So, we’ve recently written about the beauty industry’s shift towards aesthetics. This information has led to questions from prospective students about the differences between a beauty therapist and an aesthetician. Today’s blog will describe the job specification for each role, their similarities, differences and the qualifications needed to achieve them.
A Beauty Therapist is a professionally trained therapist specialising in delivering beauty treatments. To successfully qualify as a beauty therapist in the UK, you will have to learn a range of treatments covering the face and body, alongside the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
These treatments include, but are not limited to:
For the purpose of this blog, we would like to clarify that we are referring to a non-medical aesthetician. A medical Aesthetician as the name implies would have some form of medical training, a Doctor or a Nurse, before moving to focus on the aesthetics side. An aesthetician needs to have in-depth anatomy and physiology knowledge, hence why there were only previously medically trained aestheticians. However, as times progressed, many training bodies realised the demand for anatomy and physiology training as a standalone.
A non-medical aesthetician would have no medical training but will have anatomy and physiology training. Therefore they would have a thorough insight into the human body and its inner workings, allowing them to safely work as an aesthetician.
As an aesthetician, you are essentially a skincare specialist. Working closely with your clients to understand their skin and its concerns before fixing and maintaining their skin. Treatments that aestheticians can offer are:
As a Beauty Therapist, you can cover a wider range of treatments concerning the face and body, as outlined further above. Beauty therapists will often work in salons and spas which are accessible to everyday clients. As they are offering a variety of treatments, beauty therapists will have a variety of clients.
Aestheticians, on the other hand, will usually focus on treatments concerning the face. The treatments offered by aestheticians are more complex, requiring more advanced training. Aestheticians are likely to work in clinics with expensive, high-grade equipment and treatments are a little pricier. Due to the bespoke treatments offered by aestheticians, their clients are willing to spend extra to reap the benefits.
In the UK, if you are looking to certify as a fully-qualified Beauty Therapist, you must achieve;
On the Level 2 qualification, you learn the basics needed to become a beauty therapist. The basics will cover skin analysis, cleansing and toning methods, facial massage and skin care. These are the foundations for most treatments, so they are mastered before you can move on to Level 3. However, due to the diverse nature of Beauty Therapy, Level 2 also teaches manicures, pedicures, waxing, eyelash and brow tinting.
During the Level 3 course, a Beauty Therapist will learn the more complicated treatments such as massages, facial and body electrotherapy, and head massages. The Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma also teaches students Anatomy & Physiology. As mentioned before, this is relevant for those offering treatments concerning the face and body.
Once the training for Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy Diplomas has finished, students can join the beauty industry as qualified Beauty Therapists.
Compared to the diverse nature of the Beauty Therapy Diploma, those studying to become an aesthetician will focus mainly on facial aesthetics. Therefore to qualify as an Aesthetician in the UK, you need:
The Level 2 Facial and Skin Care course teaches students to complete thorough skin analysis, massage, steaming, exfoliation and moisturising. Students will also learn how to understand their client’s skin better to create tailor-made masks and treatments. To successfully understand the client’s skin concerns, students training to be an aesthetician will learn how to conduct client consultations.
On Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy, students further their knowledge of advanced facial treatments. The treatments include electrical facials – facial electrotherapy:
These treatments are very advanced but are also the basis for most facials delivered via machines. Level 3 will cover Anatomy & Physiology also, which is necessary to move on to Level 4 Training.
Depending on the treatments you’d like to offer as an aesthetician would influence the Level 4 training you undergo. If you want to specialise in Laser, you train in Level 4 Laser & IPL. We will often recommend Laser & IPL training as the first stop for those interested in Aesthetics.
In the Level 4 Laser & IPL course at LSBM, students work with a professional laser therapist who will teach them how to use the industries leading laser machines. Laser is a popular choice for clients looking for a permanent solution to hair removal or for those looking to treat long-lasting skin concerns through laser skin rejuvenation.
At LSBM, we recommend Laser & IPL due to the in-depth nature of the course. Level 4 learners receive their training on 2 leading laser & IPL machines covering various body parts. This training will prepare them for other advanced courses and further their Anatomy & Physiology knowledge. Hence why we recommend Laser & IPL to those starting their advanced aesthetic training journey.
Simply put, it depends on your passions and interest. Maybe you are more interested in offering clients manicures, pedicures and the odd facial. Maybe you want to offer massages and waxing. Then the Beauty Therapy route is more suitable for you. As a Beauty Therapist, you should be passionate about the various beauty treatments you can offer as there is no guarantee of what your client will want.
If you are solely interested in the facial side of beauty, then you should consider an aesthetician career. For most people, their face is a large part of their identity, so they’re willing to make it look the best. As an aesthetician, this is where you come in, working closely with clients to give them their dream skin.
Regardless of the route you choose, here at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, we can answer your questions and make your decision that bit easier. If you would like to talk to a member of staff about the best route for you, then give us a call on 020 3966 8690.
If you’re a skincare fanatic, then I’m sure you’ve heard about Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion treatment is everyone’s favourite technique for deep and thorough exfoliation.
The treatment name translates to scraping of the skin, but simply Microdermabrasion treatment will deeply exfoliate your skin. A professional will remove the outer layer of dead skin to reveal new and supple skin.
When receiving Microdermabrasion, your aesthetician will use a handheld machine. Two types of microdermabrasion devices can be used during the treatment: Diamond or Crystal. Whatever stone your therapist uses, the device will buff out the skin and vacuum up the dead skin. These machines should not be confused with the microdermabrasion tools advertised online!
Whilst we’ve referred to it as a facial treatment, you can receive Microdermabrasion all over your body; neck, chest, hands and back.
The thought of a deep exfoliation using a diamond tip may sound unappealing, but it can be a relaxing treatment if carried out correctly. So, not only is Microdermabrasion relaxing, but the treatment is also very beneficial for your skin.
In the same way, you are encouraged by skincare experts to cleanse, moisturise and apply sun protection, you need to be regularly exfoliating!
When exfoliating at home, it is recommended to exfoliate your skin at least once a week but no more than three times. Due to the in-depth nature of Microdermabrasion, you should only get the treatment once a month to reap the long-term benefits.
Microdermabrasion can benefit your skin by:
These results happen as the treatment encourages new cell growth through exfoliation.
We recommend those interested in Microdermabrasion get the treatment every 4 to 6 weeks.
For those of you already working in the beauty industry, you know how popular Microdermabrasion is. However, if you are just entering into a career in beauty and aesthetics, this is a treatment you need under your belt!
Here at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, we teach Microdermabrasion in the following course:
A staple for every beauty therapist looking to move from beginner to industry-ready. A VTCT accreditation is recognised globally due to its longstanding and high standards. Employers know they can trust graduates who have studied a VTCT beauty course at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up.
Learning Microdermabrasion with us ensures that you are using the best tools on the market. Practising on our industry-standard equipment will prepare you to start offering the treatment immediately. You will also get the chance to work in the commercial LSBM salon on paying clients to perfect your technique.
On our Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma, you will also learn:
The course runs over the span of 24 weeks and is also available on the weekends.
If you are interested in finding out more about the most popular treatments on the market, to help pick the right course for you. Get in contact with us at admin@beauty-school.co.uk and our friendly staff will help you pick the course that is best for you!
Today’s blog is about beauty supplements, so it’s a little different, for those of our readers who are more interested in holistic beauty! In our CIDESCO course, students learn about holistic therapies. The holistic beauty approach focuses on an all-inclusive approach to a healthy body, mind, and soul resulting in better and more radiant skin. Adopting a holistic approach to beauty will see you eating better, working out more often and meditating, all of which will better you altogether.
So, the topic of the blog is beauty supplements! Whether you’re scrolling on Instagram or at your local supermarket, you’re bound to come across supplements. Many of us take them in the form of multi-vitamins, but there are supplements that promise to strengthen our nails and hair.
According to the NHS, most people actually do not need to take supplements, they need to get their vitamins from a healthy balanced diet. However, many people have dietary and recreational habits like smoking, drinking or low-calorie diets that restrict them from getting the nutrients they need.
Vitamins and minerals are necessary nutrients that the body needs to function. The NHS added that taking too many supplements and doing so for a lengthy period of time can actually cause more harm than good. Department of Health and Social Care suggests supplements for people who have deficiencies related to particular vitamins and minerals. For example, all babies and children must take vitamin D supplements to absorb calcium and phosphorus as they don’t get adequate sun exposure.
The recommended vitamin supplements are manufactured into liquids, tablets, water-soluble tablets, gel caps, capsules and so on to make it easier for the consumer to take them with their food. These supplements are not vitamins and minerals but can be amino acids, herbs, botanical extracts and many other ingredients with nutritional value.
In the beauty industry, there are a lot of companies with supplements that have made big claims on having the “magic pill” that will solve all of our vanity problems. Their beauty supplements claim to give youthful skin, lose weight fast or grow hair and nails etc. Social media culture is also a huge problem in pushing these beauty supplements. Big brands will pay popular influencers and celebrities to advertise these products to their followers.
Problems from this kind of advertising can rise, as many influencers and celebrities are not healthcare professionals, nor do they vet companies properly. In fact, many companies and celebrities have received major backlash for promoting things that do not fulfil the promises stated in their advertisements.
Not to mention, there are a lot of companies creating supplements which are not regulated by the Food Standards Agency. It is important to buy vitamins recognised by your local authority! Otherwise, you might buy fake supplements that can be so damaging to your body. A telling sign of a counterfeit product is that it would be significantly cheaper than the original. Sometimes ‘bargains’ are too good to be true.
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency has deemed two specific ingredients as dangerous: DNP and DMMA. The first one DNP (Dinitrophenol) is commonly found in supplements that claim they are fat burning or slimming. It has been deemed that it is not fit for human consumption and is extremely dangerous to human health. In humans, the chemical can cause a comatose state and may result in death. The case of DMMA (Dimethylamylamine) is a synthetically made substance that is often described as a “natural” stimulant commonly targeted at bodybuilders and people who are trying to lose weight. As DMMA contains a lot of caffeine it can cause higher blood pressure, and cerebral haemorrhage and can lead to other cardiovascular issues that can result in a stroke or death. This is because DMMA speeds up a process in the body called thermogenesis, which is the body using fat to generate energy through heat. Both ingredients are illegal and products with these ingredients should be reported to the FSA.
With that being said the question still remains, are supplements necessary to take? The answer is not as simple as it seems, as many studies have not been able to definitively prove that all supplements make a significant difference. There is a large portion of the market that is not regulated by FSA. As mentioned before at the beginning of this blog, there are still influencers promoting supplements that have “magical” marketing claims but there is little to no scientific evidence behind the alleged claims. Based on research, the best nutrients to supplement are:
All of these supplement nutrients can be found in food and it is better to eat foods that are rich in these nutrients and take supplements so that the benefits are maximised.
We’re aware that the year isn’t over yet, but there are already many beauty trends floating around the internet. We’ve scoured Tiktok, Instagram and Twitter to bring you the most popular beauty trends of 2022.
Whether you are a beauty therapist, aesthetician or nail technician, you want to be keeping up with the latest trends in beauty.
Keeping up with the latest trends will put you in front of your competitors as you will be able to offer the most in-demand treatments. Clients are always searching for therapists local to them that can offer popular treatments, so why not be one of them?
By now, you’ve heard of glass skin? If not, here’s a quick explanation. Glass skin refers to skin that compares to clear glass. Skin that appears flawless with no pores or blemishes to be found. To achieve glass skin, you should aim for well hydrated and glowy skin.
Many of us have left the products that promise anti-ageing, instead choosing products that repair the skin and its barrier. By focusing on healing the skin barrier, you are less likely to develop blemishes. This is because our skin barrier protects us from irritation and inflammation.
Brands have taken note of this shift by releasing products that focus on our skin’s health.
You’ve spent so much time working on bettering your skin, right? Why would you then go and cover it with the heavy makeup? Barely there foundation and skin-enhancing bases are the latest makeup trends.
Previously there had been much focus on airbrushed skin and flawless bases. However, with the movement of loving and embracing ourselves, real skin is in. Consumers are looking for a lightweight coverage foundation that allows a glow to shine through.
Before 2022, you could definitely overdo it with the blush. There was a saying, “If they know you’re wearing blush, then you’re wearing too much.” Flash forward to 2022 beauty trends, and there is no such thing as too much blush. Blush is the product of the year, cream, powder or tint. Blush is so in, that it’s taking over the use of contour products.
Makeup artists recommend applying your blush up to your temples. Placing the blush across your cheekbones will frame and lift your face.
Of all the trends we’ve found for 2022, skincare is the standout trend. This is the year when we achieve the best versions of our skin and only want products that help us achieve that.
The Level 2 and Level 3 Combined Facials and Skin Care Course is THE beauty training you need in 2022. The course is for those with a passion for everything skincare.
Maybe you’re someone who worked hard to improve your skin, and now you want to share those tips and tricks with others? Or maybe, you have a passion for product formulation?
To become a facial expert, you need a theoretical understanding of the skin to treat various skin types and problems. This facial and skincare course is for you and, in just 7 weeks, will teach you everything about the skin.
Skin Analysis allows you to identify your client’s skin type to recommend the best and most appropriate treatments. Students will learn how to understand the client’s current skin regimen and how their lifestyle is impacting their skin.
Correct cleansing, balancing, and toning are also taught in the course, which is the beginning of every skincare routine or treatment.
The theory learning in this module involves the anatomy & physiology of the upper torso, including the muscles, bones, blood and nerve supply.
Finally, as a student at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, you will have the opportunity to show your skincare training off in our commercial salon. You can work on the faces of clients with various skin types and skin concerns.
Why not end your 2022 with a wealth of skincare knowledge that will put you at the forefront of clients’ demands?
We are often asked by those interested in our CIDESCO course, what are our graduates doing now? What career can you get into with a CIDESCO qualification?
So, to answer these questions and show you the potential careers you can pursue, we’ve caught up with two of our CIDESCO graduates. Sanfred, who is running her own salon as a CIDESCO graduate and Amelia who is now working at a luxury spa, Calcot Manor Spa Hotel. These graduates are currently thriving in their chosen enterprises, and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.
What course did you study at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, and why did you decide to take the course?
I studied CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma & Spa program at LSBM and my reason for choosing that course was because of how entailed/intense the course was. Also, knowing that it is the most prestigious beauty qualification in the world was something anyone entering the beauty would go for.
What are you doing now as a career? What are your future career ambitions?
I’m currently running my own Salon, Makeup and Spa nestled in the heart of Accra, Ghana. I have also branched into Permanent Makeup, where I specialise in ombré brows, semi-permanent lip blush and lashes. Aesthetics is so popular at the moment, everyone wants their skin to look better than skin. My future career ambition is to own one of the biggest/most successful beauty schools here in Ghana (West Africa) and excel more in the field I’m currently in.
How did you find your course? What were your best bits?
I did my research very well before deciding on the CIDESCO course. After all, I had to leave Ghana to come and study in the UK for a year. If it wasn’t worth it, I wouldn’t have thought twice about aborting the mission. Of all my findings, LSBM was the one for me and the best decision I ever made.
What were your course tutors like?
I had the best tutors ever, to be honest. Nira was one of my favourites. Sumi gave me a bit of a tough time, but I knew she had our interest at heart and wanted us all to put in our best.
What is your favourite part of your current job?
I can’t pinpoint one thing over the other because I love everything that comes with my job. I’m also my own boss and have about 7 employees, who are all working hard for my company. What more could I wish for lol.
Would you recommend The London School of Beauty & Make-Up to someone interested in studying beauty therapy?
I have recommended LSBM to many people, especially from my country (Ghana). They keep sending me DM’s to know whether or not my study in the UK was worth it, the procedure I went through with my visa application before entering LSBM etc.
What would your advice be to someone looking at starting a career/course in beauty therapy?
There’s a saying, “Hard work beats talent any day where talent fails to work hard.” My advice will simply be to WORK HARD!
If you’re looking to start a career/course in beauty therapy, go for it. With anything you put your mind to, put in hard work, dedication, effort, and success will be the outcome. Firstly, do your research very well and put in the effort and hard work during and after studying.
If you’re interested in keeping up with Sanfred’s work as a beauty therapist and semi-permanent makeup artist, then follow her on Instagram!
To keep up with her Semi-permanent Makeup looks: @sannysmakeup or @precise_ombrebrowsbysanny
For her salon page, you can follow her @sannys_b_parlour
What course did you study at The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, and why did you decide to take the course?
I studied the CIBTAC/CIDESCO course.
What are you doing now as a career? What are your future career ambitions?
I started my career on the cruise lines and gradually moved to superyachts, working mainly in the Mediterranean. Now, I’m working as a spa therapist in an award-winning luxury spa hotel located in the heart of the Cotswolds, called CalCot Manor Spa Hotel. I hope to become a senior therapist and then work my way up to become a spa manager. Who knows, I might even open a spa in the future! I would like to focus my career more on the facials side as this is the area I am most interested in.
How did you find your course? What were your best bits?
I found the CIBTAC course very intense, there was a lot of information to learn and routines to follow. You get the hang of it after a while. With the CIDESCO course, I found this one a little bit more relaxed. I loved the focus on the spa and holistic side, it was one of my highlights.
What were your course tutors like?
My course tutors, Trisha and Ellie were the best tutors I could hope for. They look out for you and encourage you. It was a very supportive network, even after I left the academy, help and advice is always on hand.
What is your favourite part of your current job?
What I love about my position is meeting new clients and building a connection with them to make them feel relaxed and safe. I love making a difference and giving them the best treatment possible. This is how you get your regulars.
Yes, it’s fast pace and intense, but you come out with good knowledge and qualifications that are recognised internationally.
What would your advice be to someone looking at starting a career/course in beauty therapy?
All I can advise is, to increase your knowledge in all aspects of the industry. Do some of your own research, this really helped me. Do a course that involves lots of different beauty treatments as you may prefer one thing to another. Sometimes, we think we know what we want and really enjoy but it’s not always the case, for example, I always thought I would be more into nails, but I now prefer facials. The most important thing I would say is to have passion.
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Thank you to both Sanfred and Amelia for taking the time to answer questions for interested students. We hope this will help those of you who want to know what doors a CIDESCO qualification can open.
If you’re reading this blog, you are probably already very aware of what you can learn in the course. However, for those who aren’t, head to the course page to find out more. CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Course Page.
We highly recommend the CIDESCO diploma for those of you looking for a fully comprehensive beauty qualification you can take anywhere in the world.
If you would like more information about how our CIDESCO course could kickstart your career in the beauty industry, get in contact today. You can call us on 0203 966 8690 or email us at admission@beauty-school.co.uk.
Who doesn’t love a good facial? For an hour or more, you get pampered and feel relaxed. But did you know, there are more benefits to a regular facial than doing them infrequently? Regular facials ensure exfoliation, deep cleansing, and treating major skin concerns. We go to the dentist, GP and hairdressers frequently, so why shouldn’t we go to someone to take care of our faces regularly? Especially knowing that if we look good, we feel good.
In this blog, we will help you justify the costs of those frequent facials by advising you of the numerous benefits!
The same way our moods are affected by the weather, our skin is the same! Depending on the humidity, temperature and access to sunlight, our skin’s wants and needs will change.
In the unkind winter, when the weather is cold and dry, our skin turns red, irritated and blistered. It doesn’t help to stay inside either, with central heating drying out our skin’s natural moisture. We recommend a hydrating facial to combat the dryness of the weather.
Summer is a time when we’re all out and about, constantly exposed to sunlight and UV rays, which are damaging to the skin. Most popular facials such as chemical peels and skin needling, sun exposure is not recommended. We recommend a facial that removes dead skin cells, extracts dirt, blackheads, pimples and excess oil during summer.
In spring, consider a facial that will brighten your skin, and in autumn, a facial that prepares your skin for the colder months coming.
Who doesn’t want to age gracefully? Facials designed to combat the signs of ageing will encourage cell turnover and boost collagen production, both great for anti-ageing.
Getting regular facials also tighten your skin, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Choose facials that include botanical ingredients that increase collagen production or facial peels that treat fine lines.
Spots start to form when the skin’s pores become clogged. Facials deep cleanse your skin and extract the excess oils and dirt in your pores, stopping them from becoming clogged.
For those with acne, your facialist can safely remove and treat active spots correctly, stopping bacteria from spreading. If you suffer from acne scarring, regular facials will help even out skin tone and reduce the visibility of scars.
Who doesn’t hate getting those pesky whiteheads and blackheads? They leave your skin rough and bumpy. They can also be annoying, especially if you have plans soon, so you may rush to remove them at home. DO NOT. You should never remove whiteheads and blackheads at home as that will further irritate your skin.
When getting a professional facial, the therapist safely removes your blackhead and whiteheads using a special tool. The proper extraction will limit your skin’s exposure to bacteria and shrink your pores.
With regular facial treatments, you are likely to have built a relationship with your beauty therapist. At that point, no one will know your skin better than them. They will be able to notice any changes your skin is going through and set you up with all the products you need at home to keep your skin glowing.
We’ve saved our favourite benefit of regular facials to last, and that’s the relaxation facials offer. We’re all stressed out and probably a bit busier than we should be. The day-to-day stresses of life can be overwhelming. Taking just an hour out of our month to be pampered is beneficial for our skin and mental health. So take time to yourself every month to walk into the beauty salon of choice, soak up the calming music and the tactful aromatherapy before lying on the comfortable treatment bed.
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Are you looking to get regular facials but worried about the cost? Why not take advantage of the great prices we offer here at the LSBM Salon. Our well practised students deliver high-quality beauty therapy treatments for affordable prices, all year round.
Students enrolled at LSBM work in the salon alongside their studies, monitored by a professional beauty therapist, delivering all your favourite treatments.
At the LSBM salon, you can receive the following facial treatments:
If you are interested in booking an appointment*, give us a call on 0207 776 9767. The LSBM Salon is open 10 am – 5 pm.
*Appointment availabilities depend on the availability of our student therapists.
So you’re interested in studying a comprehensive beauty course? Ideally, one that will teach you everything that you need to know to launch your beauty career. But which extensive beauty course should you choose? When students come to us looking for complete beauty courses, we will suggest 2 options. The options are the “CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma” or “VTCT Level 2 & 3 Combined Beauty Therapy Diploma”. We will tell you a little about each course before moving on to their similarities and differences.
Whilst we can’t pick for you, we can help you to understand these courses to make your decision a little easier.
The CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma is one of our most popular courses, with students travelling from all over the globe to complete it with us. The CIDESCO qualification is globally recognised as the most highly respected beauty therapy qualification and the most internationally recognised qualification. Established in 1946, the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie has since helped shape the standards of beauty training.
Here at the London School of Beauty & Make-Up, our CIDESCO diploma runs over 43 weeks, full time. Students enrolled on the course learn a range of aesthetics, body, beauty, and holistic therapy treatments. Exclusively to LSBM we also teach introductory aroma and reflex, scrubs and wraps so you get a fully comprehensive course.
As part of the aesthetics training, your tutors will teach you how to complete manicures, pedicures, waxing, brow, and lash tints. You will also learn how to carry out popular electrical facial treatments on clients and wax the body properly.
For the body treatments, students will master various massage treatments. Some of which include; Swedish, Indian Head and G5. CIDESCO students at LSBM also learn how to use electrical machines on the body.
Throughout the course students learn more than just treatments as there are modules that focus on:
The CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma really is a complete beauty course. Upon successful completion of the course students will hold:
To learn more about the CIDESCO course and read the experiences of our alumni, head here.
Another of our most popular courses is the VTCT combined Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma. Vocational Training Charitable Trust is a leading assessment body in the UK with a strong foundation in the beauty industry. Previously students would complete the Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma before moving to Level 3. However, based on the feedback of our students, our expert tutors have constructed the complete beauty therapy course. The combined beauty course offers a seamless training program that saves you time. All of which makes the VTCT Level 2 & 3 Combi Beauty course a great option.
The Combined Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma is a part-time course running over 24 weeks.
On the course, you will learn aesthetic treatments covering facials, skincare, facial electrotherapy, waxing, manicures, pedicures, lash and brow treatments. Along with the Anatomy & Physiology of the upper torso and the theory of skin.
The body treatments element of the course focuses on body massage and electrotherapy. Aside from learning treatments, students learn about the contraindications of the treatments.
Client consultation, salon reception skills and management duties are extras in the curriculum. Similar to the CIDESCO Course, the VTCT combined course ensures that students are well-rounded beauty therapists.
Upon successful completion, students enrolled on the VTCT Combined Beauty therapy will achieve:
Both courses aim to train you to become the ultimate beauty therapist so there will be similarities, especially across the curriculum.
Both courses teach the foundations of beauty therapy which includes:
However, on the CIDESCO course, you will learn one more massage treatment that the VTCT combined course does not offer. The described treatment is the Hot stone massage along with figure analysis. Aside from that, students on the CIDESCO and VTCT will be mastering the same body massage and treatments.
Students on the CIDESCO course will learn and perfect their makeup application. We do find that most beauty therapists do not require this skill, so it may not be an important element when choosing the course for you.
The beauty industry is a popular career choice which is why you should choose a course that aides your career. Those on the VTCT course learn how to run a salon, from the receptionist to managerial skills. The CIDESCO course will also help students build their career skills by teaching Business Plan Creation, CV Writing and Interview Techniques.
We’ve told you about both courses and discussed their similarities and differences, and now the decision is all yours! But why study the course of your choice with us here at LSBM?
The London School of Beauty & Make-Up was established in 1995 putting us among the longest-running private beauty training centres in the UK. Regardless of which course you choose, you can rest assured that you will be receiving the highest standard of training. All our tutors have over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry under their belts.
Those looking to study CIDESCO or VTCT combined Beauty Therapy with us will have access to a commercial salon experience. Our salon is the largest of any beauty school in London, enabling students to gain their confidence and receive feedback from customers. As a beauty student at LSBM, you will practice learned beauty treatments on paying customers. For those looking to perfect the beauty treatments learnt on their course to become a well-rounded therapist, choosing a school that offers practical training is a must!
Do you have any other questions that you would like answered about the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma or the Combined VTCT Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma? Why not send us an email to contact@beauty-school.co.uk, and one of our course reps will be able to assist you personally.
5 simple, sustainable alternatives to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly:
Switching products:
In beauty, sustainability means having recyclable packaging, reducing the need for single-use plastics, carefully selecting non-toxic ingredients, and decreasing the carbon footprint from manufacturing to delivery. It’s all about making sure everything from sourcing and selling is making the tiniest impact on the environment. Around 80 billion plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles are thrown away globally each year contributing to the rise in environmental damage, this is why we need to encourage an eco-friendly beauty routine.
Increasingly, brands are turning to solid bars to reduce waste. Firstly, they reduce the use of packaging. Secondly, they reduce water consumption, making use of the water you’re already showering in to lather up. Some brands use natural and organic ingredients in the formulas they produce, to create environmentally friendly packaging.
LSBM recommendation – look for products containing marine extracts and algae that work wonders for your skin. These ingredients turn carbon dioxide into oxygen as they grow. Making sustainable choices by looking at labels before we purchase a product. For example, The Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance logos indicate the ingredients are sustainably sourced. Making sustainable choices by searching for products that are 100% home recyclable or home compostable will help decrease pollution. Further, products produced from existing materials are a perfect example of a planet-friendly purchase.
Use a hot cloth instead of face wipes:
We all know face wipes are convenient, however, not an eco-friendly choice and harm the environment. Face wipes contribute to the ongoing littering of our coastline as people continue to flush them down the toilet polluting our oceans. Furthermore, makeup wipes only break down the makeup and don’t properly clean it, the most effective, eco-friendly way to remove makeup is by using a hot washcloth. LSBM recommendation – Face Halo (£15.39 for 3). Using only water, Face Halo traps and removes makeup for a deep clean, and gentle exfoliation and doesn’t tug on your skin. They offer a deeper cleanse than wipes do cleaning into the pores. Likewise, Garnier’s Micellar Reusable Eco Pads (£4.49 for 3) can be purchased with micellar water and is reusable up to 1,000 times.
Consider refillable options:
Choosing to reuse bottles will help prevent plastic pollution at the source. You can reduce plastic waste as many of us don’t reuse our empty bottles of body lotions or makeup products. Replacing plastic with alternatives goes a long way in reducing the amount of plastic pollution that ends up in oceans. Because plastic cannot break down, it will simply sit there for years to come. Refillable options are beneficial to the environment as they help reduce pollution, waste, and energy consumption. Opting for multi-purpose products will reduce the number of products we use, therefore, reducing the amount of packaging we waste. LSBM recommendation – OUI has created shampoo refills. This convenient idea for refill pouches is good since we tend to run out of our shampoo before our conditioner.
Use products in recycled, recyclable, and reusable packaging:
Unlike other packaging varieties, eco-friendly packaging is recyclable and sometimes even repurposed or composted if it is highly biodegradable. Products must be biodegradable to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and supply the earth with life-promoting nutrients. Whilst lots of brands currently are not using recycled plastics for their packaging, you can opt to seek out the brands that do, and play your part in reducing your carbon footprint.
LSBM recommendation – Brands like REN are already placing existing plastic to good use. Some brands are creating drop-off points for your beauty empties, with some exceptions such as aerosol cans, perfume bottles, and nail polish bottles.
LSBM Recommendation- Get a recycle bin for your bathroom.
The importance of recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest, or extract new raw materials from the earth. Moreover, saving the energy that would have been used in producing waste products again. Incorporating a recycling bin in your bathroom can help you increase your recycling. Many bathroom products are recyclable such as shampoo and conditioner bottles, shower gel, and bubble bath bottles. The packaging made from cardboard boxes used for toothpaste, soapboxes, toilet roll tubes, deodorants, and shaving foam bottles is all recyclable.
Why should you become A CIDESCO Graduate?
There are numerous benefits of becoming a CIDESCO graduate as the course is recognised to be the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Beauty therapy, spa and wellness. Moreover, it’s the passport to jobs in the Beauty, Spa and Wellness sector globally, as well as opening many doors of success internationally! CIDESCO standards are significantly recognised as well as beneficial to opportunities in international waters. International doctors and spas are likely to hire candidates who studied a CIDESCO diploma, as they understand they have the most in-depth training and are aware of the benefits and high standards that CIDESCO brings. The CIDESCO programme is intensive both practically and theoretically, equipping students to learn various services within aesthetics and body treatments. The programme is well-rounded, covering all avenues of beauty therapy; from skin consultations and facial treatments to different body massages, and even an introduction to reflexology and aromatherapy.
Career opportunities for CIDESCO graduates
The career opportunities for CIDESCO graduates are endless and the beauty industry offers opportunities that are limitless such as:
All of our CIDESCO lecturers have over a decade worth of industry experience and have been in the field of teaching for years. They are always up to date with all the industry techniques and the latest technology to stay ahead of the game. We encourage all of our teaching staff to undertake continuing professional development courses in the areas that interest them most, which are then passed on to the students. Our CIDESCO tutors live and breathe the CIDESCO standards, and are passionate about their students and instilling them with knowledge before they go into the world of work.
All of our CIDESCO lecturers have over a decade worth of industry experience and have been in the field of teaching for years. They are always up to date with all the industry techniques and the latest technology to stay ahead of the game. We encourage all of our teaching staff to undertake continuing professional development courses in the areas that interest them most, which are then passed on to the students. Our CIDESCO tutors live and breathe the CIDESCO standards, and are passionate about their students and instilling them with knowledge before they go into the world of work.
Why study CIDESCO at LSBM?
The London School of Beauty & Make-up has a high employment rate for students as we have an excellent reputation within the industry, and established as the go-to place for beauty education for over 25 years. Employers understand recruiting from us, they will employ a graduate with exceptionally high standards of good practice along with professionalism. These are qualities needed in order to excel and succeed in this competitive industry, globally. As a part of the 43 week course students all spend time gaining experience in our onsite commercial salon, where they will work on paying clients in a real-life salon environment. This really helps to boost students’ confidence, and gives them real-life experience before they’ve graduated. During our time on our CIDESCO programme, we arrange recruitment talks from leading companies, from luxury yacht companies and hotel spas, to reputable brands and clinics so students can start to build their network and understand what the different recruitment processes are like. Tutors will also take students to local beauty related exhibitions to broaden their knowledge of different brands.
CIDESCO Graduate review from LSBM:
“The best Academy in London, The best Tutor, Trisha, the best spa manager Charlotte, what a professional team, what a healthier atmosphere, I am a student of Cidesco, today when visiting Spa where I worked 1 year ago in Iceland, from my first entrance doubling the towels on the couch to the end the professional, that was what was said by the manager of Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Spa, and all that is thank God and Trisha the best, teacher full of knowledge of love always ready to answer all the questions of this Industry. God bless you”.- Mileidys
Click here to explore more about our CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma Programme. This is a full-time course for 43 weeks and students require an interview before they enroll, or to find out more please click here.
Want to book a visit to the school? It is a great way to see the school, salon & spa, meet our lecturers, and chat with our students. To reserve your space please call 020 3026 7453, or to find out more please click here
We hope this post finds you all in good health and looking forward to the holidays!
Thank you to every single student, our amazing tutors, salon clients, and models that have all helped along the way. 2021… that’s a wrap! The LSBM Team would like to congratulate you on making it to the end of a difficult and trying year!
We had over 250 students on beauty & makeup courses with us this year! We’d like to thank everyone, especially the staff and students that made it possible to get through the year.
Our offices will close from the 22nd of December but we are looking forward to reopening our doors on the 4th of January 2022 with a bright start to the new year! Visit our website for further details about our courses https://beauty-school.co.uk/beauty-courses-london/
May your holiday season be all wrapped up with cheer and filled with celebration for the new year.
Warm wishes,
LSBM Team x
2022 COURSE DATES:
Level 4 Laser
24th January (6 weeks)
14th March (1 week)
21st March (6 weeks)
16th May (1 week)
23rd May (6 weeks)
Level 2 Beauty
9th April (25 weeks)
11th June (25 weeks)
16th July (25 weeks)
2022 The London School of Beauty & Make-Up 18-19 Long Lane, First floor, London EC1A 9PL
+44 207 776 9766
