Why I Chose to Become an Esthetician

I wasn’t always on the path to becoming an esthetician, but I did always love makeup and skincare products. Even as a child, I was drawn to the makeup counters and women spraying perfume samples in department stores. After I discovered Sephora and Ulta, that was it. My one or two drugstore products quickly turned into a never-ending supply of glosses, tinted sunscreens, my summer and winter shades of foundation, brow pencils, serums for stubborn issues, and more. I looked forward to Sephora birthday gifts, and signed up for platforms like Influenster and Skeepers to try out products for free. Soon, my love for beauty was more than a hobby, it was also my job. 

Since 2019, I’ve been editing, writing, and creating digital content, including websites, in and out of the beauty industry. I began at Mood of Living, interning and then as a Lifestyle Editor. I researched beauty and skincare products, delving into their sustainable practices, demographics, and ingredients. From brands like Saie, Fur, Alpyn Beauty, Herbivore, ILIA… the list can go on and on. I spoke with brand representatives, ordered and took inventory of products, and even tried a few out. 

I dipped my toes into web design and education, working at CUNY and freelancing. I loved education, but it still felt like something was missing. All the while, I kept up with new skincare products, learned about up-and-coming machines, and began to dig deeper into specific ingredients and issues. As someone who struggles with stubborn hyperpigmentation, I understand how much beauty can affect someone’s life. What seems like a small thing to others can change how you feel about yourself. For a while, it felt like I was drowning in products to try. I would try one after another, and none of them worked. While part of me felt frustrated, the other part of me just wanted to dig deeper into skincare.

When I began with StyldLife, I wasn’t initially a blogger. I did a trial blog and session with an incredible makeup artist, but I worked more on email campaigns and digital marketing. When the opportunity to write blogs came up, I jumped at it. I was already keeping up with viral products on TikTok and the top beauty influencers, so getting to write about it felt perfect. 

But after five years of writing about beauty and skincare, I realized I didn’t just want to write about it. I wanted to be hands-on in helping people feel confident and beautiful in their skin. 

Mummy Mask & Cotton Rounds

As part of my coursework, I learned how to make cotton rounds, eye pads, finger cots, and a mummy mask. I also learned how to properly drape someone’s hair with a towel & headband (although my prosthetic head doesn’t really need her non-existent hair wrapped).

I began thinking about careers adjacent to beauty writing. I wanted to continue writing, but I also wanted something more. As I learned more and more about the beauty industry, I knew esthetics was for me. As with everything I do, I started researching schools, the brands they partnered with, and teaching ideologies. I wanted a school that was a perfect fit. When I found Brittany Beauty Academy, I knew it was the one. From working with Dermalogica, to staff that are attentive and care about their students, and help for after I complete my 600 hours and begin my search for a job. 

I began esthetician school in February, and I’m excited to share that I’m beginning my clinical hours in May. I’ll be taking on clients for all facial services Brittany Beauty Academy offers in their Brooklyn location. 

As I continue my education, my goal is to not only be a practicing esthetician, but also continue my beauty writing. Maybe I’ll even be able to write a longform beauty project at some point. I’ll be sharing more blogs as I continue my education and after! 

What skincare topic do you wish a professional would explain? Let me know, and maybe I’ll cover it in a blog.