Health and Beauty Salon Online: May 2008 Archives

JOURNAL: ZARA ELLIOT, ESSENCE

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 20, 2008 2:55 PM

SPECIAL OFFERS TO BOOST SALON COFFERS

Zara Elliot is the owner of Essence, a three-treatment room salon in Sutton, Surrey. The business opened in November 2005 and she employs four other therapists (full- and part-time), offering Dermalogica, MD Formulations, Caci Chromaclear MDA, Bio Ultimate non-surgical facelift, Fake Bake self tan, Jessica nailcare, and Bare Escentuals mineral make-up.

While increased profits were expected, business at Essence is on a par with last year as a result of clients tightening their belts. So, to further promote her salon, Zara is re-working its website and embarking on e-marketing - collecting email addresses for her new, informative newsletters.

To encourage clients to register on the site, she is offering an introductory 50% first treatment discount during specified times.

Other salon offers include a free MD Formulations facial - a £25 booking fee is redeemable against further bookings or retail products to encourage clients to try the glycolic treatment.

Clients can also benefit from getting any third facial free
when they pay for two treatments. This helps boost business during office hours.

Approaching Mother's Day, gift vouchers proved popular, but these are usually used for facial treatments as Zara says people now consider skincare as a necessity, whereas body treatments are still regarded as a luxury and more associated with spas. However, she hopes new bodycare products from Dermalogica will help this area.

After training with LaStone's Jane Scrivner, Zara's team have been practising their hot stone massage techniques. This will be introduced in the next couple of months to tie-in with the new website launch. Zara experienced the treatment on a trip to LA with Dermalogica and couldn't wait to introduce it to the local area.

She met many other salon owners and therapists on the trip and has made some fantastic friends, of whom she can bounce ideas off and keep herself in "the know".

Looking to the future, she is investigating laser hair reduction, but her main aim is to rid the industry of its fluffy image. Her well-trained staff are respectful and help solve people's skincare problems. They really make a difference, she says.

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WAXING: GORILLA WARFARE

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 21, 2008 8:50 AM

First-class service, a men-only environment and a touch of sensitivity means Axiom Bodyworks is making headway in the field of male grooming. Annette Hanford reports

From bushy brows to hairy toes - and everything in between - waxing is the most popular treatment at Axiom Bodyworks, Andy Rouillard's male-only salon in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

APRIL ANDY.JPG "We wax just about every nook and cranny you can think of and quite possibly a few you can't," he laughs. "Male waxing isn't just another add-on treatment for us, it's our bread and butter, and we've built our reputation on providing a first-class service that keeps people coming back from literally miles around," he adds.

Initially starting out in massage therapy, Andy trained as a beauty therapist, but encountered problems with colleges accepting him as a male beauty therapist.

rom bushy brows to hairy toes - and everything in between - waxing is the most popular treatment at Axiom Bodyworks, Andy Rouillard's male-only salon in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

"We wax just about every nook and cranny you can think of and quite possibly a few you can't," he laughs. "Male waxing isn't just another add-on treatment for us, it's our bread and butter, and we've built our reputation on providing a first-class service that keeps people coming back from literally miles around," he adds.

Initially starting out in massage therapy, Andy trained as a beauty therapist, but encountered problems with colleges accepting him as a male beauty therapist. READ ON...

Continue reading "WAXING: GORILLA WARFARE" »

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INSURANCE: TAKE COVER

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 22, 2008 8:50 AM

Whether you're looking to renew your present policy, or take out cover for the first time, it pays to study what's available when it comes to insurance. But where do you start in this minefield? Marc Loud, director, Park Insurance, finds out more

The internet is a well-developed platform for specialist brokers in this field, who promote deals they have negotiated with insurers. But you must be satisfied with the policy offered and any quotation before you commit - you need the policy to perform if the worst happens, so the more time spent on research will enhance your knowledge and ability to make the right decision.

Buying insurance is not just about claims, but it is also a tool for determining how risk can be minimised. Some brokers highlight risk management, so any measures taken will help to maintain competitive premiums and minimise consequences.

One of the main points to consider is the insurer, and I advise using a specialist broker, especially for salons.

Many brokers offer cover with insurers with little security and policies with low liability limits. I have also seen some insurers cover risks they don't understand.

For example, thread vein removal is covered under many policies, but by laser removal only, and not sclerotherapy.

A broker will advise the insurer that the salon offers this treatment - acceptable on their list - but don't understand this can also be done by injection. Most policies have a clause stating that treatments that pierce the skin are not covered. So in this instance, the salon owner assumes they have cover, when in reality they don't.

HOW MUCH COVER?

Insurance is one of the basic costs of doing business - responsible businesses budget for the appropriate coverage as a precautionary measure in the event of a loss-- especially a catastrophic one.

Continue reading "INSURANCE: TAKE COVER" »

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APRIL: THE FULERTON FILES

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 23, 2008 8:28 AM

ANDREA FULERTON.jpg SESSION NAIL TECHNICIAN ANDREA FULERTON GETS TO GRIPS WITH DOMESTIC GODDESS NIGELLA LAWSON DURING THE FILMING OF BBC SHOW NIGELLA EXPRESS

Throughout the summer of 2007, I had the pleasure of maintaining the natural nail overlays of TV chef, author and mother Nigella Lawson for her BBC series Nigella Express, which, fortunately for me, was filmed close to where I live in Battersea. I've been doing Nigella's delicate digits for several years now, using Creative's Retention liquid and powder, and Nailtiques' oil to name but a couple of my preferred products. Nigella also really likes Essie's nail varnish colours - Potato Fields, Mademoiselle and Chanel are among her favourite shades, and she especially likes a classic red for her toes.

CLOSE UP

While filming the series, which aired weekly, I in-filled the re-growth around every 10 days as her nails grow pretty fast. During filming, continuity is crucial. There are lots of close-ups and focus on Nigella's hands during filming, so her nails not only have to look identical throughout each programme, but throughout the series in case of any retakes. However, apart from photoshoots and covershots, she rarely wears a colour on her fingernails so keeping things uniform wasn't a major issue. We also found time to shoot the images for her accompanying book in between filming.

NEAT AND TIDY

As for the shape and length, we work together to keep them short and manageable for when she's handling food - how many of us have sliced off a protruding nail while chopping onions? This also allows her to keep them looking neat and tidy for when I'm not around, or between all-important set visits

SEALED TIPS

APRIL NIGELLA.jpg I tend to keep the acrylic overlay as thin as possible to look nice and natural, and I blend the powder with clear to make the lightest hue of white achievable for the short length, always ensuring that I seal down the tips with a three-way buffer to avoid lifting.

REHYDRATE

I'm afraid I've never been particularly good at sticking to brand families, so presently I use Leighton Denny oil after in-fills as I love its fresh fragrance. Failing that, I always have a Nailtiques oil to hand in my personal bag - rehydrate, rehydrate, rehydrate - especially at this time of year.

HANDY CREAM

Following this mantra, just like Nigella, I keep a bottle of hand cream by the sink. At the moment it's from Crabtree & Evelyn's Cooks range. I also have one under my pillow, and an OPI one in the car too - I'm a sucker for great-smelling products.

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This entry is in Nails

NAIL NEWS PRODUCTS

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 26, 2008 8:19 AM

LCN SPA DELIGHTS

LCN promises (finger) tip-to-toe pampering with the latest additions to its spa line. Cocoa & Pomegranate Delight Hand Cream tightens, soothes and protects dry skin, while Cocoa & Bamboo Delight Foot Cream can be used at the end of a pedicure to leave feet nourished. Also in the range is Cocoa & Almond Delight body cream, Sugar Lip Scrub and point-of-sale display.

PRICE: £5 +VAT for hand lotion, RRP £10; £7.15 +VAT for foot lotion, RRP £14.30

SPA RITUAL TO THE RESCUE

If you can't keep a lid on your polish and end up with a gloopy mess, use Spa Ritual's Nail Lacquer Thinner to return it to its former glory. As well as saving you from binning your favourite shades, it can also be used to clean nail polish and nail art brushes.

PRICE: £1.75 +VAT

SOLID EXTENSIONS

For clients wanting much stronger, rigid gel extensions, try BioSculpture's new Free Edge Gel. Providing rock-solid nails, the system is said to be easier and quicker to use, and once cured under UV light, boasts a white finish on the free edge that resembles the natural nail.

PRICE: from £18 +VAT/4g

REFRESH TIRED FEET

APRIL CIATE.jpg Great after a night dancing or a day at the shops, Ciate's Glo Lily Glo promises pampering with a hint of retro glamour. Kick back your fluffy mules and indulge in the avocado oil-enriched lotion featuring menthol and eucalyptus to refresh the most tired toes and soles.

PRICE: £3.50/£4.50 +VAT

MUNDO CLEAN

Brighten up your desk and highlight the fact you take salon hygiene seriously with Mundo's snazzy disinfection jars. Made of glass and sporting the Mundo logo, they come in either bright pink or blue and are available in two sizes (65mm and 90mm).

PRICE: £3.50/£4.50 +VAT per 50ml/200ml, RRP £7.95/£10.50 per 50ml/200ml

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SPA PROFILE: CALCOT MANOR

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 27, 2008 8:31 AM

IN POLE POSITION

Calcot Spa has been named as the UK's top hotel spa retreat by readers of Condé Nast Traveller. And with high service levels and a wide treatment menu, it's no surprise. Annette Hanford reports

APRIL Calcot Manor - exterior.jpg Readers of Conde Naste Traveller magazine are clearly consistent in their opinion as, having voted Calcot Spa into the top slot in the UK Hotel Spa category of its 10th Annual Readers' Travel Awards last October, they have also just named it the UK's top spa retreat.

Last month's issue of the magazine's spa special reveals the world's 100 best spas, according to its reader awards, and not only does Calcot Spa top the list of UK spa retreats, but now ranks 9th in the supplement's world listings.

A WINNING FORMULA

Impressive accolades indeed, especially as the spa only opened five years ago as an accompaniment to the 35-bedroom Cotswold hotel.

With a background in the hotel industry, spa director Cathy Ball explains that even though the Michelin-star hotel already had an excellent reputation and a whole host of awards, they needed to ensure they kept up with the changing times.

Set in the Cotswolds and close to tourist attractions, their aim was to have enough going on to keep people on site. It was also decided to actively target the family market, offering parents windows of time to relax and unwind within a child-friendly environment.

"We recognised the need to invest to keep the spa up to scratch," she says. "We never want to have an area we feel ashamed of or embarrassed about."

APRIL Spa massage.jpg Calcot Spa aims to provide a complete leisure experience with a 16-metre indoor pool, well-equipped gym, steam room, sauna, seven treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure area, and a dedicated area for make-up.

It was decided that converting an existing building would probably cost twice as much as building a new spa from scratch, so spa architecture and design company Corporate Edge was appointed and work began on the new-build.

The spa is built around an enclosed courtyard garden (leading to all-weather tennis courts), which boasts an eight-seater hot tub, set in a decked area in front of a blazing log fire. Here, guests can relax on loungers in the summer or take to the water and sip Champagne whatever the weather.

COUNTRY ESCAPE

Built in Cotswold stone and having used the skills of local craftsmen, the look and feel of the Calcot Spa is sympathetic not just with the hotel's design style but with the surrounding countryside too. A separate building from the hotel, the spa occupies two floors and has clean and calm interiors.

READ ON...

Continue reading "SPA PROFILE: CALCOT MANOR" »

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NAIL COLOURS -- SPRING & SUMMER COLLECTIONS

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 28, 2008 8:25 AM

SUMMER LOVING

The first nail colour collections of the year usually encompass pretty pastels and nearly-nude shades - ideal for the traditional spring bridal market. However, there are some very strong trends emerging, so get your sunglasses at the ready and prepare to be dazzled. Annette Hanford reports

HIPPY

Anything goes - the free-thinking and fabulous will be teaming gladiator-style sandals with hippie attire this season. Forget grunge and go glam with perfectly pedicured toes

APRIL ORLY LOVE.jpg Love Colour is a lively collection from Orly, including: First Kiss (demure pink); Secret Admirer (subtle peach); My Beau (vanilla); Dreamboat (nude); Crush on You (orange pop); and Butterflies (lively pink)

APRIL LCN.jpg LCN has a selection of soft shades for spring: Restful Violet; Fresh Orange; Hot Pink; and Light Rose

Make a statement with SpaRitual's Awakened range. Choose from: Paradigm Shift (creamy nude); Epiphany (soft petal pink); Plugged In (vivid flamingo pink); Alive (fiery tangerine); Aroused (classic red); and Mindful (deep berry)

GLOBAL NOMAD

This is a term coined by the fashion magazines to describe a blend of ethnic and tribal prints. Clashing colours and styles from around the world are set to be all the rage

APRIL LEIGHTON.jpg Indulge your inner diva with Leighton Denny's It's So Me, including Whatever (creamy mauve); Copycat (bubblegum pink); In the Buff (coffee cream); Made to Measure (lilac); Perfect to Party (orange sorbet); So LA (vibrant fucshia); and Starkers (barely-there nude)

APRIL OPI.jpg OPI's India Collection combines some tasty treats, including Get me to the Taj on Time (pale opal); ElePhantastic Pink (carnation pink); I'm Indi-a Mood for Love (hot pink); Lunch at the Delhi (coral); Monsooner or Later (orangey-red); Keys to my Karma (rich red); Moon Over Mumbai (soft grey); Yoga-ta Get this Blue (dark blue); Royal Rajah Ruby (burgundy); Curry Up Don't be Late (gold); Black Cherry Chutney (black-red); and Charmed by a Snake (bronze)

Walk like an Egyptian is the latest treasure from Jessica. The shades are: Cleopatra's Rule (hot pink); Build me a Pyramid (light lavender); King Tut's Gem (turquoise); Desert Rose (pearl pink); Pharaoh (fuchsia); and Great Sphinx (red)

FLORAL

Whether pretty pastels or bold floral prints, flower power is set to be big. Romance is the theme, and when love is in the air, these soft, barely-there sheers are also ideal for brides

APRIL ORLY SUGAR.jpg Orly's Sugar Coated collection is like a handful of sugared almonds. It comprises: Rock Candy (pearl); Meringue (diamond shine); Taffy (soft peach); Cupcake (pink rose); Petit Four (heather); and Bon Bon (lilac)

Blissfull is Zoya's softer option of summery shades. They include: Miley (sheer lilac); Laurie (sheer candy pink); Lulu (sheer peach); Felicity (shimmering golden rose); Penelope (copper rose cream); and Zanna (tea rose cream)

APRIL ESSIE.jpg Let Essie get you In the Mood. Choose from: Hi Maintenance (sheer pink); Great Expectations (sheer grey); Body Language (putty); Secret Affair (opalescent pink); Hard to Get (flirty pink); and Looking for Love (sheer lavender)

RAINBOW BRIGHTS

Purple is the new black. Think Crayola colours,80s-inspired neon and a whole host of striking colours. Fuchsia and corals are hot, along with metallics and sparkly shimmers

APRIL CREATIVE.JPG Let your creativity run wild with Creative's Plexi Pop collection of sheer brights. Choose from Retro White (opaque white); Clearly Pink (sheer pink); Nail Gloss (delicate pink); Plexi Pink (vibrant opalescent pink); Translucent Tangerine (sheer coral shimmer); and Turquoise Tint (sheer aqua)

Also from Zoya, Utopia combines rich, jewel-like colours. They are Irene (shimmery sage green); Akyra (peacock green); Tama (bright pink); Kamilah (metallic scarlet); Juno (deep purple); and Austine (soft gold)

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BRIEF ENCOUNTER: TRACY PARKIN

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 29, 2008 8:23 AM

Tracy Parkin is sales and marketing director for Bare Escentuals, looking after the growth and development of MD Formulations skincare and Bare Minerals make-up. She is based at the head office in Basildon, Essex, but travels worldwide. Sasha Lill reports

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?

I trained as a beauty therapist at Ware College in Hertfordshire. It was a two-year International Health and Beauty Council (IHBC) course, which I started at the age of 18 - back in the big hair days! Following this, I qualified as a beauty therapist, and started work at a salon in the Barbican in London. I then moved to Colchester, for a job with Plimsolls Health & Beauty Club, which was among the first clubs to really push the 360° approach to beauty, nutrition, fitness and health.

GREATEST BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT?

When I started work on MD Formulations, it wasn't a well-understood brand. Some people in the industry were scared to use it because they didn't understand the benefits and correct usage of a product that contains such effective levels of glycolic. Bringing it to the attention of therapists and consumers has been satisfying.

MOST SATISFYING/REWARDING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?

Introducing Bare Minerals to the salon market in the UK five years ago. We were the first to combine Bare Minerals (100% pure mineral make-up) with MD Formulations (technologically advanced skincare) within our treatment protocols, to ensure a complete skincare regime was available.

The introduction of 100% pure Bare Minerals was so successful it was offered in 50 key salon sites in the first year, with great success. This is when Bare Escentuals really started to lead 'the mineral revolution' in the UK.

WHAT IS THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?

'Tomorrow is another day'. Each new day is a fresh page to come up with and drive ideas. I use it with my own team now.

THREE THINGS YOU COULDN'T DO YOUR JOB WITHOUT

My sense of humour; my passion and love for the industry, even though it spans more than 23 years; and my dedicated team.

BEST AND WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB?

It's much easier to think of the best bits. The best part of my work is taking an idea and concept and seeing it evolve and succeed. Negative bits? Well, there's always too much admin - admin is a necessary evil.

FUTURE BUSINESS AMBITIONS?

To maintain the success of both Bare Minerals and MD Formulations; to continue to get more people to understand the benefits and clear messages of both fantastic product lines; and to continue to strike up more key business partnerships.

IMAGINE YOU ARE AT THE START OF YOUR CAREER -- WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

I wouldn't. I started at ground-roots level in the salon. I've waxed, I've plucked, and I've worked the anti-social hours. I have built my career up step-by-step, and I think it is important I understand what it is like to work in this industry at every level. I have learnt some great lessons from some great people along the way.

WOULD YOU DO IT ALL AGAIN?

Yes - it has made me who I am today.

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DIARY DATES

Posted by Annette Hanford
Dated: May 30, 2008 4:05 PM

Keep yourself in the know with the latest industry happenings:

JULY

16-20

57th CIDESCO World Congress 2008, Actual Trends in Beauty Therapy and Wellness, Baden-Baden, Germany. Features lectures, workshops, German evening and gala night. Contact www.cidesco-weltkongress-2008.de, email info@cidesco-weltkongress-2008.de, tel +49 2333 76697, fax +49 2333 71444.

27-28

BEST -- Beauty Education, Seminars & Training Roadshow, Cambridge. Organised by BABTAC, the FREE event features 32 seminars presented by leading experts in the industry, all geared to making you a better therapist, increase your earnings, improve your business or save you money. For full information and to register (no cost) visit: www.babtac.com/best

SEPTEMBER

7

The British Beauty & Spa Awards, The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Contact Dan Eversfield, tel 020 8652 8845, email daniel.eversfield@rbi.co.uk

26-28

Intercontinental Beauty, Excel, London. Contact www.intercontinentalbeauty.com, email: info@intercontinentalbeauty.com, tel 01753 535292.

28-29

BEST Roadshow, Bristol. Organised by BABTAC, the FREE event features 32 seminars presented by leading experts in the industry, all geared to making you a better therapist, increase your earnings, improve your business or save you money. For full information and to register (no cost) visit: www.babtac.com/best

OCTOBER

5-8

October: Beyond Beauty Paris, Paris Nord Villepinte, France. One event, five exhibitions, promising 700 exhibitors and international visitors. Contact ITEC France, tel +33 (0)144 69 95 69, email info@beyondbeautyparis.com, www.beyondbeautyparis.com

29

The British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) Electrolysis Skills Master Class, West Thames College, Isleworth, Middlesex. For private and state college tutors. Tel 0844 544 1373.

30-31

The British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) Advanced Cosmetic Procedures, West Thames College, Isleworth, Middlesex. For qualified electrolysists, content includes the removal of skin tags, seborrhoeic keratosis, warts, milia, along with thread veins and spider naevi. Tel 0844 544 1373.

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May 2008 Archives

JOURNAL: ZARA ELLIOT, ESSENCE

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WAXING: GORILLA WARFARE

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INSURANCE: TAKE COVER

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APRIL: THE FULERTON FILES

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NAIL NEWS PRODUCTS

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SPA PROFILE: CALCOT MANOR

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NAIL COLOURS -- SPRING & SUMMER COLLECTIONS

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BRIEF ENCOUNTER: TRACY PARKIN

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DIARY DATES

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