:: Spotlight :: Beauty Profile - model Cathy Ruffels talks about her life as a beauty therapist

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Making enhancements to bodily features is an ever-growing industry, giving women, in particular, an empowering influence on their personality and self-image. I thought it was time to have a chat to a person who specialises in beauty therapy. Cathy Ruffels is such a person. As well as being a stunning model, she works diligently in giving women an extra dimension to their confidence and self-esteem.

Cathy works as part of a team of hairdressers and beauticians at Brush Hair & Beauty in Glenferrie Road, Malvern, which is open six days a week. I caught up with Cathy for a discussion about what she sees in making women feel extra special.

Tell us a little background information about yourself?

I grew up in Yarrambat in Victoria. My parents bred dogs but I always felt like a city girl. I studied at Eltham College and then thought I’d get into a Psychology course. But then I realised that I wanted to learn about make-up. I studied beauty at the Elly Lukas College in the city and then worked part-time before getting this job at Brush Hair & Beauty in Malvern. I also do some modelling with the Showponies modelling agency.

What satisfies you about being a beauty therapist?

What I like about my work is making people feel better about themselves – meeting new people and learning new therapies.

What are the most requested needs of customers?

The most common treatments are waxing and spray tans. We also do massages, facials, and make-up, though they’re not as common. People go for the necessities like waxing and nails.

What age groups are you noticing that undertake such treatments?

It’s a really mixed clientele in terms of age groups. We can get anyone between the ages of 14 and 70. Older people generally don’t spend a lot of money on themselves – more the middle-aged group who will indulge in the facials and massages. The economic downturn has seen people stretch out their visits from four weeks to about six weeks, but it hasn’t been too bad at this stage.

What advances in technology have you seen?

We now do laser hair removal and facial rejuvenation. That is the most recent technological advance. Methods have improved a lot in the last few years that I have been involved. We’re learning all the time. We do regular training for make-up and skin care as new products hit the market.

Some general things about yourself.
Favourite music

Mariah Carey is my ultimate favourite singer but I like house music and pretty much any mainstream music.

Favourite films

Romantic comedies, American boy movies – like ‘Knocked Up’ and Ben Stiller movies.

Favourite sport

I love the Olympics and I’ve started to enjoy Australian Rules football.

Favourite fashion

I like Gwen Stefani’s designs, but most things fun and girly.

What beauty tips can you recommend?

Everybody out there must cleanse and moisturise every day. There are a lot of pollutants in the air so you should cleanse your skin every night

Health tips?

Beauty comes from the inside. Have the right food, including lots of vegetables, and drink water.

There are many young women with bad skin. Do you see many as customers and what can they do to improve the situation?

We still get a few girls who come in with blotched skin and they tend to pack on the make-up, which makes it worse. We have a mineral make-up (like a skin care make-up) that helps the skin.

What do you think about the Australian man?

I have noticed in the club scene that a lot of the young guys are really into their hair and appearance. They spend money on the right clothes.

What do you think of text messaging?

I am addicted to it. It’s bad in that it stops direct personal communication. It’s probably less intimidating for people in getting to know others.

What's the best thing about Australia?

I love how multicultural it is. Although I haven’t seen a lot of it, we have a laid-back attitude. Melbourne offers much in the way of being close to anything. The roads are good and we have great cafes, restaurants, shops, fashion and sport.

How do you see your future role in the beauty industry?

I am very happy working here. This industry will keep growing. Things that used to be luxuries, like doing nails and spray tan, are now necessities for a lot of people. It will evolve further and people will become more high maintenance.