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Editorial / Here's What's New / Industry News

Expanding Esthetics with Beauty + The Virtual Esthetician

Expanding Esthetics with Beauty + The Virtual Esthetician

Virtual Esthetician? Wait, what?

Expanding Esthetics with Beauty?

YES and YES!

We just spent 3 fun-filled days at the IECSC in Las Vegas and it was truly an amazing 3 days. Our friends at Questex, had this to say about the show: 

Questex’s International Beauty Show (IBS) Las Vegas and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) Las Vegas drew thousands of beauty and spa professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center for three days of education, exhibits and networking, June 25-27, to grow the co-located events by 30 percent over 2021.

“Our co-located Las Vegas shows provide an exhilarating platform for beauty and spa professionals to connect with the brands they love and showcase new products for them to consider,” said Elizabeth Fantetti, Event and Partnership Director, Questex Wellness Group. “There’s truly no replacement for face-to-face interactions and we provided a jam-packed agenda consisting of premiere education, product demonstrations, a lively and interactive show floor plus two sold-out evening events! We look forward to bringing the industry together again next year.”

2 Emerging Trends From the 2022 Las Vegas IECSC

Expanding Esthetics With Beauty
The Instagram + TikTok Phenomenon

 

Over the past two years we’ve seen more and more “beauty” brands exhibiting at the IECSC.  We attribute this to the Instagram and TikTok beauty factor.  Over the past few years, the way beauty products have been marketed has totally changed. Brands are now using social media as a main stay in showcasing beauty products. We’ve seen brands like Fenti, Kylie and SKKN by Kim dominate social – attributing to explosive sales. These brands have set the bar for beauty marketing. 

This is impacting consumer behavior and expectations.  Now professional estheticians are starting to add more beauty services to their treatment menu and showcasing those treatments on their Instagram and TikTok platforms.  They are doing this in response to consumer demand for brow services, lash services and make up!

As estheticians are expanding their services to include more beauty, they are finding an increase in sales revenue for both treatments and retail products. They’re also becoming indispensable to their clients!

 

1. Lash + Brow Services

We’ve been watching this category expand over the past few years.  Elleebana is killing it at every IECSC show, they did the brow and lash tint on Barry in Vegas and his brows turned out great! Tune into our Fall October Beauty Guide to see them!  The Lash Professional is a huge booth at these shows and is always busy!  Chella Brows and Bee Pampered Brows are two growing companies who focus on these specialty services!

Many of these services are highly profitable and can be done in conjunction with skin care treatments. These additional services also help you set up more repeat appointments with your clients and help to increase client retention!

 

esthetician

2. Specialty Beauty Products

There are so many specialty beauty products coming to market!  No one does it better than Grande Cosmetics! They have a huge assortment of specialty products that continues to grow regularly! Jenni loves their Liner with Serum and Barry’s obsessed with GrandeREVIVE and GrandePOUT! 

Two other brands we see growing in this space are Rapid Lash and LashesMD from M.A.D Skincare.

 

esthetician

3. Full Make Up Lines

Yes, make up is here to stay as part of professional skin care!  The pandemic showed estheticians how retail can pay the bills and they see how Rhianna and Kylie are selling on IG!

We found LUKA Cosmetics and love the line – especially their lipglosses!  They have amazing organic foundations too!  We also saw Colore Me Perfect, Pretty Vulgar, and Blinc were representing.

The unsung heroes are the skin care brands that carry make up! Repêchage, Lira Clinical, and M.A.D. Skincare all have great make up products that can be incorporated into your services and retail area!

 

esthetician

4. Hand Held Devices + Tools

Handhelds are the new CBD!

Remember when CBD was all we could talk about – now it’s hand held devices!

Technology is playing a huge part in helping estheticians set themselves apart from the retail “skin care specialist”. Estheticians know tech and know how to talk tech to clients!  Esties can use tech and recommend tech!

They can look to leaders in hand held tech like ZAQ, who has a huge variety of hand held tools and devices. Look to MedSpa Distributors on the East Coast and California Skincare Supply on The West Coast for ZAQ!

We fell in love with a new device from Julie Lindh – it’s not even on her site yet!. We also know the POD from Celluma and My Dermatician from Dermastart! 

 

esthetician

Virtual Esthetician – The New Frontier

A Virtual Esthetician?

Maybe not for anyone over 50, but what about someone in their 20’s or 30’s who are tech savvy?

What about the younger consumer – generation Z, born from 1995 to 2009 – this population is now now 27 years old – 13 years old.  Then look at the future – Generation Alpha, born from 2010 to 2024; they will be uber tech focused! 

Barry is on the Questex Wellness Advisory Board that held its first meeting at the IECSC in Las Vegas and their main topic of discussion was technology in wellness!  There was a great quote from that meeting:

Technology is a great way to help introduce consumers to the wellness industry!  Especially since the younger consumer is so technology focused for all of their needs. They will search online for a topic and if you can engage via tech it can translate to in-person.

Brian McGee

General Manager , Dazzle Dry

As we walked the show floor we started putting a few things together.  The topic of technology in wellness during the Questex Wellness Advisory Board meeting, a meeting request from an all-new app, two exhibitors at the Las Vegas IECSC and our current sponsor Coralai!

Trust us when it comes to “Virtual Estheticians” we were just as skeptical when Coralai.io pitched us their concept in 2021 when the came to us for help reaching professionals to help them on their all-new platform, using artificial intelligence and your mobile device camera to perform a multi-point skin analysis for an esthetician to use to create a recommendation for products and treatments. Corali allows for virtual video chat in the platform to review the AI Skin Analysis Results and all communications are HIPAA compliant.

Corali allows the esthetician to set the price for their consultation.  The professional can make it free or charge a fee.  Estheticians can sell the brands on the Coralai platform, and all Coralai users can access the team of HIPAA trained call center team members who are on standby to answer any question, free of charge! 

After Barry expressed his astonishment for such a forward thinking platform, Coralai.io invited him to become an advisory board member to help them grow the platform.

Then, just before the IECSC in Las Vegas Tammira reached out to Barry + Jenni to learn more about the spa industry. Tammira is an app that wellness and beauty professionals can put their educational expertise to work for them. This app is a mash up of Instagram and Clubhouse.

Tammira allows estheticians to create classroom like chats where they can demonstrate products and include links to the products being used in the demonstration in the same chat window so that viewers can buy those products. So if you’re doing Instagram Live or TikTok live demonstrations – this is right up your alley and you can earn cash!

While walking the show floor we came across POMP and Estheticians 4 You. Two additional platforms that allow estheticians to interact with consumers to provide recommendations for skin care products to purchase as well as skin care treatments that will benefit their skin.  These platforms leverage photo, video to facilitate the skin analysis.

Pomp uses their proprietary POMP Skin Survey, where they invite users to Take The POMP Skin Survey! This a great tool, however, it does rely on the consumer providing their own assumptions, so the esthetician will need to dig deep when they do the free virtual consultation.

Pomp’s consult is free to the consumer while Estheticians 4 You charges.

Pomp allows you to sell the products they have on their app, and Estheticians 4 You allows estheticians to sell their own products.

 

Interviews With 4 Virtual Esthetician Platforms

Melanie Marks - Esthetician 4 You

Melanie Marks – Estheticians 4 You

 

Question: Can users get a skin analysis from your platform?
Melanie Marks:
Users will be able to share their concerns, show what products they use and show their face w/ an esthetician so they can get an idea of their concerns 

Question:  Is there a charge for the consultation?
Melanie Marks:
Yes $59.99 but estheticians will have discounts on treatments for the consumer.

Question:  Do users  have to pay for an esthetician to give them a skin analysis and advice?
Melanie Marks:
It’s included in the 59.99.

Question:  How do you conduct skin analysis in your app?
Melanie Marks
It’s more about getting to know consumers concerns and regimen.

Question:  Can users buy products from the esthetician during the consultation?
Melanie Marks:
Yes each esthetician works with their own products and will specify on website in their bio. 

Question:  Are estheticians allowed to recommend products with actives such as retinols, and glycolics?
Melanie Marks:
Whatever is recommended by their skincare line.

Question:  Do you verify that estheticians are trained by each brand?
Melanie Marks:
Yes.

Question:  Do you provide training for your estheticians over and above any brand training?
Melanie Marks:
No.

Question:  Do you carry professional only brands?
Melanie Marks:
Estheticians only carry professional brands 

Question:  Are estheticians allowed to invite clients into their facility for a treatment?
Melanie Marks:
Yes, Estheticians for you is all about building your brand

 

Shannon Erley - POMP

Shannon Erley, Co-Founder & CEO

Question:  Can users get a skin analysis from your platform?
Shannon Erley:
Clients are able to communicate with their esthetician through Pomp to answer in-depth questions about their skin and lifestyle, and receive a customized at-home regimen based on their skin type and skin concerns.

Question:  Is there a charge for the consultation?
Shannon Erley:
The platform is currently free for estheticians and clients to use. Estheticians are able to charge a consultation fee outside of Pomp if they choose to do so.

Question: Do users have to pay for an esthetician to give them a skin analysis and advice?
Shannon Erley:
No, our platform is currently free for all users. As independent contractors, it is up to the esthetician if they want to charge a fee, which would currently be handled outside of Pomp.

Question:  How do you conduct skin analysis in your app?

Shannon Erley:
Our platform offers complimentary messaging which allows clients to text back and forth with their esthetician. They are able to attach high resolution photos and have the option of completing our detailed skin survey to provide additional context for their esthetician.

Question:  Can users buy products from the esthetician during the consultation?
Shannon Erley:
Yes, that is why Pomp was created! It allows estheticians to recommend a customized skincare routine for their clients’ at home use. Clients are able to purchase their products (from multiple vendors) all on one website, knowing it is coming from an authorized retailer and was recommended by a licensed professional. We offer free shipping on all client orders.

Question: Are estheticians allowed to recommend products with actives such as retinols, and glycolics?
Shannon Erley:
After completing an analysis of their client’s skin and after completing the proper vendor trainings, Pomp estheticians may recommend products with active ingredients to their clients through Pomp.

Question:  Do you verify that estheticians are trained by each brand
Shannon Erley:
We verify esthetician licenses with their respective state board. We offer free product knowledge trainings, hosted by each vendor, to estheticians and track their attendance and completion. They have access to our education and resource folders which includes product guides and training manuals.

Question:Do you provide training for your estheticians over and above any brand training?
Shannon Erley:
Currently, Pomp estheticians do not receive any additional esthetics training through Pomp beyond the product knowledge training provided by each vendor. We do offer other learning opportunities and encourage our community of estheticians to teach and learn from one another. We have provided webinars on various topics, including social media.

Question:Do you carry professional only brands?
Shannon Erley:
Pomp carries professional and medical grade vendors.

Question: Are estheticians allowed to invite clients into their facility for a treatment?
Shannon Erley:
Yes. Many of our estheticians encourage their clients to sign up with Pomp after receiving an in-person treatment. Our estheticians understand how important an at-home skincare routine is to continue the results outside of the treatment room. Pomp is built to work alongside an esthetician’s already established business, as a tool for them to continue to connect with their clients outside the treatment room and prepare their skin for upcoming appointments.

 

 

Sean Patrick Harrington - Coralai

Question: Can users get a skin analysis from your platform?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes. The genius of Coralai is our computer vision and artificial technology, which work in harmony with our customer’s personal values, to deliver the optimal products to meet their personal skin needs.

Question: Is there a charge for the consultation?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Every online consultant sets their own service rates. In some cases, an online consultant might offer a discounted or free consultation. Coralai is the only platform where licensed skincare experts are able to set their own office hours and service rates to meet with clients. Our licensed professionals are provided a state-of-the-art dashboard, which includes the client’s quantitative skin assessment data, SMS and email messaging for optimal consultations.

Question:  Do users have to pay for an esthetician to give them a skin analysis and advice?
Sean Patrick Harrington:

Coralai’s technology is free for customers to use any time, and as many times, as they wish. In fact, we encourage multiple scans so customers are able to track their skin changes over time! We built the most sophisticated HIPAA and GDPR database for Coralai. All of our data is encrypted. So as customers assess their skin overtime, purchase products, meet with licensed professionals, seek in-person treatments and more, their data is secured.

We believe skincare is healthcare, and that customers should be able to choose with whom they consult. Therefore when clients choose a booking consultation they are able to select from a wide range of licensed experts. Our consultants are experts in hormonal changes in skin during pregnancy, menopause, oncology and thyroid disease. Coralai is the only enterprise providing consultative services for our transgender communities who experience consequential changes in their skin with hormonal supplementation.

Question: How do you conduct skin analysis in your app?
Sean Patrick Harrington::
Our Coralai technology is exceptionally user friendly. The experience is free of charge. New and returning customer simply click the button on our Coralai homepage. The technology is self-guided and take only moments to receive your results. Plus Coralai is not a downloaded App. We are an enterprise platform that can be accessed anywhere, at any time, in the world. Moreover, Coralai does not take up valuable storage on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Question: Can users buy products from the esthetician during the consultation?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes. Coralai sources only the finest, most trusted products for our enterprise ecosystem. Anyone can shop Coralai, at any time! Our technology simply helps optimize the discovery process. For customers who have questions about their Coralai results or recommended products, our online licensed experts are just click away. Plus, our team of HIPAA trained call center team members are on standby to answer any question, free of charge!

Question:  Are estheticians allowed to recommend products with actives such as retinols, and glycolic’s?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes. All of our licensed online consultants are expert in the brands we carry, and those we might not. Each expert is an independent consultant, which means they work on behalf of the client and the best needs for their skincare.

Question: Do you verify that estheticians are trained by each brand?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes. We are requiring all our licensed online skincare experts to attend brand trainings. What makes Coralai truly unique is access to licensed skincare experts, and brands that have proven efficacy as recommended by our professional Advisory Council. Our Advisory Council assembles seven of the most celebrated skincare experts here in the US and abroad. Together they have recommended a variety of brands and products that have enjoyed great success in the professional skincare market, including spas, med-spas, and dermatology.

Question: Do you provide training for your estheticians over and above any brand training?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes, absolutely! From privacy to product performance, media training and ongoing education, Coralai provides exceptional training and access to peer-to-peer professional engagement for cross pollenating best practices!

Question: Do you carry professional only brands?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
All of our products are recommended by skincare professionals. We envision Coralai as an opportunity for new brands entering the professional skincare market to submit their products for consideration. We already have a queue of 40 brands to add to our enterprise, and the list continues to grow!

Question:Are estheticians allowed to invite clients into their facility for a treatment?
Sean Patrick Harrington:
Yes! Absolutely. We consider the genius of Coralai the ability for spas, med-spas, and dermatology practices to leverage our enterprise to engage their existing client book, while building their book with new clients. Since Coralai is free to use anytime, anywhere, our customers will be booking consultative appointments from a variety of places. Assuming a client is nearby it’s a great opportunity to book in-person services. If a client is far away, our consultants are able make referrals while retaining the client as part of a coordinated, virtual care package.

 

Staci Dao - Tammira

Question:Can users get a skin analysis from your platform? ​
Staci Dao:
Not at this time, but we are looking into speaking to a company that may integrate with us on their skin analysis feature​

Question:
Is there a charge for the consultation? ​
Staci Dao: Yes, 30% platform fee on paid sessions

Question:  Do users  have to pay for an esthetician to give them a skin analysis and advice? ​
Staci Dao:
It depends on the esthetician if they want to charge the users or not.

Question: How do you conduct skin analysis in your app? ​
Staci Dao: No skin analysis is happening

Question:  Can users buy products from the esthetician during the consultation? ​
Staci Dao:
Yes. The esthetician will need to manually create a product card with the information (price, website, etc.) for users to go to after the consultation to shop

Question: Are estheticians allowed to recommend products with actives such as retinols, and glycolics? ​
Staci Dao:
Yes

Question: Do you verify that estheticians are trained by each brand? ​
Staci Dao:
We cannot verify for sure, we don’t vet at this time but allow the estheticians to provide their license # and state on their profile

Question:  Do you provide training for your estheticians over and above any brand training?
Staci Dao:
​No​

Question:  Do you carry professional only brands? ​
Staci Dao: 
No

Question: Are estheticians allowed to invite clients into their facility for a treatment? ​
Staci Dao:
Yes

 

 

 

 

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