Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/663523
46 may/june 2016 carry, do your homework. What is your business's mission statement and how does the brand complement it? Are you inclined to provide services that are more holistic or medical? Knowing your client base will also help guide your choices. Now, think about the research you did when choosing your professional skin care line. The same care should be given to your makeup offerings. Being in the business of health and wellness for the skin, your makeup line should reflect that as well. Look to product lines that have extremely clean ingredients. Things such as artificial dyes, fragrance, and preservative systems (parabens) should be avoided. Remember, these products will be placed on the skin posttreatment and often worn 12 (or more) hours a day. Think about ingredients that will not only protect the skin, but also nourish it. A built-in physical sunscreen will provide sun protection and also act as an anti-inflammatory. Sounds pretty perfect after a chemical peel, doesn't it? SUPER SKILLS Once you've selected your line, it's time to take your skills to the next level. The line you choose should provide high-quality and continuous education. Whether that is in-house training or a local or online program, saturate yourself in it. For both master artists and those who have never picked up a makeup brush, education is key. If this is a new venture for you, stick to what you know—complexion. Think of the power of three products: a primer, a foundation, and a blush. Just the addition of these three products is somewhere in the ballpark of $130 per client. The power of three works with anything. How about eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara? Or gloss, lip liner, and lipstick? The possibilities are endless, and just three coordinated products can really boost revenue potential you never knew you had. Niches for Makeup Artists Working with brides is a popular path, but here are other ways to profit with makeup: • Fashion shows need an army of dependable artists who can perform quickly and under pressure. • Photo shoots for corporate gigs, modeling agencies, or private sessions give estheticians the chance to craft individual looks. • Theaters/stage productions—small and large—need creative, eclectic pros to add that extra flair. • Films/videos can be lucrative for flexible artists who are willing to travel and work in variable situations. • Cosmetic companies/manufacturers hire talented, articulate representatives to sell their wares. Practice makes perfect, so provide a complimentary posttreatment makeup application on every single client. If you are nervous, just think about the very first brow wax you ever did on someone who wasn't a friend or family member. I still have traumatic flashbacks! With makeup, the good news is if you try something new or out of your comfort zone and it doesn't work, you can wipe it off and start all over. Dear makeup: I love you and your forgiveness! FULL-SERVICE OPTIONS Once the foundation has been built (pardon the pun), what's next? For those of us in a full-service salon setting, the world is your oyster. Partnering with a hair stylist who provides bridal services is an ideal place to start a profitable bridal business. If you are in a medical setting, have no fear. Cosmetics that camouflage any bruising, hyperpigmentation, or posttreatment redness will be your specialty. If you are more holistic, makeup also has you covered. Offering cleanup and touch-up services after facials and massages allows your clients to leave your practice fresh and ready to take on the day. Posttreatment touch-ups should be included as part of the treatment, not as an option. Makeup takes up a small amount of real estate. A director-style chair, decent lighting, mirrors, and some disposable applicators, and you are ready to glam it up with the best of them. So whether it's in your treatment room, waiting area, or retail space, your clients will leave feeling beautiful and you will have beautiful retail sales in your cash register. Your business should be a one-stop shop for your clients to truly maximize your potential. Remember, you can only provide so many hands-on treatments in a day. But when it comes to makeup retailing, the sky is the limit.