Beauty Babble

Ever feel like there's an unspoken expectation that estheticians should have “perfect” skin? What do you do when yours doesn’t cooperate? We dig into why breakouts happen (stress, hormones, sleep, gut health), how to treat your own skin like a client (intake, plan, consistency), and when to tag in another pro or a derm. We share simple ways to talk about texture with clients, document your journey...

We're breaking down how to get discovered by the right clients, without becoming a full-time marketer. We cover why “visibility” isn’t enough anymore and how hyper-targeted content (written like it’s for one person in one place) wins. We talk Instagram’s new Google indexing, service & location pages, writing captions that match real searches, and simple ways to answer client questions with car...

Retinoids get all the hype and all the confusion. In this episode, we break down exactly what estheticians need to know: the difference between retinoids, retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde), adapalene, and tretinoin, how they work in the skin, and when to reach for each one. We cover real-world use cases for acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging, how to start clients slow and steady without triggering...

We've all been there - that one client who's consistently late and makes your whole day stressful. In this episode, we're breaking down a real Reddit thread where an esthetician finally put her foot down with a chronically late client, and honestly, it's a masterclass in boundary setting. We share the actual text exchange between the esthetician and her client (yes, we read the whole cringey conve...

2025 belongs to post‑biotic ferments, copper peptides, and adaptogenic botanicals. In this episode, we break down why each ingredient matters, how they work and where you’ll actually find them (think barrier‑repair toners, post‑treatment serums, overnight masks). You’ll leave knowing: Post‑biotic ferments – rebuild the microbiome, calm inflammation, and lock in hydration. Copper peptides – trigger...

If you’re looking to add something special to your facials, this one’s for you. In this episode, we explore advanced techniques and treatments that can help you upgrade your services without feeling like you have to do it all. We’ll talk about facial massage methods like buccal and gua sha, devices like LED and high frequency, and treatments like microneedling and dermaplaning—plus how to incorpor...

What does your Instagram bio say about you? If a potential client landed on your profile right now, would they know what you offer, where you're located, or how to book with you? In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how to write a bio that reflects your brand, highlights your services, and makes it easy for people to book. Including: ✔ What to put in your name field (hint: don’t repeat you...

Clean beauty isn’t just a trend, it’s a $39 billion industry in the making . But what does it actually mean? In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that makes sense for beauty pros. We talk about: The different ways clients define “clean” Why your values matter when choosing brands What to look for in product lines (cruelty-free, recyclable, ethically sourced, etc.) Easy ways to make you...

Tera from Beauty Cult Canada joins us to talk about something that’s affecting every beauty professional right now: rising prices. We break down what’s really happening with tariffs, how it’s impacting beauty product costs in Canada, and what that means for your bottom line. Tera’s shares what triggered her recent decision to raise prices, what the hidden costs of importing are, and how it’s not j...

If you're struggling to keep clients coming back, this episode is for you! We break down the exact client journey beauty pros need to understand if they want to build lasting relationships and grow a steady, loyal clientele. From that first Instagram post to the post-treatment follow-up, we cover the five stages that impact client retention: 1. Awareness – How people discover you 2. Research – Why...

If you've ever dreamed of opening your own med spa, this one's for you. We're joined by Alicia Yap, founder of Clara Derma Academy and Clara Derma Medical Aesthetics & Laser Clinic. Alicia shares her journey into medical aesthetics, what to look for in a legit training program and the key differences between traditional aesthetics and medical aesthetics. We talk about what it really takes to o...

.Gen Alpha is making waves, and their impact on the beauty industry (and their parents' wallets!) is growing fast. This week, we're unpacking everything you need to know about this young generation. We discuss their unique approach to beauty, the importance of gentle skincare routines, how to leverage social media to reach them (and their parents!), and ideas for creating teen-friendly services an...

Struggling to figure out which treatments to offer and how to price them? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re answering listener questions about structuring your service menu, setting your prices, and making sure your business stays profitable. Whether you're just starting out or refining your offerings, we break down practical strategies to help you simplify your services and charge what you...

It fights bacteria, soothes irritation, and supports wound healing—but is hypochlorous acid really that good? We’re breaking down what it is, how it works, and where it fits into your skincare routine (or your treatment room). From acne to post-waxing care and even microneedling recovery, this ingredient is making waves in the beauty industry. But is it worth the hype? Have an idea for an episode...

Social media changes constantly, but that doesn’t mean you have to chase every new trend. In this episode, we’re talking about what actually matters in 2025—without the overwhelm. We’re covering: ✔️ The importance of social listening (without fancy tools) ✔️ How to embrace AI without feeling lost ✔️ Showing off your personality in a way that attracts clients ✔️ What “engagement” really means (hint...

We're going beyond the trends and into the nitty gritty of microneedling. We’re breaking down the benefits, the science behind how it works, and the do’s and don’ts for estheticians. This treatment can transform skin texture, boost collagen, and improve overall skin health. But before offering it as a service, there’s a lot to consider. Have an idea for an episode topic? Submit your ideas or quest...

Loyalty programs can help you retain clients and stand out. But what are they really all about? In this episode, we’re chatting about loyalty programs, their pros and cons, tips for setting up a program that works for your beauty biz, and real-life examples to get you inspired. Have an idea for an episode topic? Submit your ideas or questions: https://forms.gle/fZ5ocyGdTxoPVJBz5 If you enjoy what...

Let’s kick off 2025 by saying goodbye to some tired beauty trends. We’re breaking down three trends we think need to go this year: dangerous DIY skincare hacks, overdone enhancements, and the fear-mongering and overhyping of skincare ingredients. If you’ve been wondering how to talk to your clients about certain trends, this episode is for you. Have an idea for an episode topic? Submit your ideas...

It's the last Beauty Babble of 2024! We reflect on the year, share our top 3 episodes, and dive into how to recharge and refocus your beauty business (and yourself!) for 2025. We're talking goal setting, streamlining your services, and prioritizing self-care so you can head into the new year with confidence. Plus, we've got a little announcement about our publishing schedule for next year! Check o...

Ever thought about starting your own lash and brow business? This week, we’re joined by Tammy Ma, master lash lift artist and founder of Keravie Professional. Tammy shares her journey from working out of her parents' basement to launching a successful lash studio and product line. Get in touch with Tammy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8nksdSw_ACtrba39CXRBOg facebook.com/keraviepro @keravieprof...

Struggling to write captions, blogs, or website content? You’re not alone—but the good news is, you don’t need to be a professional writer to create engaging content. We’re sharing four practical tips to help beauty pros write better, faster, and with more confidence. Have an idea for an episode topic? Submit your ideas or questions: https://forms.gle/fZ5ocyGdTxoPVJBz5 If you enjoy what you hear,...

We’re wrapping up our series on chemical peels and common skin conditions with a discussion on treating mature skin. From understanding the stages of skin aging to choosing the the right type of peel, we cover it all. Check out the Glogau Wrinkle Scale: https://sfderm.com/glogau-wrinkle-scale/ This is the final episode in our series on chemical peels and common skin conditions. Have an idea for an...

Can you safely perform chemical peels on clients with reactive skin? Absolutely—if you proceed with caution. We’re covering how to determine if your client has sensitive skin or rosacea, prepping their skin for treatments, and choosing the right peels to avoid irritation. This is the third episode in our series on chemical peels and common skin conditions. Have an idea for an episode topic? Submit...

Episode 2 of our new series on chemical peels and their role in treating common skin conditions is all about hyperpigmentation. In this episode, we discuss the different types of hyperpigmentation and how to approach them, how to choose the right peel for your client, and the importance of pre- and post-treatment care. Plus, we'll share some of our personal experiences and help you know when to av...

We’re kicking off a new series on chemical peels and their role in treating common skin conditions, starting with acne. In this episode, we discuss the different grades of acne and how to approach them, how to choose the right peel for your client, and the importance of pre- and post-treatment care. Plus, we'll share some of our personal experiences and help you know when to avoid chemical peels a...