Monday 29 January 2018

My First Smear Test


"We would like to invite you for your cervical screening"
This is not the kind of invite any girl wants to receive!

So, I received my letter from my doctors just before my 25th birthday in October. I won't lie, when I read the letter I did feel extremely scared, and didn't want to go, so I didn't.
I then received the same letter a month later, again, I didn't book.

Last week was SmearForSmear, where all women are advised to go to their screenings.
With a push from my mum and her best friend, I finally booked for mine.

I was very very nervous, and was asking a thousand questions about what to expect!
However, I had my screening done this morning, and after laying flat on my back with everything on show, thinking "yep, my dignity is no more" and having to jump up and down a few times to move muscles out the way, I was done in less than 5minutes!
Yes, it was uncomfortable, but it did not hurt at all!

5 minutes to have a test done that could potentially save your life? Its a no brainer!


Why are screenings so important?
Cervical cancer is not uncommon. In more recent years, the number of cases has fallen due to more cervical screenings, however, there are still around 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the UK each year!
Most of these cases occur in women who have never had a screening or have left it very later to have their test done.
Regular screenings can prevent cervical cancer!


If you're reading this and have received your letter to go for your screening, and you haven't booked it, BOOK IT NOW!
It is so important!

If you're nervous, and want to know what it was like, please do not hesitate to ask me!


Speak soon,

Love Beckii
xxx

Sunday 21 January 2018

10 Reasons Your Eyelash Extensions Are Falling Out

Why Are Your Lash Extensions Not Lasting?




Once you've started having lash extensions, its pretty hard to just stop having them, right?
You wake up, look at your reflection in the mirror and think, 'yeah, I look bloody fab'
They save you time in the morning, and even when you're having one of those days where makeup is the last thing you can be bothered with, you still look like a queen!
However, lash extensions do require your love and attention, and without this, well, they just will not last as long they should.
There may also be other factors causing fall out, which is a little more difficult to control.

Below, I have listed 10 reasons why your lash extensions are not lasting.


1. Natural Lash Shedding
Your lashes naturally shed, which are then replaced by new baby lashes. It takes time for your this new lash to grow to match the length of others, which until is does, you're left with a gap. You lose one or more of your natural lashes every day, so if your lash wants to fall out the extension will come off too.

2. Wearing Mascara
One of the benefits of lash extensions is that mascara is not needed. It is actually proven that mascara breaks down the bonds in the adhesive. If you just cannot be without mascara, only apply it from halfway to the tips.

3. Oily Skin
Having oily skin is an annoying problem to deal with. It can also cause issues with lash extensions. Oily skin can break down the lash adhesive, causing the extension to fail to stay in. In some extreme cases, those with overly oily skin, may find the extensions will not stick at all!

4. Oily Products
Just like I said previously, oil breaks down the bonds in the lash adhesive. Oil based products are a nightmare for your lash extensions! The oil in the products will break down the adhesive, causing the extensions for fall out almost instantly.

5. Rubbing/Picking
The more you pick and rub your eyes, the more likely is it that your extensions will fall out. Picking will lose the adhesive. If you're picking and your natural lash also falls out, there will be nothing to attach another extension to until your next lash cycle.

6. Sleeping
We all have our ways of sleeping don't we? 
But let me tell you, if you're reading this, and you're one of those who face plants their pillow when sleeping, then I would recommend you try to stop that!
Sleeping on your face will cause your lash extensions to fall out or bend the wrong way.

7. Medication
Certain medication, such as thyroid treatment, can change the lash area, causing them to become dryer, oilier and brittle. If you're taking this medication, then you must be aware that your lashes may respond differently. Vitamin supplements to stimulate/encourage hair growth may cause your lashes to shed quicker than usual.

8. Getting Them Too Wet Too Soon
Your lash tech should explain to you to avoid getting your lashes wet for at least 24-48hours after your treatment. It takes about this time for the adhesive to set properly. If you do get them wet before the recommended time, the adhesive can crystallise causing irritation. Once you have past that time frame, you can carry on with normal activities, such as swimming.

9. Not Using Home-Care Advice
You must listen to after care advice given by your lash tech if you want to get the most out of your lashes. Failing to not care for them will cause your extensions to fall out. Neglecting to clean your lash extensions can cause irritation and sometimes even infection at the the base of the follicle. You should keep your lashes brushed with a spoolie/clean mascara wand.

10. Lash Tech
Although all lash techs are trained -should be- there is still a chance of error. Make sure you see an experienced lash tech -ME haha- who has photos of their work.
Some techs use too much glue causing the lashes the clump together, this will for sure cause then to fall out quicker and can even damage your natural lash.


I hope this helps any of you who are having issues with your extensions.
If I haven't covered something that you're still wanting the answer to, please feel free to ask by leaving a comment below, and i'll be happy to answer.



Speak soon,

Love Beckii
xxx