“Looking good” and “low-maintenance” don’t usually go hand in hand – until now, that is.
“Looking good” and “low-maintenance” don’t usually go hand in hand – until now, that is. Enter the new wave of treatments promising to cut your beauty routine in half…
Pain rating: 3/10
“The lips are the easiest area on the face to numb so it makes for a relatively painfree treatment,” says Rebecca. However, some may notice swelling over the following couple of days. If this sounds a bit too extreme, don’t underestimate the power of a lip liner!
Pain Rating: 4/10
The area is numbed with a high-strength optical anesthetic, which ensures the treatment is as painfree as possible. “While the sensation is slightly uncomfortable, clients say the part they dislike most is the noise as it’s quite scratchy,” Rebecca adds.
Semi-Permanent Makeup
When it comes to makeup, especially in our hot weather, you need a look that can go the distance. An increasing number of women are turning to beauty treatments that ensure longevity without multiple applications throughout the day. For those juggling a tight schedule or who are just fond of a minimalistic beauty routine, eyebrow embroidery is a game-changer, saving energy and valuable time on busy mornings. For those who would like to take this even further, semi-permanent makeup can extend to eyeliners and even lip colours. To learn more, we consulted the experienced technicians leading the way in the industry.
What to Expect
Consultation: During the consultation, the technician will assess any contra-indications such as medications that might affect your suitability for the treatment, along with your objectives and expectaions. Your consultation may also involve a patch test. Semi-permanent makeup will work for most people, but if you’re on medication it may be worth checking with your GP prior. For example, those on blood thinners may not be the best candidates.
LIPS “Lip contour tattoos are fast becoming the next big beauty craze as they’re designed to enhance and define lips, not actually amplify or plump,” says cosmetic tattoo technician Rebecca Hutchinson.
How Does It Work?
Using a fine tip designed especially for lips, the tattoo follows the natural lip line in a complementary shade over two sessions. After the first session, the lip colour will appear quite prominent but it will soften over the course of the week.
Who’s The Ideal Candidate?
Anyone who struggles with ‘bleeding’ lipstick or is simply after a fuller-looking lip.
What’s The Upkeep Like?
You can expect an annual touch-up for a colour refresh.
BROWS Brow embroidery, also referred to as brow feathering or microblading, is a popular makeup tattooing treatment, creating brows that could easily be mistaken for the real deal.
How Does It Work?
“Brow feathering is performed using a handheld tool with fine needles, which enables us to etch and mimic fine hair-like strokes that we then deposit pigment into,” says brow technician Claire Weathers.
Who’s The Ideal Candidate?
“Brows that despite all efforts will have issues which require daily addressing, such as gaps, thinness, lack of strength and colour are the perfect candidates for a tattoo,” says Claire.
What’s The Upkeep Like?
Results won’t last forever and maintenance is to be expected. “You can generally expect to get a year out of your brows before they need a refresh,” says Rebecca.
Pain Rating: 4/10
Contrary to what you might think being in a sensitive area, most people don’t find lash enhancement tattoos painful. “It’s very vibrational on the eye area so it can be quite an unfamiliar sensation but not painful,” explains Rebecca. If you’re not ready to take the plunge just yet, a lash lift or growth serum is a great, more walletfriendly alternative.
Pain Rating: 4/10
“Most people describe permanent hair removal treatment as uncomfortable, rather than painful,” says beauty therapy trainer Taryn Johnstone. Generally, the thicker the hair, the greater the sensation you might feel. If you’re worried, look for a clinic that uses a cooling device to make it less painful. There’s no shortage of other options too! From epilators to pain-free shower creams, it’s about finding what works for you.
LASHES Now you’re well-versed in brow tattoos, it’s time to talk lash enhancement. Gone are the days where high maintenance extensions were the only route to enviable lashes – now there’s lash line tattoos creating the same illusion without the time or monthly cost. “A lash line tattoo is a very subtle fine line amongst the lashes designed to make your eye ‘pop’ without makeup,” explains Rebecca. Also referred to as an invisible liner, the goal is to create a tattoo line virtually undetected to the untrained eye.
How Does It Work?
The area is numbed first and then using the same equipment as microblading, a thin black line is tattooed in between the lashes.
Who’s The Ideal Candidate?
Lash enhancement is a great option for those with fair-coloured lashes or gaps in their lash line as it creates a fuller, more open eye.
What’s The Upkeep Like?
Similar to brow tattoos, this treatment requires a yearly touch-up, which varies depending on skin type.
HAIR REMOVAL Shorter hemlines during hot spells can make keeping our legs smooth a bit of a chore. Luckily there’s an abundance of longer-lasting hair removal options. Trade in the old-fashioned razor for one of these alternatives.
IPL vs Laser Hair Removal
Both IPL (intense pulsed light) and laser hair removal utilise light energy that is absorbed into the dark pigment of hair to ultimately cause damage to the hair follicle, substantially stunting hair growth and its ability to regenerate. Individual hairs are all in different stages of growth, so both options require more than one treatment. The main differences between IPL and laser lie in the technology.
IPL produces a broad spectrum of light that generates heat, which cauterises blood supply and disables cells from growing hair. It is typically cheaper than laser due to its shallower penetration of the hair follicle, which can mean more sessions are required. VPL (variable pulsed light), a more advanced form of IPL, can effectively treat the different types of hair, from thicker underarm hair to finer facial hair.
Regardless of which option you go for, the key is in expertise. Finding a clinic that’s experienced in hair removal is crucial.
Who’s The Ideal Candidate?
Anyone who wants to eliminate maintenance will benefit greatly, particularly those prone to ingrown hairs or shaving irritation. While it’s a larger cost upfront than shaving and waxing, the long-term savings are worth it.
What’s The Upkeep Like?
Medical background and area treated both influence maintenance. Any follicles that have been destroyed can’t generate another hair but some factors, particularly hormonal changes after childbirth, may see new follicles generated. You can tackle these with annual top-ups.
• Philips Satinelle Prestige Wet & Dry Epilator, $209.
