I receive SO many questions about the Cuccio Veneer. What is SO great about it? Well, I just came across the perfect explanation. This explanation is from Tony Cuccio (Founder and CEO of Cuccio Colour Veneer) and Elaine Watson (VP Product Development Cuccio Colour Veneer). This, to me, is a no nonsense explanation and I, for one, am proud to post their words and to be a part of their team.

The CUCCIO effect

TONY CUCCIO says "I have been involved with the global professional nail industry for over 30 years. I have created thousands of products, but never before have I been more excited about what I do than in the past two years since we launched Cuccio Colour Veneer Soak Off Gel Polish. As I continue to travel from country to country I am experiencing something I have never felt or seen before. Something I call, "The Cuccio Effect". It is an unbridled passion for our soak off gel line by professional nail technicians and their clients. It is a positive energy growing at exponential speed. It is a feeling of success that I have only dreamed of for all these years. My vision for Cuccio Colour Veneer was to create the perfect formula for soak off nail colour. One that set the highest level of performance but was priced correctly to help you build a more profitable soak off gel business. I am proud to say that vision has become a reality."

Tony has a simple formula that allows the salon owner to be able to see the opportunity for financial success when you use this product. Here is how he explains it. "One bottle of Colour Veneer, affordably priced at $14.95 will allow you to do up to 50 soak off gel services using 2 coats/service. If you were to charge a minimum of $10/service, each bottle of Colour Veneer will help you increase your service income by $500. Cuccio Colour Veneer is the answer to building your financial success in soak off gel colour services."

I know what you all are thinking....."but Lisa, wouldn't this formula work with ALL gel polishes"...well, no, and I will let Elaine Watson explain just exactly why? And what the benefits of the Cuccio Colour Veneer Soak Off Gel Polish truly has to offer!!!

Here is what Elaine Watson has to say "Soak off gels were introduced to out profession with a simple formulation - Soak off gel mixed together with polish. Having worked as a professional nail technician for 20 years I knew that polish would thicken when exposed to air ultimately changing the performance of the product. Rippling, shrinking, micro-shattering and difficulty in curing were also just some of the other problems I knew would occur. With these issues in mind I set out to make Colour Veneer soak off using completely different gel technology with a more concentrated gel pigmentation. What makes Veneer unique is that it is 100% polish FREE. There is not evaporation and therefore no fumes or odor for you or your clients to inhale. Furthermore, with triple pigmentation technology, you will only need a maximum of 2 coats of color (even with 2 a.m. in Hollywood our rich, Black color). Veneer has amazing durability and leaves nails with a high gloss shine second to none. With Veneer your clients can choose to wear their nail colour until THEY decide to take it off - fast and easily without damaging the natural nail."

What Elaine didn't say is that because ALL other gel polishes that have soak off gel mixed with polish WILL thicken OVER time, the result is not being able to use the WHOLE bottle you purchased, which DECREASES YOUR PROFIT!!!!

Hope this answers the question of What is SO great about the Cuccio Veneer!!!

Love and Respect to you ALL
Lisa Ross

The longer I am in the beauty industry, the more I realize how confused most professionals are when they see ALL the different products that can be used on nails....it's CRAZY!!!! I have to admit.....before working for Impact Salon Sales I was SO confused. There are 5000 trillion gel polish brands, and WAIT, not all of them are gel polishes!! Ya, some are pure soak off gels! Then there is the hard gel products out there that confuse people as well....and don't get me started on the LED/UV cure gels vs. UV cure gels. This blog is to help ALL of you and I hope it helps you able to decide on what is best for your clientele.

GEL POLISH - Here at Impact Salon Sales, we sell Entity One Color Couture(EOCC). This is Entity's gel polish line. It resembles Gelish the most and it is what we call a hybrid. A hybrid gel has lacquer mixed with the soak off gel. This allows the nail professional to be able to achieve a natural nail color on fingers and on toes without drying time. EOCC has a guarantee of 21 days wear as long as you are using the whole system that is recommended and using the techniques and equipment that the Manufacturer recommends. A consistent question that I receive from nail professionals is "Can I just use the base gel from my ______ line that I have been using? Does it make a difference?" I have to say that the Manufacturer ONLY guarantees their product with their system, and I now more than ever I 100% agree with the statements of each Manufacturer. I won't lie to you, I was that nail professional that mixed systems and had this attitude that gel is gel....nope, NOT true. If you want the integrity of the product you are using, the service you are providing and your clients nails to stay intact hear me loud and clear.....use each system the way each Manufacturer suggests. This is also the only way that your Distributor can help you with troubleshooting because they are trained with the systems that they are selling, not any others!!!

PURE SOAK OFF GELS - Here at Impact Salon Sales we also sell Cuccio Veneer. This is what some may call a gel polish, but it is not a hybrid it is pure gel. "Lisa, what is the difference!!!!" Well, here is an easy way for me to explain it to you. Hybrids contains lacquer mixed with soak off gel, and Cuccio Veneer is NOT a hybrid. Hybrids will thicken in the bottle over time because of having the lacquer in there, and the Veneer will not....meaning you get to use 100% of your product, which also means you are NOT throwing away MONEY!!!! The workability of a pure soak of is more user friendly, in my experience with using products and helping others with it. Now, I am not making one to be better than the other, I am just giving you reasons why each of these products is good for certain scenarios and clientele. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH Lisa.......I am still confused!!! Don't worry, this will all make sense when I am done....I PROMISE!!!

HARD UV ONLY CURING GELS - Here at Impact Salon Sales we sell the Amore Ultima Gel System. This line now has 3 different prima systems all meant to  give you more"options" for your enhancement clientele. We have the Prisma Colours, the Prisma Pixies and the NEW Prisma Elite. I know....why right? I'll explain why.....the Prisma Colours are meant to be used under a top gloss or even encased in your builder gels. The Prisma Pixies(our glitter line) are meant to enhance colors, be encased in your gel, and our specialized recipe allows the pixies to be used to build a free edge!!! This line is also the ONLY one of it's kind(to my knowledge) that NEVER has to be stirred as the glitter stays suspended in the gel. HOW COOL IS THAT!!!! Then we have our new Prisma Elite line. This is an exciting line for us as we believe this is the most versatile colour line that we have! Ready for this? It covers in one coat, it cures to a high glossy shine(no gloss top necessary), it can be encased in gloss top if you have a client that goes a really long time(as our gloss tops adhere to shiny surfaces), it adheres to shiny surfaces allowing the art capabilities to have NO BOUNDARIES!!!! And VERY soon, we will show you ANOTHER amazing advantage to this innovative product...it will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!! The hard curing gels can not be directly on a natural nail.

UV/LED CURING GELS - Here at Impact Salon Sales we sell MANY UV/LED compatible gels....some that I have went over. Here they are. EOCC, Cuccio Veneer, and the Entity One Gel(hard gel line). What is the benefit of having a gel that cures in 2 different lights? TIME!!! Cutting down your time is what everyone is about. That being said, I also think that there is a time and a place for having 2 ways of curing gel. Let's take Amore Ulitma Gel System. We, the manufacturer of this line have SO much success with the formula that we have, why would we monkey with it to make it cure in an LED light....it could change the integrity of the line.

So to finalize what the ACTUAL point of this blog is. There are SO many different choices out there because us nail tech's want to be able to offer EVERY kind of client a product that will work with their nails, lifestyle and personal style(art/no art). Every time you try a new product, you need to realize that every product that you use will not be on every client that you have. That is the beauty of having SO many options. Use your knowledge, gain more knowledge if you need to, and open your mind to ALL the opportunities you have as a nail professional to grow your business. Utilize all your Distributors and Manufacturers to find the product that suits yours and your clients needs and wants.....well, that's it for this week

Love and Respect to you all

Lisa Ross

I was at the Cher concert this past weekend, and I LOVED it! Cindy Lauper opened for her and there are a few things I thought about while watching these women. First of all Cindy is 61 years old and is FULL of life, jumping around and singing in tune for an HOUR! Cher is 68, and yes she has had work done...but listen to me carefully, there are things that you can't alter with surgery and that woman is AMAZING!!! Lisa, what is your point!!! Don't worry, I am getting to it. While I watched these amazing women knock everyone's socks off with their talent....I couldn't help but look at them!!! I have heard people say, it doesn't matter how you look, it's what's inside that counts....yes, this is somewhat true....BUT, when we look our best, we tend to feel better! Feeling good in the inside ALSO makes you look better and my point in this little ramble here is BALANCE!!!! I am also getting to another point and that in the beauty industry there are products that can help you look your best short term and there are things that can help you look your best long term!! I for one want LONG term results and here is my real point! Amore Skin Sense

Amore International has been manufacturing quality Skin Care, Cosmetic and UV Gel products since 1994......yes, 1994!!!! Amore is committed to the professional beauty industry and has succeeded in providing effective, innovative professional products for salons, estheticians, dermatologists and retail customers. European born Stefania Anderson, founder and President of Amore International Inc., has a very simple philosophy about skin care and make-up. Only ingredients that enhance the body’s health, and produce visible results are used in Amore Skin Sense and Colour Sense products. That philosophy also promotes that excellent skin care should not be complicated, should be easily accessible, and cost-effective for the user. Amore International has made major strides in developing cosmeceutical skin treatments that meet or exceed all these concerns. For young, healthy skin, it offers prevention of the visible signs of aging and for mature skin it helps turn back the clock on the aging process.

The Amore products are:
Active - they are free of fillers, making them highly concentrated, which means the active ingredients are loaded in a way that ensures your skin gets the results you want. Amore keeps the line streamlined for ease of use.
Cost Effective - these products are highly concentrated formulas, free of binders and fillers making them very cost effective, ensuring that the customer is paying for quality and not quantity. For the beauty professional selling the products, our desire to remain accessible means we do not burden them with large start up inventory costs.
Paraben Free - Wherever possible, Amore endeavors to avoid use of chemicals and harsh preservatives, parabens being one of them. Their labs are always sourcing cutting edge ingredients that enhance the products without compromising them.

By using “active botanicals” in Amore's manufacturing process, they are able to utilize the life force of every ingredient. This ensures the highest quality, purity and effectiveness. Amore products are not mass-produced, and receive their personal care and attention from formulating to packaging. Amore products have undergone the most advanced research and development of anti-aging technology, ensuring to deliver results! Amore can offer you the end of hype, and the beginning of results!

Whether you are 18 or 80, Amore products offer prevention of the visible signs of aging for young, healthy skin and for mature skin it helps turn back the clock on the aging process and repair damage caused by environmental stress.

What everyone NEEDS to also realize is that extensive consultation is necessary between beauty professionals and their clients at the onset of these treatments because often the skin’s condition will worsen before it gets better. Though these treatments will combat wrinkles, age spots, acne, and hyper pigmentation, clients may experience dry flaky skin in the beginning. Often, the most difficult skin will take longer to reflect results because the skin is generally more leathery and callused. Therefore it takes longer for the AHA or enzymes to break down the glue that binds skin cells together. This is why essential professional services, such as peels, followed by an effective home maintenance regime, accelerates the results reflected in their clients’ skin. This will ensure dramatic results for clients, an increase in the professional estheticians service dollars as well as an incredible opportunity for repeat retail sales for salons.

There you have it. This is not the first line that I have used in my professional career, and I will NEVER speak negatively about the ones I have used......this is just quite frankly the best and I haven't even talked about the Colour Sense(makeup) with you all!!! That's in my next post. Try to not only USE this line, but sell it as well!!! If you are not selling Amore Skin/Colour Sense, you my friend, are JUST missing out!!!!

With Love and Respect
Lisa Ross

Hey Everyone! This weeks blog is all about the Satin Smooth wax that we sell here at Impact Salon Sales. I will give you a little description of each and then you will be able to decide which one is best for you. You will be surprised when you read the last one….it is also my new favorite!!!

Aloe Vera Wax

A soothing, premium depilatory wax designed to relax the hair shaft before removal. Infused with natural aloe vera to cool and moisturize skin and reduce irritation, it’s gentle on delicate and sensitive areas and ideal for fine to medium-fine hair and all types of skin. Formulated with titanium dioxide, a natural buffer that eliminates the need for talcum powder, and propolis, a natural botanical substance, this Satin Smooth® wax ensures client comfort, start to finish.
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Removes hair quickly while producing minimal client discomfort
• Aloe vera helps protect the skin from irritation, while soothing and restoring skin's moisture

Deluxe Cream Wax

The vitamins and rich emollients in this deluxe depilatory wax help to soften and smooth the hair shaft for ultra-soothing wax treatments. Developed especially for African-American and Latino clients, this all-purpose creamy wax removes thick, coarse and curly hair. It’s recommended for all skin types, but is exceptionally effective on dehydrated skin. Formulated with titanium dioxide, a natural buffer that eliminates the need for talcum powder, and propolis, a natural botanical substance, it ensures a comfortable experience for both esthetician and client.
• Delicate, creamy depilatory wax
• Created to work well on short, stubborn hair
• Recommended for dry, dehydrated or sunburned skin
• Leaves very little residue on skin

Tea Tree Wax

A rich and fragrant depilatory wax infused with naturally calming tea tree that penetrates the pores to relax and open up hair follicles. Designed to comfortably remove medium to coarse hair from even the most sensitive areas, Satin Smooth® Tea Tree wax can be used on all types of skin. Formulated with titanium dioxide, a natural buffer that eliminates the need for talcum powder, and propolis, a natural botanical substance that protects your client’s skin.
• For hair removal; ideal for medium to coarse hair
• Aromatherapy helps soothe and calm
• For sensitive skin and all body parts
• Turns skin silky smooth
• Dermatologist tested

Zinc Oxide

Clients with sensitive skin need a depilatory wax that protects them from irritation or rashes. Our Satin Smooth® Zinc Oxide Wax is specially formulated for acne- or blemish-prone skin, fair complexions, thin or young skin. Recommended for the facial area and sensitive parts of the body, it is the professional’s wax of choice for fine to medium hair and any skin type that requires extra-gentle treatment. Formulated with titanium dioxide, a natural buffer that eliminates the need for talcum powder, and propolis, a natural botanical substance.
• Contains special barriers to shield and protect skin
• Removes hair without any discomfort

Pure Soy Wax

Natural – pure and simple. Contains soybeans, honey, chamomile, palm oil and rapeseed oil. All contribute to a soothing application and non-irritating hair removal process. PARABEN AND GLUTEN FREE.
• Enriched with soy and other natural ingredients to maximize hair removal and protect skin
• Gently formulated to remove fine to coarse hair on sensitive skin
• Can be used on all types of skin

Citrus Mojito

No Strip Disposable Wax. Have your skin experience the sensuously soft results of this Satin Smooth Thin Film Hard Wax. Citrus Mojito soothes and moisturizes skin with Vitamin C and Natural Spearmint Oil. Absolutely perfect for Brazilian bikini waxing.
• No Strip Disposable Wax
• Infused with Vitamin C and natural Spearmint Oil known to calm and soothe the skin
• Formulated for medium to coarse hair and sensitive skin
• Recommended for Brazilian bikini waxing

Titanium Blue

No Strip Disposable Wax. Have your skin experience the sensuously soft results of this Satin Smooth Thin Film Hard Wax. Blue Titanium soothes and moisturizes skin with calming azulene oil, vitamin E and zinc oxide. Absolutely perfect for male Brazilian bikini waxing.

• No Strip Disposable Wax
• Infused with calming azulene oil, vitamin E and zinc oxide to maximize skin comfort
• Formulated for coarse, stubborn hair and sensitive skin
• Recommended for male Brazilian bikini waxing

Be Bare

The Satin Smooth beBare™ Hair Removal System is a non-wax depilatory that leaves sensitive skin smooth, sexy and silky. Use it on the face and body for phenomenal results.
• Botanical formula, ideal for ultra sensitive skin
• Soft and pliable, low melting temperature
• For hair removal on all facial and body areas
• Use on all hair types
As you can see there is a wax to fit anyone’s needs! Have an amazing week!
Lisa Ross

Hey everyone! It's been a while since my last blog post, but they will be consistently flowing in now!!! This blog post is about tired nail tech's. I talk to a lot of you and I hear SO many of you ready to just QUIT....why? because you work your little behind off, putting your heart and soul into these nails slowly getting carpal tunnel, cause you just couldn't give 2 hoots about your posture....ORRRRR you didn't even know you were sitting incorrectly!!!!! ANNNNND your clients don't respect your time and you just don't know what to do anymore!!!! I hear you, I've been there and I am here to tell you that you do NOT have to quit!!!! I have the solution!!!!

1) The client from H*#L!!!!

I've had them before....they get mad because you have to reschedule last minute because a family member has passed away, they no show because they were too tired to come, BUT need you to get them in tomorrow, they have nails that crack vertically and can't understand why this would be happening AS they are clamping their nail in between their teeth and CRACK!!! BUSTED!!!! but it's still your fault????!!! The list goes on and on and it makes you want to pull your hair out.

I am here to tell you that it IS your fault. What??? How can you say this Lisa? I didn't ask for this!!!! Well, yes you did.....and so did I. Yes, I had these exact clients and they treated me this way because I allowed them to. We are professionals, and if we expect others to treat us as such, then we should start acting like professionals!!!! YOU and only you have the control of what type of client you have and the policies that you keep. If you allow ANY person a free ride ONCE. They'll try it again and again.......AND continually mention that one time you did them a favor!!!! Sound familiar??? I know it does, this is what I hear ALL the time.

Here is my advise to you. Ready, it's VERY simple but will take some practice. "Choose your customers, do NOT let them choose you."

2) "Dad has always said.....SIT UP STRAIGHT!!!!"

This is something I have always had a personal problem with and that is my posture.....it has affected me both professionally and personally and I am STILL working on it!!! If your posture and body alignment is off, AND you are doing a repetitive movement you are 100% most definitely going to get an injury. Core exercises work well, being mindful of how you sit all day is awesome, taking breaks to stretch and get the blood flowing is up there on the list as well, learning how to hold the tools that you work with every single day is amazing.....but NONE of this helps if there is no love for what you do. If you are not happy and the weight of it all rests on your shoulders, THAT is what can cause chronic pain more than anything else.

Here is more advise. "Sit up straight, suck your tummy in, move around and put a smile on your face.....your ailments will go away."

3) Are you running a business or a charitable organization?

This is a sore spot for some, but it has to be mentioned. I have heard it SO many times...."but Lisa, I don't feel comfortable charging for that." or "but Lisa, my clients won't pay that kind of money for my services." or "but Lisa, I just do this to make a little extra money."

LOL!!! Yes, I am going to address this all.....and it WILL sound like I am not being nice, and I am not sorry, it's the truth and it sometimes hurts.

"I don't feel comfortable charging for that". OMG!!! Listen to me, you paid thousands of dollars for your course, you spend money on every single product/tool that you use, you upgrade continually and pay money for that, AND you are a Professional in the Beauty Industry!!! Charge for things or no one will see ANY value in what you do!!! It's just that simple. If you went to a dentist and they gave you a free filling, would you wonder "why is this free, what's wrong with this dentist? No other dentist gives out free fillings" That is what I would think.

"Clients will not pay that kind of money for my services"......hmmmmm, let me ponder on this for a minute.....ok, I am going to be gentle, at first. Ask yourself this question. Is that the type of client that you want? Choose your clients, don't let them choose you. If you have confidence in yourself, they will have confidence in you. Now, I'm not telling you to be snotty or have a huge disgusting ego, I am talking beautiful self confidence in YOUR skills that you do different than anyone else.....cause not one nail tech is alike 🙂 We ALL have a special skill and you just have to find yours and be proud of it. Now, that being said, finding and refining your skills requires you to REALLY look at your work. I see a lot of tech's out there thinking they are a rock star and frankly are not even close. And like all of us, could use some upgrading. How do I have the nerve to say such a thing? When I started getting really busy in the beginning of my career, I became an ego driven nail tech, I thought I knew everything. It's when I started competing  I realized how little I really did know.....I started going to networking events, classes, started my own business and long story short became a humble person who NOW and will forever learn a little something from everyone that I meet. For true growth you have to open yourself up to fall.

"I only do this to make a little extra money". There is one thing I have to say,  if you don't really want to make a lot of money then why are you complaining about anything? If you are tired, but aren't making a true go of it you, my friend, have an expensive hobby. That is 100% fine to do, but then don't complain.

My advise on this matter is this "Be what you want others to see and you will be rewarded for it."

This is not all I have to say on this matter, but I think this will get some of you thinking. I do not doubt this will be talked about as well 😉

Love and respect to you all

Lisa

Here is a video we did on our latest HOT selling product! If you are not selling this product to your customers yet, you are missing out!! Easy income, who doesn't want that?