As you know, I’m not the biggest fan of wearing makeup. It’s not like I don’t love a good glam face from time to time, but if I don’t have to, I choose to wear a bare face. This means, I spend extra money and effort on my skin and invest in specific routines of maintenance. I have never personally tried botox or injections of any sort, but I am also not against it in the future. My family has great skin, so I’d like to think a lot of lack of wrinkles comes from them. 1. Microblading: I had my eyebrows microbladed by Melissa at Melt in Scottsdale after having Vivienne, and I couldn’t be more happy with my results. She is the brow queen! I have thicker and darker brows but I always needed to fill them in to make myself look put together. Now, I only fill them in (to be a darker color) when I wear makeup. Otherwise, I don’t touch them. I find myself barely even having to tweeze or trim them often as well.

So, what is microblading? Per Melissa’s website: Microblading is a semi-permanent brow tattoo. By using a special tool (not a tattoo gun) to insert pigment into the upper layers of the skin, we create the desired fullness and shape for flawless eyebrows! One of the most common questions we receive is, how long will my brows last?

• Does it hurt? A highly effective topical numbing cream and gel will be applied before and during the microblading procedure to ensure maximal comfort. While every client has a different pain tolerance, most report being pleasantly surprised that they experience very little discomfort. Some even fall asleep! Please note that having this procedure done during your menstrual cycle can increase sensitivity throughout the service.
• Can you do it while pregnant or breastfeeding? This service is not available when pregnant but controversial while breastfeeding. The numbing cream is the reason people shy away from it, so if you are determined to have it done in that timeframe: 1. You can opt out of the numbing cream 2. Pump and dump the next feeding (which is what I did).
• How many touch ups are needed? A touch-up is recommended 6 to 8 weeks after your initial microblading service and as long as you complete your touch-up with 10 weeks of your Microblading treatment the touch-up is complimentary.
• What is the heal time? Brows may be red right after treatment, and may get thicker/darker within the first week. You will have to moisturize and wash them as instructed by specialist. By day 7-10: the dark scabbing is beginning to flake off. During this phase, some or all of the pigment will look as if it has disappeared. This is completely normal, as new skin has formed over the healed micro-cuts. Between 3-6 weeks: the color will start to come back into the strokes. This happens gradually so the color may be patchy, the strokes might not be super defined, and sometimes the color is lighter or toned differently than we had planned. This is all normal and the reason we have a touchup treatment where any adjustments can be made to enhance the final result.
• How long will they last? Microblading can last 1-3 years as the pigment fades gradually over time. Fading is desired as your skin and facial structure will change as you age. However, this does not mean that your pigment will completely disappear. Depending on your skin and health, there may be a soft haze of residual pigment left behind. It is recommended to touch up the brows annually to keep the color fresh and strokes defined.
• What is the cost? I’ve noticed a huge difference in price when it comes to microblading specialist. Of course, you naturally look for a good deal… but in this case, find the BEST option out there. This may be a little bit of an investment (Melissa is $675) but trust me… it’s your face and I’ve seen a lot of BAD microblading out there. You don’t want to have to spend even more to get them fixed so do your research in the first place.

2. Micro needling– This was another treatment that I started after Vivienne was born. Since having hormonal acne during first (and second) trimester, I had a lot of acne scars on my face. Micro needling helped with this as well as improved the overall texture of my skin.

What is micro needling? Micro needing, aka collagen induction therapy involves using fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of skin. This triggers the body’s wound healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

• What is the healing process? No gym for 24 hours and you’ll need to hydrate your face with recommended serum from Melissa.
• Does it hurt? Like microblading, you will receive a numbing cream that you apply all over your face and let sit for about 15 minutes before treatment. That helps with the pain but you may feel a slight discomfort. Its mainly in areas such as forehead.
• Are you red after? Yes, you are definitely red after this treatment and should expect to be red for a few days. More than likely you will just look like you had a sunburn by day 2 and 3.
• What are the benefits?  Whether your skin has texture to it due to large pores, acne scars, or fine lines, micro needling will be amazing for your skin.

3. Eyelash Extensions– I recently went back to eyelash extensions and although it IS a lot of maintenance, I feel for me it is so worth it. I go to Nina at Melt and have since had two full sets and a fill, but I’m officially hooked again. The lashes are applied on a. hair-by-hair basis for a completely natural look. I now feel even more put together without wearing makeup and from the moment I wake up.

• How often do you have to get fills? Fills are recommended every 2-3 weeks, but I would say 2 is a more realistic timeframe. Fills usually last about an hour.
• What is the cost? Again, I would always recommend doing your research on who does your lashes as… its your eyes.
• Do you have any irritation? I don’t personally.
• Can you get them wet? Not for the first 24 hours (suggested) but after you can as normal, just always recommend being really careful and not rubbing your eyes to make them last longer.
• Do they feel heavy only our eyes? Not to me.
• What is the at home maintenance? You go home with a mini brush to comb and keep curled and looking beautiful. I would just suggest not rubbing your eyes and being careful when you wash your face and shower.

4. Regular Facials– 6 years ago, I made a promise to myself to invest in my skin. The first step was doing a facial on a routinely basis. I was recommended to Kim Miller by my Mother-in-law when I first moved to Phoenix and since then have recommended her to all friends and family. She has transformed my skin and might I add… is just an all around amazing human. If you are curious as to where to start on your skin, next to investing in good products, is a great esthetician.

5. Skincare Products– I switched my beauty regime to all-natural and organic products (makeup and skincare) a few years ago and I can’t imagine ever going back. I think its due to the fact that my skin has improved SO much since then and now I know too much about what ingredients are in the other brands. Brands that have too good of marketing to see through. So, do your research before investing in a “top” brand. Below are my favorite products that I am currently using. These are AMAZING and although can be on the pricier side, many last a lot longer than you think. I am going to be doing a more thorough post on skincare products to explain a little more about when I decide to use these (if have multiple masks and cleansers).

In the meantime, please feel free to revert back to my recent YouTube video with Owner, Melissa of Citrine as we discuss pregnancy safe skincare products for all you soon to be mamas!

6. Tinted Moisturizer- When your skin is on the mend, it feels SO good to not wear makeup. Of course, its important to still use sunscreen... so a tinted moisturizing sunscreen could be a great option for a little glow and protection during the day. I use the brand Suntegrity in shade golden light.

xoxo
Lola