Not all businesses and service providers are created equally. Unfortunately, I can tell you this from experience, as I have both seen and heard some very unethical practices in the industry.
I’m here to tell you, do your research. Read reviews, get a feel for the people and businesses you’re going to be trusting with your skin, and investing your hard earned money in. Go somewhere and to someone reputable. Find them on social, but do a little digging, as these days you never know if followers and likes are real. It may seem ridiculous to say “be sure they’re licensed” but unlicensed people in the beauty industry run rampant… in addition to a license, see if they took the time to further their education to get more certifications.
Yes, every expert started out as a beginner but if you want a certain quality of service, you usually need experience. Once you check all these boxes then you can get into “do they fit my vibe?” because yes, you need to feel comfortable with this person and have a good rapport- ya gotta like them! When it comes to choosing a business to get your service- don’t get suckered into deals! More so, when they happen too often- there’s usually an unsavory reason why.
Don’t get me wrong, promotions can be a great way to drum up new business, whether it be for an inexperienced provider or a newly opened establishment… but be wary of prices being suspiciously low- if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take Botox for instance, considering I am privy to product costs, when you see Botox promoted as $8-$10 a unit, I would suggest you give it a pass. Especially in the NJ/NY area that just does not make sense considering the cost of this product. There could be a good chance you are getting an over-diluted product, a lower budget toxin or some black market shit. Same goes with filler. You don’t want to mess around with products that are injected into your body. Even if you think a place seems reputable, if they work like a factory and constantly have sales, my advice would be to stay away.
Now let’s get into facials… does a piece of equipment look or seem off to you? Diamond Glow and Hydrafacial, for instance, are patented technologies but there are aftermarket versions of these all over- they are poorly made, not as effective, and potentially harmful. Be sure you’re getting the real deal, look up what these machines look like so you are aware. As for microneedling devices, there are a ton out there that are not FDA-cleared so before you get this kind of service done somewhere, do your research and ask questions!
Now, is someone offering you add-ons without expressing whether or not they will cost more? You may be asked whether you want a certain mask, serum, etc., always ask if there is an additional charge. So many establishments nickel and dime their clients, I have both heard and experienced checking out from a spa paying $50-$100 more than I had anticipated because additional costs were not disclosed to me, so when offered something specific during your service ask if you have to pay for it!
I’m proud to say I work somewhere that the equipment we use is either FDA-cleared or from reputable skincare and medical grade companies… Additionally, where my bosses values align with mine, where I am led by example to be honest and an advocate for my clients. So again, I hate to sound like a broken record but- do your research and ask questions… if something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts.