At Weston College we get a lot of questions from members of the public who want to improve their hair and beauty knowledge. In the first of a two-part hair and beauty advice special we ask Jessica Stagg, former Weston College student and owner of Essential Beauty and Aesthetics, for answers to some of the most frequently beauty questions…
Click here for part two!
How can I tell when makeup expires?
Many people don’t know this essential beauty tip, and the answer is more simple than a lot of people think!
Almost every product you use has an expiry date, and using the product when it has gone off can damage your skin or affect results. Look for a symbol on the back of the makeup which looks like an open jar. In it, there should be a number which indicates how long the product will last after it has been opened.
How do I remove gel nail polish?
Removing gel nails is easy, all you need is acetone, cotton balls, a high-grit buffer, a nail file, and aluminium foil cut into squares big enough to wrap around your fingertips.
First, use the file to break the seal of the gel polish, making sure that you don’t file too deep as this could damage your nail. Cut the foil into 10 three-centimetre wide squares.
Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your fingernail and wrap the foil around your fingertip to hold the cotton ball in place. Wait 15 minutes and the gel nail should flake off easily. Use a buffer on your nails to remove any residue.
You could become an expert in gel nails as little as three months with one of Weston College's nail technology part-time courses. Click here to find out more!
How should I clean makeup brushes?
To properly clean your makeup brushes you’ll need a shallow bowl, gentle shampoo, a sink and a lint-free cloth. Begin by running your brushes under lukewarm tap water to remove any remaining makeup. Focus on cleansing the bristles but try to avoid the handle as the heat of the water may loosen the glue over time.
Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and put a small amount of shampoo in it. Swirl the tip of your brush in the water and then swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to work up a lather. Rinse the brush under running water when you’re satisfied that the brush is clean, and then leave to dry!
How can I earn money with my beauty skills?
If you’re talented in makeup, nail art or massage you could earn money in the beauty industry as a beauty technician. Getting qualified and learning new skills is important, and I started my career by taking a beauty therapy qualification at Weston College. I then worked in salons for five years, and opened my first salon Essential Beauty and Aesthetics in Weston-super-Mare in 2016.
Weston College has courses for all ages and abilities, including part-time courses designed to fit around your schedule.
There are nearly 20,000 people employed in the beauty industry in the Bristol and Somerset area. The average starting salary in this sector is £15,000, however more qualified and specialist beauty therapists can earn over £20,000 per year.
Find out what courses we have on offer by clicking here!
