Balfour Aesthetics: Empowering You to Embrace Your Natural Beauty

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I don’t know about you, but I always reach for my phone and open social media almost immediately (as if I’ve missed so much overnight!).

This habit of being chronically online is damaging our confidence. Too often I view the ‘picture perfect’ lives people post on social media and wonder why my life doesn’t look as flawless.

We search the makeup industry for the latest trends and continue to apply what feels like a mask of makeup every morning before we face the world.

But when will we learn to love our natural features?

I recently spoke to Ellie Balfour, Founder of Balfour Aesthetics, to discover her journey as an Aesthetician and how her treatments help people feel confident, informed and empowered by enhancing our natural features.

When did your journey as an aesthetician begin and what inspired you to enter the industry?

My journey as an aesthetician began around two years ago, although I have worked in beauty for many years.

Through my work in makeup, both freelance and on a beauty counter, I have seen so many people pull their faces apart and speak very harshly about the way they look. I have done the same myself, especially when I struggled with acne growing up, so I understand how deeply your skin can affect your confidence and your mood.

Those experiences inspired me to move into aesthetics.

My aim is not to change how people look but to help them feel more confident in the skin they already have.

I focus on treatments that enhance natural features and help people feel like the best version of themselves.

What kinds of treatments do you offer?

I offer treatments such as skin boosters, microneedling and dermaplaning.

I prefer to specialise in a select range of treatments that I genuinely love and believe in. Everything on my treatment menu is something I trust, something that delivers real results and something that aligns with the natural, understated look that I believe in.

How do you aim to make customers feel after their treatments?

My aim is for every customer to feel confident, comfortable and fully informed.

Not every treatment looks perfect immediately, but I want clients to leave feeling safe and supported, with a clear understanding of what to expect.

I make sure every client knows what their treatment will achieve, what it will not achieve and how to care for their skin afterwards.

There are no unrealistic promises or pressure, only honest guidance and a calm, reassuring experience.

What challenges have you faced during your journey and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges is the growing number of practitioners in the industry. With so many people offering treatments, it can be difficult for clients to understand the differences between practitioners and to know who aligns with their values.

I overcome this by being completely transparent, consistent and honest.

I focus on building trust, showing my approach clearly and allowing my work and my client relationships to speak for themselves.

Staying true to my values has helped me stand out in a crowded industry.

How do you tailor your treatments to each customer’s skin and needs?

Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation.

Everyone’s skin and everyone’s concerns are different. What a client sees when they look in the mirror is often very different from what I see, so listening is essential.

I take time to understand what they are worried about, how they want to feel and what is important to them. From there, I make personalised recommendations based on their skin type, their lifestyle and the result they want to achieve.

There is no one size fits all approach. Every plan is unique to that person.

What do you love most about the skincare industry?

I love the transformation, especially the emotional transformation.

Watching someone leave with their head held higher and feeling more confident is the best part of what I do.

Confidence changes how you behave, how you speak and how you move through your day.

I love that skincare can help people invest in themselves in a positive way. You are not changing who you are. You are supporting who you are.

Do negative stereotypes around cosmetic treatments impact your work?

They can, yes.

Every industry has both positive and negative perceptions and aesthetics is no different. Some people have strong opinions before they truly understand what the treatments involve.

I approach this by being open and transparent. I explain my philosophy clearly and show that my work is based on natural results, care and ethical practice.

People will always have opinions, but aesthetics is not going anywhere. People will always invest in feeling good, whether that is through skin, hair, nails or makeup.

How important is it to support independent businesses like yours?

It is incredibly important.

Independent businesses take a great deal of dedication, courage and passion. When you support a small business, you support someone’s hard work and their dream.

I am genuinely grateful for every person who chooses to invest in me and my business.

What skill in the industry do you wish to learn next?

My aim is to continue improving the treatments I already offer and explore any additions that can elevate the results.

I would also love to expand my knowledge of skin health from a deeper perspective, so that I can provide even more tailored skincare routines and product recommendations. I am very interested in the dermatology side of skincare and how it can support long term results.

What are your plans for 2026 and beyond?

My goal is to grow my business and build a loyal client community who are invested in their skin and their confidence.

I want to increase my availability so I can dedicate more time to aesthetics and ensure I can see everyone who wants an appointment.

More than anything, I want to create a strong brand and a strong sense of community.

I want Balfour Aesthetics to be a place where people feel comfortable, empowered and connected. A place where clients feel understood and supported on their personal skin journey.

To keep up to date with the work of Ellie Balfour, you can head to her Instagram (@balfouraesthetics)!