Educated Insights
As part of our educational philosophy, we provide thought leadership on a range of topics relevant to industry professionals and anyone who loves beauty. Here, you’ll find trends, industry news, tutorials, and tips for spa treatments and at-home care.
Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Martinez, Owner of Skin Vanity Beauty Studio
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Natalie Martinez! In her interview, Natalie emphasizes how every experience is a learning opportunity that shouldn’t be taken for granted! This is why she encourages everyone who wants to pursue a beauty education to never stop learning – whether it be from a school, place of work, or their peers! […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Francine Cotona, Owner of Afterglow Aesthetics
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Francine Cotona! Francine knew that to turn her passion for beauty into a fulfilling career, she had to work hard and remain determined. Even though her initial interest was eyelash extensions, she quickly became obsessed with everything beauty after learning about all of the doors an esthetics education can open. […]
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How to Get the X-Factor from Lotion X!
Watch our step-by-step video tutorial to get the X-Factor from our best-selling Lotion X: Blackhead Melting Lotion, at home! Discover how to incorporate this one-of-a-kind, esthetician-beloved product into your weekly skin care routine and receive optimal results. Work toward a more radiant complexion by following the steps to help remove dirt, oil, and dead cells […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Shondrea Barmore, Owner of Snatched Pro Studio & You Cosmetix
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Shondrea Barmore! From a young age, Shondrea found herself fascinated with skin care and beauty – from pimple popping to scalp massages. As she got older, these passions lead Shondrea to pursue an education from CV and begin her transformation into a successful esthetician and businesswoman. Along the way, Shondrea […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Desiree Delia, Medical Esthetician at Dr. Dennis Gross
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Desiree Delia! Opens up about her career change during an uncertain time that turned the world upside down. While it was not an easy journey, Desiree shares how she patiently persevere and forged her own path in the beauty industry. She went from graduating during a global pandemic to becoming […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Shanae, Owner of The Wax N Beauty Bar
Alumni Spotlight on Waxing grad, Shanae! Her journey began when she was working as a receptionist during the day and attending night classes at CV. Soon after, Shanae channeled her passion for waxing into the start of her own business! Her vision has always been to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for her clients […]
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Taking Care of Your Winter Skin
The brisk winter months are upon us, and we have the inside scoop on winter skin! Let’s start with the basics. It can cause your skin to be dehydrated, itchy, and even flaky! The cold outdoor temperatures and dry indoor heat can quickly deplete moisture, as well as aggravate pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Karla Prosperi, Esthetician at Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa
Alumni Spotlight on Skin Care grad, Karla Prosperi! Karla discovered her passion for skin care after working for Clarins and as a freelance MUA and Beauty Advisor for Nordstrom. She shares her personal skin care struggles, and how they inspired her to enter a field where she can help others facing similar problems with their […]
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Let’s Talk About Aging
Sigh. Aging. It’s a completely natural and expected part of life…until it happens to you. It seemed incomprehensible when you were bouncing energetically through your younger years with effortlessly supple skin, gliding on new makeup trends and snapping photos without a second thought about the lighting. But after a while, unbeknownst to you, the amount […]
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Maskne: Why it Happens and How to Prevent it
As COVID-19 began to spread, wearing face masks suddenly became a common accessory to any outfit. While face masks are worn for our protection and for the protection of those around us, they unfortunately may also be the cause of your latest breakout. Maskne, or mask acne, is acne that is caused by frequent mask […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Tomás Glenn, Lead Face Therapist at Chillhouse
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Tomás Glenn! After working a corporate job, Tomás decided he wanted a more meaningful career that allowed him to help others, so he embraced his long-time passion: skin care! Tomás discusses the importance of being authentic and taking care of yourself as a new professional. What specialty(s) did you study […]
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Beware These Lesser-Known Causes of Skin Issues
It’s great to be selective about the skin care formulas you use to keep your skin healthy and glowing! But caring for your skin means more than simply using the right products. Our skin reacts to the environment around us and the things we put on, and into, our bodies. There are many factors in […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Francesca Hahn-Galioto, Licensed Skincare Specialist
Alumni Spotlight on Skin Care grad, Francesca Hahn-Galioto! She considered CV her “happy place,” where she connected with instructors and formed lasting friendships with classmates. Since graduating in 2019, Francesca has worked hard to gain experience and is now working as a solo esthetician out of her own treatment room! She shares her insights, including […]
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Lotion X Bubble Mask Facial Treatment
Learn the steps and products necessary to perform this all-natural treatment. Bubble away blackheads for effortless extractions! As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated Insights homepage to learn trends, […]
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Vegan Collagen Anti-Aging, CBD Calming Facial Treatment
Learn the steps and ingredients necessary to perform this all-natural treatment. Pure vegan collagen is activated by specialized booster elixirs. Included in the kit are two elixir options to allow you to tailor the effects of the treatment to your clients’ desired results. An Algae and Niacinamide Anti-Aging Elixir helps reduce the appearance of fine […]
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Luxurious At-Home Vegan Collagen Treatment
Give Yourself the Ultimate At-Home Facial Experience the height of spa luxury in the comfort of your own home with our Vegan Collagen Anti-Aging, CBD Calming Kit. Our revolutionary freeze-dried vegan collagen is derived from fermented yeast. Unlike molecules from animal-based collagen, which are often too large to penetrate the skin, our pure vegan collagen […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Shanae Davis, Owner of Cotton Candi Colors Nail Spa
Alumni Spotlight on Nail Specialty alum, Shanae Davis! Shanae shares how she enrolled in CV to be able to provide an exceptional life for her daughter. By the end of her course, she learned new skills and lifelong lessons, and ultimately, found her passion! What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? During […]
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What Makeup Styles Look Best on Your Face Shape?
We’ve all been there. Your Instagram is exploding with a new makeup trend that you can’t wait to wear. But when you assemble your products and try it out, you’re disappointed with your makeup look. Those less-than-stellar results might have nothing to do with your application skills or the products you picked. Your face […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Alicia Allen, Licensed Esthetician
Alumni Spotlight on Skin Care alum, Alicia Allen! She explains how following her dream of working in a Medical Spa taught her the value of being a well-rounded esthetician. Alicia shares how she utilized her skin care, customer service, and networking skills to land her dream job at a MedSpa in the Ritz Carlton! What […]
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How Moisturizers Can Cause Dry Skin
We all know how important it is to keep the skin hydrated. Most of us do this by moisturizing our faces daily with heavy creams. However, a lot of us may be moisturizing constantly and find ourselves wondering why our skin still feels dry and tight. The reason may seem surprising: These treatments actually prolong […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Julia March, Owner of Julia March Skin Care, LLC.
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics alum, Julia March! After immigrating to the US, she decided to follow her passion for helping people by becoming an esthetician. Julia describes how encouragement from her instructors set her on a unique professional journey, and as well as the insight she’s gained from owning Julia March Skin Care, LLC for […]
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Vitamin C & AHA Facial Treatment
Learn the steps and ingredients necessary to perform this all-natural and innovative treatment, which delivers brightening and rejuvenating results for your facial clients. As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Tanisha Lawrence, LAW Beauty Essentials Founder
Alumni spotlight on Tanisha Lawrence! Learn about her experience as a student at CV, and her journey to creating her own nail polish line, Law Beauty Essentials. Get a glimpse into the possibilities that a nail specialty education can bring! What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? While at Christine Valmy, I […]
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Why You Should Be Using a Moisturizer with Blue Light Protection
Most of us are aware of the importance of using products to protect your skin from harmful environmental elements like pollution, smoke, and UV rays. But these days, you also need to protect your skin against something you likely encounter for multiple hours every day: blue light. We’ll explain what this is, what it does, […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Malan, Owner of Malan Salon
Alumni spotlight on Cosmetology alum, Ashley Malan! She explains how hard work and creativity helped her salon, Malan Salon, win multiple awards, including Best Hair Salon of Morris & Essex Magazine from 2018 to 2020! Ashley also highlights the importance of building relationships within your community. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at […]
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The CV Approach to Natural Skin Care
Hear what makes our cruelty-free, all-natural skin care products unique and effective – from more than 75 years of expertise in the science of esthetics to a mantra passed down generations. To learn more about the philosophy behind our all-natural formulas, visit our About Products page. To browse Christine Valmy natural skin care products, […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Emily Dann, Owner of About Face Essentials
Alumni Spotlight on Skin Care alum, Emily Dann! Read about how she knew she was ready to become a salon owner as well as her experience opening her skin care salon, About Face Essentials, in January! Emily also shares the lessons she learned at Christine Valmy that helped her prepare to be a beauty professional. […]
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How to Care for Dry Skin
Everyone’s skin is a little different. You have probably heard terms like dry, oily, and combination used to describe different skin types. Today, we’ll be discussing dry skin! When the weather gets colder and the air gets drier, it becomes increasingly more important to nourish skin and keep it hydrated and healthy. Use the tips […]
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Reopening Your Salon or Spa
After the traumatic year we’ve all had, we know there is going to be high demand for pampering spa and salon services as soon as they are offered! But as locations begin to reopen, more and more questions arise about how we are going to keep ourselves and each other safe, while also getting back […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Turcanu, Owner of Estetiquette Spa
Alumni spotlight on Esthetics alum, Alexandra Turcanu! After receiving her diploma and license, Alexandra remained committed to learning on her journey to owning her spa, Estetiquette Spa! She describes how working in various spas and furthering her knowledge with CV’s continuing education seminars, along with her passion for natural beauty, helped her achieve her dream. […]
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Caring for Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin
Do you have oily, breakout-prone skin? If so, some of the products you’re using to get a smoother complexion may be working against you. Using medicated creams and soaps or harsh exfoliants in your daily skin care routine can lead to more breakouts. Instead, you should use products that address the root of your skin […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Veronika Kontos, Owner of VMBeauty Skincare
Alumni spotlight on Esthetics Alum, Veronika Kontos! She describes how practicing facial treatments on fellow students inspired a greater affection for esthetics. After receiving her license, she went on to obtain additional certifications, start VMBeauty Skincare and put her passion to work! What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied Esthetics. What […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Dasha Minina, Founder of Maxus Nails & Beautician List
Alumni spotlight on Nail Specialty Alum and Business Entrepreneur, Dasha Minina! She chose to put her education to work after receiving her license to launch two separate start-ups, Maxus Nails and the Beautician List. Learn how Dasha’s passion for improving the nail industry inspired her to build unique, thriving businesses and helped her become the entrepreneur […]
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How to Give Yourself an At-Home Facial
It’s always important to carve out some “me time,” no matter how crazy life gets. To help you reduce stress, and practice self-care at home, we’ve broken down the steps for you to give yourself an at-home facial! Before beginning your facial, it’s crucial to set the right ambiance. Put your phone down, play […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Jacalyn Fakhoury, Hair Stylist at David Chad Beauty Parlor
Alumni spotlight on Jacalyn Fakhoury! Learn about Jacalyn’s journey from CV cosmetology student to professional hairstylist at David Chad Beauty Parlor. She also shares insight and helpful tips for graduates on preparing yourself for your first professional job in the industry! What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied Cosmetology. My main […]
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How to Make an Antioxidant Mask
What can antioxidants do for your skin? Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can help prevent and repair damage to your body’s tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effects of free radicals, which start oxidation. This is why it’s important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants to avoid damage from […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Mona Foroutani, Owner of MonEli Spa
Alumni spotlight is on Mona Foroutani! Mona describes how her passion to help others inspired her to pursue an esthetics education and open MonEli Spa. She also shares some words of motivation for those working towards, or considering, a beauty education. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied Esthetics but I […]
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Hands Deserve the Spa Treatment, Too!
Your hands have taken the brunt of all the extra washing and sanitizing the past few months, and it’s inevitable that your hands will need a little extra TLC these days. Our resident expert, Ms. Brenda, shared her recipe for an esthetician-level, pampering hand treatment that you can do yourself at home. Step 1: Cleanse […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Kertis, Owner of Let’s Glow Skincare, LLC
Alumni spotlight on Jonathan Kertis, Esthetics alum and owner of Let’s Glow Skincare, LLC! Learn about Jonathan’s journey from CV student to licensed esthetician, owning Let’s Glow Skincare, LLC, as well as his dream of having his own spa! Jonathan also shares the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. What specialty(s) did you study […]
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How to Steam Your Face Without a Steamer
When life gets busy, it can be difficult to regularly visit your esthetician to keep your skin healthy and glowing, but you can still enjoy the benefits of a relaxing facial at home. While most of us have a plethora of masks, serums, and cleansers on hand, fewer of us have the tools that make […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Isabel Sanchez de Nunez, Owner of Sanu Day Spa
Alumni spotlight on Isabel Sanchez de Nunez! We caught up with her after she recently opened her own studio Sanu Day Spa! Learn her thoughts on this accomplishment and the knowledge she gained from her instructors that sticks with her to this day. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? Esthetics. What year […]
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Is Your Beauty Routine Working Against You?
After reading countless beauty blogs, you have finally nailed down a flawless beauty routine. You cleanse, exfoliate, tone and hydrate regularly; however, you still encounter acne, oily skin and blackheads frequently. Perhaps, as a result, you have convinced yourself that you were simply born with problem skin. Fortunately, it’s more likely that your beauty regime […]
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Alumni Spotlight: CV’s Very Own Ms. Brenda, Esthetics Instructor
Alumni spotlight on CV’s very own Esthetics alum turned CV Esthetics Instructor, Brenda Ramos Cardona! Her insight and inspirational words are valuable for all skin care professionals, whether you’re established or just beginning your own journey. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? While at Christine Valmy I studied the Esthetics Course. […]
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Our Expert Instructor Chats About Esthetics
Listen in as SpaSOS ‘s Sherrie Tennessee and Christine Valmy instructor, Despina Freimanis, discuss the evolving beauty industry and how to launch a career in skin care! Visit Well World TV’s Youtube channel for this and other wellness-related content. As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant […]
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The Spa Industry’s Record-Breaking Year
In the last decade, the Spa Industry has been thriving. According to the 2019 Spa Industry Study, conducted by ISPA and PWC, the Spa Industry saw an increase across all key performance metrics for the ninth year in a row. In 2018, the industry once again set records in total revenue, spa visits, spa locations, […]
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All-Natural Diamond and Gold Anti-Aging Facial
Learn the steps and ingredients necessary to perform this all-natural treatment. Give your clients the radiant skin and anti-aging results they’ll love! As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated Insights […]
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