How To Sell, Promote and Educate Skin Care Products to a Customer

Learn What Your Clients Really Want

Written by  Monique Enriquez, C.N.H.P. 

When it comes to skin care needs and solutions to skin issues, the professional needs to find out what a client actually “wants versus needs.” In our industry, the focus will be a skin care product or treatment that is needed to solve a problem that fulfills a want, such as glowing skin. But first, the difference between a want and a need should be understood.

Wants Versus Needs – What is the Difference? 

For the most part, a “want” is something that is desired to a great extent but may not be exactly what it is needed to solve a problem. Wanting something in the skin care and beauty industry is often wanted after seeing an advertisement in a magazine, television commercial, or social media source. It can also be desired by hearing other people’s conversations, recommendations, and satisfying personal experiences from using certain products or brands. But how do we know what a client really wants and how does this translate for the skin care professional taking action to fulfill that want? 

A client will often have in mind exactly what they want to buy and may ask for a professional’s opinion if they feel unsure about the product. Psychologically, we tend to create personal attachment or get emotionally connected to things and people in a very quick and easy way. So how does this affect somebody’s “purchasing power” and decision to buy a skin care product or service? There are ways a skin care professional can persuade a client to make the best choice that will satisfy what they really want.

Approach the Client with Open-Ended Dialogue

First off, the skin care professional needs to connect with the client by creating an “open-ended dialogue,” which will position the professional as an expert in the industry. Taking on the right personal approach and asking the right questions is the key to building trust and recognition, thus allowing the professional to persuade the client to buy the products and services needed to get what they really want. This, in turn, will facilitate more flexibility on their part and more opportunity for the professional to upsell, gain a new client, or get a referral after the purchase.

Impulse Buyers

Once the client is interested in the proposed recommendations and ready to purchase, the skin care professional’s next goal should be about discerning whether the purchase that is about to take place is based on “impulse buying” to quickly satisfy an immediate want, or the right product to meet the client’s need. This will oftentimes require quick thinking on the skin care professional’s part and may not be an easy job when the work is in a fast-paced, busy environment that involves doing various tasks simultaneously. The professional may also find themselves with limited time for conversation in between clients. What is an effective system and personal approach that will give clients what they really want?

A Holistic Approach

I recommend taking a customized, holistic approach to “skin health” versus just a commodity, mass-brand type of selling approach. By having a system in place, professionals can successfully take care of their clients’ needs and give them what they really want. The client then receives educational and valuable information that provide results and solutions to their problems. There are four main questions to include in a client’s purchasing experience:

First, what is the skin health issue or problem? Find out what the main skin care problem is. Focus on one issue at a time and provide product and service benefits and features. Eighty percent should be placed on benefits and 20 percent on features. 

Ask about the client’s current skin care regimen and how long they have been doing it. Become aware of any contraindications or allergic reactions to product ingredients. Find out what their favorite products are and why they love them. Discover if they are willing to commit to a customized home care program that requires three to five products to give them the results they really want. Create urgency, provide realistic results, and do a thorough demonstration on how to use and apply products.

Second, what are the client’s main concerns and symptoms? People will not seek a solution until their pain is no longer bearable, or they have just had enough of what they really do not want in their lives. Learn to become an effective listener, not judge, and be compassionate and careful with your words during conversations with clients. Focusing on the visible symptoms of a client or prospect is a good start to solving the root cause of the problem. Knowledge about skin types, conditions, and active ingredients will facilitate a prompt decision on the skin care professional’s part with the right choice of products and services for the client.

Finding a solution together is a great way to build trust and a relationship with a client. Getting the client involved in the decision making of their products will ensure they have made the best decision and their problems are solved.

Next, what is the client’s self-care and lifestyle like on a daily basis and what role does the skin care professional play in this case? Doing a general nutrition, lifestyle, and mental state of mind assessment of a client can always shed light into what is going on inside their body and why they are suffering from it. If a skin care professional’s understanding of what a client is going through is within their scope of knowledge and expertise, the professional should kindly offer advice and tips that the client can take home and practice. As an added bonus during the assessment, I recommend building a strong network of related health care practitioners and therapists that, if needed, can be recommend. 

Going the extra mile in any product or service-based business is a bonus a clients appreciate. It is also a great way to stand out from competitors offering the same products or services.

Continuing education is mandatory to stay on top of current trends, products, gadgets, and services that can better the lives of clients and increase a business’ sales. Such information can easily be accessed online through various means of social media outlets and by engaging in webinars and blog posts. A few key skin care and beauty industry influencers should be followed online and they can subscribe to the professional’s weekly or monthly newsletters for articles and tips about skin care, beauty, wellness, health, and nutrition.

Finally, what is the client’s ultimate expectation of the product or treatment? The answer is simple. The client is hoping that it works and does what it was promised to do. Skin care professionals may be hesitant about a client’s homecare routine, but at this point, it is the client’s responsibility. It is sometimes unpredictable whether a client will use all the products or if they will not follow the instructions correctly and have an adverse reaction instead. But in any case, skin care professionals should always suggest that they reach out to them if they have any questions. And as every skin care professional knows, a follow-up call after a few days is a good way to touch base and see how the client feels about their purchase.

In point, the longevity of a skin care professional’s work, combined with the right attitude and industry experience, will dictate their own earnings and the profitability of their business. By learning what clients really need versus what they want, a professional can stay above competitors by making more profits, keeping existing clients happy, and obtaining new clients through referrals.

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1) Moisturizing Benefits - (skin types, active ingredients, developing new habits)
2) Skin Care MYTHS: There are only two types of Wrinkles

DERMALOGICA ANTI-AGING SKIN RESURFACING SERIES SYSTEM - HOW TO GET HEALTHY, GLOWING, YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN IN JUST 6 WEEKS

MONIQUE'S CLIENTS

MOST DESIRED AND POPULAR SKIN RESURFACING SYSTEM SERIES 

GIVES YOU NOTICEABLE RESULTS IN JUST 6 WEEKS

DERMALOGICA Skin Care Products is the number once choice of Skin Care Professionals worldwide. It offers treatment-specific regimes focused on skin aging, brightening and hyperpigmentation, adult acne and shaving skin care needs for men.

LADIES

WANT A FAST, YET SAFE WAY TO GET HEALTHY GLOWING LOOKING SKIN 

VISIBLE RESULTS AFTER ONE TREATMENT INCLUDE: 1. Softened fine lines 2. Evened out skin tone and texture 3.Decreased congestion 3.Minimized appearance of pore size 4.Hydrated and brightened skin 5.NO post-treatment peeling or inflammation

LOOK GOOD & FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE CONDITION OF YOUR SKIN

Dermalogica offers an effective new Active Resurface35 treatment skin care series that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, blemishes and dry skin in just 45 minutes. Its unique and powerful cocktail of active ingredients is clinically tested to stimulate cell renewal and cell turnover to give you glowing, younger looking skin. 

While other skin resurfacing treatments and chemical peels are often abrasive on the skin leading to inflammation, peeling and down time, Dermalogica's Exfoliant Accelerator35-an AHA-BHA concentrate contains lactic and salicylic acids to smooth out skin and enzymes to boost exfoliation while peptides enhance the synthesis or collagen and elastin in the dermal layer.

The treatment offers three strength levels, Power Active, Intensive Active and Ultimate Active. Each level offers three exfoliations with a mix of two professional physical and chemical exfoliants- while cleansing, during the main exfoliation and at the removal phase of the treatment. The exfoliant strength level for a client will be determined by the Dermalogica Skin Expert after a detailed "face mapping" analysis has been conducted and all the client's questions and concerns have been addressed. 

If you find yourself trying numerous skin treatments and still not notice a difference on the health of your skin, the wrong prescription of skin care products and frequency of and strength level of exfoliant could be the culprit. The key to glowing and healthy looking skin is to find a qualified professional skin therapist who will; 

1. Listen to your skin concerns and help you create a customized daily skin care plan that works for you

2. Talk to you about the importance of daily skin care and frequent professional skin care treatments

3. Teach you about the importance of active ingredients, having the right skin care products, knowing the right amouns and layering of products on the skin.

4. Offers you advice on Nutrition and Lifestyle tips to help you improve your skin health from the inside out

5.  Recommends holistic skin care therapies that complement your treatments to help you relax, de-stress and feel rejuvenated. 

6. Makes you feel confident by making you looking good, feel good and help you put your best face forward and version of yourself out to the world.  

MY STORY.....

Once I reached my mid-thirties, I really started seeing changes in my skin related to sun exposure and lifestyle habits. Growing up as a child in the 80's, there was not much "Suncare Skin Education" as it is now and you were exposed to many more extrinsic factors like second hand smoking in public places, less organic foods available etc... Fast forward 3 decades later of my life, and in 2012 that's when my "AHA Moment" took place, I found myself suffering from sun spots, more occasional mild stress breakouts, dehydrated skin and fine lines. After trying various spa skin treatments and commercial skin care lines with little success or no visible short-term improvements, I began to do research for a "Dermatological" skin care brand and professional treatments that would help me deal my skin health woes.

      

I visited the Dermalogica Institute in Toronto which ended up becoming my new hot spot for continuing learning education as a Skin Therapist and Holistic Health Practitioner which I have been practicing for the last 10 years. After my first guest class orientation, I fell in love with the skin center and its instructors, and that's when everything changed for me. Over the next six months, I modified my skin care regime, learnt about "layering" products, "Cosmeceuticals" and its active ingredients and got on a consistent daily skin care regime and monthly professional skin care treatments.

My training experience with the number one choice of skin care professionals worldwide left me feeling a lot better about my skin conditions and ignited my passion for helping others with their own skin health challenges. After becoming a Dermalogica Skin Expert, I knew that I wanted to empower, educate and inspire men and women about Holistic Skin Health, Cosmeceutical skin care products and non-surgical professional skin care treatments so they can "feel better" about themselves and "look better" by putting their best face forward! 

Following, I will take you through Dermalogica's Anti-aging Skin Resurfacing Series, a six  week skin care plan that will help you achieve healthy, glowing and younger looking skin :

Week 1 & 2 

 First level of Exfoliation: "Power Active"

Week 3 & 4

 Second level of Exfoliation: "Intensive Active"

Week 5 

 If needed, a "Hydro Plus Treatment" - the focus is on hydration, calming and soothing the skin barrier. Best suited for a customer who is contraindicated to exfoliation.

Week 5 & 6 
   Will finish off series with the third level of Exfoliation: "Ultimate Active"

*** GIVE- AWAY ***

 I am giving away a "FREE" 45min Dermalogica Active Resurface35 treatment and my favorite Dermalogica anti-aging Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 on my FaceBook Page. Please enter to win. Good Luck to all! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** SPECIAL BLOG SPA PACKAGE PRICE ***

(Reg: $540.00)

I will be offering you the complete 6 weekly series for a Special Price of only $450.00, that is a total savings of $90.00

*** BONUS GUARANTEE*** 

 
To give another reason to Book your own skin care series and enjoy the benefits and discover a NEW YOU! I will include the "Hydro Plus Treatment" for FREE which you can use as a pre or post recovery skin treatment. 

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SKIN CARE, PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS:

CONTACT FORM

SPA WEEK CANADA OFFERS SKIN CARE & WELLNESS TREATMENTS - BENEFITS TO FEELING GOOD AND LOOKING GOOD

 

Toronto Spa Week offers the Pro and seasonal spa-goer an indulgence of Professional skin care and body care treatments for only $50.00 during the week of April 21 to April 27. 

If you are active on any of the online social media platforms, you may have noticed that every affiliate spa, skin therapist or beautyblogger is using the hashtag #SpaWeek to promote and let everyone know about the upcoming event.

REASONS TO GET PAMPERED DURING TORONTO SPA WEEK

1. You will pamper yourself and be able to reconnect with your "higher-self" in a relaxing atmosphere with candles, burning incense, low lights and soothing music tunes. 

2. You will receive "touch therapy healing", this is the most powerful form of healing out there that one person can give to another person. It allows you to become relaxed, focus on what's important and increase your longetivity. 

3. At the end of your session, your therapist will offer you positive encouragement, at-home advice, product recommendations and how-to's to treat your skin condition, health and lifestyle concerns.

THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR PERSONAL LIFESTYLES.....

We in a society that offers us an incredible amount of information, products and practitioners at the touch of a button. Our lifestyle including mine, is go-go, multiple projects on the works, gym, studying, friends, family, social events and the list goes on... Puff... Puff... Eventually all leading to burnout, sickness, skin conditions and an overwhelming feeling of disappointment when these happen. 

When this happens we need to realize a few things:

1. First, do not be so hard on yourself

2. Learn to listen to your body

3. Slow down, Balance is key for any successful individual 

4. Be thankful and learn to appreciate yourself better

5. Take time to relax, breathe deeply, and develop good sleeping habits 

6. Avoid excessive drinking, smoking, harmful substances and over-medicating

7. Deal with your problems in a positive way, seek help with a Professional Therapist or Counselor

So you may be asking yourself  how you can choose a Spa treatment(s) that is suitable for your needs? 

A professional Spa Therapist will do a thorough consultation prior to the skin or body treatment and according to her results, she will either go ahead and perform what you are booked in for, she may do some tweaking or offer you a complete different treatment. The important thing is that you communicate to the therapist, how you are feeling and what you are expecting to get out of the treatment.

Here is a short list of skin and body conditions you can use to book your appointments during Toronto's Spa Week. If you would like to be one of my VIP clients, you can BOOK an appointment with me by filling out the form on the highlighted link.

WOMEN'S SKIN CONCERNS

1. Breakout Activity                                                                                                          

2. Pigmentation                                                                                    

3. Comedones                                                                                     

4. Fine Lines                                                                                        

5. Dilated Capillaries

6. Deep Lines

7. Dehydration

8. Sensitivity/Redness

9. Millia

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

(based on Amount per use, Layering, Frequency & Application) 

1. Cleansers (oil or water base)                                                                                                                   2. Toners (calming & alcohol-free)                                                                                 

3. Exfoliants (spherical beads vs jagged edges /physical vs chemical)

3. Masques (treatment product)

4. Serum (treatment product)

5. Moisturizer (ligh, medium & heavy weight)

7. Primer (treatment product)

8. SPF (chemical vs physical) 

10. Foundation / BBCream (mineral vs talc) 

11. Self-Tanners (best option to indoor tanning & suntanning)

You can always ask about your products being; paraben-free, talc-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free and mineral oil free. Also, ask about "multi-purpose" products that save you time and money.

 MEN'S SKIN CONCERNS    

1. Ingrown Hairs

2. Razor Burn / Irritation

3. Nicks and Cuts

4. Redness

5. Heavy/Coarse Beard

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT SHAVING & SKIN CARE PRODUCTS 

( based on skin type, beard type & shaving preference) 

1. Pre- Shave (treatment product)

2. Scrub

3. Shave Gel

4. Shave Cream

5. Shave Oil

6. Blade or Electric Razor

7. Post-Shave (treatment product)

8. SPF (chemical vs physical) 

BODY CARE THERAPIES & SKIN CONDITIONS

(based on daily Thoughts, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Excercise)

1. Stress (all over or specific areas e.g. lower back, neck)

2. Breakouts (all over, back, keratosis pilaris, butt)

3. Dry Skin (all over, feet conditions, flaky scalp)

4. Circulation (all over, heaviness of legs, tightness, tension, pain)

5. Toxic Accumulation (skin rashes, pain, swelling, body odour)

6. Fluid Retention (swelling of limbs, pain, redness. oozing of fluids) 

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT BODY CARE PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS 

(based on Amount per use, Layering, Frequency & Application)  

1. Body Wash

2. Body Scrub

3. Mineral Salts (treatment product)

4. Body Cream

5. Hand & Nail Treatment

6. SPF (chemical vs physical)

7. After Sun Products

8. Self-Tanners ((best option to indoor tanning & suntanning)

9. Essential Oils (for stress relief, detox, rejuvenation, calming & uplifting properties) 

10. Dry Skin Brushing (helps detoxify the body, improves circulation, removes toxins & dead skin   cells)

11. Massage (reflexology, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, thai massage, indian head massage)

12. Thermal Body Therapy (body exfoliation, body wraps)

 

I hope this list gives you a better idea at the benefits you can get from visiting a Skin Expert, Spa Therapist or Holistic Health Practitioner.

If you would like to be my one of my VIP clients, you can BOOK your appointment with me by clicking on the link.

The skin treatment is customised to the needs of my client and helps treat a variety of skin conditions and concerns such as; premature aging, pigmentation, dehydration, breakouts, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating cell renewal and cell turnover with a powerful combination of skin smoothing agents, brighteners and calming ingredients such as AHA - BHA's, lactic acid, salicylic acid, enzymes and peptides.

Each 45min treatment boosts "Exfoliation" with one of three levels; The Power Active, Intensive Active and Ultimate Active and will performed in the treatment room according to the "Face-Mapping" results obtained from my skin analysis.

This treatments costs $95.00 but it will be offered for $50.00 during Toronto Spa Week. I  guarantee that your skin will be glowing, hydrated and healthy looking after one session. I recommend a series of 6 weekly treatments for best anti-aging results. I also have a Special Series Package for the clients who want complete antiaging skin benefits and immediate results with this powerful skin treatment series.

FILL OUT the form provided for a complimentary in person or over the telephone skin consultation.

Hope everyone has an awesome long Easter Weekend! 

Monique xx

                                               

LISE WATIER - HOW TO FIGHT THE FIRST SIGNS OF AGING & CHOOSE A SKIN CARE BRAND

Before I start to introduce you to Lise Watier's two Global Anti-aging Skin Care Lines; Age Prevention Supreme & Age Control Supreme. I would like to touch briefly on two important points:

First off, Skin Aging can start at a very young age depending on trigger factors such as:

* overexposure to environmental factors
* chronic inflammation
* hormonal inbalance
* deficiency of essential nutrients in daily diet
* high levels of stress
* negative emotions
* tanning
* lack of sleep

As we get older, the rate of speed at which our own skin cells renew starts to slows down causing visible skin fine lines, dullness and dehydation. 

But, when is the best time to start a Skin Care Regime and how do you pick products that deliver Results?  

Aging is an ongoing physiological process that cannot be stopped but can be controlled and prevented, including "Premature Aging" in both men and women alike.

If you begin to think or imagine how you would want to look in 5 to 10 years from now or what is it that you would like to improve about your self-image at this present time. You will find that there are a lot of choices of skin care products and company brands. After a while it can become confusing, discouraging and overwhelming when oftentimes, most skin care companies claim that they have the best products, breakthrough technologies and the list goes on.

But the "Secret" to finding a reputable and trustworthy skin care brand is simple and easy. There are 5 rule of thumb guides to keep in mind when choosing skin care products that deliver results. 

1. EDUCATION:  I think this is the most important one of all, at least for me when I am looking for "What Is The Next" big thing in skin care. A reputable brand feels responsible to teach the consumer directly via printed articles, public seminars, online presentations and through trained skin care professionals and beauty experts so they can deliver their message in an educated and professional manner. 

2. EXCLUSIVITY: Are the products you are looking to buy exclusive to a chain of high end or commercial retail stores, pharmacies or primarily sold online. Under this category, I would also look into seeing what other type of buyer's rewards, promotional offers and incentives they offer when you become a regular shopper of their products. e.g Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Card Point 

3. COMMUNITY: Is the skin care company supporting or involved in community causes and events. Perhaps it gives a certain percentage of their earnings to charity or social groups in need of funding.  It is a fact that within the next decade this will be a Billion dollar Industry. So at least for me, it is important that they give back somehow.

4. CLINICAL TESTS: This is another big and important point to be aware of. I would like to think and hope that there is no more animal testing taking place anywhere in the world but I am not 100% sure about that. However, skin care companies that perform clinical tests is to ensure that they are providing a product that is efficient before it is released to the market. Usually, a group of people or focus group will test the product out, self-evaluate it and depending on their results, they will decide to repurchase it. Personally, I like to do my own clinical testing on myself with both skin treatments and skin care products before I even recommend them to any client or customer of mine.

5. BEAUTY/CONSUMER AWARDS: Does the skin care brand you are looking into have any "Hero" or "Star" skin care products that consumers, skin therapists, cosmeticians, beauty experts and beauty editors alike cannot live without and each endorse with personal testimonials . This type of advertising is voted in by beauty industry professionals, health care organizations, bloggers and the public consumer reviews. Following is a few you may be familiar with: Chateline Beauty 100, Cosmetics Beauty Awards, Elle International Beauty Awards, Allure Best of Beauty, Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards, Women's Health Beauty Awards, Instyle Best Beauty Buys, Harper's Bazaar Beauty Awards, TotalBeauty.com  The Canadian Dermatology Association and the list goes on.

 I would always encourage you to first consult with a skin therapist or beauty expert on location before buying so she can prescribe you skin or body products that are appropriate for your skin type. The goal should always be to Treat, Correct and Prevent any skin care conditions that are affecting you.

 
For those of you who are not familiar with Lise Watier Skin Care Products and Cosmetics, it is the leading Canadian Cosmetic's Brand. Nationally it ranks fourth place among other well known skin and cosmetics brands. Founded in 1972 by Lise Watier herself and created The Lise Watier Foundation team to help women in need. Her motto: "I have lived my life for women, surrounded by women, dedicated to women. It is only fitting then, that the Lise Watier Foundation would give back to women".

Personally I have been a fan and consumer of Lise Watier products for about 10 years. I was introduced to them by a Cosmetician in my early 20's. And today, working part-time as a Beauty Expert at Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto. It is one of my preferred brands for recommending Cosmetics.

I also love the fact that the brand is constantly expanding and launching new "Anti-Aging" Skin Care products. Their recent Spring-Summer 2014 launch of the new Age Prevention Supreme Skin Care Line targeted to women 25+.  It is an entry-level age preventative antiaging system to fight the first signs of aging.

The main star ingredient in this product line is the Concentrated Labrador Tea Extract exclusive to Lise Watier. What is special about this extract is that it is a powerful "antioxidant", it is 20 times more potent than idebenone (an analogue of CoQ10) and 3 times more active than Vitamin C, Vitamin E and grape seed extract.

The main function of an antioxidant is to neutralize the effects of "free radicals" on skin cells and to stop Oxidative Stress activity which breaks down healthy skin cells causing DNA cell damage that overtime leads to premature aging. 

Premature Aging is often times very common among young women in their 20's due to high levels of exposure to free radical activity such as; smoking, drinking, stress, sunlight (U.V rays), fast food & food additives, medications, chlorinated water and other harmful chemicals.

Besides having this powerful antioxidant present to help counteract free radical activity, the cocktail mix of active ingredients found in each Age Prevention Supreme skin care product also contains other powerful antiaging ingredients such as; peptides, hyaluronic acid, enzymatic and moisturizing complexes. For instance, 1 drop of the Age Prevention Supreme Serum Boreal performs 12 Beauty Actions with its 24% ultra-concentrated mix of active ingredients. The products are also; Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Clinically and Dermatologically Tested.

Other products within this Age Prevention Supreme skin care system are: Age Prevention Supreme Moisturizing Emulsion and Age Prevention Supreme Specific Eye Care. 

The Concentrated Labrador Tea Extract is also found in their Age Control Supreme antiaging skin care products targeted for the women 35+ and in some Cosmetic beauty products including; Teint Age Control Supreme, Age Control Supreme Filler Concealer, Rouge Fondant Supreme Lipstick and Ombre Souffle Supreme.

 

I decided to write this Blog Post about Lise Watier after my product and retail training with the brand's National Director in Toronto last week. She presented everything very well, had a great personality and while I took my notes down, I thought up of a lot of ideas for this Blog post.

Lastly, I am also convinced that Lise Watier meets all of the above criteria to be choosen as a preferred and professional Skin Care Brand that offers skin care products and cosmetics that meet consumer needs and deliver maximum results.

If you would like to know more information about Lise Watier Skin Care and Cosmetic Products. You can contact me directly via Email: holisticskinexpert@gmail.com or send me a Tweet @BeautyDivaGlam

You can also BOOK a personal skin care or make-up consultation on location with me at Shopper Drug Mart if you are located in the downtown Toronto Area.

Cheers Ladies,

 Monique xx

CLARINS ANTI-AGING MOISTURISER FOR THE MODERN AGED WOMAN 50+

I recently attended a Beauty Seminar and Cocktail Party for the launch of CLARINS Super Restorative Day Cream Moisturiser.

I was very happy with their product presentation and excited about the Benefits and Star formula ingredients that will sure put this product jar among the best sellers for all the Clarins aficionados!

Even though, this cream moisturiser is not for my age as yet, I am excited about it because it contains a cocktail of powerful ingredients that I am very passionate about in my own Anti-aging skin care products that I use now and have benefited enormously.

The Super Restorative Day Cream comes in an All Skin Types and for Very Dry Skin mix designed for women aged 50+.

Its powerful mix of key ingredients; Organic Harungana extract, Pearl Powder minerals, Hyaluronic acid, Shea butter and Vitamin C assist in three main functions:

1. REPLUMP - the surface of the skin so it is more radiant, plump and beautiful

2. REGENERATE - the epidermis layer of the skin and cells so deep wrinkles, furrows and facial features look smoother

3. REPLENISH - kickstart the function of the weakened fibroblasts in the dermis layer responsible for the synthesis of Collagen and Elastin fibers so the face can regain its "bounce back" aspect. Normally at the age of 50, women are affected by Menopause which leads to a drop of Estrogen levels resulting in an accelerated aging process.

Triggers and Causes associated with the aging and damaging of skin cells to look out for are:

Stress levels might be higher causing more inflammation in the skin cells and organs in the body.

Lifestyle habits and Environmental physical skin damage are more prominent and is very essential to take care of them to prevent further skin damage, aging as well as other skin conditions.

Proper Nutrition accompanied with the right amount of vital Vitamin supplements, natural Herbal remedies and a way to Relax and Unwind are also very important.

These facts of what takes place in the different layers of the skin may sound a little bit depressing and scary at times, but I am glad that there are powerful ingredients, skin care products and treatments out there in the market for women to help them out prolong their youth, prevent many of the inevitable signs of aging and allow them to feel Beautiful & Fabulous!

Sign up ladies to receive my upcoming "101 Skin Care Weekly Series" and product give-aways.These series will provide you with beginner and Pro beauty tips and how-to create your own very unique skin care system at home.

Spa Sister of the Week - Monique shares her Top Anti-aging Skin Care Ingredients & Lifestyle Tips

    What are your Health and Fitness Secrets?

First off, I would like to thank you for reaching out and inviting me to be a guest on your Blog @SPAItGirl. I prepared for you and your audience some useful information that can help you change or improve some areas in your lives.

So let’s get started;

As a Certified Natural Health Practitioner, I strongly believe that Health starts within ourselves by having a Positive Mind and maintaining a Healthy Gut. These two areas of our bodies work interchangeable. I always tell my clients to remember this phrase: “ A Positive Mind combined with a Healthy Body equals a Confident Self-Image”. A big component of feeling and being healthy is to maintain Inflammation levels down within the body which contributes to rapid break down of healthy tissues causing oxidative stress which leads to pre-mature aging on the skin and low energy levels in the body. 

As far as Nutrition, I limit my intake of carbohydrates and focus more on eating Protein“power food for the brain” and lots of greens and fresh fruits. Especially when I have peaks of high performance and productivity and my levels of stress tend to rise up. I drink lots of water to keep me hydrated and energetic, usually about 1 ½ litres daily and about 3 litres the days I work out. I supplement my diet with a daily intake of Probiotics, Omega 3’s and Chlorella tablets. Chlorella is an amazing detoxifier. If you have not tried it before, I highly recommend it. After about 3 months of daily intake, you will notice a dramatic change and improvement in your skin, hair, nails and energy levels. Your body will thank you for it!

As for Fitness, I love doing activities like Hot Yoga, Spinning, Cross Fit classes so I can sweat out all the toxins, stretch out all my muscles to reduce tension, tightness and mental stress. A few years back, I was hooked on Cardio-Kickboxing and it was an amazing work-out. After three years of training at my local gym, the owner of the fitness club ended up recruiting me to teach a class for about 25 members. That was a lot of fun and I will highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get into top shape to look lean, toned and feel strong. At home, I also enjoy working out to Jillian Michaels fitness DVDs.

        

  How do you Live an Active Life?

I like doing different things so I can always keep learning and take myself out of my “comfort zone”. I enjoy having different life experiences and meeting new people. Hobbies are also very important, they keep your mind sharp and active. Right now, I am working towards my Masters Diploma on Skin Care through the International Dermal Institute.

I am also putting together some ideas for an upcoming book that I am writing about “Skin Care Health and Body Image Consulting” to be published next year 2014. The book will be dedicated to a few amazing people who have mentored me and have had a great influence in my journey and success doing what I love to do. I am also planning of bringing out my own Skin Care Line System into the market in the next couple of years.

     What’s your Best Lifestyle Tips?

Developing good “habits” is very essential. Even if it’s something small and simple like taking off your make-up before going to bed every night. If you are looking for results or changes in any area of your life, you must develop good habits, be committed to it over and beyond 100% and have perseverance.

For instance, anybody trying to improve his or her “skin condition” concerning wrinkles, dehydration, pigmentation, sensitivity and acne, requires that they must seek advice from a Professional Skin Expert. In my case, I will customize a skin care system to Treat, Prevent and Correct the client’s main concern and recommend a product purchase between 3 to 5 products to take home for daily use day and night. I would also encourage a follow up with a series of professional grade skin care treatments at the spa or clinic to enhance the efficacy of her home care routine and products.

In about three months, depending on the severity of the skin condition, the client will see dramatic results in the look, feel and texture of her skin. I highly encourage that when the time comes that you decide to take care of your skin concerns, that you see your treatment and product purchase as an investment into the Health of your skin.

I also encourage you to look into “Cosmeceutical” product ingredients such as; peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, retinol, lactic acid, antioxidants (A,C,E,B5) , salicylic acid and SPF coverage prior to purchasing your products. Consult with your skin therapist to get a proper skin analysis to determine which ingredients and treatments work best with your skin condition to get the best results.

And to kickstart their own skin care regime, they can visit my BLOG and subscribe to my FREE “Monthly Beauty Skin Care System Series”.

How do you create your own Happiness?

Happiness starts within“YOU” !

It’s a manifestation of Thoughts, Feelings, Habits and one’s Self-Image. The challenge is whether you let yourself, people or outside influences affect your own natural state of bliss.

My rule of thumb; the amount of control and momentum you give into negative or positive circumstances and emotions will define how your day goes, how you feel and how you see yourself.

Everything in life follows a pattern and is congruent with what you see, feel and do. So, if you are feeling angry, depressed, stressed and frustrated or any other way for that matter, I would encourage you to ask yourself this question: Is this Attitude helping me become a Better person so I can reach my Goals and Dreams? Once you learn to be aware of that state you can easily transform your day, yourself and your life around.

     What are your Favourite Relaxation Things to do?

I enjoy going for long walks, meditating and doing hypnosis a few times a week. This helps me focus, clear my mind and create new ideas. Once a week, I listen to a 90 minute mediation that focuses on clearing your energy centers called “Chakras”. I like it because there are times when I experience lucid dreaming.

Other techniques I have learnt; is being in the “Zone”, being present in the “Now” moment, having full “Awareness” and being “Grateful” on a daily basis. This helps me become more relaxed, grounded, connected and empathetic towards others.

  

What’s your Feel Good Tips?

 

I have a list of “Affirmations” that I practice on a daily basis to keep me on a positive note. And I like to follow both male and female leaders in different industries to uplift me and encourage me in positive and empowering ways. I also attend a few seminars a year on Personal Development, Marketing and Business with amazing and successful coaches in these industries.

    What’s your Favourite Skincare Products to use?

My daily skin care regime changes depending on the season so I do not particular stick to a specific skin care system. What works for me is a combination of active hydrating, antibacterial and calming Cosmeceutical ingredients. If you are not familiar with the term “Cosmeceuticals” , it is a blend of the best Botanicals, Essential Oils and natural Active Ingredients taken from mother’s nature pharmacy, combined with the best of scientific research to create synergistic medical grade formulations and skin care systems to deliver the best results in skin care health.

Of course, I am a big fan of “anti-aging” products. My go to Hero active ingredients are; peptides, retinol, ceramides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.

My daily skin care products are the use of lactic acid cleanser, hydrating toner, rice bran exfoliant, anti-aging serum, hydrating moisturizer, pearl powder primer, tinted BB Cream with SPF protection and eye cream. Yes, it is quite a few of products, but the trick is on the “layering” and application of them on the skin. The amount of product applied on top of each layer is key to achieve skin that looks and feels healthy, radiant and flawless. Your skin will thank you for it!

    What are your Favourite Things Right now?

Nothing in particular. But, I am currently catching up on my book-reading as well as writing up the content for a new upcoming online Web Store in the new year. As of last month, I launched a new FaceBook Page called “BeautyDivaGlam”, aimed at Today’s Modern Busy Woman.

The online community is to offer women in their 30’s the Expert Education, Tools, Cosmetics, Skin Care and Body Products that offer solutions and health benefits to Treat, Prevent and Correct skin conditions such as wrinkles, sensitivity, pigmentation, dehydration and acne as well as other body concerns and issues.

I want to guide them so they have the knowledge and confidence to apply techniques so they can experience transformational results. And can easily incorporate a skin or body care system routine and lifestyle plan into their busy schedules that allows them to look and feel their best at all times.

On a lighter note, I recently started volunteering my spare time helping out at the local pet store in my neighbourhood, where I look after cats and kittens that are awaiting to be adopted. I love animals. I think everyone should own a pet. Having a Pet can really change your life and bring lots of happiness, love and memories into your life. I will like to create a Cat Care Foundation and open up a shelter for stray cats and dogs sometime in the future.

What is your Favourite SPA Treatment?

I have a few. But I love when my Massage or Facial treatment includes and has a combination of Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage because they offer immediate therapeutic benefits and lasting results. I also love Reiki and Rain Drop Therapy.

When I perform a skin or body treatment on my clients, I always like to incorporate one of the above or a combination, depending on the client’s needs and mood at the time.

As a Therapist, my philosophy is that as long as your therapist performs the work with “intention” and is looking at making that “shift” within the person’s body and state of mind, then any treatment chosen by the client will give him or her the healing that they need. So, it is a good thing to shop around for therapists, treatments, clinics and spas or at the least use the good old way word of mouth personal referrals if you are not very experienced in this area.

  

What’s your Favourite Spa to Visit?

 

One of the places I like to visit, is this women’s local water spa called “Body Blitz”. It offers a detoxifying and restorative treatment of a one hour water circuit consisting of emerging yourself into three different pools; a warm dead Sea Salt, a hot Epsom Salt and cold plunge pool then into an aromatherapy steam room and lastly inside an infrared sauna. I also love their tasty and refreshing fruit smoothies. It’s fun because you can get a buch of girlfriends together and have an awesome time.

In Toronto, we have a fantastic wide range of high end spas that offer luxurious skin and body treatments from around the world. Once a month I will be posting an open invite on my Blog and FaceBook Event Calendar to a weekend Spa Retreat or a one day event visit to a local Spa or Beauty Bar for some pampering. Details of the event, members, location and services will be posted and blogged before, during and after. So, Ladies, sign up if you are looking to meet new friends, network and have a good time, it will be lots of fun! For more information; visit my Blog or FaceBook Page Calendar.

What’s your Favourite Travel Destination & Why?

I love anywhere where there is a beautiful beach with great history, food, entertainment and local people. Glad that you asked that because that is something I need to start planning for next year 2014. At this point so far, I will be going away next year in March for a few days to Las Vegas for my Birthday! And as the saying goes; “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

What is your Favourite Mantra for SPA people? 

Right now the World and Ourselves are going through a phase of massive change at so many different levels. We are adopting and creating new ways of living and healing ourselves so we can live longer and happier lives. Therefore, I think the “focus” should be on leading by example and spreading the word about our own personal experiences, transformations and accomplishments in our own lives to others who are seeking the same in their own lives. At the end, is all about sharing and making the world a better and happier place for everyone!