Blog Post

Everything you need to know about Microblading...

  • by The Avenue Beauty Clinic
  • 10 Jul, 2018
After having this done myself I thought I'd give you the lowdown on this treatment from the procedure, recovery and how long it can last.
Eyebrows are everything to me, it completes the look and is the one thing I feel naked without. I have always had an interest in beauty and  have been following the latest trends in treatments and procedures. Over the last few years have seen much more emphasis put on those strange little hairy caterpillars above our eyes and a whole load of weird and whacky brow trends that have been popping up on all of our social media platforms.

By now you’ve probably heard of microblading the ever so popular treatment. Demand so high that you could be in fact be waiting up to 6-8 weeks for an appointment. So why is everyone going crazy over eyebrows?!

How does microblading actually work?
Microblading (or eyebrow embroidery, as it’s also known) uses a specifically designed tool, which bleeds pigment into the small scratches on the epidermis to create fine lines mimicking strokes of hair. The overall look is natural and realistic.  Prior to using the blades, a technician will draw and fill in your brows to determine your desired look.

How long does it take and does it hurt? 
The treatment itself doesn't take that long, it was filling in the forms and getting the position of my brows drawn on that took its time, but I suppose it takes time for perfect brows!  I won't lie, it’s not totally pain-free, but it’s also not unbearable.  It’s pretty much how you’d imagine teeny-tiny blades to feel on your brows – a bit scratchy, just like that very first sensation you get when plucking your eyebrows for the very first time as a teenager! It’s over pretty quickly and once you see your fancy new brows you’ll forget about all the pain.

The aftercare
For maximum results and to avoid any added discomfort, aftercare is very important. I've outlined below what you need to do and follow but its worth it.

-You can't get your brows wet for the first 7-10 days.

-Use the healing balm which is provided 2-3 times a day for the first 7-10 days.  Because it has been so hot though I've been using every couple of hours or when I felt them getting tight

-You can't apply any make up on the treatment area for the first 7-10 days.  Another thing I struggle with but when you have gorgeous brows you don't think twice!

-A definite no no, do not pick, peel or scratch the treated area.

-I struggled with this one especially after these past few weeks (but not complaining!) Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 14 days or keep your brow area covered with a hat and or large sunglasses.

-Apply a SPF of 20 or higher to the area about 10 days after to help continue with the healing and stop sunburn.

The healing process
At first you’re eyebrows, with their newly defined shape, look and colour will look AMAZING. You'll then notice the pigment darken but don't worry this will settle. After about 3-5 days, your eyebrows will start to flake and peel.  I did find during this time they felt itchy but kept putting on the balm solution which relieved the itchy sensation.  The colour may appear to fade to much lighter than expected but this is all normal and after about two weeks your brows will look how they’re supposed to look, but it’s still important to continue to follow the above and keep the brow area moisturised and out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

About 4-6 weeks after your first treatment, you’ll need a follow up appointment to top up the pigment and to make any small adjustments to the shape or fullness.  On this occassion we both agreed I needed to go slightly darker after all the healing but its always good to start light and gradually get darker to your preferred colour.  Just like a tan start light as you don't want to walk out like an umpa lumpa!

The big question, how long does it last?
This all depends on how thick/full you want your eyebrows to look and how well you stick to the suggested aftercare guidelines above but microblading can last between one to three years. The price of this might seem like a lot at first, but think of all the time you’ll save literally not having to touch your brows when you’re getting ready or tinted on a regularly basis like myself.

Can you really put a price on an extra ten minutes in bed?!

Book for your consultation with The Avenue Beauty Clinic now and see why we're all going crazy for brows!
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 29 Jul, 2019
Sunburns, and all the side affects that come with them, are not only unappealing, but also dangerous. While most of us know that getting sunburned increases our risk of developing skin cancer, and that it should be avoided, accidents can and do happen. And sometimes the resulting damage comes with side effects we don’t know how to handle.

What Happens?

A sunburn is a type of burn caused mainly by ultraviolet B radiation from the sun. It occurs after a body’s defenses are overwhelmed by too much exposure to this UV light. The toxic reaction that occurs is a sunburn.

People with fairer skin are at a higher risk for a serious sunburn — and the amount of exposure to UV rays you’ve received. First-degree sunburns can be red and painful to the touch, but affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Burns of this severity should heal within a few days.

Unfortunately, these burns can start to peel (usually about three days after you sustain them).

What can you do?

When skin begins to peel, it is a sign the body is trying to rid itself of damaged cells. You can use many of the same techniques that apply to a non-peeling sunburn to get some relief.  To relieve pain, you can take cold showers or baths and take ibuprofen or aspirin. Also, the best thing to do is moisturize the area with an aloe-vera or soy-based product. Moisturizing will help soothe sunburned skin, but be careful to avoid petroleum-based or other oil-based creams. These may trap heat and make your sunburn even worse. In addition, don’t forget to drink extra water to prevent dehydration.

Once skin starts to peel, continue to moisturize your skin, which helps peeling skin heal faster. Be sure to take extra care to protect and cover peeling skin as it heals.

What NOT to do...

It may be tempting to try to exfoliate a peeling sunburn in an attempt to remove the dead skin, but this isn’t a good idea. Do not pull off your peeling skin, and avoid active exfoliation. Peeling usually stops when the burn has healed — about seven days for mild to moderate burns.

With the heat still set to soar and summer only just beginning stay safe this summer.



by Avenue Beauty Clinic 27 Jun, 2019
Now that we are getting to experience the real summer heat, it is important to have a proper skincare and beauty regime that not only takes care of your skin but also helps you look good in the harsh weather. We tend to overlook the obvious and ignore the needs of our body and especially our face and hair. 

Here are 10 beauty tips you must follow during the summer, to beat the heat:

1. Sunscreen
A sunscreen is a must-have in your handbag in summer. Check the SPF to suit the summer sun in your city.  Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you step out so that it has time to soak into your skin and protect your skin from being tanned.

2. Protective Hair Mask
The strong summer sun can also harm your hair. The hot and humid conditions can cause your scalp to sweat profusely. Shampooing daily can be harmful and hence, the best way to protect your hair is to use a protective hair mask at least once a week.

3. Hair Spray
Along with a protective hair mask, you should also invest in a hairspray. Hair tends to become frizzy and unruly in summer and the best way to keep them fresh and shiny is to use a hairspray.

4. Nourishing Toner
Maintain the pH balance of your skin with a glycerine-rich facial water. This will nourish your skin and keep it soft and supple.

5. Cleanser
A face wash is a handy thing to keep in your overnight bag. The cleanse will help you to remove all the dirt and grime.

6. Lip Balm with SPF
It is very common to have chapped and dry lips in summer. This is because the lips are the thinnest and tend to get dry easily. Make it a point to carry a lip balm and apply it before you head out or every night to hydrate before bed.

7. Anti-tanning creams
In summer, each time you step out, you can actually get tanned. If you're wearing shorts or dresses this summer, make sure to use anti-tanning cream later. This will ensure that your skin recovers.

8. Scrubs
It is common to sweat in summer. Also, the summer dust and environmental damage can make your skin dull. Use a suitable scrub to cleanse your body of the dirt and grime.

9. Deodorant
You should also keep a deodorant in your bag. Keep yourself fresh and cool by spraying it throughout the day.

10. Moisturizing mask
Invest in a good moisturising facial once a week. It will help to nourish dry skin and also keep it healthy.

Above all take care, protect and look beautiful!
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 28 May, 2019

I guess mostly everyone's morning skincare and makeup routine takes time every morning—which is why the allure of permanent makeup is tempting to so many of us.

So exactly how painful and permanent is permanent makeup, anyway?


Permanent Eyebrows

Microblading is just the deposit of pigment into the skin, like tattoos—just with a blade.

What's the process like?

Microblading involves using a handheld, manual tool—either a blade or a rotary pen with different configurations of needles depending on what the client is going for. If they want a soft, powdery brow then I like to use the rotary pen with the appropriate configuration of needles to deposit pigment, whereas using a blade creates sharper, more angular strokes. With the blade, you create slices in the skin, and in the slices you put the pigment on top and rub it in and let it sit.

Cost:

£250+, depending on the size of the area and the technician.

Risks:

Microblading fades the most in the first few weeks, so it's easy to panic and feel unhappy with your result at first. Typically, you will need to do two sessions to get the final look.


Permanent Eyeliner

If you love the look of a fuller lash line, but lack the necessary steady hand, this is for you. Permanent eyeliner uses European acupuncture to push color into the lash line, mimicking the look of a darkened top lashline that stays on through sweat, sleep, and showers.

What is the process like?

Again, permanent eyeliner is just depositing color into the skin and usually takes about 1.5 hours.

Any downtime?

Nothing serious, but to avoid eye makeup (especially mascara) for three full days.

Cost: POA

Risks:

Eye infections can occur if you wear makeup too soon or rub anything into your eyes. And if you do find a doctor who will give you permanent cat-eye liner, expect that to droop and crack in appearance as you age. You're better off avoiding it.


Lip Blushing

You guessed it, lip blushing is just another fancy way of saying a doctor is depositing color into the skin—in this case, your lips. Lip blushing uses a similar tool as the handheld rotary pen used for eyebrow microblading, just with a different configuration of needles.

What's the process like?

Your lips are the most sensitive, so this is the most painful form of permanent makeup for most clients. A topical, prescription numbing cream that sits for 15 minutes before is applied before beginning. The whole process takes about two hours.

Any downtime?

Nope, but you should know that you might be a little...shocked by your result at first. Natural pinks and nudes are the way to go when it comes to lip blushing, but since you lose about 50-75 percent of the color during your first week of healing, your lips are going to look pretty dark immediately following your procedure. Don't panic!

Cost:

Anywhere from £500 to over £1500.

Risks associated:

Infection is a risk whenever you're having a cosmetic procedure done, but swelling is more common with lips, especially during the first 48 hours after your procedure.


Permanent Concealer

This is not a treatment that most professional don't recommend pursuing. Basically, don't do it—no matter how tempted you are.

What's the process like?

It does not fade nicely—on a lot of clients it ends up looking texturised, like cottage cheese. And because of the formula of the color that's deposited into your skin, you can't use lasers later in life if you want to tighten things up.

Any downtime?

No serious downtime, but no makeup or sun exposure for 24 hours after a treatment.

Risks associated
Serious fade, discoloration, and inability to get laser treatments later in life.


by Avenue Beauty Clinic 26 Mar, 2019
What Is Ear Candling?
Ear Candling is a non-invasive therapy involving the use of a long candle placed into the ear. The side that is out of the ear is lit, and a vacuum is created within the ear canal, coating the whole ear in beeswax. Excess earwax is drawn out of the ear canal, as the beeswax is removed. In some cases, impurities can also be drawn out.

What are the benefits?
It removes the build-up of wax out of your ear, leaving your canal empty and open. You’ll instantly be able to hear better because you won’t have the wax blocking the ability for sound waves to get through to your ear drums. With ear candling, the remove of the wax is safe. There isn’t any pressure on your ear drums, and you don’t run the risk of getting water trapped inside your ear. Your ears don’t become a breeding ground for bacteria.

1. Tinnitus affects everyone at some point. It’s a ringing in the ear that can sometimes seem like a high-pitched buzz deep within your ear. Sometimes it just happens on its own, but it’s highly common in those who don’t protect their ears from loud noises. Driving past road works, listening to your music too loud, or being at a gig the night before can all cause tinnitus. Some medical conditions can also cause it. Candling also helps to relieve some of the pressure felt behind the ear drum. This pressure can often lead to the side effect of ringing in the ears.

2. Reduces Sinus Pressure and Ear Aches
It helps to get rid of various impurities in your ear, especially bacteria build-up and some viral infections. You can get rid of various ear aches, headaches, and sinus issues through this treatment. The wax helps to remove sinus pressure, as the ears and nose are connected. When you get rid of the pressure, the pains start to disappear. Of course, killing bacteria also helps you overcome infections.

The good news is that ear candling can be used alongside most medical treatments. It can help to relieve some of the symptoms, including itchy ears. This is common when you have a viral infection or sinus infection. It can also relieve the itchiness from allergies, including hay fever and dietary allergies.

3. Get Rid of Swimmer’s Ear
If you want to get rid of that annoying issue of water blocking your ear after you swim, ear candling is something to consider. It helps to draw out the reason for the blockage—removing the pressure that forced the water into your ear.

4. Rebalance Your Mental State
Many people also share how ear candling has helped to rebalance their mental state. There are theories that it helps to purify the blood, drawing out the toxins that cause some health problems and clouded mental states. The relief of pressure and blockages can also help to boost mental awareness and clarity.  

By being able to think clearer, you’ll find it easier to keep your emotional state balanced. It becomes easier to focus on the situation and find solutions when you’re not dealing with symptoms of an ailment, a cold, or a build-up of wax.

Because of the emotional balance, many patients have noted that they feel calmer and happier within themselves. It’s easier for them to focus on a healthier diet—and they prefer the taste because they’ve gotten rid of the block that affects their taste buds. As the mental state is improved, your vision and color perception can improve. Negative energy tends to cloud our natural senses, making it harder to focus and see well.

5. Reduce Pain Around the Body
Because of the removal of impurities and release of pressure, the nerve endings gain a benefit. They aren’t pressed upon, and they get a new lease of life. Chronic pain can be a thing of the past.

This is especially noted when the pain is on the ears, head, or neck. However, there are some patients who find their whole body benefits. This could be linked to the mental health benefits. When you feel happier and healthier, your body works the same way. Less stress means less inflammation in your body causing pain and other health problems.

Keep an eye out over the next few weeks for our special offers!
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 04 Feb, 2019

Mini Mask Lift is an intensive hydrating and lifting mask, which is proven to reduce wrinkle depth by 26% and 40% reduction of wrinkles overall.

With key ingredients like;

Wheat proteins – deeply hydrate, soften, rebalance and calming of the skin.
Algae Gel active – to create a lifting effect.
Diatomaceous Earth – marine powder   with superb properties to deep cleanse the pores.

Benefits are;

1.    Firms, smoothes and deep cleanses.

2.    Instantly cools and soothes skin.

3.    Immediate lifting, firming and intensive hydrating mask.

4.    Recommended every 4 - 6 weeks for maintenance.

It gets to work fast , immediately firming, smoothing and softening the skin - plumping out lines and wrinkles within 30 minutes, leaving you ready for anything!

Gone to your lifeless dull tired skin, hello to new fresh healthy complexion and rosy cheeks!  This lift is recommended as one of the best-selling facials for fine lines and wrinkles, so what you waiting for?.... Get yours booked today...
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 31 Dec, 2018

1. Glow and Be Radiant

If you're looking for something for your dry tired skin from these long, dry winter months and from the festive period, try our Mini Mask Lift - Using wheat Amino Acids to moisturise and improve the skin’s surface whilst softening lines and wrinkles. This mask is not to be missed! You'll definitely be glowing and ready to take 2019 on!


2. Boost Your Lashes

For an instant eye-brightener, why not try our Bright Eyes Crystal Clear - An excellent party survival aid, to lift, smooth and hydrate the
delicate eye area as well as an Eyelash Tint to brighten those tired eyes!


3. Get Fuller Healthier Hair

Reach for deep conditioner to apply 2-3 times a week depending on your hair type. These help maintain healthy and radiant skin and enhance hair’s natural defence. It intensively nourishes, conditions and enhances the natural shine of your hair.


4. Replace Your Lipstick

Red lip color will wake up your face in a flash, See our top tips from our facebook page on how to get the perfect red lips.


5. Find Your Zen

Launch an Mindfullness app called HeadSpace . "Wait," you may be thinking, "I don't need to relax, I don't need an app to tell me how to breathe." And you would be right, but it does much more than that: It blocks out time for you to meditate, which studies have shown can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in just minutes.


6. Exercise Anytime, Anywhere

You can get a serious workout with lots of apps out there but the one currently on the trend and that is the Couch to 5k or even the 45 minute workout - 45 minutes of intense workouts to suit all your abilities. Give it a try and see how you feel within you mind and soul.


7. Treat yourself

January is always hard after non stop partying or entertaining over the festive season so why don't you book yourself in for a relaxing treatment or massage.  Our favourite pick this month is Aroma Reflexology - An ancient healing technique that involves applying acupressure massage to reflex points on the feet to relax, re balance and improve blood circulation. Essential oils are chosen to match your needs, blended with balm and applied directly to feet and lower legs. Or if a massage isn't what you fancy then why not a Manicure or Pedicure - Hand/foot treatments including exfoliation, the removal of cuticles, hand/foot massage, conditioning oil and varnish.


Go ahead and try some of the above, you'll soon feel refreshed and like new again... until the next year!
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 22 Oct, 2018

Reiki is a Japanese technique and is a great stress-reducing massage. It was developed in Japan, in the early 20th Century and is now practiced around the world.

What is Reiki?

A technique used for relaxation and stress reduction, and is practiced with the Reiki Practitioner laying their hands over the client's body, using different hand positions, so that energy can flow through.  Weird right?!...I know...but it works!

When the practice is happening the high life force energy can flow through from the practitioner's hands into the client's body, increasing positive energy.  It can treat the person’s body, their emotions, mind, and spirit which can help them to feel relaxed and at peace.

What are the benefits?

1. Reduces Depression And Anxiety - Can help reduce depression and anxiety by changing your mood, helping those in a negative mood, change and feel more positive.

2. Enables Emotional Clarity & Growth - Reiki can also be used to heal you emotionally. It is used to help with their energy and this can bring inner peace and harmony. It can also help with strengthening your relationships, enhancing your capability to love and enables you to deeply connect with others.

3. Self Care Tool - You can perform on your own body too, and this can be a great way to de-stress and be at peace after a long day. You can pick a time, set up your space with pillows and candles and use the technique on yourself, which will give you some self-care, and you also might find you are calmer and have greater inner peace.

4. Reiki Eases Pain - Research has shown that Reiki has been able to help people with certain aches and pains and, other symptoms that they may have. Whilst this practice is not a direct cure, but it can alleviate a range of physical difficulties.

5. Increases White Blood Cell Production - Research shows people receiving Reiki as opposed to those who hadn't showed an increase in white blood cells.  This shows that the immune system was enhanced due to this. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system, and our immune system will aid our bodies in defending against germs or infections such as colds and sore throats.

6. Boosts Intuition And Creativity - Reiki can reduce your stress levels and bring you clarity and focus. With creativity, Reiki can help as it breaks down any energetic blocks. Once you are free of these blocks you can focus on opening up new avenues and inspirations, be able to generate new ideas and use your imagination easily.

7. Reiki Calms The Mind - Reiki can help you to reconnect with your true center, you can then become aware of any negative patterns that you may be holding on to and letting take over. So, using Reiki can help you to face your negative energies and focus on when you are holding on to them. This can help you to let go of them and clear your mind. You can then focus on the positive energy that you have, that flows through you, which will help to calm your mind.

If you're still unsure drop Katie at Yadira Blended Healing a message to book in, trust me you won't regret it!

To book your treatment now call Katie on 07970 611717 or 01949 859079

https://www.avenuebeautyclinic.com/yadira-blended-healing

by Avenue Beauty Clinic 10 Sept, 2018
A good facial can transform the appearance of your skin.  Beauty Experts all over the world urge people to incorporate facial massages into their beauty routine if they can't get to a beauty therapist because of its benefits. It can help your skin stay healthy and look gorgeous.

Read on to know about the various ways in which this relaxing skin-care technique can benefit your skin and improve its overall appearance.
by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 18 Aug, 2018

10 reasons on how you can care for your health by just massages!

There are so many benefits to a relaxing massage or treatment for your mind and body. You should never feel guilty for treating yourself, you're simply taking care of yourself. Read on for 10 reasons as to why you should not feel guilty...

1. Massage stimulates the blood flow and boosts circulation. It can help to lower blood pressure, ease aches and pains, so if you have circulation or joint problems then you need to get someone to manipulate your tissues and muscles.

2. You get plenty of time to relax and reflect. We all get overwhelmed by the stresses of our busy lives that being disconnected from our phones, wifi and laptops for a short time and being forced to relax, can de stress and calm our minds by up for 60%.

3. With facials or facial massages, your skin will be glowing, with all the dead skin being scrubbed away and shiny new ones being revealed. Our skin will even look younger.

4. Leg massages can help prevent varicose veins, so if you're on your feet all day then you definitely need to treat yourself to a massage for your perambulating limbs.

5. Using different types of oils can help with different areas of healing, this all depends on the type of massage booking but it can give you energy. Peppermint, lemon, orange and cedarwood are just a few examples of boosting energy and great for vitality.

6. Head, feet and hand massages are known to have the ability to decrease the frequency of migraines and headaches. Did you know headaches and migraines make up 38% of absences from work?!

7. Massages increase the amount of white blood cells in your system, boosting your immune system and help defend against infections.

8. Facial massages help define pores, quench skin and slow the onset of wrinkles, so you feel and look amazing!

9. Massages are a good sleeping aid to help your quality of sleep for those suffering from sleep deprivation.

10. They release serotonin (the happy hormone) so it's great for your mental health, state of mind and mood. Chemically, you'll just feel better after a massage.

With all these physical and mental benefits to a massage treatment, you don't just deserve a massage, you NEED a massage!  Why not visit our Treatment Page to view all our treatments on offer.  We have your health in mind...

by The Avenue Beauty Clinic 10 Jul, 2018
After having this done myself I thought I'd give you the lowdown on this treatment from the procedure, recovery and how long it can last.
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