Control Corrective Blog

Spa Lessons from Cancun

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Last week I went to Cancun, Mexico for a launch event with our distributor and to meet the resort directors that carry our brand. We had the opportunity to go to several five-star resorts as a small group for a “behind the scenes” tour with the spa directors. I was reminded of three important aspects of the spa experience that all spa businesses should think about:

Reminder 1

Never forget that the facial experience begins the minute your client walks in the door. You do not have to be a 5-Star resort to implement simple things to set your spa aside. Every property we walked into immediately offered us a choice of two key beverages, and beautifully scented wet hand towels. There was also

Ellen in Cancun displaying Control Corrective

fresh fruit in a basket along with a full cookie tray. A lovely receptionist smiled, and offered us the refreshments. It started to relax us right away and the lesson being that the experience really does begin before the treatment, and the front desk should be in charge of “setting the stage”.

Reminder 2

Hire the right attitude. You can always teach an esthetician how to execute a good facial if you have excellent products and good training materials. What is more difficult to train is to instill a gracious attitude. I would rather have a new graduate from beauty school with a positive outlook, a love of helping others and a willingness to work hard over a ten year veteran who thinks there is only one way to be successful, and claims, “the reason the clients come here is because of me”. Always interview for the attitude.

Reminder 3

How are you creating a memorable experience? Find something you can do differently than your competition. I scheduled a massage in our hotel and had no idea what the experience would be like. I was

Fish Pedicure Treatment

delighted to be led to a small, but absolutely wonderful spa facility. After enjoying the facilities, the massage therapist led me to a large couch area with spa music piping through and dim lightning, where she put aromatherapy heated mitts on my feet, and around my shoulders and let me enjoy for several minutes before the massage. I was already feeling the relaxation and nurturing and drifting away before she led me to the treatment room. I think of this as the “appetizer”…. What type of complimentary appetizers can you offer to create a memorable experience for your clients? This costs very little in money and the obvious gain is significant…larger tips, client retention, word of mouth, and experience being elevated.

You know it’s a good trip when all I could think about at the Cancun airport was when I can get back to these resort spas that work so hard to create an enchanting experience.

Skincare Review from Tiffany Miller

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:39:40 +0000

Skin care has its own isle in drugstores, rows in department stores and special websites dedicated to perfect skin. Like all of you I strive for that perfect face. As a makeup artist I am constantly looking for products for my clients, especially moisturizers. Hearing and being taught that moisturizers are the key to young healthy skin, finding that perfect potion is always a daunting task but I believe I can point you in the right direction!

I have so many bottles of creams and exfoliates taking up room under my sink. Touched once and put away. Control Corrective changes that. You don’t buy a product that promises an all in one healer. You find the product that fits your needs. Aging controls, sun damage, acne, sensitivity even deep skin treatments. With each category offering four to five products it’s easy to find what you are looking for and the people of Control Corrective are there to help.

I myself have dry patches and places of redness. Most of this happens around my nose and chin. My concerns with wrinkles are only around my eyes. Being contact lenses user, pulling and rubbing my eyes daily seems to cause some small wrinkles. I am twenty two years old and even now I can see signs of aging due to tanning earlier in life and not taking the proper care of my skin. Control Corrective sent me an assortment of samples products to test out meeting my needs. I have more favorites to tell you about.

In order of use I will start with the Cucumber Bead Cleanser. It is just the right amount of exfoliate my skin was never left feeling raw or over exfoliated. Topping that with Crystal C Serum makes skin glow feel moisturized a layer of Botanical Soothing Cream, which provides SPF of 30 and done. I really enjoyed this combo and it has helped my skin so much. I could always tell a huge difference when using this particular combination.

It’s hard to find an exfoliate that is not just a rough scrub to rid your skin of dead cells. The line between raw over done skin and fresh smooth skin is where Control Corrective did it right. The Cucumber Bead Cleanser is so gentle yet very effective. I also was very impressed with the Hydrant Stabilizer, so creamy and is the best layer of moisturizer I have found.

Control Corrective was founded by Ellen Clark in 1997, in Orange County, California. I see these as amazing skin care products for all skin types and skin issues. My only down side is those with sensitive skin may not be able to use all products due to scents in the products. Yet they offer a Sensitive Skin line, which is wonderful! I cannot wait for so many people to find out about this company and bring light to a new revolution of skin care.

Is your makeup causing you to look older or clogging your pores?

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:39:10 +0000

We all love wearing make-up; it is a great way to express yourself, try new looks and feel more attractive. Many of us have had the experience of waking up, looking in the mirror, and noticing a new blemish, uneven roughness, dark areas and deeper lines, causing us to go right into the makeup case for coverage. While most women wear makeup, be careful not to overload the face, and be sure to add weekly exfoliation to your routine. A recent study conducted by Canada’s Environmental Defense Group showed that there is an alarming presence of pore-clogging substances found in cosmetic products that can cause imbalances in the skin and is commonly responsible for causing an increase in Rosacea, eczema, and acne.

Fear not! Here are some tips to keep your skin looking it best while also enjoying the beautiful benefits of make- up.

1) Start off with a clean slate. Cleaning your brushes is key for healthy, clear skin. Make up brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and break outs.

2) Read the label. Many believe that using hypo-allergic make-up implies it will not congest the skin and that it is “better” or “healthier”. However, last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that FDA’s regulation defining “hypoallergenic” was invalid. This means there is now no regulation specifically defining or governing the use of the term “hypoallergenic” or similar claims.

3) Exfoliate weekly. Remove dead skin build up several times per week with our CucumberBead Cleanser. Your makeup base will go on smoother and you may even use less in the future. Using the softest, cotton wash cloths allows you to very gentle exfoliate and rinse your skin without over stimulating it.

4) Cleanse at night. Avoid going to sleep with make-up on. If you wear make-up during the day. A.M. cleansing helps get rid of the makeup and grime. The PM cleanse is to ensure that your skin is really clean and free from impurities so that your moisturizers and toners can absorb better. It is important to use a cleanser for your skin type so your skin is not stripped of its natural oils.

5) Take off your mascara. Use our Soothing Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover after a long day and ensure all mascara is completely gone from your lashes. If you sleep in your mascara, your eyelashes may eventually become dry and brittle, and are more likely to fall out.

Wrinkle Free Beauty Sleep

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:36:01 +0000

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to “sleep lines”. This refers to wrinkles that become embedded into the surface of the skin and don’t disappear once you start your day. Did you know that the average head weighs between 7 to 10 lbs and the added pressure causes your face to “scrunch up” and essentially “stretch” your skin?

Sleep Beautifully

So what can we do?

Do not sleep on your side or stomach; sleeping on your back to avoid the pillow touching your face is one of the best ways to avoid getting these lines.
Massage our Skin Nourishing Balm on your décolleté and neck, and around your eyes (if dry) before going to sleep, to soften the skin, making it less likely to cause the dehydrated skin to tighten up and stretch. This natural balm serves as a breathable, aromatic skin softener . If your skin is very dry, also use it on the entire face. Great for heals and elbows too.
Don’t forget about your eyes. Using a high quality eye cream is a crucial part of the wrinkle battle. The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate so you need to provide extra protection at night. Our Collagen Eye Defense delivers superior hydration that lasts for hours.

Have you been showing signs of sleep wrinkles? Do you have any anti aging sleeping tips to share? Post a comment!

Control Corrective Skincare’s At-Home Glow Holiday Facial

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:42:22 +0000

While nothing replaces a great facial from your esthetician, many people get busy with social commitments, or due to budget constraints, cannot get a facial as often as desired. So what can you do at home? We recommend the following facial protocol that you can do bi -monthly to keep your skin smoothed, refreshed and brighter for the holidays. Great to have nice music, playing and creating a relaxing environment for yourself:

Step 1: Cleanse withGentle Facial Wash or Sensitive Skin Cleansing Milk.

Step 2: Do a second cleanse with the Cucumber Bead Cleanser.

Step 3: Put Chamomile Tea Bags in a steamy hot pot, and steam your skin for 3-5 minutes (towel over the head to hold in the steam if desired). This softens the skin.

Step4: Apply 1/2 teaspoon of our Skin Nourishing Balm and massage skin for 3 minutes to increase circulation and soften the skin. After, tissue off excess.

Step 5: Apply Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask with fan brush or fingers. If eye puffiness or redness is a concern, saturate two cotton rounds with our Soothing Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover rest on your eyes while the mask is on your face. Leave on ten minutes, then rinse and remove with gentle washcloth.

Step 6: Apply Firming Tri Peptide Serum or Crystal C Serum and massage into the skin.

Step 7: Finish facial with application of Collagen Eye Defense and Ceramide Daily Cream to the face and declote’.

Step 8: Apply your favorite makeup and you will shine!

Don’t underestimate the power of topical antioxidants

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:10:46 +0000

Daily applications of antioxidant-rich products benefit the skin in many ways. Topically applied antioxidants have been clinically shown to reduce the damage from harmful UV rays. UV radiation is a known cause of hyperpigmentation, skin cancer and aging to the skin and if you think you can focus only on exfoliation, you will not create “healthy” skin. Antioxidants must be a part of your home care regimen.

According to Jennifer Linder, MD “Of the three types of UV rays, mid-range, UVB and long-wave UVA rays are widely known to be the chief causes of premature photo aging, immune dysfunction and certain skin cancers”.

Essentially, the sun’s rays cause an “overproduction” of reactive oxygen free radicals which leads to “oxidative stress in the skin” and actually can damage DNA and cellular proteins. While free radicals have beneficial properties, when the skin is exposed to high amounts of UV rays, so common in our outdoor lifestyles, damage occurs and eventually we “see it” on our own face and body. It can manifest in the way of wrinkles, dryness, dark spots, and increased overall skin sensitivities.

This is where antioxidants come to the rescue. Many antioxidants have shown an ability to decrease and reverse the damage. Several clinically studied antioxidants that prove to have chemo protective benefits include green tea, Vitamin E, reservatrol (found in grapes, peanuts, berries, and cocoa), ergothioneine (found in mushrooms, and other plants), coffeeberry (from derived from the unripe coffea arabica plant), silybin (found in milk thistle), and L-ascorbic acid, (vitamin C) which also provides the photo protective, anti-inflammatory and collagen synthesis properties much needed in aging skin.

The Control Corrective line incorporates a cocktail of antioxidants because they are so vital to skin health and prevention. From our antioxidant rich serums and day creams to our skin-specific sun protection creams, you can be assured that your skin is defending itself against the inevitable evolution of skin aging and the side effects

Control Corrective Products high in Antioxidants:

Customer Service – Superior Service Wanted!

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:24:40 +0000

Many companies invest a a tremendous amount on marketing their goods and services. This gets the client in the door no doubt, however, the sale is often lost at by way of indifferent, poorly trained, non-motivated sales personnel. On my most recent trip to my local mall, I visited a well-known, high-end department store. I knew exactly the product I was interested in (a face powder by Laura Mercier), so I walked directly to the product counter.

The sales representative I first approached advised that she was unable to assist because it was “not her brand”. She offered to find a representative who could help me, but returned after five minutes because the correct sales rep could not be located. She did her best to answer questions about the product I was interested in, but she was unfamiliar with the brand and did not have any information available to her to help. Although I appreciated her effort to assist me, I left without purchasing the product I had gone to the store specifically to buy.

My experience affirmed my belief of the importance of good customer service and in-store assistance. In this case, a near-guaranteed sale was transformed by the customer service experience into a lost sale. Despite an extensive marketing campaign for the face powder and my interest in the product, the in-store sales staff was unable to “seal the deal.”

What has been your experience with customer service? Have you ever been thankful for superior assistance, or suffered through an aggravating sales transaction? Leave a comment for us.

Professional Review from Lady J Skincare – Salicylic Wash

eclark — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:09:02 +0000

I have been using this cleanser for only 3 days and the texture of my skin is already smoother, softer, and my blemishes are shrinking. I have not had any new blemishes! These are great results for my skin. I am ecstatic with these results!

“Sweep away dead skin cell build-up so blackheads and whiteheads don’t stand a chance. By dissolving sticky pore-clogging oils and cellular debris, exfoliating Salicylic Wash creamy gel helps reduce congestion and improve skin texture on the face, back, shoulders and arms.”-Control Corrective

The cleanser is a gentle soft pearl solution, is not overstimulating, does not smell like harsh chemicals, does not irritate my skin and a little product goes a long way. 2% Salicylic Acid dissolves dead skin cells and pore clogging oils, preventing clogged pores. Aloe Vera Juice and Chamomile calm irritated skin. The cleanser feels silky on my skin, leaves my skin feeling extremely clean, without stripping my skin of moisture. After cleansing my skin feels great, not tight, but comfortable. This cleanser delivers on all its claims, I am sold. I Love it! Recommended for normal, combination, oily and acne-prone skin types.

Choosing the best form of Vitamin C for topical application makes the difference.

eclark — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:39:58 +0000

Our highly effective products with Stay C 50 include: Crystal C Serum, Retinol C, and Vitamin C Brightening Mask. Stay C 50, a bio-available form of Vitamin C is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging, from fine lines and wrinkles, to discoloration and roughness. It is well known that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is key to the production of collagen which aids in giving the skin its firmness and strength. Vitamin C helps slow the rate of free radical damage and in some cases, reverses DNA damage. Research suggests that Vitamin C may also reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to premature signs of aging.

For more information on Stay C 50 and how it works in the skin, email marketing@controlcorrective.com.

I had no idea it was time to change my makeup

Skincare Guru Ellen Clark — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:14:45 +0000

I typically educate estheticians to “rotate” a clients’ home care as well as their facial treatment choice depending upon what has changed in their skin. There are many factors that affect the skin and of course as we age the products that once met our skin care needs, often changes.

The key is to ask clients key questions, every time they visit for a facial, to uncover the subtle and not so subtle changes that they may or not be aware of. If this does not come natural to you, then craft questions ahead of time that will help you help your client. What are 5 – 10 questions that could better assist you in this effort? Could you have a brief questionnaire for returning guests that is shorter, but might identify some of these changes?

Several weeks ago I was at my hair stylist, Maya (who also is a wonderful makeup artist), and was telling her about our upcoming treatment video shoot that we are producing for our web site. Since our video shoot was going to start very early in the morning, and run all day, I asked her about makeup. Since she could not do my makeup, I asked her opinion and what she recommended since she has done lots of makeup for camera and film.

Until now, I have been very happy with the makeup I have been using for at least ten years. I have always felt it provided the coverage I needed, and it did not break me out. Yes, it is heavier, but I felt I needed it.

At the appointment Maya suggests a foundation from MAC called “Face and Body”, and to follow it with a matching light powder. She tells me it is “buildable”, and that it will provide great coverage. So, I go to MAC and ask to see it. It looks quite thin is very water-based and I am a bit skeptical. The MAC sales woman assures me it is fabulous and “buildable”. She applies it to my skin and starts teaching me how to build it, and I am delighted to see that indeed, it is fabulous. It is lightweight and provided the coverage. Furthermore, I realize that my heavier, traditional foundation was actually not really looking as good as I had thought.

What can you change in your client’s home care regimen? What has changed since you sold them the last serum or cream? Ask key questions, listen and consider suggesting what might better suit them as we go into a new season. I am glad I tried something new!