Hi I think SD is a good brand one of its benefits is that it has no minimal order. However the packaging is dated looking and that is what put me off. If you are prepared to market and extol its benefits the same with any skincare you may be very successful.

Just following on from Bombini suggestions is have you thought about adding glycolic peels with ET as the calming aromatherapy effects are a good contrast or what about a facial toning machine.

There are benefits to an aromatherapy range and I would certainly offer your facials at a reduced price as has been suggested and see what response you get.

Dont forget about looking into MD formulations or Danne - very good results ranges.

I had this exact same dilema a while back as i too use eve taylor. Like you i liked the products for scent etc, but didnt find them very results driven, (but lovely for a pampering/relaxing facial). I was desperate to find something with a bit more "oomph" to it, but had a very limited budget! The two ranges i really wanted, (dermalogica or Elemis) i just couldnt stretch to, so after a bit of research I went with Susan Molyneux. Now, I do like them, and the training was fantastic, and clients cant get enough of the courses of Collagen facials, but.....! I still feel like i "settled" for something! I am very pleased with SM, and def find them more results driven than Eve Taylor, but when I can afford it, I will take on Dermalogica. (prob year 2022, lol). My advice would be to research as much as poss, have as many facials as poss with differant brands, and if poss, hold out for the brand you really want! Good luck xx

Oh, and just for added info, the bulk of my takings i would say come from facials!

i too use eve taylor, i hardly get facials in. i'm think the combination of the type of clients and the fact im a new salon is some of the reasons.
i have done the course of facials myself and didnt notice any results my skin is still dry. i personally didnt like the smells. the clients i do have love it tho, they have bought the full line in the range and come monthly for a facial.

ive never looked into dermalogica, elimis, thalgo etc would someone pm if they know the starting costs, just out of interest. can work out how many years i need to save lol

I am using Academie through the irish distibuter. i don't use the acadarome range but the standard range and find it great. I use the products myself. with regards to price it is down to the therapist -the distributer will give you advice on a recommended retail price.

i do like other brands the only problem that i have with other brands is the price, some companies were looking for 6,7,8000 for start up.

i will call my distributer tomorrow and get a no for the uk branch

Apart from a good, results drive brand I also want something which provides a good level of enhanced training, not only in the products but in skincare generally.

I hope you find a brand that suits you Debbie...i really do...there is so much competition than ever before and company after company claim they are better than any one else.....if you do decide for a brand remember the best skin care is FRENCH....well it is IMO....and i have said it before and i will say it again yes i am a snob

However...having faith,passion and determination and drive is what an accomplished therapist will have in thier brand....whatever it is....

lol

so which brand would you suggest if you could choose any (with a little budget!)

....If the right hand were handling the brand it so rightly deserves,it would be Academie....however the couple who own the distribution are IMO stand for everything the brand is not.....

However Academie has the technology combined with the science that gives it the results...and the treatments give so much to the client,tactile and exquisite,the client emerges feeling relaxed,and seeing thier skin transformed from the professional formulas used in the advanced facials,goes beyond dramatic results...

Yes,the big ones like Thalgo,Decleor,Guinot,which i work with are brilliant....Academie is understated,and is equally in the same realms as these companies.....i just love the ethics that Academie stands for.....supplying to the qualified therapist,and not diversifying is so important to me if i was considering a brand...

Ultimately it is down to you as a businesswoman how you market the brand....and marketing it is so important regardless of how well known it is...Believing in the product you use is so important,and clientele will come to trust you if you have the knowledge of the brand...recognising clients needs are more important than flogging something for the sake of it....any way i am rambling....

If you are on a budget though have a good look at Fleurs....

The Skincare Sanctuary.

This is the official distibutor....another reputable french brand that uses aromachology with proven efficacy results...relatively new....the artistry and packaging is to die for but then again i am a sucker for packaging...but having experienced a treatment in Paris last year....it was absolutely lovely....

Another lovely French brand is La sultane de saba....i think the opening order is under 800,if i am allowed to give figures....i have only used the body products but they were again lovely....i loved the sumptuous textures of the body lotion...

Let us know what you come up with Debbie

I'm with you there! I've always said the best skincare & make-up houses are French, probably because they take skincare & cosmetic science so seriously & have been doing so for a long time.

lol Martin. I know you love Decleor but unfortunately there are at least 3 other salons in my area who stock it, makes a change from being Dermalogica saturated I guess.

Is Switzerland close enough to France to count?!

lol!! Don't they speak French there?

And German, and Austrian, and Italian! Take yer pick!
A lot of drug companies are Swiss, and as I wanted a cosmeceutical range I was reassured by the Swissness of SwissDermyl!

Just to add to the Swiss/French debate it is interesting to note that Nimue although manufactured in South Africa state their active ingredients are sourced from France, USA & Switzerland. These must be the areas where most research and development takes place and/or where major pharmaceuticals are.

I agree the French do seem to have the edge on luxury brands - I trained in Payot and Clarins at college and loved them.

France is the leader in skincare, followed by switzerland and USA.
I am using La sultane de Saba as well, beautiful product and affordable!

g.lo