We like to catch up with students or graduates to ask them about their journey to becoming a beauty pro. Their answers to our questions and stories that they share are inspiring and can be a great example to younger students who are just getting started. We recently caught up with Samantha Borenheim. Samantha is not only a Phagans graduate, but worked for Phagans before enrolling in the cosmetology program.

We asked Samantha a few questions about her journey with Phagans and this is what she had to say:

How did you get involved with Phagans?
I got involved with Phagans back in May 2007 where I started in the admissions department at our Milwaukee campus, which later closed and turned into the Clackamas campus. I also worked at the Portland location for many years before attending school in the full cosmetology program at the Clackamas location. I was with Phagans for many years and consider them family.

• How do you think you have changed since being at Phagans?
  In the almost decade I was with phagans, I have changed considerably. I had been through many personal life changes and phagans was always there along the way to help and encourage me. I was at Phagans for almost a third of my life.
• What do you like doing most?
  I love making people feel beautiful! I feel honored to change how someone views theirself.
  I also love doing runway and fashion shows. I like how the whole production is put together! I love making headpieces for runway shows and photoshoot, which is a new passion of mine. I love working with my clients at my day job at JCPenney. I love how JCPenney encourages their employees to be the best they can be. I love that they have training so I can continually grow.
• What surprised you about beauty school?
  I went from a very administrative position to starting beauty school and having to use my hand and eye coordination skills. Using a different part of my brain did not come easy. This cosmetology craft takes a lot of practice to develop! And you learn new things everyday.
• What is your goal/dream now that you’ve graduated?
  Now that I’ve graduated I create new goals every day and strive to be my best. I am so honored to be involved with Couve Couture and now Seattle Fashion Week. I am also the Director of Hair and Makeup for Desi Designs. And I just graduated in December 2014! But my journey has been many years in the making. My dreams are coming true, but it wasn’t easy. You have to work for it every day and make it happen. It doesn’t come to you…you have to manifest it and make it happen. I love what I do and wake up every day excited for what’s to come!
• Sum up in one sentence what it means to be in the world of cosmetology.
  Making people feel beautiful is my career…and I love what I do!!
• Anything else?
  I started off in the industry close to 20 years ago doing hair and makeup at Glamour Shot back in the 90’s and managed a salon in high school. Then I went in a very corporate direction, from Jenny Craig to the Better Business Bureau. I really feel like I finally found my home when I started with Phagans. It’s been an incredible experience!

Samantha’s story reflects her own path through beauty school and into the industry. We are proud to have students like Samantha!

Follow in Samantha’s Footsteps

Do you think the beauty industry is where you belong? You can start building your new career today! Contact us and we can help you begin your journey. Whether it’s cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, or nails we want to help you find your dream job. We are excited to see what you become!

The post Alumni Profile: Samantha Borenheim appeared first on Phagans School of Hair Design.

When comparing foundations, look at:

• Skin type
• Coverage level
• Finish, such as matte, natural, or radiant
• Shade and undertone
• Formula and ingredients
• Price and personal preference

The best match should blend into your skin without leaving a noticeable line between your face and neck.

What is foundation?

Foundation helps create a more even-looking complexion and can provide light, medium, or full coverage. Primer is applied before foundation to help makeup apply smoothly or last longer, while concealer is typically used in smaller areas to cover concerns such as blemishes, redness, or dark circles.

photo © 2009 Steven Depolo | more info (via: Wylio)

Examine your face

It’s important to determine your skin type, from dry to oily or anywhere in between. Certain types of foundations are created for different skin types. A dermatologist can give exact answers to your skin type, but it’s just as easy to go to a makeup counter in a department store, or drop by one of our cosmetology schools, where the consultant will go over your skin type with you.

For dry skin, use a moisturizing formula, with words like “moisture-rich” or “moisturizing” on the label.

For oily skin, look for products with “oil control,” “oil-free,” or “mattifying.”

For combination (both dry and oily) skin, first determine if you tend to be oilier in your oily spots, or have just a little bit of oil. Cream-to-powder foundations help to combat multiple skin types for an even look.

For sensitive skin, look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas and consider testing the product on a small area first.

For those with no skin problems, use bottles marked “for normal skin” or ones without any of the terms listed above.

How much coverage?

Women with blemishes or uneven skin tones may want to use a medium-coverage foundation. Mineral-based foundations are great for providing medium coverage. Those with a relatively even skin tone may prefer a light-coverage foundation.

If facial redness is persistent, uncomfortable, or difficult to cover, consider speaking with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause and discuss appropriate care.

Start with a clean palette

Before you go to the store to make your selection, clean your face really well. Putting on a moisturizer or even lipstick is fine, but don’t go any further. Putting on a foundation beforehand will defeat the purpose.

Color your world

Select a few shades that appear close to your complexion and test them along your jawline rather than on your hand. Your face, neck, and hands may all be slightly different colors.

Check the shades in natural light when possible. The best match should blend into both your face and neck without looking noticeably lighter, darker, pinker, or more golden than the surrounding skin.

Undertones are generally described as cool, warm, neutral, or olive. If you are unsure, a makeup professional can help you compare shades and finishes.

Brand and price

There is no single brand or price point that works best for everyone. Higher-priced foundation is not automatically a better match, and many affordable products offer a wide range of formulas, shades, and finishes.

Focus on how the product looks and feels on your skin, how well it lasts, and whether it fits your budget. When possible, check the store’s return policy before purchasing.

The post What foundation is right for me? appeared first on Phagans School of Hair Design.