Women who want to learn all about the latest beauty products can now do so with the help of trained beauty concierges at Target. A Target retail store that is based in Chicago is launching the concept of providing customers with the assistance or trained beauty professionals who have knowledge about all of the cosmetic products that are offered on Target shelves. Customers can also receive samples from these trained beauty professionals, and they will be able to receive makeup tips from them too.

The trained beauty professionals are from a marketing agency that is based in New York City. The marketing agency, Brand Connections, now offers beauty consultants to chain stores like Target. Target has been testing out the new marketing strategy for about 10 months. If the strategy proves to be successful, then it plans on featuring the strategy at other retail stores around the country.

Target opened its first store 50 years ago in May 1962 in Roseville, Minn

The whole idea behind the new program is to provide customers with as much information as possible. The program aims to help customers become more knowledgeable about all of the products that are offered on the beauty department shelves at Target. If the program proves to be successful, then Target will be expanding it to over 400 stores throughout the country.

One of the ways in which this program will help customers is by helping them choose the right shade of make-up for their “daily look.” There are many women who shop for make-up at Target stores every day, and they may not know exactly which shade of lipstick is right for their daily look. A beauty concierge will then be able to help a woman choose the shade of lipstick that is best for the type of look that she wants to achieve. The beauty concierge can essentially help customers complete a total makeover.

Target tests ‘beauty concierge’ concept in Chicago bizjournals.com/twincities/mor… via @mspbjnews

— ✄ Felicia Underwood (@jobsinbeauty) October 4, 2012

A customer may also want to know more about the ingredients that are contained within certain beauty products. One of the tasks of the beauty concierge is to inform customers about all of the ingredients that are contained within beauty products. The beauty concierge understands all of the ingredients that can be found in beauty products. He or she may also be able to help you determine whether you are allergic to certain ingredients contained within beauty products. Lastly, the beauty concierge is able to provide customers with coupons for their future purchases on all types of beauty products.

As a beginning hair stylist, it is important for you to take time to become acquainted with the leading organizations in the hair industry. Every profession has its own regulatory authorities, and it is always a smart idea for a professional to learn what these organizations do and who serves on their board of directors. You may also be able to benefit from different seminars and events that are hosted by the following cosmetology organizations.

The American Board of Hair Colorists

The American Board of Hair Colorists is an organization that sets the standard for haircolor. The organization seeks to set a standard of excellence and serve as a credible organization in the eyes of consumers. The organization offers an exam that can be taken by hair stylists who want to become a Board Certified Haircolorist.

National Cosmetology Association

This is probably the largest organization in the cosmetology world as well as the most respected. The National Cosmetology Association represents manufacturers, distributors, salons and spas. To become a member of the NCA, one must pay an annual membership fee. The fees range from $125 to $7500. By joining this organization, a spa or salon owner can enjoy discounts on products and buy from wholesale suppliers.

Professional Beauty Federation

The Professional Beauty Federation is another organization that represents manufacturers and independent salon owners. Cosmetology students and hair stylists can also join the organization in order to get discounts on products. The organization has board members who are from reputable companies such as JCPenney, OPI, Sexy Hair Concepts and the Professional Beauty Association.

American Massage Therapy Association

The American Massage Therapy Association consistently offers cutting edge research on the massage industry and what clients want. A masseuse can also receive career guidance by being paired with one of the mentors who are available through the website. AMTA also offers continuing education classes for established masseuses in the industry. Online courses are also available for those who want to learn new techniques and forms of massage.

Cosmetic and Fragrant Association

This organization represents over 600 major companies in the cosmetic and beauty industry. By providing research on liptsticks, fragrances, sunscreen, soap, toothpaste and other cosmetics, this organization advocates for consumer safety. The organization is also involved in legislative issues that have an impact on cosmetic companies. A company that becomes part of this organization can also advertise in the different publications that are distributed by the Cosmetic and Fragrant Association.

By becoming acquainted with these organizations, a stylist can build upon his or her success by gaining new connections, saving money on beauty products and continuing his or her education.

Cosmetology is a thriving field. After all, everyone wants to look beautiful. Celebrities pay thousands of dollars to appear perfect on the red carpet. Having the paparazzi chronicle every move would certainly cause Jennifer Aniston to want to look her best. However, everyday people, such as stay-at-home moms and college co-eds, also want to be beautiful, and they turn to cosmetologists for help.

Cosmetologists include a wide range of beauty professionals, such as hairdressers, skincare specialists and nail technicians. Whether a cosmetologist’s duties include creating the perfect coif, beautifying a client’s skin or designing a show-stopping manicure, he or she must maintain five essentials in order to be successful in the cosmetology industry. Look at the list below.

1. Come to Order!
The ability to maintain an organized service environment is paramount for successful cosmetologists. Not only is a clean, organized work area important, no client wants to wait hours for a beautification treatment. Some beauty technicians do accept walk-in clients. However, most professionals provide services to clients by appointment. Scheduling appointments and completing services in a timely manner are essential for success. In addition, bookkeeping and records management are required.

2. People Skills Needed
Customer service is necessary in cosmetology. Most beauty professionals work one-on-one with clients, and they frequently converse during beauty procedures. Beauty clients desire comfort and relaxation during their treatments. They do not want to pay money to be insulted by their cosmetologist. Successful professionals know that few customers will return after an unsavory experience.

Warm up to people by giving them a big friendly smile which will make make you more readily to approach. It will also make you feel and act more outgoing!

3. Salesmanship
Not only do cosmetologists perform beauty services, they also sell beauty products. Cosmetology professionals must be knowledgeable about the products and services they offer. In addition, they must be able to help clients make appropriate selections to meet client needs and expectations.

4. Training, Training and More Training!
People who desire a profession in cosmetology must acquire the proper training. Many training programs are available throughout the country, and the programs must be completed before students are eligible to take state licensing exams. After licensing, continuing education courses are required to help cosmetologists stay abreast of the latest industry advancements.

5. Dedication
Dedication is important to the success of a cosmetology professional. Cosmetologists typically begin their career in an entry-level position. Eventually, they may advance to more complicated services, such as multi-tonal highlights or intricate nail art. Over time, some cosmetologists even open their own salons.

About 357,000 people worked in the personal care service industry in May 2011 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). However, only a fraction of these workers will become successful in the field of cosmetology. By mastering the five essentials listed above, personal care professionals can help ensure that they perform at optimal levels.

Choosing a specialty in the cosmetology field can be a smart decision for a hair stylist. A hair stylist can become recognized for his or her talent in hair coloring or providing the perfect manicure. Customers are often willing to pay a few extra dollars to set up appointments with stylists who are established professionals in a specialty field of cosmetology.

Here is a list of the specialties that a hair stylist can consider when he or she wants to offer additional services to clients:

• Barbering
• Electrology
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Facials
• Hair Styling
• Esthiology
• Massage
• Make-up

If one knows before attending beauty school that he or she wants to specialize in one of these fields, then he or she can see whether the school offers certifications in these specialties. Obtaining a certification during beauty school can also make a student more marketable upon graduation. Salons are always looking to hire stylists who have a variety of talents that they can provide.

To become a specialist in giving manicures, one can obtain a nail technology certificate. One may also need to obtain a special license for nail technology. The typical state license requires that a student receive 300 hours of training in nail technology.

Barbering is a specialty that focuses on providing shaving treatments and trims to men. One who wants to become a barber will usually end up providing barbering services in a barber shop. Some salons will hire one or two barbers so that they can provide services to men who request these services.

The benefits of providing a specialty service are that a client may request solo appointments on a stylist’s own time. A client may wish to hire a stylist for a massage or makeup appointment before a big event. Through these types of appointments, a stylist can earn substantial tips. A stylist may even be able to open his or her own business from his or her home for clients.

Some salons also offer electrology treatments for clients. Electrology is usually offered in very high-end salons. It is the process of removing hair with a laser beam. A stylist who has this skill will be able to earn a substantial extra side income in a salon.

Choosing to pursue a specialty can set a stylist apart from his or her peers. A specialty will also give a stylist extra confidence in his or her talents in the salon.

Pinterest is more than just fun and games. It can be a valuable business building tool for many, including those in the beauty industry. If beauty school students get creative, they can use Pinterest boards to market and create interest in their own work, as well as gain inspiration from others.

Create a Pinterest Portfolio

Create a board with pictures of your own work. If you do more than one thing, such as hair, nails, and makeup, make a board for each. The easiest way to do this is to post the pictures on your own website and then pin them. That way each picture links back to your website with information on how to contact you. You can even divide hair into up-dos, short, long, etc. or divide nails boards into classic and artistic. Maybe even have a board for formal styles, or unique styles. The sky really is the limit here.

Create an Inspiration Board

Follow other pinners in the same profession, and pin their work that you love for your own inspiration. Keep track of styles and techniques you want to learn and those you want to remember for specific clients. This is a great way to use Pintrest to help expand your abilities.

Networking

Follow clients and Pinterest could become an excellent networking tool. It is now the third largest social media site and 70% of the users are women. Through the web of pins friends and followers of your client’s pins will find your boards, including your portfolio of your best work, and potential new clients are born.

Social media is the wave of the future when it comes to marketing, and perhaps no one site has grown so fast as Pinterest. It can be a colossal time waster if not used in moderation, but used properly it can be one of the strongest tools in your marketing tool belt. Grow your business, attract new clients, and increase your skill set all with the help of this social media phenomenon. One last note to help grow your Pinterest marketing campaign is to be sure to make a note on your website for all to see encouraging visitors to pin work they like. This helps ensure that your portfolio will grow and spread through other’s boards faster, thus increasing your reach.

Also, feel free to add us on Pinterest here.

Have you ever thought about going to cosmetology school? Many people who do not want to go to a traditional university for four years, six years, or even eight years end up considering cosmetology as an alternate route.
It’s a hands-on profession; cosmetology school consists of a little training and a large amount of practice. Many schools offer discounted or free haircuts to those who are willing to let a student practice their craft. Typically, a cosmetologist can become licensed in around a year, although the amount of time it takes to finish the required number of practice hours to attain certification varies depending on the student.

If you’re undecided about cosmetology as a career versus other professions that do not require a college degree, it’s helpful to consider your options. It used to be that certain medical assistants, nurses, and dental hygienists could practice their craft without a four-year degree. The market for these jobs, however, is increasingly competitive, with more and more people opting for at least a bachelor’s degree in such fields.

Trade professions continue to offer viable options. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and landscape professionals often need special training or certification, but are not necessarily required to have a typical college degree. Certain office jobs, like secretarial or paralegel work, might require only an associate’s, or two year, degree.

Those working in computer science or the arts can certainly benefit from a degree in their field, but talent, skill, and know-how often trump everything. If you know what you’re doing, there are jobs to be had. A number of specialized computer courses that do not require a degree are offered (where else?) online, allowing aspiring computer specialists to hone their skills and acquire new knowledge without having to attend a college.

After reviewing all of the options, it’s clear that there is still a way forward for those looking for an advanced education and viable profession outside of traditional college. To be sure, a college degree is useful, and many people choose to go that route. But if you’re seeking different direction, there are still plenty of options out there.

If you’ve looked at your options and decided on a career in cosmetology, it can be a quite satisfying and productive job. There is often opportunity for advancement, and the level of pay can often depend on your skill and hard work. What’s not to like?

After a long and difficult week at the office, many of us like to unwind by treating ourselves to a relaxing day at the spa where we can leave behind our worries and focus on ourselves. The International Spa Association (ISPA) has taken notice of this trend and reported close to 57 million adults and 4 million adolescents make at least one visit to a spa each year. With more and more people seeking non-medical options to improve their health and revitalize their spirit, those working in the spa services sector – dermatologists, estheticians and medical estheticians have seen a dramatic increase in clientele wanting to utilize their services. If you are interested in alternative ways to reduce your stress and improve your health, look into the different services and benefits an esthetician can bring to your life.

 What Is An Esthetician?

Estheticians work in the spa services sector and specialize in skin care and spa therapies. Estheticians must hold a license, which is issued by the state, in order to provide services in a spa setting. Estheticians generally perform cosmetic skin treatments such as facials, extractions and body treatments. Medical estheticians work under the direction of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. While medical estheticians cannot prescribe medications, they are able to perform advanced skin care treatments.

Many people confuse estheticians with dermatologists. A dermatologist specializes in skin, hair and nail care and can also perform surgical and cosmetic treatments. Dermatologists are required to hold a medical degree in order to practice in the U.S.A as a medical doctor, dermatologists are also able to prescribe medications.

 Spa Treatments for the Face

Dermabrasion treatments, facials and extractions are some of the most popular services estheticians provide. In many cases, estheticians will develop a variety of custom-designed facials to help clients deal with different skin-related issues such as peeling skin, dry skin and oily skin. Estheticians also provide dermabrasion and microdermabrasion services to help clients reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten the skin and remove skin discolorations and other blemishes.

 Spa Treatments for the Body

In addition to facials, extractions and dermabrasion treatments, estheticians also provide an array of body treatments that remove unwanted hair, smooth and contour the body and relax the mind and spirit. Sugaring, body contour treatments and waxing are some of the most requested services. Estheticians can also perform a variety of massage treatments as well.

 The Benefits of Spa Therapies

Research has proven the positive benefits of spa treatments as many work to relax the body, mind and spirit. For instance, a Japanese study that followed over 3000 government workers revealed that workers who received regular spa treatments had better physical and mental health, a better quality of sleep and requested fewer sick days. Another study performed by Florida State University and George Mason University found that workers who underwent spa therapies performed by estheticians had a decreased chance of being hospitalized for illness and also had better attendance compared to employees who did not engage in spa therapy.

Are you interested in attending beauty school? If you’ve answered “yes,” then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re already a self-proclaimed expert with the subject, or you’re a complete newbie, there are a few tips you should know prior to even filling out a beauty school application. These tips will even help you to look better as well.

1. Learn to Match Foundation Properly
Foundation is a makeup that many women can’t live without, and many women can’t apply correctly. When someone botches their foundation, it ruins their whole entire look. Unless a woman is one of the few to be born with naturally flawless skin, then you’ll need to keep this in mind when you work with clients. At one time, the rule was to match the foundation with the person’s jaw line; however, this rule is quite outdated and has proven not to be true. With a proper skin care regimen of washing your face twice daily and exfoliation each day, the tone of your skin will fade. In other words, your face tends to be a little lighter than the rest of your body, so you should always match foundation with your collarbone. Remember to avoid translucent powder, because it makes skin look dry and gives it a dusty appearance.

2. Love Bright Lip Shades
This makeup trend takes a little time to get used to, but try it one day, and you’ll understand why it is so important. Use a shade like coral that matches both warm or cool skin tones. Fuchsia works well also, but try a sheer stain, so the color isn’t overwhelming. Remember, learning to love bright colors will help you understand the power that these shades have. They’re flirty, fun and fresh, so what’s not to love? Plus, almost anyone can pull this look off.

3. Messy Eyeliner
The straight lines that circle exactly around the eye are so last year. The stuffy look is definitely out! Instead, you should smear, smudge and blend eyeliner to form soft lines around the eye. Used in combination with eye shadow and a cotton swab, you can make a sexy, smoky eye that never goes out of style. Perfect is overdone, and a less than perfect appearance has become the new “black.”

Turns out, physical appearance does matter when it comes to your ability to succeed in the work place. (We imagine that’s especially important if you’re trying to get a cosmetology job!) This infographic covers how the public believes physical attractiveness may provide an advantage in getting a job or promotion, and some people even believe that looks matter more than your sense of humor or even education. Wha?! So confidence, experience and a great resume are still important to getting a job, but don’t discount the importance of spending a little time and money on your personal appearance if you’re hitting the pavement to find work.

Copy and paste the code below to embed this infographic into your website or blog!

<a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/beauty-jobs/looks-matter-when-job-hunting" title="Looks Matter When Applying for Jobs" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/looks-affect-job-prospects-infograph-625x1024.png" alt="Appearance Matters When Job Hunting Infographic"/></a><br /><em>Via <a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/articles/how-is-the-cosmetology-industry-really-doing" title="Beauty Jobs Outlook">BeautySchool.com Beauty Jobs Outlook</a></em>

State laws seem to be up for discussion in the state of Nevada. It was instituted July 1, 2010 that skin specialists (the ones that practice making you look years younger by taking the wrinkles out of your face) will be required to receive training before getting licensed. Training hours are also being upped from 500 to 600 hours for students studying at Nevada nail technician schools and from 600 to 900 hours for  aestheticians schools.

“The additional training is needed for infection control,” says Vincent Jimno, executive director of the state Board of Cosmetology.

But now this appears to be up in the air. After the instatement of these laws, a spokesman for the Nevada governor recently said the state cosmetology boards will be reconsidered for this state, posing the question “Are they really necessary?”

Make up your mind Nevada!

If interested in attending beauty schools in Nevada, click here for more information.