One thing that’s rarely ever mentioned (on esthetic blogs, forums, etc) is the beauty discount that comes along with professional licensure. While I’m sure I knew it existed, though just never really paid it any mind because it didn’t apply to me until now, it’s one of the best perks of becoming a licensed beauty professional. It really is.
Who doesn’t love a good discount? I mean, have you ever turned down the beauty clubs offered by Ulta, Sally’s or Sephora? No, because some discount is better than none at all right? As a licensed pro, your Sally’s discount improves and you get to join the ranks of hair stylists, nail technicians and estheticians alike who have the exclusive privilege of shopping at professional beauty stores. Even though my speciality is skin care, I love buying the overpriced shampoo carried by my stylist for a fraction of the cost along with hair color & skin care items. I have discount cards with three pro stores (which includes every pro store in my area) Â and the savings are sweet.
Another sweet treat of licensure – – – the beauty shows!
Ted Gibson speaking at 2011 American Beauty Show
Last year, my class attended The American Beauty Show as a field trip with our school. It was an all day adventure held at a huge conference center with hundreds of vendors and celebrity stylists and brands putting on hair shows and demo sessions. I left there with so many freebies, I was glad my instructor encouraged us to bring our luggage bags with wheels on the bottom because we certainly needed them. A highlight was the student assembly held at the start of the day, where Ted Gibson graced us with a wonderfully motivating speech about his start in the beauty industry and how much he enjoys living out his passion.
Lots of freebies & a few purchases from the 2011 American Beauty Show
The 'stilt-girls' parading around the 2011 American Beauty Show
While I really wish there was a major beauty show that specifically focused on skin care in the same way the hair vendors were highlighted, I enjoyed the adjoining Face & Body show held right across the way at the same place. It’s much less exciting on the Face & Body side, much more quiet & rarely any freebies at all. I really don’t understand why no freebies, considering there are a few lesser known vendors that take part each year and often with higher than moderate prices. The best way to get your product out there and increase sales is by providing free samples for professionals to try at home. I’m sayin’.
I was particularly excited about this year’s show, held last month at the same huge conference center as last year. I was happy to be able to select the day I wanted to attend, where as last year, we had to attend on Monday’s designated ‘Student Day’ (it’s a three-day event). I had planned on attending with Snarksun and Staigen but it ended up being just Staigen & me. We headed out early, around 8am and had the darndest time finding the place & choosing a spot to park but once we were inside, all that frustration disappeared.
Here are some of the goodies I scored at the show:
FHI Heat Platform Series Styling Iron – 4/10 size
My stylist uses this flat-iron to straighten my roots before flat ironing with an iron by Salon Tech. I knew I wanted to buy it but opted to wait until the show to see if I could find it for less than $100 (best online price I found). I purchased this directly from FHI’s booth for $80.
Creative Nail Design Programmable UV Lamp Shellac
I hadn’t planned on making this purchase for some time. I’d grown tired of paying $60 for a Shellac manicure every two weeks. Only reason I allowed it during school was because it took the work out of keeping my nails manicured (which for the record, I am not good at doing) plus it was a tax write-off (my hands are my tools after all) but after I completed school & didn’t land a job immediately, I couldn’t see continuing to pay the cost, even though my nail tech is AH’MAZING! Seriously.
So, I decided to look into what I’d need to complete the process at home & made a lil wish list of items for future reference. I knew I was going to stop by CND‘s booth to check out their Cuticle Away & Kanga Nail Files but as I noticed a crowd of women circling a display filled with their UV Lamps & another display loaded up with big boxes featuring a large glossy & gorgeously polished nail, I had to know what the buzz was about. The sales girl said they were offering the UV Lamp + 6 Polishes including a Base & Top Coat, DVD, brochure, 6 Shellac Remover Wrap Packs & salon window cling all for $150 (the retail price for the lamp).
I had to do some quick math, because I’d found the CND UV Lamp online for $106 & the Base & Top Coats for $18 each. That alone would cost me $140, not including any colors or removal wraps. Hmmmm. I had priced all the colors I wanted at $225 total & a few of them were included in the 6 colors. Didn’t take but a second for me to realize the best choice to make.
Can’t wait to try my first home shellac mani & see how it turns out. 🙂
After leaving the Hair side & checking out the Face & Body side of things, I was thrilled to see the PCA Skin Care booth. I chatted up their director, whom I met twice before & told her how I’d wished I had known they were going to be there as I had just spent a pretty penny on several PCA items online. Though now that I think about it, I’m not sure whether the prices would have been much different, seeing as how I comparison shopped before making my online purchases. She asked if I’d become certified yet in PCA & I honestly told her that I want to but can’t really afford their 4-day $1800 class at the moment. She then offered me the option of taking the first day of the class to become certified. I couldn’t resist, the savings were worth it so I signed up right then & there. She signed me up & gave me a free trial skin care kit of my choosing, along with (my beloved) Sensi Peel kit & After Peel Kit for free. Talk about an awesome deal! The kits alone make up the price I paid for the class. I was so glad to have run into her there. She’s awesome!
I’ve been tempted to try Hair Rules products for some time now but just can’t bring myself to buy one more hair product with a cabinet full of stuff I still need to use. The representative at the Hair Rules booth was so knowledgeable & informative with hair similar to Staigen’s, so she purchased their shampoo & conditioner to try out. The discount was nice but I had spent enough so I had to pass. I was, however, provided several samples to try at home along with a few cute buttons praising the joy of curly, kinky or wavy hair – the target market for Hair Rules.
And with that, I bid you adieu, leaving you with this adorable Hair Rules – Dancing Curls video:
beautyschooldropn 