Business Stuff - Marketing

So I have started reading a great business book - 


The Vibe - Gary Bertwistle Buy the book

The marketing handbook for every product,
service and industry.

While most companies claim to have a brand, only a few make an authentic connection with customers or clients. The rest simply have a logo that gets slapped on to the side of a truck or onto a shirt. Today it's brands that will thrive and survive, and to build a brand, you need to create the right vibe around your business.

In The Vibe, Gary shares his secrets, stripping away the jargon and highlighting the essential thinking required before you spend time, money and energy on promotion and advertising. Whether you're a commercial, industrial, retail or service company, this book gives you the tools to create a powerful brand in the minds of your customers.

Easy to understand, practical and relevant for businesses of all sizes, with real examples of Australian businesses
- The Vibe is what every brand needs!

I will post more once i get more of the way through the book - Im only up to the second chapter but loving every word of it. I guess Im liking it so much because usually all the marketing books I read, seem to be overseas based - this one has great Australian business examples. 

All About Lashes & Eyelash Extensions

What are Hypnotic Lash Extensions?
Hypnotic Lash Extensions are comprised of individual synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. The synthetic lash is thicker at the base and then tapers to a fine point.

They are applied your natural lashes, one extension at a time, for a natural look to lengthen and add fullness to your existing lashes. Synthetic lashes are made from synthetic polyester. Synthetic lashes respond better to wear and tear than other materials. they also minimise the chance of allergic reactions with human skin. You are more likely to suffer an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions that are made form animal hairs such as mink.

What do they look like and how do they feel?

With proper application Hypnotic Lashes look and feel completely real. Each application is customised to suit the individual. There are many thicknesses and lengths of lashes as per the image below.

Your stylist should also suit the styling of the lash extensions to how you would like your eyes to look and also take into consideration the shape of both your face and eyes.

There are endless possibilities of what you can do with eyelash extension some examples of lash styling are given below

You also have the option of selecting coloured lashes. These can be used to give you a fun look or be used to give your lashes highlighting effects. Below is an example picture of the variations in colours that are available. 

What are the benefits of wearing Hypnotic Lash Extensions?

Most women chose Hypnotic Lash Extensions to lengthen their natural lashes, while other want their lash line to look fuller. Some who have naturally lighter coloured lashes chose to darken their exiting lashes. Some just love the look they can achieve with different colours and layering.

Hypnotic Lashes can create a younger looking appearance on many clients. Above all the main advantage of Hypnotic Lashes is how much time you can save during your beauty regimen. Hypnotic Lashes allows you to spend less time applying make up such as mascara as you will not need to use mascara!!

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the experitise and experience of the lash stylist and also the number of lashes being applied, it generally takes between 60 to 120 mins to apply a full set of Hypnotic Lashes. Infills can take as little as 20 - 60 mins.

The application process...

You will be lying down on the beauty bed with your eyes closed while your lash stylist applies the Hypnotic Lash Extensions. There is no discomfort or pain involved in the process. In most cases, clients fall asleep due to being so relaxed.

Do you need lashes to get lash extensions?

Yes. As Hypnotic Lashes are applied directly one to one on your natural lashes you will need to have your own natural lashes for this application process. 

Can I apply hypnotic Lash Extensions to my own lashes?

No. Only qualified and trained professionals should apply lashes to you. Ensure you check that your lash stylist has plenty of experience and does great work. Unqualified, inexperienced or unprofessional application may cause injury, lash damage or unnatural looking lashes.

How often should I get Infills?

A natural lash typically sheds every 60 - 90 days and is replaced with the growth of a new lash. After 2-4 weeks approx 1/3 of the lashes will have gone through their cycle. At this point, infills are required to replace the lashes that have completed their cycle. 

What do I do if I would like them removed?

As the natural lashes go through their cycle they will shed and fall out, your lash extensions will fall out with them. However, if you would like them removed prior to this for any reason you should contact your lash stylist to have them properly removed. The removal process is quick and painless but ensures your own natural lashes are not damaged. 

NEVER TRY TO PULL YOUR OWN LASH EXTENSIONS OUT! 

Doing this will not only create big gaps in your lash line but it will be painful and you will have to wait up to 4 weeks for them to grow back

Get Educated - Blepharitis the ELE enemy!

A great topic to know about if you are an ELE stylist! 


So to start Im going to refer you to a link:
Images of different Blepharitis


The above link has some great info about Bleph and also shows you visual images to help you identify Bleph in a client. Basically Belpharitis is inflammation of the eyelid(s). It is an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes. 


The start of Blepharitis usually appears to look like dandruff between the lashes and is usually accompanied by itchiness. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.


Some symptoms of Bleph are as follows:

• Redness of the eyelids.
• Flaking of skin on the lids.
• Crusting at the lid margins, this is generally worst on waking.
• Cysts at the lid margin (hordeolum).
• Red eye.
• Debris in the tear film, seen under magnification (improved contrast with use of fluorescein drops).
• Gritty sensation of the eye.
• Reduced vision.

What Bleph means in the ELE industry:

Your clients will usually develop Bleph due to poor eye hygiene. Most clients feel that if they clean the eye area they will cause the ELE to fall off and therefore they dont clean the eyes as well as they should be cleaned!

You should always point out to your clients that they should clean their eyes at least twice a week with mild baby shampoo - as it is less likely to cause any irritation. They should use our foaming bottles (which can be purchased off the website www.hypnoticlashes.com) mix one part shampoo to two parts water. This will assist to remove any make up and oils that have accumulated on the skin. 

If you have a client that you suspect has Bleph, you need to inform her in the gentlest way possible. Be polite, ask questions about her cleaning routine, the best thing YOU as a stylist can do is make sure all your clients are informed. Let your client know that Blepharitis requires medical attention by an eye specialist. The treatment will involve removal of all the ELE, so that the follicle mouth can be washed with hot soapy water followed by the application of an antibiotic cream. Unfortunately it is not possible to cure Blepharitis completely; however the symptoms can be managed. Once the symptoms are managed and hygiene is introduced, ELE can be reapplied.

The one thing you will need to inform your client is that all her eye makeup and possible some of her foundations may be contaminated - your client will need to dispose of her make up and replace it or she will continue to keep getting it back. This is where you as the stylist will need to keep a close eye on her eyes to ensure there is no reoccurrence - if there is then you need to start at the beginning and question her hygiene routine, if she has had treatment and if she has replaced her makeup.

The below instructions have been taken from www.allaboutvision.com

mptoms

Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Rub gently around the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, but do not get cleaning solution in your eye.

Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it is often chronic, meaning that it never goes away completely. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of these steps involving good eyelid hygiene and massage:

• Apply a warm compress such as a washcloth to the outer eyelids.
• Cleanse the eyelids with a commercial lid scrub or other recommended product.
• Gently massage the outer eyelids.

A warm compress loosens the crust on your eyelids and eyelashes before you clean them. The warmth also can loosen any blocked residue in the oil-secreting meibomian glands in your eyelids.

To use a warm compress:

• Wash your hands, then dampen a clean washcloth with warm water.
• Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for several minutes.
• Open your eyes, and then use fingers to rub gently around the outer eyelids in a circular motion. Don't press too hard on the eyeball.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations on how often to use a compress and how long it should be kept in place.

When you first begin treatment, your eye doctor may suggest that you do this several times daily, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you might apply the compress once daily for a few minutes.

Cleaning the eyelids is essential to blepharitis treatment. Your doctor will recommend what cleansing agent to use, such as warm water only, baby shampoo diluted with warm water or a special over-the-counter product made specifically for cleansing the lids.

To clean eyelids:

• Wash your hands, then dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab or gauze pad into your cleaning solution.
• Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Gently wipe across your lashes and lid margin.
• Rinse with cool water.
• Repeat the process for your other eye, but use a different washcloth, swab or pad.

Your eye doctor may have you clean your lids several times daily to start, and then once daily thereafter. — GW

 

Eyelash Extension Safe Product List

So I thought it would be best if I started a product list of all the products that are oil free and eyelash extension safe -


Make up Removers:

• Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make Up remover
• Maybelline Expert Eyes® 100% Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
• Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Make up Remover
• Bioderma Sensibio Make up remover

Make Up:

• Clinique stay true oil free make up foundation
• Proactive mineral and compact foundation
• Chanel Double Perfection Fluid
• Calvin Klein - Infinite Matte Oil Free Foundation
• Dermalogica Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser 
• Chanel Voile Universel

Please feel free to add to this list as you find products that are good for using whilst having eyelash extensions on. Please note I do not work for any of the above brands nor do I sell them - just a friendly list of products that are oil free and therefore eyelash extension friendly.

Please ensure all above products are suitable for your skin type before using :)

Finally I am able to blog on the go with !!

Finally in my boredom I have found an application that I can use on the go on my iPhone to blog with!!! Now I'll never be bored AND I'll have constant access to blog away!!

Bower Bird editorial today - will post pics later on!!


- Posted from my iPhone

Location:Little St,Parramatta,Australia

SQUIZ CARDS - The best kept secret in business cards is here...

Ok I have to rave about these cute, effective and wonderful business cards!! They have saved my butt soo many times when Iv been out and about and havnt had any regular size business cards on hand. 

Squiz Cards are one of the most powerful and handiest marketing tools and serve as a little container for big ideas. 

A convenient way to carry a handful of cards with you all the time, that won't wear or get bent edges in your pocket, wallet or purse! 

Professionals in any field can always keep SquizCards on them because they come with a handy keyring dispenser. You never know when you’ll meet a potential client, partner or like-minded person. 

Squiz Cards are also waterproof, so if someone puts them through the wash or is out on a job site - they still remain perfect. 

 You won't get all the same text on them as a traditional business card, but you will get enough details to let people know how to find you or your business.

You'll never be caught without them!

They have over 45 pre made templates or you can upload your own.


Pricing starts from $19.95 or 50 cards. 
Sizing 53mm x 28mm waterproof round corners


Do yourself a favour and check out their site : Squiz Cards.com

What do I need to do to care for my eyelash extensions?

So there are a few rules that you need to follow when getting any eyelash extensions. These are not to make your eyelashes a chore but they will make them last longer and look beautiful... and in the long run save you cash!!

- After you shower don’t wet your eyelashes for 24 hours after your procedure. This will give the glue an appropriate amount of time to cure. This means you should also avoid steam rooms / saunas and swimming during that period.

- Do not use waterproof mascara on your eyelashes. A water soluble mascara or one designed specifically for eyelash extensions is fine to use, although you’ll probably find that you no longer require mascara. Check out the website for products that are safe to use -www.hypnoticlashes.com

- Use cotton swabs to remove makeup by working gently around the eyelashes.

- Do not use cleansers, makeup removers or moisturisers that contain oil or solvents on your eyes, as these will compromise the bonding agent used to adhere your eyelashes.

- Do not rub your eyes, instead you should get used to patting your eyes gently which is in fact much better for the eyelashes and the sensitive skin around the eyes.

- Be careful not to get your eyelashes caught on clothes when you’re dressing and undressing or towels when you’ve showered - I know this sounds silly but it does happen!

- Never pull your eyelash extension off as it will pull out your natural eyelash. If you want them removed contact Hypnotic Lashes.

- Do not perm or tint your eyelash extensions.

- Do not use eyelash curlers on your eyelashes.

- Book your next eyelash refill at Hypnotic Lashes every 2 weeks - a maximum of 4 week intervals in order to maintain your optimum eyelash effect.