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Everything you need to know about Lash lifts & Tint
Lash Lift
A lash lift takes approximately 45 mins to apply and can last for 6-8 weeks. Its similar to the eyelash perm but instead of perming the lashes it lifts the lashes. The lash lift involves the therapist using a silicon shield (rather than old fashioned perm rods) and each natural lash is lifted individually from the root giving the appearance of lift and volume to the eyelashes.
Difference between lash perms and lash lifts.
Lash lifts and lash perms are two procedures that semi-permanently curl natural lashes. The lash lift is a more modern and effective version of the lash perm. These procedures use different techniques, tools, and products to achieve their results. With a lash lift, a soft silicone rod or shield is used to gently lift lashes from the base. Lash perms involve winding the eyelashes around a cylindrical rod, which helps to open up the eye.
What happens during the treatment:
Using a silicone shield and water soluble glue, the lashes are lifted and separated onto the shield. Lifting lotion/Perming solution is then applied to the lashes and left for up to 10 minutes depending on the brand used. The lifting/perming solution is then removed and the application of fixing lotion is applied and also left for up to 10 minutes (check timings with the product you are using for timings). Tint the lashes to make them look fuller and longer. I like to mix Black with Blue/Black. Finally, damp cotton pads/buds are used to gently remove the shield, a conditioner/nourishing solution is applied leaving you with enhanced lifted eyelashes.Equipment Needed
Shields Lash shields give a more dramatic lift. They are perfect for long lashes or when you want a dramatic lash effect. They work well for clients who perhaps have hooded eyes or perhaps skin laxity when the lash comes up and over the person’s lid. Sizes - xsmall shield will give a dramatic lift - Large will give you a natural curl. Cleansing solution To clean the lashes and remove any oil which could affect the lift. Lash Adhesive To glue the lashes onto the shield. Under Eye Pads Used to hold the bottom lashes down. Perming and Fixing Solution Nourishing Solution Helps re-hydrate the lashes after the treatment. Think of it as a conditioning treatment for the lashes.
How to look after Equipment
- Keep the solutions cold. Never leave in a hot car, near a radiator.
- Always keep the lids on tight to avoid the air oxidising with the products.
- Avoid cross contamination by never double dipping.
Lash Lift Aftercare
It is very important to give your client clear instructions about what to expect and what to do at home in order to get the best from their treatments. This will help prolong the effects of the treatment.
Lash Lift treatments can dehydrate the lashes so it is very important the client knows how to look after them. The Lash Lift is a very low maintenance procedure compared to eyelash extensions, however, there is a little extra care required over the first 24-48hrs whilst the lift is still settling into place and a few tips to help you get the longest results. It is always good practice to give your clients a leaflet explaining the advice, this way you make sure they know and understand what to expect.- Be gentle with your lashes; no rubbing.
- Do not get your lashes wet for the first 24 hrs
- Use of Sauna/Steam is possible after 24hrs but may weaken the effect of the lift.
- No eye make up for 24 hours.
- Do not use eyelash curlers
- Avoid waterproof mascara
- Swimming should be avoided for at least 24hrs.
- No other facial beauty treatments for 24hrs. Remember, the lash lift procedure is similar to a perm, and as such the hair must be kept well nourished and treated delicately to avoid breakage/weakening.
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How to complete a luxury facial.
What are Facials?
Facials use techniques rather than complex and expensive products but achieve fabulous results.
This facial will improve the texture of the skin, increase the skin’s circulation, and encourage cellular activity and rejuvenation. It will both stimulate and soothe the nerve endings of the skin. It is also a wonderful way to relax and promote the sense of well-being.
What the treatment includes:
A consultation is completed prior to the start of a treatment to ascertain the most suitable products for the client’s skin type. The skin is then deep cleansed before a suitable massage medium is applied, this may be oil, cream or a specially blended essential oil if you are qualified in pre-blended aromatherapy.
The massage will include:
Pressure points to clear energy channels and to stimulate the muscles and nerve endings Massage to generally improve the circulation and texture of the skin Lymphatic drainage to assist the lymphatic systems in removing waste and encourage healing
On completion of the massage the skin is toned and moisturised.
The treatment will take approximately 45 minutes without the application of a mask or 60 minutes with a mask.
To treat the skin effectively you will need to be able to diagnose the client’s skin type and use suitable products.
Dry Skin
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum. The skin losses water by sweating. You might find people with dry skin on the face suffer with dry patches on other areas of the body.
Description of dry skin.
Combination Skin
What is combination skin?
Combination skin is both dry and oily in different areas, is common. This skin concern is typically characterised by an oily T-zone on the forehead, nose and chin (prone to enlarged pores and pimples), coupled with a dry cheek area.
Description of combination skin.
Normal Skin
What is normal skin?
Normal Skin means the sebum is well balanced. It is not shiny or dry.
Description of Normal skin.
Mature Skin
What is mature skin?
The main characteristics of mature skin that disappear with age are flexibility and elasticity. Part of the skin's consistency gradually decreases, it becomes more fragile, finer, more uneven and the dreaded wrinkles appear, which are accompanied by pronounced expression lines.
Description of Mature skin.
Skin Types
It is important to understand the different skin types to make sure you use the correct product for your client.
Many things can affect the skin:
- Age
- Hormones
- Weather
- Central heating & Air conditioning
- Wrong products used
- Prolonged illness
- Medication or drugs
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking and alcohol intake
- Allergies
- Stress
- Genetic inheritance
- Ethnicity
- Shiny appearance
- Pores will be larger
- Will have more blackheads, white heads and suffer from acne.
- More common with paler skin.

- Feels tight after washing
- Lacking oil and moisture
- Flakiness, itchy
- Premature lines
- Small pores

- Greasy T Zone
- Dry Cheeks
- Mixture of two skin types

- Skin looks clear and healthy
- Good even colour
- Smooth to touch
- Good elasticity
- No visible pores

- Pigmentation spots can be present
- Loss of elasticity
- Sagging muscle tone
- Sebaceous secretion slows down (can look dry)
- Wrinkles and lines are more visible
- Observation - what can you observe about the client? Are they nervous, extroverted, holding their body in such a way that might give indications for treatment.
- Verbal Questioning – gain the information required.
- Physical Examination – what can you physically see and feel on the client?
- They provide contact details in case you have to alter or cancel an appointment.
- So that you can monitor the client’s progression.
- To track any aftercare advice that you have given the client.
- As a backup in case the client has an adverse reaction to a treatment.
- Another therapist.
- Cleanse each eye separately with small circular movements and remove make-up with damp cotton wool
- Cleanse lip area with a figure of eight movement supporting the corner of the mouth, remove with damp cotton wool
- Apply cleanser to the neck and face area
- Starting at the neck, use upward strokes on the neck6 to the right 6 to the left
- Alternate stroking along the jawline x 6
- Alternate stroking over the chin using the thumbs x 6
- Stroking under the nose and over the upper lip x 6
- Circular movements from the corner of the mouth over the entire cheek area x 3
- Circular movements at the crease of the nose
- Stroking up and down the length of the nose
- Eye circles x 6
- Stroking of the forehead
- Cross friction over the forehead
- Large circular movements over the entire cheek area x 3
- Finish with pressure at the temples Remove cleanser with damp cotton wool and repeat the routine.
- Lymphatic drainage and pressure points
- Massage face
- Pressure points, drainage and massage to the scalp
- Lymphatic drainage and pressure points to the face, neck (10 minutes) –
- Place hands on the client.
- Place fingers next to each other and apply pressure points from eyebrows into hairline x 3
- Slide fingers along skin and up forehead along the same line x 3
- Place fingers to sides of the nose and work from nose, under the cheek bone out to the ear
- Place the fingers under the jaw line and work across the jawbone up to the ear
- Place fingers at the base of the neck and work up the neck to the jaw bone, and repeat at the back of the neck
- Place the thumbs in the middle of the forehead and slide out as far as the temples
- From the temples pressure points down sides of cheek
- Using thumb pressure stroke down the sides of nose and under eye socket
- Place your finger on point 11 and hold of 10 seconds
- Place your finger on point 12 and hold it for 10 seconds
- Place your finger on point 13 and hold it for 10 seconds
- Follow under the cheekbone and work out to the ear
- Apply pressure working along each eyebrow using a finger and thumb x 3
- Using the thumb and finger slide along the eyebrow to drain x 3
- Place your finger on point 12 and hold for 10 seconds
- Massage to neckline and face (15 minutes)
- Apply massage medium to face, neck and shoulder
- Firmly press on the chest and begin to begin massage
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Petrissage deltoids
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Petrissage trapezius
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Turn head to side and effleurage neck x 6
- Turn head to other side and effleurage neck x 6
- Petrissage trapezius
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Effleurage face X 6
- Alternate stroking over mandible X 6
- Whipping of mandible
- Tapotement of mandible
- Cheek lift over zygomatic bone
- Petrissage chin, upper lip and cheeks X 4
- Stroking of nose – cross over X 6
- Eye circling x 6
- Stroking of forehead
- Cross friction of forehead
- Repeat 12-21
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Facial prayer x 4
- Fan x 6
- Eye circling and eyebrow lift x 4
- Effleurage face X 6
- Effleurage round deltoids and trapezius x 6
- Facial prayer x 4 Finish at temples with slight pressure
- Pressure points, drainage and massage to the scalp (5 minutes)
- Slide fingers to the ears. Gently massage earlobes with fingertips working up and around the ear cartilage
- From top of the ear work the fingers on to the scalp. Using pressure points movements work over the scalp, pumping to stimulate the lymph nodes.
- Shampooing. Massage the scalp – cover as much of the scalp as possible. To finish, run the fingers through the hair using a slow stroking action. Should the client not have any hair, place the hands on the head and hold.
- Always read and follow instructions on the product label.
- Apply the mask evenly, with clean fingers or a mask brush.
- Time the mask according to the product’s instructions.
- Exfoliating brush. This is usually a bristle brush used on the face or body to remove layers of dead skin cells. Some are designed for dry brushing. Others can be used with your facial cleanser or body wash.
- Exfoliation sponge. These are a gentler way to exfoliate skin. You can lather an exfoliating sponge with warm water, soap, or body wash in the shower.
- Exfoliating glove. If you find brushes or sponges difficult to grip, you can use a glove. Lather it with soap or body wash in the shower. They can be effective for large areas such as legs or arms.
- Exfoliating scrub. This can be applied directly to the skin using a gentle, circular motion. You can wash your skin with warm water after applying the scrub.
- It’s cleansing. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. Opening up your pores also softens blackheads, making them easier to remove.
- It promotes circulation. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation. This boost of blood flow nourishes your skin and delivers oxygen. The result is a natural, healthy glow.
- It releases acne-causing bacteria and cells. Opening up your pores allows the release of dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities that clog the pores and contribute to acne.
- It releases trapped sebum. This naturally occurring oil is produced by your sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin and hair. When sebum gets trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and causes acne and blackheads.
- It’s hydrating. Steam hydrates the skin by helping to increase oil production, naturally moisturizing the face.
- It helps your skin better absorb skin care products. Steam increases skin’s permeability, enabling it to better absorb topicals. This means you get more bang for your buck from skin care products applied after a steam.
- It promotes collagen and elastin. The increased blood flow experienced during a steam facial promotes collagen and elastin production. This results in firmer, younger-looking skin.
- It’s soothing. The feeling of warm steam on your face is relaxing. Add some soothing scents using herbs or essential oils for aromatherapy to take your steam sesh to a whole other level of calm!
- It helps with sinus congestion. Steam can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches that often accompany it. Adding certain essential oils to your steam can boost the effect.
- Grab a big towel and choose your spot. Comfort is key, so if you’re doing this over a sink you’ll want to use a chair or stool that offers the right height. Otherwise, a bowl on a table is your best bet.
- Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and cleanse using a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Don’t forget to cleanse your neck, too!
- Bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot, depending on the size of the sink or bowl.
- Add a handful of herbs once the water begins to boil and stir.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. Carefully pour into the sink or bowl. If you’re using essential oils, this is the time to add a few drops to the water.
- Have a seat, drape your towel over your head and the pot, and hold your face 6 inches above the water.
- Raise or lower your head for more or less heat and lift a corner of the towel to cool off if needed.
- Steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Get a hand towel and turn on the hot water tap. When hot, fill your sink or bowl with enough hot water to soak your towel. Add your herbs.
- Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and cleanse your face and neck using a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
- Soak your towel in the hot water and wring it out so that the towel is damp.
- Lean back in a comfy chair or lie down. Place the towel on your face, holding each corner up so they meet in the center of your forehead.
- Adjust the towel so that it covers your entire face, including the eyes, leaving just your nose peeking through.
- Relax for 5 minutes.
- Read your facial steamer’s instructions, filling it up as directed. Place it on a table near an outlet so you can plug it in. It will take a few minutes to begin emitting steam.
- Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and wash your face using a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
- Have a seat, get comfortable, and set your face inside the cone attachment, staying 5 to 10 inches away as it says to do in your steamer’s instruction booklet.
- Steam for 2 or 3 minutes at a time with a 1-minute break in between to see how your skin is handling the steam.
- Chamomile, chamomile can help with skin inflammation and dermatitis, making it great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Rosemary. This fragrant herb may be a good option for those with oily skin.
- Lavender. This herb is great for dry skin or eczema, and it has relaxing aromatherapy benefits.
- Geranium. This oil derived from the geranium flower is a natural astringent that tightens and tones the skin.
- Eucalyptus. If you deal with acne or are congested, this is a great option.
- Orange. Along with having uplifting aromatherapy properties, orange may also help with blocked pores and a dull complexion.
- Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 increase firmness and build moisture levels.
- Anti-Oxidant Vitamins C and E help protect new skin and fight skin damage.
- PABA-Free SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature lines and wrinkles.
Facial Routine
- Clean the eyes
- Clean the lips
- Cleanse the skin with sensitive cleanser (remember we do not know the skin type). We are cleansing to remove make up and dirt so we can have a better look at the skin.
- Analysis the skin to find out the skin type. This will help you choose the correct products.
- Cleanse the skin using the correct product for their skin type.
- Exfoliate the skin to remove any dead skin cells and helps the skin look refreshed.
- Steam the skin to help open the pores ready for the next step.
- Extractions - using a extraction tool to remove any comedones.
- Tone the skin
- Massage the facial area
- Apply the mask
- Remove the mask
- Tone the skin
- Moisturise the skin
- Apply eye cream
Trends
Different Beauty accreditations
Different beauty accreditations?
With a vast array of qualifications and options available to you, choosing the right course for yourself can be very confusing. Here is a little insight into the difference between short courses and NVQs.ABT Accreditation Courses
Most day/short training courses will be accredited by an awarding body such as Professional Beauty, ABT, BABTAC or The Beauty Guild. This means that the training school has been approved based on their course manuals, training qualifications and liability insurance. These will allow you to learn the skills needed to carry out these treatments. These are suitable for anyone wishing to work for themselves at home or as a mobile therapist.- Great for upskilling
- Lower price - more affordable
- Shorter courses - normally day courses
- Nationally recognised
- Easier and quicker to complete
- ABT
VTCT Accreditation
It was a dream of mine to be able to offer VTCT accredited courses. To receive VTCT training you would normally have to attend college, however now adult students can enrol on fast track courses, allowing them to complete the theory in their own time. VTCT is an international qualification meaning therapist can work worldwide. VTCT is also approved by OFQUAL (regulates qualifications & exams) so this means that the assessment criteria is stricter. VTCT courses are more in-depth and involve a lot of theory work. More knowledge is learnt compared to accredited courses. Theory and Practical exams will need to be taken before any certificate is issued to the student. More advance treatments will require you to have a certain level qualification to complete the course and obtain insurance.- A lot more knowledge is taught
- International qualification - work worldwide
- Be able to offer more advanced treatments
- Flexible learning
- More opportunities in the industry
- VTCT