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: Marisa Napoli, Spa Owner and Esthetician
Alumni Spotlight on CV Esthetics Grad and new owner of Spa Rockaway, Marisa Napoli! Marisa is a rising star in the beauty industry, reaching remarkable heights quickly since graduating from […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Gabriel Taylor, National Aesthetician, Skin Expert & Business Owner
Alumni Spotlight on esthetics grad, Gabriel Taylor! A National Aesthetician and Skin Expert, Adjunct Instructor for Christine Valmy, and founder of his cosmetic/spa consulting company, Taylor Made Consulting! Gabriel has […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Kalliopi Perceli, Esthetician at Sage Day Spa
Alumni Spotlight on esthetics grad, Kalliopi Perceli! She is an empathetic and hardworking individual whose educational journey was driven by a love for skincare and a desire to grow her […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Chelsea Blackburn Owner of Dew You Skincare & Lore Skincare
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Chelsea Blackburn! She is an ambitious individual whose skincare concerns ignited a passion for beauty and motivated her to become a spa owner and founder […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Olga Familia, Co-Owner of Blossom Studio Spa & Training Center LLC
3 photo’s of Olga, one she is standing in front of the old front desk at the NY school. In the middle photo she’s standing in front of her new beauty study, with her co-business owners. In the third she’s standing alone Infront of her studio alone.
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Alumni Spotlight: Yokayra Rojas, Owner of Enchantress Beauty Spa
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Yokayra Rojas, a lifelong learner who dreamed of working in the beauty industry! Her pursuit of knowledge and passion for her trade drove her to […]
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Alumni Spotlight: Lilly Rojas, Owner of Lilli and Cata Nail Saloon!
Alumni Spotlight on Nail Specialty grad, Lilly Rojas! Her dream of owning a nail salon led her down an exciting path full of insight, including an education from Christine Valmy. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Lotion X Bubble Mask Facial Treatment
Learn the steps and products necessary to perform this natural treatment. Bubble away blackheads for effortless extractions! As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Vitamin C & AHA Facial Treatment
Learn the steps and ingredients necessary to perform this natural and innovative treatment, which delivers brightening and rejuvenating results for your facial clients. As part of our educational philosophy, we […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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The CV Approach to Natural Skin Care
Hear what makes our cruelty-free, natural skin care products unique and effective – from more than 75 years of expertise in the science of esthetics to a mantra passed down […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Natural Diamond and Gold Anti-Aging Facial
Learn the steps and ingredients necessary to perform this natural treatment. Give your clients the radiant skin and anti-aging results they’ll love! As part of our educational philosophy, we aim […]
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