Learning to Formulate Green Cosmetics - Options and Choices
(THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED MARCH 2020)
I'm guessing I am not alone in barely remembering any of my teachers from school days past.
Except, there was this one...
He was only at our school for a semester before moving on. He taught Egyptian history (of all things).
I wasn't a fan of history as a teenager, but this fellow was so passionate about the subject, he literally 'infected' the whole class with his enthusiasm. Everyone looked forward to his lessons. We were 100% engaged, enthusiastic, and hung on every word as if he was some kind of rock star.
A history teacher.
I think of this fellow every time people ask me about mentoring them.
Mentoring
Apart from being flattered so many have shown an interest, I am humbled by the trust you display by even asking.Some want to learn to formulate 'green', some are interested in my take on marketing and branding, and some are looking for 'an overall guide' to help advance their product development.
If there were more hours in the day and I could duplicate myself a few times, I would be inclined to say yes to everyone, but even a compulsive formulator such as myself has to manage energy levels.
Because so many of you have asked me about mentoring / how to move forward / how to learn more, I'm going to give you my recommended sources for these things today.
Some of these are with other people/organizations/colleagues, but I would not be mentioning them if I didn't think they were the cats pajamas (hint: that's a really good thing).
Shall we get started?
LisaLise Learning Options
Books - an Inspirational Kickstart
My own e-books are intended as inspirational kickstarting-guides for self education with hands-on, tried and tested formulas to get you started on solid ground.I hope you are able to find something inspirational among them (and if not, I'm working on several new publications as we speak).
For a peek at the selection of available e-books, please visit this page.
One on One
If you are interested in my input on anything cosmetics-related, it is possible to book consultations with me 'as needed'.Some use this as a kind of 'mentor-to-go' feature and it is the preferred option for some of the folks I do regular consultations with.
I offer half hour and full hour consultations which are conducted via online video hookup and they are all 100% confidential.
Some of my clients like to 'save up questions' so they can cover a series of queries (say that fast 3 times, then continue reading) in a single consultation.
Courses and Schools
Learn About Herbs and Plants: Sign up for a Course
If you are excited about going roots and want to learn how to recognize plants, forage, process and use them for everything from food to skincare, Medical Herbalist Vivienne Campbell at the Herbal Hub is a top notch teacher.Her Learn With the Seasons Courses are educational, inspirational, and fun!
Tip: sign up for Vivienne's newsletter – it's free and every one is chock full of fabulous information.
Learn about Lipids: Sign up for a Course / Book
Susan M Parker is the leading authority on understanding and working with fixed / carrier oils and her book The Power of the Seed is a must-have.She also offers an online course, Lipids Decoded that is open a few times a year. Her Facebook group (mentioned below is also worth a visit)
Tip: get a free online mini course from Susan right here.
Learn About Essential Oils: Sign up for a Course / Book
Robert Tisserand - the guru of essential oils - has spent his life studying and researching essential oils.His iconic book: Essential Oil Safety is a comprehensive and indispensable resource and quite simply a must-have if you want to work with essential oils.
There is also an online learning option. Visit the Tisserand Institute to study essential oil basics online.
Learn Essential Formulation Skills: Enroll in a Course
We can all be thankful the world is as connected as it is today: it's really possible to learn so many skills online!Being able to study in the comfort of your home anywhere on the planet and at your own pace makes enrolling in an online school a bit of a no-brainer, but it can take a bit of research to find a course or program that suits your specific needs.
If you're interested in learning formulation skills from me, Tisserand Institute offers an 8-week course called Essential Formulation where Robert Tisserand himself teaches the essential oil blending lesson and I have the privilege of teaching the other 7 lessons.
The course focuses on incorporating essential oils safely and effectively into a series of products and equips you with the skills to formulate everything from serums, balms, butters, and bath products to aqueous sprays.
I was extremely honored to be asked to develop and teach the course (which was offered for the first time in summer of 2019) and the Institute and I have been thrilled with all the positive feedback.
The course is open for enrollment annually, so do sign up for my newsletter or the newsletter at Tisserand Institute to stay updated.
I hope to see you in the coming season!
Learn How to Start a Skincare Business: Enroll in a School
There are numerous schools to choose from when it comes to formulating cosmetics and starting a skincare business, but there is one online school that stands head and shoulders above the rest.For professionalism, quality of information, support and community spirit, Formula Botanica is at the top of the class.
Free Stuff For Self Education
There are numerous freebie possibilities in the form of blogs and online journals written by professionals willing to share their knowledge and expertise.Blogs and Online Journals
On a blog, you do have to do your own digging for information, but there is quality information to be had from these sources – all written by knowledgable and talented colleagues:- Botanical Formulations Blog (loads of great freebies, inspiration, and tips)
- Colins Beauty Pages (the science of cosmetics explained)
- Formula Botanica's Blog (loads of freebies and info about organic ingredients)
- Swettis Beauty Blog (This links to the public blog)
- The Herbal Hub's Blog (Vivienne informs about plants and their uses)
- Robert Tisserands blog (for the sharpest and most reliable information on essential oils)
- Humblebee & me (Marie Rayma works with both green and petrochemical ingredients, so you have to do a bit of digging around if you are looking for strictly green but she has over 900 formulas labeled 'crunchy' and 'chewy' She also has an ingredient encyclopedia as well as a YouTube channel worth checking out)
- Realize Beauty (thoughts, observations and explanations by Amanda Foxon-Hill)
Forums and Groups
Many professional formulators are also participants, hosts, moderators, and/or administrators of online forums and groups.Join a forum where you can exchange information and learn from (and with) others.
I would like to emphasize the exchange information part.
Even if you are a newbie - there is no reason to be shy or embarrassed. Everyone has something to offer! Be a good participant - be ready to contribute and bring a positive, friendly attitude.
Here are some helpful online forums (each require membership)
- Formulators Kitchen (not exclusively 'green' - apply for membership here)
- Natural Cosmetics Formulating (Facebook group run by Rebecca Wright of Botanical Formulations with yours truly as co-admin)
- Skincare Entrepreneur Mastermind: (Facebook group run by the folks at Formula Botanica)
- Lipid Love (Facebook group run by the stellar Susan M Parker)
Affiliate Links in this Post
None of the links in this post are affiliate links.THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED MARCH 2020.
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