Skin Care, Facial Treatments, and Makeup
Analysis and treatment
Identify skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and current condition. A basic facial follows cleansing, analysis, exfoliation, massage, mask, moisturizer, and sun protection, with a client record and consent. Massage manipulations mirror those used on the scalp: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and vibration.
Contraindications are heavily tested: open lesions, sunburn, active acne with inflammation, recent chemical peel or waxing, herpes simplex (cold sores), conjunctivitis, and clients using retinoids or isotretinoin. Refer suspicious growths - use the ABCDE warning signs (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, evolving).
Makeup
Match foundation to the jawline and skin undertone (warm, cool, neutral). Concealer comes after foundation; set with powder. Corrective makeup uses the color wheel - green cancels redness, peach or orange counters blue-gray, yellow brightens purple bruises. Contouring shades recess, highlighting brings forward. Sanitation is non-negotiable: sharpen pencils, use disposable mascara wands and lip applicators, never double-dip, and clean brushes.
Traps
- Massaging over inflamed acne or broken skin.
- Diagnosing a lesion instead of referring.
- Using one spatula in a product jar for multiple clients.
- Matching foundation on the hand or wrist instead of the face.
Rule of thumb
Analyze, then protect - if the skin is broken, inflamed, or infected, you do not massage it and you do not cover it; you refer it.