An Eye on Beauty

Final Pictures for the TCA Peel!

2012-02-23T17:32:00.000Z

Good avo girls and guys.. what an absolutely gorgeous day its been! Here's hoping we get some more of that??!!

This is just a quickie today to show you the final images of my skin from the skin peel which were taken at the end of last week (Friday and Saturday).

To feel the skin, its really soft and smooth, much more than before so I'm really pleased after just one treatment that it feels so nice. To look at, its just got a glow about it, makeup goes on much better and I'm hardly having to wear any as it actually looks nice when I'm not wearing any!

So all in all, I would sooo recommend this peel.. particularly if you are a bit older in years, and have a build up of sun damage and any type of scarring. You literally will look the best that you can look!

Remember I'm doing these now at the Skin Sanctuary @ Cheshire Makeup in Warrington so if you're interested, give me a call or email me!

07761 825190, lauren@cheshiremakeup.com

See you soon!

xxx

P.S My next blogs will be all about the current spring makeup trends that are about at the moment, there will be picture tutorials so watch this space!

More pics - TCA Peel from The Skin Sanctuary!

2012-02-16T11:50:00.000Z

Well... I said I'd update with some pics of my skin from the TCA peel I had done on Friday last...and here they are...

But just before you look... a bit of an update on how its been from a 'daily life' aspect.

The thing with this peel is, you know at the end, when your skin has peeled and healed completely, your skin is going to be amazing.. like AMAZING. Your skin does literally peel off, kind of looks like you've had quite bad sunburn and you didn't put enough aftersun on :)

For the first couple of days, it feels very tight and your skin does look quite.. good actually! Because it is so tight on your face, it looks like you've had botox and the skin is quite luminous..

But it will enevitably start to peel, mine (and most others) started around the mouth on day 1. Day 2 under the nose and further down around the mouth. It also goes quite dark (darker still if pigment has been drawn to the surface) which is quite normal.

Day 3 it then moved to the cheeks, forehead and nose, and now on day 4 5 and 6, I can start to see new, beautiful soft baby like skin emerging.

I'm not going to lie, it does get a little itchy and you really want to pick it all off (which is a big no no as it can scar the new skin underneath.. my way of dealing with this was to pull my face into different expressions so the dead skin stretches out without you touching it and acts as a scratch!).

BUT its totally worth it for the result I know I'm going to get at the end of this week... even worth walking with a scarf around my face at the Noel Gallagher gig I went to on monday night so as not endure endless stares at my face..

So anyway, without any further ado.. here are my pics from day 1,2,3,4,5 and (today).. there will be more to follow as the skin completely heals.. eeeeeekkkkkk

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

So as you can see, the skin starts off looking quite dark and red, then starts to peel, getting worse each day until day 4 when you can see new skin coming through.

By day 6, there are little bits left on around the sides of the face but the rest of my skin looks and feels really good. There is a glow to it that wasn't there before, and its brought all my pigmentation to the surface (that I didn't even know was there!). These parts look as if they are peeling again which will then just fall off. And its also cleared my nose of blackheads..

So all in all, for all the unattractiveness of the first 5 days, its been totally worth it :)

Will update with a final picture when its completley peeled..

Hope you've found it interesting!

See you soon xxx

TCA Skin Peel from The Skin Sanctuary @ Cheshire Makeup

2012-02-10T18:23:00.000Z

Ok ladies and gents this treatment is going to rock your socks off!!

Its a TCA ADVANCED PEEL... the reason this is advanced, is because it is a medium strength peel and its used due to its reliability and performance on the skin.

This particular TCA uses 7% Trichloroacetic acid, 2% Salicylic acid and Retinol (Vitamin A) in one treatment... WOWZERS!

TCA has the following amazing benefits....

* Stimulates Collagen and Elastin production
* Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
* Imrpove acne scarring
* Diminish pigmentation - resulting in smoother, firmer more refined skin tone and texture
* Fantastic for comedonal acne
* Great for thickened damaged skin
* Visible tightening of the skin
* Because it is restoring and renewing cell activity, it will reveal healthy, bright, youthful skin underneath

- Thats a lot of great benefits isn't it :)

So its great for all skin types, and has the same benefits of the 30% TCA (which some of you may have heard off as well) but with less side effects.

Now I'm going to be really brave here, and tell you first of all that I've had this treatment done TODAY!! And second of all, I'm going to be posting a picture of my skin day by day so you can see whats happening to it.

The actual treatment itself is not for the faint-hearted I have to be honest, it stings and gets very hot when the product is applied to the skin, but it cools within a couple of minutes, ready for the second pass. With the second pass of product, it will get hotter quicker and if you can make it to a third pass, you're onto a winner!

At the end of this treatment, you should have an even layer of 'frosting' or protein coagulation on the skin (see picture below). This is a fantastic sign that the peel has done its job and you're going to get a good 'peel' over the next 3-6 days, with total downtime usually at between 7-10 days.

Retinol is then applied all over the skin to encourage an even full exfoliation of the skin.. this does have a yellow tinge to it, so you will look like you've had a tan done! (And probably a good thing to tell people if they ask you!) But when you cleanse the face later on this colour will come off.

Soooo without any further ado!! Here's what my skin looked like immediately after the peel

Pretty scary!! So will keep you updated with daily pics of how my skin is looking until my new face is unveiled!

This treatment will be available from the The Skin Sanctuary @ Cheshire Makeup from 20th February.

See you soon xxx

The right colours for you....

2012-02-08T21:32:00.000Z

I get asked a lot when I'm doing someone's makeup for a night out or in a makeup lesson 'what eye makeup colours suit me???'

And with the eyes, its usually whats going to make their eye colour POP!

First of all, neutral colour will always suit everyone no matter what colour your eyes are. So starting off with these colours is aways easy as you will easily find at least one pallette on a makeup counter that sells them. These colours tend to be

Light - Mid - Dark - Cool - Warm browns

Ivory, White, Peachy

These can be worn naturally or more sophisticated depending on how you apply...

Then it gets exciting :)

If you imagine a colour chart like the one below

Find your eye colour on there (or as near to it!) and follow the chart directly across.. the colours on the opposite side will be your 'Eye popping colours'.

But as a general guideline (though there are no rules with makeup) the following applies when choosing the right shades for you -

Blue eyes look for - Brown - Red - Gold - Orange - Copper - Lilac - Grey - Plum

You can also wear warm or cool blues depending on your overall colouring

Green eyes look for - Browns - Purple - Navy Blue - Plum - Pinks - Reds - Burnt Orange

You can also wear warm or cool greens depending on your overall colouring.

Brown eyes can wear most colours but these specifically will look amazing - Black - Blue (deep will more intense) - Gold - Teal Green - Purple

You can also wear warm or cool browns depending on your overall colouring.

Hazel eyes look for - Mauve - Purple - Plum - Golds - Greens

And black will always make an eye colour pop... if you aren't brave enough to wear it all over the lid use it as an eyeliner on your top or bottom lash line or in your water line.

I hope that helps some people choose the perfect shade for that night out your going on : )

See you soon! xxx

P.S I will be doing some tutorials soon, not sure if they're going to be with camera or video yet so will keep you posted!

NEW TREATMENT - Glycolic resurfacer with Stem Cell Technology

2012-02-06T11:50:00.000Z

Many salons offer Glycolic peels now, it is a fantastic treatment that addresses a wide range of skin concerns.

BUT this particular Glycolic peel from DermaQuest, also uses Stem Cell technology - This is using the power of plant cells (just in case you want to know :) this one in particular uses SYRINGA VULGARIS from LILAC LEAF) within the treatment to enhance performance. It has a general effect not just specific to an area so it is more versatile and usable in treatment.

So as well as all the fanastic benefits you get from Glycolic Acid, you are also getting anti-inflammatory, healing and protecting from the stem cells.

Stem cells are involved in growth and repair and they help to reduce the effect of trauma to the skin and encourage healing and repair wounds. They also protect against nasty free radicals or environmental assault.

This AMAZE treatment ladies and gents works from inside out and other than some mild redness on the skin and a tingling sensation is a gentle but VERY effective peel!

Benefits -
* Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
* Evens skin tone and texture
* Reduces mild pigmentation
* Resolves non-inflammatory acne

Get booked in now! Over time will strengthen delicate skin and increase healing and rejuvenate.

See you soon! xx

NEW TREATMENT FROM THE SKIN SANCTUARY!!

2012-02-03T10:45:00.000Z

FIRMING ENZYME TREATMENT!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this facial treatment!

This treatment is ideal for first time users of DermaQuest and peels/resurfacers. It literally does what it says in the title, it FIRMS and TIGHTENS the skin, you can actually feel it tightening whilst its on, and when the mask is taken off, there is an instant visible lift to the skin... so great before a night out or getting married!!

There are no agressive acids with this mask, but it does incorporate the power of PINEAPPLE and PAPAYA enzymes (which munch munch munch away at your skin like a little pacman to EXFOLIATE) and peptides which will help to brighten and firm the skin.

General benefits of this are -
* Cleansing and exfoliating
* Balancing and invigorating
* Smoothing and hydrating
* Great preparation for peels

I gave my mum one of these facials before a night out last weekend, and her skin afterwards was unreal! Really plump and tight, it literally looked like her face had lifted! So when she applied her makeup, her skin was flawless. The effects will last approximately 2-3 days... but its so worth it :)

There is a new website being developed as we speak that will have all my new (and old) treatments on so I will keep you updated on that.. in the meantime, if you'd like any more info, please get in touch!

Lauren - 07761 825190

See you soon xx

BROWS BROWS BROWS!!

2012-02-02T11:22:00.000Z

Anyone that knows me, knows the one thing I can't leave the house without doing is my eyebrows... I'm going to be honest and say I'm obsessed with them, always looking at other peoples and always making sure mine look perfect..

When I found out about threading, I was straight down to the local brow bar and lying back on that dentist-like chair getting them shaped... hooked!

But I've also recently found the ultimate set of products (in my opinion) for finishing off the perfect brow.

You will need

Benefit - Speed Brow

MAC - Brow pencil (in suitable colour, in my case - Lingering)
or
Illamasqua - Eye Brow Cake (in suitable colour, in my case - Thunder)

Benefit - High Brow Pencil

To start with, I always brush my brows up and across with the speed brow from Benefit. This sets the hair in place (my brow hair is particularly long so needs holding!). This also gives a bit of a tint to the brow, so if you want something really natural you could stop there and it would look neat and tidy.

Next I either use Mac brow pencil in Lingering - This is what I'm using at the moment, and I literally colour in my brow, drawing on tiny hair strokes so it still looks natural but just accentuating the shape, up and out.

Or I use the fantastic eye brow cake in Thunder from Illamasqua - I use an angled brow brush with this and use the powder dry (it can be used wet for a more dramatic look), using the same technique as the pencil. Generally you can achieve a softer look with a powder cake.

And finally, I apply high brow pencil from Benefit - LOVE THIS AT THE MOMENT! Apply either just under the arch of your brow, or (like me) along the whole brown just underneath. Then smudge in with your finger. This will really accentuate the shape by highlighting the area.

You should end up with something that look likes this!

See you soon! xx

New skincare and treatments from The Skin Sanctuary @ Cheshire Makeup

2012-02-01T12:09:00.000Z

Firstly I just want to introduce you to DermaQuest - this fantastic skincare and treatment range is an American company, set up by a man called Sam Dhatt - an award winning chemist and formulator for more than 700 other companies. He uses the latest, cutting edge technology to develop the products - so you know this stuff is going to be good!

DermaQuest WILL give you results and their products are the most advanced formulations available anywhere.

The products are PARABEN FREE, DermaQuest manufacture and market themselves, products are made from CUSTOMER demand, not industry demand, and their products have the EXACT amount of ingredients needed to get the job done so you always get the RESULTS expected.

In a nutshell, this range is AMAZING! You get value for money with every single product and I really believe in it.

Look at reviews for some of the DermaQuest products, and you will always see top stars because this stuff WORKS!

Anyway, why don't you find out for yourself :) I'm now stocking the range at my home salon in Warrington, Cheshire.

See you soon! xx

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000Z

One of the final images from the 'Harajuko Girls' shoot for Chimp magazine!

What do you think??
This was so fun to shoot, loads of colour, avante garde styling and hair, makeup was really creative... first time using lip tattoos as well.

Jennifer and I used Pink Polka from the Violent Lips collection. At first we thought they were going to be quite difficult to use as they have to be cut to fit each set of lips... but once we'd actually applied them, the results were so worth the effort!

Below is another of my favs, a close up of one our amaze models... enjoy :)

xxx

New times for Cheshire Makeup!

2012-01-31T09:55:00.000Z

Well, its that time again.. new year, new start! And what a start its been!

As well as makeup and eyelash extensions, I'm now doing... dah dah dah!!!!

* DermaPure Pure Roller Treatments
* Skin Resurfacers
* DermaQuest Skincare

I'm going to write individal blogs on each treatment so you can see exactly what and who they're for, but just know this... these treatments get results.. amazing results so they are a must to try!

I will also be updating on makeup trends, looks and showing you my brand new spandangally shoot that I've just done for Chimp Magazine - Harajuko Girls.

Catch you all soon :) xx

Radiofrequency for Eyes

2011-03-13T18:52:00.000Z

Blog 2.

I’m really loving working with radiofrequency - It’s so exciting to get results for people that they’re pleased with!

A lady who came in the other day for radiofrequency around her eyes could see immediate results and so was thrilled. The skin around the eyes is thinner than elsewhere on the face and so more instant results are obvious. The brow lifts and eyes look larger, more open and youthful.

Because radiofrequency is non-invasive though, it means the look and effect is completely natural.

A course of six is recommended to get the full effect because in repeating the treatment you kick-start your own collagen and elastin production, creating a lasting effect that goes on for around six to eight months.

Of course everyone is different and everyone has questions so call me if you’d like a trial of radiofrequency and I’ll book you in at a time to suit.

Looking forward to seeing you in Knutsford during the coming weeks where we can talk about your skincare and makeup looks for Spring and Summer.

How Not to Look Tangoed

2011-02-26T18:29:00.000Z

If you’ve bobbed out to the shops recently you’ll have noticed that this season’s fashion shades are really bright brights - tangerine orange, fuschia pink and electric blue to name but a few. They are gorgeous hot colours but which makeup goes with, and how do you wear it and how do you avoid looking like you've been tangoed?! Well makeup is definitely following suit with brighter, warm-toned shades of tangerine and coral, but needs to be interpreted according to your colouring.

Blondes, redheads and warm-toned brunettes can wear orange shades easiest of all. Your peach and golden (freckly) complexions positively glow with coral and peach blusher and the brightest splash of tangerines and tomato red for lippy.

Deep-Autumn brunettes can look amazing in burnt orange, brick red and russet shades for lips, complemented by chocolate brown eyeliner pencil and deep coral eyeshadow.

If you’re at the cooler end of the spectrum, with rose-toned complexion and ash blonde or brown hair, choose orange as an accent rather than a basic: lip stains rather than lip stick give a subtle nod to fashion without drowning out your natural tones. For you, coral shades hint at orange without looking garish and can be used as a wash over the cheek and eye area, warming up your cool complexions.

More mature ladies or for those with silver or grey hair can transform a neutral palette of subtle shades too with the brightest orange lips and scarf colours for a dramatic and stunningly sophisticated look.

The main theme is that this season’s colours are the brightest and freshest for years and are meant to cheer us all out of our economic gloom, so you can create a fun glam look even on a shoestring. Enjoy J

Begin with Skin

2011-02-26T18:24:00.000Z

As lots of you already know, I've recently set up my new skincare clinic at SkinFirst, King St, Knutsford.

Cosmetic beauty always begins with good foundations and with SkinFirst, I'm now able to offer therapies and treatments using a combination of IPL (intense Pulsed Light) and Radio Frequency.
IPL offers permanent or long-lasting results for the treatment of hair removal, acne, pigmentation, rosacea and thread vein removal.
Most exciting and innovative of all, Radio Frequency combined with IPL provides a safe, non-invasive alternative (and relaxing!) rejuvenation programme that tightens skin, kick-starting the skin’s own collagen into action.

The bespoke machines used by SkinFirst therapists have been researched and developed by SkinFirst director and colleague Cathy Catto with safety and client comfort a priority.
After age 30 or so, collagen production slows down, which is when many turn to Botox and fillers to give a lift. Radio-Frequency is able to deliver the desired lifting and tightening with the additional plus of helping the skin to start doing it naturally again and with no worries of side-effects.
It can be used on the jaw-line, brow, around the eyes, neckline, décolleté, arms and legs.

Please contact me for more information or book a taster session at my clinic-day on Mondays in Knutsford .

Hello and Welcome!

2011-02-26T18:06:00.000Z

Hello and Welcome to An Eye On Beauty, my new blog which I’m setting up to keep in touch and to let you know about what’s going in the world of skincare and cosmetics straight from the front line of my two businesses, SkinFirst and Cheshire Makeup.

I’m passionate about both areas and my work is uniquely holistic – I offer both leading edge IPL and radiofrequency skincare treatments as well as the very latest trends in fashion colours and makeup looks available on the market so I can bring them to you and help you look and feel your very best, whether for a special occasion such as your Wedding Day, a personal photographic shoot, a makeup or style makeover or a makeup lesson.

Hope to see you soon!

Love,

Lauren

2010-11-29T14:39:00.000Z

Promo Video for Cheshire Makeup