Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Wedding Tips : Bridal Makeup+Hair Prices

Question 1 : How does a makeup artist come up with their Bridal Makeup+Hair prices?
Prices are generally set to account for time spent with a client, experience and education, product, and travel time. We incur costs to provide a service, so we must factor that in addition to our own compensation.

Question 2 : Why do prices vary amongst different makeup artists and within different cities/regions?

Between different artists are different levels and experience and also some are more in demand than others.  Make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” when comparing prices.  Artists also look to keep their prices in line with their local competition, and geography is a strong guiding force of that ie. someone from Downtown Toronto might charge more than someone from New Market.  If you’re given a quote that is wildly cheaper than those you got from several other artists, it may be worth your pause, like anything else, you get what you pay for. If you’re still considering the artist, be sure to see samples of their work before making a decision.

Question 3 : Why do I have to pay to get my trial makeup/hair done?

You may be looking at this as just a test drive, but your makeup artist very much considers this the real deal. We are putting in our time and effort (not to mention using our pro products!) to complete multiple looks for you.

Question 4 : Are there ever any surprise charges?

If you decide to add on additional services ie. airbrushing, false lashes, hair extensions, etc…those will usually require an extra fee.
Remember, extra time spent with you and your bridal party is time that your makeup artist could have dedicated to another paying client.
Also take into account possible travel and parking fees.  Discuss this with your artist ahead of time so that you’re not surprised on the day of.

Question 5: Can I haggle for a lower rate?

I bet you got a mean price on that purse, girl, but haggling with a makeup artist for a rate that is far from her set fee is not only a lost cause, but insulting.
Professional Makeup Artists usually set fair prices from the start and don’t waiver too much from them. We’re not trying to rip someone off — just stay competitive and busy.
It’s only fair to all the brides everyone pays the same rates.  We understand brides are on tight budgets, so if you’re going to ask, ask nicely.  And maybe the artist might give you a break.
But keep in mind, we have to make a living too, so don’t be unreasonable.

Question 6: Can I get a cheaper price with an in-salon makeup artist over one who comes to me?

Maybe, but it’s not likely. You will generally find salon makeup artists’ prices to be on par with those of freelancers.
And you’ll lose that added convenience of someone coming to you.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Marketing Tips : Retail Display Sales

1. Fully Stock Your Shelves
Contrary to what most people think, spacing out the products is actually a big mistake. It gives clients the impression that they are not selling. You are better off having fewer shelves that are nicely packed with product.” Include shelf-talkers (a printed card or other sign attached to a shelf to call buyers’ attention to a particular product) to encourage sales.

2. Put Together a Retail Window Display
This is your opportunity to have unpaid advertising do the work. Use point-of-sale material, photos (think magazine tear sheets and celebrity images) and special promotions to draw people through your door. They will clearly see the products you stock and may simply come in to purchase them. This will increase walk-in customers.

3. Position Display at the Entrance
Ideally, a display should be at the front of the store, enticing clients as they walk through. “When doing a retail area you need breathing space. All the products have to be accessible and not placed behind a cashier counter or reception desk.

4. Eye Level is Buy Level
If a client can't reach for it, they most likely won't buy it.  The top sellers should always be at the bottom.  You should display products from smaller to bigger. The eyes naturally gravitate toward the bigger, from lighter to heavier.  The idea is to also create a storyline. So if you're selling beauty products, go in the same sequence as your client will be using the products ie. cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Beauty News : Mole Check

I read an article on Salon 52's blog that wanted me to share some of the key points from there.  Considering it's summer and all, I figured checking for any cancerous moles is tres important!  One of the hardest parts to spot any suspicious moles are on the top of your head.  That's where your regular hairstylist comes in, as they see the top of your head most regularly.

Follow your ABC’s.

Suspicious moles have one or more of what are known as the ABCDE criteria, says Dr. Rao. Here’s what they are:

A = Asymmetry. Is one side radically different from the other in terms of shape and colour?

B = Border Irregularity. Are the edges of the mole irregular or not clearly defined?

C = Colour Change. One or two shades of brown in a mole are normal, but if there are more than 2, or if it’s turning black, there might be something wrong.

D = Diameter. Is it bigger than 6 mm? It’s especially bad if you see that a mole that used to be small is suddenly much bigger.

E = Evolving. Moles that quickly change in any of the ways mentioned above should be looked at by a doctor.

Vertical growth is OK.

“Many people think that elevated or raised moles are dangerous,” says Dr. Rao. “That is not true; just as we grow, moles may also grow. Vertical growth is part of the normal growth process.” It’s horizontal, rather than vertical, growth that needs to be watched out for.

Prevention is key.  So apply sunscreen with SPF on areas of the scalp that are exposed or wear a hat when you're out in the sun.

To read the full Salon 52 article where many key facts listed above were from, please click this link.

Happy Summer!

Your Beauty Blogger,

Maggie Ng

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Beauty : Dermalogica Father's Day Tips


Some awesome beauty tips and suggestions for Father's Day by Dermalogica.  Feel free to visit their website for more information : www.dermalogica.com/ca/

From Your Beauty Expert,

Friday, May 25, 2012

Beauty Event : Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30


A bunch of makeup artists and beauty pros were invited to the launch of the new Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 on May 23, 2012.  We were welcomed by fresh oysters, appetizers and champagne.  I was wondering “why oysters”?  And then from the presentation, it was revealed that a long time ago, pearl (powder) that came from oysters were used to help keep one young! Dermalogica took this same theory and incorporated it into their new primer, which inhibits melanin and stimulates cell renewal.

After trying it on my hand, the product went on velvety smooth with a good consistency, making my hand feel suddenly baby soft.  A definite must-have in one’s makeup kit…as it not only helps with the application of the makeup, but also provides skincare benefits.  Amazing. The evening ended off with beauty bar sampling of the various Dermalogica products and each one of us left with a full-sized primer!  Very excited to use this not just on my makeup clients, but also on myself, as I have issues with sun spots.  Stay tuned for future reviews…in the meantime, feel free to check out www.dermalogica.com/ca/ for more info.

Beauty Blogger + Makeup Artist,

Maggie Ng
[@mstudiolife]

Note : For any beauty questions or product submissions, please email : maggie@maggieng.com 


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Business : Ozden & Cheung Accounting


Since it's the lovely tax season, a good friend of RAZ Magazine informed us of their new company, Ozden & Cheung that does individual, corporate taxes, small/medium business taxes, etc. As experienced CAs, their emphasis is on providing you with quality solutions that are delivered on a timely basis and at competitive prices. They are always responsive to your business requirements.
If you love doing taxes as much as we do, feel free to give these guys a shout!

Ozden & Cheung Chartered Accountants Professional Corporation
431 Westmoreland Avenue North
Toronto, ON M6H 3A6
T: 647 799 0835
E : info@ozdencheung.com
W : www.ozdencheung.com

Cheers,
M