Julie Moore knows her stuff, which is what women want when they put something as sacred as their skin in her hands, literally! As director of aesthetics at Jon Tomas Salon & Spa in Creve Coeur, Moore heads the spa team, which offers such services as lash tinting, makeup application and lessons, facials, waxing, peels and electrolysis, one of her specialties. A native of England, she says getting used to the American approach to skin care took some time, but she’s happy to report we’ve caught up with the notion that beautiful skin takes effort to achieve.
LN: How did you get started in this industry?
JM: It was about 26 years ago. I’ve always had a passion for makeup and skin care. I originally really wanted to do theatrical makeup, but since I didn’t live in London, I chose to go into aesthetics. I got a degree in business and then my aesthetician’s license. After a rigorous class schedule and on-the-job training, I earned three licenses and opened a salon in England.
LN: So what brought you to Jon Tomas?
JM: After I met my husband, I moved to the U.S. 17 years ago. I went to the St. Louis Institute of Electrolysis to become licensed in Missouri. I wanted to learn about all the different ethnic groups here and find out what Americans wanted in skin care. While I was in school, I taught and worked at the Clarins counter at Famous-Barr because that was the brand I used overseas. I was so hungry to get my hands on people! Sixteen years ago, Jon Tomas hired me for cosmetology, which allowed me to be hands-on with the public.
LN: What is electrolysis?
JM: It’s one of the most proven methods of removing unwanted hair permanently. You can remove hair only in its active stage of growth (there are three stages). If it’s attached, I can remove it with a tiny probe.
LN: What changes have you noticed in the business since you began?
JM: In England, skin repair is major, everybody gets waxed and facials, and when I first moved here, I found it very difficult to talk to people and encourage them to take care of their skin. But now, people in the U.S. have become adapted to getting involved in a good skin care regimen and using sunscreen. Women are more aware of proper skin care, and we’re educated more through TV, magazines and the Internet. Also, a lot of new products are giving aestheticians more recognition because they are so successful.
LN: What are most women looking for in beauty products?
JM: The No. 1 thing women want is rejuvenation. They don’t like to wear a lot of makeup now, so they’re more apt to take care of their skin first. Less makeup on beautiful skin is 10 times more attractive than the other way around. They want to perfect the skin, make it clearer and hide pigmentation or redness.
LN: Do you have a favorite product or brand?
JM: We carry a great mineral ‘skin care’ makeup line, Jane Iredale. Glo Therapeutics’ claim to fame is that it will revolutionize your skin. And what’s really been flying off the shelves is Cellex-C, a vitamin C serum. It’s an antioxidant that fights the elements and free radicals. Just put it on every morning and it will stay active throughout the day.
LN: How often should women get facials or any kind of skin rejuvenation?
JM: We’re taught it’s once a month, but budget restraints don’t allow many women to stick with this schedule. My motto is to prepare instead of repair, so I suggest clients come in at the beginning of each season and we’ll look at their skin to see what they need. Buy good skin care products, and this plan should work fine. If you’re doing peels and microdermabrasion, you need to be on a monthly schedule.
LN: Who can a woman trust when deciding what regimen or products are best for her?
JM: Seek a trained professional; most salons and spas have staff who are fully trained and usually won’t charge for a consultation. This way, someone experienced can examine your skin and guide you to what you’re trying to achieve.
LN: Any makeup tips for summer?
JM: Most women want to keep it natural by using neutral, soft tones. If you go heavy on the eyes, go soft on the lips and vice versa. Bronzers are very popular because people are more conscious about sunning their faces. Never put it on your whole face, just on sun-kissed areas like your cheekbones and brow.
LN: What is your most important beauty advice?
JM: Sunscreen is huge, and so is exfoliation. Most women moisturize, but if you’ve got a ton of dead skin, the skin will soak up the moisture but still feel dry. As you get older, your body doesn’t have the ability to slough off dead skin cells. Either use an exfoliating product regularly or come in for a peel.
