When was the first time you put on your first stitch of makeup? I think, for me, I was about three years old in my dance recital. It’s crazy to think that I was introduced to makeup at such an early age, but I wonder if that has anything to do with my love for it now. According to a recent article with the Canadian Press, it should have affected me in a different way.

In the article, Karen Grant, an NPD beauty-industry analyst, says that she thinks when girls start at a young age (such as pre-teen years) they are actually not as fascinated by it in older years (like their late teens). I don’t know if I can agree with that. Now, don’t get me wrong – just because I had a little bit of blush and lipstick on at the age of three, doesn’t mean that I was obsessed with makeup every day since then. I think it actually took me a bit longer to get down some kind of routine (or even to be allowed to use any sort of makeup, for that matter). It’s not like the baby beauty queens of today that get filmed for reality television. That may be a different case altogether.

I think that each person has their own personality and own progression when it comes to makeup. The Canadian Press article also suggests that girls are becoming interested in makeup earlier with all the latest spa and makeup parties that allow them to bond with their friends and mothers. While this may be true, I don’t think that this is when girls begin the obsession. They must explore it on their own and will come into their own routine in their own time. Some girls don’t even like makeup.

But I must agree with the article’s thoughts on the popularity of mascara throughout time. I, myself, don’t ever leave home without mascara on. It really has the ability to brighten your face – it’s a great beauty product.

What products have you loved throughout your life?

-Amanda Fornecker

This is the story that proves that you need to research the beauty or spa school you’re pursuing. The NY Post reported this weekend that a Chinatown beauty school was shut down for committing fraud.

USA Beauty School allegedly collected millions of dollars in federal aid over the past two years when they weren’t technically entitled to it. Federal officials called into the school recently to pose as prospective students. What they learned was disturbing: school officials told the “prospective students” that they could fudge details of their education and work history in order to get more financial aid from the government. It was reported that a handful of students who were receiving Pell grants weren’t even eligible for them, as they didn’t even have their high school diplomas or GEDs – a requirement of Pell grants that help those pursuing post-high school education cover their school expenses for tuition and other fees.

Research is imperative when checking out schools. It’s not even just about accreditation anymore – USA Beauty School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). What you need to do is visit the school, talk to school officials and current students, and see what else you can find out about a school that you may not have heard of before. Reputation is imperative and if you hear something negative (and I’m not talking about the normal complaints people have), then you should probably go with your instincts. Becoming educated before you actually receive your education is one of the first important steps on the school hunt. Don’t put yourself in a precarious situation that may end up costing you in the end.

Start your research today.

-Amanda Fornecker

In an age of trade schools, licensing laws, and tests to ensure beauty and spa professionals are capable of providing services effectively and safely, some individuals (who have learned their trade through family) have been forced to work away from the eyes of the public. Hair braiding has been around for centuries, but some hair braiding business have had to close their doors because state governments have started to require that hair braiders have a cosmetology license in order to legally practice. But hair braiders don’t agree with this new legislation because they don’t feel they learn anything relevant to their trade at cosmetology school. So the questions is: are hair braiders cosmetologists?

Hair braiding has been around for quite some time and most hair braiders learn their trade from family and friends. Once they become good enough at what they do, many go on to form their own businesses. Public storefront businesses have recently been the target of state governments in places like Illinois. And licensed cosmetologists are supportive of this new legislation. It makes sense.

Cosmetology is the study and practice of beauty treatment. Hair braiders do fall into that category as they provide a service to enhance the beauty of their clients. Licensed cosmetologists find it unfair to be required to study and get licensed, when hair braiders do not need to complete the same set of guidelines. But then we look at it from a hair braider’s perspective. Those who attempted to follow the rules enrolled in cosmetology school and quit after completing a certain amount of hours, claiming that cosmetology school didn’t have anything to do with their trade. So what, then, should the alternative be?

Since many hair braiders have closed their doors and have been forced to work underground with the their established clientele base, Illinois lawmakers have begun to propose a new rule. Those hair braiders who can prove at least two years of established hair braiding practice can receive their hair braiding license. And those who are new to the profession can become licensed by undergoing 300 hours of hair braiding training. This makes much more sense because hair braiders will receive proper education and will be licensed to work with clients in the community. It seems that this law, should it pass, will be a nice compromise between the Illinois government and hair braiders.

For more information on this story check out the Associated Press article.

-Amanda Fornecker

Spring has certainly sprung across many states throughout the country, which brings a longing to get out of the house more and show off some of your latest fashions and beauty treatments. Here, Gina Pieper of Empire Beauty Schools, has just the kind of professional Spring tips to take advantage of the hottest trends and get heads turning!

What are some spring makeup trends that you suggest trying this season?
Spring time is the season to try new things – specifically pastel colors are a huge trend this spring. You can’t go wrong with the intense pastel eye shadow colors – like MAKE UP FOR EVER Diamond Pink, Diamond Turquoise or Diamond Purple. I recommend stopping in at your favorite make up counter and trying out a pastel shade you have never tried before that goes with your skin tone and see what you think. In addition, pastel colored manicures are going to be everywhere, especially lilacs and creamy minty greens!

Is there a particular look or product you’d suggest trying for lips?
A perfect sheer, barely there lipstick that pairs well with pastel colors is Viva Las Vegas by NARS – it’s one of my favorites! It complements all skin tones and lends a great finish to the lips.

What is a must-have makeup item for spring?
If I had to pick one thing for you to try for this spring, it would be HD Powder. I like HD Microfinish Powder by MAKE UP FOR EVER and E.L.F Cosmetics also makes a great new HD Powder. HD Powder completely evens out your complexion for a drop dead gorgeous, flawless finish. It works on all skin tones to help hide any imperfections and gives a soft-focus look.

What are two spring hair trends you suggest trying?
If you are looking for a different style this spring, I recommend trying the beachy wave. For this look, curl your entire head of hair in spiral curls that are loose on the top and loose on the ends. For some pieces, don’t curl the ends in order to get that fun, messy, beachy look! Another easy spring hair trend to try is adding a flower above your ear or even above a side ponytail in the back. When wearing a side ponytail, it should be sassy, so make sure it has a lot of texture. You can curl it and even backcomb it to add body and place at the nape of the neck for a flirty look.

As a hairstylist, what are your thoughts on getting hair extensions for the season?
This spring hair extensions are definitely in, but if you’ve been watching TV recently, (I won’t name any names) there are some pretty fake looking extension applications! I really like the look of Fusion extensions. I recommend getting human hair so you can style it with your flat iron or curling iron. I recently had some extensions glued in and they looked great, but they only lasted about a week until they started to feel uncomfortable. When spending money on human hair extensions, don’t try to glue them in at home because it can result in breakage, and just look really BAD! If you are looking for a good deal, check out a reputable beauty school near you, Empire Beauty School has 100 different locations, and the students are very talented!

-Empire Beauty Schools