Expectations vs. Reality

Exclusive ASCP article provided by Melissa Taillon, The Skin Games finalist in the Compromised Skin category.

I tried  not to get my hopes up too much for my first Skin Games. I made sure I studied hard, practiced interviewing (which ended up being for naught—I’ll explain later), and I got to wear the dress of my dreams next to my husband looking so cute in his tuxedo. Not everything went as planned though, so I’d like to share my expectations versus the reality of the beast that is The Skin Games.
 

Expectation:
“I’m just going to stick to the same treatment. She’s got oily skin, that’s all she needs.”
Reality:
Oh man, I changed her treatment so many times it wasn’t even funny. I started treating her as if she had oily skin, then I totally over-dried her! Turns out she was a combination of normal and dry and was over-producing oil. So I had to go back, hydrate her skin, and repair that barrier. I managed to figure it out, but my expectation of just doing the one treatment was just … so wrong. And I’m so glad it was.
Outcome:
I learned more about oily skin, healing the barrier, and was able to experiment with different treatments. 

Expectation:
“I’m going to hate making the videos!”
Reality:
I actually really like making videos. I have a whole list of things I’m going to do for my YouTube channel because of this experience. It has made me get more comfortable with being in front of the camera or talking in the background, and I really like piecing clips together to make a fun video.
Outcome:
I became better at making videos and they’re more enjoyable to watch.

 

 

Expectation:
“I’ll know my case study like the back of my hand! I’ll recite it in my sleep!”
Reality:
I DID know my case study like the back of my hand. I know more about vitamin C than any normal person should (but honestly, go read more about vitamin C and the effects it has on the skin. Honestly, go. Now. Come back when you’re done), but when the time came to do my interview, my nerves kicked in. I had a whole binder of my treatment information in front of me, but I got so nervous that I totally blanked. On everything. I won’t say what the questions were (in case they get reused for next year), but documenting treatment information is something you learn on DAY ONE of esthetics school, and you use for every single new client. I just stared at the moderator trying to find the words. It didn’t help that I recognized two very influential estheticians in my judging panel, and the more I tried to talk, the dumber I felt.
Outcome:
I know what to expect for next year. I know the judges are people too, and they started out just like I did. I know not to over-study like I did and to just breathe when I feel overwhelmed. The moderator from my category came over to me later at the welcome party and asked if I felt any better, and I just sighed and said, “No,” because I knew I blew it. He told me I wasn’t the only one who reacted that way and it did make feel better. I know now that I need to find a way to calm my nerves and just slow down.

Expectation:
“I’m going to make so many new friends!”
Reality:
Oh boy, did I really introvert my way out of this one. I feel so badly because I got to know maybe three people the whole time! I got to meet and get to know the winner of my category, Jennifer Kligman (SO SWEET—honestly, I almost jumped out of my seat when her name was called for first place), and we ended up Facebook friends. Beyond that, I was just so intimidated by these powerful women who already all knew each other that I just sat and watched everyone mingle.
Outcome:
Next year, I’m going to force myself to meet other contestants. I have roughly a year to get to know these ladies in the Facebook groups and look forward to meeting them. I can do this!

The main points I want anyone to take away from this is that it IS okay to mess up. Everyone does. It is important to know that if you reach a low (like blowing it in front of respected judges when you’re actually intelligent) there is ALWAYS a step up from there. There is always a “next time.” Take the loss with grace and just use it as motivation for next time.
 

Want to learn more about Melissa and her Skin Games journey? Check out this article: What Made You Decide to Compete in The Skin Games?