Hey guys,

During this pandemic I have used this time to stop wearing makeup and just let my skin heal and 'breathe'. I wouldn't say my skin is bad but with these masks I have noticed a lot of congestion around my cheeks and chin. It has made me so self-conscious and overthink like 'omg I can't go out', 'omg are they looking at my skin' etc. When the rules were relaxed slightly I decided to go for my first dermaplane facial to see if that would be any good for the skin. As I have always worn makeup whether it was for work, a night out, going out in the day and not been in a proper skincare routine; I think my skin was having a massive purge of all the years I have not looked after my skin properly. 

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning exfoliates the outer most layer of dead skin cells, peach fuzz, hair and vellus in order to allow a new layer of skin come through. It uses a thin blade to gently remove the epidermis (top layer of the skin). It is painless and you can usually see the results straight away. Dermatologists usually recommend getting this treatment once a month. 

Stages

The whole process is usually 50 minutes. Firstly, the specialist double cleansed my face to make sure there was no sort of product and so she could work on a clean base. The first cleanse was an oil based cleanser which gently broke down any pollution/bacteria/oils/dirt and skincare that was already on my face. The second cleanse was water based. Next, she toned my face, patted the face dry and then cracked onto the dermaplane. My specialist then applied a gentle jojoba oil which enabled the blade to glide smoothly across the skin. (I have heard some people use argan oil instead but think this is the specialist preference). 

Dermaplaning involves a thin blade (looks like a razor blade) in which goes across the taut skin slowly at a 45 degree angle. My specialist started one side of the face and began on the jaw line working up to the forehead. This usually takes between 20-30 minutes and is pain free. After this process, I then had a really hydrating face mask with some cold cotton pads on the eyes for about 15 minutes. Then it was finished up with a oil-free moisturiser and some oil-free SPF. 

I did notice that I went slightly red, which is a common non-issue after having a dermaplane. This subsided once I had left the salon. 

Benefits of having a Dermaplane:

• Primes the skin
• Improves skin texture
• Soft, healthier, dewy skin
• Brightens the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation
• Increases the absorption of skincare products in particular, serums
• Removes peach fuzz
• Makeup goes on so much smoother
• Triggers cell regeneration
• Pain free
• No downtime
• Suitable for all skin types
• Removes the layer of dead skin cells
• Fades/diminishes the appearance of fine lines
• Stimulates circulation and promotes blood flow - If you specialist also does an exfoliation stage

Second time I went for a dermaplane

 Hey guys,

So one of my best friends moved to Milton Keynes with her boyfriend. She is literally one of my sisters' so I do miss her but it's also the perfect excuse to get out the Merseyside and adventure England a lot more. So on Friday evening me and 3 of my friends travelled down to Milton Keynes for the weekend. Friday night we just cracked open the wine, put a pizza in the oven, had a house tour (such a stunning house) and caught up with the Love Island dramatic Casa Amour stick or recouple episode. Anyone else watch?!

Then, on Saturday we got up quite early for London. As a group we are useless at planning and organising things; The amount of times we say let's do this (e.g. camping, a holiday, a lodge etc) and it falls through. Sure they won't mind me mentioning that seems as its true and we all know it haha. So we originally planned to be out the house for 10am to get into London for 11am. But then we didn't end up leaving until just before 12 as we were getting ready, waiting around for the taxi, and then getting the train. We also had a nightmare with the Trams as we got on about 3 wrong ones - easily done though. The tube journey's weren't that bad; there was quite a few drunks as there seemed to be a festival or event happening (but I love them kind of vibes) and we always managed to get a seat together until the final journey. The final tube journey was horrendous, it was so packed and everyone was on top each other. With the mask on I was sweating and felt so faint but luckily we was getting off after 3 stops. We then got off the tube to find it was bouncing down. But we didn't mind; we packed for all the weathers. 

        

        

        

        

We were then all wrecked so we decided to head back up towards London Bridge and jump the train back to Milton Keynes. We then finished the night off with some munchies, glasses of wine and a few card games and a game called Pass the Pigs. We became obsessed with Pass the Pigs. Omg I loved it. I even came home and bought it online so I could play it with my family. Such a good lighthearted game. Anyone else played it?!

        

Anyways, I will definitely need to head back up to London soon as there is so much more I didn't get to see or do such as; a musical, London Eye, the shops, Peggy Porschen's cafe and Notting Hill. 

 Hey guys,

So for about 2 years I have been considering microblading but on the other hand I'm like nope it's expensive and not worth it, it's just another trend. I having this conversation weekly now with my 2 little sisters who are teenagers and are wanting to touch their brows.

During high school and university my brows were so thin (that was the trend at the time) and thinking back I should have listened to my family and not touched my brows. They used to tell me I had good brows and I would regret touching it. For those who don't know, Microblading is a semi permanent cosmetic procedure. It creates the best eyebrow shape according to your face. It uses a very fine needle/blade which inserts pigment under the skin using featherweight hair strokes. Similar to a paper cut. With it being semi permanent, the pigment does fade and the results do depend on your lifestyle, skin type etc. I have heard quite a lot of people who have lost their eyebrow hairs whether its from cancer or another condition have found Microblading to bring back a natural look and also their confidence.

During lockdown I thought this was the perfect time to grow my brows. I bought a Brow Growth Serum from Boots (click here) and I also bought some Castor Oil from Amazon (click here) as these two had amazing reviews for eyebrow and eyelash growth. I found the Castor Oil was a miracle worker but some parts of my eyebrows are quite stubborn. So one of my eyebrows was a lot thicker and some of the front hairs would stick up whereas the other eyebrow would curve over. (If that doesn't make sense I'm sure the pictures will hahah).

I decided as I had saved my money quite a bit during lockdown that I wanted to treat myself and as this is something I had been considering for a long while, I thought you know what I'm gonna take the plunge. As a coincidence a Makeup Artist who is also specialised in brows and lashes followed me on Instagram and currently had an offer on her Microblading. It was reduced from £275 to £200 and that includes the top up in 6 weeks after the first appointment. After stalking her Instagram and the before & after results I decided to message her on the Thursday and within the hour I was booked in. No backing out now haha. 

Pre Appointment:

I went to get my skin test the following day. Whilst I was there Charli went through the procedure, if I had any preferences in mind (e.g. shape and colour) and had my fill out a consultation form. The form was quite long winded but that is the best thing as it covers everything. Charli then went through what I should do before my appointment which was; 

• Come with your eyebrows drawn on (so she can see how you usually have them)
• No ibuprofen, blood thinners, alcohol or caffeine for 48hours beforehand
• Don't workout the day before or on the day
• Don't wax or tint 3 days before
• No sunbeds/spray tan/sun exposure
• To wear comfortable clothing as it is a long procedure so this makes you more comfortable

Day of Appointment:

My appointment was then the following Tuesday at 3pm. Charli took some pictures of my before brows and then put a numbing cream on for 20 minutes whilst she went through my consultation form and the procedure again, she also showed me 2 shades that would suit my skin type and hair colour to see which one I would prefer and asked if I had any questions. She explained that the numbing cream is for the skin but because she is going to be breaking the skin the numbing cream will wear off but she applies a different numbing cream that is for broken skin so not to worry and if I want to stop then that's ok. After wiping the numbing cream off she then went on to doing the mapping of the brows. This stage probably did take the longest because she wanted it to be precise. This consisted of a ruler and a diagram with an eyebrow pencil (I'll insert a picture). But basically the start of your eyebrow should begin in line with your nose, your arch should follow a diagonal line from your nose to your pupil and your tail should be from your nose to the end of your eye socket. Once this was done, Charli got me to sit up so she could examine the mapping from her eye view and if there was any changes that needed to be made. She looked from every angle going. After this she gave me a mirror so I could check what my new brows would be like and to look at every angle and see I had any changes I wanted to make. The only change that was made was that she thought my right eyebrow arch needed to be slightly higher to match the other brow.

Photo Credit: The Every Girl

Once the procedure was over she tided my brows up - putting an aftercare cream on, shaving and tweezing the brow hairs that were not included in the shape. She then took some after pictures and then did the final reveal - giving me the mirror so I could see my final brows. My reaction was - amazed, so happy, selfie galore ahah.

I am currently a week down the line. My brows a few days later had gotten slightly darker - but she did warn me this would happen as it foreign to the body so it is trying to push the pigment out. They are currently going through the scabbing and itchy stage. One eyebrow I have found is a lot more itchy compared to the other I just slightly dab it because you obviously can't scratch it because you lose some of the pigment. Charli did also warn me that once the scabbing stage is over the pigment will look like it has faded because it has eventually sunken into the skin. But in another 3-4 weeks they will return to how they looked when I left her salon. On the 6th to 7th week you go back to the salon for a top up for potential spots she may have missed or to make them darker or add on a few more hairs. I am thinking of maybe extending the tail but we'll see in a few weeks time haha. She did tell me she did space her strokes out compared to other Microblading artists because she has found that sometimes the pigment when healing can migrate together so it is better to space them out until the second appointment. 

** The complete stages:**

Day 1-4: The pigment will appear quite sharp and dark - This is due to not settling into the skin yet - It will soften gradually 

Day 5-7: Your eyebrows will start to flake and scab - Could look like dandruff flakes or dry skin - Don't worry the pigment isn't fading

Day 8-12: The pigment may look like it's faded - Trust the process it hasn't

Day 14-28: Your brows could look patchy or uneven but the pigment will start to reappear as it is starting to settle into the skin

6-8 weeks: A top up is advised

My Review:

My brows honestly look so well-defined yet natural. I currently have fake tan on my body due to going out so I have found that my makeup application is literally taking 10 minutes if that - bit of concealer for my spots, bronzer, mascara, liquid blusher and highlighter with a bit of lip gloss and I'm ready for the day. So natural and quick - I am a definite fan. I would rate the whole experience a 5* - the procedure, my artist's presence and reassurance, the shape of even brows etc. I have had so many compliments off the people who knew I was getting it done and when I have told people afterwards they have said they haven't noticed it being a tattoo and just thought it was your typical wax and tint. They haven't meant it in a horrible way but more with the fact it doesn't stand out and it does look natural. 

Before Microblading

After Microblading

Aftercare Tips:

• Boil the kettle (this kills off bacteria), let it cool and dampen (but don't soak) and a cotton pad and gently dab the eyebrows - morning and night - Then apply a tiny amount of aftercare ointment to your brows using a cotton bud - Do this for about 10-14 days
• Don't get your brows fully wet
• Avoid the gym or workouts for a week or 2 - sweat can make the pigment run
• Don't touch your brows so bacteria doesn't get in - If you need to thoroughly wash your hands first
• Don't pick the scabs
• Don't use any acids or retinoids 
• Don't apply makeup directly on the brows and be careful around the area 
• Avoid saunas/sunbeds/swimming

This is me a week down the line, still in love