6 tips to making your tan last

Airbrush tanning is taking over by storm, as the cancer is hitting the younger generation each year. Since learning about airbrush tanning, I have never gone back to sun bathing! I love to spray tan, so when I do, I want it to last. Here are the top 10 tips to making your tan last!

1. Come clean, and freshly exfoliated to your appointment.
The tan is only applied and soaks into your outermost layers of skin. As we shed our skin daily, you are likely to shed your tan with it. The tan will fade with your skin shedding, so the better you have exfoliated upon your appointment the better application you will receive.

2. Shower the day before, or the day after. If you shower the day of, you will have your pores soaking up the tanning solution as well. This will leave you with a lot of tiny little brown dots all over your legs, (not pretty).

3. DO NOT Shower or apply water to your tanned skin for up to 12 hours.  the tan will take a total of 9-12 hours to completely dry, and develop. It is very important to not get any splatters of water or liquid on your tan. it will leave spots, streaks, etc.

4. Apply moisturizer daily, several times a day. The more moist you keep your skin, the longer the tan will last. If you allow your skin to get really dry, you will notice the tan will disappear very rapidly.

5. Avoid lotion, moisturizer and deodorant before tanning. I mentioned the lotion before, but I will say it again. These products can not only block the tan from getting to your skin, but it could also have a counter reaction and cause the tan solution to change colors. I have seen deodorant turn the tan GREEN! Yikes! within the first 30 minutes of the tan, you will be able to apply some deodorant if you care to. Otherwise just head home for a quite night in, and look forward to showering in the AM. 

6. When you do shower, be sure to use non-detergent based soaps/moisturizers. Cleanser with Vitamin E will also help condition the tan. 

First Endeavor - Lash Extensions

Well, after much debate I have finally decided to take the leap of faith and go head first into the world of beauty; by starting off doing eye lash extensions. I am over the moon excited about starting this process and  documenting the start of my success.

I have chosen for Jill at the Lash Bar in Gilbert, AZ to teach and certify me using Lavish Lashes. My scheduled date to be certified will be October 18th 2013.

People are asking me why not dabble in a day spa, while building my career and clients? My reply, As a business major, I have realized that you need to focus on the niche market you want to be in. This is for branding reason. Two of the hardest things about business ownership, is branding and marketing. If I start my business doing facials, and waxing, and other things that I don't plan on doing long term, I will end up spending time marketing for these clients and then have to start over when I move into the niche market of lashes and permanent makeup. As a business owner it makes logical sense to focus the start of your business, on what you want the end to look like.

The following pictures are of an actual client of Jill. You can find these pictures on her webpage http://thelashbar.com

 

So why Lavish Lashes? Well to be honest, after talking with Jill, I just fell in love with her attitude, and supportive nature, I knew I wanted her as a mentor.

I am thrilled to begin my networking with one of the top eye lash professionals in the state of Arizona. I can only see big things in my future, and cannot wait to share it all with you.

xoxox Angie V.

Where do I go from here?

So I have passed both sections of the state boards, now what.

Us estheticians have so many options, we get go to work for ourselves, work for a salon, a med spa, photography and television production, etc. The list is endless.

I am so fortunate to pair this skill up with my college education of being a business major. I cant wait to get into business for myself. If only money grew on trees right?

To help myself figure out which direction to go, I figured I'd make a post about it, and hopefully get some guidance from my viewers, as well help someone else make their decision who is in the same boat as I.

As a current employee in corporate America, I have the decision to leave, and do this full time. Or I can work part time at this and build my clientele. I have come into a few dilemmas with answering this question.

I have decided to continue to work at my full time job, and do this part time. I want to do more than just facials, however the Massage Envy opportunity has offered me, I would be limited to what I can do. As well, the clients are theirs, not mine.

1) I want to build my own client base, so where can I start and accomplish this, while polishing my skill in the esthetics world.

   - From the little research I have done, this would consist of me renting an area or a booth. These are not as easy to find for estheticians as they are for hair stylists. They are typically about 140-200 p/week. If you are doing this to build a client base, you better have this worked into your budget, as you probably wont see the cash flow for some time.

2) How long do I work part time while still employed at my full time job?

    - This is up to you, depending on your needs of the salary, will determine your break even point, and help you determine when you can make the transition. The typical formula to figure your break even point in accounting and finance is Breakeven Point = Fixed Costs/(Unit Selling Price - Variable Costs) You will want to factor what it will cost for you to go on your own and factor in your fixed costs, and variable costs. This will give you the dollar amount to shoot for. Then at this point, you should feel confident to make the change.

3) I don't want to give up my entire life to start this new career.

   - This is inevitable, the change is scary and you may have to be a little extra busy while you are working on the transition. The transition is not going to be an easy feat, but it will be rewarding and worth it in the end. Stick it out, provide yourself a deadline, and make your commitment. This will work out, and just keep your drive. Just expect your first year or two will be challenging and as long as you keep fighting, you will make it.

I think I am going crazy! Its coming onto the busy season here in phoenix, and I am anxious to get in the field. So my first thought is to jump on the Massage Envy option while continuing to look elsewhere.

SO where do I go from here? I have two interviews with two separate Massage Envy's this week. I will continue to interview companies and make my decision based on how I feel with each of the locations. I will know which one is the answer when I see it.

My best advice to you, is that you know what you want to do, you just need to write out a detailed plan of what your end goal is. Then these options that are presented to you, you can then figure out which of these make most sense to help you get to your end goal. It is not going to happen over night and will be hard work. You will get there faster, the harder you fight for it. Market yourself, every day and present yourself as a walking billboard!

Best of luck to you!
xoxo
Vayda

Arizona State Board - Written Test

Study! Study! Study!

Oh all the studying that needs to be done. Words of wisdom "DONT WAIT TO TAKE THIS TEST"! I waited for almost a year and a half after graduating to get serious about this test. I finally took the practical in April 2013, and now its time to get this part done.

Man, do I wish I did it sooner. Its difficult to relearn all that stuff you learn in school. If I can make any impact to any reader I wish it would be to not wait to take your state boards!

I have been searching and searching for tips and tricks to study. I have found NONE! I hope that I can provide some assistance in helping you study for your exam.

1) Study the old fashion way! Milady text book, and a note pad. Highlighters and pens.
2) Flash cards (only the main topics)
3) Study what you need to study (Arizona State Board)
    - Click on drop down to choose "Esthetics"
    - Click Search (directly to the right of the drop down)
4) Download the PDF in specified language

Study what you see on here.

Secondary I am using Milady Study guide online. This program is paid program, and allows you to take the comprehensive exam and gives you a good idea of areas you need to brush up on. I found it has helped, but without breaking open the book, I have been stuck at about 70%. Its a must you combine your methods of study, to maximize the material you retain.