I've been giving business a lot of thought lately. How and when to grow. How to touch a new audience. How to keep existing clients satisfied and progressing forward with their skin care needs. In the beauty biz competition is fierce. So, how do I separate my business from the others?
Good service is an an average expectation these days. The Walmarts of the world have made it so predictable for the consumer and that's what makes their business successful. However, do you remember each and every visit you have ever made to a Walmart? Granted, Walmart trumps with deep discounts but is that how one should choose a spa service? It it worth $10,$20,$50 extra dollars to get exceptional service?
The spa experience should be memorable each time in my opinion. Was it the service rendered, the results achieved, the conversation, or the way it made you feel?
Which leads me to believe each experience must be memorable for an ongoing small business to succeed. The growth on my business depends on it.
Do you have any ideas or stories to share that stand out as exceptional service and experience?
The reality is the beauty industry does not launch many new things any given year. Most services and products are regurgitations or mutations of already existing offerings. A new package, a new name, a recycled form of electricity applied. The only truly novel event that has occurred in skin care is the delivery system or agent that pushes active ingredients into the skin. And, the only way laser has evolved over the years is how less painful it has become. More user friendly if you will. Although these imply progress the tactics are the same.
So what really makes a client stay loyal? What are you seeking in your experience?
Would love to hear your feedback!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart skin care
Monday, January 27, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
The "why"of business
My significant other and I have hired a life coach, recently. Some may find this frivolous but for me it is a priority to help me not only define my goals but be accountable to achieve them. The reason I am sharing this is because my first homework assignment is to list "why" I am in business. Not what I do or how I do it but the real reason I am involved with skin care. He told me to list thirty reasons. At first I thought this was daunting but soon I realized I had a list with over forty!
Here is a list of a few favorites:
To educate the public
Trusted information
Long term results
Problem solving
Therapeutic
Break bad habits
Sharing
Align with the clients lifestyle
Sift through the BS in skin care
Use technology and natural approaches
Improve clients' self confidence
Innovative
To serve
Dramatic results
Develop realistic skin care goals
Being in skin care has afforded me all of the above. The relationships I've developed with clients has been a rewarding process.
Asking "why" we do something is the core reason for "doing". This question can be applied to any industry or relationship.
I would love to hear any feedback!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Farm to table trends
In recent years many households and cities have been embracing the farm to table philosophy. Have you considered utilizing this beliefs of wholesomeness into a skin care regime?
I'm all for chemical peels, lasers, and pharmaceutical grade products, however, many natural ingredients offer beautiful results for daily skin care.
For example many herbs seeped into water make great toners. Lemon and basil as an astringent. Lavender and rose water as a calming agent. Cucumber is used as an anti inflammatory. Use cucumber seeped in water or slices on the eyes or acne.
Honey is widely known as a moisturizer and antiseptic. Blend honey with eggs whites for a tightening mask.
Squash, sweet potato, or carrots puréed offer a weekly does of Vitamin A. Blend with an egg for a messy yet healthy mask.
Garlic has incredible healing properties for acne. Take a clove of fresh garlic mashed and apply to a blemish. The natural oils and drawing capabilities will heal the spot in no time.
Of course for bruising the old faithful of a steak over the area. The last two are not recommended before a night on the town, however.
You can have fun and increase your skin health between esthetic appointments!
Enjoy your new year with fresh farm to treatment table!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care
I'm all for chemical peels, lasers, and pharmaceutical grade products, however, many natural ingredients offer beautiful results for daily skin care.
For example many herbs seeped into water make great toners. Lemon and basil as an astringent. Lavender and rose water as a calming agent. Cucumber is used as an anti inflammatory. Use cucumber seeped in water or slices on the eyes or acne.
Honey is widely known as a moisturizer and antiseptic. Blend honey with eggs whites for a tightening mask.
Squash, sweet potato, or carrots puréed offer a weekly does of Vitamin A. Blend with an egg for a messy yet healthy mask.
Garlic has incredible healing properties for acne. Take a clove of fresh garlic mashed and apply to a blemish. The natural oils and drawing capabilities will heal the spot in no time.
Of course for bruising the old faithful of a steak over the area. The last two are not recommended before a night on the town, however.
You can have fun and increase your skin health between esthetic appointments!
Enjoy your new year with fresh farm to treatment table!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care
Friday, October 25, 2013
Using oil cleansers for acne!!??
I recently read a post on Pintrest that I highly agree with. It talks about the benefits of using an oil cleanser to wash for acne. Sound counter intuitive?? Well, actually it is spot on if you consider the following.
Acne occurs because an over productivity of the sebaceous glands. The pores then become clogged and infected with bacteria due to the clogging of the pores. It is common practice to wash with an acid based cleanser to kill the bacteria and force the skin to stay exfoliated. So while you are treating the direct problem this method alone does not help the skin long term. The skin has now become overly dry so now the sebaceous gland wants to produce even more oil to keep the skin moisturized and hence a vicious cycle starts to occur. Oil attracts oil. When using an oil cleanser you are helping to drawn out oil from the pores, maintaining the hydration of the skin and balancing out the pH of the skin.
An oil cleanser is made up of safflower oil, olive oil, almond oil, and I have even heard of Castro oil being used. I use oil cleansers to help soften the skin tissue before extractions. Especially if I have a client with thicker and/or a keratinized skin texture.
How to use:
I recommend cleansing with an oil cleanser only once a day, preferably at night. Use a mild acid based cleanser for the morning.
1.)Apply about a tablespoon of cleanser to hands and work the cleanser into the skin with circular motions for about 1 minute
2.) Rinse your face thoroughly with hot water. (a wash cloth can be used lightly)
3.) If some residue remains use a mild cleanser to quickly wash away taking care not to over stimulate the skin.
4.) Rinse with cool water.
5.) Pat dry
6.) Apply eye cream and moisturizer once skin has dried completely.
You will start seeing improvements within a week.
Comments and questions are always welcomed!
Keene Cosmetics- Smart Skin Care
Acne occurs because an over productivity of the sebaceous glands. The pores then become clogged and infected with bacteria due to the clogging of the pores. It is common practice to wash with an acid based cleanser to kill the bacteria and force the skin to stay exfoliated. So while you are treating the direct problem this method alone does not help the skin long term. The skin has now become overly dry so now the sebaceous gland wants to produce even more oil to keep the skin moisturized and hence a vicious cycle starts to occur. Oil attracts oil. When using an oil cleanser you are helping to drawn out oil from the pores, maintaining the hydration of the skin and balancing out the pH of the skin.
An oil cleanser is made up of safflower oil, olive oil, almond oil, and I have even heard of Castro oil being used. I use oil cleansers to help soften the skin tissue before extractions. Especially if I have a client with thicker and/or a keratinized skin texture.
How to use:
I recommend cleansing with an oil cleanser only once a day, preferably at night. Use a mild acid based cleanser for the morning.
1.)Apply about a tablespoon of cleanser to hands and work the cleanser into the skin with circular motions for about 1 minute
2.) Rinse your face thoroughly with hot water. (a wash cloth can be used lightly)
3.) If some residue remains use a mild cleanser to quickly wash away taking care not to over stimulate the skin.
4.) Rinse with cool water.
5.) Pat dry
6.) Apply eye cream and moisturizer once skin has dried completely.
You will start seeing improvements within a week.
Comments and questions are always welcomed!
Keene Cosmetics- Smart Skin Care
Monday, October 14, 2013
Fall skin
Ah, Fall time! It's my favorite season after all. I was raised in New England so Fall was always a time of outdoor hiking, football, daily changing colors of foliage, and a time to start settling into a cozy lifestyle. It really doesn't matter where you live because it's the perfect time of the year to renew the damage of the summer's activities and sun exposure. Skin always seems to be the most well behaved in the fall, as well. The humidity has subsided and it's not too dry yet. It's a great time to restore the skin through chemical peels, exfoliation, and start your yearly Retin-A regimen. Continue using your Vitamin C products and other anti-oxidanats that will partner well with the exfoliation services. The sun is less intense and the skin can breath! Book an appointment today to with your Esthetician and revel in the glow.
Friday, June 28, 2013
What is BB Cream?
Over the last few years BB cream has gain popularity in the US due to it's overwhelming success in other countries in Asia and Europe.
BB cream, also known as beauty balm, is a moisturizing, lightweight foundation that have other protective qualities. Many contain SPF, antioxidants, and some include the skin lightener agent Arbutin. Arbutin is derived from licorice root and is said to be a safer alternative to hydroquinone to even out skin tone. Silicon based ingredients offer a temporary primer-like feel that smooths the texture and pores of the skin.
It's truly touted as an all in one product!
Now available in Department stores and drug stores averaging about $35 a tube.
BB Cream is definitely a product worth trying!
Love to hear your feedback!
Keene Cosmetics-Smart Skin Care
BB cream, also known as beauty balm, is a moisturizing, lightweight foundation that have other protective qualities. Many contain SPF, antioxidants, and some include the skin lightener agent Arbutin. Arbutin is derived from licorice root and is said to be a safer alternative to hydroquinone to even out skin tone. Silicon based ingredients offer a temporary primer-like feel that smooths the texture and pores of the skin.
It's truly touted as an all in one product!
Now available in Department stores and drug stores averaging about $35 a tube.
BB Cream is definitely a product worth trying!
Love to hear your feedback!
Keene Cosmetics-Smart Skin Care
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Pregnancy & Skin Care
Pregnancy, in regards to skin care, is something one only thinks about once they become pregnant. I wanted to devote this week to all you ladies out there that have begun your baby journey and those that are considering pregnancy.
Skin care during this time becomes a bit more confusing. What is safe to use..why is my skin behaving this way?..and what can I do to the ever changing skin that I am experiencing? There is much debate whether chemical peels are safe during pregnancy. As a precaution all physician would recommend that you fore go any peels during this time. I tend to agree. However, a great alternative to the classic peels are enzymes, which are made from fruit sources. Vitamin C is a perfect exfoliator to use during pregnancy. It comes in varying strengths from your facialist and I recommend Vitamin C serums for at home use, as well. Look for no more than 10% for home use within a serum or cream form. Some with sensitive skin may find 10% too harsh so it's safe to say that a 5% formulation would be best for all skin types. When it comes to Vitamin C more is not necessary better. The delivery system is key to how it will respond to the skin. If the serum is more "watery" it means that the strength will be delivered faster but may cause irritation. Serums that have more slip will slowly work into the skin and will gently deliver the product without irritation. The benefits of Vitamin C are far reaching. Firstly, it's an antioxidant so it helps combat free radicals from further damaging healthy skin cells. Secondly, it has repairitive qualities that minimize pigmentation and accelerates healing of blemishes. And lastly, Vitamin C is a nourishing ingredient that helps restore the moisture balance in your skin. In other words, if you have oily skin or dry skin it will regulate the oils so the skin is at a more natural state. You will see these benefits only after a few weeks of consistent use.
Steam, extractions, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion are all safe during pregnancy, as well. Products to avoid would be Retin-A, Chemical peels(glycolic, Salycilic, Jessner..etc), Benzoyl peroxide, and any other harsh chemical that could penetrate your bloodstream. Always advise with your doctor before any treatments in question.
Be prepared for the unexpected and I urge you to be patient with the changes that are happening. I too have been pregnant and although it's a beautiful event in your life; your body and skin will be changing. Enjoy this gift!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care
Skin care during this time becomes a bit more confusing. What is safe to use..why is my skin behaving this way?..and what can I do to the ever changing skin that I am experiencing? There is much debate whether chemical peels are safe during pregnancy. As a precaution all physician would recommend that you fore go any peels during this time. I tend to agree. However, a great alternative to the classic peels are enzymes, which are made from fruit sources. Vitamin C is a perfect exfoliator to use during pregnancy. It comes in varying strengths from your facialist and I recommend Vitamin C serums for at home use, as well. Look for no more than 10% for home use within a serum or cream form. Some with sensitive skin may find 10% too harsh so it's safe to say that a 5% formulation would be best for all skin types. When it comes to Vitamin C more is not necessary better. The delivery system is key to how it will respond to the skin. If the serum is more "watery" it means that the strength will be delivered faster but may cause irritation. Serums that have more slip will slowly work into the skin and will gently deliver the product without irritation. The benefits of Vitamin C are far reaching. Firstly, it's an antioxidant so it helps combat free radicals from further damaging healthy skin cells. Secondly, it has repairitive qualities that minimize pigmentation and accelerates healing of blemishes. And lastly, Vitamin C is a nourishing ingredient that helps restore the moisture balance in your skin. In other words, if you have oily skin or dry skin it will regulate the oils so the skin is at a more natural state. You will see these benefits only after a few weeks of consistent use.
Steam, extractions, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion are all safe during pregnancy, as well. Products to avoid would be Retin-A, Chemical peels(glycolic, Salycilic, Jessner..etc), Benzoyl peroxide, and any other harsh chemical that could penetrate your bloodstream. Always advise with your doctor before any treatments in question.
Be prepared for the unexpected and I urge you to be patient with the changes that are happening. I too have been pregnant and although it's a beautiful event in your life; your body and skin will be changing. Enjoy this gift!
Keene Cosmetics
Smart Skin Care
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