CIBTAC Beauty Therapy cheat sheet

Skin analysis sequence: observe under good light, palpate for texture and hydration, classify as dry, oily, combination or sensitive before selecting products.

Fitzpatrick phototypes I–VI rate erythema and tanning response; type I burns easily and never tans, guiding UV and exfoliation caution.

Cleansing rule: use a pH-balanced cleanser (roughly pH 4.5–5.5) to protect the acid mantle; high-pH soaps raise skin pH and strip barrier lipids.

Exfoliation types: physical (scrubs, brushes) removes cells mechanically; chemical (AHA, BHA, enzymes) loosens corneocyte cohesion. AHAs are water-soluble, BHA (salicylic) is oil-soluble and suited to congested skin.

Contraindications for heat, electrical and exfoliating treatments include active infection, open wounds, recent waxing or peels, uncontrolled diabetes, anticoagulant use and pregnancy (for certain currents and aromatherapy oils).

Facial massage movements follow: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), vibration and friction; direction generally follows lymphatic drainage toward nodes.

Patch testing is required at least 24–48 hours before tinting, lash or brow colour, and before any new essential oil blend on sensitive clients.

Skin lesion recognition: the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolving) flags pigmented lesions requiring medical referral, not treatment.

Nail plate anatomy: the matrix produces the plate, the lunula is visible matrix, the cuticle (eponychium) seals the proximal nail fold, and the hyponychium seals under the free edge.

Nail growth averages about 3 mm per month for fingernails and 1 mm per month for toenails; toenails take 12–18 months to fully replace, fingernails 4–6 months.

Contraindications to nail services include paronychia, onychomycosis (fungal infection), Pseudomonas (green discolouration), psoriasis flare-ups and undiagnosed nail dystrophy; refer to a GP.

Sanitation hierarchy: clean (remove debris), sanitise (reduce pathogens on surfaces/tools), sterilise (destroy all microorganisms, required for tools that may contact blood).

Buffer grit guide: 180–240 grit for natural nail preparation, 100–180 for gel, 80–100 for acrylic; lower grit numbers remove more product and should not be used on the natural plate.

Acrylic ratio: a correct liquid-to-powder ratio yields a bead that holds shape without running; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittle, cloudy product.

Gel polish curing: UV lamps cure in 2–3 minutes, LED lamps in 30–60 seconds per coat; under-curing causes service breakdown and allergic sensitisation risk.

Nail disorders vs diseases: a disorder (e.g. Beau's lines, koilonychia, onycholysis) alters appearance; a disease (e.g. fungal or bacterial infection) is infectious and must be referred.

Undertone classification: warm (yellow, golden, peach), cool (pink, red, blue) and neutral; foundation should match undertone, while shade depth matches skin value.

Colour theory for correction: green neutralises redness, peach/orange corrects blue-purple bruising or dark circles, yellow corrects purple, lavender corrects sallow yellow tones.

Face shapes and contouring: oval is balanced; round benefits from shading temples and jaw; square softens corners; heart shades the forehead and highlights the chin; long shades the chin and hairline.

Foundation coverage: sheer (10–20% pigment), medium (30–50%), full (60%+); build coverage in thin layers rather than one heavy application.

Eye shadow placement follows the socket line; a transition shade blends the crease, a lid shade sits below it, and a highlight goes on the brow bone and inner corner.

Lip product types: lipstick (wax and oil base, high pigment), gloss (low pigment, high shine), stain (dye-based, long wear), balm (emollient, minimal colour).

Brush hygiene: natural hair brushes suit powder products, synthetic bristles suit cream and liquid; brushes should be washed weekly and never shared without sanitising.

Make-up contraindications include active conjunctivitis, styes, cold sores and broken skin; disposable applicators are mandatory for retail testing.

Massage strokes and effects: effleurage aids venous and lymphatic return; petrissage releases muscle tension; tapotement stimulates; friction warms tissue; vibration calms or stimulates depending on rate.

Swedish massage contraindications: DVT, uncontrolled hypertension, fever, acute injury, recent surgery, first trimester of pregnancy, and infectious skin conditions over the treatment area.

Aromatherapy dilution: 1% (about 6 drops per 30 ml carrier) for sensitive skin, children and pregnancy; 2% (about 12 drops) for general adult massage; 3% only for localised, short-term use.

Essential oil safety: photosensitive oils (bergamot, cold-pressed citrus) should not be used before UV exposure; citrus oils, peppermint and clove are common sensitisers.

Reflexology maps the foot to body zones: toes to head and sinuses, ball of foot to chest, arch to digestive organs, heel to pelvis and lower back.

Hot stone therapy uses basalt stones heated to roughly 50–55 °C (never above 60 °C) and cooled marble stones for contrast; stones are tested on the therapist's skin before use.

Body wrap categories: detoxifying (clay, seaweed), hydrating (aloe, oil), firming (caffeine, green tea) and exfoliating (salt, sugar); each has a defined leave-on time, typically 20–30 minutes.

Spa treatment sequencing: consultation, foot cleanse, exfoliation, massage, mask or wrap, then hydration and aftercare advice; documentation of allergies and medical history precedes every service.