September 2025 Issue of BE Magazine by beauteschoolinc

Beauty In Transition

66 Beauty Blueprint: Mickey Tortorelli, Building a Legacy in Beauty Education

The Authority in Beauty Education

Publisher Mickey Tortorelli Editor Victoria Duz Designer Katherine Gileno &

Beauty In Transition

ANoteofGratitude

To Our Wonderful Beauty Community,

As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you Your unwavering support, dedication, and passion have been the driving force be hind everything we do here at BeauteSchool

Dear Beautiful Community,

As the golden hues of autumn begin to paint our world, I’m reminded that change is both inevitable and inspiring. For the beauty industry, fall is one of the most exciting seasons of the year. It brings fresh product launches, bold new colour stories, innovative skincare ingredients, and, most importantly, an opportunity to guide our customers through their own transitions—whether that’s nourishing their skin after summer, trying out a jewel-toned eye look, or finding a fragrance that feels like the new season.

To our incredible Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers: thank you for your commitment to excellence Every day, you create e memorable experiences for your clients and elevate the beauty indus try with your expertise, kindness, and professionalism We are endlessly grateful for your partnership and trust I would also like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our Certified Beauty Advisors who have successfully graduated from our Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Prrogram Your dedication to expanding your skills and knowledge has been truly inspiring Watching you grow and excel through our program has been one of our greatest joys this year

This month’s theme, ‘Beauty in Transition’, reflects both the thrill of embracing what’s new and the comfort of holding on to what’s timeless. As beauty advisors, we are entrusted with helping our clients find that balance. Sometimes that means introducing them to a science-forward innovation, and other times it’s about reaffirming the trust they place in a classic, tried-and-true product. The magic lies in knowing when to celebrate change and when to honour consistency.

We are also thrilled to launch our new monthly column, ‘Ask Us Anything…About Beauty’. Thank you to all the Beauty Advisors who shared their questions with us in the July issue—your curiosity and engagement inspire us every day. As a token of our gratitude, each participant received complimentary access to the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0. We’re delighted to continue this initiative, offering free RBCP access to any Beauty Advisor who contributes questions to ‘Ask Us Anything…About Beauty’.

To the beau ty brands who have partnered with us your support has been instrumental in makiing our vision a reality Together, we are empowering the next generation of beauty experts, enhancing the customer experience, and driving the industry forw ard

Several of this issue’s features are designed to inspire you in this very balance. In ‘September Reset: Embrace Change’, you’ll find guidance on setting new goals for the season—reminders that change, when embraced with intention, can create stability and renewal. ‘Fall Into Skincare: Nourish, Repair, Protect’ is a practical roadmap to help clients transition their routines and keep skin healthy as cooler weather arrives. And in ‘The Science Behind the Skincare’, we take a deeper look at how ingredients and formulations truly work, giving you the knowledge to translate complex science into simple, client-friendly storytelling.

I also invite you to read ‘The Beauty Blueprint’, where I share my own career story—how every change, every pivot, and every opportunity shaped the path that led me here. My hope is that it inspires you to see transition not as uncertainty, but as possibility. Within change lies the seed of growth, both professionally and personally.

As we celebrate this festive season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the achievements we’ve shared and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you into the new year

As we step into this season of transformation, remember: beauty is not just in the new shades of lipstick or the latest skincare serum. It’s in the way we adapt, guide, and uplift. Let’s welcome transition as an invitation—to learn, to grow, and to thrive— together.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of the BeauteSchool family Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments

With gratitude,

Mickey Tortor elli

With love,

uteSchool

Mickey Tortorelli, CTDB, Founder & Publisher, BE Magazine CEO BeauteSchool Inc.

BeauteSchool LMS:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Kick Off 2026 with the only platform you need for education success!

At BeauteSchool, we provide an award-winning Learning Management System tailored for beauty brands, retailers, and industry professionals.

With over 45 years of experience in the beauty industry, we specialize in offering a customized learning management system (LMS) that accelerates growth and engagement for brands around the world. Our platform is designed to make learning interactive, engaging, and accessible for all learners.

The Learning Platform for the Beauty Industry

Our LMS supports a variety of educational modalities, including Webinars, eLearning, MasterClass in Minutes®, Resources, Videos, Gamification, and much more, making it easier for your sales teams and beauty professionals to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Key

Features of BeauteSchool’s LMS:

Launch your courses or ours. BeauteSchool can design online content that is interactive, responsive and engages learners with personalized experiences and real-time feedback.

We recommend implementing a variety of learning formats, such as eLearning, webinars, and micro-learning formats to increase engagement and retention.

Track learner progress, completions, certifications, and ROI through customized easy-to-read reports, helping you measure the effectiveness of your training programs.

Engage learners with badges, points, and leaderboards, encouraging them to complete courses and achieve learning milestones and gratis.

BeauteSchool LMS that supports over 20 languages, delivering training to a global audience.

Our LMS integrates seamlessly with your existing systems such as Webinar platforms and more to ensure smooth delivery of educational content.

What Our Clients Are Saying:

‘‘BeauteSchool has developed all of our NEOSTRATA online courses, including micro-learning, resulting in 5-star ratings from our learners and high completion rates. Their LMS system is dependable, and the trackability of data makes our training efforts measurable.’’

Patricia Clare

National Training Manager Canada NEOSTRATA®

‘‘Mickey’s industry knowledge and creativity made the launch of our LMS a success. She has an incredible understanding of what’s needed to deliver top-quality beauty education, and it was a pleasure working with her team.’’

Kippy Spergel VP Sales & Marketing CBON Group

‘‘BeauteSchool’s partnership allowed us to achieve our training goals through an interactive, engaging 360⁰ Online learning platform. Their team was knowledgeable, professional, and responsive, and the online platform is easy to navigate, with great reporting tools to track participant progress.’’

Ash Kumar

Vice President | Marketing & Brand Management ACI Brands (Beauty)

‘‘We’ve reached thousands of Beauty Consultants through BeauteSchool’s eLearning modules. Their LMS has been key to the engagement and success of our training programs, and we are proud of our collaboration, which earned a Gold Award of Excellence.’’

Elaine Shigeishi Vice President, Sales and Marketing Shiseido and Cle de Peau Beaute

Interested in learning how BeauteSchool’s LMS solutions can help your brand accelerate growth and reach as many learners as possible?

RBCP® 2.0: Elevating Your Expertise with Confidence

By Mickey Tortorelli

At BeauteSchool, we understand that beauty is constantly evolving. With the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program® (RBCP) 2.0, we’re empowering beauty advisors with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stay ahead of the latest trends, connect with clients, and elevate their careers.

The RBCP 2.0 offers a comprehensive learning experience designed for beauty professionals at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your expertise, RBCP 2.0 offers courses across skincare, makeup, fragrance, customer service, and building your business, all tailored to help you shine on the sales floor and increase client satisfaction.

Benefits of Certification:

Becoming a Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) through the RBCP 2.0 can set you apart from the competition. With certification, you’ll not only enhance your knowledge but also build trust with your clients, leading to loyal relationships and improved sales. Here are some real-life examples of how RBCP has helped beauty advisors grow their careers:

‘‘This program helped refresh my skills and gave me a boost of confidence, especially in areas I had forgotten about. I feel more confident now and have improved in areas where my knowledge was previously limited. It’s allowed me to better educate and assist my clients.’’

Ashleigh Forestell, CBA Beauty Advisor

Shoppers Drug Mart

‘‘For someone with years of experience, RBCP was a fantastic way to refresh my knowledge and revisit client service best practices. It’s been an excellent way to rebuild my confidence in connecting with clients, especially in a post-COVID landscape.’’

Hannah Clausen, CBA Beauty Specialist

Shoppers Drug Mart

‘‘The RBCP program was incredibly comprehensive and covered every aspect of the retail cosmetic environment. I gained valuable insights into skincare, fragrance, and client service that have helped me enhance my interactions with clients and boost my sales.’’

Val Bradshaw, CBA Beauty Advisor

Shoppers Drug Mart

Why RBCP 2.0 Matters:

Stay Ahead of Beauty Knowledge:

With updated courses on the latest innovations, you’ll be equipped to share the most current ingredients, techniques, and trends with your clients.

Build Trust and Loyalty:

Certification allows you to confidently recommend the best solutions, enhancing your clients trust in you as their go-to beauty expert.

Boost Sales and Career Growth:

By refining your skills in client consultations, ingredient knowledge, and sales techniques, you’ll position yourself for success in the competitive beauty industry.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

Invest in your future with the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0. Elevate your expertise, boost your confidence, and become the trusted expert your clients rely on.

BE MAGAZINE

‘Ask Us Anything — About Beauty’

Your Questions, Expert Answers

Welcome to ‘Ask Us Anything — About Beauty’, our monthly column dedicated to answering your most pressing beauty questions. Each month, we select five questions from our Beauty Advisor community and share practical, accurate answers you can use in client consultations. Let’s break down the science, debunk the myths, and give you the confidence to answer your clients with authority.

Thank you to all our readers who shared their beauty questions with us! As a special thank you, each of you has been sent an invitation to access the RBCP 2.0 and take the next step toward earning your Certified Beauty Advisor designation.

What’s the deal with ‘‘slugging’’ —does it work for all skin types?

- Alionkic

‘Slugging’—sealing in your nighttime skincare with an occlusive layer like petroleum jelly—works best for ‘dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin’ by preventing water loss and supporting barrier repair. For oily or acne-prone skin, it can clog pores; in those cases, recommend lighter occlusives like squalane or a ceramide cream. Petroleum jelly contains petrolatum - derived by petroleum. We recommend that you share this information with your client to determine if this product is suitable for them.

Pro Tip for Advisors:

When suggesting slugging, always ask about skin type and breakout history before recommending. Petroleum jelly contains petrolatum, a petroleum derivative. We recommend sharing this information with your client to determine if this product is suitable for their needs.

Are

natural ingredients better than chemical ones?

- Retta Gabriel

Not necessarily. Everything is made of chemicals—water included. Ingredient safety depends on ‘formulation, concentration, and compatibility with the skin’, not whether it’s plant-based or lab-created. Some natural extracts can irritate sensitive skin, while many labformulated ingredients are gentle and effective.

Client-Friendly Phrase:

‘‘It’s less about ‘natural vs. chemical’ and more about what’s right for *your* skin.’’

Which serum is better for dark spots—Niacinamide or Vitamin C?

- Delaram Piri

Both work, but in different ways. Vitamin C brightens and reduces melanin production; Niacinamide reduces pigment transfer and strengthens the skin barrier. The best results often come from using ‘both’—Vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection, Niacinamide at night for repair.

Product Pairing Idea:

Suggest a brightening duo: Vitamin C day serum + Niacinamide night serum.

What

are the three layers of skin?

- Amilee Hagon

1. Epidermis – Protective outer layer, home to skin cells and pigment.

2. Dermis – Middle layer with collagen, elastin, and blood vessels.

3. Hypodermis/Sub-Cutaneous Tissue – Deepest layer with fat and connective tissue for cushioning and insulation.

Education Tip:

Use a simple ‘‘skin sandwich’’ analogy to make this easy for clients to visualize.

How do I know if I’m overloading my skin with actives?

- Rowena Rose Anderson

Signs include redness, stinging, dryness, peeling, or breakouts. Introduce one active at a time, alternate usage days, and pair with soothing, hydrating products. If irritation occurs, reduce frequency and focus on barrier repair.

Avoid Active Overload By:

• Limiting to 1–2 actives at a time

• Balancing with barrier-supporting products

• Listening to your skin’s feedback

Ask Us Anything — About Beauty, GIVEAWAY!

We’re once again rewarding your curiosity! Every Beauty Advisor who submits a question for our Ask Us Anything feature will receive access to the RBCP 2.0, giving you the opportunity to continue your education and work toward becoming a Certified Beauty Advisor.

Plus, we’re adding something extra special this time: three lucky participants will each win a NEOSTRATA® gift basket valued at $500!

The prizes include a Radiance Basket featuring the Enlighten collection, a Mature Skin Basket showcasing the Skin Active line, and a Sensitive Skin Basket highlighting the Restore collection. Submit your questions before November 7, 2025 for your chance to win!

The Magic of Mandelic Acid

The Swiss Army Knife of the AHA World

Taking a quick pulse check, it seems we are all getting comfortable with understanding the benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Glycolic Acid and Citric Acid. These remarkable skin-renewal ingredients help release dead surface skin cells, much like our skin did in our younger years. As a result, they promote a smoother and more refined complexion as we age. Wouldn’t you agree?

But did you know that not all AHAs are created equal?

Enter Mandelic Acid!

Originally derived from almonds, this versatile AHA not only works on exfoliating surface dead cells but is also a lipophilic AHA (fat-soluble), with the unique ability to unblock clogged pores while it smooths the surface of the skin. A good way to think of it is like a broom that sweeps the surface of the skin and a plunger that plunges the pores clean as a whistle! This is a new conversation that you can add to your skincare arsenal when speaking with your valued customers.

Mandelic acid is the Swiss Army knife of the AHA world, offering many benefits without a lot of irritating side effects. It’s a great ingredient to keep in your pocket for conversations with your oily, acneprone clients, especially those who find most products for their skin type drying or harsh—particularly if their skin is also delicate. This AHA has become a favourite in medical practices, especially for patients and customers with oily and acne-prone skin who seek an oil-loving AHA due to its ambidextrous nature.

Mandelic acid is a larger molecule than most traditional AHAs, which allows even sensitive, oily, or combination skin to experience relief from being over-dried or underwhelmed by results. It penetrates the skin more slowly, which allows for easier tolerance. The skin benefits are fantastic, including reduced oiliness, less shine, antibacterial qualities, and even anti-aging effects!

The NEOSTRATA® Mandelic

Clarifying Hydragel is the latest addition to the CLARIFY collection for customers looking to reduce shine and boost hydration.

This water-gel, mineral oil-free formulation is an all-in-one moisturiser that delivers hydration, reduces oily shine, refines the look of pores, and diminishes the appearance of post-blemish marks. Formulated with the versatile exfoliating power of Mandelic Acid (AHA) and the gentle exfoliation of PHAs, it also includes brightening extracts and shine-diminishing botanicals, topped off with clarifying Salicylic Acid (BHA) to complete this advanced formulation.

Mineral oil-free, non-comedogenic, nonacnegenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free.

After 2 weeks of twice-daily use:

97% of participants noted their skin appeared less oily 97% found their skin was more hydrated

94% of participants noticed their pores appeared less noticeable

After 4 weeks of twice-daily use:

100% of participants noticed an overall improvement in the appearance of their skin

The Power Trio

The NEOSTRATA Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser, Post-Acne Mark Correcting Serum, and the Mandelic Clarifying Hydragel create a fresh twist on helping your oily and acne-prone skin types achieve a cleaner, clearer, and more balanced appearance.

Key Takeaways

Mandelic Acid is a versatile AHA that works on exfoliating the skin’s surface while unblocking clogged pores.

The NEOSTRATA® Mandelic Clarifying Hydragel is a mineral oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates, reduces shine, and diminishes post-blemish marks.

In clinical trials, 100% of participants noticed an overall improvement in their skin after four weeks of use.

Want to learn more about Mandelic Acid and how it can benefit your customers?

Register for an account on the NEOSTRATA® Training Hub to dive deeper into this powerful ingredient and other skincare solutions to help you better advise your clients.

The Science Behind the Skincare:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Understanding Ingredients, Actives & Formulations

What’s Really in Your Skincare?

Breaking Down the Ingredient List—From Base Formulas to Hero Ingredients

Every skincare product is more than just a list of trendy actives—it’s a carefully crafted formula made up of ingredients that each serve a purpose. Help your clients understand that a product isn’t just ‘one’ key ingredient—it’s a full system working together.

Here’s how a typical formula breaks down:

Base ingredients

These are often water or oils that create the texture and allow the product to spread easily.

Example: Aqua (water), squalane, or glycerin.

Active ingredients

These are the powerhouse components that target skin concerns like acne, dryness, aging, or pigmentation.

Example: Niacinamide for oil control, hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinol for aging.

Preservatives and stabilizers

These keep the product safe, fresh, and effective throughout its shelf life.

Example: Phenoxyethanol or ethylhexylglycerin.

By learning to spot these categories, beauty advisors can better explain how products are designed to deliver results—and why every ingredient plays a role.

From Lab to Shelf: How

Skincare Products Are Made

Modern skincare isn’t just about ingredients— it’s about how those ingredients are formulated to ‘work together effectively’. New technology plays a huge role in how products are absorbed and tolerated by different skin types.

Consultation Tip: When clients ask why a product “works better” or costs more, highlight advanced delivery systems or stabilized ingredients. That’s often what sets high-performance skincare apart.

What Makes an Ingredient “Active”?

How Actives Work and Why They’re Essential to Skin Results

An ‘active ingredient’ is any ingredient in a skincare product that has been scientifically proven to change the structure or function of the skin.

Unlike ingredients that just feel or smell good, ‘actives do the real work’—and they’re backed by clinical studies. These ingredients are used at specific concentrations, often regulated, to produce visible results.

Examples of actives:

Clears pores and exfoliates oily, acne-prone skin

Brightens, evens skin tone, and protects against environmental damage

Rebuild the skin barrier and lock in moisture

Beauty advisors can guide clients by asking: “What skin concern are you looking to improve?” Then recommend products with the appropriate actives to match their goals.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Vitamin C Ceramides

Key Takeaways

Every ingredient in a skincare product plays a role—from base to actives to delivery and preservation. Active ingredients are what treat skin concerns, and their effectiveness depends on proper formulation and concentration. Understanding skincare science helps you educate your clients, build trust, and offer solutions tailored to their specific skin needs.

Understanding Atopic Skin Conditions:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Atopic skin conditions—such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea—are common client concerns, especially during seasonal transitions. These conditions can be aggravated by environmental changes like temperature shifts, humidity, and allergens, leading to redness, sensitivity, and flare-ups.

For beauty advisors, understanding how to identify these conditions and knowing which products and ingredients can help manage symptoms is key to building trust and providing effective, tailored recommendations.

How to Recognize and Address Them

Common Atopic Skin

Conditions & How to Support Them in Store

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

What It Looks Like: Inflamed, dry, and itchy skin with red, cracked patches—often worse in warm weather due to heat, sweat, and pollen exposure.

Recommended Ingredients:

Ceramides

Restore and strengthen the skin barrier

Colloidal Oatmeal

Soothes itching and calms inflammation

Shea Butter

Rich emollient to deeply moisturize and protect.

Product Types to Suggest:

• Fragrance-free barrier creams

• Gentle, non-foaming cleansers

• Overnight hydration masks for face or body

Conversation Starter:

‘‘I notice your skin looks a little dry and irritated. Do you ever experience flare-ups that get worse in certain seasons? I can recommend something soothing and barrier-repairing.’’

Psoriasis

What It Looks Like: Red, inflamed patches covered with thick, silvery scales. Skin may crack or bleed, with flare-ups triggered by stress, temperature changes, or allergens.

Recommended Ingredients:

Aloe Vera

Calms and hydrates inflamed areas.

Salicylic Acid

Helps gently loosen and remove scales.

Urea

Softens thickened skin while adding hydration.

Product Types to Suggest:

• Gentle exfoliating creams or body washes

• Intensive moisturizing balms

• Soothing gels for targeted application

Conversation Starter:

‘‘Have you noticed any areas of your skin that feel rough or scaly? We have some soothing, hydrating options that can make them more comfortable.’’

Dermatitis

What It Looks Like: Red, irritated patches with itching or burning sensations. Can be caused by contact irritants or allergens, and aggravated by seasonal changes.

Recommended Ingredients:

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Hydrates and supports barrier repair.

Calendula Extract

Calms and reduces inflammation.

Glycerin

Maintains hydration and protects from dryness.

Product Types to Suggest:

• Hypoallergenic moisturizers

• Gentle cream cleansers

• Non-irritating SPF for daily protection

Conversation Starter: ‘‘Sometimes skin can become more sensitive or reactive with the change in seasons. Are you looking for products that are extra gentle and calming?’’

Rosacea

What It Looks Like: Persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like breakouts—often triggered by heat, spicy foods, or sun exposure.

Recommended Ingredients:

Niacinamide

Reduces redness and strengthens the barrier.

Chamomile Extract

Soothes and calms irritation.

Azelaic Acid

Helps reduce inflammation and even out skin tone.

Product Types to Suggest:

• Lightweight, calming moisturizers

• Green-tinted primers to neutralize redness

• Broad-spectrum SPF (mineral preferred)

Conversation Starter: ‘‘I see a little redness—does your skin tend to flush easily? I can show you some gentle, calming options that also help protect against triggers.’’

Environmental Triggers to Discuss with Clients

Heat & Humidity

Can worsen inflammation and itching.

Cold, Dry Air

Strips skin of moisture, increasing irritation.

Allergens (Pollen,

Dust)

Can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin.

Stress & Diet

Known triggers for conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.

Key Takeaways

Recognize the signs: Distinguish between conditions by their unique appearance and symptoms. Recommend gentle, targeted formulas: Fragrance-free, hydrating, and calming products are safest.

Discuss triggers: Help clients adjust routines seasonally to prevent flare-ups.

If you want to expand your expertise in recognizing and recommending for atopic skin conditions, the RBCP® Skin Care course includes in-depth training on skin anatomy, condition management, and ingredient knowledge—so you can confidently guide every client toward relief and comfort.

Fall Into Skincare:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Nourish, Repair, Protect

Key Ingredients and Retail Tips to Refresh

Skincare Routines for Cooler Weather

The Sun-Kissed Glow: Keep That Tan

For many clients, a healthy, sun-kissed glow is one of the best parts of summer. However, as the season changes, that glow can begin to fade. To help your clients maintain their tan, recommend a gradual self-tanner or tinted moisturiser. Encourage your clients to exfoliate and moisturise daily to preserve their tan and keep their skin soft and smooth as they transition to fall.

Sunburns: Soothe and Repair

A sunburn can leave the skin red, inflamed, and vulnerable—but with the right care, your clients can support their skin’s natural healing process. As a Beauty Advisor, guide them toward targeted ingredients known for their soothing and restorative properties. Recommend moisturizers, serums, or cooling gels that contain the following key ingredients:

Aloe Vera delivers immediate cooling and relief while calming irritation and redness; Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates by drawing moisture into the skin, helping to prevent peeling and dryness; Vitamin E or Green Tea neutralizes free radical damage caused by UV exposure and promotes skin recovery.

Breakouts: Treat and Prevent

Summer heat and humidity can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts for many of your clients. To help them control oily skin and breakouts, suggest products with Glycolic Acid which exfoliates dead skin cells and helps prevent breakouts; Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and reduce breakouts, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to reduce inflammation and reduce oil production and Azelaic Acid an antibacterial and antiinflammatory which also helps reduce pigmentation from old breakouts.

A lightweight, oil-free moisturiser will also help maintain hydration without aggravating breakouts. Make sure your clients understand the importance of hydration for balancing oil production and promoting clear skin.

Hyperpigmentation: Fade Dark Spots

Exposure to the sun often leads to hyperpigmentation or dark spots. For clients dealing with this, recommend products with ingredients like Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) brightens skin and fades dark spots by inhibiting melanin production; Niacinamide (Vitamin B3); inhibits the transfer of pigment (melanin) to skin cells, helping reduce the appearance of dark spots., or Retinoids (e.g., Retinol, Tretinoin): which promote cell turnover and fade existing pigment.

These ingredients can brighten skin and even out tone. Remind your clients that sunscreen is crucial, as even minimal sun exposure can worsen pigmentation.

Dryness and Dehydration: Hydrate and Nourish

After months of sun exposure, your clients may find their skin feeling dry or dehydrated. Encourage them to incorporate products with Hyaluronic Acid: a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin and Ceramides which repair and reinforce the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and prevent water loss; and Glycerin, which keeps skin hydrated, soft, and protected without being heavy.

As the weather cools, suggest switching to richer, more nourishing moisturisers that will protect their skin and keep it soft and smooth throughout the fall.

Key Takeaways

Educate on Seasonal Skin Needs:

Clients may not realize that cooler weather, indoor heating, and less humidity all impact skin hydration and barrier health.

Recommend Strategic Swaps:

Suggest transitioning from lightweight gels and mattifiers to richer creams, replenishing serums, and barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Start the Conversation Early:

Initiate proactive discussions about skincare transitions before skin issues arise—position yourself as a knowledgeable and trusted advisor.

Retail Scenario: Transitioning

Skincare from Summer to Fall

Setting:

A client comes in to repurchase their usual summer skincare product.

Beauty Advisor says:

‘‘Welcome back! May I ask how your skin has been feeling lately? As we transition into the cooler months, many clients notice subtle changes—like dryness, tightness, or sensitivity— due to lower humidity and indoor heating. This is often an ideal time to reassess your skincare and make a few seasonal adjustments to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Would you like me to show you some options that support your fall and winter skin needs?’’

Want to become the go-to expert for your client’s skincare needs?

The Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0 offers comprehensive training on skin care, including how to advise clients on the best ingredients and routines for each season. Enroll today and enhance your skin care knowledge!

The Beauty Blueprint: Building a Legacy in Beauty Education

Mascara to Milestones: The Journey of an Industry Pioneer

For more than 45 years, Mickey Tortorelli has been shaping the future of beauty education. From her first spark of inspiration at age 12, to building Canada’s first national demonstrator agency, to launching BeauteSchool and BE Magazine, Mickey’s story is one of vision, innovation, and relentless dedication to beauty advisors. In this *Beauty Blueprint* feature, she shares her journey—and her message to every beauty advisor: the world of opportunity is bigger than you think.

‘‘My journey began with a mascara, a gift-with-purchase, and a spark of possibility. It grew into a lifetime of building, innovating, and believing in the potential of others.’’

Mickey Tortorelli

Founder & CEO BeauteSchool

Found & Publisher, BE Magazine Creator, Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program

My love affair with beauty started long before I ever stepped behind a counter. I was 12 years old, standing at the Elizabeth Arden counter at The Bay in Yorkdale, trying to figure out which purchase would qualify for the gift-withpurchase. With the help of a kind beauty advisor, I chose my first mascara. I was giddy with joy. I felt so grown up—and I knew, in that moment, that one day I’d work in retail cosmetics.

To turn that spark into a career, I decided to enroll in the Cosmetics Management Program at Seneca College. That education gave me a strong foundation in business, product knowledge, and retail skills, and after graduating I began my professional journey at Eaton’s Yorkdale.

That role as a Beauty Advisor taught me the magic of connecting with customers and the impact of personalized service. I quickly realized that moving “to the other side of the counter” as a vendor rep would allow me to blend my retail experience with a broader industry perspective.

As Regional Manager for Parfums Stern, representing Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Perry Ellis and other luxury brands, I oversaw flagship accounts across Toronto and the GTA. One of my proudest moments was leading Eaton’s TEC to become the first million-dollar account for Oscar de la Renta in Canada.

Part of my role involved finding, training, and scheduling fragrance demonstrators—so much so that it consumed half my workweek. That’s when my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. I thought, *Wouldn’t it be great if there were an agency to handle this?*

In 1985, I left Parfums Stern and launched Temprodemo Inc., the first national demonstrator agency in Canada. Within the first year, we had six offices nationwide, 600 demonstrators, and a mantra that became our purpose: *the best trained demos in beauty.*

From 1990 to 2000, I served as Director of Education, Cosmetics at Sears Canada, where I was responsible for designing and delivering training for every Beauty Advisor in Sears stores across the country.

This wasn’t occasional training—it was a structured program that reached each advisor three times a year, through workshops and one-on-one coaching.

Our program was so integral to Sears’ success that it became part of the company’s Key Performance Indicators, measured from the CEO down to every Cosmetic Manager.

The message was clear: the beauty category’s success and the customer’s experience impacted all other departments—therefore beauty education wasn’t optional, it was essential. And the results spoke for themselves. Our Beauty Advisors became known as the ‘‘best trained BAs in Canada,’’ setting a standard others aspired to match.

Mickey Tortorelli

After my career with Sears, I decided to enroll in the Adult Education Program at the University of Toronto. I felt a desire to learn as much as I could about adult learning and to really find out if I had been doing the ‘‘right things’’ so far. As it turns out, I was on the right path—and the knowledge I acquired about eLearning sparked another bright light of opportunity.

Our industry had been training beauty advisors in face-to-face seminars, workshops, and product launches for decades. Nothing compares to getting your hands on the product, trying it, smelling it, learning about it, and collaborating with your peers. However, from the perspective of reaching everyone who sells the brand— and considering the high turnover in our industry—it was an incredibly expensive investment, without the ability to truly measure the return in sales.

This realization set the stage for my next leap. In 2005—long before eLearning was the norm—I pioneered online training for beauty advisors in Canada, launching the first program with L’Oréal Haircolour. That milestone paved the way for my next chapter.

BeauteSchool was launched to provide all beauty advisors with a community where brand product knowledge and resources were available. We are so proud to work with brands such as NEOSTRATA, CHANEL, NARS, Shiseido, Look Good Feel Better and many more to help them develop and launch interactive, engaging, and effective online education programs as well as provide licensing to our Learning Management System.

We currently reach more than 16,000 learners in Canada with our education programs. With more than 45 years of beauty industry experience, coupled with extensive education expertise, we have positioned ourselves to provide a niche service to global and local beauty brands with solutions to accelerate their growth and success.

Today, as Founder & CEO of BeauteSchool Inc., I lead a team that blends beauty industry expertise with advanced adult learning design. Our work has earned accolades, including a Gold Award of Excellence from the Canadian Society of Training & Development (I4PL) for the Shiseido eLearning Program. Through BeauteSchool, I’ve personally educated over 30,000 beauty advisors in Canada and the U.S., with certificates that have become golden stamps of approval for career growth.

‘‘The CBA designation is more than a certificate—it’s a standard of excellence that empowers beauty advisors and elevates our entire industry.’’

One of my proudest creations is the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP®) and the ‘CBA designation’—the first comprehensive online credential of its kind in Canada. The RBCP was built to answer a critical need: consistent, credible education that raises the bar for every beauty advisor, no matter where they work.

The online program is structured across eight courses and more than 60 micromodules, covering the essential pillars of success in retail beauty: skincare, makeup, fragrance, hair colour and nail care, dermatology, ingredient science, retail sales skills, and professional development. Every module is interactive, engaging, and designed with microlearning principles so advisors can fit training into their busy schedules. Built on a foundation of adult learning best practices, it ensures knowledge retention and confidence that directly translate into sales and customer trust.

Graduates of the RBCP earn the Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) designation—a credential that signals to customers, colleagues, and employers that they have achieved a ‘standard of excellence in beauty education’. For advisors, the benefits are tangible: deeper expertise, greater confidence, stronger sales performance, and a clear career pathway in the industry. For retailers, the value is equally powerful: better-trained teams, improved customer experiences, higher conversion rates, and a measurable return on training investments. And for brands, it ensures that their products are represented by educated, credible advisors who can build lasting customer loyalty.

The RBCP has quickly become a ‘‘benchmark of excellence in Canadian beauty education’, and our vision is to see the CBA designation recognized as the industry standard nationwide. It is not just about certification— it’s about ‘empowerment, growth, and elevating the credibility of beauty advisors across Canada and beyond.’’

‘‘Every great business I built began with seeing a need, researching its potential, and having the courage, determination, and mindset to make it happen.’’

In 2025, I expanded that mission with BE Magazine, a virtual publication dedicated to empowering beauty advisors with skills, trends, and inspiration. BE Magazine was created as a “love letter” to beauty advisors—the heart of our industry. Our vision is clear: to be your trusted educational resource, to position ourselves as the ‘authority in beauty education’, and to create a thriving community where advisors can learn, connect, and succeed.

Every editorial is designed with beauty advisors in mind, delivering skincare education, ingredient insights, career path stories, and practical tips for retail success. The magazine also celebrates the opportunities that stem from retail experience—customer service, product expertise, sales acumen, and relationshipbuilding—which are invaluable assets for growth within the beauty industry.

Through BE Magazine, we also forge partnerships that matter, like our collaboration with Look Good Feel Better, helping to raise awareness and create opportunities for advisors to support individuals facing cancer. Ultimately, BE Magazine exists to celebrate beauty advisors, equip them with actionable knowledge, and inspire them to embrace the countless possibilities their careers can lead to.

But this blueprint isn’t just my story— it’s a call to yours. If you’re a beauty advisor, know this: there’s a vast world of opportunity in our industry. Every great business I built began with seeing a need, researching its potential, and having the courage, determination, and mindset to make it happen. You already have the foundation—your product knowledge, your customer insight, your passion for beauty. The next step is believing in your ability to turn those skills into something bigger. Don’t wait for someone else to create the opportunity you imagine. Build it yourself. The beauty industry rewards those who lead with vision, work with intention, and never stop learning.

My journey began with a mascara, a giftwith-purchase, and a spark of possibility. It grew into a lifetime of building, innovating, and believing in the potential of others. Beauty is always in transition— and that’s exactly where opportunity lives.

‘‘BE Magazine was created as a love letter to beauty advisors—the heart of our industry.’’

Beyond the Sale:

By Mickey Tortorelli

The Power of RelationshipDriven Beauty Consultations

Why Active Listening and Open-Ended Questions Keep Clients Coming Back

A successful beauty consultation is more than product knowledge—it’s about connection.

As a retail beauty advisor, your ability to build trust, ask insightful questions, and listen actively can turn a first-time shopper into a loyal client. This editorial explores how mastering the art of meaningful consultations is the key to creating personalized experiences that drive loyalty, repeat visits, and lasting relationships.

As a beauty advisor, building trust and rapport with your clients is key to creating lasting relationships that drive repeat business. One of the most powerful tools in your consultation is asking the right questions and truly listening to your clients. Understanding their needs and preferences is the foundation for fostering loyalty, ensuring you recommend the right products that deliver the results your clients expect and that address their concerns. Building trust through a consultative approach with the right questions, encourages your clients to return to you time and time again.

Active Listening and Asking the Right Questions

In any consultation, asking the right questions is vital. Open-ended questions help you dig deeper and learn more about your client’s goals and concerns. These questions begin with Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, and Tell me and encourage your client to share more detailed insights. For example, instead of asking, “Do you use a cleanser?” try asking, “What type of cleanser do you find most beneficial and why?”

Closed-ended questions, like “Do you use a cleanser?” limit the conversation and don’t provide as much valuable information. By mastering the art of asking open-ended questions, you can uncover the true needs of your clients and offer them personalized solutions that keep them coming back.

The Importance of Understanding Your Client

Active listening goes hand-in-hand with asking the right questions. When you actively listen, you show your clients that you genuinely care about their preferences and concerns. This builds trust and ensures your recommendations resonate with them, fostering long-term relationships.

Client Loyalty and Repeat Business

By truly understanding your client’s needs and preferences, you create a personalized experience that can lead to increased sales and, most importantly, client loyalty. Your clients will appreciate your expertise and feel more connected to the recommendations you offer. This leads to repeat business and a strong, trusted relationship.

Ten Thoughtful Open-Ended Questions to Enhance Client Consultations This

Fall

What changes have you noticed in your skin as we transition into the cooler weather?

How do you currently address the hyperpigmentation in your skin from the sun exposure you had this summer?

What skin concerns do you have now that the weather is getting cooler and drier?

What makeup looks or trends are you excited to try this fall?

How does your makeup routine change when the weather cools down?

What are your go-to makeup essentials for the fall, and are there any new products you’re considering adding?

What fragrances do you gravitate towards when the cooler weather sets in?

When do you typically make the transition from summer skincare to fall skincare?

Tell me about your skin concerns that you would like to address this fall.

What mood or feeling do you want your fragrance to evoke during the fall season? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Key Takeaways

Ask to Connect

Open-ended questions uncover deeper client needs and help create personalized solutions.

Listen to Build Trust

Active listening shows genuine care and strengthens the advisor–client relationship.

Loyalty Follows

When clients feel understood, they return— resulting in repeat business and long-term success.

Want to master client consultations and build stronger client relationships? Register for the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0 and gain the skills to connect with clients, understand their needs, and build trust through personalized consultations.

Guiding Clients Through the Fall Skincare Transition

By Mickey Tortorelli

How to Use the BeauteSchool 5E Consultation Method to Deliver

Seasonal Solutions and Strengthen Client Relationships

As cooler days and crisp evenings set in, many clients will begin noticing changes in how their skin looks and feels. Seasonal transitions—particularly from summer to fall—can bring new concerns such as dryness, dullness, or lingering sun damage. This makes it the ideal time to offer a tailored skincare consultation that both addresses summer-related concerns and prepares the skin for the months ahead.

By applying the BeauteSchool ‘5E Consultation Process’—’Engage, Explore, Educate, Enrich, and Enhance’—you can create an exceptional, personalized experience for each client. This proven framework helps you build rapport, uncover individual needs, recommend targeted solutions, and maintain ongoing relationships that encourage loyalty and repeat visits.

Step 1

Engage

Start the Conversation

Purpose: Establish a warm, welcoming connection that invites your client to share.

Example Dialogue:

‘‘Hi [Client Name], it’s so great to see you today! As we transition into fall, I’d love to help you find products that work with your skin’s needs during this time of change. How has your skin been feeling lately with the cooler weather approaching?’’

Beauty Advisor Tip: Use open-ended questions to spark conversation—these invite detailed responses and help you uncover valuable insights.

Step 2

Explore

Identify Needs and Concerns

Purpose: Gather details about your client’s skin changes, concerns, and goals.

Sample Questions:

‘‘How does your skin usually react to cooler weather?’’

‘‘What changes have you noticed in your skin after summer?’’

‘‘What are your top three skin concerns right now?’’

Observation Tip: Take a moment to observe your client’s skin. Pay attention to visible signs like dryness, breakouts, or uneven tone—these can guide your product recommendations.

Step 3

Educate

Provide the Right Solutions

Purpose: Recommend products that directly address the client’s concerns and explain why they work.

Example Dialogue:

‘‘Since you’ve mentioned feeling some dryness, I’d recommend introducing a product with hyaluronic acid into your routine. It will help attract moisture to your skin and keep it hydrated throughout the day. Let me show you a few options for your skin type.’’

Ingredient Focus for Fall: Hyaluronic acid, nourishing oils, ceramides, richer moisturisers, and antioxidant serums.

Step 4

Enrich

Add Extra Value

Purpose: Suggest complementary products that enhance the client’s results and experience.

Example Dialogue:

‘‘In addition to your moisturiser, this hydrating face mask can help boost hydration and leave your skin feeling nourished and radiant—it’s the perfect way to end your day.’’

Upsell Tip & Sales Idea: Recommend products that work together as a seasonal ‘‘hydration kit’’ or create ‘‘autumn skin rescue set.’’ that you can recommend to your clients. For example, include a hydrating mask, a ceramide based moisturizer, and a hydrating and nourishing body lotion, and a sample of a new fall fragrance!

Step 5 Enhance

Keep the Connection Alive

Purpose: Ensure follow-up, build loyalty, and create opportunities for future consultations.

Example Dialogue:

‘‘I’ll note these products in your file so we can review how your skin’s responding next time. Feel free to contact me anytime for advice between your visits.’’

Loyalty Tip: Book a follow-up seasonal consultation in advance to keep the relationship active year-round.

Key Takeaways

Engage and Explore with open-ended questions to learn how seasonal changes affect your client’s skin.

Educate with ingredient benefits and clear explanations clients can easily understand.

Enrich and Enhance by offering complementary products and scheduling follow-ups to maintain connection and loyalty.

Do you want to excel in your skincare consultation skills and learn how to use the BeauteSchool 5E steps?

The Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0 offers comprehensive training on how to successfully consult with your clients and help them achieve their skincare goals. Enroll today!

Powerful Renewal for the Season Ahead:

SHISEIDO® VITAL PERFECTION

As the beauty industry turns its gaze to fall, new trends, textures, and technologies are reshaping our routines. The shift from summer’s sun-soaked days to cooler, crisper months brings changing skincare needs: repairing post-summer damage, restoring radiance, and fortifying the skin against seasonal stress. This season, Shiseido steps into the spotlight with three innovative launches in its acclaimed Vital Perfection range, each designed to deliver visible lifting, firming, and brightening results in record time.

Loved by Brand Ambassador Anne Hathaway for its fusion of high-performance science and timeless elegance, the Vital Perfection range embodies the idea that beauty evolves with us, and that skin can look vibrant, lifted, and full of life at every age. Known for her effortless sophistication and a career that spans decades yet remains fresh and relevant, Hathaway perfectly reflects the line’s philosophy of ageless confidence. She has spoken about choosing skincare that not only delivers visible results but also feels like a meaningful ritual, making Vital Perfection’s luxurious textures and transformative formulas a natural fit. It’s this balance of innovation, artistry, and daily self-care that makes the range an ideal partner for the fall season, when our routines shift and skin needs targeted renewal.

The Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Day Cream is an advanced age-defying solution for morning use, featuring Shiseido’s patented SafflowerRED™ technology. This upgraded formula, now four times more efficient, harnesses the traditional Japanese Mogami safflower to boost skin’s self-regeneration, helping address deep wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity. In just one week, skin appears 43% more lifted, firmer, and radiant – a perfect post-summer reset to restore bounce and brightness before the season sets in.

For targeted correction, the Vital Perfection Intensive WrinkleSpot Treatment A+ brings the brand’s newest innovation: Pure Retinol Advanced, a Shiseido-exclusive retinol designed to strengthen skin’s joint structure while rapidly improving the look of deep wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of resilience. Suitable for both face and neck, this concentrated treatment delivers visible improvements in just seven days – ideal for addressing sun-induced damage before it becomes more pronounced in drier fall weather.

The eyes, often the first area to reveal signs of fatigue and seasonal stress, are treated to a nextlevel solution with the Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Eye Cream. Powered by potent retinol yet gentle enough for the delicate eye area, it reduces sagging, deep wrinkles, and dark circles within a week. The exclusive eye massage roller not only enhances product absorption but also boosts microcirculation, leaving the eye area visibly brighter, smoother, and more refreshed – perfect for combating both summer squint lines and autumn dullness.

Together, these launches embody the season’s beauty ethos: harnessing science-driven innovation and powerhouse ingredients to meet skin’s evolving needs. As we transition into fall’s richer colors and cozier moods, Shiseido’s Vital Perfection range offers a potent way to keep skin lifted, luminous, and ready for whatever the season brings.

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:

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To gain access, use these credentials:

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4. Click on “YES” to register

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5. Fill in the registration form

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Cher spécialistes beauté

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

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1. Scanner le code QR pour commencer

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

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Fall Forward:

By Glenda Raketti

The Ingredients and Innovations Transforming Skincare

Canadian skin faces a lot in the fall and winter months. Central heating, windy commutes, and indoor dryness can leave skin thirsty and vulnerable.

Fall routines should focus on hydration, barrier repair, and calm through targeted ingredients. Ingredients matter, and how you introduce them to your customer can help them make a connection to the why.

Early in my days on the cosmetics floor, a woman came in ready to give up on skincare. The cold weather had left her skin rough and reactive, and nothing worked. Instead of launching into product pitches, I asked about her routine, how her skin felt after cleansing, and if she’d ever tried ceramides (a hot new-ish ingredient at the time).

Using the ‘‘brick and mortar’’ analogy to explain them, I saw the lightbulb go off. A week later, she came back, smiling, her skin calmer, her confidence restored. That’s when I learned: knowledge matters, but empathy and clear storytelling make it unforgettable.

Trust is built when you share why a product works, not just what it is. In fall 2025, the spotlight is on bioengineered actives, adaptive botanicals, and precision hydration, but ingredient knowledge alone isn’t enough. As beauty advisors, we play the critical role of translator: turning science into storytelling and product claims into personal results.

Here’s what’s trending in skincare right now - and how you can bring it to life for your clients through conversation and understanding.

Upcycled Botanicals:

Waste Not, Glow More

Sustainability is going beyond packaging and moving straight into the formula. Upcycled ingredients like plant and food byproducts that would otherwise be discarded are emerging as clean, powerful actives.

Why it matters: They’re nutrient-rich, gentle, and tell a great story about conscious beauty.

• BYOMA Hydrating Serum features upcycled sugar beet-derived glycerin and barrierboosting triceramides.

• Garnier Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening Serum uses sustainably sourced pineapple and vitamin C to brighten and protect.

How to sell it: Talk about how upcycled ingredients offer eco-conscious customers a way to align their values with their routine, without compromising performance. Frame these products as ‘‘conscious choices that don’t compromise results.’’ For eco-conscious customers or ingredient-savvy Gen Z shoppers, terms like ‘‘circular skincare’’ or ‘‘from byproduct to powerhouse’’ can elevate your consultation.

Barrier Repair as Everyday Wellness

Barrier health is now considered daily skincare ‘‘insurance.’’

Why it matters: Central heating and cold Canadian air compromise the skin’s defenses and every customer can benefit from repair that prevents damage.

Hero Ingredients: Ceramides, beta-glucan, colloidal oatmeal, and postbiotics.

• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream - rich in five ceramides and a cult favorite for dry or reactive skin.

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – ceramide-rich barrier staple.

• Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer –calming oat-based hydration.

• Bubble Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum –hydrates, strengthens with HA, peptides, and niacinamide.

How to sell it: Try using analogies like, ‘‘Think of your skin barrier like a roof and these ingredients patch leaks and protect what’s underneath.’’

Gentle Brightening

For those looking to repair and brighten summer skin that has been dulled by overexposure, these brighteners provide a gentle approach that is easily tolerated by most.

Why it matters: Harsh brighteners and retinoids can backfire during Canadian winter and these provide glow without the drama.

Hero Ingredients: Tranexamic acid is emerging as a dermatologist-coveted, gentle brightener, while bakuchiol offers retinol-like benefits minus the irritation.

• The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum – brightens uneven tone.

• Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05% – a gentle retinoid alternative.

• Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Toner – a hydrating, spot-targeting toner with tranexamic acid.

How to sell it: ‘‘Want brighter, more even skin without the flame? These brighteners do some heavy lifting with a gentler approach.’’

Skin Cycling Support: Active + Nighttime Recovery Routine

‘‘Skin cycling’’ is the TikTok-famous method of alternating active ingredients with recovery throughout the week. This trending routine maximizes results while minimizing irritation.

Why it matters: This trend is pushing brands to create more supportive products that complement rather than compete. Hydration nights, barrier repair days, and exfoliation resets all have a place in this strategic approach to skincare.

Hero Products

1. Gentle Exfoliants: PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are trending for their low-irritation properties and effectiveness at smoothing skin.

2. Recovery Serums: Look for soothing ingredients like cica (Centella Asiatica), bisabolol, or colloidal oatmeal.

3. Overnight Masks: Deep repair while you sleep, especially those with melatonin, peptides, or squalane.

• Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Tober: AHA + BHA – for “active” resurfacing nights.

• CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum – gentle retinoid for resurfacing.

• Bubble Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask–intense overnight hydration for recovery.

How to sell it: Explain skin cycling as ‘‘smart scheduling for your skin,’’ likening it to a fitness routine. This concept works well for results-focused clients who also want to prevent overdoing it.

AI Advisors: Your High-Tech Sales Partners

Many brands and retailers now offer AI-driven skin diagnostics, available both online and in-store. These tools analyze skin concerns using photos, questionnaires, or even real-time scans, offering personalized product recommendations.

Why it matters: It’s doubtful that AI is going away, so embrace it! Encourage customers to use your store’s or brand’s online tools to assist with diagnosis and product recommendations. Your expertise, paired with AI, can provide an unbeatable combination, offering precise solutions tailored to each individual’s skin while building trust through your personal guidance.

How to sell it: Frame AI as a smart assistant that complements your knowledge. Say, ‘‘This tool gives us a detailed snapshot of your skin’s needs, helping us pick the perfect products faster, then I’ll help you build a routine that fits your lifestyle.’’ It reassures customers they’re getting both cutting-edge technology and human care. 5

How to Guide the Conversation

It’s not just about what’s in the productit’s about why it matters and who it’s for. This fall, let your consultations be grounded in storytelling and personalization.

Key Takeaways

Ask targeted questions: Speak to the season: Introduce one innovation at a time:

Use analogies and metaphors:

‘‘How did your skin feel coming out of summer?’’ or ‘‘Have you made any changes to your routine as the weather shifts?’’

Tie in environmental changes like wind, indoor heating, and dryness when discussing the need for barrier support or extra hydration.

Rather than overwhelm the client, highlight one key ingredient or benefit and explain its value clearly.

These make ingredients more relatable - e.g., ‘‘Ceramides are like the grout between your bathroom tiles. Without them, everything falls apart.’’

From SunDamaged to Smooth:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Guide Your Clients in Repairing Their Hair This Fall

How to address dryness, frizz, and colour fade with targeted treatments and nourishing care.

As the cooler weather settles in and the vibrant colours of fall emerge, it’s the perfect time to help your customers repair and rejuvenate their hair after the sun and heat of summer. Sun exposure, saltwater, and chlorine can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged. But with the right products, ingredients, and care, you can guide your customers to restore their hair’s health and prepare for the new season.

Repairing Sun-Damaged Hair

Sun exposure weakens hair by stripping it of moisture, making it more prone to breakage. The first step in repairing damaged hair is to replenish moisture. Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera are perfect for adding hydration and nourishing hair. Encourage your customers to seek out deep-conditioning treatments that help restore the moisture balance and prevent further dryness.

A key part of repairing sun-damaged hair is trimming split ends. While it may seem counterintuitive, cutting off the damaged ends helps prevent the damage from traveling up the hair shaft, making it easier for the hair to grow healthy and strong.

Transitioning to Fall: Moisture and Nourishment

As fall brings cooler temperatures, hair can lose its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to frizz. Recommend a detox shampoo to cleanse the scalp of any buildup from summer products, leaving hair super-clean and ready to absorb nourishing treatments. After cleansing, a moisturizing conditioner or mask will help seal in hydration, preventing dryness as the air cools.

Key Ingredients for Fall:

1. Coconut oil and argan oil: Known for their deep hydration properties, these oils will keep hair nourished through the colder months.

2. Green tea and chamomile: These ingredients add a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, soothing both the scalp and hair.

Frizz and Shine: The Fall Essentials

As the humidity drops in the fall, frizz becomes a concern for many customers. For smooth, shiny hair, recommend products with silicone, rosemary oil, or castor oil to keep frizz at bay and maintain a glossy finish. These ingredients lock in moisture, providing a sleek look while enhancing hair’s natural shine.

For Added Shine:

1. Anti-frizz serums with silk proteins help smooth the hair and add radiance.

2. Sulfate-free products: These help maintain the moisture balance without stripping the hair of its natural oils.

Protecting Colour-Treated Hair

If your customers have colour-treated hair, transitioning into fall means maintaining that vibrant colour. Fall often brings a desire for deeper, richer tones, so it’s essential to protect against fading.

Colour shampoos formulated for coloured hair can help lock in moisture and maintain the vibrancy of their shade. For blondes, purple shampoo helps combat brassiness, while blue shampoo neutralizes copper tones.

Conversation Starters for Beauty Advisors

These questions are designed to naturally start a consultation while uncovering your client’s hair concerns and needs:

For Repair & Hydration Needs

‘‘How has your hair been feeling after the summer—any dryness, brittleness, or split ends?’’

‘‘Have you been swimming or spending more time outdoors this summer? That can affect how we care for your hair going into fall.’’

For Seasonal Transition

‘‘With the weather getting cooler, are you noticing any changes in your hair’s texture or frizz levels?’’

‘‘Do you usually make changes to your hair care routine in the fall, or stick with the same products year-round?’’

For Product & Ingredient Education

‘‘What’s your go-to treatment for restoring moisture—have you tried deep-conditioning masks or oils?’’

‘‘Do you look for specific ingredients in your hair products, like argan oil or keratin?’’

For Colour Protection

‘‘Are you happy with how your colour is holding up, or would you like to try something to help maintain vibrancy longer?’’

‘‘Do you use a shampoo or treatment designed for colour-treated hair?’’

For Upselling/Complementary Products

‘‘Would you like me to recommend a treatment that works with your shampoo and conditioner to lock in hydration through the fall?’’

‘‘We have a great leave-in product that works alongside your current routine to protect against frizz—want me to show you?’’

Key Takeaways

Hydration is essential:

Incorporate moisturizing products with ingredients like argan oil and coconut oil to restore and protect hair.

Frizz control:

Combat dry, frizzy hair by using silicone and rosemary oil to lock in moisture and enhance shine.

Colour protection:

Use colour-protecting shampoos to maintain vibrancy, and recommend purple or blue shampoo to keep blonde or coloured hair looking fresh.

Ready to expand your expertise in hair care?

Register for the Hair Colour & Care Course in the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP) 2.0. Learn more about hair types, colour theory, and effective consultations to help your customers achieve healthier hair this fall.

Fragrance Consulting for Fall:

By Mickey Tortorelli

How to Match New Notes with Your Customers’ Personalities

Stay current with what’s trending in 2025 and deliver emotionally resonant scent recommendations for every personality type.

As autumn arrives, customers are ready to refresh their scent wardrobe with richer, more complex fragrances. ‘Fall 2025’s trends’ lean into ‘luxurious gourmands’, ‘modern ambers’, ‘genderless woody-green blends’, and ‘playful fruity-florals with warm bases’.

Smoky and resinous accords, edibleinspired notes like caramel and pistachio, and deeper florals are making their way into the spotlight, while brands experiment with layering concepts for more personalized scent profiles.

The ‘Top 5 Fall 2025 Launches’ in the USA and Canada capture these themes beautifully:

Ellis Brooklyn Queens Caramel

A sophisticated gourmand with caramel, vanilla orchid, sea salt, and amber.

Rare Beauty

Rare Eau de Parfum

A warm, spicy gourmand featuring caramel, pistachio, ginger, and cocoa beans.

Aesop Above Us, Steorra

A nuanced amber with cinnamon bark, cardamom, frankincense, and soft vanilla.

YSL

Libre Le Parfum Intense (2025 Edition)

Deepened with saffron, honey, orange blossom, and ambergris.

CHANEL Chance Eau Splendide

Fruity-floral elegance with raspberry, rose geranium, and amber.

By pairing these launches with the ‘True Colors® Personality System’ beauty advisors can offer clients not only the season’s hottest fragrances but also scents that truly resonate with their individual style and preferences.

True Colors® Personality-Based Fall Fragrance Recommendations

Orange

The Bold, Adventurous Spirit

Personality Traits

Energetic, spontaneous, thrives on new experiences.

2025 Trend Fit

Statement gourmands and resinous blends.

Rare Beauty – Rare Eau de Parfum

Spicy-sweet with pistachio and pink pepper for a playful, attention-grabbing signature.

Ellis Brooklyn –Queens Caramel

Smoky caramel with a sophisticated twist—perfect for those who embrace bold choices.

Beauty Advisor Tip: Let Orange personalities test something outside their comfort zone; they love the thrill of discovery.

The Dependable, Classic Customer

Personality Traits

Loyal, values tradition, prefers timeless elegance.

2025 Trend Fit

Warm ambers and comforting gourmands.

Familiar floral notes deepened with saffron and honey—luxurious yet classic.

YSL – Libre Le Parfum Intense

CHANEL

Chance Eau Splendide

A fruity-floral with a warm amber base, offering a balanced blend of freshness and comfort.

Beauty Advisor Tip: Frame these as elevated ‘‘signature’’ scents— Gold personalities appreciate dependable beauty investments.

Green

The Analytical, Earth-Loving Client

Personality Traits

Thoughtful, research-driven, values quality and natural balance.

2025 Trend Fit

Woody-green, mineral, and clean amber compositions.

Aesop – Above Us, Steorra

A refined amber with earthy spices and resinous depth, perfect for those who appreciate craft and complexity.

Beauty Advisor Tip: Share the story behind the formulation and ingredient sourcing—Greens enjoy knowing the ‘‘why’’ behind their purchases.

Blue

The Relational, Expressive Personality

Personality Traits

Warm, empathetic, values experiences and emotional connections.

2025 Trend Fit

Layerable scents and balanced floral-woody blends.

Uplifting raspberry and rose with a comforting amber finish—a fragrance that feels joyful yet grounded.

CHANEL – Chance Eau Splendide

Brooklyn –Queens Caramel layered with YSL – Libre Le Parfum Intense

Key Takeaways

Lead with Trends, Personalize with Personality

Use Fall 2025 launches as a starting point, then tailor your recommendations with the True Colors® framework.

Highlight Ingredients and Emotions

Link fragrance notes to feelings and seasonal moments your client connects with.

Encourage Exploration

Invite clients to test, layer, and revisit scents—they’ll appreciate the ongoing relationship and guidance.

Take Your Fragrance Expertise to the Next Level

Discover how to confidently guide your clients through fragrance consultations and recommend scents they’ll truly love. The RBCP Fragrance Course will give you the skills to identify fragrance families, match scents to personality types, and create memorable, personalized experiences that keep customers coming back.

Start the course today and earn your Certified Beauty Advisor designation!

September Reset: Embrace Change and Set New Goals for the Fall

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

With the arrival of September, I’m sure many of us are holding on tightly to those last few weeks of Summer. For those with little ones, September brings some relief with kids being back in school and schedules adding a bit more structure to daily life. But it can also bring stressors associated with flu season, gradually spending less time outdoors, and diminishing daylight.

September also offers an opportunity to hit that reset button as we treat the new school year as an opportunity to establish some new goals or routines. With this transition period in mind, here are some tips to help ease you into the season:

1. Incorporate a Daily Routine

During the summer months, it is easy to let go of firm sleep and wake times. However, a consistent sleep/rise time is invaluable to our physical and mental health. As you approach the school year, think about incorporating a consistent routine for you and your little ones so the transition back into school is that much easier.

One way to make this goal a bit more intentional and fulfilling could be to include a short and realistic bed time and morning routine that focuses on helping you wind down at night, and help establish a positive and energized mood in the morning. Before bed, include activities such as bathing, gentle stretching, or meditations meant for sleep. In the morning, include activities such as movement, mindfulness meditation, gratitude, or journaling.

These practices will help you book-end your days in a way that will leave you feeling steady and connected to yourself. With full time jobs and a family to keep in mind, some days can be challenging and unpredictable, which is why the consistency of a morning and bed time routine can offer us a sense of stability and control, easing some of the anxiety that comes with change and a busy schedule.

2. Bringing the Outdoors In

One way I like to keep the warmer months alive throughout the year is by incorporating the natural world into my home. Drying herbs and making tinctures, tonics, syrups, and teas, is a great way to keep yourself connected to the outdoors while keeping you and your families immune systems strong!

Also, taking care of house plants can do wonders for your mood and health as the cooler months approach. You can also think about doing some DIY crafts that incorporate natural elements like dried wild flowers, branches and twigs, leaves, and pinecones, to create festive seasonal decor that is budget friendly and grounding at the same time!

3. Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

One of the biggest barriers to our well being during the fall months is the cold and flu season. The impact sickness can have on our whole family, from missing work to nursing little ones back to health can create so much additional stress for families.

Throughout the fall and winter months, I like to make sure I am cooking nutritious meals and incorporating immunity boosting ingredients, moving my body regularly, and being mindful of whether the people I am spending time with are feeling under the weather. These conversations can be awkward but important if you’re worried about getting sick. It can also be helpful to have a sick day plan with your family and additional caregivers so that if you or your children get sick often, it isn’t only one parent missing a substantial amount of work.

4. Stay Connected

It is so easy to make plans and be social in the summer months - everyone and everything comes alive! It is just as tempting to want to cocoon and retreat into our cozy homes as the cooler months approach. Though a relaxing weekend is sometimes the perfect way to spend our time, it is important to try and stay connected throughout the year.

Many people struggle with seasonal affective disorder for several reasons, but some significant culprits include the fact that people typically avoid going outside in the cold or socializing as much as they had throughout the spring and summer. So slow down and listen to what your body needs, but try to remember to get outside and hang out with good friends year round - and don’t forget to take your vitamin D!

Bold, Beautiful, and Seasonal:

By Mickey Tortorelli

Introducing Fall 2025 Makeup Trends

Fall 2025 is a season of luxurious jewel tones, glowing finishes, and inclusive beauty. These trends are not about reinventing the wheel—they’re about adapting what’s fresh and fashionable to every client’s needs and style.

Colour Story

Emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep amethyst paired with rich neutrals like terracotta, cinnamon, and cocoa.

Complexion

Skin-like foundations in satin or radiant finishes, with cream blush in berry, plum, or peach.

Gloss is back—lip oils for hydration, vinyl gloss for impact, and sheer tints for natural glow.

Eyes

Burgundy, bronze, and forest green liners; metallic shadows in gold, copper, and gunmetal; coloured mascaras in navy and plum.

How to Start the Fall Makeup Consultation

Engage

‘‘Are you looking to refresh your makeup for fall or try a completely new look this season?’’

Explore

Ask about their comfort level with colour, favourite seasonal shades, and preferred finishes.

Educate

Link new shades to their features using colour theory—terracotta to enhance blue eyes, jewel-toned purples for green eyes, and versatile bronzes for brown eyes.

Enrich

Suggest complementary products to maximize results and longevity.

Trend-to-Counter: Quick Pairing Ideas

Lips

Trend: Berry lip oil

Pair with: Matching liner for shape + overnight lip mask for hydration

Pro Tip: Suggest a clear gloss topcoat to switch from day to evening

Eyes

Trend: Metallic copper shadow

Pair with: Eye primer for lasting colour + lengthening mascara in black-brown for balance

Pro Tip: Tap a small amount of shadow in the centre of the lid for a halo effect

Complexion

Trend: Cream blush in warm peach

Pair with: ESatin-finish foundation + illuminating setting spray

Pro Tip: Apply blush higher on the cheekbone for an instant lift

Client Scenarios

The Trend Explorer

A fashion-forward client is eager for bold fall looks. You introduce a jewel-toned eyeshadow and teach them to wear one rich shade with neutral tones for balance. Recommend navy mascara to make their brown eyes stand out.

The Everyday Minimalist

A natural-makeup lover wants subtle seasonal updates. You suggest a sheer berry lip oil and warm peach cream blush that fit seamlessly into their five-minute routine.

The Occasion Glamour Lover

A wedding guest wants a chic, trendy look. You guide them toward a deep plum satin lipstick, gold shimmer eyeshadow, and light contour for definition—finished with a setting spray for all-night wear.

Fall Colour Theory at a Glance

Eye Colour

Blue Green or Hazel Brown

Best Fall Shades Why It Works

Terracotta, bronze, gold, warm browns

Orange tones make blue eyes pop

Burgundy, plum, eggplant, reddish bronze

Red/purple tones enhance green hues

Any shade—try emerald, copper, or deep amethyst

Versatility allows bold seasonal experiments

Key Takeaways

Fall 2025 is about adapting jewel tones, glossy lips, and glowing skin to every client’s preferences. Use open-ended consultation questions to connect seasonal trends to personal style. Always suggest complementary products to complete the look and increase product satisfaction.

Take Your Makeup Expertise to the Next Level

Want to feel even more confident when introducing seasonal trends to clients? Enroll in the Makeup Course inside the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP)

2.0. Learn advanced consultation techniques, shade matching, and pro application tips to boost your artistry and sales.

Certified Beauty Advisors make the biggest impact—be one of them.

Changing Lives with Look Good Feel Better Volunteering

“

I am incredibly proud to be a volunteer for LGFB. I equate my small gift of knowledge and time to a pebble being dropped in the water. The effects ripple out, and it is a beautiful thing.

”

Erinn Danyluk

Why did you choose to become an LGFB volunteer?

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in fundraising for LGFB while working at Shoppers Drug Mart. I have met countless women who had been impacted by the program, many of whom were brought to tears recalling the effect the workshop had on them and their loved ones. I also have a personal friend whose smile returned after learning how to redraw her eyebrows in the workshop. So, when the call came out for new volunteers, I jumped at the opportunity!

Tell us about a meaningful workshop moment:

Some women come into our room a bit hesitant, often convinced by someone in their circle to attend. I love that, by the end of our time together, they’ve learned how to take care of their skin and can face the world feeling more like the person they are, not the diagnosis they’ve been delivered. It is a safe space for them to ask questions and restore confidence. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face and standing taller. It is always amazing to see the transformation.

What’s your favourite tip that you offer to workshop participants?

I am especially passionate about skincare and sun protection. So, I love the “aha moments” I see on participants’ faces when we discuss sun care facts and the importance of using SPF all year round. I reinforce that taking care of our skin from head to toe is a bit of self-care every day, and our skincare routines don’t need to be hard or complicated. Cleanse, treat, and protect –it’s never too late to start!

“ ”

What LGFB offers hits close to home, and I wanted to be a part of it. When an opportunity came up, I jumped on it. I talk about skincare and makeup all day long and never tire of it. I’m thankful I’m also able to use my skills and experience in a different, meaningful way.

Andrea Warne

Why did you choose to become an LGFB volunteer?

I’ve worked for Shoppers for many years, and LGFB is a charity we’ve supported through our Beauty Mingles. Because of this, I was aware of the charity and often suggested their seminars to customers during our conversations about cancer treatment. I recently had a close friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and during her treatment, I saw firsthand the effects it had on her self-esteem.

Tell us about a meaningful workshop moment:

I find the most meaningful part of the workshop is when the participants have completed most or all of the skincare and makeup steps, either on their own or with our help, and they look in the mirror and smile. I always notice a glow on their faces after the session, and it’s not just from the makeup – it’s coming from within as well.

What’s your favourite tip that you offer to workshop participants?

There are two tips I most enjoy sharing. The first is when we talk about sun protection. Even before getting involved with LGFB, I always talked about the importance of sunscreen. A great tip is to buy the one you’ll use, not the one someone tells you to buy. Everyone has their preferences when it comes to texture and how it looks on the skin, which is why there are so many options. Try a few until you find the one you love, so you know you’ll use it.

My second tip has to do with brow application. Early in my career, someone told me your brows should be sisters, not twins. That has stuck with me, and I share it with everyone. Brows can be intimidating to apply, but when we can relax a little and not expect them to be a perfect match, the process becomes easier.

Erinn and Andrea’s dedication as LGFB volunteers highlights the profound impact that confidence workshops can have on individuals facing cancer. Through their time, knowledge, and compassion, they help participants regain their confidence and feel like themselves again. The transformation they witness is not just skin deep – it’s about restoring a sense of identity, empowerment, and hope. Their stories are a testament to how volunteering can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is a charity that empowers individuals facing cancer to regain confidence through complimentary workshops. Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering these life-changing experiences, offering support, expertise, and a welcoming environment.

If you’re inspired by Erinn and Andrea’s stories and want to make a real difference, consider volunteering with Look Good Feel Better. Your skills and time can empower individuals facing cancer, helping them regain their confidence and strength. Join a community of passionate volunteers and start making an impact today.

Click here to learn more about how you can volunteer with Look Good Feel Better and start making an impact today!