Elated. Energized. Pampered. Inspired.
These words come to mind when I think about the nation’s first skin competition The Skin Games! The Skin Games is what our beauty industry has been thirsting for.
I want to give a huge thank you to Jennifer Rosenblum and Jennifer Earls for all of their hard work and devotion. Thank you for showing our esthetic community what it means to live a dream. I had the privilege of assisting these lovely ladies in this historic event, and I couldn’t wait to share my experience!
So, what do you get when you combine industry icons, educators, judges and estheticians from across the United States at one event? What do you get when you combine a boutique-style trade show featuring the hottest trends in skincare, an Ingredient Panel workshop with some of the best minds in the industry, and a black-tie, live award show?
You get a game-changing, legendary skincare event!
What can you expect at The Skin Games?
April 22nd Friday Jitters
Friday was an exciting, but also nerve-wracking, day for estheticians as they checked into the hotel and prepared for their private interview. The estheticians were required to interview in front of a panel of judges, all of whom were industry leaders, mind you. This had been a yearlong competition. Estheticians tracked their clients’ skin improvements and results over an eight-week period and then had to submit their video diary to the judges. In addition, they had to answer questions as to why they chose specific treatments and products. Five different treatment categories were assigned: Aging, Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Best New Esthetician and an Open category. I know many were nervous as they waited their turn for their interview. I witnessed consummate professionals who kept their cool, even though most were tired, hungry and anxious. We ran a wee bit over schedule, but these top estheticians were troopers. At this point, they were all winners in my mind. The judges deliberated for hours about who would win in each of the five categories and who would win overall as Esthetician of the Year! The winners would be revealed at the Saturday night award show. Once the interviews were completed, it was definitely time for a cocktail at the VIP party.
April 23rd Saturday 8:00 a.m. No Sleeping In on Saturday Morning
Skin Games esthetician finalists and judges were at a mandatory rehearsal. Jen Rosenblum prepped the esthetician finalists where and when they were supposed to be on stage. As estheticians clutched their coffee cups and wondered if they would go home that night with an award in hand, you could feel the excitement build. Even though the Skin Games were a so-called competition, these finalists were incredibly supportive of one another. It was truly inspiring to observe the admiration and love they had for one another.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Workshops, Shopping, Pampering and Primping
When was the last time you went to a trade show and experienced treatments, connected with esthetician friends, and attended inspiring workshops? Never. Exactly! This was an epochal-event across the board! I personally loved connecting with longtime esthetician friends, developing new friendships, and meeting social media friends face-to-face. The vendors were engaging, and they loved sharing knowledge with estheticians, as well as consumers. Yes! The floor was open to consumers! These consumers learned the difference between professional-grade skincare products vs. cosmetic-grade skincare products. These consumers learned why they should have an esthetician in their life! Brilliant concept. The room was packed at the Ingredient Panel workshop. Some of the best minds in the industry were present, such as Rebecca Gadberry, Michael Pugliese, and Dr. Harry Fallick, to name a few. A few discussions turned into healthy (and sometimes hot) debates.
Saturday 7:00 p.m. LIGHTS. CAMERA. GAME ON!
The Skin Games opened with a dance performance to Madonna’s hit song “Vogue.”
Every Iconic Event Needs Celebrity Hosts
The opening act and skits by Ex-wives of Rock Athena Lee and Bobbi Brown entertained the crowd. Quite honestly, they kept me in stitches backstage. They were a hoot!
The Skin Games Winners
Each category was introduced as judges asked one question to each finalist. Estheticians shared with me that some of the questions were tough. Finalists really had to know their ingredients and why they chose a certain method to gain results with their clients.
- Cherie Callahan won the Hyperpigmentation category.
- Amy Wall won the Anti-Aging category.
- The Esthetician of the Year went to Amy Wall!
- Denise Kemp won the Acne category.
- Nondy Llewellyn won the Open category.
- Angie Vayda won 1st place in the People’s Choice Award and the award for Best New Esthetician!
Ladies at the Skin Games.
The Panel of Judges.
There were 12 finalists awarded “Game Changer Awards” and I am honored to be among them.
Each finalist received a pretty awesome swag bag full of products from the sponsors.
The Skin Games 2016 would not have happened if it weren’t for the “Two Jens”.
Jennifer Rosenblum and Jennifer Earls.
Stay connected and learn more about how you can be involved in The Skin Games 2017 by visiting the Skin Games website and Liking the Facebook Page and Instagram.
I am excited to assist with The Skin Games 2017. See you there! Game On!