Nicole Toni

Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!

Today’s post is all about ‘skin health,’ beauty, and the individual who helps us attain it. I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful aesthetician from one of my good friends. She owns Unique Expressions, and hearing her talk about how she loves to help people attain their beauty goals by sharing her knowledge and skills to inspire and change the world one face and heart at a time was so encouraging. Knowing someone is on this skincare journey with you to unveil your hidden beauty is a treasure.

We all know healthy skin is not an overnight process. You have to work on it daily. When I was younger, I struggled with acne, and even as an adult, I still occasionally get a pimple. So, kudos to the skincare professionals who focus on bringing out our skin’s beauty and their services, from skincare consultations, facials, brow sculpting, makeup artistry, and so much more.

In 1991, Maybelline’s campaign strapline, “Maybe She’s Born with It,” cornered the beauty market in advertisement with the branding of their product, stating that “beauty” instilled by their products is good enough to look natural. Their reasons for their strapline have been leading the beauty world with the imagery that if you weren’t born with natural beauty, we can fix that for you!

“Cute is Important!”

However, another beauty brand, a Mommy-Daughter makeup brand named Nia O. Uzuri, named after her 8-year-old daughter, Nia, is emerging on the scene with their powerful slogan, “Cute is Important!” But first, you have to read the backstory of a young lady making beauty moves throughout Chicagoland as a licensed Aesthetician who prepares the skin for the wonders of makeup. http://Niaouzuri.com

As mentioned, this young lady is taking skincare and cosmetics to the next level. She owns Unique Expressions Spa/Studio, where she helps you illuminate your inner beauty with radiant skin and Nia O. Uzuri cosmetics!

Welcome to Club Fifty, Nicole Toni!

MEET NICOLE TONI

Nicole Toni was inspired as a child, dreaming in color literally! She was gifted with the ability to envision the beauty in someone and was inspired by all facets of artistry. She helped her friends and family with full looks (hair, makeup, wardrobe choices for special occasions). Nicole modeled professionally from 18 to 24 years old, doing runway, hair modeling, promotional, music video & film. She had to learn to do her own makeup professionally because when she went to some shoots or gigs for work, they would not have coverage for her skin tone, which was extremely discouraging. 

As she became more experienced, she began helping other colleagues with their makeup for their own shoots. Nicole wanted to be able to help by the power of touch (physically & emotionally), offering her knowledge & encouragement to people, especially women, to feel good about themselves as individuals, putting their best face forward by expressing their uniqueness. So, she pursued her career in esthetics & makeup artistry. That’s where her business name, “Unique Expressions,” came into place. Her slogan, “Cute Is Important,” plays on the premise but holds serious meaning to being unique, being your best self by looking better & feeling better about yourself, Whether you’re a minimalist, work in corporate, or in the entertainment industry. Cute is always important for your self-confidence to get that job! 

Nicole’s goal was always to share her knowledge and skills to inspire, changing the world one face and heart at a time! Clients have told her that they hear her voice when it’s time to cleanse their skin, being mindful of skin health; they’ve told her that her hands are blessed (even magical). Some of her clients cried when she gave them the mirror because they honestly liked what they saw, and it runs deep! 

She holds two state licenses (IL & NY) in esthetics, is clinically certified, provides pre & post-op care for plastics, and works in conjunction with a board-certified surgeon. Nicole provides laser skincare treatments, laser hair removal, & body sculpting. She studied NY (MUD) for makeup artistry, studying the five general mediums of makeup. She had opportunities to work on/ with celebrities and locals, touring plays, photo shoots, video shoots, weddings, hair shows, pageants, special occasions, etc. 

Cosmetics, Skincare, and Apparel with a Purpose! 

Branding & expanding her business, she had her expert opinion featured in an online magazine about myths about black (ethnic) skincare. Nicole has been blessed to have been a vendor at the Black Women’s Expo 2019, hosting live tutorials for the empowerment of women through proper skin care techniques, diet, and makeup artistry, along with vending as well as offering a variety of beauty and self-care/love items for retail…from handmade facial mask, lip scrubs to “Cute is Important” apparel. Also, her new makeup line will give women a sense of worth and show them that they don’t have to be artists to achieve a polished/natural appearance. Nicole Toni resides in Chicago and has two beautiful children, Brian and Nia!

IN CONVERSATION WITH  NICOLE TONI

C50: Beauty is all about being comfortable in your skin. Nicole, tell us how you started in the beauty world by becoming an aesthetician and a makeup artist. 

NT: I strongly loved the Arts, theater, fashion, and beauty from the beginning. Being born creative with the gift of vision & touch, I learned very early on that I had a heightened sense of seeing what the average eye doesn’t know; I felt passionate about humanity and understood the power of physical or emotional touch.

Studying dance & theater as a young girl sparked my already vivid and colorful imagination to all its intel (from prepping for class, dress attire for dance, makeup for the talent, and wardrobe) to the stage. As a child, I studied the arts and developed a knack for beauty, watching my mother prepare for fashion shows at our church, dinner and dance parties, etc. The way she would apply her makeup so eloquently & get dressed for the events was one of the most intriguing processes to me. She would be so beautiful when she finished that it inspired me to feel and know that I could do it, especially for others. 

I knew if people could experience a transformation like that, it would make them smile and feel better about themselves! I began experimenting with my mother’s makeup and pretending that I was getting ready to be on stage to perform some fantastic piece! I started helping my mom’s friends & mine to get ready for their events and special occasions by styling them, applying their makeup and hair options, and choosing the perfect outfit that would complement their overall look for their events. Shortly after high school, I began to model professionally. While in college, I was booked for hair modeling, runway, promotional/ advertising, and some films. 

I was trained and learned that I always had to be prepared in advance and have some knowledge of applying my makeup because sometimes the set artist, proper or correct coverage just wasn’t available for my skin tone. That made me develop a love for being in front of the camera and behind the scenes. I knew that feeling all so well of not feeling confident at times myself because of the lack of beauty resources. I’ve even experienced hating the way I looked, having to go on stage, and not feeling confident because of it. 

So, I decided I could do it well and help talent look and feel confident by putting their “best face” forward! I went to school for aesthetics in Chicago and then attended school for Makeup Artistry in NY  for TV, Film, Bridal, Society, and Avant-garde makeup. After completing aesthetics and makeup artistry, I attained a license in Illinois & NY and I am certified in NY. I came back to Chicago, trained, and became certified as a clinical aesthetician under the direction of Dermatology, assisting with the mole removal procedure, skin diseases, acne, skin (allergies) sensitivities, injuries, and skin (keloid) scarring from injury.

I also trained under the direction of a plastic surgeon at the laser skincare clinics for cosmetic beauty, providing pre/ post opt care for plastics, laser (IPL) for skin rejuvenation & sun damage, laser hair removal (full face & body), skin resurfacing (chemical peels), body contouring and fat reduction. All the while training with several professional and clinically based product lines to ensure the best care possible is provided. Being extremely passionate, feeling a deep connection to helping people look and feel better about themselves through the art of beauty. Empowering them with the tools to foster self-love and build confidence through health, wellness, personal care, and beauty from a holistic, clinical to advanced approach was my purpose in becoming an aesthetician and makeup artist!

 C50: What is the difference between a licensed esthetician and an aesthetician?

NT: A licensed esthetician is a beauty professional who has completed the required education and training to effectively perform a range of skin treatments and services in a spa or salon setting. Estheticians are skincare experts who are also qualified to treat facial & body conditions to promote long-term health & beauty. Still, they often provide it in a salon setting rather than a clinical one. Their work focuses on skin health, preventative maintenance, and facial rejuvenation. Aestheticians often work in a wide variety of roles based on their training & education in skincare-often specifically facial skincare. 

The field is usually divided further into medical, paramedical, or clinical aestheticians based on which area their practice is focused on. Many aestheticians’ works focus on skin health through cleaning, moisturizing, & the proper application of beauty & care products. However, their duties can also go beyond just cosmetic into medical procedures. Aestheticians commonly work in clinical settings with medical patients on issues like scars from surgeries or severe burns & injuries. While some specialize in specific areas, aestheticians’ wide range of skills for skincare often find them seeing a variety of patients with both cosmetic & medical needs.

 C50: What are the prerequisites for attaining a license to become an esthetician?

NT: To attain 600 hours of training to become an aesthetician, you can pursue one of two avenues: schooling or apprenticeship. If you choose to pursue your education through a school, you must attend a state-approved school/institution because you need to take a state board test for Licensing to practice in the full scope of esthetics.

 C50: What can an esthetician NOT do?

NT: Estheticians can’t perform any Treatment outside the realm of cosmetics, procedures that work on superficial layers of the skin.

 C50: Talk to us about your Spa Studio Unique Expressions by Nicole Toni and some of your services. 

NT:  At Unique Expressions by Nicole Toni, I take a holistic approach to skincare initially. I aim to improve your skin’s appearance and foster a sense of tranquility, well-being, and self-confidence. I am dedicated to providing the best possible care and treatment by tailoring the services to meet your unique needs. From clinical to advanced skincare treatments, I use the latest techniques to transform your skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. I offer skin consultations to address all your skincare concerns, a range of Facial treatments (anti-aging, acne, enzyme peels, facial yoga), my brow rescue (brow sculpting), whole body & face hair removal (waxing), microdermabrasion, derma Plaine, high frequency, LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, reflexology, microblade, makeup artistry (live tutorials, tv, film, bridal, special occasions, and one on one instruction), and Infrared sauna body wrap. Come to allow me to be your partner on your skincare journey and experience the ultimate treatment today!

C50: Healthy skin is not an overnight process; please share why a skincare regime is essential. 

NT: The skincare regime’s importance is colossal in your skin’s health. Learning that skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation and practicing proper preventative care can and will lead to healthy, radiant skin!

C50: An esthetician quote says, “Maybe she’s born with it; maybe it’s her esthetician.” Nicole, what are some of the Do’s & Don’ts of skincare?

NT: The Do’s and Don’ts of skincare are the following:

• Hydrate
• Be mindful of your skincare budget to get not what’s trending but what’s suitable for your skin type   
• Cleansing & exfoliations are vital
• Don’t over-exfoliate (I don’t recommend daily exfoliation to prevent drying out the skin)
• Don’t fall into buzzy ingredients; it’s the ingredients and formulation that matters
• Use SPF

  C50: You’re a licensed beauty professional; where are some other places you can offer your services?

NT: As a licensed beauty professional, I can work in cosmetic beauty clinic settings like dermatology and plastics that offer clinical treatments.

C50: Why is it essential to use SPF on your skin, and how often should you exfoliate your skin?

NT: It is essential to use SPF to protect your skin from the UVB & UVA rays and free radicals in the air, to prevent sun damage and age spots, and to help fight against skin cancer.

C50: Aestheticians find and fix problems we don’t even know we have; what are some facial concerns we deal with?

HT: We can deal with active adult acne, hyper and hypopigmentation, back acne, and texture issues, and help maintain rosacea & eczema.

 Bonus Question

C50: Nicole, how can someone contact you to seek your services? 

HT: You can find me through the following social media outlets and book me through the link in my bio through the following outlets:

Google 

FB: Unique Expressions by Nicole Toni

IG: @cute_isimportant

C50: There you have it, Divas & Divos (yes, men get serviced here as well). Don’t be left out; get on the path to having beautiful skin; book Nicole Toni right now and watch your beauty transformation come to fruition while reimagining your relationship with your skin and beauty.