Inspiring Lives Magazine Spring 2017: Issue 4 | Page 97
BEYOND BASIC VANITY:
Renewing Self-Confidence by Enhancing Beauty
By Jen Forsyth
“So many women don’t realize how beautiful they are, es-
pecially when they have sparse or missing eyebrow hair or
lashes,” Rachel Schinosi, president of Cosmetic Solutions,
explained. “They feel self-conscious without their makeup, but
permanent makeup gives them confidence.”
Schinosi is a state-licensed medical esthetician who has
been applying permanent makeup for 17 years. Cosmetic
Solutions, a non-surgical aesthetic boutique, has served clients
at its Canonsburg location for 12 years. Schinosi wanted to
help people realize their natural beauty by perfecting their
skin and enhancing their eyes, brows, and lips without sur-
gery. “When the key features of the face are shaped the right
way, they pop, and suddenly, you see how beautiful you are.”
Recently, Cosmetic Solutions tattooed the breasts of a can-
cer patient who had a mastectomy. They also use permanent
makeup to replace the lashes and brows of cancer patients who
lose their hair to chemotherapy, and they can assist in the re-
pair of some cleft lips and scars.
One of the hallmarks of a successful business is the team
you surround yourself with.
“I look for people who are passionate, kind, and talented,”
Schinosi said, “like my sister Heather [Hunter, cosmetic
enhancement specialist] and Tammy [Gaydos, cosmetic en-
hancement specialist]. But I also look at
how they make people feel.”
Schinosi’s staff also includes skincare
specialist Lori Sleva and office manager
Renee Glover.
Schinosi got her start where many young
girls do: right in front of her own mirror.
Typical teenage insecurities taught her to
experiment with makeup and emphasize her
best features. “I wanted other people to feel
great, too, so I made a business out of it.”
Schinosi is not only part of the industry.
She is helping it become safer and better
regulated, as well. “Anybody can train or be trained in cosmetic
tattooing—what permanent makeup is. Fundamental training
is only one week long and is often taught by inexperienced
artists. So I’m starting a school here, where I can make sure
people get the right information. The people I choose to work
for my business must complete an apprenticeship after that one
week of training.”
Through Cosmetic Solutions, Schinosi wants the public to
see that everyone can bring out their natural beauty. “Every-
one has something beautiful!” n