June 2024, Q & A

Esthetician Spotlight

June 1, 2024 | by LNE Magazine

Gabe Lousada,
Cici Skincare

What is your business called and where are you located?

I have my own business, Shimmer & Shine, which is a mobile business for makeup and hair based in Miami. I also work at a spa located in South Miami, Cici Skincare, where I perform esthetic services such as custom facials, peels, and the list goes on and on. My esthetician room is my safe place, super cozy and welcoming to make anyone feel at home.

Can you give a little information about your background as an esthetician?

My esthetician journey started when I was 19, in 2019, and had no idea about skincare. I started breaking out really badly, which only got worse until I decided to start researching and trying to understand why I was breaking out. Once I realized I needed help, I immediately went to a dermatologist and an esthetician who helped me with the right tools. I then was able to clear my skin out and fell in love with it.

“My own struggle with acne led me to want to take care of my skin and after I was able to clear it up, I realized how important that was for me and how I would love to do that for others and bring back their confidence.”

I started researching on my own about skin, ingredients, formulation, etc. At the time, I was office manager for a construction company and suddenly quit my job to pursue my esthetician career. I went to college in Jacksonville, Florida to get my license and started working at a MedSpa.

I did all the continuing education available on The Esthetics Academy and after feeling confident with my progress, I moved to Miami in 2023 to really grow in the industry. I’m confident in saying it was the best decision I ever made!

What inspired you to become an esthetician?

My own struggle with acne led me to want to take care of my skin and after I was able to clear it up, I realized how important that was for me and how I would love to do that for others and bring back their confidence. Not only that, but there’s nothing that makes me happier than helping someone achieve their skin goals and feel great about themselves!

What beauty philosophy do you stand by?

The best makeup is a beautiful and glowing skin! As a makeup artist, I know the importance of makeup and how it brings confidence to those who wear it, but once you realize that your skin is the canvas and you take care of it, you have more freedom to enhance your beauty with makeup, but not depend on it!

What is your favorite treatment?

It is so hard to pick one single treatment because I believe different treatments complement each other, but a good, glowing facial with dermaplaning is essential.

What brands do you use and why?

I use a few brands that I love. I fell in love with Herbal Skin Solutions before I even started using the products. I love the holistic side of it and the message that they carry touches my heart. We know how important it is to give back to the planet and the formulation is fabulous in these amazing products. I also love Valmont, which is very rich and active. Last but not least, Circadia by Dr. Pugliese also carries amazing formulas.

What is your secret to beautiful skin?

Constant work and religious care! Our body is a high-end machine and needs constant care. Monthly facials on their own won’t save your life, you need constant home care. That’s why it is extremely important to a good esthetician who is not only sharing knowledge with their clients, but also recommending great custom home care.

What are your favorite tools to use in the treatment room and why?

Combining different modalities and tools is essential in the beauty industry to enhance results. My favorite tools are definitely a great, professional grade LED panel, micro-current, and recently, the Hydrafacial machine.

What is your favorite part about working for your company?

Freedom! Managing my own schedule is my favorite part. Being able to balance work and self-care is a must for me. I work hard but I also relax and create hard.