Spa+Clinic Team 
So happy to be here! Expo-goers on opening day. (Pix courtesy Natalie Page Photography: www.oneillandpageweddings.com.au)
Not even torrential rain for Saturday’s opening of the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo could dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of eager visitors clamouring for their dose of all things beauty, rejuvenation, skincare and wellbeing.
Crowds were even bigger and buzzier on Sunday, while nature was in a much sunnier mood.
The annual industry extravaganza, held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island, offered it all: the sex and sizzle of nail, makeup and tanning exhibits, the zen of wellbeing hubs, the sophistication and science of advanced skincare stands and device technology showcases.
Hawko made plenty of time for her fans as she launched her JBronze professional tanning range
Ever-ageless KAK shared her beauty and health secrets, that include regular Omnilux treatments
Experts from across the industry spectrum gave talks or held demonstrations on the Main, Wellbeing and Medi-Stages, with guest appearances by celebrity beauty icons Jen Hawkins and Kerri-Anne Kennerley sharing their knowledge and secrets. Predictably they were mobbed by selfie-seekers – autographs are so two years ago, don’t you know!
The view from Glebe Island: It might have been overcast and raining on opening morning, but what a welcome!
Reflecting the industry tidal wave that is bringing beauty and the medi-space into ever-closer synergy, a particular point of interest for SPA+CLINIC at Expo was the number of technology suppliers with multi-platform devices accessible to salons, spas and non-medi clinics.
As we’ve addressed in our current issue of SPA+CLINIC magazine, increasingly savvy, discerning and time-stretched clients are looking for one-stop-shops to meet most of their aesthetic needs.
While they still of course want their standard menu of facials, waxing, tanning, hair and nails, they are simultaneously looking for results-based treatments from their aesthetics destination; everything from skin rejuvenation to correcting conditions such as acne and pigmentation, from fat reduction and body sculpting to permanent hair reduction and tattoo removal.
The feel-good factor is no longer enough; clients are demanding bigger bang for their bucks (and time) with procedures that render visible improvements to their skin, face and body. In turn, salons, spas and clinics that strive to remain competitive and grow their customer base/bottom line are upping the ante and becoming multi-taskers, with device technology playing an important role.
It was only a few years ago that laser, light and energy-based equipment was largely reserved for doctor-operated clinics. Now, not only have devices become more accessible to ‘lay’ aesthetics businesses with machines that are relatively straightforward and safe to operate (with appropriate education and training, of course) by non-medical practitioners, but the machines themselves are offering an array of applications in the one unit.
A business owner does not have to fork out a fortune to buy or rent separate machines for, say, skin treatments and permanent hair reduction.
Companies such as Australasian Medical Aesthetics, France Medical, Medtel Aesthetics, Cutera, Allure Medical Group, High Tech Laser Australia, Avention Global, Medical Formulations, Cryomed, iNova, Cynosure, Palomar and newcomers like Viora and Seoul offered multi-platform devices to cater for all levels of market expertise, and offering training and support to help businesses meet the new market challenges.
Expo is a fantastic launch pad for new products, brands and treatments and introducing the rebranding of established favourites.
Just as Hawko used it to launch her JBronze professional tanning range, industry favourite Sunfx unveiled its new-look brand collateral and products (above). Watch this space …
Italian nail brand Faby chose Expo to launch its designer and cruelty-free gels and polishes to the Australian market while popular stalwarts OPI Professional and CND reinorced why they’re at the top of their game.
Stay tuned for our pick of the skincare and wellness picks of Sydnet International Spa & Spa Beauty Expo in next week’s enews.
