LuxeMore Beauty Academy

LuxeMore Beauty Academy is a Tampa esthetics school with a classroom at 711 W. Fletcher Ave. and a student spa at 707 W. Fletcher Ave. The school states its mission as quality beauty education with experienced instructors and hands-on learning in a real spa setting, and says it prepares students for State Board exams and for work in the industry. The school is part of the same team behind Luxe Face and Body, the spa founded by Program Director Monique Turley.

Students complete a 300-hour Facial Specialist program over about 16 weeks in a hybrid format, with 150 hours online and 150 hours in person. Day sessions meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and evening sessions meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Completing the program qualifies students for a Florida Facial Specialist license from the DBPR Board of Cosmetology, once state requirements are met. Topics include Circadia skin care products and treatments, Face Reality acne training, professional and back facials, corrective treatments, chemical peels, dermaplaning, vacuum pore suction, microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion, ethnic skin care, facial massage, waxing, lash extensions, lash lift and tint, brow lamination and tint, makeup and color theory, retail sales and ingredient technology. Certificates of completion are included for dermaplaning, hydrodermabrasion, Barbicide, HIV/AIDS infection control and melanoma training, plus Circadia certifications. The stated total is $6,250, covering tuition, books, a kit and an application fee. Student insurance through ASCP is $15 and billed separately. Enrollment closes two weeks before each start date, and orientation takes place the Thursday before the start at 4:00 PM.

The 60-hour Advanced Esthetics Training is for graduates of the 300-hour program, and licensed estheticians can also enroll directly. It meets in person on Saturdays from 1:00 to 5:00 PM over about 15 weeks. The curriculum covers microneedling with advanced nano infusion, advanced and specialty chemical peels, DPN and skin irregularity removal, advanced waxing with Brazilian techniques, intimate skin care, treating darker Fitzpatrick skin types, treatment planning, client consultation, and spa operations. It adds certifications and does not carry an additional state license. The school also lists a 360-hour pathway that combines both programs.

Student spa work becomes required at 150 clock hours, typically after about the first eight weeks. Services are performed by students and supervised by licensed skin care professionals or instructors. Menu items include a 30-minute classic facial, 60-minute deluxe, microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion, oxygen and nanoneedling facials, a Face Reality acne consultation with facial, a dermaplaning facial, a back facial with hot stone massage, and a chemical peel application. Waxing is offered from lip and underarm to full leg and Brazilian, and brow services range from waxing and tinting to lamination with mapping. Lash services include classic full sets, cluster applications, strip lashes and lash lift and tint. Clients on prescription topical acne products such as Differin, Retin-A, Clindamycin or Epiduo must stop use for two weeks before an acne facial or book only the consultation.

Financing and benefits: the school does not offer federal financial aid at this time. It offers in-house payment options and works with private lenders. It is a VA-authorized Non-Degree College training facility and accepts VA and military assistance programs, though VA education benefits apply only to the 300-hour program. Continuing education includes one-on-one and group advanced trainings for working estheticians, covering topics such as chemical peels, body contouring, speed waxing, microneedling, dermaplaning and DPN and skin tag removal. A laser and electrolysis program is listed as coming soon, with no start date given.

Hands-on training: students build skills on real clients in the student spa after classroom instruction, with licensed professionals and instructors supervising.

A working spa setting on Fletcher Avenue where students practice on real clients.