of trying to give you a cut that’s easy for them to do. For instance, if you draw the line at blow drying your hair, then a cut that requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance isn’t appropriate, even if you’d look totally gorgeous with it.

If the salon doesn’t offer a consultation session then go for a minor process, such as a blow dry and style, or a brow waxing. During this time you’ll be able to get a feel for the salon and the stylist’s expertise. Again, the stylist should listen to your needs and concerns as well as offer you excellent service.

Go Prepared:

In either case, you’ll want to bring pictures of your dream hair style with you. See if they’re able to do a certain cut, or are familiar with a hair processing technique that you’d like to try. If not, or if they steer you a different way because they lack the skills, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, be truthful about what you do to your hair. If you permed or colored it yourself, admit to it so the hair stylist can help you undo the damage.

Cleanliness:

When you visit a new beauty salon it’s important to take a look around at the environment. You deserve to have a positive hair experience, where the environment is clean and safe, and where you can also get a skilled cut or style.

Does the salon sweep up loose hair regularly?

Do they utilize sanitizing methods for scissors and combs?

Does the staff look professional and clean?

Is the bathroom neat? If not, change salons right away.

You don’t want to end up with an infection of some sort because you stuck with an unclean salon.

My Stylist Quit!

It happens every once in awhile—you find the perfect salon and stylist and she quits!

Have no fear, there’s hope. First, if it’s a good salon you could try a different stylist. Chances are they will offer you the same skill and quality of services as your last stylist. If you’re unsure, ask where your favorite stylist went. Most salons will understand your need to stay with the familiar and will tell you which salon she’s working at now, so you can ring her there.

In Closing:

Finding a great beauty salon doesn’t have to be a trial and error experience if you know what questions to ask and what to look for. If you assess each salon by desirable qualities such as location, price and services, then take it slow and go with a consultation or minor service, you’ll end up with great hair without the stress.

of skin problems can promote confidence and a more youthful, attractive appearance.
The Face -
A strong profile with a straight nose and a strong jaw is often thought to be the epitome of masculinity; unfortunately, some men were born with too much nose and too little jaw. A common plastic surgery procedure is a nose job, or rhinoplasty, preformed in conjunction with a chin augmentation.
A nose job can not only shave down excessive bumps and lift a drooping tip, but it can improve breathing by straightening out the nasal passage, if needed. Chin augmentations involve slipping a small, solid implant into an incision under the jaw. These two cosmetic procedures combined can greatly improve a weak profile.
The Hair -
The one cosmetic surgery that has always been male dominated is hair transplants.
Hair loss can be a sensitive subject for many men and there is little to do to prevent or stop it. In the past, methods for hair transplant procedures were often noticeable and unnatural. New technology has emerged that eliminates the former, awkward “plug” technique. Today, hair grafts are removed from the patient’s scalp and placed in the bald areas. The hair that is harvested remains resistant to balding, allowing new hair growth that looks natural.
The Body -
Another common surgery men are choosing is liposuction. The versatility of the procedure can help sculpt and smooth areas that are resistant to exercise and diet.
If you’ve worked hard at pumping iron in the gym, but just can’t seem to shake that extra jiggle below your chin or around your midsection, liposuction can permanently banish the fat, giving you a hard, lean physique.
There are many other cosmetic surgeries that can help men achieve their desired goals. Face lifts, tummy tucks, and calf implants are just some examples of other surgeries that are available.
Women may be the traditional target market for plastic surgeons, but there is a new acceptance of men choosing to undergo elective procedures. Increasing confidence and taking pride in one’s appearance is not only limited to the female sex.
If you’re interested in cosmetic improvement, research the various options available. You may find that there are more men than you think who have had work done or are considering it.

The most powerful way to recession proof your business is to increase the average spend of each of your current clients, on each visit.  There are many creative ways to get more from your current clients and have them feel good about it. Look for new products or services that compliment your current offerings, are easy to perform and don’t cost a lot of money and training time.  Laser light therapy for acne and anti-aging and chair-side teeth whitening are both hot new treatments that meet these criteria.

2. Add new services that can be performed with existing services.

Clients love it when their spa or salon offers services that are considerate and efficient with their time. New services, such as teeth whitening, can be combined with current offerings like pedicures, facials and hair coloring, generating great revenue while leaving the client with a dramatic improvement to their smile.  Teeth Whitening can be done at the same time as your other services doubling you average spend per client without increasing your labor costs.

3. Create buzz around your spa or salon with a hot, new cosmetic treatment.

Your clients will readily spend money on treatments that offer fast, dramatic results at a budget price. Be sure you get an immediate return on investment (ROI) by choosing a service that requires minimum staff training with a low cost of entry (purchase price).  Hint: some items that qualify are laser lights for teeth whitening, anti-age and acne!

4. Sell complimentary take home products that extend the experience.

Extend your clients experience with after-service products that complement your in-house services, just as you offer specialty shampoos, conditioners and facial creams.  Many teeth whitening suppliers offer specialty whitening toothpaste and pens for maintaining their clients’ bright new smiles in between appointments.  These products offer great margins and are an everyday reminder of the terrific services you provide.