Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Facials and skin care practice questions

10 free facials and skin care questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Effleurage, the movement often used to begin and end a facial massage, is best described as:

   ARapid shaking of the musclesBFirm kneading and liftingCQuick tapping with fingertipsDLight, slow, gliding strokes
   Show the answer

   Answer: D. Light, slow, gliding strokes

   Effleurage is light, continuous stroking with the palms or fingertips. It relaxes the client, spreads the product and links one movement to the next.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: massage

2. Question 2

   Which facial massage movement is the most stimulating and is used sparingly?

   ATapotement (light tapping)BEffleurage (gliding strokes)CPetrissage (deep kneading)DFriction (circular rubbing)
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Tapotement (light tapping)

   Tapotement (percussion) is light tapping or slapping with the fingertips. It is the most stimulating movement, so it is used briefly and with care.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: massage

3. Question 3

   A clay-based mask is usually chosen for which skin type?

   AOily skin with enlarged poresBMature skin with fine linesCSensitive skin that flushesDDry skin that feels tight
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Oily skin with enlarged pores

   Clay masks, often made with kaolin or bentonite, absorb excess oil and draw impurities from the pores. They can be too drying for dry or sensitive skin.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: facial treatments

4. Question 4

   FDA advises that cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can:

   AStop the skin from making oilBReplace the need for any moisturizerCMake the skin more sensitive to the sunDPermanently shrink the size of pores
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   Answer: C. Make the skin more sensitive to the sun

   FDA notes that AHA products can increase sun sensitivity and the chance of sunburn, and advises sun protection while using them and for a week after stopping.

   FDA: Alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetics

5. Question 5

   Salicylic acid is often chosen for oily, acne-prone skin because it:

   AIs a humectant that pulls in waterBBlocks UVA and UVB rays like sunscreenCIs oil-soluble and works inside poresDAdds a rich, protective layer of oil
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   Answer: C. Is oil-soluble and works inside pores

   Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is oil-soluble, so it can get into oily pores and loosen the dead cells and sebum that clog them.

   AAD: Acne: Diagnosis and treatment

6. Question 6

   A facial steamer’s reservoir should be filled with:

   ADiluted essential oilsBDistilled waterCTap water with saltDHydrogen peroxide
   Show the answer

   Answer: B. Distilled water

   Use distilled water in a facial steamer to prevent mineral buildup that can damage the unit. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and descaling.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: facial treatments

7. Question 7

   Skin that is oily through the forehead, nose and chin but normal to dry on the cheeks is:

   AMature, aging skinBDehydrated skinCSensitive skinDCombination skin
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   Answer: D. Combination skin

   Combination skin has an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with normal or dry cheeks. Each area is treated to suit its needs.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: skin analysis

8. Question 8

   Petrissage is a massage movement that:

   AGlides lightly over the skinBKneads and lifts the musclesCTaps the skin with fingertipsDShakes the area very rapidly
   Show the answer

   Answer: B. Kneads and lifts the muscles

   Petrissage is kneading: the skin and muscle are lifted, squeezed and released. It is deeper and more stimulating than effleurage.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: massage

9. Question 9

   Friction, in facial massage, refers to:

   AFirm rubbing in small circlesBQuick tapping with loose wristsCLight strokes with no pressureDRapid shaking with the fingertips
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Firm rubbing in small circles

   Friction is deep rubbing that moves the skin over the tissue beneath, often in small circles. Chucking, rolling and wringing are friction movements.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: massage

10. Question 10

    The Dr. Jacquet movement, a gentle pinching of the skin, is used mainly for:

    ASensitive skin with visible rednessBOily skin with clogged folliclesCSunburned skin that needs reliefDThin, mature skin with deep lines
    Show the answer

    Answer: B. Oily skin with clogged follicles

    The Dr. Jacquet movement is a light pinching of the skin that helps move sebum out of the follicles, so it suits oily skin.

    NIC Esthetics outline II: massage

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.