March 2025 Issue of BE Magazine

Renew. Radiate. Rise. Your Beauty Evolution

26 Revitalize and Renew: Spring Skincare Strategies for Beauty Advisors

Contents

The A,B,C’s of Skin Care Ingredients

The Future of Skincare is Here: Shiseido Ultimune 4.0

Revitalize and Renew: Spring Skincare Strategies for Beauty Advisors

The Beauty Blueprint - Patricia Clare Power Peptide Regimen: The Future of Anti-Aging

Grace Lee: From Passionate Beginnings to Makeup Maestro Foundation Fundamentals

Sales Success for Beauty Advisors: Enhancing Business Literacy

Cosmetic Career Spotlight: Rayelyn Izzo

Homegrown Beauty - Supporting Canadian Beauty Brands

Group Marcelle X BeauteSchool

The ART of Ingredient Storytelling: Enhancing Client Relationships with Skin Care Science

The Science of Skin Renewal: Mastering the Desquamation Process

Quenching the Skin: What Beauty Advisors are Recommending for Ultimate Hydration

Mastering the Art of Personalization: The 5E Consultation Approach to Beauty Sales

Illuminating Innovation: Red & Blue Light Devices in Modern Skincare

Share Your Thoughts & Win a Silk’n Red Light Mask

Spring Into Sun Protection: Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients and Types

Certified Confidence: A Beauty Advisor’s Path to Success with RBCP

Beauty Beyond the Needle: Expert Skincare for Injectiables & Fillers

Bloom with Balance: Integrating Self-Care Into Your Daily Routine

Look Good Feel Better: Madeline’s Volunteer Story

The Authority in Beauty Education

Publisher Mickey Tortorelli Editor Victoria Duz

Designer Katherine Gileno & Leo Janusauskas

Renew, Radiate, Rise: Your Beauty Evolution

Dear Esteemed Beauty Advisors,

As the world awakens from its winter slumber, March brings with it the promise of renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s a time to embrace abundance, clear away the old, and set new intentions—both in our personal lives and within our vibrant beauty community.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Groupe Marcelle Inc., a distinguished Canadian company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the beauty industry. Founded in 1949, Groupe Marcelle Inc. has grown to become a leader in the Canadian cosmetics market, offering a diverse range of products under brands such as Marcelle, Lise Watier, and Annabelle. Their dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with our mission to bring you the best in beauty.

Your feedback on our inaugural February issue of BE Magazine has been nothing short of inspiring. We are deeply grateful for your positive and insightful responses, which fuel our commitment to serve you better. To show our appreciation and to encourage your ongoing input, we are offering a chance to win a Silk’n Red Light Mask. Details on how to participate can be found on page 108.

In this issue, we continue our exploration of the beauty industry through engaging conversations with leaders such as Pat Clare, National Training Manager of NEOSTRATA Canada; international makeup artist and beauty icon, Grace Lee; and retail beauty trailblazer, Rayelyn Izzo. Their captivating stories offer valuable insights into their journeys and the evolving landscape of beauty.

We’ve also listened to your requests for more information on Canadian beauty brands. In our “Homegrown Beauty” editorial, we delve into the rich tapestry of Canadian cosmetics, celebrating brands that embody our nation’s dedication to quality and innovation.

At BE Magazine, our vision is to be your go-to resource for beauty education, inspiration, and community. We are honored to walk this path with you and look forward to many more seasons of growth and renewal together.

I would love to hear from you. Let me know your thoughts about this issue’s content and what you would love to see in the future. mickeytortorelli@beauteschool.com

With heartfelt appreciation,

Mickey Tortorelli, CEO Publisher, BE Magazine BeauteSchool Inc.

The A, B, C’s of Skin Care Ingredients

By Mickey Tortorelli

Identifying Skin Concerns and Recommending Targeted Vitamin-Based Solutions

As a retail beauty advisor, possessing a thorough understanding of key skincare ingredients is paramount in providing your customers with personalized and effective recommendations. This editorial delves into the pivotal roles of Vitamins A, C, E, B3 (Niacinamide), and Coenzyme Q10 in skin care, offering insights into their functions, benefits, and when to recommend them.

Vitamin A: The Skin Regenerator

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient, is integral to skin health, primarily in the form of retinoids such as retinol and retinoic acid. These compounds promote cell turnover, aiding in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and the emergence of fresh, new cells. This process enhances skin texture, evens tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Vitamin A stimulates collagen production, bolstering skin firmness and elasticity. Customers showing signs of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, or acne may benefit from Vitamin A-infused products. Visually, these customers may have an uneven skin tone, fine lines, and blemishes. It’s advisable to introduce Vitamin A gradually into a skin care regimen, especially for those with sensitive skin, to monitor tolerance and minimize potential irritation.

Vitamin C: The Antioxidant Defender

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that combats free radicals—unstable molecules generated by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution. These free radicals can damage skin cells, accelerating aging and contributing to dullness and fine lines. neutralizing free radicals, Vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative stress, brightens the complexion, and promotes an even skin tone. Scientific studies have substantiated Vitamin C’s efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and enhancing skin radiance. However, Vitamin C is inherently unstable and can degrade upon exposure to light and air. Recommending products packaged in opaque, airtight containers can help maintain its potency. Customers with concerns about dullness, dark spots, or uneven skin tone are ideal candidates for Vitamin C-enriched formulations.

Vitamin E: The Moisture Retainer

Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It also aids in maintaining skin hydration by strengthening the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss. This results in smoother, more supple skin. Vitamin E is often used in skin care products for its moisturizing and healing properties, making it beneficial for dry or damaged skin. Customers experiencing dryness, flakiness, or sensitivity may find relief with Vitamin E-infused products

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): The Multifunctional Agent

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is celebrated for its versatility in addressing various skin concerns. It regulates sebum production, making it beneficial for customers with oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, Niacinamide enhances the skin’s barrier function, improving hydration and resilience. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and blotchiness, and can diminish the appearance of enlarged pores. Customers with uneven texture, redness, or excess oil may benefit from incorporating Niacinamide into their skin care routine.

Coenzyme Q10: The Energy Booster

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a vital role in cellular energy production. In skin care, CoQ10 helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also supports collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. As the skin ages, natural levels of CoQ10 diminish, making applying it to the skin beneficial. Customers concerned with signs of aging, such as loss of firmness or fine lines, may find CoQ10enriched products advantageous.

Additional Vitamins in Skin care

In addition, other vitamins like Vitamin K and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) are common in skin care formulations. Vitamin K is known for its role in reducing dark circles and bruising by aiding in blood clotting processes. Vitamin B5 acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture, which helps to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and elastic. It also has antiinflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and heal the skin. Recognizing these vitamins’ functions enables beauty advisors to tailor recommendations to specific client needs.

A comprehensive understanding of essential skin care vitamins empowers beauty advisors to offer informed, personalized recommendations.

By recognizing the distinct benefits of Vitamins A, C, E, B3, and Coenzyme Q10, beauty advisors can address a spectrum of skin concerns, enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering trust. Staying abreast of scientific insights and product formulations ensures that beauty advisors remain authoritative sources of skin care knowledge.

Key Takeaways

Personalized Assessments:

Product Stability Awareness:

Educated Usage Guidance:

Evaluate each customers’ unique skin concerns—such as signs of aging, uneven tone, dryness, or sensitivity—to recommend appropriate vitamin-infused products.

Advise your customers on the importance of proper storage and packaging, especially for sensitive ingredients like Vitamin C, to ensure product efficacy.

Provide your customers with clear instructions on product application and how their skin may react, emphasizing the gradual introduction of potent actives like Vitamin A to monitor tolerance.

Want to confidently recommend the right ingredients for every skin concern? Our Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program features an in-depth Skin Care course that deepens your knowledge of vitamins, antioxidants, and targeted solutions.

Click here to enroll now and take your consultation skills to the next level!

The Future of Skincare is Here

By Mickey Tortorelli

Unlock the Power of Skin Immunity

A

Guide to Selling SHISEIDO Ultimune 4.0

For beauty advisors, educating customers on skincare innovations is key to building trust and driving sales. SHISEIDO Ultimune 4.0 isn’t just another serum—it’s a revolution in skin immunity and resilience. With breakthrough technology, advanced ingredients, and impressive clinical results, Ultimune 4.0 is a must-have for customers looking to strengthen and revitalize their skin.

What is SHISEIDO Ultimune?

SHISEIDO Ultimune is a pre-serum, meaning it is applied before other skincare treatments to maximize their effectiveness. It strengthens the skin’s barrier and boosts its ability to repair and defend itself against everyday environmental damage.

By reinforcing the skin’s natural immunity, Ultimune helps prevent signs of aging, dullness, and dryness while promoting a radiant, youthful complexion. Customers will experience skin that not only looks healthier but is clinically proven to be stronger from within.

What Makes SHISEIDO Ultimune 4.0 Unique?

Unlike traditional serums that focus solely on hydration or antiaging, Ultimune 4.0 is designed to boost the skin’s natural defense system. SHISEIDO’s proprietary ImuGenerationRED Technology™ strengthens the skin’s immunity, making it more resistant to external aggressors like pollution, stress, and UV damage. With over 150 global beauty awards, SHISEIDO Ultimune has set the standard in skincare innovation, and the 4.0 version is its most advanced yet.

A key differentiator is the addition of The Lifeblood™ technology, which enhances skin circulation and renewal. This ensures that nutrients are better delivered and absorbed, improving overall skin quality. Additionally, its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture makes it suitable for all skin types, allowing customers to seamlessly integrate it into their existing skincare routine.

The science, ingredients, and results behind the award-winning serum.

Key Ingredients that Make the Difference

By highlighting these ingredients to customers, beauty advisors can demonstrate the deep research and innovation behind Ultimune 4.0.

1

Fermented Roselle Extract

This powerful antioxidant fights oxidative stress and enhances skin resilience.

2

Reishi Mushroom & Iris Root Extract

These botanical extracts support the skin’s natural ability to regenerate and defend itself.

3

Ultimune Complex (Heart Leaf Extract + Fermented Roselle Extract)

A combination designed to boost skin’s natural defenses, keeping it stronger and more hydrated.

4

Gingko Biloba, Perilla, and Wild Thyme

A trio of traditional Japanese ingredients known for their soothing and anti- inflammatory properties.

Proven Results and Clinical Studies

When customers hear about real results, they’re more likely to invest in a product. SHISEIDO Ultimune 4.0 has undergone rigorous clinical studies that demonstrate its effectiveness.

3 days to visibly healthier-looking skin

After 4 weeks, 85% of users saw stronger skin

Immediate hydration boost by 24%

In just 8 weeks, skin appears 28% stronger

Customers will notice smoother, more radiant skin in just a few days.

Skin feels firmer and more resilient to daily stressors.

With just one use, Ultimune 4.0 delivers intense moisture, making skin feel instantly refreshed and supple.

Consistent use leads to long-term improvements in skin health and defense.

By emphasizing these statistics, beauty advisors can confidently recommend Ultimune 4.0 as a clinically proven solution for customers looking to enhance their skincare regimen.

Key Takeaways

SHISEIDO Ultimune 4.0 strengthens skin’s immunity , making it more resilient against daily stressors and environmental damage.

Its advanced ingredients, including Fermented Roselle Extract and Reishi Mushroom, provide deep hydration and antioxidant benefits.

Clinically proven results show improved hydration, stronger skin, and a healthier complexion within weeks.

Dear beauty expert,

We invite you to explore “Discover SHISEIDO” and sign up to become a member. It only takes 6 steps!

Instructions to register:

1. Scan QR code to begin

To gain access, use these credentials:

2. Username: discover.ca-en

3. Password: DCE-Jkw3

4. Click on “YES” to register

To create your profile:

5. Fill in the registration form

6. Check your email for a link to log in again

Cher

spécialistes beauté

Nous vous inviton à découvrir «Discover ShiSeido» et à vous inscrire pour devenir membre. Cela ne prend que 6 étapes!

Instructions pour l’inscription:

1. Scanner le code QR pour commencer

Pour obtenir l’accès, utilisez ces informations d’identification:

2. Nom d’utilisateur: discover.ca-fr

3. Mot de passe: DCF-KwPx

4. Cliquez sur «OUI»

Pour créer votre profil:

5. Remplir le formulaire d’inscription

6. Vérifiez votre e-mail pour obtenir un lien qui vous permettra de vous reconnecter

Revitalize and Renew:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Spring Skincare Strategies for Beauty Advisors

Expert Tips for Spring Skincare Adjustments

As the seasons shift from the cold embrace of winter to the rejuvenating warmth of spring, our skin’s needs evolve accordingly. For beauty advisors, this transition presents a prime opportunity to educate and guide customers toward skin care routines that align with the changing environment. Emphasizing lightweight, hydrating formulas enriched with key ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and AHA/ BHAs can help customers achieve a radiant springtime complexion.

Understanding Seasonal Skin Changes

Winter’s harsh conditions often lead customers to adopt rich, heavy creams to combat dryness and protect the skin’s barrier. However, as temperatures rise and humidity increases in spring, these products can become occlusive, potentially leading to clogged pores and a lackluster complexion. As the weather gets warmer, switching to lighter skin care products will keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy, and allow it to adjust to the change in season.

Key Ingredients for Springtime

Skincare

Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful humectant, Hyaluronic Acid attracts and retains moisture, providing lightweight hydration ideal for spring. Its ability to bind water helps maintain skin plumpness without the need for rich creams.

Vitamin C

This potent antioxidant combats free radicals, brightens the complexion, and promotes collagen synthesis. Incorporating Vitamin C can help address any lingering dullness from winter and protect against environmental aggressors.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, minimizes pores, and enhances the skin’s barrier function. It’s particularly beneficial during seasonal transitions when the skin may be adjusting to new conditions.

AHA/BHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) facilitate gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. This process reveals a fresher, more radiant complexion and can prevent clogged pores as customers switch to lighter products.

Implementing a “Spring Refresh” Consultation Strategy

To effectively assist customers in updating their skin care routines, consider implementing a “Spring Refresh” consultation approach:

Personalized Skin Assessments

Evaluate each client’s skin type, current concerns, and how their skin has responded to winter conditions. If your store provides skin diagnosis technology, this would be a perfect time to make it part of your consultation. This assessment forms the foundation for tailored product recommendations.

Educational Engagement

Educate customers about the benefits of transitioning to lighter skin care products in spring and why it’s important. Highlight how specific ingredients can address their unique concerns and enhance their skin’s health and appearance.

Product Demonstrations

Showcase lightweight moisturizers, serums, and exfoliants that embody the discussed key ingredients. Providing samples or in-store demonstrations can help customers experience the benefits firsthand. Engage your vendor partners to assist you in creating a success demo.

Hosting a “Spring Refresh” InStore Event

Creating an interactive instore event can further engage customers and promote seasonal skin care transitions. Customers love the buzz and excitement of in-store events and they help position you and your team as experts!

Event Overview

Organize a “Spring Refresh” day where beauty advisors offer complimentary skin consultations focused on springtime needs.

Collaborative Learning

Encourage all beauty advisors to participate, sharing insights and strategies to ensure a cohesive and informative experience for customers.

Exclusive Offers

Provide special promotions on featured products, bundling complementary items and samples to encourage a comprehensive skincare regimen.

Customer Education Sessions

If possible, host short workshops or Q&A sessions addressing common skin care concerns during the seasonal transition, fostering a community atmosphere and positioning the store as a trusted skin care resource.

Key Takeaways:

Seasonal Adaptation

Educate customers on the importance of adjusting their skin care routines to align with environmental changes, promoting optimal skin health.

Ingredient Focus

Highlight the benefits of incorporating Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and AHA/BHAs into spring skin care regimens for hydration, protection, and renewal.

Engagement Initiatives

Implement personalized consultations and interactive events to enhance customer relationships and drive informed product choices.

Transitioning into spring offers a valuable opportunity for beauty advisors to guide customers toward skin care routines that reflect the season’s demands.

By focusing on lightweight, hydrating products enriched with essential ingredients and fostering an engaging, educational environment, beauty advisors can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Embracing strategies like the “Spring Refresh” consultation and in-store events not only showcases expertise but also reinforces the commitment to your customers’ well-being and radiant, healthy skin.

Help your customers transition their skincare routines with confidence this season! Our Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program features a Skin Care course that deepens your understanding of seasonal skincare needs and ingredient benefits.

Click here to enroll now to become the go-to expert for spring skincare solutions!

The Beauty Blueprint

A Lifelong Commitment to Skincare Education: Insights

from Patricia Clare

Patricia Clare, the National Training Manager at NEOSTRATA, has dedicated over three decades to the beauty industry, seamlessly blending her passion for education with skincare science. Her journey from aspiring elementary school teacher to esteemed beauty expert, and Beauty’s Best, ICON of the Year 2024 winner, is a testament to her adaptability and commitment.

Clare National Training Manager,

Patricia

Exploring the strategies, stories, and journeys of industry leaders.

Patricia Clare

How did you end up in the beauty industry?

I always knew I wanted to teach. My original plan was to be an elementary school teacher, but I was dabbling in makeup during high school and after graduating I was going to take a year off and work in the industry. I suppose now we would call that a “gap” year. Apparently, my family is not big on “gaps,” so my mother signed me up for a beauty school for an esthetician and makeup artistry license. I knew from the moment I walked into that school, that somehow, I would weave my love of teaching into this incredible industry! Having a bossy mother certainly worked in my favor!

What did you learn at NEOSTRATA?

As a brand, NEOSTRATA taught me that science matters! When I joined them over 30 years ago, I was becoming disillusioned with the industry. It seemed no one was giving facts, and it was becoming a lot of “fluff.” The day I joined NEOSTRATA that all changed. I learned more about how important the right formula was, in order to have amazing clinical results. NEOSTRATA truly gave me my passion back and I have been excited to tell and teach the brand legacy and innovations with pride.

How would you describe your training style?

My training style is relaxed. People don’t really learn well with too much pressure, and I want my learners to absorb the information and enjoy the journey. When you train with NEOSTRATA, I want my learners to feel like they have entered my home and are sitting on my couch and we are chatting skincare. I use a lot of storytelling and analogies, as I find every learner is different in their style of retention. I also think it is okay to laugh and learn. There is no such thing as a “stupid” question. I welcome all of them!

What are keys to your success as a National Training Manager?

I think being open to change and to learning. I would be the first person, years ago to say that I “don’t like change.” With that being said…I have made both a lifetime and a career out of it. Stay current, read, explore, try and if all else fails…laugh and try it all again in a new way. You have to be really willing to fail on occasion to explore new beginnings. I also believe you should practice so much that others may think you are “winging it!” I am not a fan of “winging” anything when you have people counting on you.

What are you most proud of?

Besides my family, the ones I love and my dog…I suppose all of YOU, reading this magazine. I am most proud to be in an arena of passionate people. I love what I do, and I hope all you reading this feel the same. I am very proud to get to go to work each day loving what I do and working with those I adore. Honestly, what could be better than being with all of you?

How important is educating customers today?

I think it is more important that it has been in at least the last two decades! It is not only important… It is imperative. As the internet will hold the allure of instant selling and buying, what it does not hold is a personal way to transfer the knowledge and professionalism that our Beauty Experts can hold while assisting choice. Never minimize that! If you become indispensable to your customers, then you will truly be indispensable to our industry. Our customers are the most confused now than they have ever been, with so many choices as well as so much conflictual social media. It is our time to make the difference and to leave our customers feeling confident and excited about their skincare choices.

What are you excited about in 2025?

I am super stoked about how we are beginning to think of skincare from the inside-out approach. We are not just interested in skincare working on top of the skin, but rather gaining a better understanding of what is happening within the skin and our bodies metabolism to really powerhouse our clinical results. At NEOSTRATA this is crucial to how we innovate and formulate. As a skincare expert and age-old esthetician, this really ignites me to want to teach and really educate my customers that aging is not the end of line…it is merely just part of the ride!

What advice would you give to beauty advisors starting in the industry today?

Invest in your career. Invest in your learning, your reading, your relationships and your creativity. Try new things every day and when you are stuck, always put up your hand and ask the smartest person in the room for help. Be humble.

Power Peptide Regimen: The Future of Anti-Aging

4 Essential Steps for Firmer, Brighter, and More Contoured Skin

NEOSTRATA® welcomes you to the wonderful world of advancing technology in peptides. Peptides are amino acids that when formed into chains can help the skin’s structure become fortified.

NEOSTRATA has introduced a ground-breaking MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® technology that is 2.5 x’s smaller than all other leading peptides to market. This means that pro-collagen (your skin’s primary building block), elastin (your skin’s bouncy appeal) and hyaluronic acid (your skin’s hydration booster) can even get better with age, as this micro-sized peptide offers superior fast absorption with big results!

The advantages of MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® extend beyond just enhanced firmness.; it now sculpts, defines facial contours, smooths and brightens, and all in record time! This patented technology of MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® was 8 years in the making and was totally worth the wait! We have incorporated this micro-mini peptide into a selection of our SKIN ACTIVE collection products for mature and aging skin. You know those customers…the ones that want it all and they want it all fast! Let’s face it, who doesn’t?

Step 1 Power Peptide Regimen:

Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum

Results Matter: *97% of participants with twice daily use said fine lines and wrinkles are softer in just 1 week.

Our most powerful serum is now formulated with breakthrough MicroDiPeptide²²⁹®

This silky serum visibly lifts, volumizes and smooths the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and is now improved with breakthrough MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® to visibly amplify sculpting benefits. This patented lifting and firming technology gives exceptional sculpting efficacy and optimal delivery into skin’s surface. The powerhouse formulation is combined with Gluconolactone (PHA), Aminofil and Hyaluronic Acid, resulting in an intensely renewed, brighter and firmer look.

Pro Tip: For customers that are not ready to do a serum overall, but are showing great concern for deep expression lines, suggest this serum to kick up their regimen and use

TRI-THERAPY LIFTING SERUM where it is needed most. Bye bye dynamic wrinkles including crow’s feet, frown lines (glabellar lines), smile lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines, forehead lines, bunny lines, and lip lines!

More to love:

Lightweight

Absorbs quickly

Compatible with makeup

Does not ball

Layers easily under moisturizer

Non-irritating

Tested on all skin tones

Fragrance-free

Step 2

Rebound Sculpting Cream

Results Matter: *70% of our study participants said their skin looked up to 5 years younger after 16 weeks of twice daily use!

Bounce back to youthful-looking skin in as little as 1 week!

Bounce back to youthful-looking skin in as little as 1 week! This multi-action lifting moisturizer visibly sculpts, lifts and brightens the skin. This hydrating, juicy cream with MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® targets the lack of collagen and elastin depleted skin for a lifted, recontoured appearance! Our potent 10% AHA/ PHA blend resurfaces the look of age spots and wrinkles to reveal smoother, brighter and more even skin.

Pro Tip: Challenge your customer who purchases a REBOUND SCULTPING CREAM to take a picture of their face before they begin using this lifting moisturizer, and take one after 30 days! The results are that noticeable and it is exciting to let them feel back in control of aging, drooping skin!

More to love:

Plush texture

Absorbs quickly

Compatible with makeup

Does not ball

Layers easily under makeup

Tested on all skin tones

Fragrance-free

Step 3

Intensive Eye Therapy

Results Matter: *94% of participants noted their eye area looked firmer/more elastic in 2 weeks.

Our most intense eye cream now with even more intense results.

Get a firmer, fresher looking eye area in just 2 weeks!* This new and improved formula diminishes dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and crow’s feet for a smoother, more lifted look.

Now featuring breakthrough MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® Technology – our patented lifting and firming ingredient that allows for optimal delivery into skin’s surface – plus a new blend of NeoGlucosamine and Bakuchiol to visibly volumize the look of the total eye area. This is the all-in-one eye cream with all the results you need for a more youthful look.

Pro Tip: This eye cream is outstanding on sagging eyelids, so remember you can cross sell if you are showing eye shadows to those worried about crepey and drooping eyelids. More to

Absorbs easily

Compatible

Layers

Non-irritating

Step 4

Triple Firming Neck Cream

Results Matter: *After 2 weeks

90% of participants noted neck lines/creases are softened with twice daily use.

Our award-winning neck cream just got even better.

Target neck lines and creases in just 2 weeks* with this all-new formula now featuring breakthrough MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® plus a next-level combination of NeoGlucosamine, Bakuchiol (a plant-derived Retinol alternative) NeoCitriate® and Vitamin E.

More than just a moisturizer, this fast-absorbing neck cream is specially formulated to target delicate skin on the neck and decolletage area. This neck cream targets lack of firmness, crepey skin texture, lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and surface discolouration for an overall firmer, smoother appearance with a visibly lifted, more sculpted look.

Pro Tip: Don’t neglect your neck, it is often the first area to show signs of aging and tech-neck wrinkles (the horizontal lines and wrinkles caused from staring down at your smart device.)

This is a perfect product to suggest for your younger customers also, to really put great skincare steps into place as both prevention and rejuvenation. Remember to show your clients to use a neck cream on the jaw, neck and decollete.

More to love:

Fragrance-free

Absorbs quickly

Non-irritating

Non-greasy

Non-sticky

Gentle on skin

Doesn’t transfer onto clothes

Does not rub off or ‘ball’

Key Takeaways:

Groundbreaking Peptide Technology

NEOSTRATA’s MicroDiPeptide²²⁹® is 2.5x smaller than leading peptides, allowing for superior absorption and faster results in lifting, firming, and smoothing the skin.

Power Peptide Regimen for Visible Transformation

A four-step regimen featuring TRI-THERAPY LIFTING SERUM, REBOUND SCULPTING CREAM, INTENSIVE EYE THERAPY, and TRIPLE FIRMING NECK CREAM to sculpt, define, and rejuvenate aging skin.

Proven Results, Fast

Clinical studies show noticeable improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin firmness in as little as 1-2 weeks, with some users seeing skin that looks up to 5 years younger in 16 weeks

Ready to boost your beauty expertise?

Learn more about the Power Peptide Regimen and how to recommend it to your clients. Visit the NEOSTRATA Training Hub today by clicking here.

From Passionate Beginnings to Makeup Maestro

By Mickey Tortorelli

Grace Lee’s journey from a university student with a passion for makeup to a globally recognized makeup artist is nothing short of inspiring.

Starting her career at MAC Cosmetics, she quickly ascended to the role of Senior Artist for the Global Pro Team, showcasing her innate talent and dedication. Her expertise has graced the faces of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Drake, and Eva Longoria, and her work has been featured in esteemed publications such as W, Nylon, and Elle Canada.

Balancing a demanding career with motherhood, Grace exemplifies passion, resilience, and artistry, making her a true inspiration for beauty advisors worldwide.

Grace Lee International Makeup Artist

Charting the Inspirational Career Path of a Beauty Industry Icon

Grace Lee

Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

I have been a makeup artist for almost 30 years. I used to love doing makeup for my friends in high school and was that kid that would draw and paint over my Barbie’s faces to give them more eyeliner, lashes and red lipstick.

When attending York University, I needed a part time job and got one at MAC at Fairview Mall in Toronto. There I discovered that I wanted to do makeup as my career. I moved up the ranks at MAC, as a trainer where I educated all existing and new staff about new products. I then obtained a highly coveted Senior Artist position which was part of the global team that did runway shows and special events around the globe. After almost 14 years with MAC I left to pursue Freelance opportunities and signed with an Agency.

Right after having my second child, (yes, I’m a mom of two kids!), there were rumblings about Maybelline looking for a Lead Artist for Canada to head up Toronto Fashion week, and I always say that was in the stars for me. I signed a contract with them 14 years ago. I keyed 35 shows per week for 10 seasons for Toronto

Fashion week. And then I went on to key many fashion shows in NY, and Berlin.

Besides being the Lead Artist for one of the biggest brands in the world. I also do advertising campaigns, magazine editorials and paint celebrities for red carpet, press junkets etc. I have given countless media interviews about makeup tips that cover everything from trends, bridal, fashion and runway.

What are your standout experiences you’ve had in your makeup artistry career?

I’m very lucky to say I’ve had many! Here are some core memories:

1. I worked the 2004 Greece Olympics.

2. I keyed a massive KITH show in New York during fashion week. It had 122 models and it showed twice back to back. So many super models in the show, and so many celebrities that attended.

3. I was on the Iconic show Project Runway for 2 seasons, where I led the makeup team and also came up with the makeup designs for every aspiring designer. It was a lot of fun!

4. Receiving the 2021 CAFA BEST MAKEUP ARTIST of the year. It was wonderful to be recognized by your peers in the fashion industry that you have worked for so long.

5. Most recently, I keyed the Louis Vuitton trunk show in Toronto. It was a great show and was such a positive experience working with such a prestigious brand.

What makeup trends are we expecting to see for spring 2025 and what is your favourite?

Expect to always see beautiful skin in Spring. It’s not overly dewy or matte. It’s actually just skin that looks like it’s been in a spa for hours. It’s well kept, moisturized and not overly done with foundation or concealer but still looks perfect.

Expect to see a groomed brow. I don’t think this will ever go away.

Flushed cheeks with burgundy and raspberry undertones that look healthy, super feminine and youthful.

Are there any new products or product innovations in makeup?

I think you’re seeing a lot of skin care ingredients in makeup now. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, are now found not only in foundations, but lip products as well. Product innovations I’ve always been super impressed with are Maybelline’s SUPERSTAY products, because they pass the test of time and still look great on the lips or skin hours and hours later. This was unheard of 15 years ago.

What would you recommend to a beauty advisor about makeup and personalization, when it comes to trends?

I think it’s really important for the beauty advisor to ask the right questions of their clients and find out what their needs, wants and expectations are. For example, if the trend was bright red lipstick and the client has never worn a red lipstick before, that doesn’t always mean that because it’s on trend that the client has to wear it.

You can always take inspiration from trends that you see and adapt to the client’s needs.

You can start with a stain of red or gloss which is way easier to start with and then build up the colour to the comfort level of your client.

Are there any new or creative makeup application techniques trending?

I think the idea of ‘under painting’ used to be a technique that makeup artists used but now it’s known for the everyday consumer. I don’t necessarily think there are new techniques as a makeup artist, I just think that social media has allowed these techniques to become more mainstream.

Foundation Fundamentals

By Glenda Raketti

Guiding Customers to Their Ideal Match

Selecting the appropriate foundation is a common struggle for customers. The myriad of options available, coupled with varying skin tones, types, and personal preferences, can make this process overwhelming. However, once a customer finds a foundation that meets their needs, it often leads to brand loyalty.

As beauty advisors, we know that foundation is more than just a base—it’s the canvas for every great makeup look.

But with constant innovations in formula, technology, and shade matching, the world of foundation is evolving faster than ever. So, how do you help your customer find their perfect match?

What’s New in Foundation?

Today’s foundations are more than just makeup—they’re hybrids of skin care and cosmetics. Brands are infusing formulas with skin care-grade ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening, and ceramides for barrier support. Some even include SPF protection and blue light defense, catering to modern skin care concerns.

New, exciting innovations include serum foundations and tinted balms, which offer lightweight coverage while treating the skin. AI-driven shade matching is also making its mark, with brands like IT Cosmetics, Maybelline, Fenty Beauty and YSL Beauty, using technology to analyze skin tone and undertones with pinpoint accuracy.

Skin Tone vs. Undertone—What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest mix-ups in foundation matching is confusing skin tone with undertone. Here’s a quick refresher:

Skin Tone refers to the surface colour of the skin—fair, light, medium, tan, deep, etc.

Undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface—warm (golden, yellow, peachy), cool (pink, red, blue), or neutral (a balance of both).

A simple trick to determine undertone? Look at the veins on the wrist. Greenish veins? Warm. Bluish or purple veins? Cool. Can’t tell? It’s likely neutral.

How to Consult for the Perfect Foundation

Helping your customer find their ideal foundation requires a holistic approach. Be sure to have a quick consultation with your customer to understand their needs.

Questions to Determine a Customer’s Foundation Needs

What is your skin type?

Understanding whether their skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive helps in recommending suitable formulas. What level of coverage are you seeking?

Determine if they prefer sheer, medium, or full coverage to match their desired look. Tinted serums and skin tints are perfect for a natural look, while long-wear, full-coverage options are a must for those high-impact moments.

Do you have any specific skin concerns?

Address issues like acne, redness, dehydration, or hyperpigmentation to suggest foundations with beneficial ingredients. Remember, foundation results depend on the condition of the skin. If your customer has dry, flaky skin for example, applying foundation can result in a patchy, uneven appearance, often accentuating dryness and rough texture. This is a perfect opportunity to recommend appropriate skin care products!

What is your undertone?

Identifying whether they have warm, cool, or neutral undertones ensures a more accurate shade match.

Do you have any preferences regarding the foundation’s finish?

Some customers may prefer a matte, dewy, or natural finish based on their personal style. For mature skin, a dewy finish works wonders, while those with oily skin often prefer oil-free, matte options.

Are there any ingredients you wish to avoid?

This is crucial for customers with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

What is your daily routine like?

Understanding their lifestyle can help recommend long-wearing or quickapplication foundations suitable for their needs. Do they need something transfer-proof? Sweat-resistant? Customization is the secret to foundation success!

Want to become a foundation expert?

Learn how to match foundation to every customer’s unique skin type, tone, and preferences in the Makeup course of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program.

Click here to start mastering foundation consultations today!

Key Takeaways

Personalization is Key

Effective Communication

Building Trust

Tailoring foundation recommendations to individual skin types, concerns, and preferences fosters customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Asking insightful questions helps in understanding customer needs, leading to more accurate product recommendations.

Assisting customers in finding their perfect foundation not only enhances their confidence but also strengthens their trust in your expertise, encouraging repeat business.

With today’s advancements in beauty, foundation isn’t onesize-fits-all. By understanding ingredients, shade science, and personalized preferences, beauty advisors can ensure every customer finds their perfect match— significantly improving the customer experience and leaving them confident and flawless, every time.

By Glenda Raketti and Mickey Tortorelli

Sales Success for Beauty Advisors: Enhancing Business Literacy

If you’re a beauty advisor, you already know your role is about more than just selling products - it’s about creating experiences, building relationships, and making customers feel their best. And equally important is the performance of your store brands and your overall cosmetic department’s performance.

Understanding business literacy, specifically the key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure success, helps you understand how business activities are monitored and used to make investments and improvements.

What Are KPIs?

KPIs are like report cards for different aspects of your business. They are measurable values that help assess the effectiveness of various business activities.

For retail beauty advisors, understanding and monitoring KPIs is essential to ensure personal performance aligns with the store’s goals and to identify areas for improvement.

Examples of KPIs that are common for Beauty Advisors:

What is Measured?

Sales

These may include total cosmetic department sales, brand specific sales, category sales (for example, mass vs. derm), and personal sales.

Average Sales

The average dollar amount a customer spends on a purchase.

Items Per Transaction (IPT)

This measures how many items a customer buys in one transaction.

Sales Per Labour Hour (SPLH)

This measures how much revenue is generated per labour hour. Higher expected sales typically result in more allocated hours. Usually the more sales that are expected, the more hours that may be allocated.

Market Share

This measures percentage of sales in a market. For example, if there are two retailers selling cosmetics in a mall or geographic location, what percentage of the total cosmetics sales does each retailer generate.

In addition to sales metrics, these additional KPIs focus on customer service and marketing related activities:

Customer engagement through files or CRM (customer relationship management) systems

Customer satisfaction index

Transaction count

Social media following

Customer call backs

Consultations

Makeup applications

Appointment bookings

Events

From time to time, the focus may change from one area to another, but sales always remain at the heart of the business.

Why Do KPIs Matter to You?

When these numbers go up, it often means increased hours, commissions, bonuses, or incentives. Plus, being in tune with your KPIs empowers you to make strategic decisions that benefit both you and your store.

Setting and Achieving Goals

A department manager, store manager, or the brand you work with, will have sales targets and goals for your store. These goals

may include anything listed above, and possibly more.

Goals are typically based on previous years’ sales data, adjusted for factors that may influence the current year’s sales. For example, if a brand generated $100,000 in sales last year and the local area has since experienced increased foot traffic, this year’s sales target for that brand will likely be higher.

Looking at an annual or even monthly sales goal can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to break it down into weekly or even daily targets.

This allows you to track real-time progress and make adjustments as needed. Remember, that your manager and/or vendor rep will partner with you to discuss sales goals, and plans to help you achieve those targets.

Do You Know Your Numbers?

Review your targets at the start of each shift and track your KPIs to see how you’re performing. When a vendor sales rep visits your store, be prepared to have sales data from the past period ready to discuss, along with a plan for upcoming sales.

If you’re hosting a special event, executing a gift-withpurchase promotion, or launching a new product, your sales targets will reflect the increased activity.

Is someone visiting from your head office? Be ready to share your numbers and discuss what’s working and what needs improvement.

Being prepared for these conversations demonstrates your business acumen and can help you gain additional support from management and your vendor partners!

Practical Tips to Boost Your KPIs

Now that you know the numbers that matter, what can you do to achieve your KPIs?

Here are a few simple ways:

Pay attention to top-selling products and use that insight to guide recommendations when appropriate.

Encourage product pairings to increase Average Unit Sale (AUS) and Items Per Transaction (IPT).

Stay informed about promotions and suggest them when they align with customer needs.

Use your CRM with your customers as often as possible to build relationships to boost loyalty and satisfaction.

Track customer feedback—if you hear a lot of the same concerns, share that insight with your team!

Becoming an Exceptional Beauty Advisor through Business Literacy

Being a successful beauty advisor goes beyond simply making sales. It involves understanding the interconnectedness of sales, customer experience, and brand performance. By recognizing how your actions contribute to key performance indicators (KPIs), you can make informed decisions that drive sales and elevate both your own and the brand’s success.

Every sale is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the bigger picture. When you view yourself as a key contributor to the overall success, you unlock new avenues for growth and career advancement. Remember, you’re not just selling beauty products, you’re shaping the future of the beauty industry!

Cosmetic Career Spotlight

By Mickey Tortorelli

Rayelyn Izzo’s journey in the beauty industry is a testament to passion, dedication, and the transformative power of mentorship.

Starting at 19 as a part-time employee at London Drugs, her innate talent for makeup and hair quickly became evident. With the guidance of inspiring mentors, Rayelyn’s enthusiasm propelled her into a leadership role, becoming one of the youngest Cosmetic Managers in the company. Her commitment to exceptional customer service and team development has solidified her reputation as a dynamic leader. Today, as a Beauty Manager at Shoppers Drug Mart in Calgary, Alberta, Rayelyn continues to innovate, leveraging social media to connect with a broader audience and inspire the next generation of beauty professionals

Rayelyn Izzo, Beauty Manager

Shoppers Drug Mart 2393

TD Square/Core Calgary, Alberta

Discover the Journeys of Beauty Industry Trailblazers

Rayelyn Izzo

How did you begin in the Beauty Industry?

I began my incredible journey in the Beauty industry when I was 19. I always loved makeup and hair but didn’t realize just how much, until I started a part-time job at a local London Drugs near my community. Growing up, my friends all knew it before I did, as I would often be doing their makeup and hair or experimenting with my own individuality through makeup. So you can say I always had a passion for a creative outlet. One of the managers noticed as well as she would ask me to cover breaks in the cosmetic department. This led to a more permanent position in the cosmetics department with an incredibly inspiring mentor. Funny story, now that she has retired for several years, she still messages me for makeup or skincare advice. (Shout out to Georgina Doucette).

Why did you decide to become a Beauty Manager?

I looked up to many of the women that were in the organization at that time, as they always demonstrated such leadership and confidence in their positions. They played such an important role in the store, and that’s what resonated with me. I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. It was my personal challenge to lead the way to make the world of beauty a fun and magical place to work, and for our

customers to shop. Creating an environment for our customers to come in and play with beauty, and have fun doing so, was my mission.

I was the youngest beauty advisor at that time in the company, to be promoted to Cosmetics Manager. To this day, I remember that feeling when I was hired for the position. I was truly going to make a difference in the industry. The women before me gave me the confidence and belief in myself that this was a career built on passion.

What have been your most significant learnings as a Beauty Manager?

As a Beauty Manager, my most incredible learnings or insights came from experiences with people. I learned that customer service was the fundamental, critical skill that you must possess in the beauty industry to succeed. If you mastered the art of people you are winning. This transcended over every aspect of being a manager, and life in general.

Being positive and fearless is also critical to lead any team. Willingness to pivot and try new things showed me that there is never any failure as long as you tried your best. Listening to what your team or clients are saying will give you more insight than any other training tool.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is to lead by example. I still love being fully involved in all the aspects of the entire department. There is no role or job that I don’t do. I truly feel it is my responsibility to demonstrate this with my team to create trust, and work ethic within the department. The team learns what’s involved in managing a department, and it teaches them most of the job responsibilities. The more they know the better they can do their jobs.

Tell us about how you coach and mentor your team.

I think the best way to answer this is that I approach everything with excitement. Nothing is an obstacle. My attitude is we can achieve great things together as a team. If I see them struggle, I find out what I can do to help them. Open communication is key!

I also am an over-sharer in a good way. If I tell enough people what our goals or plans are, then I have committed, and I have included them in it. This holds me and them accountable. We jump in and find out along the way what works and what doesn’t. We learn and grow as a team.

“We

make people feel good about themselves, one lipstick at a time! #retailtherapy Believe me, it’s therapy for me knowing that I can make that kind of difference.”

I understand you have developed a very successful social following. Tell us more about how your IG account is used to grow your business.

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at our fingertips to help build and promote our businesses at SDM. We are micro influencers creating our own brand within a brand. Imagine 1800 stores in the country reaching out to their individual followers within each of our communities across the country, that’s pretty powerful!

We provide over 3,200 followers with inspiring beauty content and share our experiences through reels, posts, and stories daily that indulge and inspire them to want to visit our store. Consistency is key, and we create content that not only showcases our brands, but also educates our viewers to want to be part of our beauty community.

We bridge the gap between choosing to shop in store and online. Why not do both? We utilize the instant connections we make with

each of our viewers by offering ‘Shop’ with our team options through our links, and engage with our followers with personalized skincare consultations and product recommendations.

We invite them in weekly for exciting events and opportunities that are happening at our locations. It’s incredible to see or hear about a viewer seeing something on our page and rushing into the store to buy. Being authentic and relatable is so important today as everything is a click at their fingertip, so you must stand out! We always end our videos with SHOPPERS LOVE YOU! Follow us @shoppers_core

What are you most proud of?

I am really proud seeing people do what they LOVE! I’m proud of raising 2 beautiful girls (my 2 daughters) to be amazing, strong, courageous women.

I am PROUD to work in this industry which has given me so many opportunities in my career and helped and shaped me into the strong independent woman I am today. I am proud to work alongside some incredible

leaders in our industry, whom I look up to and aspire to be. My story has not ended yet! And finally, I am proud that after 30 years in the industry I feel I am still able to make a difference in someone’s life.

What advice would I give Beauty Advisors starting in the industry?

You are embarking on the MOST incredible career journey. This industry will ignite a passion within you like no other. You can be You! It will take hold of your heart and you will always want to be a part of the energy of the Cosmetics industry. The education you learn and connections you make are invaluable. There are unlimited opportunities for growth and development that are beyond your imagination, really! This is a FEEL GOOD industry.

Supporting Canadian Beauty Brands: A Guide for Retail Beauty Advisors

By

Glenda Raketti and Mickey Tortorelli

Homegrown Beauty

Due to recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, it is increasingly important to support domestic industries, including the beauty sector. Consumers are showing greater interest in Canadian brands, according to beauty advisors.

Choosing Canadian cosmetics, skin care, and hair care brands not only boosts the national economy and encourages local entrepreneurship, but also guarantees high-quality, ethically produced products.

With over 50 products recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), Marcelle stands as Canada’s foremost advocate for skin safety.

Watier - A pioneering force of Quebec, Lise Watier was one of the first women to establish herself in the Canadian cosmetics industry 50 years ago, at a time when it had become dominated by large multinationals. Watier incorporates uniquely Canadian ingredients into their products, such as Labrador Tea and Boreal White Pine Extract.

skin loving products for a natural makeup look.

Birch Babe - Debbie Alger’s journey through Patagonia opened her eyes to the locals’ deep respect for the environment, igniting her passion for crafting clean, sustainable skin care and body care products. Now, alongside her daughters, Kelsey and Lindsay, she has grown Birch Babe into a thriving, familyled brand driven by integrity, sustainability, and a vision for a cleaner, more conscious future.

100% vegan, do not include parabens, phthalates, sulfates and talc.

Annabelle- Born in Montreal in 1967, Annabelle has built a reputation for its extraordinary variety of bold shades. Now, nearly 50 years later, their colour power is stronger than ever!

Scholarship Fund.

Evio - This impact-led brand is defined by their three pillars - Educate, Donate, Advocate. Evio is dedicated to supporting people affected by domestic violence, a cause deeply personal to the founder, Brandi Leifso. Evio’s skin care and makeup products are vegan, cruelty-free, committed to clean beauty and derm- approved.

Clinical and DermatologistDriven Skincare

Skinfix - Clean and clinically proven, Skinfix uses a combination of clinically active and nutritious ingredients. Their intentional sourcing and formulations ensure traceability of ingredients, with biodegradable formulas and a commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.

Jouviance - Founded by a leading Quebec dermatologist, the brand was born out of a need to offer products he could offer his customers following medical procedures that would enhance their recovery while respecting sensitive skin. Their well-known 3-in-1 Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Cream was the first peptide-based cream to be launched in North America.

Ingredient-Focused and EcoConscious

BKind - Founded in 2014 in Quebec, this brand of face, hair, body and nail products is committed to being respectful and thoughtful of everything around, natural, plantbased, vegan, eco-friendly and cruelty free. Two percent of their sales are donated to animal welfare.

ILIA- Vancouver based ILIA puts skin care first in all of their products with consciously, carefully selected ingredients. The makeup products include skin care ingredients to help shield the skin, and they strive to use sustainable packaging.

Championing Diversity and Inclusivity

Vasanti - Founded on the bond of sisterhood, the founders, all women of colour, were faced with the struggle of “why doesn’t makeup look good on me?” With the realization that there was a lack of products that made them feel included. For 20 years, they have offered potent formulas with a luxury feel.

Madeup Beauty - Working as a makeup artist in Alberta, founder Shirley Ibe was always mixing products and creating custom shades for her clients. She knew that melanin skin was not equally represented in most beauty products. With the belief that the perfect lip shade exists for everyone, and no skin tone should ever be left behind, Shirtley launched her makeup brand in 2019. Combining trusted, clean ingredients with versatile and universally-flattering pigments, she believes in beautiful shades for all.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment

AG - This B.C. based hair care brand, founded in 1989, uses aluminum packaging, refill pouches, and recycled plastic.

Rocky Mountain Soap Company - For 25 years they have been formulating everyday essentials for face, hair, and body, all crafted in the Canadian Rockies.

Other Canadian Brands to Explore

Blume

Saje

Quo Beauty

Graydon

Plume

Reyal

Province Apothecary

Indeed Laboratories

Three Ships Beauty

Karine Joncas

Reversa

IDC Dermo

Why Support Canadian Beauty Brands?

Economic Growth

Climate & Skin Adaptation

Cultural Representation

Purchasing from Canadian beauty brands supports local businesses, leading to job creation and economic stability within our country.

Not everyone “gets” Canada’s extreme weather conditions. Canadian brands do, and include ingredients to help tackle the elements’ effects on skin.

Supporting domestic brands helps promote Canadian culture and innovation in the global beauty industry.

The Bottom Line: Beauty That Gives Back

By knowing and recommending Canadian beauty brands, beauty advisors can guide customers toward ethical, high-quality, and innovative products that not only enhance their beauty routines but also support sustainability and local businesses. Encouraging these choices allows your customers to invest in beauty that truly makes a difference!

THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY EDUCATION

BeauteSchool x Groupe Marcelle Inc.

BeauteSchool is honoured to announce its partnership with Groupe Marcelle Inc., Canada’s largest cosmetic manufacturer, to elevate beauty advisor education for their esteemed brands: Watier, Marcelle, and Annabelle.

This collaboration aims to empower beauty advisors with specialized training to enhance customer experiences and brand expertise.

For more information and access to this exclusive education portal, please contact your Groupe Marcelle Inc. Sales Representative.

The Art of Ingredient Storytelling:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Enhancing Client Relationships with Skin Care Science

A Deep Dive into Peptides, Ceramides, and Prebiotics for Confident Recommendation

In the dynamic world of skin care, beauty advisors play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between complex product formulations and the unique needs of your customers. Mastering the science behind key ingredients not only enhances your credibility but also fosters trust and loyalty among customers. This editorial delves into the significance of Peptides, Ceramides, and Prebiotics in skin renewal, offering insights on how to effectively communicate their benefits through compelling storytelling.

Peptides: The Skin’s Master Communicators

Imagine peptides as the skin’s messengers, relaying vital information to maintain its youthful structure. These short chains of amino acids are fundamental in building proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, natural peptide production diminishes, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. By introducing topical peptides, we can stimulate the skin to produce more collagen, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines and promoting a firmer complexion.

Storytelling Tip: Share with your customers that incorporating peptiderich products is comparable to sending reinforcements to the skin’s support system, encouraging it to rebuild and rejuvenate from within.

Ceramides: The Skin’s Protective Shield

Ceramides are lipid molecules that act as the mortar between skin cells, forming a protective barrier that retains moisture and shields against environmental aggressors. When ceramide levels are compromised, the skin can become dry, sensitive, and prone to irritation. Replenishing ceramides through skin care helps restore this barrier, leading to hydrated, resilient, and supple skin.

Storytelling Tip: Explain to clients that ceramides function like the grout between tiles, holding skin cells together to maintain a strong and impermeable surface, essential for keeping the skin healthy and hydrated.

Prebiotics: Nourishing the Skin’s Microbiome

The skin’s surface hosts a delicate ecosystem of microorganisms known as the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and immunity. Prebiotics serve as nourishment for beneficial bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome and enhancing the skin’s natural defenses. Incorporating prebiotics into skin care can help soothe inflammation, reduce sensitivity, and improve overall skin clarity.

Storytelling Tip: Describe prebiotics as a nourishing feast for the skin’s good bacteria, fostering a harmonious environment that results in a clearer and more resilient complexion.

Retail Strategy: Building Trust Through Ingredient Education

Personalized Consultations:

Engage your customers in one-onone conversations to assess their skin concerns and goals. Tailor your product recommendations by explaining how specific ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and prebiotics address their unique needs.

Simplify Complex Concepts: Use relatable analogies and storytelling to demystify scientific terms. For instance, comparing ceramides to mortar between bricks can help your customers visualize their function in maintaining skin integrity.

Transparency and Honesty: Provide clear information about product formulations and set realistic expectations. Customers are more likely to trust beauty advisors who are upfront about what a product can and cannot achieve.

Ongoing Education: Stay informed about the latest skin care research, ingredients and trends. Sharing upto-date knowledge positions you as a credible source and reinforces your customer’s confidence in your recommendations.

Key Takeaways:

Ingredient Mastery:

Effective Communication:

Trust Building:

Understanding the roles of peptides, ceramides, and prebiotics enables beauty advisors to make informed and effective product recommendations.

Utilizing storytelling and relatable analogies helps demystify complex ingredients, making it easier for your customers to grasp their benefits.

Transparency, personalized advice, and continuous education are essential strategies in fostering long-term customer relationships based on trust and expertise.

Empowering your customers with knowledge about key skin care ingredients not only enhances their confidence in product choices but also solidifies your role as a trusted beauty advisor.

By delving into the science of peptides, ceramides, and prebiotics, and conveying their benefits through engaging storytelling, you can build meaningful connections and guide your customers toward achieving their skin care goals.

Boost your confidence in recommending Peptides, Ceramides, and Prebiotics with the Skin Care course in the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP). Learn how to educate and engage customers through science-backed ingredient storytelling.

Click here to enroll now and become a trusted beauty expert!

The Science of Skin Renewal: Mastering the Desquamation Process

By Mickey Tortorelli

As a retail beauty advisor, a profound understanding of the skin’s natural renewal process, known as the desquamation cycle, is essential. This knowledge enables you to provide informed recommendations, enhancing your clients’ skin care routines and promoting luminous, healthy skin.

The Desquamation Cycle Defined

The desquamation cycle refers to the skin’s intrinsic process of shedding dead cells and generating new ones. Remarkably, the human body sheds approximately 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells every hour, contributing significantly to household dust. This continuous cycle ensures the replacement of the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, approximately every 28 days.

A Comprehensive Guide for Retail Beauty Advisors on Skin Regeneration and Exfoliation Techniques.

Keratinocytes, the primary cells of the epidermis, originate in the basal layer adjacent to the dermis. As they mature, these cells migrate upward, transitioning from plump, vibrant cells to flattened, lifeless ones in the stratum corneum. This orderly progression is vital for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier and overall health.

Aging and Its Impact on Desquamation

In youth, the desquamation cycle operates efficiently, often completing in as little as three weeks, resulting in a radiant complexion. However, with advancing age, this cycle decelerates, extending to six weeks or more. The accumulation of dead skin cells leads to a dull appearance, accentuates fine lines, and can obstruct pores, contributing to various skin concerns.

The Role of Exfoliation in Skin Care

Exfoliation is the deliberate removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, facilitating a more rapid desquamation process and unveiling fresher, more youthful skin. There are two primary exfoliation methods: mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical Exfoliation: This technique involves physically abrading the skin to dislodge dead cells. Tools such as microfiber cloths, pumice stones, brushes, or loofahs are commonly used. Additionally, scrubs containing sugar, salt crystals, or finely ground seeds and nutshells serve as effective mechanical exfoliants. Professional treatments like microdermabrasion utilize specialized equipment to perform more intensive exfoliation.

Chemical Exfoliation:

This method uses active ingredients to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their removal without physical scrubbing. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic and glycolic acids, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, are prevalent exfoliants.

AHAs are particularly beneficial for dry or sundamaged skin due to their moisture-retaining properties, while BHAs, with their antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects, are advantageous for oily or acne-prone skin.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Skin Regeneration

The desquamation cycle is a natural, continuous process where the skin sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones, typically over a 28-day period.

Impact of Aging on Skin Renewal

As individuals age, the desquamation cycle slows, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells, which can result in a dull complexion and emphasize signs of aging.

Exfoliation as a Vital Skin Care Practice

Regular exfoliation, through mechanical or chemical means, accelerates the desquamation process, helping in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Understanding the skin’s desquamation cycle and the benefits of exfoliation allows you to provide personalized skin care solutions and educate your customers on maintaining healthy skin. This knowledge will not only enhance customer satisfaction but fosters long-lasting trust and loyalty.

Master the science of skin renewal and become the go-to expert in skin care. Our Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program offers an in-depth Skin Care course designed to elevate your knowledge and enhance your client recommendations.

Click here to enroll now and start making a difference in your clients’ skin care journey!

Quenching the Skin:

By Mickey Tortorelli

The most-loved hydrating products according to Beauty Advisors across Canada.

What Beauty Advisors Are Recommending for Ultimate Hydration

The most-loved hydrating products according to Beauty Advisors across Canada.

What Beauty Advisors Are Recommending to Customers Looking for Hydration

When it comes to hydration, Beauty Advisors across Canada know exactly what customers need to keep their skin glowing, plump, and nourished. From lightweight serums to deeply hydrating creams, here’s what they’re recommending— and why.

The Power of Hydration: What Beauty Advisors Are Saying

“Customers are always looking for a product that delivers hydration without feeling heavy,” says Emily Carter, a Beauty Advisor in Toronto. “That’s why I always recommend Vichy Mineral 89—it’s lightweight but incredibly effective.”

Many advisors agree that the key to hydration is finding the right texture and formulation for different skin types.

“I’ve had so many customers come back raving about NEOSTRATA® Hyaluronic Luminous Lift,” shares Priya Singh from Vancouver. “Paired with PHA Renewal Pads, it’s a total game-changer.”

How Beauty Advisors Match the Right Hydrator to Each Customer

Finding the right hydrating product isn’t just about recommending a bestseller—it’s about understanding the customer’s skin concerns.

“If someone has sensitive skin, I steer them toward Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel,” says Jessica Wong from Calgary. “It’s soothing, refreshing, and doesn’t cause irritation.”

For those looking for anti-aging benefits along with hydration, Beauty Advisors often suggest products with peptides and ceramides.

“Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Capsules are a hit,” notes Megan O’Connor from Montreal. “They give that glow while strengthening the skin barrier.”

Hydration That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Beauty Advisors know that when customers find the perfect hydrating product, they become loyal to it.

“There’s nothing better than having a customer return and say, ‘That product changed my skin,’” says Sophia Ramirez from Edmonton. “It’s why I love what I do.”

By understanding what customers are looking for and recommending the right products, Beauty Advisors continue to be the trusted experts in skin care. With hydration at the forefront of skin care concerns, these top picks are bound to be bestsellers in 2025.

Help your customers find the perfect hydrating products with confidence!

The Skin Care course in the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) gives you in-depth knowledge of key ingredients, skin types, and hydration solutions.

Click here to enroll today and become the go-to hydration expert!

Top 5 Beauty Advisor-Recommended Hydrating Products

Based on feedback from Beauty Advisors nationwide, these five products stand out as the most recommended for hydration

1 Vichy Mineral 89

A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that strengthens the skin barrier and deeply hydrates.

2

Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream

Loved for its silky texture, deep hydration, and ability to boost the skin’s natural defense.

3

NEOSTRATA® Hyaluronic Luminous Lift

A game-changer for hydration, especially when paired with PHA Renewal Pads.

4

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase HA Rich

Alcohol-free with hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid for deep penetration and lasting hydration.

5 Clinique Moisture Surge

A cult-favorite gel-cream that provides intense moisture without heaviness

MASTERING THE ART OF PERSONALIZATION

The BeauteSchool 5E Consultation Approach to Beauty Sales

By Mickey Tortorelli

The art of consultation is a dynamic blend of creativity and science, where beauty advisors combine their knowledge of products with a deep understanding of the customer’s individual needs.

The consultation process goes beyond simply recommending products—it’s about fostering a personalized experience.

By understanding your customer’s unique preferences and concerns, you can provide tailored advice that resonates emotionally while grounding it in logical, proven methods to achieve your goals.

This blend of empathy and expertise creates an environment where trust flourishes, making it more likely that your customer will return to you for future consultations and purchases.

One of the most effective frameworks for personalizing a consultation is the BeauteSchool 5E method, which applies seamlessly to any product and any customer.

The 5E steps—Engage, Explore, Educate, Enrich, and Enhance—guide you through a structured yet flexible consultation.

The 5E steps

Engage Explore

Educate

Enrich

Enhance

Begin by warmly welcoming your customer to create a positive environment for a successful conversation. This sets the tone for a productive and personalized consultation.

Ask open-ended questions to understand the customer’s needs, concerns, and goals. Observing their skin and lifestyle helps gather valuable insights for accurate product recommendations.

Share product features and benefits tailored to the customer’s specific needs. Demonstrate how the product can address their concerns, ensuring they understand how it will help them.

Recommend additional products that complement or enhance the original purchase. This step helps increase the sale by adding value and introduces customers to a more complete solution.

Follow up with the customer to ensure satisfaction and promote loyalty. Continuous engagement after the sale shows your commitment to their experience, building long-term relationships.

By engaging your customer with a warm welcome, exploring their concerns and desires, and educating them on solutions that align with their needs, you establish a relationship built on personalized service. Enriching the consultation with additional recommendations based on your customer’s preferences not only enhances their experience but also builds loyalty. Finally, enhancing the relationship with follow-up communications reinforces trust and ensures long-term customer satisfaction.

Personalization

is at the core of every consultation.

It involves not just recommending the right product but understanding the customer’s unique skin type, preferences, and lifestyle. By delving into their concerns and goals, you can make well-informed suggestions that genuinely meet your customer’s needs, ensuring their satisfaction and a higher likelihood of repeat business. It’s this deep level of understanding that distinguishes an exceptional consultation from a simple transaction.

A successful consultation is one that marries the art of personalization with the science of beauty knowledge. By following the 5E method, you can provide a tailored experience that meets the customer’s needs while fostering trust and loyalty. A well-executed consultation not only leads to immediate sales but also builds the foundation for long-term customer relationships.

Key Takeaways:

Personalization is key to building strong customer relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction by understanding their unique needs and concerns.

The 5E consultation method — Engage, Explore, Educate, Enrich, and Enhance— provides a proven framework for successful beauty consultations.

Follow-up and ongoing communication after a consultation enhance customer loyalty and drive repeat business, ensuring long-term success.

Ready to dive deeper into the art of consultations and elevate your selling techniques?

Learn more about customer personality types, how to personalize every consultation, and perfect your customer service approach in the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program’s Customer Service Experience course.

Click here to discover how mastering these skills can help you build lasting customer loyalty and drive more sales!

Illuminating Innovation:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Red & Blue Light Devices in Modern Skincare

Empowering Beauty Advisors to Enhance Regimens with Cutting-Edge LED Technology

In today’s fast-paced beauty landscape, advanced skin devices have transformed the way customers approach skincare at home. For beauty advisors, understanding the nuances of LED technology—especially the distinct benefits of red and blue light masks—is key to providing tailored recommendations that complement a customer’s skincare regimen.

How LED Technology Works

LED (light-emitting diode) devices utilize specific wavelengths of light to trigger biological responses in the skin.

Red Light LED: These penetrate deeper into the skin, stimulating collagen production, enhancing circulation, and reducing inflammation. The result is a smoother, firmer complexion with diminished fine lines and wrinkles.

Blue Light LED: Targeting the superficial layers, blue light is highly effective at combating acne by destroying acne-causing bacteria and reducing excess oil. This makes them ideal for customers battling breakouts and inflammation on the skin’s surface.

Dual-Action Masks

Many advanced LED masks are designed to incorporate both red and blue light in a single device. This dual-action approach offers the best of both worlds. By offering both benefits in one mask, these devices cater to a range of skin concerns, making them a versatile solution for customers who may experience both aging and acnerelated issues.

By integrating these technologies, beauty advisors can explain that these devices are designed to work in synergy with traditional skincare products. Used consistently alongside serums, moisturizers, and cleansers, LED masks help enhance product absorption and amplify visible results.

Recommending Skin Devices as an Adjunct to Skincare

At-home LED devices are not meant to replace a complete skincare regimen; they are intended to be an adjunct treatment.

For effective results, recommend the following key tips:

Cleanse

Consistent Use

Follow Up

Always start with a clean, makeup-free face to maximize light penetration.

Explain that regular sessions—typically 10 to 20 minutes, several times a week—are necessary for noticeable improvements

After treatment, applying a hydrating serum or moisturizer can lock in benefits and soothe the skin.

LED skin devices, especially those utilizing red and blue light, represent a significant advancement in at-home skincare technology.

By understanding the distinct benefits of each wavelength—red for deep anti-aging effects and blue for acne control—beauty advisors can confidently recommend these devices as an effective adjunct to traditional skincare routines. Emphasizing the importance of consistent use and personalized consultations, advisors can transform these high-tech tools into compelling selling points, ultimately guiding clients toward healthier, more radiant skin.

Your Voice Matters!

Share Your Thoughts & WIN a Silk’n Red Light Mask!

Your expertise and dedication shape the beauty industry, and we want to ensure that BE Magazine continues to be your go-to resource for beauty knowledge, inspiration, and success.

To help us plan future issues, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the following:

• What professional skills are you looking to develop or enhance? Are there specific areas where you’d like to see more in-depth articles, tutorials, or expert advice?

• What new trends or innovations in the beauty industry would you like us to explore in upcoming issues?

• What are some of the biggest challenges or pain points you’re currently facing in your work? How can BE Magazine better support you and your colleagues in overcoming these obstacles?

Your feedback is important to us! Share your thoughts and feedback to help us improve BE Magazine and make it a valuable resource for beauty professionals.

Let’s make this season one of abundance, growth, and renewal— for you and for BE Magazine.

Thank you so much for your dedication and continued support!

a subscriber to BE Magazine— sign up here if you haven’t yet!

like to see emailing contact@beauteschool.com Magazine— yet!

By Mickey Tortorelli

Spring Into Sun Protection: Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients and Types

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter this spring, it’s essential for beauty advisors to be well-versed in suncare. Customers rely on your expertise to navigate the vast array of sunscreen options, making your knowledge crucial in guiding them toward effective protection.

Common and Emerging Sunscreen Ingredients

Sunscreens primarily utilize two types of active ingredients:

Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens: These contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter UV rays.

Chemical Sunscreens: These include ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, preventing skin penetration.

Recent advancements have introduced new ingredients aiming to enhance protection and skin compatibility. One such ingredient is bemotrizinol (also known as Tinosorb S), which offers broad-spectrum UV protection and is approved for use in Canada.

Explaining Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens to Customers

When discussing sunscreen options with customers, it’s important to clarify the differences:

Mineral Sunscreens: These provide immediate protection upon application by physically blocking UV rays. They are often recommended for sensitive skin due to their lower risk of irritation. However, they can leave a white cast and may feel heavier on the skin.

Chemical Sunscreens: These need about 20 minutes to become effective after application as they are absorbed into the skin. They tend to be lighter, blend well without leaving a residue, and are less noticeable on the skin. Some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain chemical ingredients.

Key Takeaways:

Understand Ingredient Functions

Be familiar with both mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients to recommend products that align with your customers’ needs and preferences.

Assess Customer Skin Types

Tailor your sunscreen recommendations based on individual skin sensitivities and concerns to ensure both protection and comfort.

Stay Informed on Regulations

Keep abreast of Health Canada approvals and new sunscreen ingredients to provide the most current and effective options to your customers.

To confidently recommend suncare products and educate your customers effectively, enroll in the Sun Care and Safety course within the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program.

This course offers comprehensive insights into suncare, sunscreen ingredients, application, and regulations, equipping you with the knowledge to excel in your role.

Click here to learn more and enhance your expertise.

Certified Confidence:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Why earning the Certified Beauty Advisor designation is a game-changer.

A Beauty Advisor’s Path to Success with RBCP

Mastering the Art of Beauty:

A Q&A with a Certified Beauty Advisor

Hannah Clausen

The Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) is designed to empower Beauty Advisors with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their careers.

For those looking to elevate their beauty knowledge and skills, the RBCP provides essential training in skin care, makeup, fragrance, and customer service, and more, helping Beauty Advisors deliver expert advice, build lasting customer relationships and achieve their Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) designation..

In this exclusive Q&A, we spoke with Hannah Clausen, CBA, Beauty Specialist at Shoppers Drug Mart in Nova Scotia, who completed the RBCP and discovered how the program helped shape her skills, career, and passion for the beauty industry.

Can you tell us about your journey into the beauty industry? What inspired you to become a Beauty Advisor?

I was somewhat of a late bloomer in the beauty world. Growing up as a farm kid and a bit of a tomboy, the beauty industry was the furthest thing from my mind. It wasn’t until I made a cross-country move in my early twenties that I found a sense of belonging in the online beauty community.

During the early days of YouTube beauty influencers, I developed a love for makeup that eventually led me to seek out a job as a Beauty Advisor. Now, nine years into my career, I’ve never looked back!

How has earning your Certified Beauty Advisor designation impacted your performance and customer service?

The beauty industry is constantly evolving—from skin care innovations to new makeup trends—so continuous learning is key. While staying on top of trends is exciting, it’s just as important to have a strong foundation of knowledge. The RBCP training was an incredible refresher, helping me return to the fundamentals of being an exceptional Beauty Advisor—beyond just keeping up with the latest fads.

Can you share a memorable experience where your RBCP training made a difference in a client interaction?

My RBCP training is a constant asset in my role, providing me with a strong foundation of product knowledge and customer service best practices. This allows me to put my customers at ease, ensuring they receive expert guidance tailored to their unique beauty needs. Knowing I have the skills and training to back up my recommendations gives both me and my customers greater confidence.

What would you say to your colleagues considering the RBCP?

The RBCP is a fantastic way for experienced Beauty Advisors to reconnect with the fundamentals of the industry and sharpen their skills. If you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by the fast-paced nature of beauty, this program helps bring you back to the essentials. For those just starting out, the RBCP is an absolute must—it lays the groundwork for a successful and confident career in beauty.

Hannah Clausen CBA, Beauty Specialist Shoppers Drug Mart Nova Scotia

What’s next for you in your beauty career, and how has RBCP prepared you for future opportunities?

Completing the RBCP reignited my love for the beauty industry and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning. This May, I will be starting a four-month intensive program to earn my makeup artistry license. I’m excited to take my skills to the next level and become an even better Beauty Advisor for my customers!

Want to Elevate Your Beauty Career and achieve your Certified Beauty Advisor designation?

Take your expertise to the next level with the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program. Gain in-depth beauty knowledge, refine your customer service skills, and become a trusted beauty expert.

Use Promo Code BEMAGAZINE50 to receive 50% off the RBCP. Click here to learn more and enroll today

Beauty Beyond the Needle:

By Sue Duncan

Registered Nurse, Nurse Injector, Skincare Aficionado

Expert Skincare for Injectables & Fillers

Guide your customers to radiant, long-lasting results with these skincare tips.

As cosmetic injectables continue to rise in popularity, Beauty Advisors are increasingly encountering customers who incorporate neurotoxins and dermal fillers into their beauty routine. While you may not be selling injectables, having a strong understanding of what they are, how they work, and how to complement them with the right skincare will help you provide expert recommendations and build trust with your customers.

What Are Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers?

Both neurotoxins (such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin) and dermal fillers (such as hyaluronic acid-based injectables) are non-surgical cosmetic treatments administered by a licensed healthcare professional. These procedures are designed to smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and enhance facial contours.

Neurotoxins temporarily relax muscles to prevent the formation of dynamic wrinkles, with results lasting about three months. Common treatment areas include the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.

Dermal Fillers restore volume and smooth out fine lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular, as they provide natural-looking plumpness in areas such as the cheeks, lips, and jawline. Results are immediate and can last from a year to several years.

Skincare That Complements

Injectables

Once a customer has undergone injectables, maintaining their results with the right skincare is essential. Here’s what you should recommend:

Hyaluronic Acid

Since most fillers are made with HA, incorporating a hyaluronic acid-based serum like Vichy Mineral 89 or NEOSTRATA® Hyaluronic Luminous Lift helps prolong the plumping effect and keeps skin hydrated.

Peptides & Ceramides

These ingredients, found in products like Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Revitalizing Cream, help strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity.

Gentle Exfoliators (AHA/BHA/PHA)

Regular exfoliation with mild acids like La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum promotes cell turnover, keeping the skin smooth and radiant.

Vitamin C

Products like Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules help brighten skin and boost collagen production for an even, youthful glow.

How Beauty Advisors Can Support Customers with Injectables

Ask the Right Questions

Focus on Hydration & Barrier Support

Educate on Skincare Timing

When customers mention injectables, inquire about their skin goals and sensitivities before recommending products.

Encourage the use of deeply hydrating, barrier-strengthening skincare to extend the longevity of treatments.

Advise customers to avoid harsh exfoliants, retinol, and active ingredients for at least 48 hours post-treatment.

By understanding the world of cosmetic injectables and recommending the right post-treatment skincare, Beauty Advisors can enhance their expertise and provide tailored solutions that keep customers looking and feeling their best.

Bloom with Balance: Integrating Self-Care into Your Daily Routine

Harnessing the Season of Renewal to Enhance Personal and Professional Vitality

Welcome Spring! This month marks nature’s rebirth and symbolizes the cycle of life and renewal. What better way to ring in nature’s new year by checking in with yourself and establishing intentions for the next year ahead. During these unpredictable times, it is so valuable to focus on the things we can control, especially our well being.

By Alexandra Duz (She/Her) MA, Registered Psychotherapist duzalexandra@gmail.com

This article will explore self care rituals for managing stress, boosting energy, and maintaining enthusiasm inside and outside of the workplace!

Managing Stress

Stress is a natural and normal part of life, there’s no escaping days that feel unpredictable, challenging, or downright horrible.

We can support our bodies’ experience of stress and the ebbs and flows of life by establishing a consistent self-care practice that incorporates strategies to use when experiencing acute stress as well as ongoing stress maintenance.

When experiencing acute stress, consider implementing the following strategies:

Breathing Exercises:

Box Breathing: Inhale for 5 breaths, hold for 5, exhale for 5, hold for 5. Make sure to breathe in and out of your nose and repeat this cycle until you feel better!

Deep Belly Breathing: Inhale through your nose filling your belly, chest, then throat, then exhale through your nose emptying throat, chest, then belly.

Extra tip: Making your exhales longer than your inhales is an efficient and simple way to regulate your nervous system!

Repeat a Mantra:

Find a word or phrase that helps bring you back into your body that incorporates selfcompassion. Something like, “this feeling is temporary and you are capable of sitting with difficult emotions,” can be just the type of support we need to help ourselves get through a difficult part of our day.

If your desire is to begin incorporating daily tools for managing stress and well being proactively, try incorporating one or more of the following practices:

Meditation:

There are many types of meditation! A great place to start is Guided Mindfulness Meditation - these are accessible through apps like Headspace, Insight Timer or Youtube.

Yin Yoga:

Yin yoga requires us to slow down and hold poses anywhere from 3-5 minutes. It is one of the best practices you can do for your mind, body, emotions, and spirit!

Try Journaling or Abstract Art:

Helpful strategies for working through stress and difficult feelings include the process of externalization - getting our thoughts and feelings outside of our body or detaching our experiences from our sense of self.

Journaling or creating art from the perspective of your emotions is a creative and cathartic way of helping you process stress and detach from difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Boosting Energy

Feeling more tired than usual is a normal experience for many over the winter months, but with spring in bloom, there are many more opportunities to engage in activities that boost our energy! Try some of these strategies to help support your body in feeling regenerated and full of vitality:

Spend time outdoors/in sunlight daily:

Not only do we need a daily dose of vitamin D, but fresh air, connecting with natural landscapes, and moving our body are essential for overall well being and energy. Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen!

Balancing your day through harmonizing yin and yang activities: If you don’t know what Yin and Yang energies are, Yin can be described as activities that are slow/gentle, low impact activities, whereas yang activities are fast/intense, high impact activities. Feeling balanced and optimizing your energy daily and sustainably requires an ongoing dance between these two energies. Aim for a 50/50 split as one replenishes the other.

Lastly the golden rule of well being and energy:

Quality sleep, diet and movement! Strive for a regime that considers any special health considerations you have. Optimizing each of these areas is the foundation of your health and energy - everything else is a cherry on top!

Maintaining Enthusiasm

Though it can be difficult to maintain enthusiasm when we’re tired, disinterested, or distressed, it is an important skill to master inside and outside our work settings. Though faking positivity can be transparent and off putting, consider the following strategies for infusing your day with intentionality, thus making it more likely to remain enthusiastic as you overcome barriers:

Manifestation and Intention Setting: Begin your day or a new activity by sitting alone, in silence, and visualize how you want your day to go, how you’d like to show up, and the energy you want to both bring to your actions and attract. You can even come up with a short statement describing your intention for the day such as, “I am open, flexible, and adapt to change with ease.” How we perceive and respond to situations always starts with our mindset going in.

Containment:

This exercise, unlike compartmentalization, allows us to mentally and emotionally tuck away distressing experiences until it is an appropriate time to process. Visualize a beautiful, warm, safe place to store any difficult thoughts, feelings, sensations or experiences. Visualize yourself capturing all of these elements into some kind of object or orb and tuck it away safely in this special place. Then, bring yourself back to the here and now, promising yourself you’ll explore those pieces when the time is right, allowing you to move on with your day feeling aligned and focused.

Spring Self-Care Challenge:

Choose 1 skill from each category and over the next few months come up with a regimen for practicing each skill daily.

For the first 30 days practice 1 new skill, adding a new skill to your routine each month. When starting a new hobby or routine, less is more - be realistic and set yourself up for success. Self-care is a practice not a test.

Key Takeaways:

Implement Stress- Reduction Techniques:

Incorporate practices such as breathing exercises, meditation, and journaling to manage both acute and chronic stress effectively.

Boost and Sustain Energy

Levels:

Engage in outdoor activities, balance restful and active pursuits, and prioritize quality sleep and nutrition to enhance vitality.

Maintain Enthusiasm in Professional

Settings:

Utilize manifestation techniques, set daily intentions, and practice emotional containment to foster a positive and focused mindset at work.

Look Good Feel Better

Madeline’s Volunteer Story

Madeline is proud to support those facing cancer through LGFB workshops both online and in-person.

Fashion and beauty lover Madeline Della Mora has been a core part of Look Good Feel Better as a Cosmetic Advisor Volunteer. Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is the only charitable program dedicated to helping people manage the appearancerelated effects of cancer and its treatment for over 30 years.

This year, Madeline celebrates eight years of volunteering with LGFB. “You’re never alone while volunteering with LGFB,” Madeline said. “This volunteer work has been something that I look forward to so much—especially because of the sense of community and friendship shared among volunteers. Going through cancer treatment is hard, but you should not feel alone. That’s why we are here!”

One of the most challenging aspects of a cancer diagnosis is the loss of identity that comes with it. Body image is a critical psychosocial issue for patients with cancer because they often undergo significant changes to their appearance, like hair loss and skin changes. At the heart of the LGFB programs are complimentary workshops that address the appearance-related impact of

cancer and its treatment while offering people a community where they can connect with others facing similar challenges.

“Many of the side effects of treatment are common. At LGFB, we are overflowing with products and techniques to make the appearancerelated side effects more tolerable and manageable,” shared Madeline. “The moments I cherish the most are candid interactions between participants. In one workshop, a woman who had attended years ago and is now cancer-free came with her recently diagnosed friend.

She took out the wig she wore during her treatment and let her friend try it on. It suited her so well that when she went to return it, the woman said, ‘Actually, you keep it.’ There were tears and hugs, but this moment was about more than just passing on a wig. It symbolized the support, love, and camaraderie that our LGFB workshops embody.”

As the seasons change, Madeline reminds us of some must-know tips for skincare—starting with cleaning our makeup bags! “Did you know products should ONLY be used for three to six months? Once they’re opened, oxygen begins to degrade the formula, and they’ll start to expire—regardless of the use-by date. And sunscreen is a non-negotiable all year round when we’re spending time with our skin exposed!”

“The moments I cherish the most are candid interactions between participants.”

- Madeline Della Mora

You’re Invited to Bubbles & Brunch – Toronto!

Join us on Sunday, April 27, from 12:00 PM –3:00 PM at the Toronto Event Center – Exhibition Place for an afternoon of indulgence, networking, and celebration! Sip on bubbles, enjoy a delicious brunch, and connect with fellow beauty professionals in a vibrant atmosphere.

Click here to buy your tickets now!

“BeauteSchool covered all the bases—of which there are many—in the retail cosmetic environment. The systematic approach, complete with knowledge checks and learning activities, ensures a solid foundation for both experienced professionals and newcomers alike.”

Ashleigh Forestell, CBA

Beauty Advisor, Shoppers Drug Mart

Become a Certified Beauty Advisor in 2025

The Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program® (RBCP) is the ultimate opportunity to build your skills, boost your confidence, and position yourself as a trusted beauty expert. This online program is designed for new and experienced Beauty Advisors alike, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to deliver exceptional customer experiences. And now, in 2025, the RBCP is getting an exciting update!

What’s in it for You?

By completing the RBCP, you’ll earn the prestigious Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) designation, along with a CBA pin and Certificate of Completion. Demonstrate your expertise, confidence and build trust and loyalty with your customers.

This program includes eight interactive online courses, each designed to build your expertise in key beauty categories, from skincare to customer service.

Every course is packed with engaging lessons, knowledge checks, and practical activities to ensure you retain what you learn. Plus, you’ll have six months to complete the program at your own pace.

Keep your eye out for the March issue of BE Magazine for the relaunch of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program!

Learn, grow, and succeed with our newly updated certification program.

Tired of relying on webinars that don’t fully engage your audience? Ready to elevate your brand education strategy?

At BeauteSchool Inc., we offer award-winning learning solutions, powered by an intuitive Learning Management System (LMS) designed specifically for the beauty industry.

Why Choose BeauteSchool?

Interactive, Engaging Courses

Seamless LMS Experience

Custom Reporting & Analytics

Content & Learner Management

Experts in Beauty & Education

Go beyond webinars with dynamic, interactive content that sticks.

Easy to use, easy to manage—perfect for both brands and learners.

Track progress, measure impact, and make data-driven decisions.

Organize all your learning materials and monitor learner performance in one place.

45+ years experience. It’s all we do.

Ready to see the difference?

Visit www.beauteschool.com to learn more, and Contact Us today to transform your brand training.

Empower Your Beauty Advisors. Boost Brand Results. Our platform isn’t just where beauty advisors learn—it’s where brands grow.

With Love