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How to care for your natural lashes at home.

Posted on by Claire Taylor

Many of you know that I absolutely love lash extensions!  Its one of my most popular courses and the one I absolutely love teaching.

But those of you who know me, know that I can no longer wear them as I have severe allergies to the lash glue.  I have been teaching lashes for well over 12 years now and have worn them for much of that time and years and years of breathing in the glue (remember back in the beginning we did not think that much of health and safety), the repeated exposure caused me to have to stop wearing them, and also to stop performing the service. 

However, my love for them is still there and I think they are one of the most wonderful beauty treatments for any woman!  Young or old, they define the eyes and make us all feel like fabulous!

But during this lockdown period, many of you are facing the same situation that I was 3 years ago, in that, you cannot get your lashes done! 

So I have put together a few little ideas that may help you get your lashes in tip top condition so that as soon as we are given the green light, you can race back to your lash technician with beautiful and strong natural lashes, ready for the magic to happen again!  If lash extensions are not your thing, you may even feel the urge to try a lash lifting procedure instead! 

Please remember that there is no such thing as a ‘quick fix’ with this.  Our natural lashes grow in a cycle and most of the treatments will take around 8 weeks before you see a definite result.  Also it is always advised that you patch test any new product prior to use.

Lash Growth Serums

There are so many on the market.  The one that I used and highly recommend (no affiliate links here, just my recommendations) is Revitalash.  This really helped my lashes grow, not only back, but much fuller, thicker and longer.  It is a little on the pricey side, but it works and a little goes a really long way. 

You pop the serum across your lash line every night before going to bed.  I would definitely recommend purchasing this from a Revitalash Stockist so you know it is the genuine article.  I bought mine from here https://revitalash.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/74925/category/9

Castor Oil

A cheaper and more natural version of a growth serum.  I have read countless reviews from people who agree this stuff really works.  Castor Oil contains Ricinoleic acid which contains high levels of triclycerides which can help to nourish the lashes.  It also contains omega 6 fatty acids, which may help to improve the health of your hair – so slap this stuff on your brows and also give yourself a lovely hair mask too! 

Apply this using a cotton bud and run it across the top of your lashes (and brows) before bed.

The Castor Oil I purchased was the cold pressed castor oil from here https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/pukka-castor-oil-60019729

Vitamin E Oil or Coconut Oil

Both oils are safe to use around the eye area.  I actually love using Coconut oil to remove my eye make up, so this is another great multi tasker!

Here are two links to both, but I get my coconut oil usually from the supermarket. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Naissance-Vitamin-Oil-100-Pure/dp/B00E5FG992/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=vitamin+e+oil&qid=1585994260&sr=8-6

Purchase here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vita-Coco-Organic-Virgin-Coconut/dp/B07S1WDDRM/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=coconut+oil&qid=1585994098&sr=8-10

Biotin Supplements

There are health claims that Biotin supplements can help your skin, hair and nails.  Does it work?  I am not sure, but I do take them in my vitamin regime .  As with any supplement, there are side effect so always read up on anything before purchasing it.  The supplement I take is from here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Biotin-Supplement-Tablets-Nu-Nutrition/dp/B011LY3S7U/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=TusaibhJNV5Zytqt463N1A&hsa_cr_id=2927356800402&ref_=sb_s_sparkle

I hope that helps everyone.

Take care xx

Change your Mindset

Posted on by admin

Happy New Year everyone!

I’m sat here this morning on New Year’s Day and was scrolling through social media, as we often do. My Instagram feed is full of ‘New Year New Me’. It got me thinking about resolutions. I checked out the top resolutions people make going forward into the New Year.

The most common are:

  • Losing weight
  • Getting fit
  • Making money
  • Change career
  • Quit addictions (smoking, drinking, chocolate etc)

Most of us fail pretty badly at all of them and why? With nearly all of the above, we fail because we lack will power, consistency and putting in the work.

There is no quick fix to any of the above. You are not going to be able to see major results from any of them in a few days. Most require months, sometimes years of hard work. Most of us are not prepared to look at our goals as a long term result. This is why so many of us fail.

If we are going to be successful at anything, we have to change our mindset and realise that the only person who can turn things around for us, is ourselves. We have to be prepared to go through the inconvenience and sometimes pain that is required to reach our dreams and aspirations.

Anyone can achieve any of the above goals if they really WANT it. But you are not going to achieve it talking about it, thinking about it, reading books on it or watching you tube videos about it unless you get off your sofa and do something about it.

We are all guilty of scrolling though Instagram and feeling jealous of the super fit people that are showing off their bodies. But most of these people look like this because they have worked hard to achieve it. They get up early to work out, they skip the dessert, they don’t give in to temptations.

For me, I am inspired by people who have successful businesses. When I see people living the life of their dreams because they have gained success through their hard work, I am not jealous of them because it motivates me to work harder at what I do so that someday I may be able to achieve my own dreams. That takes a lot of hard work and dedication. And there is only one person who can help me get there .. me.

So what is this post about? I just want to put it out there that we are all in charge of our own destinies and if you really want to make changes in your life, you can do it. As cliché as it sounds….

Change your mindset and change your life.

Let’s make 2019 a good one!

A new evolution in nail enhancements

Posted on by Claire Taylor

In an ever increasing competitive market, we are constantly looking at ways to increase our revenue as beauty therapists.

Nail services are, and always have been, a very profitable service.  In recent years, gel polish has set our nail world alight and is, without a doubt, one of the most popular nail services we offer today.

The gel polish market has now introduced the ‘builder in a bottle’ gels which are the perfect natural nail overlay, alongside our gel polish treatments.

But nail extensions are still sought after.  Many of us have removed the service due to the ‘non standard salons’ taking over the market.  But, we all know, these clients are being left with ‘butchered’ nails, nail infections and sometimes, permanent nail damage.

Acrylic nails are an art.  In my opinion, nothing beats a gorgeous set of beautifully sculpted acrylic nails.

The downside, this can take a technician years to perfect, acrylic has an odour that many salons, home-based salons and mobile technicians dislike, and it can be a lengthy process to apply.

The answer?  Welcome to the new era of nail extension products in the form of Tip and Dip Nails.

This is not new, I hear you say, and yes, you are right.  I have used a tip and dip powder/resin system for many years.  I loved it.  But luckily for us, our nail manufacturers move on and over the last year I have been trialing and using the NSI Simplicite Polydip system and I am in love!!

I know a few of my students are already using and loving the system too.

NSI Polydip uses a combination of acrylic and gel products.  It uses light cured technology as is faster than a traditional dip system.  I have found that the nails are stronger, the natural nails are healthier and, with good application, requires minimal filing.

There is also a lovely range of coloured dipping powders and glitters which mean you can use the coloured powders instead of a gel polish, or use your artistic skills to produce lovely glitter fades or ombre finishes.

It also soaks off incredibly easily.

I have finally got the NEW Tip and Dip Course fully accredited with ABT.  NSI have custom built me a fabulous student kit which is discounted for my students.

Pop over to the page and take a look.    Tip and Dip Nail Extensions

The course is suitable for a complete beginner with no previous nail experience, or for a nail technician looking to update their skills.

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New Academy Launch

Posted on by Claire Taylor

So I have some news for everyone!  This is a really exciting post for me!

After many years of running Taylored For You from my private training room at home, I have been struggling to cope with the demand for training and struggling even more with a work/life balance as most of my spare time is taken with answering messages, queries and making course bookings.

So as of Monday 3rd September 2018, Taylored For You will be opening its doors in our new premises in Talbot Green!

The new academy will give us a much larger scope for training courses and I am hoping to be able to offer both evening and weekend courses in the coming months.

I am very happy to say that I am no longer working alone.  Many of you already know Michelle Collins who has established herself as a Beauty Trainer over the last few years.  Michelle will be joining my team, on a full time basis, running courses with me on a day to day basis.  She will be bringing with her, her expertise and knowledge of the beauty industry to further expand the courses that we will be offering to our already extensive catalogue of training.

My side kick/partner in crime, my daughter Liv is also going to be working full time in our office and will be there to assist you all with your course bookings, etc.  We also have Dionne, who is currently training in Coleg y Cymodd in Production Make Up, who will be joining us a few days a week to help keep the academy running smoothly.

Alongside us, our team will also be extending to bring in other tutors who will be running additional training courses on a monthly basis.  We have an amazing massage and complimentary therapies tutor who is going to be running accredited massage workshops in Deep Tissue, Hands Free, Pregnancy, Bamboo massage etc.  Lisa, our expert nail trainer will be running advanced nail training courses in E-Filing, sculpting, nail art and I know, with the wonderful contacts I have, this list of tutors will be expanding more and more over the up and coming months.

For the future, we are planning to become a VTCT accredited training centre so that anyone wanting to train along that path, in a Fast Track capacity, will be able to do so but rest assured our quality accredited short courses will also be at the forefront of our focus.

The academy will allow us to now train in smaller groups.  For the last 9 years, I have mainly done 1-2-1 training.  At that time, I always felt that it was the best and easiest way for people to learn.  Recently I have started taking more than one in a class and I realised that there were more benefits to this than being singular.

Less pressurised environment.

Other students may ask questions that you would not have thought of, or may be too shy to ask.

You get to meet people who have the same interests as you.

The difficulty of providing models is virtually eliminated

You get to receive the treatment yourself, which is a fundamental part of understanding your new treatment.

Group sizes will always be small (average of 2-6 course dependent) so each student receives one to one time.

Aftercare and advice is always available following your training session and on going as long as you require it.

Please be reassured you will learn the treatment equally as fast this way.

My ongoing support and mentoring will continue as it always has but you know have the addition of a great team behind me.

Claire xx

Why I love my Jade Roller!

Posted on by Claire Taylor

I’m sure many of you can’t have missed this cool little beauty tool that seems to be popping up on social media these days.

I have actually had mine for quite a while and it’s such a lovely little device to use.

What is it?

The jade roller is an age-old tool that has been an integral part of Chinese beauty regimes since, at least, the 7th century.   There are actually jade rollers in the museums in China dating back centuries.

What are the benefits of using it?

The jade roller is a massaging tool and will increase lymphatic drainage and eliminate build up of toxins. This helps to reduce both redness and puffiness. The roller is made from a smooth piece of jade which is cool to the touch and allows you to roll over your face, with ease and relax tension from the muscles and tissues of your face caused by day to day stress.

Plus, if you believe in the power of crystals you will be aware that jade also has its own healing powers – as a stone it is believed to promote balance and peace.

How should it be used?

I gently roll it back and forth with more pressure placed on the upward motion and working around the facial contours. I try to move from the centre of my face to the outside of the face to help lymphatic drainage.  You can take your time and repeat as many times as you like and I always finish off with my neck and roll towards the lymph nodes at the base of my neck.

Cool Summer Vibes!

In this hot weather it is so relaxing, particularly if you pop it in the fridge before you use it as it works so well to de-puff the skin.  The smaller end is so good for under the eye area to help reduce eye bags.

I also love popping a nice facial treatment oil on before going to bed and use the roller to massage it in.  It definitely is a lovely bed time ritual.

Hayfever and stuffed up noses!

Any hayfever suffers out there?  This is so good to cool those burning itching eyes and the cold jade is lovely to reduce sinus congestion.

Roll your way to younger skin

It can be a lovely anti ageing device.  We often spend days squinting at lashes and nails, phones and computer screens and our faces really can carry a lot of tension.  By using the roller daily, you help to release the tension.  It can help boost circulation, improve the elasticity of your skin and also helps promote cell turnover for a brighter, healthier looking complexion.

Take time for self care

As beauty therapists we spend our days pampering others, whilst most of us are last on our list!  This little, inexpensive, beauty tool is an easy and quick way to relieve the tensions away from our working day!

If you want to try one, they are easy to find on Amazon and really reasonably priced.

I’d love to hear your experiences.

How to achieve a Work/Life Balance

Posted on by Claire Taylor

 

I’m honestly, writing this blog post as a lesson for myself.  It is something that I am constantly striving to achieve (somewhat unsuccessfully).

When you love what you do, it can really take over your life but everyone needs a break.  Over recent years there has been a huge shift in attitudes to work.  There seems to be no cut off time and no structured work hours. This may work for some but I feel the line is easily blurred between work life and home life.

My life has been super crazy over the last few months.  I have new trainers who are working with me now and many more coming on board soon plus I have recently been delving into the world of product development (that is a whole other blog post – but coming shortly) and sometimes I feel it is impossible to switch off!

So I decided to sit down and write myself a list of ‘rules’ that will, not only help me achieve what I want, but hopefully will give you some ideas to achieve the same.

 

  1. Have a cut off time! 

Oh this one is the hardest for me!  There are so many platforms for clients to contact us on these days.  Website, Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp.  I am a massive advocate of using social medial to assist your business, but I have also realised (perhaps a little late) how important it is to set boundaries!  No one should expect a reply at 10 pm at night!  If you let your clients think it is OK to call or text you, then they will.  If you set firm boundaries around when you are available, it will help you relax when you are ‘off the clock’ and avoid feel burned out.

So what if you have an open door policy and you want to make the shift?  You should notify your clients in a professional manner with your schedule changes and enforcing that this will improve your ability to meet their needs more effectively.  I guarantee if I have ever forgotten to order a kit, or book a course – its because I have answered a message out of my working hours, when I’ve been out, or not had my diary next to me, and its slipped my mind.  This is not professional and causes us more stress.  In the long term you will be more organised and less mistakes will happen.

 

  1. Turn off technology

Take control of your smart phone, not your phone controlling you!  When you want to spend time with your loved ones, turn the phone off.  They are such a distraction and so easy to waste valuable time on!

 

  1. Time Management

Work smarter not harder!  Try to create a schedule and stick to it.  I love my ‘to do’ lists!  They really help keep me on track when I have lots of tasks to organise.  Seeing the list written down and then crossed off makes me more relaxed and less stressed.  If you have a big list, order it in priorities.

 

  1. Try not to get distracted by Social Media (another failing I have).

Set a timer and try and get as much done in a 30 minute window – I always find that helps me get down to it, rather than fluffing about with other stuff.  We all know how easy it is to waste 20 minutes scrolling through mindless posts on Facebook!!

 

  1. Schedule important personal activities

You need time for yourself too.  It could be coffee with a friend, date night, play dates with your kids, a Pilates or Yoga class.  Sometimes just that first cup of coffee in the morning before you start work just to give yourself a mind reset and prepared yourself for the day ahead.

 

  1. Make sure you eat lunch

A huge one in our industry!  How many of us skip lunch and work all day living on coffee and sugary snacks!  Meal planning and making yourself a healthy lunch the night before can be helpful.  A vegetable soup that can easily be re-heated, a nice fresh salad with some fruit! Something that can store well in a container and is easy to bring to work.

You owe it to yourself and it is vital for your energy and wellbeing.

 

  1. Take a holiday

It is so hard when you are self employed, especially when you are starting out your business, but if you are working flat out building your business, you can burn out very quickly.  It doesn’t have to be a 2 week vacation (ideal of course), but a long weekend can be a great way to re-charge your batteries.  Sometimes just a day off can leave you feeling re-freshed and re-focused.

 

  1. Learn to say no!

You cannot please everyone.  You cannot be available to everyone all the time.  Clients can place huge demands on us, along with friends, family and staff.  Putting yourself first every now and again is not selfish!

 

  1. Don’t try to be perfect

Being a working mum can be hugely stressful.  You can totally feel like you are being pulled in so many directions.  Learn to delegate!  Get your partner, kids on board to help you with the household chores and don’t beat yourself up if things are not ‘perfect’!  Give yourself a break!

 

  1. Make the changes!

Try to implement some of the ideas above.  Or make your own rules!  Put yourself first once in a while and treat yourself as you would hope a boss would treat you.  Not only will be you a happier and less stressed person, but you will enjoy your job more!  Being self employed is so rewarding, we sometimes just need to be a better boss to ourselves!!

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have any great ideas on how to achieve the work/life balance I would love to hear them!!

Claire x