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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2024
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
As always: Skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2024
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 M.A.D. Skincare: Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer
From the brand
A lightweight, daily moisturizer tames oil production and calms irritated skin. Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer helps skin look and feel great as botanicals, such as Chamomile and Ginger Root, control sebum production and gentle moisturization keeps skin from feeling dry and irritated.
Why clients love it
Manages breakouts while keeping skin moisturized
Lightweight, not greasy
Does not clog pores
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
If you are treating your acne using anything exfoliating, this will calm and moisturize your skin all while preventing breakouts. Acne-prone skin needs hydration, too.
#3 SkinCeuticals: A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
From the brand
Backed by 15+ years of glycation research and expertise, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a potent anti-wrinkle cream that helps correct and defend against visible signs of aging. Formulated with 18% concentrated ProxylaneTM, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, and 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid, this breakthrough corrective cream is clinically proven to smooth visible lines and deep wrinkles in five facial zones targeted for aesthetic procedures.
Why clients love it
Creamy texture
Minimizes fine lines
All-day moisture
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a great multi-tasking product that I can recommend to a variety of different skin types. It’s works great to correct fine lines and wrinkles, but is also a fantastic choice for younger clients looking to keep their skin looking young.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 SkinCeuticals: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
From the brand
Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a powerful 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. Gentle enough for daily use, this exfoliating scrub provides a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating the skin.
Why clients love it
Satisfying physical exfoliation
Results in smooth skin
Gentle but still effective
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
I really love to recommend this scrub because of the size of the exfoliants. The size makes a difference, because the smaller exfoliants will achieve a better exfoliation than larger exfoliants. That’s why this one is the best.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation — again!
The number 1 spot remains the same and for good reason! Both Teresa and our clients LOVE this self-adjusting foundation. It’s practicality and multi-functionality makes this winner from M.A.D. Skincare such a great all-around skincare product that works for so many.
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Curious to see last year’s top 5?
Our Top 5 Best Selling Skincare Products for 2023
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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What to get a facial before an event? Read this first!
We want to look and feel our best for our event. People aside, there are likely going to be tons of photos taken of us at this event, so we’d like the best version of our skin memorialized. Glowing, hydrated, youthful looking skin, all traits a facial can help achieve, is quite the seller!
So that’s exactly what we’re tackling today. Not only when to actually schedule your facial before an event, but also the side effects of facials from the various treatments they include, and how that impacts your skincare timeline.
What do you think of when you think of a getting a facial?
Luxury.
Relaxation.
Beauty.
Rejuvenation.
Treating ones self.
Glowing skin.
Felling your best.
All these positive adjacent characteristics is probably why we often think of facials and specialized skincare when preparing for a big event.
We want to look and feel our best for our event. People aside, there are likely going to be tons of photos taken of us at this event, so we’d like the best version of our skin memorialized. Glowing, hydrated, youthful looking skin, all traits a facial can help achieve, is quite the seller!
Not to mention that planning for a big event can be stressful! So the thought of enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating facial (or five) sounds like pure heaven. It might even be the very argument you need to try a facial for the first time.
But how do you actually incorporate a facial, or a collection of facial treatments, into your event planning?
We’ve had brides, class reunion attendees, and other clients with big events on the horizon, call us up and want a complete skincare transformation 2 weeks before said event.
And while we empathize with wanting to look our best, and dedicated skincare can make impressive transformations happen, they don’t happen overnight. Moreover, the more intense skincare treatments that can help make those leaps in the skin rejuvenation direction, are the exact treatments you don’t want to be having so close to an important event.
So that’s exactly what we’re tackling today. Not only when to actually schedule your facial before an event, but also the side effects of facials from the various treatments they include, and how that impacts your skincare timeline.
Let’s jump right in!
When should you schedule a facial before an event?
What “big events” are we talking about?
Since we’re discussing how to optimize our skin looking its best, when we say “big events”, we’re largely talking about events where you will see many people, and/or be seen by many people. Events where you are concerned about presenting the best version of yourself. These would include, but of course are not limited to:
Weddings
Engagement parties
Graduations
TV appearances
High School or college reunions
Photoshoots
Being a presented speaker
For all these types of events, we really want to be putting our best foot forward, and having a skin care plan is a great piece of accomplishing just that.
Not all facials are created equal (and shouldn’t be)
Facials can be as unique as the skin that’s being treated. In fact, they’re at their best when they are personalized for the individual. This is why personalization is one of our core focuses in our Cedar Rapids based salon for any service we provide our clients. Your skin is unique, so your skin care should be, too!
In turn, this means that facials can cause different results and side effects based on the different treatments and products used in that particular facial. All this variation stems from the varying initial goals for a facial for a specific client and their unique skin.
A facialist faced with a client with dry, mature skin with the goal of hydration, will choose a specific set of treatments and products. When that facialist is then faced with a client with young, acne-prone skin with the goal of treating existing acne, the provider will choose a completely different collection of treatments and products.
Benefits from a facial before an event
While a single facial isn’t going to completely transform your skin (we’ll talk more about achieving dramatic results for an event further on), there are some real benefits you can take away from just one or two treatments.
A very popular facial treatment for existing clients at our salon is the Micropeel, especially for weddings. It gives a “glow of youth”, makes the skin look more alive, and helps makeup go on smooth and easy. This is often a recommendation from our skincare specialist, Teresa, when she is already familiar with a client’s skin and knows it can tolerate the treatment.
Other facial treatments can help to heal existing acne, promote collagen production, and provide nourishing hydration. Plus, getting away from the chaos of event planning can help reduce stress levels, which has its own impact on our skin.
If there are specific benefits you’re looking to achieve, talk with your skincare specialist for help choosing the best personalized facial treatment for you.
Temporary side effects of facials to consider
Since we have a variety of different facial treatments, each one will have its own collection of side effects with varying levels of severity. With the more severe corresponding to more time needed between it and your event.
If you’re getting a facial with a more intense treatment, i.e. microdermabrasion, the use of an exfoliating product, or a chemical peel, this is where you’ll see those more intense side effects. You may experience some side effects ranging from general irritation and localized pink or redness, all the way to a higher redness presence and peeling.
How long it takes for these side effects to subside also depends on how intense your treatment was, and your individual skin’s reaction. And while we only offer lighter chemical peels in our salon, you still may need a week or two, or more, for your skin return to event-worthy display.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are facial treatments and products that are designed to be very gentle and nourishing on the skin. These kinds of facial options are much safer to have closer to your event date.
However, even if you’re considering a gentler facial, and don’t intend on trying out an exfoliating treatment, Teresa, our skincare specialist at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids, recommends to never have your very first facial earlier than a month before an important event.
“A client can have reactions, and you just never know. You have to be sure. That means start your treatments way before your event.
If they’ve never had a facial before, try it a month before a big event. Then they know how their skin reacts and can have a treatment closer to their big event.”
Finally, your facialist will tell you what you should and shouldn’t expect after a specific treatment. Some amount of redness and peeling can be expected for certain treatments, but if you’re ever concerned that something is not right, always give your facialist a call.
Looking for bigger results? Start before the facial
If you’re looking for something more than just an hour of relaxation, but really making your skin look it’s absolute best, you’ll want to start far before your event date.
In order to achieve dramatic skincare results, (think healing and preventing acne or reversing aging) you will need multiple treatments spanned over many weeks. But your dedication will be rewarded!
Depending on the current state of your skin and what skincare goals you want to ultimately achieve, there can be 1-2 weeks in between treatments, which quickly ads up. For this reason, we’d recommend booking your initial skincare consultation at least 6 months before your event. This will give you enough time for a facialist to make a solid skincare treatment plan for you that can address all your concerns. And it will give your facialist plenty of time to really get to know your skin.
If you’re a veteran of facials and have a great ongoing relationship with a specific facialist or skincare specialist, booking an appointment with them well in advance of your event is still a good idea. Since they know your skin well, they can help guide you to an event-prep treatment plan that will fit all your skincare goals and get your skin event-ready.
A facialist that knows your skin well will be able to provide the utmost personalized treatments, maximizing your results. The more time you dedicate, the better results you will have.
Schedule A skincare consultation
Getting to know your skin with a consultation is the perfect first step when you want to look your best for whatever event or celebration is on your horizon.
Your schedule depends on your goals
The exact timeline for when to book your facial before your event ultimately depends on what kind of treatment you’ll be including in your facial and what your goals are.
Check which situation best applies to you, and see our recommendations for when to book your facial before your important event.
Looking for dramatic skincare results for your event?
Begin: 6 months - 1 year before your event
Whether you’ve ever had a facial before or not, visit a skincare specialist to discuss your long-term skincare goals leading up to your event. Together, make a skincare plan and start scheduling your treatments.
Never had a facial before and interested in trying one out specifically for your event?
Begin: At least 1 month before your event
If this is your first foray into facial treatments, schedule a skincare consultation and first facial as a trial no sooner than 1 month before your event. This will give you and your facialist time to see how you skin reacts and plan your event facial.
A facial treatment veteran looking for a polish?
Schedule: 1-2 weeks before your event
If you already have a good relationship with a facialist who knows your skin well, and depending on your skin, you could be a great candidate for a Micropeel. This treatment gives amazing benefits for an event like smooth makeup-application and a glow of youth!
Always feel free to connect with your esthetician even sooner than we’ve listed here. Remember, the more time you have, the better results you can achieve, and the better your facialist can get to know your skin and recommend the best treatment for you.
Additionally, not all treatments are appropriate for all treatment goals or skin types. So always discuss your goals and desires with your facialist or skincare specialist.
After your event
Phew! You made it through your big event! Be it a wedding, class reunion, or public speaking event, you’re likely coming down from a bit of stress, or at least adrenaline! This is a great time for a follow-up facial treatment.
Now that the event is over, one option is to focus on those more intense treatments, like a chemical peel, now that you don’t need to worry as much about their side effects.
We’d encourage you to consider other treatments as well.
As stated earlier, you’re likely coming down from some stress and adrenaline, and that can definitely impact our skin. Time in a calm and relaxing facial treatment can help treat your stress itself. Soft music, low lighting, gentle massage… Can you feel your stress melting away already?
As for the effect of stress on the skin its self, many people experience stress-related acne which can be partly caused by stress-triggered excess oil production. So post-event, you may experience some lingering acne. A facial focusing on treating oily skin and acne is a great option if this is the reality for you.
If your event was outside, maybe in the hot, humid, and sticky Iowa summer weather, where your skin was exposed to pollution, sweat, and sun, your skin could wildly benefit from a deep cleansing facial.
And of course, as we’re constantly saying all over this blog, take some time to speak with your skincare professional of choice. They’ll take a closer look at your skin and how you specifically are reacting to coming down from your big event, and can recommend the best treatment for you.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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How to prepare for a facial
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of facials, but not everyone has already been introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
A facial feels like such a luxury. I remember being so excited to get my first facial treatment as a teenager, finally old enough to start playing in this world of skincare. Lucky for me, Teresa — skincare specialist, esthetician, and owner & operator of Professional Image Enhancement, is my mother. So I’ve been enjoying the spoils of regular facials throughout my adolescence and adulthood (when I happen to be home for a visit). They almost feel like second nature to me now.
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of the salon, but not everyone has been previously introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
How to prepare for a facial
Step 1: Define your skincare goals
Before diving into all the fun of skincare products, ingredients, and finding yourself an esthetician, we need to cover our basics.
“The most important knowledge are the goals a client has.”
So ask yourself what is inspiring you to seek out a facial in the first place, and even skincare in general. Here are some goals you can consider:
Repairing past damage to skin
Preventing further damage from the sun and pollution
Managing dry skin and increasing hydration
Healing existing acne
Managing and preventing future acne
Reducing the appearance of acne scarring
Treating fine lines and aging skin
Preparing for aging skin
Evening skin tone
It’s when we have a clear picture of your skincare goals, that you and your esthetician can be on the same page and work together in the same direction.
Step 2: Become familiar with your current skincare products
In order for a facialist to create an effective facial treatment for you, they need to get to know your skin. One big way they do this is via a window into your at-home skincare routine. Of course this means you need to get familiar with what you’re actually using in your routine.
“The client has to be knowledgeable about what they’re using, to be open to share their routine, and what they might react to or that their skin doesn’t like. That will give me an idea of what kind of skin they have.”
First, it’s good to also make note of the types of products you’re using (cleansers, toners, serums, creams, etc), and what the product is aimed to do: an acne-fighting cleanser, an anti-aging moisturizer, an under-eye serum for dark circles. This further informs the aesthetician on your skincare goals, and they may have a good idea of what type of ingredients are likely to be a in particular type of product aimed at a particular focus.
Take some time to dig through your medicine cabinet, and take mental notes (or actual ones) of the key ingredients in the products you’re using and how often. Some ingredients to keep an eye out for are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol.
Finally, keep in mind the products and ingredients that tend to give you bad reactions. Do acne products always leave your skin red and irritated? Do you tend to stay away from salicylic acid? Is there anything you know you’re allergic to?
All of this information is going to be very helpful for your aesthetician.
Step 3: Find a facialist
Now comes the exciting, yet daunting task of choosing a facialist. Searching “facial” for Cedar Rapids, Iowa alone, returns well over 50 businesses!
After narrowing it down by personal recommendations or those that are most conveniently located for you, there are some qualities you want to look for.
Besides being sure they have adequate education for their field, you’ll really benefit from finding a provider who focuses on personalization. If the aesthetician talks about taking the time to get to know your skin and catering their services to you and your skincare goals, then you’re in really good hands.
“They have to search for someone who is going to customize the facial for them. No book or training will train them to do that. I’m going to try and meet the needs of your skin according to what I see and what you describe to me. If you have a little acne, I will do a little to treat it.”
A combination of foundational education and a lot of experience is what culminates to provide a truly personalized facial experience.
“The bottom line is finding someone who will customize their treatment and knows the biology and anatomy of the skin to do it correctly. That is what I recommend to everybody.”
That’s exactly what Teresa has done for 30 years!
Step 4: Don’t schedule your first facial right before an event
When it comes time to schedule your appointment, avoid anything very soon before a big event: wedding, prom, photoshoot, etc. Particularly if you’ve never had a facial before. Right before an important event is the last time you want to try anything new with your face.
If you have facials regularly and enjoy a history with a facialist or aesthetician that knows your skin well, they can be more specific about the type of treatments that would be a safe choice closer to one of those big events
“Never have your first facial right before an event because you never know. If I know their skin, if they’re an existing client, we will see what kind of facial they can have before the event. This is not the time to try anything.”
Step 5: Come as you are
If in advance, you’ve spoken with your chosen aesthetician in more detail about a particular treatment, follow any instructions for products or ingredients to avoid. Otherwise you can follow your routine as normal, just be sure to include that routine in what you share during your consultation so it can be taken into consideration for your treatment.
You don’t need to worry about leaving off your makeup that day, as your facialist will take care of any makeup removal before your treatment. You’ll also be changing into a facial-appropriate robe or wrap, so your outfit is also something you don’t need to be too concerned about.
Finally, some clients are a bit nervous about sharing their skincare routine, or lack of a routine, with a professional. But rest assured your aesthetician is simply concerned with being well informed in order to provide you the best service. No judgment found here!
We hope these steps are leaving you feeling confident for your first, or next, facial treatment! Teresa at our skincare salon in Cedar Rapids would be happy to see you whether you’re a facial novice or veteran. If you’d like to get on our schedule, give us a call at (319) 373-9596 or request an appointment online.
Facial prep FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about prepping for facials. If you still have facial questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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Do I need to remove my makeup before a facial?
If you have a previous engagement before your facial and would like to wear makeup, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to go to the trouble of avoiding it or removing it before your appointment. Your aesthetician will take care of that for you as prep for your treatment. What you can wear on your face after your facial of course depends on the type of treatment you receive. Be sure to ask your facialist about this after your appointment.
What should I avoid before a facial?
If you are planning on a treatment that is on the aggressive side, ie. a microdermabrasion or chemical peel, you want to be gentle on your skin for the week leading up to your appointment. This would involve avoiding your harsher ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Also be sure to wear your sunscreen and protect your face from those UVBs.
If you’re having your very first facial, the aesthetician will likely want to start gentle regardless in order to start learning about your skin and to see how it reacts.
Regardless of what you’re using at home, a knowledgable aesthetician can put together a facial treatment that will be a compliment. The bottom line is to be very clear about what you’re already using so your facialist can plan accordingly, and always talk with your specific treatment provider about any details.
How should I wear my hair for a facial?
At your facial, your aesthetician will use a cloth or paper headband to wrap all the way around your hairline. You’ll also be laying on your back. So, well-involved updo’s will likely be inconvenient, and if you’ve spent time slaving over a curling iron, you may be disappointed after laying on your hairstyle for 45+ minutes. Casual is better here. Hair down or in a low ponytail will be just fine.
What should I wear to a facial?
After your initial consultation and it comes time for your actual treatment, you will be provided a towel, robe, or wrap to change into. So the clothes you wear to your appointment aren’t particularly important. But perhaps opt for something that’s easier to get in and out of. This may be the time to pass over the full lace-up boots or that dress with a zipper in the back that you can’t quite reach.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2023
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming section staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming selection staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist of our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
With that being said, we like to remind you that skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2023
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 Dermaquest: Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift
From the brand
Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift offers instant lifting and firming of the delicate skin around the eye area. The stellar collection of advanced ingredients found in this eye cream will help to achieve healthy and youthful eyes at any age. Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift is an age fighting powerhouse due to its ability to take on, and control the “big 3” most common eye area concerns – puffiness, dark circles and aging. a polysaccharide blend provides an immediate age fighting “mini eyelift” as peptides and botanicals work to maintain that lifting, firming and reduction of inflammation of the eye area. Advanced hydrating ingredients like mdi complex® increase immediate and long term moisture retention as plant stem cells maintain skin health and integrity.
Why clients love it
Fights crow’s feet
Visible results quickly
Lightens dark circles
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is another anti aging product that will feed and hydrate the skin if you’re using a lot of exfoliating. This is one of the best anti-aging moisturizers for crows feet as it works very well at diminishing the lines around the eyes.
#3 SkinCeuticals: Renew Overnight Dry Nighttime Moisturizer
From the brand
A nighttime skin-refining face moisturizer enhanced with a hydroxy acid blend for gentle exfoliation and hydration. Ideal for normal or dry skin, this nighttime skin-refining moisturizer contains a 10% hydroxy acid blend to gently exfoliate the skin for a healthier appearance.
Why clients love it
Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles
Helps even out dry patches
Great for aging, dry skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This an exfoliating product that will work specifically well if you have dry skin. People with dry skin often don’t want to exfoliate, but this hydrates the skin and gently exfoliates. Ideal for normal, and more sensitive skin.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 M.A.D. Everyday Renewing Toner
From the brand
The environment’s more damaging to skin than ever before. Pollution, stress and poor diet contribute to premature aging. Your skin needs a shield to protect against these environmental aggressors. Non-drying, balancing, quenching, a toner like no other, you’ll immediately feel the difference when you apply Everyday Renewing Toner. Sodium Hyaluronate maintains moisture and a synergy of antioxidants optimizes skin for treatments to deliver best possible results. Multi Fruit Acids for gentle exfoliation, Trinity Tea Complex to fight free radicals, and an Amino Acid-rich complex for natural UVA protection and accelerated cellular repair designed to maintain your skin’s optimal look.
Why clients love it
Pleasant neutral scent
Good for oily / acne-prone skin
Gentle
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a toner that everyone can use, and one of the few on the market that is alcohol free. For me, that’s the way toners are supposed to be. It has anti-aging properties and feels refreshing and moisturizing, bringing the ph of the skin to normal — gently.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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7 Prom Prep Skincare Tips
It's prom time! Like any big event, you want to look your best. Between the dresses, tuxes, flowers, dinner, and everything else, you might easily forget about your most important accessory - your skin! So to make sure this accessory doesn't end up lack-luster, we put together 7 indispensable prom prep skin care tips from our Week of Prom Prep.
It's prom time! Like any big event, you want to look your best. Between the dresses, tuxes, flowers, dinner, and everything else, you might easily forget about your most important accessory - your skin! So to make sure this accessory doesn't end up lack-luster, we put together 7 indispensable prom prep skin care tips from our Week of Prom Prep.
#1: Get to know your skin!
A good place to start is getting a personalized facial complete with a skin care consultation. A skin care professional will discuss with you your skin type and what treatments will be most beneficial to you. Plus, a facial is a great way to clean up your skin and give you a fresh, glowing, complexion. You'll want to make sure your facial is for at least 2 weeks before the big night, as to avoid any unexpected reactions your skin might have to something new. If you're looking for something more DIY, we recently came across this handy step by step guide to finding out your skin type at home. You can find it here. After you know your skin type, you can more easily find products that are tailored to your skin type to give your skin what it needs to be at its best.
#2: Problem skin? Avoid heavy makeup
If you have problem skin, you'll want to go lighter on the make-up to avoid clogging your pores. When picking a foundation, look for one that's non-comedogenic. From our shelves, we suggest Mark Lees Hydramatte Foundation. These foundations won't clog your pores or cause more problems than they cover up.
#3: SCHEDULE YOUR EXTRACTIONS THE WEEK BEFORE
If black heads are your arch nemesis and you're planning a facial to deal with them, this is something you don't want to procrastinate. Extractions can cause inflammation and the extractions points themselves can take a week to heal. To allow everything to heal and avoid redness and inflammation on your prom day, get your facial with extractions done the week before.
#4: Don't wait to wax your eyebrows
Waxing in general irritates the skin, so when you mix that with the more sensitive skin near your eyebrows, you'll want some time for it to calm back down. This is particularly true if you happen to use a daily face wash with an exfoliant as that can cause peeling on the newly waxed surface. To stay on the safe side, get your eyebrows done a week ahead of time.
#5: Exfoliate before your spray tan
Spray tans are a great alternative to UV tanning, which, we all know by now, is not worth it. However, sometimes a spray tan can come out blotchy and uneven in places. This can be caused by the buildup of dead skin cells. So to avoid spots and general unevenness, exfoliate your whole body before you fake bake.
#6: Caution with the conditioner
This isn't perfectly skincare or facial related, but we thought it worth to include regardless! Up-do's are quite popular for formal events, and we often spend a pretty penny to get them done and we want them to last all night. To help keep your style in place, avoid using too much conditioner when washing your hair, and focus on the ends of your hair. Hair that's too conditioned can be oily or greasy and find it difficult to hold a style, particularly an up-do.
#7: Wash your face at the end of the night!
It has been a very long day of getting ready, taking pictures in and outside, grand march, getting in and out of cars, having dinner, more pictures, and finally dancing (and sweating) the night away. You may also have applied a little more product and makeup than you might normally do. All this can add up to clogged pores and ultimately -the dreaded- acne! Your skin will be just as exhausted as you are and needs to rest. So even if you fall asleep in your dress or tux, make sure you at least wash your face! We of course can help you pick the right face wash for your skin type, so just let us know!