This month we asked industry pros for their input on treating and prepping skin before special events. We have gathered expert advice from industry professionals on special occasion skin prep, and we are bringing these tips to you.
Log in to view the full article
This month we asked industry pros for their input on treating and prepping skin before special events. We have gathered expert advice from industry professionals on special occasion skin prep, and we are bringing these tips to you.
Tip 1: Help Clients Prep for Special Events by Planning Ahead
In order to be prepared for your big event, plan ahead! Many treatments, such as Botox and fillers, can cause bruising and take a week or so in order to see full effects. Schedule your appointments so that any bruising can completely resolve and you have a change to return to your provider if the results are not perfect. In addition, many treatments that improve texture, brown spots and fine lines get best results with a series of three or four sessions. By starting these six to eight months before your event, you will see maximum improvement in the quality of your skin in time for your special day!
—Lisa S. Jenks, MD, Medical Director of Genesis Medspa
Tip 2: Create a Pre-Planned Treatment Schedule
Special occasions are a great time to make clients feel better about themselves. First, you want to discuss treatment goals and ensure the client has realistic expectations. Next, develop a treatment plan according to the clients goals and timeline. This should include a combination of corrective treatments, home care and a pre-event treatment. The pre-event treatment should be done at least once before the final appointment to be aware of any possible reactions. I learned this the hard way, I did a new treatment on a bride the week before her wedding and it resulted in an acne breakout. Luckily, I was able to calm her skin down, but it is not always possible. For this reason, it is ideal for the client to come in at least a month before their event. If it is a new client with limited time before the event, I suggest doing a treatment with low risk of complications. enzymes, dermaplaning, oxygen treatments and hydradermabrasion are all good low-risk options to brighten the skin for special occasions.
—Terri Wojak, Esthetician, Educator & Author
Related: 5 Steps to Prepping Your Clients for Special Occasions
Tip 3: Use Special Occasions as Marketing Opportunities
Special occasions are perfect for transformative story telling marketing because emotions are tied up in special occasions like weddings, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. One of the most effective ways to market yourself is through storytelling, specifically storytelling focusing on the transformation your product or service provides. There are six parts to writing a transformational service description. First you introduce the product or service, followed by how the client feels before the treatment, then outline the key elements of the service. Follow up by describing the changes the person undergoes during your service and the end result (how they feel after the service).
—Kimberly Watkins-Swenk, Founder & CEO of Swenk Social
Tip 4: Prep Skin for Pro Makeup Application
Skin care and properly prepping the skin is essential for special occasion makeup! As a makeup artist, we don’t always have the luxury of providing skin care services or giving advice far in advance. These are a few tips I have found to help prep the skin for a flawless, long lasting makeup look for special occasions. You can apply a hydrating eye cream to the eye area and silicone eye pads to hold the product in for penetration. A quick sugar lip scrub, followed by a hydrating lip balm can make a world of difference for a lip look. Hydration is key to avoid dull looking skin and for an even makeup application. To get a make a quick "fix" to hydrate the skin right before your makeup application, you can apply a serum with hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin. Primer is important to smooth over imperfections and allow something for the foundation to "cling" to better for better coverage. If there is a concern for makeup staying on the skin because of the skin’s oil production, hot and humid climate, etc., it is important to set it well with a setting powder after you apply foundation. Follow this step with a setting spray to keep the skin looking great throughout the special occasion.
—Brittney Waugh, Licensed Esthetician, Makeup Artist, M.Ed.
Tip 5: Add Lymphatic Drainage Massage
For special occasions such as a class reunion, wedding, red carpet event, gala, etc. I like to include a lymphatic massage at the very end of the facial. Incorporating this technique helps with the skin tone and texture, and, most importantly, it makes their skin camera-ready. The lymph drainage helps remove toxins that can cause puffiness and swelling throughout the face, leaving the facial features more contoured. Your client will see a difference right then, and more fluids will continue to drain 24-48 hours later. It’s very relaxing for our clients. You can use this to add to your client’s facial treatment. Many tools, such as gua sha and machines, can be used for lymphatic drainage, but I like to use my hands best. It adds a personal touch!
—Lisa Stewart, Owner/Creator Solia Spa and Peri Skin Care
