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Rock any party

Module 23

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23. Module 23: Beauty Parties

Table of Contents

23. Module 23: Beauty Parties ..................................................................................................................................... 1

23.1 Introduction into Beauty Parties .......................................................................................................... 2

23.2 What is a Beauty Party? ..................................................................................................................... 3

23.3 Types of Beauty Parties ...................................................................................................................... 4

23.3.1 Relaxation Party .............................................................................................................................. 4

23.3.2 Make-up Training Party .................................................................................................................. 5

23.3.3 Mani-Pedi Party .............................................................................................................................. 6

23.3.4 Beauty Treatment Party .................................................................................................................. 7

23.3.5 Health & Beauty Party .................................................................................................................... 8

23.4 Understanding the Beauty Party Client Base ...................................................................................... 9

23.4.1 The Young .................................................................................................................................... 10

23.4.2 The Mature .................................................................................................................................... 11

23.4.3 The Affluent .................................................................................................................................. 12

23.4.4 The Conventional .......................................................................................................................... 13

23.5 Spa vs. DIY ....................................................................................................................................... 14

23.5.1 Spa................................................................................................................................................. 14

23.5.2 DIY ............................................................................................................................................... 15

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23.1 Introduction into Beauty Parties

Before you can make a career out of planning beauty parties, you have to know what they are! You will need

to know about the different types of beauty parties and what each kind requires. If you want to be a success in

this industry, you have to be able to understand the clients and people who are seeking these types of beauty

treatments in these various settings. Knowing what they want, what their expectations are and the type of

services they require is key! Do you know the difference between spa parties and DIY parties? All of this

information is crucial and will help you decide the direction in which your career will go!

What you’ll learn in this module:

What a beauty party is

The types of beauty parties

How to understand the client base

Spa and DIY concepts

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23.2 What is a Beauty Party?

Everyone loves to get pampered, right? Beauty parties create an occasion for friends and family to meet up

and get pampered together! Whether held at a luxurious spa or in the home of a hostess, these parties focus on

indulgence, health and beauty for all of the participants.

Here are some types of activities and treatments you could expect to find at a beauty party:

massage

facials

make-up application

drinks and treats

manicures and pedicures

reflexology

waxing

spray tanning

hair treatments

eyelash enhancement

aromatherapy

body detox and more!

There are many reasons people look to participate in beauty parties, including: bachelorette or “hen”parties,

girls’nights, birthday parties, engagement parties, baby showers, office parties, house-warming parties and

leaving parties -pretty much any occasion to get together and indulge! Each group is different, however, so

there are many different party options to suit your clients.

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23.3 Types of Beauty Parties

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all beauty party. Each party should be designed to suit the needs and

desires of the specific participants. It is important to understand the different party types in order to ensure the

best experience for the guests. While each party is customizable, here are some common types of beauty

parties and what you - and your clients - can expect from them.

23.3.1 Relaxation Party

This type of party is designed to soothe and pamper the participants. Your guests will expect to have many

of the treatments they might experience at a spa (and these parties can take place in a spa—more on that later).

If it’s a treatment that is designed to beautify and de-stress, you’ll find it at this kind of party. Examples

include:

massage

facials

aromatherapy

reflexology

manicures and pedicures

Even though hair treatments and make-up application are traditionally thought of as strictly beautifying

activities, they are also naturally soothing and calming. Because of this, many relaxation partygoers enjoy

these treatments, and having them at your party can enhance the pampering experience.

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These events are popular among bridal parties and groups of girlfriends, and they often include bubbly drinks,

like mimosas, and finger food.

23.3.2 Make-up Training Party

These parties are a fun way for beauty enthusiasts to get together and learn the art of make-up application. At

least one make-up artist needs to be in attendance to educate the partygoers—if you’re a make-up artist, you

can create and host your own parties!

There are a couple of variations on this party:

1. The Lone Artist Party: If only one make-up artist is present, she will likely demonstrate make-

up techniques on a model from the group (typically the hostess, unless the artist is hosting her

own party). The guests will then practice those techniques on themselves, each other or both.

2. The Multi-Artist Party: At this event, many make-up artists are in attendance to teach and

beautify the participants one-on-one. If there are enough artists, each guest could have the intimate

treatment for the whole party. If there are fewer artists than guests, the artists have to make rounds

with the guests, ensuring that each gets equal time and training.

The price of participation for this type of party can determine if the participants will learn the techniques

using their own make-up supplies from home (in which case, they’ll be told what to bring ahead of time) or if

the artist(s) will supply the goodies. Typically, the more expensive the party, the more the guests get. However,

some parties are more expensive than others because of the fame and expertise of the make-up artists in

attendance. At some parties, the participants will even learn how to create their own homemade cosmetic

products!

These events usually feature refreshments for the guests. After the training is complete, some groups will stay

in and continue the soirée together, while other groups will hit the town with their new looks.

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23.3.3 Mani-Pedi Party

Like the Relaxation Party, the Mani-Pedi Party finds its focus in a treatment traditionally found in spas and

dedicated nail-care facilities. People who attend these parties may get mani-pedis regularly, or the pampering

at this party might be an unusual treat for them. Either way, the guests come together to celebrate,

relax and socialize.

Mani-Pedi Party perks and treatments often include:

manicures

pedicures

foot and leg massage

hand and arm massage

neck and shoulder massage

aromatherapy

refreshments

These types of parties are popular options for family get-togethers, girls’ nights, bachelorette parties and bridal

showers, since they’re relaxing and fun—and participants can chat while receiving the treatments.

While the treatments in these parties may be more familiar to and easily accessible for the partygoers, the

guests should still be given the luxury treatment. The challenge here could be making the event extra special,

so adding a personal touch is an important component of the beauty party planner’s job.

Because this is a special event, the mani-pedis should be as luxurious and indulgent as possible. The party

guests should have the option of receiving leg and foot exfoliation and callus treatments, nail and cuticle

grooming, a warm paraffin treatment and high-end moisturizers and massage creams—and whatever other

treats you can come up with!

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23.3.4 Beauty Treatment Party

Beauty Treatment Parties make it possible for participants to indulge in multiple beauty treatments at once,

rather than one or two at a time, as they might usually do. Partygoers may even get to experience things that

they haven’t tried before.

While at a Beauty Treatment Party, your guests can expect to participate in some or all of the following

luxuries:

haircuts and styling

head and scalp massage

eyelash enhancement

eyebrow grooming

spray tanning

facial and body waxing

make-up application

nail care

In between sessions, participants will enjoy fine food and drink and converse with their cohorts. Wine,

Cocktails and Hors d’Oeuvres are all welcome at these parties.

While it’s possible to have these parties in a home, it’s often easier to host these parties in a salon or spa that

already has stations set up, due to the technical nature of the treatments. However, thanks to new technology,

mobile options are now available for all of the treatments—including spray tanning!

When guests leave a Beauty Treatment Party, not only will they feel rejuvenated and relaxed, but they’ll have

a new look to enjoy long after the party has ended.

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23.3.5 Health & Beauty Party

These parties are designed to appeal to people who favor a healthy, natural, holistic approach to beauty and

all other aspects of life. Participants are interested in experiencing activities and products that can improve

their overall health. Such activities may include:

reflexology

padabhyanga (foot massage)

essential oil blending

juice cleanses and detox

natural skin care

gandusha (oil pulling)

yoga

Health & Beauty Parties are certainly options for many of the groups we’ve already talked about—bridal

parties, girls’ nights, etc.—but they can also be held simply for the sake of camaraderie and exploring

common interests with like-minded people.

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It’s important to remember that these savvy partygoers will be sensitive to and cognizant of the methods used

to create the health and beauty products the party will feature, as well as the ingredients found within them.

Products that are made with essential oils and natural, organic ingredients, and are free of gluten, parabens

and other preservatives, and artificial color, flavor and fragrance - among other unnatural ingredients - will be

of interest to these guests.

The same goes for the snacks and drinks provided - the guests will expect them to be healthy and natural, as

part of the holistic party experience.

23.4 Understanding the Beauty Party Client Base

People from all walks of life are looking to experience beauty parties. While age and socioeconomic status

don’t necessarily define what a guest is looking for or expectant of, it is better to arm ourselves with knowledge

so we can be prepared. However, under no circumstances should you assume you know what your guests

and clients are looking for - you must communicate with them. Let them tell you.

The purpose of this section of the study isn’t to stereotype people, but to explore common trends among

various types of party participants. Just as there are different stores to suit each person’s needs, so should there

be parties that reflect their desires and expectations. Keep in mind, too, that many party groups feature a blend

of guest types that we will be discussing in this study.

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23.4.1 The Young

There appear to be some commonalities among younger beauty party participants, which we’ll discuss below.

However - and I can’t express this enough - there is no hard-and-fast rule for what younger clients will be like

or are expecting. Each client should be met with a fresh eye and open mind.

Recent trends show that younger clientele appear to be interested in fun, interactive, vivacious parties. Many

youthful guests have grown up with YouTube and the blogosphere, and they’re used to and interested in being

instructed in the beauty arts. Make-up Training Parties are a popular option for these types. Also, if you can

book a famous blogger or vlogger to attend and instruct, you could earn major brownie points.

When negotiating budget, keep in mind that these young clients might not have the same funds available as

some of their older counterparts who may have more expendable income. It is not uncommon, however, for

affluent guardians to finance the parties for their young protégés; we’ll discuss this more later on. Don’t

assume anything - let them tell you what their budget is. Then, design the party around the budget. If they

don’t have deep pockets, you may have to skimp on some luxury products, so make sure to make up for it in

vibrant activity and making the event memorable.

Note: You’ll also need to take the ages of the participants into consideration when selecting refreshments; you

wouldn’t want to get in trouble with the law for serving alcohol to minors, accidentally or otherwise!

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23.4.2 The Mature

Our mature clientele can vary just as much as the more youthful groups, but here are a few things we’ve

discovered:

Older clients tend to have more money to play with than their younger counterparts, due simply

to the fact that they’ve had more time in their lives to save. This could mean that they are more

willing and able to pay for luxury items, treatments and refreshments, but this isn’t always the

case.

If mature clients have the resources to fund an extravagant party, they may expect more reverence

and more attentive service from the party planner, wait staff and vendors.

A desire for extra-special treatment could also be a generational expectation. Either way, be

prepared to give your best service possible, and don’t be offended if they seem hard to please.

Just keep smiling and remain courteous.

These clients often seek a balance between excitement and relaxation. As a matter of fact,

Relaxation Parties and Mani-Pedi parties are a popular party of choice for mature clients, and they

should be conducted with care.

None of this is to say that all mature party groups want to be waited on hand and foot, or that they seek

relaxation first and foremost above all other experiences. Remember that the number-one purpose of a beauty

party is to bring people together, so participants will be excited to spend time together and be pampered.

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23.4.3 The Affluent

If you are a fan of extravagance, planning parties for more affluent clients could be an incredible experience

for you. As you might expect, you could get the pleasure of dealing in lavish items.

Affluent clients have more expendable income than others, and they often seek top-of-the-line

luxury products, items and treatments. The fun part for you is that you get to “go shopping” with

their funds, for vendors, refreshments, venues and trimmings.

Many affluent clients are already accustomed to a certain level of opulence, which is something

you’ll need to keep in mind when planning the parties. The last thing you would want would be

for the event to fall short of their expectations. If they are willing to pay for a high level of

extravagance, make sure you bring it! You will want to wow all of the guests. Who knows? Maybe

your next high-paying client will be in attendance at today’s party.

While it is incredibly important to be respectful to each and every one of your guests and clients,

you might need to take extra care with your affluent patrons. Many of them will already be

accustomed to receiving a high level of courtesy in their daily lives, and you would not want to

fall short of their expectations.

Remember, wealthy people like to have fun, too! Remember to keep fun in mind - and to have a

clear idea of what fun means to your clients.

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23.4.4 The Conventional

This type of client is difficult to pinpoint, as it can mean many things. For our purposes here, we’ll consider

the conventional client to be a person between 28 and 45 years of age with what is considered to be middle-

class income and status. With the conventional client in mind, here are some trends we’ve seen:

These clients hold camaraderie in high esteem. While the purpose of these parties is to get

pampered, many of these clients are most interested in the friendship, conversation and memories

to be made.

They usually have the resources to fund a well-stocked party, but they may also be interested

in DIY(do-it-yourself) parties, where the cost of operation could be relatively low.

Popular conventional-guest parties include Relaxation Parties (let’s be honest - everyone loves

those!), Mani-Pedi Parties, Beauty Treatment Parties and Health & Beauty Parties.

At a party hosted by people of conventional status, you’ll likely have guests from various age

groups and socioeconomic statuses - especially if it’s a family gathering. While these guests may

seem to be different, they have a few very important things in common: they want to relax, get

pampered, visit and have a great time. Make sure you deliver this for them!

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23.5 Spa vs. DIY

We have briefly mentioned previously that beauty parties can take place in the home of a hostess or in a spa.

When it comes time for you and your clients to decide which type of venue is best, the ideal choice should be

fairly obvious, given the activities in which they would like to indulge.

Next, we’ll talk about the types of venues and their benefits in more detail.

23.5.1 Spa

As you might expect, spa-style beauty parties are often held in spas and salons. Because the salons are already

set up for the types of beauty treatments your clients are looking for, it’s an easy choice. Many salons offer

their own beauty party packages (often called “pamper parties”), and prospective clients can look at a menu

of services to see which package best suits their group.

However, spa-style parties don’t have to be held in an actual salon. Many salon vendors - and beauty party

planners - own their own “mobile salons,” in which they bring the salon to the clients, rather than the other

way around. Traditional spa and relaxation treatments are all possible to have in the comfort of a home,

including: massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow grooming, make-up application and training, lash

enhancement, waxing and even spray tanning.

The main difference between physical spa parties and mobile spa parties is the experience for the party

guests. For instance, some clients feel that relaxation treatments are better suited for a spa, as spas are

aesthetically beautiful and enticing. A physical spa can increase the client’s perception of luxury and opulence.

Conversely, many clients prefer to host the parties in their own homes, as they find they are able to relax more.

This fact reinforces the importance of communication between beauty party planners and clients—you have

to know what they want, what they love and what their expectations are

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23.5.2 DIY

Do-it-yourself (DIY) parties can be a lot of fun for everyone involved. As the name suggests, the treatments,

refreshments and even many of the products used at the party are crafted by the party participants. The

following are common practices at DIY parties:

The party host or planner will pick a theme for the party, and will set the mood accordingly.

Decorations are placed, candles are lit and music is readied.

It’s a nice touch for the host or planner to prepare healthy refreshments -like organic smoothies -

for the guests, and present them with the treats as they arrive.

Different stations are set up around the venue, such as areas for facials and mani-pedis. Often

times the host will supply many natural ingredients for the stations and invite their guests to bring

beautifying items as well. For instance, a guest might bring cucumbers and yogurt for the facial

portion, or sugar scrubs and essential oils for mani-pedis.

Some parties supply a health-food bar, where guests can mix and make their own snacks.

Examples include fruit and veggies for smoothies and salads - even build-your-own pizzas with

healthy options for toppings. The theme of the party usually affects the snack set up. If the party

is meant to reflect an age of refinement, perhaps there would be a hot-tea bar with many tea

options. If the party is held as a bridal shower or bachelorette party, a cocktail bar could be fitting.

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Many DIY parties include stations for guests to craft their own skin- and body-care products to

take home with them. The blending of fragrant essential oils and crafting of natural soy candles

are popular options.

Gift bags are often given to guests as they leave. Some hosts will ask guests to bring contributions

to the bags and combine all of the items for the guests; other hosts or party planners might hand-

pick items for the individual guests, supplying the items on their own.