Tag: beauty

Simple Resolutions for a Beautiful 2019

New year’s resolutions are anything but new. In fact, historians assert that the first new year’s resolutions were made by ancient Babylonians around 4,000 years ago. Wonder if they were any more successful at keeping them than we are today? By last calculation, 80 percent of these promises fail before February!

But here’s a little good news. While we can’t assist you with losing weight, making new friends or finding love, we can help you make 2019 your most beautiful year yet. Consider these five resolutions that are simple enough to stick with long-term.

1. Drink more water

Your body is composed of about 60 percent water, so it’s not surprising that staying properly hydrated is so important for good health. Not only does drinking enough water help you feel more energetic and alert throughout the day, but it is also essential for beautiful skin. Dermatologists frequently tell their patients to drink 80 ounces of water a day to keep their skin hydrated, plump, elastic and blemish free.

If you find tracking your daily water intake difficult (or often forget to drink it at all), there are a number of ‘smart’ bottles and gadgets on the market to help. One such device, the Ulla, can be clipped to any water bottle. It tracks when you drink and will even blink to remind you to hydrate.

2. Wear sunscreen every day

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. But that’s not the only danger of unprotected sun exposure. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is also caused by UV rays.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: applying sunscreen daily. A good sunscreen will prevent UVA and UVB radiation from reaching your skin and causing sunburn, skin cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. If you’re not spending time outdoors, a product with SPF 15 is usually sufficient. For longer exposure times, choose sunscreens with SPF 30 and above. Apply them to your face, neck, hands and any other exposed skin—even on cloudy days. 

3. Moisturize regularly

Dry skin doesn’t just look dull and flaky, it can exacerbate acne issues and age-related wrinkles as well—no matter what your age. Make a resolution to moisturize your face (and body) regularly in 2019. Not only will doing so keep your complexion looking fresh and healthy, but some products can also help you fight wrinkles and age spots and provide sun protection.

Of course, choosing the right moisturizer is important. If you’re not sure where to start, the estheticians at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology can help. Call 888-569-1797 to book an appointment. New clients even receive 20 percent off their first service.

4. Clean out your makeup bag

If your makeup bag (or drawer) is stuffed to overflowing, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to resign yourself to another year of wasted time searching through half-used products for what you need. Instead, resolve to purge expired makeup products every six months.

In general, experts recommend tossing liquid makeup that is older than six months and powdered makeup that is older than two years. The typical life expectancy of mascara is only three months. The same goes for liquid eyeliners, though cream and powdered eyeliners and eyeshadows should be good for two years. Lipsticks and lip liners can last two years as well.   

5. Give your hair a break

This is one of your easier resolutions to keep up! Daily shampooing, blow drying, and curling can really stress your hair, not to mention the damage that can be done by at-home bleaching and coloring. For a full calendar year of good hair days, resolve to give your tresses a break. How, you ask? Shampooing your hair less frequently can help, as can skipping the heat styling tools at least a few days a week.

For even better results, regularly pamper damaged hair with a moisturizing mask or deep conditioning treatment. At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, our stylists swear by Matrix’s line of hair masks. There’s one formulated for every hair type. We also offer a number of hair treatments in our on-campus salons starting at just $5.  Check out our salon page for more information about our services

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Graduate Interview: Katee Brown

How would you describe your dream career? Does it involve working in a high-end salon or spa (or maybe even owning your own) while making clients feel relaxed, pampered and beautiful? Does it include plenty of opportunities for creativity, continual learning and professional growth? Perhaps it enables you to feel a sense of pride every day as well as provide you with financial security? Sounds like you’re dreaming of a career in the beauty industry. Our graduate, Katee Brown, had the same vision before joining our beauty team.

At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we’re dedicated to providing the beauty industry professionals of tomorrow with the education they need to be successful today. Whether you’re interested in our cosmetology, nail technician or advanced esthetics program, we offer financial aid to students who qualify and career assistance to help you land your next job.

Our graduates are highly respected and go on to work in some of the best salons and day spas in the Ohio area because of the world-class training they receive in our programs. In fact, our full-time job placement specialist says she never has enough graduates to meet demand!

But you don’t have to take it from us alone. The best way to learn about a beauty school is to talk to the students who have attended it. We recently sat down with one of our graduates, Katee Brown, to get her take on the experience she had at Creative Images Institute.

CIIC: Thanks for chatting with us today, Katee! Why don’t you start by telling us what inspired you to choose cosmetology as a career path?

Katee: I’ve actually wanted to do hair since I was 12 years old. I grew up as something of a kitchen beautician by practicing things at home like dying my friends’ hair. Growing up in a family of females, I was always going to the salon with my mom and would sit under the dryer while she got her hair done.

CIIC: What brought you to Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology when choosing a beauty school?

Katee: I toured Elite when I first started looking around for a cosmetology school. It was nice, but it was way too small. A few friends actually recommend that I check out CIIC. When I came for a tour, I loved that there was a full-blown salon. It was busy and fast-paced with a friendly staff. And it was cool to see students actually interacting with real clients instead of just mannequin heads.

CIIC: Now that you’ve graduated, what are your job plans?

Katee: I plan to go to work for a full-service salon so that I can continue to grow and learn about all areas of beauty. I’m looking for a salon with a strong client base and plenty of opportunity to gain experience.

CIIC: Of everything that you learned here, what was your favorite part?

Katee: Color! I absolutely love doing color—it’s my niche! Color is always fun to play with, but I really enjoyed learning the technical part of it like how to figure out what color equation I need to achieve a certain type of look and what section pattern will allow me to cover as much hair as quickly as possible. I especially love doing highlights and balayage because of the transformation you get to see. I also love doing nails and makeup because there are so many possibilities and so much creativity is required.

CIIC: And how about your future goals? What’s your ultimate dream for your career now that you are a cosmetology graduate?

Katee: My ultimate dream is to open my own successful full-service salon. I want a full staff and, because I believe in active business owners, I will still take on clients of my won. But for now, I’m going to focus on continually improving my skills. Once I have a strong enough client base, I’ll start looking into creating my own brand.

CIIC: Well, we wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about each and every success! Tell us something that has pleasantly surprised you about cosmetology.

Katee: This industry is what you make of it. If you want to go far, there is definitely the opportunity to do so. You just have to be willing to put the work in. The possibilities in this industry are actually endless.

CIIC: So, so true! What other advice do you have for anyone who is considering getting into the beauty industry and considering Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology?

Katee: Now that I am a graduate, it’s not just doing hair and painting nails. There’s so much more that goes into your education than you would even think about. You’re going to learn anatomy, chemistry, biology, dermatology and seriously so much more. It’s hard work, but it will absolutely pay off. There are so many avenues to choose from in this field, your only real competition is yourself!

For more information about how to start your beauty career journey, contact us at https://www.creativeimages.edu/contact/ and we’ll guide you every step of the way!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Winter Beauty on a Budget

Keep Your Hair, Skin, and Nails Warm and Healthy This Winter With These Helpful Tips:

Winter is definitely here, and along with it, icy winds, freezing snows and thermostats set to high. The extreme temperature fluctuations most of us face daily as we navigate our way from home to school to office and home again are hard on our hair and skin. It can make it challenging to look our best, but with the holidays (and all the photo ops that come with them) right around the corner, we obviously want to appear fabulous, not frizzy and frazzled. And we want to do it without spending a bundle.

Fortunately, it’s possible to look and feel beautiful all season long without breaking your budget. We’ve put together a few expert tips to show you how.

A Strong Winter Hair Game

That warm blast of air coming from your home or office heating vent might feel good after your freezing commute, but it’s also drying out your hair and making it more prone to split ends and breakage. Experts suggest combating this seasonal increase in dryness in a number of ways:

* Shampoo less frequently to avoid stripping away healthy natural oils. With the right tools, including dry shampoo and cute hair accessories, you may be able to stretch your time between washes by several days. Ask a Creative Images Institute hairstylist to help you develop a strategy.

* Once a week, hydrate your hair overnight with a moisturizing oil or serum.

* Never skip conditioner after shampooing and use a leave-in product to extend hydration and guard against static. While you’re at it, line your course-fabric winter hats with silk or satin fabric to reduce split ends and breakage. You can often find inexpensive vintage silk scarves at thrift stores.

* Keep up with those trims. You might be tempted to just let your hair grow all winter long, but having it trimmed regularly to remove dry, brittle ends will help reduce breakage and keep your style looking beautiful and healthy. Schedule an appointment with a Creative Images Institute hairstylist and you’ll save a bundle off of regular salon prices.

Radiant Winter-Proof Skin

Remember those temperature extremes and dry air we mentioned earlier? Well, they also tend to wreak havoc on skin if you don’t guard against them. From chapped lips and ragged cuticles to overall dullness, experts suggest protecting and perfecting cold-weather skin in a number of ways:

* Cracked, dry lips are a common winter ailment. Keep them baby soft with regular exfoliation. It’s as easy as massaging a generous coat of honey or balm into your lips with a super-soft toothbrush, then wiping away the excess and flakes with a tissue.

* Swap out your light summer moisturizer for a richer product. Avoid petroleum-based varieties as they’re more likely to dry out delicate facial skin and instead choose an oil-based solution for lasting hydration. While you’re at it, treat your face to an intensive hydrating mask twice a week. It’s easy (and inexpensive) to whip one up at home using ingredients such as yogurt, avocado, honey, aloe and almond oil.

* While it’s easy to remember to exfoliate in the summer when you’re naturally showing more skin, it’s just as important during the winter months. Keep a sugar or salt scrub in the shower and give your body a thorough buffing once or twice a week. Even better, visit the Creative Images Institute spa for an aromatherapy body scrub treatment at a budget-friendly price.

* Dry, ragged cuticles can lead to painful hangnails. Keep them moisturized by massaging in hand cream or even inexpensive Shea butter every time you wash your hands. This will also keep your hands soft and hydrated as well as encourage nail growth.

Whether you want to freshen dull winter hair with a new color, nourish and brighten skin with a facial, or get your hands holiday party ready with a fun manicure, the artists at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology are ready to help. Give one of our conveniently located campuses a call today and enjoy luxury service at a bargain price.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Do’s and Don’ts to Nail Your Next Interview

Do you ever get nervous for your interviews? Good! Being nervous means you care about how you’ll do which is first step when it comes to starting something new. In this article, you will learn not only how to work through those nerves but also how to nail your next interview!

A job interview is much like a first date. While it’s nerve-wracking and unlikely to go exactly as planned, it’s also your only chance to make a good impression. Fortunately, your education at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology has provided you with the technical skills necessary to succeed in a hairstylist, esthetician or nail technician job. Now you just need to present your best professional self to land that position. Take note of these do’s and don’ts and you’ll have a new cosmetology job before you know it.

1. Do learn everything you can about the salon or spa before your interview. Whether you look the company up online through Google, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, check it out in person, or call the front desk for information, thorough research into the salon or spa you’re considering can help you decide if it’s really a place you want to work. You can also use what you learn during the research process to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of the company.

2. Do dress appropriately. While the beauty industry is a creative one, and dress code often varies by location, the outfit you choose to wear to your interview should demonstrate your respect for the opportunity. Did you happen to see any pictures of current salon or spa employees while doing your research? If so, those images can give you clues on how to dress. In general, it’s wise to avoid anything too tight, short or low-cut. If in doubt, ‘business casual’ is usually a safe option.

3. Do arrive on time. If you’re late to the interview, the salon or spa owner may assume you’ll be late to work as well. Not sure how long it will take you to drive there? Do a test run a day or two before the interview and plan your travel time accordingly. That said, you don’t want to arrive too early, either. If you get to the location more than 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled to begin, wait in your car to avoid making anyone feel rushed.

4. Do ask thoughtful questions. Yes, the interview is an opportunity for the salon or spa owner to learn more about you. But it’s also a chance for you to get details about the job that you couldn’t find online. Some of this information may even help you decide whether or not to take the job should you get an offer. Good questions to consider include:

• “What traits do your most successful employees share?”
• “How do you define success?”
• “How long do your employees work for you on average?”
• “Why did your last hairstylist/esthetician/nail tech leave the position?”
• “How would you describe a typical day in this role?”

5. Do follow up after your interview. To this day, nothing beats an old-fashioned, handwritten thank you note. Mail one as soon as possible, but don’t hesitate to follow up by email a day or two after your interview as well. Just thank the salon or spa owner for his/her time, reiterate the reasons you’d love to work there, and ask if there is any additional information you can provide to help with the hiring decision.

6. Don’t give in to nerves. Even if this is your very first salon or spa job, you need to project an aura of confidence if you want to make a good impression. Avoiding fidgeting (such as tapping your foot or twirling your hair) during the interview. Sit up straight, but don’t sit too stiffly. Keep your arms loose and relaxed rather than crossed. The right body language can go a long way towards convincing your interviewer of your professionalism.

7. Don’t forget to practice answers to difficult interview questions. To avoid rambling and keep your answers clear and succinct, it can be helpful to practice your responses in advance. Recruit a friend to help you polish your answers to common questions such as:

• “What can you tell me about yourself?”
• “Why should we hire you?”
• “Why did you leave your previous employer?”
• “What are your greatest strengths/ weaknesses?”
• “What are your goals for the next five years?”

You want your answers to show that you are honest, self-aware and passionate about the beauty industry. And you want to avoid distracting fillers such as “um,” “so,” “like” and “you know” in your responses.

8. Don’t speak poorly about previous employers or coworkers. It’s very likely that you’ll be asked why you left your last job, even if it wasn’t in the beauty industry. Even if you gave notice because every second of every day there was a nightmare of epic proportions, avoid saying this in your interview. You might also want to remove any negative comments of that sort from your public social media profiles, if you haven’t already done so.

9. Don’t ask about pay or benefits until you’ve been offered the job. Employers want beauty industry professionals who want to work at what they love, not just for a paycheck. You’ll have plenty of time to negotiate your wages and benefits after you’ve received an offer. In the meantime, however, it is acceptable to ask about the schedule and other logistics. After all, there’s no point in accepting a position with days or hours that ultimately won’t fit with your other commitments.

10. Don’t turn into a pest. Salon and spa owners are busy. Even if they’re eager to fill an available position, it can take awhile for them to make an employment decision. While reasonable follow up shows you’re proactive, professional and passionate about the opportunity, repeated phone calls and dozens of emails will cause nothing but annoyance. Remember: desperation is never attractive whether on a first date or during your job search.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

New Season, New Look

Here are a few ways to update your look with these Fall trends.

Now that the sweltering heat of summer is finally fading, it’s time to think about updating your wardrobe for fall. Whether you treat every day like you’re walking the runway or prefer to keep your look on the casual side, these fall trends can be adapted to suit any style. Mix, match and have fun creating a new look all your own.

Trend: Lush Texture
The stores are full of statement pieces as well as day-to-day staples in lush textures. J.Crew in particular has loads of velvet in rich shades including these cropped pants in burgundy velvet and long wrap coat in navy twilight velvet
If corduroy is more your style, Free People offers an affordable nod to the 70s with a retro-inspired structured blazer and flared pants. Or choose an unexpected color to keep your look modern. Zara has some great options like this matching blazer and high-waisted pants in fuchsia corduroy and Mango is offering a structured blazer and straight trousers in a rosy pink corduroy.

Trend: Animal Print
It’s a jungle out there, and leopard is always a classic. Go head-to-toe with a long leopard print dress like this one from Zara or mix in the velvet trend in this J.Crew faux-wrap mini dress in rose leopard velvet. If you’re looking for just a touch of the wild, you can’t go wrong adding a leopard print scarf or cheetah print block heel sandals from Gap to an outfit built from neutral staples.

Trend: Over-sized Sweater
When there’s a chill in the air, there are few things cozier than an over-sized sweater. You’ll find them this season in a range of materials from cottons and acrylic poly blends to cold weather standards, such as wool and cotton. If you want to mix some fresh color into your fall wardrobe, you can find a lot of affordable options like a green chunky knit turtleneck and this long dark green sweater. Or, if you love the classics, check out an over-sized v-neck in wool- and mohair-blends as well as cocoon-like ribbed turtlenecks in solids and houndstooth.

Trend: Long Pleated Skirt
If the mini is perfect for summer, the midi is your ideal fall and winter skirt length. Long enough to keep your legs warm but not so long as to drag on wet sidewalks, you’ll find this season’s midi skirts in silks, poly satins, faux leather and more. Choose a pleated version and pair it with that oversized sweater for a textural contrast. If you need some inspiration, check out a neutral beige plaid pleated skirt or classic leopard pleated skirt. If you like an edgier look, this shiny red waxed finish pleated skirt or black faux leather pleated skirt. Black has always been considered a timeless, versatile piece therefore, it won’t be hard to match it with whatever #OOTD you’re looking to rock!

Trend: Dark Floral
Florals are no longer just for spring and summer. Black-backed florals were all over the fall runways and with some affordable options. You can also consider florals backed by dark red, burgundy or green. The best part about fall florals are limitless makeup looks to match. With floral patterns raging in multiple styles and colors it’s easy to find a piece that works for you.

Trend: Statement Coat
From faux fur to faux shearling, statement coats are all about texture this season. Choose a classic color like this toffee faux fur coat f or ivory faux shearling coat if you want to invest in a topper that will go with anything. If you’re feeling a little bold or daring, don’t be afraid to make a statement with a sleek leopard print. Looking for something a more versatile? Consider a short pastel faux fur that can be matched with any outfit and any hair style.

Trend: Fresh Hair Color or Style
As every fashionista knows style also matters from the neck up. Consider updating your hair with a warm and spicy color. From coppery strawberry blonde and honey blonde to brunette with caramel highlights, your stylist can offer you lots of options.
If a fresh, sleek cut is more your thing, both baby bangs and curtain bangs were big on the fall runways and offer a simple way to change your look. Lobs and bobs as well as long cuts were seen with both sleek and natural texture.

Remeber, updating your hair for fall doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology offers the highest quality services at affordable prices, and first-time clients receive 20 percent off their first service. Give our Vandalia or Centerville campus a call today to book your appointment with one of our trendy artists.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Stylist Survival Guide: Prom & Wedding Season

Stylist Survival Guide: Spring is FINALLY here! That means it’s time for us to bust out the tank tops and jean shorts and really start working on getting ready for that summer vacation. That also means that your chair is about to be filled with soon to be brides and local prom goers. For many new professionals, and even some salon veterans, this time of year can be unbelievably hectic and stressful. Between bridezillas coming in with their bridal back-up party trying to get ready for the big day and young teenagers doing some last minute running around before their senior prom with their entourage of classmates; things can get crazy!

On the upside, with effort comes reward. In order to prepare yourself mentally and physically during this spring season, follow these tips on how to tackle the obstacles that lie ahead.

Tip One: Get Organized Mentally and Physically.

The simplicity of organization is beautiful. Create a calendar and stick to it! Not only does it put your mind at ease knowing what is on your plate for the day, but it also allows you to plan accordingly and avoid any surprises. Knowing what clients you’re going to be helping and if you have any down time will allow you to be as productive as possible. If you just finished a client and you know you have a prom up-do for your next appointment, use whatever down time you have and get prepared! Get all of your supplies in order and lay out all of the tools you may be using. Not only will you save time for you and your client but you’re working more efficiently which will result in fewer mistakes.

Tip Two: Show Off Your Work

Though this time of year may be hectic, this time of year also allows for the most creativity! When it comes to special event hairstyles and makeup, most clients want something designed uniquely for them. Use this opportunity to express yourself and push your boundaries! Get a feel for what the client is looking for and incorporate that into your design. If you are relatively new to the industry, show the world what you got! Share all of your designs and masterpieces on your social media platforms and make sure you use your hashtags. With people now able to follow you through hashtags, this will help broaden your exposure and get your work out there for everyone to see! Make sure you provide your contact information either in your posts or in your bio so when people start to fall in love with your work, they can call to book an appointment with you!

 

Tip Three: Take Care of Yourself

With this season being mentally and physically exhausting, it’s important to replenish! Stylist Survival Guide Stock up on energy bars or quick, rejuvenating goodies that you can go to during your few minutes of down time. That way, in case you don’t have time for a full lunch break, you are still able to get the necessary nutrients to keep you rocking and on your feet. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body and brain functioning at capacity. Even though most salons and spas have dress codes, make sure you’ve got the proper footwear and attire. On the days where you are booked open to close, you want to make sure you have on the shoes that won’t only get you through the day but will also keep you confident and comfortable. Also, don’t wear clothes that are too constricting or ill-fitting. You want to be focused on your client; not on how badly your feet hurt or how soon you can get home and change. Dress for success and you’ll come with the attitude to match because when you look good, you feel good!

 

Tip Four: Know Your Limits

Yes, we all want to make money and yes, most of us like a little bit of a challenge, but don’t over-exert yourself! If possible, make sure you have a little bit of time to yourself throughout your day; it’s good to take some mental and physical breathers every once in a while. Allow plenty of time for each client so you don’t find yourself rushing through services just to make sure you stay on time for your next appointment. Stylist Survival Guide Clients like to feel pampered and that they have your full attention. If you are rushing through a service, not cleaning your work station, or not holding genuine conversations, your clients will notice and that’s the last thing you want. Keep yourself busy but don’t keep yourself overwhelmed.

 

This time of year will be busy with all of the weddings and proms you come across, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful! Stylist Survival Guide This is an important time of year for your clients and you get to be a part of it! Don’t forget to just do a little prep work so you can reap the benefits and each spring season will be better than the last.