June 2026 Issue of BE Magazine

Summer Expertise Starts Here

Seasonal Knowledge, Confident Service

32 Beauty Blueprint: Sandy Santucci

St.Tropez: Glow, without the Sun

Cosmetic Career Spotlight: Marie-Andrée Duchesne

RBCP

The Summer Skin Trio

Shiseido: Summer Expertise Starts Here

Summer Makeup That Makes Sense

Fragrance for Warm Weather

The Senses of Summer

Beauty Brand Training & Education Directory Why the Beauty Industry Learns with BeauteSchool

The Authority in Beauty Education

Summer Expertise Start Here: Seasonal Knowledge, Confident Service

To Our Wonderful Beauty Community,

Welcome to the June issue of BE Magazine, where summer expertise, education, and client care come together in a meaningful way.

This issue arrives at a very important moment for our industry. Through our 2026 Beauty Advisor Education Insights Survey, more than 600 Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers across Canada shared their voices, their needs, their challenges, and their hopes for the future of beauty education. What we heard was powerful.

Beauty Advisors are not only committed to learning, they are actively seeking education that helps them feel more confident, more credible, and better prepared to serve clients in a fast-changing retail environment.

They told us that product knowledge matters, but so do ingredient education, consultation skills, hands-on learning, career growth, and practical tools they can use directly on the retail selling floor. Their responses are more than data; they are a roadmap for how BE Magazine, BeauteSchool, brand partners, and retailers can better support the professionals who bring beauty to life every day.

We are equally excited to feature Marie-Andrée Duchesne, Senior National Education Manager for Guerlain Paris, in our Cosmetic Career Spotlight. Marie-Andrée’s journey from the retail floor to national education leadership is an inspiring example of how passion, empathy, curiosity, and a love of learning can open doors and create lasting impact in beauty education.

As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you Your unwavering support, dedication, and pass been thhe driving force be hind everything we do here at BeauteSchool

Our Beauty Blueprint feature introduces Sandy Santucci, Category Director at Shoppers Drug Mart. Sandy offers a thoughtful look at the business behind beauty, from category strategy and innovation to the many career paths available to Beauty Advisors who want to grow within retail, merchandising, education, operations, marketing, and beyond. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that beauty careers can be rich, varied, and full of possibility.

To our incredible Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers: thank you for your commi excellence Every day, you create memorable experiences for your clients and elevate th indus try with your expertise, kindness, and professionalism We are endlessly gratefu partnership and trust I would also like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our Ceertified Beauty Advisors successfully graduated from our Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program Your dedi expanding your skills and knowledge has been truly inspiring Watching you grow a through our program has been one of our greatest joys this year

In this issue, we are also proud to celebrate three recent graduates of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program, RBCP® 2.0: Britny Stein, Laurie Pritchard, and Amber Kontos. Each of their stories reflects the impact of education on confidence, professionalism, and client care. Britny reminds us how practical education can strengthen everyday recommendations.

To the beau ty brands who have partnered with us your support has been instrum making our vision a reality. Together, we are empowering the next generation of beaut enhancing the customer experience, and driving the industry forw ard

We also shine a well-deserved spotlight on the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique #824 at Toronto Eaton Centre in our Retail Success Stories feature. Led by Beauty Manager Ivana Tonello, this team shows how preparation, communication, education, teamwork, and genuine connection can turn one of Canada’s busiest retail environments into a beauty experience that still feels personal, polished, and memorable.

As we celebrate this festive season, let’s take a moment to o reflect on the achieveme shared and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead I am so proud of what we’ve accom together, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you into the new year

Laurie, one of our newest male Certified Beauty Advisors, brings a wonderful perspective on curiosity, continued learning, and expanding confidence across every beauty category. Amber shows how even after 15 years in the industry, returning to the foundations can renew purpose and elevate the consultation experience. Together, they demonstrate that growth can happen at every stage of a beauty career.

With love,

Of course, the heart of this issue is our seasonal theme: Summer Expertise Starts Here. Every editorial was created to help Beauty Advisors feel more prepared for the season ahead, whether guiding clients through SPF, sun protection during cancer care, summer skin ingredients, warmweather makeup, fragrance, or more thoughtful consultations.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of the BeauteSchool family Wis all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments

With gratitude,

Mickey Tortor elli CEO & Founder, BeauteSchool

Mickey Tortorelli, CTDP Founder & CEO, BeauteSchool®, RBCP®,

BE Magazine®

These features are designed to support the questions clients are asking now, while helping Beauty Advisors respond with knowledge, sensitivity, and confidence.

As always, thank you for being part of the BE Magazine community. Your voice, your learning, and your commitment to client care continue to shape the future of beauty education in Canada.

YOUR VOICE, OUR ROADMAP

6 Key Findings From the 2026 Beauty Advisor Education Insights Survey

More than 600 Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers across Canada shared their education needs, experiences, and goals. Here is a first look at what we learned.

To every Beauty Advisor and Cosmetic Manager who participated, thank you. Your voice matters, your insight is being heard, and your feedback will help shape the future of beauty education in Canada.

What we heard confirmed something we have always believed: Beauty Advisors are deeply committed to learning, growing, and delivering meaningful client experiences.

Our goal was to understand what Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers need, what education should look like, and how brands, retailers, educators, BeauteSchool and BE Magazine can better support the professionals working directly with clients every day.

More than 600 beauty professionals across Canada took the time to share their voices, and the responses were thoughtful, honest, and incredibly valuable.

Across the survey, six key themes stood out.

First, Beauty Advisors made it clear that education is not optional. It is central to confidence, credibility, and long-term success in retail beauty.

Advisors are not only interested in learning, they are already actively seeking it out through brand sessions, online courses, webinars, and product education.

Second, the type of education Beauty Advisors want is evolving. Product knowledge remains incredibly important, but respondents are also asking for deeper support in areas like ingredient knowledge, skin care science, consultation skills, product comparisons, and client communication.

They want to understand the ‘‘why’’ behind a recommendation so they can explain products with clarity and purpose.

Third, hands-on learning continues to matter. While digital education has become a valuable part of the learning experience, many Beauty Advisors shared that in-person workshops, demonstrations, product trials, and real client scenarios remain some of the most memorable and useful forms of training.

Fourth, the survey highlighted a common challenge: Beauty Advisors want to learn more, but time and awareness can get in the way.

Between busy retail schedules, client demands, and the amount of information available, education needs to be easy to find, easy to access, and realistic for the pace of the sales floor.

Fifth, career growth came through strongly. Many respondents are thinking beyond their current role and looking toward leadership, education, brand opportunities, specialization, and professional recognition.

This tells us that beauty education is not only about supporting today’s sale. It is also about helping Beauty Advisors build meaningful, longterm careers.

Finally, the survey showed that Beauty Advisors want content and resources that feel practical, relevant, and connected to their real work.

They are looking for education that helps them serve clients better, grow their confidence, and stay current in a fast-changing industry.

For BE Magazine, these findings are more than survey results. They are a roadmap. They will help shape future editorials, education features, career stories, product knowledge content, and practical resources designed to support Beauty Advisors across Canada.

For brand vendors and retailers, these results also present an important opportunity to evaluate current education strategies and determine whether they are meeting the needs Beauty Advisors identified through this survey.

6 Key Findings From the Survey

1 2 3 4 5 6

Beauty Advisors view education as essential to career success.

Beauty Advisors are actively learning through brand, product, and skill-based education.

Product knowledge remains important, but ingredient science and consultation skills are rising priorities.

Hands-on, in-person learning continues to be highly valued.

Time and awareness are two of the biggest barriers to completing more education.

Beauty Advisors want education that supports confidence, career growth, and professional recognition.

To learn more about these survey findings, or to explore how your current Beauty Advisor education program aligns with the needs identified through this national survey, please reach out to us at contact@ beauteschool.com

Our team can support brand vendors and retailers through education strategy, program development, LMS training, content creation, and education audits designed to help make Beauty Advisor education programs as successful and impactful as possible.

Retail Success

By Mickey Tortorelli

Stories

Why This Editorial Matters

Behind every exceptional beauty department is a team that knows how to balance service, education, energy, and execution.

Retail Success Stories was created to recognize and celebrate the Beauty Advisors, Beauty Managers, and retail teams who are shaping meaningful client experiences across Canada.

These stories go beyond sales results to highlight the daily habits, leadership strategies, team culture, and client care practices that help beauty departments thrive.

In a fast-moving retail environment, Beauty Advisors are expected to do more than recommend products. They must listen with intention, stay current on trends and launches, adapt to different client needs, work collaboratively with brand partners, and create experiences that feel personal, memorable, and worth returning for.

For the June issue of BE Magazine, this feature highlights the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique #824 at Toronto Eaton Centre, where Beauty Manager Ivana Tonello and her team bring education, teamwork, event execution, and elevated service together in one of Canada’s busiest retail environments.

At a downtown destination where beauty, trends, tourism, and community meet, this team shows how preparation, communication, and genuine connection can turn a high-volume shopping experience into something personal and lasting.

Beauty at the Centre of It All

Where Energy, Education, and Client Experience Meet

At Shoppers Drug Mart #824 at Toronto Eaton Centre, Beauty Manager Ivana Tonello and her team are proving that high-volume retail can still feel personal, polished, and deeply connected.

In one of Toronto’s busiest shopping destinations, the beauty team balances fastpaced service with thoughtful consultations, major Gala Days, ongoing education, and strong team collaboration.

With more than 15 brands often involved in large-scale events, the team relies on clear planning, strong vendor relationships, and a shared commitment to making every client feel welcomed, supported, and excited to return.

From quick purchases to in-depth skin care consultations, shade matching, fragrance recommendations, and one-on-one appointments, the Toronto Eaton Centre team adapts to the client in front of them.

Their success comes from knowing when to move efficiently, when to slow down, and how to create moments that feel memorable, even on the busiest days.

‘‘The Toronto Eaton Centre is special because it sits at the heart of where beauty, trends, innovation, and community come together.’’

— Dea Balashi, Beauty Advisor

Leading a High-Energy Beauty Team in the Heart of

Downtown Toronto

Ivana Tonello

At Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto Eaton Centre, Beauty Manager Ivana Tonello leads a beauty team that operates at the intersection of speed, service, education, and experience.

In a high-volume downtown environment, every day brings a diverse mix of clients, beauty needs, product questions, appointments, events, and trend-driven requests.

Ivana’s leadership approach is built on preparation, communication, continuous education, and trust in her team. She gives Beauty Advisors ownership, encourages them to contribute ideas, and ensures each person understands how their role supports the client experience.

Her team’s strength is especially clear during Gala Days and peak retail moments, where planning, delegation, vendor collaboration, and teamwork come together to create events that feel organized, exciting, and personal.

For Ivana, success is not only measured in numbers. It is reflected in returning clients, positive feedback, strong brand partnerships, team confidence, and the energy clients feel when they step into the department.

Toronto Eaton Centre serves a high-volume, highly diverse clientele. How do you lead your team to deliver a personalized and elevated beauty experience in such a fast-paced environment?

At the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty department, delivering a personalized experience in a fastpaced, high-volume setting comes down to clarity, teamwork, and adaptability. I focus on equipping my team with strong product knowledge and coaching them to ask concise, targeted questions so even brief interactions feel thoughtful and tailored.

In a downtown Toronto environment, we serve a highly diverse clientele, so our team needs to be knowledgeable across a wide range of products, preferences, and beauty needs. During peak hours, we work as a coordinated team, with some beauty specialists prioritizing quick services while others handle more in-depth consultations or sit-down appointments, so we maintain both efficiency and an elevated level of service.

Your store is known for executing highly successful Gala Days. What is your approach to planning these events so they feel organized, exciting, and memorable for both clients and brand partners?

At Shoppers Drug Mart, successful Gala Days start with early, detailed planning. Once a date is confirmed, I connect with brand partners to secure artist support, build the flow of the event, and plan décor and visual displays that draw clients in.

With more than 15 brands participating, I work closely with each vendor to set clear goals, coordinate appointment flow, and make sure expectations align with our overall store targets.

Ivana Tonello Beauty Manager

Shoppers Drug Mart #824

Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto, ON

Appointment booking is key because it gives clients dedicated one-on-one time with beauty specialists and brand experts to focus on their skin or makeup needs, try new products, and enjoy a personalized hour of service and education.

During the event, I ensure there is support managing timing, transitions, product selection, and follow-up so the experience runs smoothly from consultation through to purchase.

We also build excitement with music, special offers, exclusive gifts, and interactive brand activations, creating a high-energy atmosphere clients genuinely look forward to.

How do you use delegation during event planning and execution as an opportunity to develop your Beauty Advisors’ strengths and leadership skills?

I see delegation as an opportunity to grow my team. I like giving team members ownership over parts of the event so they can build confidence and take pride in their work.

I set clear expectations and support them along the way, but I also make space for them to bring their own ideas forward and really make it their own. After each event, we take time to reflect on what worked well and where they’ve grown.

Vendor and brand relationships are clearly a strength for you. How do you build trust with brand partners and create collaborations that support both the customer experience and business results?

I think building strong relationships with brand partners really comes down to communication, consistency, and followthrough. We meet every four to six weeks to review the business, look at numbers, performance, and opportunities, and align on what’s working and where we can grow.

That trust is strengthened by executing on what we agreed on. When we stay consistent, it allows us to plan stronger in-store execution and activations that support both the customer experience and the business results.

Continuous education appears to be a major priority in your store. How do you encourage your team to stay engaged in learning, and how do you help turn training into confidence on the sales floor?

Continuous education is a real priority for us, especially as clients are coming in more knowledgeable than ever through social media, reviews, and online content. Learning is ongoing for the team, whether that’s through brand educators, in-store and virtual training, launch guides, onepagers, or tools the team can reference during downtime.

For me, turning training into confidence comes down to what happens after the session. I reconnect with the team to review what stood out, then we set goals tied to that training so they can put it into action right away on the sales floor.

Your team is described as highly collaborative and supportive. What do you do as a leader to create a culture where Beauty Advisors genuinely help one another and celebrate each other’s success?

In our daily huddles, I always make it clear that the focus is the team goal. Especially during events or busy periods, it’s about everyone showing up, doing their part, supporting each other, and still maintaining strong individual performance.

One of the things I really value about my team is how naturally they show up for one another, whether that means stepping in to help a colleague, sharing a client, or helping move a sale forward. I recognize those moments in real time, share successes during huddles, and involve the team in decision-making so everyone feels like they have a voice and are part of the conversation.

‘‘When clients return and specifically ask for a certain Beauty Advisor, that loyalty means everything.’’

- Ivana Tonello, Beauty

Manager

Ivana Tonello Beauty Manager

Shoppers Drug Mart #824

Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto, ON

The Toronto Eaton Centre location attracts tourists, professionals, and a multicultural local community. How does your team adapt consultations and recommendations to meet such a wide range of beauty needs and expectations?

At Eaton Centre, we attract a very diverse mix of clients, so adaptability is key in every consultation.

We approach every client with the same care and attention, but the consultation itself is always tailored by asking open-ended questions, listening, and understanding what the client is looking for.

From there, we adjust based on the client in front of us. Some people want something quick and efficient, while others want a more in-depth experience, so we read that and adapt while keeping the recommendation personal, relevant, and enjoyable.

Your team’s Instagram presence was highlighted as polished and professional. What role does digital content play in supporting your in-store experience, events, and client engagement?

Our Instagram is really an extension of how much fun we have in-store. It gives people a glimpse into the energy of the boutique and lets us share exciting news like new launches and upcoming events with both our followers and clients.

It’s really about keeping that connection going outside of the store, building excitement, showing what’s happening, and giving people a reason to come in and experience it for themselves.

What does success look like for you beyond sales numbers? What are the signs that tell you your team culture, client loyalty, and service standards are strong?

Client loyalty is a big sign of success, especially when clients return and specifically ask for a certain Beauty Advisor.

In a competitive downtown market with so many options, that kind of loyalty means everything because it shows that real relationships have been built and that clients are choosing to come back to us.

Client feedback and survey results are also important because they reflect the consistency of service across the team, and I make a point of sharing positive feedback in-store so those wins feel real and motivating.

From a service perspective, success is about the quality of the interaction, taking the time to listen, asking the right questions, and knowing when to bring personality into the experience.

You want to feel a certain culture when you enter the department, for both the client and the team, and when there is positivity, enjoyment, consistency, and strong energy on the floor, that’s a true reflection of a strong culture.

What advice would you share with other Beauty Managers who want to build a high-performing beauty team known for professionalism, collaboration, education, and unforgettable client experiences?

Building a high-performing beauty team really starts with setting the tone and being consistent with it every day. The way you show up, your professionalism, expectations, attitude, and how you present yourself, is what your team will reflect on the floor.

Education, training, and coaching are also huge because the team needs to feel confident in what they’re selling and understand how to apply what they’ve learned in real client interactions.

Communication is just as important, especially when planning and executing events, because everyone needs to understand the goal, their role, and how we prepare together.

I also believe in giving the team responsibility, recognizing individual strengths, and following up with coaching, support, and recognition.

When you combine strong communication with consistency, you build a team that performs well and delivers a complete and memorable experience.

Beauty Advisor Perspectives

Stephanie Enebeli

What is one best practice you use to build trust and turn a first-time client into a returning client?

For me, the best way to build trust with a first-time client is by creating an experience that feels personal and different from any other chair they’ve sat in.

In the beauty industry, it’s more than just a service. It’s about connection. I build trust by finding common ground right away because we already share a love for beauty, whether that’s skin care, makeup, or simply wanting to feel confident and enhance what we already have.

When clients feel understood, comfortable, and genuinely cared for, that’s what turns a first-time appointment into a long-term relationship.

Danny Resuena

What is one thing you do to make a client feel welcomed and cared for right from the start of the consultation?

I make every client feel welcomed by greeting them warmly, introducing myself, and taking the time to listen to their needs. That helps me recommend the most suitable products while ensuring they feel valued and supported from the very start.

‘‘When clients feel understood, comfortable, and genuinely cared for, that’s what turns a first-time appointment into a long-term relationship.’’

— Stephanie Enebeli,

Beauty Advisor

Hiwet Ghebreab

How do your brand vendors help you feel supported, confident, and prepared on the sales floor?

Brand vendors support me by providing product knowledge, training, and updates on new launches, which helps me stay informed. They also share selling tips and sometimes offer samples or demonstrations that make it easier to connect with clients.

Because of that, I feel more confident and prepared on the sales floor. I can recommend products more effectively and answer client questions with confidence.

Dianny Nunez De Paulino

How do you stay current on new products, ingredients, and beauty trends, and how does that training show up in your conversations with clients?

I stay current by following brands, estheticians, creators, and dermatologists, but also by observing real results during client consultations. Trends don’t always translate to real skin, and every client has a different need or concern, so products and ingredients should be adapted to each client. Brand training, one-pagers, and brand websites also help me stay informed, but what matters most is building genuine connection and trust so consultations flow naturally.

Rohan Humagai

Toronto Eaton Centre attracts many different types of clients. How do you adapt your recommendations when working with people from different backgrounds, needs, and levels of beauty knowledge?

On the floor at Toronto Eaton Centre, I lead with listening. I pay close attention to what clients are asking, and what they’re not asking, so I can understand where they’re coming from and what they actually need.

From there, I tailor my approach. Sometimes that means keeping things simple, and other times it means going into more detail. The goal is to make the experience feel natural, personal, and genuinely helpful.

Nadia Siddiqui

What role does teamwork play during busy days, large events, or Gala Days, and how does that improve the client experience?

During peak days, events, Gala Days, or big promotions, the store usually sees a surge of clients with different needs at the same time, from skin care consultations and shade matches to fragrance recommendations and quick purchases.

Ahead of a busy day, our manager discusses an efficient plan with the team so roles can flex, communication stays clear, and every client feels welcomed, supported, and cared for without waiting around or feeling ignored.

Ben Choi

Can you share an example of how your team works together behind the scenes to make an event or busy day successful?

We work as a team on all our events and busy days by helping each other with tasks. We always have our walkie-talkies on so we can ask if there is more inventory in the lock-up or get support with a product recommendation for a client.

This allows us to help each other easily, and it gives clients confidence knowing that more than one specialist has reassured them about their purchase or confirmed inventory on hand.

Dea Balashi

What makes the beauty experience at Toronto Eaton Centre special from a Beauty Advisor’s perspective?

The Toronto Eaton Centre is special because it sits at the heart of where beauty, trends, innovation, and community come together.

As Beauty Advisors, we’re part of a fast-paced, elevated environment where new launches, special events, and a diverse clientele create an inspiring experience and keep us at the forefront of beauty.

‘‘On the floor at Toronto Eaton Centre, I lead with listening.’’

— Rohan Humagai, Beauty Advisor

Beauty Advisors Best Practices

Inspired by the Shoppers Drug Mart, #824, Toronto Eaton Centre team.

Greet every client warmly and create a welcoming first impression.

Lead with listening before recommending.

Pay attention to what clients ask, and what they may not know how to ask yet.

Tailor your consultation style to the client, whether they need something quick or more in-depth.

Use brand training, one-pagers, launch guides, and vendor education to stay current.

Adapt trends to real client needs, rather than recommending something only because it is popular.

Support teammates during busy periods by sharing tasks, communicating clearly, and stepping in when needed.

Use tools like walkie-talkies, team updates, and shift communication to keep service smooth.

Create memorable Gala Day experiences with strong planning, clear roles, and personal client follow-up.

Build trust through genuine connection, comfort, and care.

Recognize that client loyalty is built through consistency, confidence, and the way people feel when they leave your chair.

How to Submit Your Retail Success Story

An Invitation to the Beauty Community

BE Magazine welcomes retail teams from across Canada to share their success stories.

If your store or team is implementing smart strategies, fostering a strong culture, delivering exceptional customer experiences, or achieving meaningful results, we want to hear from you.

Submission Process

1

Tell Us Your Story

Submit a short written overview describing your store, team, leadership approach, and what makes your success unique. This can include customer experience initiatives, education strategies, vendor collaboration, community engagement, or team development.

Highlight the People

2

3

Include the names and roles of key team members, including the Cosmetic Manager and Beauty Advisors you would like to feature.

Share Visuals

Provide high-quality photos that capture your team, instore environment, events, or activations. Images should reflect your culture and energy.

4

5

Be Open to Q and A

Selected submissions will be invited to participate in a brief interview so we can capture the practical ideas and insights behind your success.

Submit to BE Magazine

Submissions can be sent to contact@beauteschool.com

Our editorial team will review all entries and select features based on alignment with BE’s educational mission.

What Happens Next

Selected Retail Success Stories will be professionally curated and featured in BE Magazine, reaching thousands of Beauty Advisors, Cosmetic Managers, and beauty industry leaders across Canada.

Each story is crafted to educate, inspire, and provide actionable insights for the broader community.

The Beauty Blueprint

Leading the Business Behind Beauty

Sandy Santucci’s career in beauty is a reflection of curiosity, resilience, and a deep passion for the business behind the industry.

From her early studies in linguistics and translation to her introduction to retail merchandising, Sandy found a career path that brought together her love of fashion, beauty, business development, and innovation.

Today, as Category Director at Shoppers Drug Mart, she plays an important role in shaping the Dermatological Skincare category across the country, supporting brand growth, customer experience, education, and the Beauty teams who bring it all to life in store.

In this Beauty Blueprint, Sandy shares the experiences, mindset, and advice that have guided her career, while reminding Beauty Advisors that there are many meaningful ways to grow within the beauty industry.

Sandy Santucci Category Director, Shoppers Drug Mart

Exploring the stratgies, stories, and journeys of industry leaders.

Sandy Santucci

To begin, can you take us back to the start of your career and share what first drew you into the beauty industry?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and beauty, and I was drawn to the industry after completing my language studies at university. After spending years studying linguistics and translation, I wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue that as a long-term career path.

I then completed a Retail Merchandising program and was introduced to an industry that ignited my passions: business development, innovative products, fashion, and beauty. It inspired and excited me, and I’ve been blessed to be doing what I enjoy and what challenges me every day since.

Looking back, what early roles or experiences helped shape your understanding of beauty retail and the business behind it?

The beauty industry is extremely dynamic and ever-changing, which makes it very exciting. I’ve been fortunate to work for key Canadian retailers, where I’ve learned so much over the years from each one.

When I started my career in Buying at Holt Renfrew, it was a great introduction to the world of luxury brands in a very unique and elevated specialty store format. Our focus was cultivating exclusivity and bringing the world’s best brands to our customers.

In collaborating with so many great vendor partners and brands over the years, building a business focused on growth and creating win-win, long-term partnerships for both parties has always been key to successful collaboration.

Working across various channels, from luxury to department store and now pharmacy, has taught me so much about the nuances and drivers of each segment, and has helped create a really robust view of the total beauty business and how to run each one successfully.

As Category Director at Shoppers Drug Mart, how would you describe your role, and what are some of the key responsibilities you manage behind the scenes?

Category Management at SDM is a very multi-faceted role that incorporates so many different aspects of overseeing stores across the country. My scope includes the responsibility for driving sales, profitability, and market share for the total Dermatological Skincare category.

Some of the more interesting parts of the role are sourcing and launching new brands to the market, creating a strategy and plan to support them through marketing, social and digital media, and creating promotional plans to drive sales and awareness.

‘‘Being goal-focused should guide decisions and support plans for the big picture.’’

It involves collaborating with numerous internal teams to create business and sales plans, focusing on in-store merchandising, planning in-store events, and negotiating with vendor partners to support our valuable Beauty teams with training, education, and product knowledge. This empowers them to bring the best service to our customers.

Since I also managed the Cosmetic Bath part of the business, a really fun part that enabled my creativity was product development with our internal teams to launch our QUO bath and body products, as well as creating our exclusive holiday gifting programs during the holiday season.

An exciting project I worked on recently was the Derm Consultation Tool, where we launched a spa-grade device for all stores at SDM/Pharmaprix. Our Beauty teams can now offer complimentary skin analysis at no cost to customers. The tool provides precise data and analytics on many skin concerns, followed by a consultation with our expert Beauty teams.

This elevates our calibre of customer service and helps empower our teams with cuttingedge technology to enhance the customer experience.

What do you enjoy most about working on the category side of the beauty business, and what continues to inspire you about this part of the industry?

In Category Management, we have the opportunity to work with so many great brands and vendors, and to go to market each season to see all the new launches and plan how to bring them to life in store.

It’s inspiring to see newness and innovation, and how we can partner together to create success. It’s a very fast-paced industry that’s based on trends, and there’s never a dull moment on the Category side, from managing challenges with shipments and inventory to promotional planning.

One of the most rewarding parts of the Canadian beauty industry is the community of professionals who give back to others and support those in need, like the Look Good Feel Better organization, which is our national charitable program dedicated to helping women and teen girls facing the difficult cancer journey feel more like themselves again.

At Shoppers Drug Mart, a major focus of community investment is our Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™, our commitment to fostering health equity for all women in Canada.

In collaboration with over 360 charities, we’re increasing awareness of women’s health issues and ensuring equitable and accessible care so all women in Canada can live healthier lives. Being part of an industry that gives back in such a prominent way, and touches so many in our community, gives me an additional purpose and sense of fulfillment.

Exploring the stratgies, stories, and journeys of industry leaders.

Sandy Santucci

When you reflect on your own career journey, what skills, strengths, or mindset helped you grow into leadership and continue moving forward?

Some of the most important strengths throughout my career have been resilience and determination. In an industry that’s susceptible to market events, recessions, inflation, and tariffs, building resilience through many economic ups and downs is necessary.

Being very goal-focused is extremely important, as it should guide decisions and support plans for the big picture. One of the most important attributes is teamwork and collaboration, as managing a very large business involves the engagement of team members who support and contribute toward common goals.

A growth mindset, and openness to change and adaptation, are extremely important in an industry like ours that’s very fast-moving and evolving.

For Beauty Advisors who hope to grow their careers on the retail side of the business, perhaps becoming Cosmetic Managers and beyond, what are some of the career paths and opportunities they should be aware of?

I’d love to share that there are many, many avenues of opportunity! There are many aspects of retail that could be great options based on an individual’s talent, experience, and career ambitions.

There’s the Buying and Category Management side, Operations, which is store-focused, Training and Education, Marketing, Social and Digital Media, E-Commerce, and for those who are financially inclined, there are great roles in Planning and Data Analytics that could be of interest.

So many of our SDM Beauty teams have moved into roles as Beauty Operations Specialists, Trainers, District Managers, and also into Category Management in the Merchandising team and Corporate Brands.

Many of our readers are Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers within Shoppers Drug Mart. What advice would you give someone who hopes to build a long-term career within SDM and continue growing over time?

At Shoppers Drug Mart, there is so much opportunity to grow and explore many career paths, as it’s a vast company with so much to offer. Being part of Loblaw also opens the doors to consider opportunities with Joe Fresh and other Loblaw banners.

‘‘Being part of an industry that gives back in such a prominent way gives me additional purpose and sense of fulfillment.’”

Many of my colleagues have joined from store level, which is a great foundation and experience for the roles they are doing now. Sharing your career ambitions with your manager is key to success, and asking questions about roles that you’re interested in are great ways to learn more and plan your next steps.

In your view, what qualities or behaviours help someone stand out as ready for growth, whether that means stepping into in-store leadership, taking on broader responsibilities, or exploring new opportunities within the organization?

Someone who is excelling in their current role and takes initiative to do more would definitely stand out as being ready to progress. Bringing new ideas, proposals, and recommendations are all key tactics that show they are ready to take on more responsibility.

Some ways to explore new opportunities include having career conversations with people in your organization and going for coffee chats with people whose roles you may be interested in learning more about.

I would also add that volunteering for charitable events is a great way to interact with new people and gain perspectives and experience outside your current organization.

How important is it for Beauty Advisors to understand the bigger picture of the business, including customer trends, assortment, performance, and the role each store plays in the success of a category?

It’s very important that Beauty Advisors are up to date and know the bigger picture. Customers now research products and ingredients, and are aware of trends and viral products before they walk in the door.

Everyone has access to information, so it’s extremely important to be credible and establish trust with customers. Our industry also has some of the best trainers and educational support, so investing in ongoing education is essential to the role.

What would you say to Beauty Advisors who are passionate about the industry and want to build a meaningful, long-term career in beauty?

I would encourage anyone to follow their passion and be open to trying new opportunities. I’d love to share my own philosophy of viewing your career as a journey, and not viewing challenge or change as a setback. Sometimes we find out what we are passionate about, and what we are good at, through trial and error. The benefit is that we gain team members and colleagues along the way, grow our circle, and enrich our journey.

Glow, without the Sun

Summer Expertise Starts Here

There’s something about summer that makes clients crave that effortless, sun-kissed glow. But today’s beauty conversation has evolved. Glow is no longer about sun exposure, it’s about skin health, confidence, and expertise.

For Beauty Advisors, this is where opportunity shines.

Self-tanning has become one of the most empowering categories to recommend.

It delivers instant gratification, customizable results, and most importantly, a safe alternative to UV exposure. And with innovations from St.Tropez, achieving a natural-looking tan has never been easier or more luxurious.

As Canada’s #1 prestige self-tanning brand, St.Tropez continues to lead with formulas that combine skincare benefits, effortless application, and flawless results. This season, two new launches are redefining what glow really means.

The Modern Glow: Why Self-Tan?

Clients today are more educated than ever and they’re looking to you for guidance.

Recommending self-tanning isn’t just about colour. It’s about:

Supporting skin health by avoiding UV damage

Delivering instant or customizable results

Boosting confidence with even, radiant skin tone

Offering year-round glow, regardless of weather

Positioning self-tan this way helps shift the conversation from fake tan to beautyenhancing skincare hybrid.

St.Tropez Self Tan Express

Whipped Dark Mousse

Our fastest, darkest express self tan — fully developed in just 3 hours

This innovation is designed for modern lifestyles. fast, foolproof and natural long-lasting results.

Develops into a natural-looking dark tan in just 3 hours

Lightweight whipped mousse texture for effortless blending

Tinted guide colour for instant glow and application confidence

Infused with hyaluronic acid for immediate hydration

Streak-free, quick-drying, and suitable for sensitive skin

BA Tip: Position this as ideal for clients who are short on time but want visible results quickly. Perfect before an event or weekend getaway.

New! Instant Glow

Body

Bronzing Mousse

Instant skin finish.

Zero commitment.

All day glow.

Think of this as makeup for the body with skincare benefits.

Instant bronze that lasts all day

Evens tone and blurs imperfections for a flawless finish

Lightweight, non-sticky mousse texture

Builds confidence with a natural, medium glow

No commitment, removal with soap and water

BA Tip: Recommend this to first-time self-tan users or clients hesitant about commitment. It’s the perfect entry point into the category and familiarizes them with the mousse and mitt application.

The must-have tool: Luxe Applicator Mitt

Flawless streak free tan, everytime

Ensures even, streak-free application

Helps blend seamlessly across all areas

Elevates the experience from application to ritual

Stain-free hands

BA Tip: Always recommend the mitt alongside any self-tanner. It is a simple add-on that dramatically improves results and client satisfaction.

Consultation Confidence: How to Guide your Client

Helping clients feel comfortable with selftanning starts with the right questions:

Are they looking for instant or developing results?

How experienced are they with self-tan?

Do they prefer low commitment or long-lasting colour?

From there, you can tailor your recommendation with confidence.

Pro Tip to Share: Prep is everything. Encourage clients to exfoliate and moisturize dry areas before application. This ensures a more even, natural-looking finish.

Key Takeaways

Self-tanning is a safe alternative to UV exposure and supports overall skin health

Matching the product to the client’s experience level and desired result is key

Express formulas offer fast, visible results, while instant bronzers provide no-commitment glow

Tools like the Luxe Applicator Mitt are essential for flawless application

Strong consultations build confidence for both you and your client

Learn More. Glow More. Enter to Win.

Complete the Glow Without the Sun Quiz and make sure you have a registered account on the ACI Brands Learning Portal for your chance to win 1 of 2 exclusive St.Tropez Flawless Tan Experience gift baskets, valued at $316 each.

To be eligible:

• Complete the Glow Without the Sun Quiz

• Have a registered account on the ACI Brands Learning Portal. If you already have an account, no further registration is required. Simply complete the quiz through the Google Forms link provided below.

Click here to complete the Glow Without the Sun Quiz.

Click here to register on the ACI Brands Learning Portal.

The contest runs from June 2 to July 10, 2026. Winners will be selected at random and contacted directly.

*Only eligible to Beauty Advisors at stores where St.Tropez is planogrammed.

Because expertise should always come with a glow-up.

Cosmetic Career Spotlight

By Mickey Tortorelli

Marie-Andrée Duchesne

Senior National Education Manager, Guerlain Paris

For Marie-Andrée Duchesne, beauty was never just about products; it was about the feeling of being cared for, understood, and inspired. That early experience sparked a career that has taken her from the retail floor to the national education stage, where she now helps bring the heritage, artistry, and storytelling of Guerlain to life for learners across Canada.

In this Cosmetic Career Spotlight, Marie-Andrée reflects on the experiences that shaped her path, the qualities that matter most in education-focused leadership, and why curiosity, passion, and empathy remain essential to success in today’s beauty industry.

Her journey offers a powerful example of how a love of learning can open doors, build confidence, and create a career with lasting impact.

Discover the Journeys of Beauty Industry Trailblazers

Marie-Andrée Duchesne

What first drew you to the beauty industry, and what sparked your passion for training and education specifically?

Stepping out of my first year of CEGEP and not really knowing what I would like to do in my life, I visited a perfume shop to find a gift for my sister. The consultant there made me feel like the most important person on Earth, and the store itself seemed to hold all the beauty the world had to offer. It was then, at 18, that I decided I would work there one day!

Can you share a little about your career journey, and some of the key experiences that helped lead you to your current role as Senior National Education Manager for Guerlain?

My career in beauty began as a consultant, where I honed my skills in makeup, permanent makeup, and fragrances. While studying aesthetics in the evenings, I also taught micro-soldering, an experience that unexpectedly broadened my adaptability.

After some time in salons, I transitioned back to retail, eventually moving from a pharmacy role to a representative position, and finally to National Training Manager. This diverse background, encompassing various environments and realities, has uniquely equipped me to tailor my approach and communication to any audience.

In your view, what makes education such an essential part of success in today’s beauty retail environment?

In today’s dynamic beauty retail environment, education is paramount, especially as consumers are increasingly informed. It’s crucial for us to not only be knowledgeable but also to effectively translate complex technologies into easily understandable benefits for our clients.

‘‘Curiosity is vital in the field of education; I always advise learning something new every day.’’

Furthermore, with the pervasive influence of social media, beauty consultants must be exceptionally well-versed to maintain legitimacy and trust, navigating the impact of influencers who can either bolster or undermine credibility.

How do you approach creating training that goes beyond product knowledge and helps Beauty Advisors build confidence, strengthen service, and create more meaningful client connections?

The real challenge in training lies in moving beyond mere product knowledge to truly empower Beauty Advisors. We achieve this by focusing on strategies that address the shrinking attention spans we face today.

Our approach is to first uncover the ‘what’s in it for them’ for our Beauty Advisors, helping them understand the genuine impact and benefit of new technologies and techniques.

This means creating a ‘need’ or ‘problem awareness’ before presenting solutions, mirroring the client experience and ultimately building their confidence, strengthening service, and fostering more meaningful client connections.

Guerlain is a brand with exceptional heritage, artistry, and storytelling. How do you bring those elements to life in a way that makes education both inspiring and memorable for learners?

Guerlain’s rich heritage, artistry, and storytelling are truly exceptional, and for someone with a deep passion for history like me, it’s a dream to bring these elements to life. I believe passion isn’t something that can be taught; everything else can be.

When you genuinely love the story of a brand— especially one as historically emblematic as Guerlain—your knowledge and excitement naturally become infectious. This intrinsic enthusiasm allows me to weave Guerlain’s captivating narrative into our education, making learning not just informative, but genuinely inspiring and fun for our learners.

What skills, strengths, or personal qualities do you believe are most important for someone who wants to grow from Beauty Advisor into an education-focused leadership role?

In an education-focused leadership role transitioning from a Beauty Advisor, resourcefulness, adaptability, and empathy are paramount. It’s crucial to grasp complex concepts and effectively simplify them for others, fostering clear understanding.

Curiosity is also vital in the field of education; I always advise learning something new every day. Lastly, while passion is often inherent in the cosmetics industry, it’s an indispensable quality for inspiring and leading a team.

For Beauty Advisors who love learning and enjoy helping others grow, what practical steps would you recommend they take now if they hope to one day follow a path similar to yours?

My journey has been far from linear, quite chaotic in fact, but I firmly believe that my passion and integrity have opened many doors. I’ve been fortunate to have people who believed in me and invested in my development.

It’s crucial to surround yourself with such individuals, believe in your own capabilities while remaining humble, and always be willing to learn. Life’s challenges and the people around me have truly shaped who I am today.

What have you learned about the difference between simply delivering information and creating education that truly influences performance and confidence on the retail selling floor?

In the realm of education, I’ve learned that simply delivering information differs greatly from creating education that truly impacts performance and confidence on the retail floor. As a phrase from my university certificate in workplace training haunts me, ‘‘You cannot improve what you cannot measure.’’

In cosmetics, success in a launch is a shared responsibility among training, marketing, product development, and advertising. My goal is to equip learners with the tools to confidently offer clients the best available options. Ideally, I aim to implement follow-up coaching post-training in the near future to solidify this impact.

As someone leading education at a national level, how do you continue to grow your own knowledge, stay inspired, and keep your training approach fresh in an evolving industry?

As a national education leader, my continuous growth stems from a relentless pursuit of learning—not just within cosmetics but across diverse fields. Curiosity is paramount in a training role. I often tell Beauty Advisors in my sessions that I learn as much from them as they do from me.

While I bring knowledge and structure, their insights into trends and areas for improvement are invaluable; training truly is a collaborative effort. Adapting to the varied needs across Canada is also crucial for keeping my approach fresh and relevant.

What advice would you give to Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers who may not yet realize how many opportunities a career in beauty education can offer?

For Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers, a career in beauty education holds more opportunities than you might realize. My own role as a National Training Manager wasn’t even a defined path when I began, but by remaining authentic, curious, ethical, and organized, I forged my own space.

I truly believe that pursuing evolution in something you’re passionate about is far more fulfilling than trying to fit into societal molds, and this journey of learning and development is truly endless. And who knows what awaits me, what I have yet to accomplish? I’m always learning…

Where Confidence Becomes Client Care

In a season focused on summer expertise, client confidence, and education that supports stronger consultations, the value of knowledge has never been more important.

Today’s Beauty Advisors are expected to do more than recommend products. They are guiding clients through skin care, sun protection, makeup, fragrance, hair care, nail care, and personalized beauty routines with clarity, care, and confidence.

This is where the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP® 2.0) makes its impact.

RBCP® 2.0 was created to elevate the role of the Beauty Advisor through structured education that blends technical beauty knowledge, consultation excellence, customer service skills, and businessbuilding confidence.

The result is a more informed, empowered professional who can turn product knowledge into meaningful client support on the sales floor.

As we introduce three recent graduates, Britny Stein, Laurie Pritchard, and Amber Kontos, their journeys reflect how education can strengthen confidence, sharpen consultation skills, and help Beauty Advisors deliver more personalized client experiences.

For Britny Stein, Certified Beauty Advisor and Beauty Specialist at Shoppers Drug Mart in Chestermere, Alberta, beauty has always been personal.

Inspired by her mother’s career in cosmetics and her early love of skin care, fragrance, and helping others feel their best, Britny saw RBCP® 2.0 as an opportunity to continue growing in her role.

Through the program, she gained a stronger understanding of how to tailor recommendations to each client’s needs, ask better questions, and provide more personalized, professional service.

She found the skin care, SPF, and colour theory education especially impactful, helping her recommend routines, explain sun protection, and match products with greater confidence.

For Laurie Pritchard, Certified Beauty Advisor at Shoppers Drug Mart in Winnipeg, Manitoba, RBCP® 2.0 became part of a longstanding passion for learning. After working in different areas of the beauty industry over the years, Laurie’s curiosity grew through vendor training, NEOSTRATA education, and BE Magazine.

When he discovered RBCP® 2.0, he knew it was the right next step. Laurie shared that his knowledge, skill, and confidence have all improved, both on and off the sales floor.

The Hair Care and Nail Care units were especially valuable, helping him feel more prepared to support clients in categories where Beauty Advisors may not always feel as confident.

For Amber Kontos, Certified Beauty Advisor and Beauty Manager at Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto, Ontario, RBCP® 2.0 offered the opportunity to revisit the foundation of beauty after 15 years in the industry.

Amber’s early interest in health care connected naturally to beauty, where understanding the anatomy of the skin, hair, and nails helps her provide deeper, more personalized consultations.

She shared that going back to the basics, while building on years of experience, helped strengthen both her skill and confidence. The ‘‘5 E’s’”, Engage, Explore, Educate, Enrich, and Enhance, stood out as a valuable framework she now uses to guide client consultations with more focus and intention.

Together, Britny, Laurie, and Amber demonstrate the many ways RBCP® 2.0 supports Beauty Advisors at every stage of their career.

Whether they are building confidence, refreshing foundational knowledge, expanding into new categories, or refining the consultation experience, each graduate reflects the same important truth: education elevates the way Beauty Advisors show up for their clients.

Key Takeaways

Education Strengthens Confidence

RBCP® 2.0 helps Beauty Advisors trust their knowledge, ask stronger questions, and deliver more confident recommendations.

Knowledge Supports Better Consultations

From skin care and SPF to hair care, nail care, colour theory, and customer service, structured education helps Advisors support clients across every category.

Growth Can Happen at Every Stage

Whether a Beauty Advisor is newer to the industry or has years of experience, RBCP® 2.0 provides practical tools that can be applied directly on the sales floor.

RBCP® 2.0 is more than a certification. It is a commitment to professional growth, stronger service, and a beauty career built on knowledge, confidence, and purpose. Learn more by clicking here.

Congratulations to Amber Kontos, one of BeauteSchool’s newest graduates of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP® 2.0).

Earning the Certified Beauty Advisor designation represents a meaningful milestone, reflecting dedication to professional growth, client care, and continued education. Amber’s journey highlights how foundational knowledge, years of industry experience, and a passion for personalized consultations can strengthen confidence, deepen product expertise, and elevate the client experience on the sales floor.

Amber Kontos

Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) Beauty Manager, Shoppers Drug Mart #823 Toronto, Ontario

What inspired you to begin your journey in the beauty industry, and how did it lead you to BeauteSchool and the RBCP® 2.0 program?

I didn’t have much of an interest in the beauty industry when I started. At that time, I wanted to be in the health care industry, but I always saw the role of a Beauty Advisor as desirable. So, when I was asked if I wanted to join the beauty team at my home store, I was happy to.

I am the type of person who always strives to do well in the commitments I make. Once I started attending vendor training and felt more confident in my knowledge, it triggered my passion for skin care and makeup.

I think my interest in health care actually ties into the beauty industry. Our skin, hair, and nails also have anatomy, and understanding that has helped me advise customers on a deeper level.

Understanding ingredients and how and why they work allows me to offer customers quality and personalized consultations, and to build a loyal clientele. Technology in skin care is so fascinating. It is a really interesting time to be in the beauty industry!

How has completing the RBCP® 2.0 Certification helped you grow as a Beauty Advisor, in both skill and confidence?

I’ve been in beauty for 15 years, so it’s easy to let the basics fade away as you are keeping up with what’s new and trending at the moment. Those basics are the backbone of being a skilled Beauty Advisor.

Going back to the basics and combining that with everything I have gained over the years has helped me grow in skill. I also learned new things. I always feel more confident after refreshing and adding to my knowledge.

What part of the program did you find most valuable or impactful in your day-to-day work?

I found learning about the “5 E’s” both valuable and impactful in my day-to-day work: Engage, Explore, Educate, Enrich, and Enhance.

Remembering those five words has allowed me to narrow down my focus when consulting with a customer.

If you had to complete this sentence: ‘‘My purpose in beauty is…’’ what would you say?

My purpose in beauty is to be that Beauty Advisor who sold you your next ‘‘I can’t live without it’’ product!

I want customers to feel good about and see results when they use the products I recommend, whether it’s their signature fragrance, lipstick, or a cream they look forward to using every day. My goal is to make a difference and have a positive impact on this small part of my client’s day.

What message or advice would you share with other Beauty Advisors who are considering enrolling in RBCP® 2.0?

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Why not increase your knowledge and expertise, and feel more confident when advising your customers? We are now competing with social media and AI, and that can make the job a little more intimidating than it used to be. You will enjoy coming in to work when you have more to bring to the table. It also looks great on your resume!

Congratulations to Britny Stein, one of BeauteSchool’s newest graduates of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP® 2.0).

Earning the Certified Beauty Advisor designation represents a meaningful milestone, reflecting dedication to professional growth, client care, and continued education. Britny’s journey highlights how early inspiration, a love for helping others, and a commitment to learning can shape a rewarding career in beauty.

Britny Stein

Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) Beauty Specialist, Shoppers Drug Mart #2393 Calgary, Alberta

What inspired you to begin your journey in the beauty industry, and how did it lead you to BeauteSchool and the RBCP® 2.0 program?

My journey into the beauty industry was inspired by my mom. Growing up, she worked in cosmetics, and I would sit and watch her do her makeup. That is where my love for beauty really began.

She was also passionate about skincare and started teaching me from a young age. Of course, she always had her favourite fragrances too. Beauty was always a part of my life, and I have always loved helping people feel their best.

I believe that anytime you have the opportunity to educate and improve yourself, you should take it. That is what led me to BeauteSchool and the RBCP® 2.0 program.

How has completing the RBCP® 2.0 Certification helped you grow as a Beauty Advisor?

Completing the RBCP® 2.0 Certification has helped me grow in both skill and confidence as a Beauty Specialist.

I now have a better understanding of products and how to tailor recommendations to each client’s needs. It has also made me more confident when approaching clients, asking the right questions, and providing personalized, professional service.

What part of the program did you find most impactful in your day to day work?

The most valuable part of the program was learning how to better understand clients’ needs and recommend personalized solutions.

The skincare and SPF education helped me feel more confident when recommending proper routines and sun protection. I also found the colour theory education very impactful because it has helped me better match products and enhance each client’s features.

Overall, the program has improved the way I ask questions, build trust, and make confident recommendations in my day to day work.

My purpose in beauty is…

My purpose in beauty is to help others feel confident and cared for by understanding their needs, guiding them toward the right products, and creating a positive, supportive experience.

What advice would you share with Beauty Advisors considering RBCP® 2.0?

Do it. It is worth it.

What makes the biggest difference is how practical the program is. You can actually apply what you learn right away on the floor, whether you are building better skincare routines, matching foundation more accurately, or explaining the ‘‘why’”behind products to clients.

It also builds your confidence. You start to trust your recommendations more, and clients can feel that. If you care about growing in your role and helping people feel their best, this program is a really strong step forward in the right direction.

Congratulations to Laurie Pritchard, one of BeauteSchool’s newest graduates of the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP® 2.0).

Earning the Certified Beauty Advisor designation represents a meaningful milestone, reflecting dedication to professional growth, client care, and continued education. Laurie’s journey highlights how curiosity, industry experience, and a passion for learning can strengthen confidence and elevate the client experience on and off the sales floor.

Laurie Pritchard

Certified Beauty Advisor (CBA) Beauty Advisor, Shoppers Drug Mart #2460 Winnipeg, Manitoba

What inspired you to begin your journey in the beauty industry, and how did it lead you to BeauteSchool and the RBCP® 2.0 program?

I have been involved in various areas of the beauty industry, off and on, for many years. My first real experience was working at The Bay in Men’s Designer and creating events alongside some of the beauty counters for cross-selling opportunities. That experience sparked my love for the industry, and I have been in and out of it ever since.

When I started at Shoppers Drug Mart, the representatives were fantastic about including me in training, originally as a Cosmetic Merchandiser. From there, my thirst for knowledge became insatiable. I attended every online training I could.

Through NEOSTRATA and one of their podcasts, I heard Patricia Clare interview Mickey Tortorelli. The next thing I knew, I was avidly reading BE Magazine. When I learned about the RBCP® 2.0 program, I could not say no.

How has completing the RBCP® 2.0 Certification helped you grow as a Beauty Advisor?

Where do I begin?

My knowledge, skill, and confidence, both on and off the sales floor, have all seen huge improvement. In areas where I once felt unsure, I now feel confidence and pride in my consultations.

What part of the program did you find most impactful in your day to day work?

There is not anything that I did not find valuable. However, I would say the Hair Care and Nail Care units were among the most valuable for me.

Those are areas of the business where product knowledge can sometimes be more limited, which can make them harder areas for a Beauty Advisor to confidently provide strong client service. The program helped strengthen my understanding and gave me more confidence to support clients across those categories.

My purpose in beauty is…

My purpose in beauty is to help others express the individuality and beauty they feel on the inside and have it match the outside.

I love seeing my clients come back looking more radiant, confident, and excited. More than anything, I love that they feel heard, seen, understood, and not judged.

What advice would you share with Beauty Advisors considering RBCP® 2.0?

Do it.

One of the best parts of being a Beauty Advisor is the unlimited number of resources available to us. We are in charge of our own career paths and development.

Unlike many courses, RBCP® 2.0 not only provides a wealth of information, but it also offers guidance on how to use and access the support available to us. It can help you better understand where you can go with your career, while touching on every area of our daily work both on and off the sales floor.

Sun, Cancer & Care

By Mickey Tortorelli

Helping clients protect vulnerable skin with care and confidence

In part one of our Skin, Cancer & Care series, we explored how cancer and its treatments can affect the skin. In this second editorial, the focus turns to sun protection, because during treatment and recovery, skin can become more fragile, reactive, and vulnerable to UV exposure.

For the Beauty Advisor, this conversation is not just about recommending sunscreen. It is about offering informed, compassionate guidance that helps clients feel cared for, comfortable, and confident.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can make skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of redness, irritation, hyperpigmentation, discolouration, and sunburn. These effects can happen outdoors, but also indoors near windows, since UVA rays can pass through glass.

Onco-dermatologists recommend daily sun protection, along with guidance from the client’s oncology care team, since some individuals may need to avoid sunscreen on areas receiving radiation or on skin that is injured or healing.

This is where the Beauty Advisor’s approach matters.

A sensitive conversation should feel supportive, never clinical or intrusive. Start gently. You might say, ‘‘Many treatments can make skin more reactive to the sun. Would you like me to show you some gentle protection options?’’

You can also ask simple, respectful questions such as: Are you spending time outdoors each day? Do you prefer mineral or lightweight textures? Are there any areas your care team has asked you to avoid? These kinds of questions help you guide without overwhelming.

It is also important to explain why sunscreen matters.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers mainly to protection against UVB rays, the rays most associated with burning.

Broad-spectrum protection means the product also helps protect against UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply and are linked to long-term damage and discolouration. During treatment, both matter.

When helping a client choose, recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, ideally one suitable for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens can be a good option for clients who are especially reactive, and today’s formulas can offer elegant textures without leaving a heavy white cast.

That said, both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective. As oncodermatologists often note, the best sunscreen is the one the client will wear consistently.

Education on application is just as important as product selection. Clients should know that sunscreen goes on after moisturizer and before makeup, ideally 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, with reapplication every two hours when exposed to daylight. It should be applied generously to all exposed areas, including the ears, lips, scalp, neck, chest, and the backs of the hands.

It is also helpful to remind clients that sunscreen in moisturizer or foundation is not enough on its own. A dedicated sunscreen step is still needed for full protection.

You can also reinforce simple habits that make a real difference: avoiding peak sun hours, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and remembering that sun protection is needed year-round, even on cloudy days.

Beauty Advisors should also remind clients to follow the specific advice of their oncology care team, especially if their skin is healing, injured, or receiving radiation.

For clients who need additional support, Look Good Feel Better Canada (LGFB) is a valuable resource. Beauty Advisors can confidently refer clients for trusted information, workshops, and guidance tailored to those undergoing cancer treatment.

LGFB offers free in-person and online sessions that address emotional and appearancerelated side effects, along with practical skincare and confidence support. Their website also features helpful articles, tips, blogs, and videos.

Above all, this conversation should leave the client feeling reassured.

A Beauty Advisor does not need to have every medical answer. What matters most is listening with care, sharing trusted education, and knowing when to encourage the client to follow the advice of their oncology team. In moments like these, beauty support becomes something more meaningful: a gesture of comfort, respect, and protection.

Key Takeaways

Treatment can increase sun sensitivity

Chemotherapy and radiation can make skin more reactive to UV exposure, increasing the risk of redness, irritation, and discolouration.

Daily sunscreen matters more than many clients realize

A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be applied every day, year-round, and to all exposed areas of the skin.

Compassionate guidance makes a difference

Beauty Advisors can support clients by asking gentle questions, offering practical education, and referring them to trusted resources such as LGFB and their oncology care team.

For those looking to further their knowledge, the RBCP® Sun Safety & Care Course provides valuable education to help Beauty Advisors navigate sun protection conversations with sensitivity and expertise.

‘‘The best sunscreen is the one the client will wear every day, generously, consistently, and with confidence.’’

SPF, Decoded

By Mickey Tortorelli

What Beauty Advisors need to know, explain, and recommend with clarity

SPF is one of the most important, and often misunderstood, parts of a sun care conversation. Clients may know they should wear sunscreen, but they may not always understand what SPF means, how much protection they need, or how to choose the right formula for their skin, routine, and lifestyle.

For Beauty Advisors, this is where education becomes powerful.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen helps protect the skin from UVB rays, the rays most associated with sunburn. However, SPF is only one part of the story.

Clients should also look for the words broad spectrum, which means the sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are often linked to premature aging, while UVB rays are linked to burning, and both can contribute to skin damage. (Canadian Cancer Society)

A simple way to explain it to clients is this:

‘‘SPF tells you about UVB protection, while broad spectrum tells you the product also helps protect against UVA rays.’’

In Canada, Health Canada recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, especially when the UV Index is 3 or higher.

Sunscreen should be applied generously and evenly before sun exposure and reapplied at least every two hours, or more often after swimming, sweating, or towelling off. (Canada)

Beauty Advisors can also help clients understand that sunscreen is not just for beach days.

It belongs in daily routines, especially for clients concerned with hyperpigmentation, visible aging, sensitivity, post-treatment skin, or maintaining results from skincare products such as exfoliants, brightening ingredients, or retinoids.

When recommending SPF, consider the client’s skin type, texture preferences, lifestyle, and makeup routine. A lightweight fluid may suit an oily or combination skin type, while a richer cream may feel more comfortable for dry skin.

A tinted mineral sunscreen may appeal to clients looking for light coverage, while a water-resistant formula may be better for outdoor activities, sports, or swimming.

Water-resistant sunscreens can help stay on wet or sweaty skin for a period of time, but they still need to be reapplied. (American Academy of Dermatology)

The goal is not simply to recommend sunscreen. It is to help clients understand why it matters, how to use it properly, and which formula they will enjoy enough to use consistently.

Key Takeaways

Recommend SPF 30 or higher and look for broad-spectrum protection.

Explain the difference between UVA and UVB in simple, client-friendly language.

Personalize the recommendation based on skin type, lifestyle, texture preference, and daily routine.

Want to feel more confident guiding clients through sun care conversations?

The RBCP® 2.0 Sun Safety & Care Course helps Beauty Advisors strengthen their understanding of UV protection, sunscreen recommendations, and client education so they can explain SPF with clarity, confidence, and care.

The Summer Consultation

Questions That Help You Recommend with Confidence This Summer

By Mickey Tortorelli

A strong summer consultation is not about asking more questions. It is about asking better ones.

In the Retail Beauty Advisor Certification Program (RBCP® 2.0), we teach that the consultation begins by engaging the client warmly, then exploring their needs through open-ended questions, observation, and thoughtful listening. That is what helps you recommend with confidence.

Start by asking permission. A simple, ‘‘May I ask you a few questions so I can recommend the right products for you?’’ immediately creates trust and positions you as a guide. From there, summer consultations should focus on lifestyle, daily habits, comfort, and seasonal concerns.

For skin care and sun care, you might ask, ‘‘How does your skin change in the summer?’’ ‘‘How much sun exposure do you get on a typical day?’’ or ‘‘Tell me about your current skin care routine.’’ These questions help uncover dehydration, excess oil, sensitivity, sunburn history, sunscreen habits, and product sensitivities.

For makeup, explore how the client wants their products to perform in heat and humidity. Ask, ‘‘What are the steps in your makeup routine?’’ ‘‘What type of coverage do you prefer?’’ and ‘‘How does your makeup look at the end of the day?’’

This helps you understand texture preferences, wear concerns, coverage goals, and whether the client may also need skin prep or sun-conscious complexion options.

For fragrance, keep the conversation personal and emotional. Ask, ‘‘What is your favourite fragrance right now?’’ or ‘‘How do you choose a fragrance for the day?’’ In summer, this can lead naturally into whether the client wants something fresher, lighter, or easier to wear in warm weather.

As you ask, observe. Look at overall skin appearance, shine, texture, dehydration, dark spots, and visible sun damage. Then summarize what you have heard before recommending. That moment of reflection tells the client you are not just selling products. You are tailoring solutions.

Key Takeaways

Great summer consultations begin with permission, openended questions, and careful observation.

Questions about lifestyle, routine, preferences, and seasonal changes lead to more personalized recommendations.

When you summarize the client’s needs before recommending, your service feels more trusted, professional, and relevant.

Want to strengthen your consultation skills across every beauty category?

The RBCP® 2.0 Customer Service Experience Course helps you ask better questions, personalize recommendations, and create more meaningful client interactions.

The Science of Summer Glow

Why radiance starts beneath the surface!

Glow is not a filter. It’s a function.

At NEOSTRATA we know that the most beautiful summer skin isn’t created by the sun – it’s revealed by skin that’s functioning at its best.

Healthy skin reflects light. When the surface is smooth, even, and well-supported, it creates that effortless luminosity we associate with ‘‘glow.’’ But in summer, heat, sunscreen buildup, and environmental exposure can leave the skin looking dull, uneven, and congested. Light scatters instead of reflecting – and radiance is lost.

At the center of the shift is one essential truth: glow begins with skin renewal and protection working together.

NEOSTRATA’S 15%

VITAMIN C + PHA SERUM

The hero of this approach is NEOSTRATA’S 15% VITAMIN C + PHA SERUM - A high potency formula powered by pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

More than a brightening step, Vitamin C works within the skin to neutralize environmental stressors like UV and pollution, supports collagen, and visibly improves dark spots and uneven skin tones. It is both an antioxidant and a natural photoprotector!

The result is skin that looks smoother, luminous and more reflective because it is functioning more like younger skin.

What elevates this formula is its intelligent pairing with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), a gentle exfoliating technology that helps refine the skin’s surface and enhance the penetration of Vitamin C.

In essence, it doesn’t just add radiance – it helps activate it where it matters most. Of course, no glow can truly take hold without consistent renewal at the surface.

Enter NEOSTRATA’S PHA RENEWAL PADS to play the supporting role. Used regularly, they help to sweep away built up dead surface cells that can dull the complexion – particularly during seasonal shifts and summer months.

Because PHAs are known for their gentle, hydrating properties, they deliver visible refinement without compromising the skin’s barrier, making them ideal even when skin is more exposed or sensitized.

Think of it simply: Vitamin C is the engine of the glow and renewal is what keeps it all visible!

Tell your customers to buff their shoulder tops, clavicle bones, knees and elbows to be summer ready to smooth and brighten the skin where it can be a bit winter dull.

Together this glow duo creates an environment where light is reflected, tone appears more even, and radiance looks natural – not forced. This summer glows differently. Not from the sun, but from skin that is visibly renewed, protected, and performing at its highest level. Because beautiful radiance is never ‘‘applied’’ it is ‘‘revealed’’ with NEOSTRATA.

Continue your education on the NEOSTRATA Training Hub to deepen your product knowledge, elevate every consultation, and build lasting customer trust through science-backed skincare.

The Summer Skin Trio

Three Essential Ingredients for Smarter Summer Skin Recommendations

By Mickey Tortorelli

Summer skin care conversations often centre around one thing: helping your client keep skin looking fresh, hydrated, and balanced in the heat.

That is where ingredient knowledge becomes especially valuable. When you understand what key ingredients do and who they are best suited for, your recommendations become more confident, more personalized, and more trusted.

Three of the most useful ingredients to know during the summer season are vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Vitamin C

is ideal for clients concerned with dullness, uneven-looking skin tone, or the visible effects of environmental stress. In summer, many clients want their skin to look brighter and more radiant with minimal makeup.

Vitamin C can help support that goal while complementing a morning skin care routine. If a client says, ‘‘My skin looks tired’’ or ‘‘I want more glow,’” vitamin C may be a strong fit.

Hyaluronic acid

is a go-to for dehydration. Summer heat, sun exposure, air conditioning, and travel can all leave skin feeling tight or dry, even in clients with oily or combination skin. This ingredient helps attract and retain moisture, making it suitable for nearly all skin types.

If a client says, ‘‘My skin feels thirsty but I do not want anything heavy,’’ hyaluronic acid is an excellent recommendation.

is especially helpful for clients excess oil, visible pores, redness, unbalanced complexion. ingredient that works well oily, and sensitive skin types.

During summer, when clients shine or congestion, niacinamide helpful part of a routine that and supportive.

clients experiencing redness, or an It is a versatile well for combination, types.

clients often notice niacinamide can be a that feels lightweight

In consultation, keep the conversation simple and specific.

Ask, ‘‘What changes do you notice in your skin during the summer?’’ or ‘‘Is your main goal more glow, more hydration, or more balance?’’ Their answer can guide the ingredient story you share.

Key Takeaways

Vitamin C is best for clients seeking brightness and a more radiant-looking complexion.

Hyaluronic acid helps support hydration without feeling heavy, making it ideal for summer routines.

Niacinamide is a versatile option for balancing oil, reducing the look of pores, and supporting sensitive or reactive skin.

Want to build more confidence in ingredient-based recommendations? The RBCP® 2.0 Skin Care Course helps you strengthen your consultation skills and recommend products with greater clarity and purpose.

The more clearly you connect an ingredient to a real concern, the easier it becomes for your client to understand the value of your recommendation.

Summer Expertise Starts Here

As the summer season approaches, it’s an opportunity to refocus routines around consistent sun protection and overall skin health. This month’s theme, Summer Expertise Starts Here, highlights how knowledge builds confidence – both in practice and in client conversations.

Suncare is no longer just seasonal, it’s a foundational step in maintaining skin quality over time. Daily exposure to UV rays and environmental stressors can accelerate visible signs of aging, impact texture, and weaken skin resilience.

Supporting clients in shifting from reactive to preventative care is especially important during the summer months.

Clé de Peau Beauté’s suncare range reflects this approach, with formulas designed to go beyond protection. Featuring the UV Protective Cream SPF 50+, UV Protective Emulsion for Body SPF 60, and Protective Lip Treatment SPF 25, the collection integrates skincare benefits into daily SPF use.

At the core is Adaptable Innershield Technology, which supports the skin’s natural defensive functions while helping it adapt to environmental exposure. Ingredients like Moroccan Thyme Extract help reinforce the skin barrier and address visible effects of photo-aging.

Each product plays a distinct role within a complete routine:

Protective Lip Treatment SPF 25

Targets the often-overlooked lip area, helping maintain hydration while protecting against UV and environmental stress.

UV Protective Cream SPF 50+

A daily facial sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection while supporting hydration and skin texture.

UV Protective Emulsion for Body SPF 60

A lightweight body formula that encourages consistent, full-body protection with added skin benefits.

By approaching suncare through an educational lens, advisors can help clients build lasting habits – emphasizing daily use, proper application, and the long-term benefits of integrated SPF and skincare.

Dear beauty expert,

We invite you to explore ‘‘Discover SHISEIDO’” and sign up to become a member. It only takes 6 steps! Instructions to register: 1. Click here to begin To gain access, use these credentials:

Username: discover.ca-en

Password: DCE-Jkw3

Click on “YES” to register To create your profile: 5. Fill in the registration form 6. Check your email for a link to log in again

Cher

spécialistes beauté

Nous vous inviton à découvrir «Discover ShiSeido» et à vous inscrire pour devenir membre. Cela ne prend que 6 étapes!

Instructions pour l’inscription:

1. Cliquez ici pour commencer

Pour obtenir l’accès, utilisez ces informations d’identification:

2. Nom d’utilisateur: discover.ca-fr

3. Mot de passe: DCF-KwPx

4. Cliquez sur «OUI»

Pour créer votre profil:

5. Remplir le formulaire d’inscription

6. Vérifiez votre e-mail pour obtenir un lien qui vous permettra de vous reconnecter

Summer Makeup That Makes Sense

By Mickey Tortorelli

Helping Clients Choose Summer Makeup That Fits Their Skin and Lifestyle

Summer makeup is not just about using less. It is about using products more intentionally.

As a Beauty Advisor, your role is to help clients choose makeup that feels comfortable in warm weather, looks flattering in natural light, and supports the way their skin behaves during the summer months.

Start with Texture.

In summer, many clients want makeup that feels lighter, more breathable, and easier to wear throughout the day. Heavy formulas can feel uncomfortable in heat and humidity, especially for clients with combination or oily skin.

This is a great time to guide clients toward lightweight bases, cream textures, skin tints, or strategically placed concealer instead of full coverage all over. If a client says, ‘‘I want my skin to breathe,’’ that is your cue to talk about texture first.

Next, consider Colour.

Summer often shifts the tones clients are drawn to. They may gravitate toward fresh bronzes, peaches, corals, warm pinks, and golden neutrals that reflect the season and complement sun-kissed skin.

This is also a moment to help them adjust their shade if their complexion changes slightly in warmer months. You might ask, ‘‘Do you like your summer makeup to feel more natural, more glowy, or a little more vibrant?’’ That opens the door to a more personalized recommendation.

Luminosity also matters.

Many clients want glow, but not excess shine. Help them understand the difference between radiant-looking skin and makeup that breaks down in the heat. Cream highlighters, luminous primers, and skinenhancing finishes can create freshness without looking heavy.

For oil-prone clients, balance is key. Suggest glow in targeted areas, paired with lightweight mattifying support where needed.

Finally,

think

of Sun-Conscious Beauty

Summer makeup should work with sun care, not against it. Clients may need help layering makeup over SPF, choosing products that do not pill, or building a routine that still looks polished while prioritizing protection. This is where your guidance becomes especially valuable.

Summer makeup should feel easy, flattering, and realistic. When you match product texture, tone, and finish to your client’s real summer lifestyle, your recommendations make more sense and feel more wearable.

Key Takeaways

Lightweight, breathable textures often make summer makeup more comfortable and wearable.

Seasonal colour shifts can help clients refresh their look in a way that feels natural and flattering.

The best summer makeup recommendations support glow and comfort while working alongside daily sun protection.

Want to feel more confident guiding makeup consultations with purpose? The RBCP® 2.0 Makeup Course helps you strengthen your product knowledge and recommend beauty solutions that truly fit your client’s needs.

Fragrance for Warm Weather

By Mickey Tortorelli

Summer fragrance shopping often comes with a different set of needs. In warmer weather, many clients want a scent that feels fresher, lighter, and easier to wear throughout the day.

Guiding Clients to Fresh, Easy-to-Wear Summer Scents

As a Beauty Advisor, your role is to help them understand that the best summer fragrance is not always the ‘strongest’ one It is the one that feels comfortable, uplifting, and well-suited to how they live in the season.

Start by exploring how your client wants to feel. Ask, ‘‘Are you looking for something fresh and clean, bright and energizing, or soft and effortless for everyday wear?’’

This helps move the conversation beyond whether they simply like or dislike a scent. It also helps you guide them toward fragrance families that often feel more wearable in the heat.

fragrances often smell bright, zesty, and energizing, with notes that can remind clients of lemon, bergamot, orange, or grapefruit.

fragrances smell crisp, fresh, and natural, often bringing to mind cut grass, leaves, herbs, stems, tea, or a garden after rain.

fragrances smell watery, airy, and refreshing, often giving the impression of ocean air, cool water, sea breeze, or fresh rain.

fragrances feel light, delicate, and graceful, often featuring notes like peony, jasmine, orange blossom, or rose in a more airy style.

fragrances feel fresh, playful, and easy to wear, with fruit notes that are juicy and light rather than sweet or heavy.

Warm weather can change how fragrance performs on the skin.

A scent that feels balanced in cooler months may wear more intensely in summer heat. That is why many clients prefer compositions that feel airy and luminous rather than rich, heavy, or overly sweet.

If a client says, ‘‘My usual fragrance feels too strong right now,’’ that is a great opportunity to introduce a lighter seasonal option.

This is also the moment to talk about lifestyle. A client heading to work, spending time outdoors, or wanting a casual daytime scent may need something different from a client looking for a summer evening fragrance.

You might say, ‘‘Let’s find something that feels beautiful in the heat and still fits your day-to-day routine.’’

Key Takeaways

Summer fragrances often feel most wearable when they are lighter, fresher, and more breathable on the skin.

Citrus, green, aquatic, soft floral, and sheer fruity scents often suit warm-weather fragrance preferences well.

The best recommendation considers both the client’s scent preferences and how they want to wear fragrance in daily life.

Want to feel more confident guiding fragrance consultations?

The RBCP® 2.0 Fragrance Course helps you build the knowledge and language to recommend scents with greater clarity, confidence, and personalization.

When you guide fragrance through the lens of season, wearability, and personality, you help your client choose with more confidence and enjoy their fragrance more fully.

By Alexandra Duz (She/Her)

MA, Registered Psychotherapist

The Senses of Summer

When I think of summer, I’m flooded with memories of warm summer nights outside by the fire, the hot sun on my skin during long, lazy days by the water, the smell of cut grass, the sound of birds and crickets, and the taste of cool, fresh watermelon. Summer offers us many opportunities to connect with one another and the world around us as we become surrounded by such pleasurable, sensorial experiences.

As we settle into the spring season and dream about the summer days soon to come, I’m inspired to reflect on how much mood and well-being are impacted by our sensory experiences.

Our senses, and how our nervous system responds to our sensory experiences, directly impact our emotions, mood, and perceptions. Consider your sense of smell for a moment.

Have you ever noticed that certain scents can evoke emotions, memories, thoughts, or mood states? Or how a scent might even remind you of certain places and people? I know when I smell Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, I’m transported to the seaside of Capri. Or when I smell sunscreen, I’m overwhelmed by excitement for joy-filled summer days by the pool, and quickly reminded of the value of sun protection.

Scent is such a powerful tool in your skill set as a Beauty Advisor. It helps your customer connect with products in a deep and emotional way and can be used to help foster a sense of attachment to yourself and their preferred products.

It also allows us to engage in the present moment more mindfully and thoughtfully, regulating the nervous system in the process, leading to a very pleasurable and grounding experience that you and your customer will be sure to remember.

When engaging with a client, think about incorporating these prompts while playing with these three primary senses:

Sight

• Explore the packaging with the customer.

• Explore how the product looks on their skin.

• Play with lighting and depth, if applicable.

2

1 Smell

• Explore how the product smells off and on the customer’s skin.

• Ask them what comes up for them and how they feel when they smell the product.

• Share some knowledge about the ingredients contributing to the scents that are present.

3

Touch

• Ask the customer to describe how the product feels on their fingers, skin, hair, etc.

• Emphasize the texture of the product while using pleasant adjectives.

• Ask how applying the product on themselves makes them feel.

• Consider encouraging the customer to apply the product in a soothing, pleasurable way, gentle and slow versus rushed and rough.

Remember, being mindful and playful with your senses isn’t just going to benefit your customers and career. It is also a part of our conscious and unconscious human experience all day long.

By engaging with your senses more intentionally, you can begin to understand how sensory experiences make you feel. What scents, tastes, and textures give you a sense of pleasure or displeasure? What visuals might calm or even activate you?

Knowing these helpful bits of information allows you to have more awareness and control about how you can shift your nervous system and emotional experience, while allowing you to come home to the here and now at any given moment.

BE Magazine Beauty Brand Training & Education Directory

The BE Magazine Beauty Brand Training & Education Directory is designed to make brand education easier to access, faster to find, and more useful on the sales floor.

Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers are expected to stay current across dozens of brands, new formulas, new techniques, product innovations, and evolving client needs. However, training is often spread across multiple platforms, emails, portals, and links, making it difficult to know where to go when you need information quickly.

This directory brings brand education together in one easy-tofind place, helping you locate the right training when you need it, revisit learning when you want a refresh, and build the product knowledge that supports confident consultations.

Our goal is simple: to help the beauty community access trusted training and education when it matters most. With stronger education comes stronger client experiences, more consistent coaching, and recommendations rooted in real product understanding, not guesswork.

The Beauty Brand Training & Education Directory is now a regular feature in BE Magazine. With each issue, we will continue to expand it by adding more brand training portals and education partners, helping Beauty Advisors and Cosmetic Managers know where to grow their knowledge.

BRAND

Jouviance

La Roche-Posay

Marcelle

NEOSTRATA®

Oncology Commitment with La Roche Posay

RBCP 2.0

Shiseido Cosmetics

Stila Cosmetics

St.Tropez

Watier

TRAINING/EDUCATION PORTAL

Jouviance Connect

My L’Oreal Academy

Groupe Marcelle Education

NEOSTRATA Training Hub

My L’Oreal Academy

BeauteSchool Education

Shiseido

ACI Brands Learning

ACI Brands Learning

Groupe Marcelle Education

Vendor brands who would like to be included in this directory are invited to connect with us. We would be happy to share participation details and feature your education offerings in an easy-tofind format for the beauty community.

Why the Beauty Industry Learns with BeauteSchool

By Mickey Tortorelli

Award winning education, industry expertise, and a learning experience unlike any other.

The beauty industry is unlike any other. It moves quickly, evolves constantly, and demands education that is relevant, flexible, and results driven. That is why beauty brands need more than a learning management system. They need a partner who understands beauty education from the inside out.

At BeauteSchool, we do not just deliver learning. We design beauty education experiences that inspire, engage, and perform. Our Learning Management System was built specifically for the beauty industry, shaped by decades of hands on experience and refined through partnerships with the most respected beauty brands in Canada.

Why Brands Need the BeauteSchool LMS

Beauty Advisors learn differently. They are visual, hands on, and time constrained. Traditional training methods simply do not work in today’s retail environment.

The BeauteSchool LMS meets learners where they are, offering flexible, on demand education that supports every learning style. From micro-learning and eLearning modules to live webinars, blended learning, and performance tracking, our platform delivers education in ways beauty professionals can actually absorb and apply.

Our partners choose BeauteSchool because we understand the realities of the sales floor and design education that drives confidence, connection, and results.

Five Reasons Brands Partner with BeauteSchool

1

Unmatched Beauty Industry Expertise

No one knows the beauty industry and beauty education better than we do. Our team brings decades of experience in retail, brand training, and professional education, ensuring content is relevant, credible, and immediately actionable.

2

Learning Designed for Every Style

Our LMS supports every type of learning imaginable. Micro learning, eLearning, blended programs, live learning, quizzes, evaluations, and resource libraries all live in one seamless ecosystem.

3

Industry Leading Micro-Learning

We work closely with our partner brands to design the most effective micro-learning in the industry. Short, focused, and impactful modules allow learners to build knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.

4

Data Driven and Measurable Results

Our platform delivers dependable reporting, trackability, and learner insights. Brands can clearly measure engagement, completion rates, and learning impact, turning education into a strategic business tool.

5

Award Winning Best Practices

BeauteSchool stands behind proven, award-winning best practices in beauty education. Our approach has been recognized by leading industry organizations and continues to set the standard for excellence.

What Our Partners Are Saying

‘‘BeauteSchool has been our trusted partner for online training at a time when virtual learning became essential rather than optional. Their deep expertise in the beauty industry, combined with an intuitive and innovative LMS platform, has significantly enhanced both the learner experience and confidence. The engaging, vibrant learning environment they consistently deliver makes education not only accessible, but truly enjoyable. Thank you, BeauteSchool, for transforming learning into a creative, measurable, and impactful journey.’’

Patricia Clare, National Training Manager Canada, NEOSTRATA®

‘‘Our partnership with BeauteSchool enabled us to achieve our training goals through an interactive, engaging online learning platform. The team is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and available throughout the entire process. The platform is easy to navigate and the reporting tools allow learners to track their progress seamlessly.’’

Ash Kumar, Vice President Marketing and Brand Management

‘‘We worked with BeauteSchool to ensure our Beauty Consultants receive product knowledge and service techniques when and how they want to learn. We have reached thousands of Beauty Consultants and are very pleased with the engagement and results. Our collaboration with BeauteSchool was recognized with a Gold Award of Excellence for blended learning.’’

Elaine Shigeishi, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Shiseido Canada

There Is No One Else Like Us

BeauteSchool is not a generic LMS provider. We are beauty educators, strategists, and partners. We collaborate closely with brands to design education that reflects their identity, supports their goals, and translates into practical application on the sales floor.

There is truly no one else in the industry doing what we do, the way we do it.

If your brand is looking for a learning platform that understands beauty, delivers measurable results, and elevates education beyond the basics, the BeauteSchool LMS is the solution.

Discover how BeauteSchool partners with brands to design powerful, award winning beauty education experiences. Contact mickeytortorelli@beauteschool.com to learn more.

WithLove