LNE & Spa—the magazine for skin care and spa professionals July 2025
Collection Gemstone The
So Much More Than Skin Care
3929 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Florida 33134 USA: 800.471.0229. • Worldwide: 305.443.2322. Fax: 305.443.1664 • LNEonline.com
Managing Editor Samantha Garcia samantha@lneonline.com
Advertising Danni Boucher danni@lneonline.com
July volume 41 number 7
Featured Articles 6
Hydrating or Hype?
Trending
52 • Editor’s Pick of the Month
Photo Feature
50 • Hydration Photoshoot
Contributors:
• Samantha Garcia
• Aurora Solis
• Lola Living
• Brandie Humphrie
FROM THE EDITOR
Summer is here, and while your clients may be reaching for sunscreen and lighter moisturizers, this season calls for more than just swapping products. It requires a deeper understanding of how hydration functions in warmer months and how we, as estheticians, can guide that shift with confidence and clarity.
In this issue, we explore what hydration really means from a professional standpoint. You’ll find insights on how to help your clients transition their routines as temperatures rise, without compromising barrier health. We’re rethinking hydration strategies to suit summer’s challenges: increased oil production, sun exposure, sweat, and environmental stressors.
You’ll also find breakdowns on popular product categories like mists, toners, and essences that clients often misunderstand. We dive into how to identify which formulas actually hydrate the skin versus those that offer only a fleeting sense of refreshment. This is about elevating your ability to educate and empower with science-backed product knowledge.
And for the ingredient lovers, we’ve compiled the key actives every esthetician should know when it comes to replenishing water content in the skin. From foundational humectants to newer, multi-functional hydrators, we break down how and why they work so you can make smarter choices for your backbar and client recommendations.
Whether you're treating dehydrated skin in the treatment room or guiding your clients toward a summer skincare refresh, this collection is here to support you. Hydration isn’t just about adding moisture—it’s about helping the skin function optimally in every season.
Here’s to working with the skin, not against it.
SAMANTHA GARCIA Managing Editor samantha@lneonline.com
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Understanding the Basics: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into their hydrating potential, it’s helpful to understand what distinguishes a mist, toner, and essence. Mists are usually lightweight sprays meant to refresh the skin or enhance absorption of other products. Toners were traditionally astringent, alcohol-based formulas used to “shrink” pores and remove residue. Modern formulations, however, are often gentler and more hydrating. Essences are lightweight, water-based treatments often found in Korean and Japanese skincare routines. They usually contain active ingredients designed to hydrate, brighten, or prep the skin for serums.
While all three sit in the “watery” step of a skincare routine, they serve different purposes and not all of them truly hydrate.
What Does “Hydrating” Really Mean?
Hydration refers to the skin’s water content. Hydrating products attract and bind water to the skin, usually through humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera,
panthenol, or polyglutamic acid. If a product doesn’t contain these types of ingredients, it’s unlikely to deliver lasting hydration.
This is where many products fall short. Some mists and toners are nothing more than scented water with little-tono humectants,leaving the skin feeling fresh momentarily, but actually contributing to transepidermal water loss (TEWL) if not followed by occlusion.
The Problem With “Water-Only” Mists
A refreshing mist feels great on a hot day or in a steamy treatment room, but water alone evaporates quickly, and as it evaporates, it can pull moisture out of the skin with it. This is especially problematic in dry climates or air-conditioned environments, where hydration evaporates faster than it can be replenished.
To avoid dehydrating the skin, look for
mists that include hydrating agents like:
• Sodium hyaluronate
• Beta-glucan
• Rose hydrosol
• Cucumber extract
• Niacinamide (bonus: it also supports the skin barrier)
If you love using mists in your facial services or daily routine, always follow with a serum or moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Are Toners Still Necessary?
Toners have come a long way from the harsh, alcohol-laden formulas of the ‘90s. Today, many toners are packed with skin-loving ingredients that help
balance pH, soothe inflammation, and prep the skin to absorb serums more effectively.
For dehydrated or barrier-compromised clients, a hydrating toner can act like a primer for moisture, increasing the skin’s ability to hold water. Look for formulations with:
• Aloe vera
• Rose water
• Hyaluronic acid
• Panthenol
• Urea
Avoid toners with witch hazel, alcohol, or high concentrations of essential oils for dry or sensitive skin types. These may offer a temporary feeling of tightness or cleanliness, but often lead to irritation or long-term dehydration.
Essences: The Unsung Heroes of Hydration
Essences are often overlooked in Western routines, but they can be one of the most effective steps for long-term hydration, especially when layered correctly. Lighter than a serum but richer than a toner, essences deliver active ingredients deeply without overwhelming the skin.
Many essences are formulated with fermented ingredients, amino acids, and gentle hydrators that improve skin texture, barrier function, and elasticity over time. Their watery texture allows for multiple layers to be applied—a technique known as “skin flooding” or
“the 7-skin method”—to build hydration in thin, breathable layers.
For clients struggling with dehydration, fine lines, or dullness, incorporating a well-formulated essence can create a visible glow and improve skin’s plumpness.
Are They Worth It?
Yes,with the right formula. Mists, toners, and essences can absolutely hydrate, but only if they contain proper humectants and are used strategically. Alone, they may give a momentary boost, but when layered and sealed with moisturizers or serums, they become powerful tools in any esthetician’s toolkit.
Long Beach, CA
August 24 & 25, 2025
Long Beach Convention Center
The only all-inclusive educational experience for skin care and spa professionals. #ICESLongBeach2025 is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your career and services with fresh inspiration and insight from the best practitioners in the industry!
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Hydration Heroes
Top Hydrating Ingredients Every
Esthetician Should Look For
by Samantha Garcia
Hydrated skin is the foundation of a healthy, radiant complexion. Whether your client struggles with dehydration, sensitivity, or dullness, restoring the skin’s water content is one of the most effective ways to enhance texture, tone, and barrier function. As an esthetician, understanding the science behind hydration ingredients helps you select the most effective products and educate clients on why they work. In this guide, we’re diving into the top hydrating ingredients every esthetician should know, what they do, and how they support different skin types and conditions.
1. Hyaluronic Acid (and Sodium Hyaluronate)
What it is: A naturally occurring molecule in the skin that binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Why it works: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment or deeper skin layers into the uppermost layers. Sodium hyaluronate, a more stable salt form of HA, is smaller in molecular size and penetrates deeper.
Use it for: All skin types, especially dehydrated, aging, and post-procedure skin. It's a go-to for plumping, soothing, and layering under serums or moisturizers.
Esthetician tip: Look for multi-molecular weight HA for hydration at different skin depths, or pair with occlusive moisturizers to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
2. Glycerin
What it is: A plant-derived or synthetic humectant that mimics the skin’s own natural moisturizing factors (NMFs). Why it works: Glycerin attracts water into the skin, helping maintain hydration levels and improve skin elasticity. It's non-comedogenic and safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Use it for: Barrier repair, dry or compromised skin, and boosting the hydration efficacy of any product. Esthetician tip: Glycerin is incredibly versatile and appears in everything from cleansers to masks. It pairs well with exfoliants, reducing irritation while boosting hydration.
3.
What it is: A botanical extract rich in polysaccharides, enzymes, and amino acids.
Why it works: Aloe is both hydrating and soothing. It draws moisture into
the skin while calming redness and inflammation. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
Use it for: Post-extraction care, postsun exposure, or as a base for masks and hydrating gels.
Esthetician tip: Aloe is especially beneficial in facial mists, masks, or gel serums—perfect for layering and calming without clogging pores.
What it is: A humectant and emollient derived from vitamin B5.
Why it works: Panthenol penetrates the skin to deliver deep hydration while supporting the skin barrier and soothing irritation. It helps the skin retain moisture, improve softness, and heal faster.
Use it for: Dehydrated, inflamed, or reactive skin. Also great in microneedling aftercare or barrier-repair routines.
Aloe Vera
4. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Esthetician tip: Recommend it for clients using retinoids or exfoliants—it helps reduce flakiness and redness.
5. Polyglutamic Acid
What it is: A peptide derived from fermented soybeans with four times the water-binding capacity of hyaluronic acid.
Why it works: PGA forms a film on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture and enhances skin elasticity. It’s a powerful humectant that also supports the natural production of NMFs. Use it for: Plumping fine lines, increasing skin bounce, and boosting hydra -
tion in high-performance treatments.
Esthetician tip: Layer PGA over hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture and improve product efficacy.
6. Beta-Glucan
What it is: A polysaccharide found in oats, mushrooms, and yeast. Why it works: Beta-glucan deeply hydrates while calming and strengthening the skin. It’s especially effective for improving skin resilience, reducing redness, and supporting immune function in the skin. Use it for: Post-procedure, sensitive, or barrier-compromised clients.
Esthetician tip: Beta-glucan also stimulates collagen production, making it a win for both hydration and antiaging support.
7. Urea
What it is: A component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors with both humectant and keratolytic properties. Why it works: Urea draws water into the skin while gently exfoliating dead cells, allowing for deeper penetration of actives. It softens rough patches and supports barrier health.
Use it for: Dry, flaky skin (especially on the face, hands, or feet), eczema, or keratosis pilaris.
Esthetician tip: Urea is excellent in body care and foot treatments. In low-
er concentrations (2-10%), it hydrates; in higher concentrations, it exfoliates.
8. Tremella Mushroom (Snow Mushroom)
What it is: A natural alternative to hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular structure.
Why it works: Tremella holds up to 500x its weight in water, delivering intense hydration and antioxidant benefits. Its small size allows it to penetrate deeper than traditional HA. Use it for: Anti-aging, dullness, and overall hydration enhancement, especially for holistic and botanical-focused clients.
Esthetician tip: Use tremella-based products in eco-conscious or sensitive skin rituals. It’s ideal for those wanting plant-based alternatives with clinical benefits.
9. Ceramides
What it is: Lipids naturally found in the skin’s barrier.
Why it works: While not a humectant, ceramides lock in hydration by repairing the lipid barrier. They help prevent water loss and strengthen skin resilience.
Use it for: Dry, reactive, or mature skin that needs long-term hydration support and barrier protection.
Esthetician tip: Always recommend ceramide-rich moisturizers after microneedling, peels, or retinol treatments to rebuild the barrier.
10. Squalane
What it is: A stable, lightweight oil derived from olives or sugarcane. Why it works: Squalane mimics the skin’s natural sebum, sealing in mois -
ture and preventing dehydration without feeling greasy. While not a humectant, it enhances hydration retention and softens the skin.
Use it for: Dehydrated, aging, or combination skin in need of non-comedogenic emollients.
Esthetician tip: Perfect as a finishing step or massage medium for facial treatments focused on glow and comfort.
When recommending or using skincare products, estheticians should prioritize evidence-based, barrier-supportive ingredients that deliver real hydration, not just the feeling of it. While trendy packaging or textures may appeal to clients, true skin transformation happens with the right active ingredients in the right combinations.
Hydrating ingredients are most effective when layered strategically and paired with gentle cleansing, proper exfoliation, and occlusion. By mastering ingredient knowledge, you empower yourself and your clients to build skin that glows from the inside out.
SUMMER SKINCARE
How to Shift Your Skincare
Advice to Summer
by Lola Living
As estheticians, we know that skin’s needs are anything but static. Each season brings new challenges, and summer is no exception. With rising temperatures, humidity, sweat, sun exposure, and more time outdoors, hydration needs to be re-evaluated, not just for comfort but for barrier support, oil balance, and long-term skin health.
Here’s how to guide your clients into a summer-safe, hydration-focused skincare routine that actually works.
1. Lighten Up Without Stripping Down
One of the biggest mistakes clients make in summer is abandoning hydration altogether. Oily skin gets oilier, and sweat can lead to clogged pores—so they cut back on moisturizers or skip them entirely. But dehydration can actually worsen oil production.
Advise your clients to switch to lighter humectant-based hydrators—think gel moisturizers or hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or panthenol. These deliver water without the weight and help prevent moisture loss from increased sun and heat exposure.
2. Adjust Cleansing Habits
With sunscreen, sweat, and outdoor pollutants in the mix, summer cleansing needs to be more thorough but not harsh. Recommend gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that cleanse without compromising the barrier.
For double-cleansing routines, a milky or gel cleanser followed by a waterbased one can help maintain hydration while effectively removing buildup. Over-cleansing strips the skin and contributes to dehydration, so balance is key.
3. Mist, Then Seal
Hydrating mists can be a powerful summer tool if used correctly. Encourage clients to mist post-cleansing and before serum or moisturizer to help ingredients absorb more effectively. The key? Always follow with a barrier-
sealing product—like a lightweight moisturizer or SPF—to prevent water from evaporating. Otherwise, that mist can actually lead to more dryness (a common mistake!).
4. Exfoliate Smartly
Clients often exfoliate more in summer due to excess oil and buildup. While that can be beneficial, overdoing it especially without replenishing hydration can lead to inflammation and barrier damage.
Suggest gentle enzymatic or lactic acid exfoliants 1–2 times per week, followed by a hydrating mask or serum to support moisture retention and repair.
5. Recommend Hydrating SPF
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Summer routines are incomplete without hydrating SPF formulas that protect while supporting moisture
levels. Look for SPFs with added ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or squalane to offer double-duty protection.
Educating clients on reapplication without disrupting makeup or moisture, powder or mist sunscreens can be ideal touch-up tools.
Seasonal shifts require skincare shifts, and summer is the perfect opportunity to re-educate your clients on how to hydrate smarter not heavier. By adjusting product types, layering techniques, and focusing on barrier-supportive hydration, you’ll help your clients maintain glowing, balanced skin even in the hottest months.
Your expertise as an esthetician can turn a simple seasonal switch into a complete summer skin refresh.
Podcast LINEUP
Welcome to July on the Esthetician Edit Podcast!
This month, we’re bringing you powerhouse conversations to fuel your growth, confidence, and clarity in the beauty industry.
Kicking off the month is Kristen Marie, diving deep into building confidence as a solo esthetician. From how to know when you're ready, to the mindset and marketing tips that helped her thrive, Kristen shares what it really takes to go solo and succeed.
Next up is Maghan Morin, the visionary behind Melanated Beauty Spa. She’s built a thriving community rooted in self-care for people of color through intentional branding, events, and her esthetician ambassador program. If you're looking to create impact and connection in your business, this one is a must-listen.
Then, Fernanda Almeida, the founder of Suite House & Co, joins us to talk about building premium beauty suite spaces. She shares how she spotted a major gap in the industry and created a luxury experience that attracted the best of the best—and what separates the successful estheticians from the ones who don’t make it.
And finally, I’m sharing a personal episode—Six Months Solo: How I Got Fully Booked. I’ll be breaking down everything that helped me grow fast—confidence, content, education, and the behind-the-scenes that no one talks about.
Whether you're just starting out or expanding your empire, July on Esthetician Edit is full of the inspiration and strategy you need to elevate your journey. Follow, subscribe, and let’s grow together.
Follow & Like
Fort Lauderdale, FL
October 19 & 20, 2025
Broward Convention Center
The only all-inclusive educational experience for skin care and spa professionals. #ICESFortLauderdale2025 is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your career and services with fresh inspiration and insight from the best practitioners in the industry!
Esthetics with Heart
Introducing The Golden Glow Project by Brandie Humphrie
What inspired you to start The Golden Glow Project, and how has your vision evolved since its launch?
Growing up, I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandmother and I shared an incredibly close bond. In her early 70s, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition progressed, I became deeply involved in coordinating her care, and eventually, we made the difficult decision to move her into a memory care community.
I spent a lot of time visiting. When my kids and I would come, the other residents would flock to us - they craved connection, conversation, even just the sound of children laughing. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. You could feel how much they needed interaction, and how little of it they were getting.
After my grandmother passed, I was devastated. What began as a way to channel that grief turned into something much bigger. I started volunteering at her facility, offering spa services to the residents - facials and moments of meaningful connection. It was healing for them, but honestly, it was healing for me too.
Other estheticians began reaching out, asking how they could offer similar experiences in their own communities. Because I had served as my grandparents’ health surrogate, I already had strong connections in the senior living industry. I started helping match estheticians with nearby facilities and that’s when I realized this could become something more.
The Golden Glow Project was born from loss, but it’s grown into a mission rooted in radical compassion. The name originally came from our focus on seniors in their “golden years,” offering comfort and connection to those often overlooked. Today, we connect professionals with opportunities to serve not only seniors, but also cancer patients, first responders, and others in need of rest, relaxation, and meaningful human connection.
How did your own journey as a licensed esthetician inform your decision to create this project?
I actually became an esthetician because of my grandmother. I wasn’t the “beauty type” growing up - I was a total tomboy. In my early 20s, I worked as a mechanic at Valvoline, rode motorcycles, played video games, never wore makeup, and couldn’t tell you what a serum was.
But my grandmother was the picture of grace. Her hair was always in a perfectly styled bun, her nails were manicured, and she had a full skincare routine before most people even talked about routines. When her Alzheimer’s progressed, I started to see that part of her slip away. On visits, I’d sometimes find her disheveled, chin full of hairs needing to be tweezed and I remember thinking, "If she were lucid, she would never want anyone to see her like this."
That moment stuck with me. I went home, googled “beauty classes near me,” half expecting a weekend workshop and stumbled onto esthetics school. I thought, What the hell, and applied the next day.
She unfortunately passed away before I graduated, but every single day I’m in my spa, I think of her. She’s the reason I found this path. And she’s the reason The Golden Glow Project exists. I didn’t become an esthetician to do facials - I became one to help people feel like themselves again.
Can you share a standout moment or transformation from an oncology skincare session you've led?
It wasn’t during a facial, but at a cancer support event we hosted at Advent Health for women in treatment. The focus was on education - teaching them how cancer treatments can affect the skin, how to choose safe, supportive products, and what to expect during each phase of the healing process.
My friend Sherri, an RN, a cancer survivor, and the reason I became certified
in Oncology Esthetics, was co-hosting. Toward the end of the event, she shared something that stopped everyone in their tracks: an audio clip called “The Most Beautiful Sound” a recording of a single cancer cell being destroyed by radiation.
The sound itself was haunting and ethereal - almost like a soft laser or a frequency from another world. The room went completely silent. You could feel the impact ripple through every woman there. We weren’t just listening to science, we were listening to hope in its rawest form.
It reminded us that healing doesn’t always look the way we expect. And it reinforced why oncology esthetics matters: because even in the smallest moments of care, something powerful is happening beneath the surface. You can listen to the clip at themostbeautifulsound.org. It’s something I’ll never forget.
How do you select the communities or individuals to support—especially survivors or vulnerable groups?
The Golden Glow Project is a nationwide initiative (and we’re working toward going global!) that connects spa,
beauty, and wellness professionals with volunteer opportunities in their own communities. The placements are passion-driven - if someone feels called to work with seniors, we match them with a nearby facility and help coordinate everything from scheduling to supplies. It can be a one-time event or an ongoing relationship, depending on what works for them. Same with other areas of service.
In addition to facilitating connections, we also host our own signature events throughout the year. One of my favorites is Operation: Wellness, where we welcome 10 first responders suffering from PTSD to Bok Tower Gardens for a healing day that includes facials, massage, yoga, and a sound bath.
We’ve also hosted events like a “Senior Prom,” where we partnered with hairstylists, nail techs, and makeup artists to pamper residents at a senior living community before throwing them a full prom, complete with music, dancing, and a crowned king and queen.
Our next event will be focused on supporting grieving mothers - those who have experienced the loss of a child. It’s the hardest grief of all, and one no
one should ever have to experience. We want to create a space where these mothers can simply be cared for. The day will include spa services, calming wellness experiences, grief support and time to rest.
Whether it’s seniors, cancer survivors, first responders, or families coping with loss, we focus on people who need these services but may not have access to them - the ones who are often the most deserving.
As a mother, entrepreneur, and national trainer, how do you manage your time between being a mother of 3, working at Posh Salon and Day Spa, running The Golden Glow Project, and educating at 360 Wellness Education?
I have no clue, honestly. It's full-on controlled chaos. With my ADHD, it feels like I've got 1,000 tabs open in my brain all the time. I'm always preparing for one event, following up on the last one, and mentally planning three more. My life runs on caffeine and alarms I constantly snooze.
As for motherhood, it doesn't really have an off switch - it just blends in with everything else. I'm the mom creating Canva graphics during taekwondo practice, taking Zoom calls from my car in the driveway because it's the only quiet space I can find, or booking venues while I'm cooking dinner. I couldn't do any of this without my fiancé, John. Every time I have an event or convention, he takes time off work to stay with the kids. I've been so blessed to have such a supportive partner who understands how important this project is to me.
At Posh, I genuinely couldn't do what I do without my amazing boss and team. Esthetics isn't easy to build a career in - so many people still don't see it as a necessity. And honestly, if I didn't have the support I do from the people around me, I probably would've left this field a long time ago. Lindsay Theise,
the owner, gave me a chance years ago and has supported me every step of the way since. I truly owe everything to her for believing in me from the beginning.
The Golden Glow Project only works because of our volunteers and brand partners. I organize the vision, but they're the ones who make it come to life - whether it's a local spa day or a full-scale wellness retreat. These events would not be possible without them.
I've learned I function best when I'm busy and there's a deadline. If things slow down too much, I lose momentum. It's not always pretty, but as long as I know why I'm doing it, I can keep going - even if my notes and to-do lists are scribbled on the back of a piece of mail.
You often work alongside massage therapists, yoga instructors, and sound therapists—how important is this multidisciplinary approach? I feel that wellness is holistic. It’s not one-size-fits-all. We carry trauma all over the body - physically, emotionally,
and energetically. That’s why a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. What works for one person might not work for another, and healing rarely happens through just one modality.
In addition to estheticians and bodyworkers, we also work with mental health counselors and often incorporate group therapy sessions into our events. Creating space for emotional processing is just as important as physical care, especially for people who are navigating illness, grief, or trauma.
For example, People often think sound baths are just relaxing but did you know they can actually help shift your body into a parasympathetic state? Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and sound travels through water much faster than it does through air. So when you're in a sound bath, those vibrations move through you at a cellular level -almost like a gentle internal massage. The ripples created by the sound can help regulate the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even
support better sleep. It's more than just relaxing - it's a physiological reset.
When we bring together touch, movement, sound, and emotional support we’re helping people feel whole again. That’s true wellness.
What kind of training do your volunteer estheticians receive, particularly in handling oncology clients?
If our volunteers want to work with oncology clients, proper training is absolutely mandatory. Some people assume that if they’re just doing a “gentle facial,” it’s safe - but the truth is, without specific oncology education, you could unintentionally do more harm than good.
For example, if a client has had lymph nodes removed, performing the wrong type of massage could trigger lymphedema - which can be painful and sometimes irreversible. If you’re not trained on how radiation changes the skin’s barrier function, you could apply ingredients that irritate or even damage compromised tissue.
That’s why we’ve partnered with several trusted organizations to make sure our volunteers have access to high-quality, affordable training:
• 360 Wellness Education offers a 20% discount on their comprehensive Oncology Esthetics course accredited by NCEA.
• Oncology Training International (led by Morag Currin) offers 30% off her globally recognized course for our volunteers.
• Holly Brown with Looking and Feeling FAB also provides discounted oncology hands-on training and resources for our estheticians.
" I didn’t become an esthetician to do facials — I became one to help people feel like themselves again."
Tell us more about the brands that partner with you.
We’re building a growing network of brand partners who truly believe in giving back to those who give so much. These companies offer our volunteers exclusive discounts on products, equipment, events and education as a way to recognize and support their generosity. Right now, our partner network includes industry leaders like NeoGenesis, Hale & Hush, Herbal Skin Solutions, Bioskin Aesthetics, Dermastart, Bonblissity, 360 Wellness Education, Oncology Training International, NASNPRO, and more.
These partnerships aren’t just about discounts or perks - they’re about building a community that genuinely cares. Our volunteers are out there making a difference, and we’re proud to collaborate with brands that see that and want to be part of it. It's about showing up for the people who show up for others.
What else would you like everyone to know about The Golden Glow Project?
One thing many people don’t realize is that we’re also a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, which allows our volunteers to earn national recognition for their impact. It’s one of the ways we ensure the professionals who give their time and heart to this work are truly celebrated. Whether it’s providing one-on-one spa
services, helping host a wellness event, or supporting from behind the scenes, every act of service through The Golden Glow Project matters. Our vision is to continue expanding access to compassionate wellness care while celebrating the professionals who make it possible. As a certifying organization, we can track and submit verified hours so our volunteers receive official recognition from the White House. And it’s not just for professionals; some volunteers even bring their children as support staff, and we’re able to track their hours too. It’s a beautiful way to pass down the spirit of service across generations.
What advice would you offer new estheticians who want to get into the community and volunteer?
That’s exactly where The Golden Glow Project comes in. If your heart is pulling you toward this kind of work, we’re here to help you take that first step and every step after. We even connect students, because volunteering is such a powerful way to build real-world experience and confidence.
A lot of people assume volunteering means just giving your services away, but it’s so much more than that. It’s relationship-building. It’s networking. It’s showing up in a way that people remember. And when you do that, you become the esthetician everyone wants to refer, the one who leads with compassion and actually cares.
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Beauty Bulletin Board
This Year’s Top Conference Sessions Revealed at ICES Long Beach
Sales Growth Made Simple: How to Make More and Stress Less
Speaker: Erin MacNeil
Learn how to grow your spa business without burnout by focusing on the numbers that matter most. Erin shares simple systems that help you earn more while working smarter, not harder.
Beautiful Skin Comes from Within
Speaker: Katey Kristabelle
Explore the connection between internal wellness and glowing skin through Katey’s holistic esthetics approach. You’ll learn how nutrition, lymphatic flow, and mindful rituals impact the skin on a deeper level.
TARGETED AMPOULES FOR ADVANCED SKIN CORRECTION:
COLLAGEN AMPOULE
Delivers a filler-like effect by boosting volume with collagen-activating peptides.
RE-BRIGHTEN AMPOULE
Corrects uneven tone and dark spots for a radiant, balanced complexion.
RE-TEXTURE AMPOULE
Targets uneven texture, enlarged pores, and post-acne scarring.
SMOOTHING
TARGETS FINE LINES & WRINKLES
TIGHTENING
LIP PLUMPING VOLUMIZING
Beauty Bulletin Board
Treating Chronic Inflammatory Conditions in Skin of Color
Speaker: Sash Moreaux
Dive into the science of treating inflammation in melanin-rich skin with a focus on the skin–brain–gut connection. Sash blends advanced education and inclusive skincare knowledge for meaningful, lasting results.
The Secrets to a 7-Figure Beauty Business
Speaker: Nevette Ramos
This session reveals the exact strategies Nevette used to grow a beauty brand to seven figures. Learn how to shift your mindset, build a strong brand, and expand your income with confidence.
Beauty Bulletin Board
Beyond the Treatment Room: Creative Ways to Become Multifaceted in the Industry
Speaker: Gabe Lousada
Explore how to build a multifaceted career through content creation, education, product partnerships, and brand visibility. Gabe shows you how to expand beyond services and stay passionate without burning out.
Breaking into Medical Aesthetics
Speaker: Jerri K. Hirst
Thinking of transitioning into the medical side of skincare? Jerri shares her journey from esthetician to nurse practitioner and outlines what it really takes to enter and thrive in medical aesthetics.
Quiet Wash – Hale & Hush
A calming cleanser created for sensitive and healthchallenged skin, Quiet Wash is sulfate-free and rich in botanicals that gently purify while soothing inflammation. A staple for post-treatment and everyday use.
haleandhush.com
O2 Calming Gel – Le Mieux
This multitasking gel cools, calms, and hydrates even the most irritated skin. Perfect post-peel, after extractions, or anytime you need to de-stress skin with aloe, chamomile, and oxygenated ginseng.
lemieuxskincare.com
Celluma PRO – Celluma
Three therapies in one: acne, anti-aging, and pain. The Celluma PRO uses NASA-researched wavelengths to deliver professional-grade LED therapy that works below the surface for real results. celluma.com
RapidLash
Eyelash
Enhancing
Serum – Rapidlash
Trusted by millions, RapidLash helps enhance the appearance of lashes in just 4–6 weeks with an easy, once-a-day application. No lash lift? No problem.
rapidlash.com
