Plump it up!

I have never really had any interest in cosmetic procedures, despite working within an industry all consumed by beauty, youth and how you should or shouldn't look.  Remarkably I have remained pretty un-interested.

However, for someone who pledges if money was no object maybe I would dabble in some procedures, but in actual fact I'm clearly not that bothered my features are what makes me, well me!

But recently I had been pondering on my pout...and well lack of it.  Particularly in photos when I smile..the result being a next to nothing top lip and a prominent bottom lip.  Having caught up with a friend who had had her lips done, not that you would've known, I then became more conscious of mine and interested in my options. 

I did my research on what products were used, read countless blogs on personal experiences, what to expect and so on.  Having done so the idea really appealed to me, especially as the filler product used, was a product we naturally produce, Hyaluronic acid not only feature in many of our beauty products..it just can't penetrate the skin.  Hence why it is injected as a filler.  I always had this stigma that fillers were toxic un-natural substances, they are very different to such products as botox a filler known to act as an ageing preventative and diminish wrinkles and silicone, which has been used in the past and had catastrophic effects.

Having received a recommendation and being the type of person, that once I have decided on something it has to happen now!   I was booked and ready to go.  

Above are my usual lips, which actually are a good shape, I literally wanted a little plump to balance them out.

Vicky made me feel very welcome and being a dentist by trade I felt reassured she knew what she was doing.  She asked what my goals were, to which I showed her some realistic lipspiration, she advised  I wouldn't get the same results from session number one, but it was definitely obtainable and I appreciated her honesty.  I maintained that I wanted natural fuller lips, nothing like what is being advertised in the world of fillers these days...each to there own but I knew what I wanted.

We then cracked on with the usual routine questions and a good slathering of topical numbing cream, whilst this worked its magic i chatted away and filled in my consent form.  Which becoming aware that my ability to talk was being some what disrupted by 3 applications of numbing cream...I soon was struggling with normal flowing conversation that indicated to Vicky we were probably good to go.

Using 0.6ml of Juvederm, predominately made up of Hyaluronic acid.  Vicky advised do both top and bottom lips and whatever was left would go into the top to plump them out a bit more.  she started at the top talking me through what she was doing, I like to think I have an alright pain threshold, so this was really nothing little pinches if that. Half way through she gave me a mirror so i could see the difference, which was subtle but enough. 15-20 Mins later and we were done

Admittedly I was feeling a bit duck like, aside from a small bit of redness, no one would know I had just had my lips done.

Above is the results literally after my appointment.  Vicky advised me to stick with the smaller syringe, as and when I was to top up, which ideally would be in 6-12 months.  This 0.6ml syringe creates a more natural look and my lips seem to take well to it.  The procedure costs between £230-£300.  (Break that down by month, it made me feel better about spending the money.)  

There is potential for swelling and bruising so ice and arnica is advised...painkillers are not as this promotes bruising, so if you can bear the dull pain after do so, I seemed ok with a bit of ice packing gradually through the day swelling seemed to diminish, but soon blew up in the evening...see above, i actually grew to like this excessive fullness.

Come the next morning all seemed to settle, a few bruises popped up...a bit the same as when you have a blood test.

After a good week, I am very pleased all seems to have settled down.  The red lips are back on and there is now a significant difference (to me) on my upper lip, especially when I smile.  In about 4-6months I will see how they are getting on and then may have a top up just to give them an extra plump.  I wouldn't want them much bigger then that.  If they get to the stage where people are questioning if I have had work done....I will have gone too far.

I just wanted to be open with you and give you an insight into my experience!

Lx

Now for the detox....

I have turned into the January cliche, and am participating in dry January.  I have come to the conclusion, it is the perfect month to try and keep myself on the straight and narrow.  Everyone is partied out..everyone is recovering financially and physically from the festive season, so why not.  Let's face it in every other month, there is just too much temptation at the ready to set me up for failure.  So I am nominating january for my detox month.  Before christmas I touched on the pre-tox, I have kept the juicing up now, and will continue to do so.

Now is therefore the perfect time to take a rummage through that make-up bag and clear out the cob webs.  As a Make-up artist, I know the importance of keeping kit clean and hygienic.  I clean my brushes after every job thoroughly when I am home, with good ol' fairy liquid, as this is thorough at breaking down any product build up, whilst keeping them squeaky clean when I am on the go and in need of  a quick freshen, I'll use IPA (Isopropyl alcohol) or a brush cleaner.  However whilst your tools may be clean...how does your actual make up/skincare stand in the clean stakes.

Organic/ Vegan and everything in between....

We all know the secret of getting that flawless makeup is through a consistent skincare routine and a balanced diet filled with leafy greens and other fresh ingredient....blah blah.  Now, I am not going to start preaching that organic is the one and only way forward, as I know of many brands that do the trick and they are not how do I say totally "au natural", also everyone is different as is their skin.  What may work for one person, may not work for another.  Life is trial and error and so is beauty.  However, It can't be too bad to try organic natural products, here are a few of my brand suggestions that may even be good enough to stick into you morning green juice.

MV

I am a big fan of MV Skincare, and have mentioned them in previous posts.   The products are packed full or organic essential oils,  I particularly love the pure jojoba oil, which can be used as a great skin prepping moisturiser, alone or added to you usual moisturiser for an extra boost, or as a great end of day makeup remover.  Also not a well known fact, but Jojoba oil is similar to that of the skins natural oil Sebum, handy ehh.  Founder Sharon McGlinchey set off producing her brand to aid those with skin sensitivities, such as eczema and Rosacea.  With that in mind it is clear the thinking behind her products is to nourish and enable the skin to perform efficiently the way it should.

Sunday Riley- techno teamed botanics

Another great range doing the rounds is Sunday Riley, with the idea that botanical can work alongside  advanced chemistry.  With her face oils being the most popular, there is one to suit everyone whether you like your oil thicker or lighter.  However, all her products have been tailored to allow them to be layered up or used alone.   If these products are good enough for prepping models for the catwalk at Fashion week as they have been, they are definitely good enough for us mere mortals.  Alongside her range of skincare she has a Make-up range, so once your done achieving glowing skin, spruce yourself up.

W3ll People -100% natural

A brand that brings a former Nars consultant together with a dermatologist, the brand is about simplicity, free from toxins- you know those things known as parabens, fillers and propylene glycol, basically most of the ingredients that you don't have a clue what they are on your product .The  list can go on.  W3ll people ingredients are good and green, while still allowing products to perform to their best ability, allowing you, to rest assure your skin will look great on the outside, whilst feeling good on the inside.

Take a look at their Realist invisible setting pwdr- you only need to take a look at the ingredients list to know what goes into this.

Ilia- good for you and effective

Founder Sasha Plavsic, had in mind that the skin is our largest organ and so set about producing products that not only worked with our skin but helped nurture it, which enhancing it's potential.  She did this with with products filled with 85% of organic bio-active ingredients.  Therefore giving us an organic product that is both good for the skin and does exactly what it is meant to.

Check out her multi sticks, suitable for cheeks, lips and eyes. I'm loving shade I put a spell on you, a warm peachy coral shade.

Inika- No to naughties!

Take a look on their site and you can see how at one with nature they are, they are even gluten free...gluten free makeup?! who knew.  They are vocal about what they don't use in their products and proud to shout about what they do use.  They claim their products to be as natural as you and I.  Bestsellers include their light reflecting highlighting creme and certified organic perfection concealer.

Just a few brands out of an army, of what seems to be a make-up cleanup revolution, it seems the conversion of our everyday makeup to purer, detoxed, feel good products is definitely on the up.  Giving your make-up bag a out with the old, in with then new fresh fix.

Lx