Cosmetology Skin Care Services Practice Questions
Skin Care Services makes up 5 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Cosmetology practice test. Here are 10 of the 20 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. These sets follow the NIC theory exam only: 110 items, 100 scored, 90 minutes (outline effective July 1, 2022). PSI states, including California from April 1, 2026, use a 120-minute outline. This bank is not weighted to PSI.
1. A client with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks has which skin type?
- A.Sensitive
- B.Combination
- C.Oily
- D.Normal to dry
Answer: B. Combination skin is oily through the forehead, nose and chin and normal to dry elsewhere, so it is treated zone by zone.
2. Enlarged follicles, shine and blackheads across the face indicate:
- A.Sensitive skin
- B.Mature skin
- C.Dry skin
- D.Oily skin
Answer: D. Overactive sebaceous glands enlarge the follicle openings and trap sebum as comedones. Dry skin shows small pores and flaking.
3. A client with an active cold sore (herpes simplex) on the lip should:
- A.Be rescheduled
- B.Get a lip exfoliation
- C.Receive a lip wax
- D.Be treated with gloves
Answer: A. Herpes simplex is contagious and waxing or exfoliating the area spreads it. Facial services around the lip wait until the lesion has healed.
4. A client who is taking oral isotretinoin (an acne medication) should not receive:
- A.A hydrating mask
- B.A makeup application
- C.A waxing service
- D.A gentle cleanse
Answer: C. Isotretinoin leaves the skin thin and fragile, and waxing can lift and tear it. Topical retinoids, recent peels and blood thinners are also waxing contraindications.
5. In a basic facial, which step comes directly after cleansing?
- A.Mask application
- B.Moisturizer
- C.Skin analysis
- D.Extractions
Answer: C. The skin can only be analyzed once makeup and oil are removed, and the analysis decides every product that follows. Extractions and masks come later in the sequence.
6. The last product applied at the end of a daytime facial is:
- A.Moisturizer with SPF
- B.An astringent toner
- C.An exfoliating scrub
- D.A clay-based mask
Answer: A. Facials end with protection: toner balances the skin, then a moisturizer and sunscreen seal it. Masks and exfoliants come earlier, before the final steps.
7. The light, gliding stroke that begins and ends a facial massage is:
- A.Vibration
- B.Petrissage
- C.Tapotement
- D.Effleurage
Answer: D. Effleurage is a soft stroking movement used to open and close the massage and between other movements. Petrissage is kneading and tapotement is tapping.
8. Facial massage movements are directed:
- A.Toward the chin and neck
- B.From insertion toward origin
- C.From origin toward insertion
- D.Across the muscle fibers
Answer: B. Pressure runs from the muscle's movable attachment (insertion) to its fixed one (origin) so the muscle is not stretched or loosened. Most face movements therefore go upward and outward.
9. Which hair removal method is considered permanent?
- A.Depilatory cream
- B.Electrolysis
- C.Waxing
- D.Threading
Answer: B. Electrolysis destroys the papilla with electric current so the hair cannot regrow. It usually requires a separate electrologist license, which varies by state.
10. Before applying heated wax to a client, test its temperature on:
- A.A paper strip
- B.The lid of the pot
- C.The client's forearm
- D.Your own inner wrist
Answer: D. A small patch on the technician's inner wrist confirms the wax is warm, not hot, before it touches the client. Overheated wax burns and lifts skin.
Practice all 20 skin care services questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free Cosmetology training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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