All You Need To Know About Dermaplaning

It wasn't until I asked one of my clients why her skin was glowing, that she told me it was because of a facial she had called Dermaplaning.

I instantly wanted that glow, so decided to get it done also.

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a facial skin care treatment that removes vellus hair - peach fuzz - and dead skin cells. A small sterile blade is used by a trained professional, and whilst stretching each area of skin being worked on, the blade is swiped in gentle upward motions.

- Yes! That hair has come off my face! Disgusting right, what a beast!

I have been having this done since August last year by Piper at HLA Studio a boutique aesthetic provider.

Her salon is based at Battlers Green Farm, Radlett, and it is beautiful!

Piper really knows what she is talking about, and every time I visit, different products are used depending on how my skin is.

The treatment itself is pain-free and very relaxing. My skin looks and feels incredible after each treatment, and continues to do so for a good week after.

I also love how smooth my makeup goes on once all the hair is gone and the dead skin cells have been removed.

Piper always tells me after each treatment to be extra cautious with my skin, by making sure I'm using a moisturiser with SPF in, especially a few days after the facial. 

- Before and after. My skin is slightly red in the after image because of an enzyme peel I also had!

- The glowing skin I always wanted! I have no make up on at all!

If you are interested in having this facial done, I definitely recommend you give Piper a visit, you will not be disappointed!

Her Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/hlastudio/

Speak soon,

Love Beckii

xxx

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

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

Help Me Organics

Help me bring sunshine to a cloudy day

I was kindly sent this candle to review from Help Me Organics.

About the candle -

Soy wax candle, handmade in Cheshire.

Cruelty free and vegan friendly.

They source essential oils, butters, waxes and hydrosols to create paragon and microbead free products.

Ingredients: Citronella, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Spearmint.

My thoughts -

I have been eating outside quite a lot recently as we have been spoilt with the lovely weather, and one thing I cannot stand about eating outside is all the insects that swarm you the second you sit down to eat!

Once I started burning the candle, there were no bugs around me and the scent was so fresh and summery. 

If you want a bug free lunch/dinner, then definitely get this candle!

My mum LOVES candles like this, and she said that its one of the best ones that we have had! 

Help me organics have so many different types of candles, room sprays and blends, all in different scents. 

All of which have different essential oils in to help with different things such as, PMT, menopause, boost your immune system, help you to sleep and so on.

I have linked their website below for you all to check out. 

I don't think you'll be disappointed!

https://www.helpmeorganics.com

Let me know if you purchase anything, or if you already have any products from them!

Speak soon,

Love Beckii

xxxx

Nouveau Lashes - Lash & Lid Foaming Cleanser Review

Following the launch of Nouveau Lashes brand new product this week, here I am writing up my thoughts on the product.

What is it?

The Lash & Lid Foaming Cleanser.

The lovely ladies over at Nouveau, very kindly sent me one to review.

What does it do?

It has specifically been developed to encourage lash and eyelid hygiene, by removing all traces of makeup, dirt and other irritants, whilst conditioning and cleansing the eye area.

It has been specially formulated with powerful prebiotic ingredients which are known to protect against harmful bacterias to help prevent redness and irritation.

What's good about this cleanser is that you can use it on all types of lashes!

Eyelash Extensions? Yes

LVL Lash Lift? Yes

My thoughts..

I have been using this for a week now and can honestly say I love it!

I won't lie, using stuff like this around my eyes makes me nervous, I'm sure I am not the only one? 

Stingy eyes are the WORST!

Luckily, this does not sting at all - PHEW!

It is very easy to use. Pump some onto your clean finger and massage into your eyelids and lashes - yes it's that simple!

It does come with a lovely petite brush, which I actually prefer to use!

It can also be used to gently clean your makeup brushes!

Should you buy this?

Yes! I feel like my eyes have benefited by using this a lot already. They feel hydrated, super clean and cared for.

If you would like to buy this cleanser, then click here.

You can also check out the rest of their products and treatments they offer.
Nouveau are a cruelty free/vegan brand and most of their products are registered with The Vegan Society! If you would like to read more info on this, then click this link below!
https://nouveaulashes.com/vegan-friendly-lashes

If you buy this product, or already have, leave comments below on your thoughts!

Speak soon,

Love Beckii

xxxx

LVL Lash Lift: 5 Reasons Why It's My Favourite!

Eyelashes & Brows are for me, the most important features of the face!

But for today, I will be talking all things lashes, and why I love the LVL Last Lift so much!

What is this treatment? 

Well, let me tell you, its one of the BEST lash treatments around at the moment! It straightens your natural lashes from the root to create a longer and lifted lash. They last 6-8 weeks and results are immediate!

Here are 5 reasons why I love this treatment:

1. No mascara

Mascara is a massive problem for me, as it really irritates my eyes! Fortunately, I naturally have long, thick lashes, so having my lashes lifted means I do not need mascara!

I use the Lash & Brow Conditioning Serum daily to help give my lashes that extra oomph! You can however use mascara on top of this treatment if you wanted to!

2. Maintenance free

Unlike eyelash extensions which need infills every 2/3weeks - don't get me wrong, they look amazing also - LVL is completely and 100% maintenance. They last 6-8 weeks until they will need doing again.

3. Reduces time in the mornings

Having LVL reduces your time getting ready in the mornings massively! Who doesn't love a couple of extra minutes in bed!?

4. Perfect for holidays!

I don't know about anyone else, but wearing a full face of makeup round the pool or on the beach is the last thing I want to be worrying about whilst on holiday! With LVL it means you can relax with the thought of panda free eyes!

5. No makeup days

We all have those days where you just want a day or two off slapping makeup on! 

This is another reason why LVL is so good, as it will still look like you have mascara on, when in fact you don't! 

Not only do I have this treatment done myself, I also perform the treatment. I highly recommend this treatment, it is suitable for any lash type as it nourishes and encourages them to grow longer and thicker!

I have posted a few photos at the end of this post for you all to see the dramatic difference!

If you have any questions you'd like answering, please leave some comments below or feel free to email me - contact details here 

Speak soon,

Love Beckii

xxxx

 

90's Throwback!

If you're a 90's baby, then I feel like this little throwback post will excite you, just as much as it excited me writing it!

This is a completely different post to what I usually write, but I came across a few photos that reminded me of my childhood, and just had to do it.

So sit back and enjoy this very nostalgic post!

I don't know about you, but everyday after school I would be so excited to watch loads of TV. Nickelodeon, Disney, CBBC, you name it! 

My favourites were, Saved by the Bell, The Amanda Show, Hey! Arnold, Rugrats, Recess and Tracy Beaker!

Who remembers school dinners with the sectioned trays? 

Turkey twizzlers, turkey dinosaurs, pizza, chips, vanilla sponge, jelly & ice cream! 

My god, school dinners back then were unhealthy, but so yummy!

Packed lunches in your Spice Girls lunch box were always a surprise -  'what did mum pack for me today?'

Dairylea Lunchables, Frubes, Cheesestring, Fruit Winder, Pringles in your Pringle carry case that you just had to have, Mini Jaffa Cakes which you always hoped had 7 instead of 6!

Finishing with a peppermint strip, waiting for it to dissolve on your tongue and thinking it was magic when it just disappeared!

School discos.. the macarena, cotton eyed joe, saturday night - all of which you had to know the dance moves to. 

Crimping your hair and then clipping in as many butterfly hair clips as you can, whilst covering every bit of showing skin in roll on body glitter, and finishing the look off with a pair of stick on earrings!

Beanie Babies? Of course, who didn't have at least 1? 

As for me, I had loads!

My favourite was a black labrador called Luke. Which one was your favourite?

How many of you owned a Furby?

I was obsessed with mine!

Nintendo 64, Gameboy, Playstation 1.

I always remember being obsessed with playing Barbie Race & Ride and some weird alien game called Abe Oddysee on the playstation!

I could go on and on but I think that's enough!

If you're a 90's baby, and I haven't mentioned something you always remember, please leave a comment below and let me know!

Speak soon,

Love Beckii

xxxx