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MY ADVENTURE WITH PERMANENT MAKEUP


A few weeks ago (before social-distancing was a thing), I was invited by the owner of Huemon Beauty, Deyonne, to come to her studio to try out lip blushing.



"What's lip blushing?", you ask.  Well, lip blushing is a form of permanent makeup.  Basically, it's a tattoo for your lips.  It can help with symmetry, the illusion of fullness, and help correct discoloration or even change the color of your lips.  I was mainly interested in the first two benefits.

Deyonne and I spoke a couple times over the phone before meeting and as you can imagine I had a lot of questions about the process.  She provided me with pre-procedure instructions as well as some expectations I should have about the process along with post-procedure instructions.  She made sure all my questions were answered and that I felt comfortable about the process.

The day of, I drove out to the Huemon Beauty studio.  It is in Kensington, MD and was still undergoing renovations when I went in for my procedure, but I can tell it's going to look great once finished.


Once again, Deyonne made sure to go through the steps of the procedure and confirmed what recovery instructions I needed to follow.  She also made to sure to show me that all the utensils and products she used were new, sanitized, and clean.

Then we got started.  Deyonne began by choosing a color.  I was pretty clear about wanting a very natural look.  I didn't want the color of my lips to really change; I was interested in making them appear fuller and more symmetric.  She opted to mix a few colors to get the look I was going for.  She then began outlining my lips with a lip liner.  After that, the numbing process began.  This took about 20-30 minutes and didn't hurt at all.  It was a topical numbing cream and just made my lips have an odd sensation.

The the tattooing process began.  To be completely honest, this was very uncomfortable.  The numbing cream was tingly and would wear off and I could feel the needle.  It stung and was pretty painful.  Deyonne did stop to reapply the numbing cream and ask if I was okay all throughout this step in the process, but again, it was uncomfortable.  This process lasted over an hour.

Once the tattooing was complete, I could barely feel my lips..which was a good thing.  They were (for the most part) numb and I felt like I had a little lisp.  At first glance, I was shocked.  These were not the natural looking lips I had asked for.  They were swollen and a very deep, bright shade of what we had discussed.  To be blunt, I was shocked and upset.  I left feeling scared that my lips were going to look this way forever (the tattoo is semi-permanent - I was being dramatic) and that it was my fault for not being more vocal about my wants.

All in all, the process took about three hours.


Well, fast forward about eight weeks and my lips are great.  They are their natural color, the swelling has completely gone away and the shape is better than before.  I won't go into the post-procedure stuff (swelling, lots of dead skin, scarring, etc.), but it wasn't as bad as I had expected and my lips were back to a normal color within about four days.

Overall, this was such a unique experience for me.  I wasn't sure what to expect and I wasn't sure how I would feel, but I am happy with the final product.  As someone who never wears lip products, I probably wouldn't pay for the service knowing how painful it was(*disclaimer:  I was gifted this service*)..but I can definitely see this being worthwhile for someone who colors their lips every day.  The cost alone would probably break-even after about a year if you never had to apply lipstick!

If you have any questions about the process or about permanent make-up in general, feel free to reach out to Deyonne at Huemon Beauty and she would love to talk to you.  She was so professional and knowledgeable and I can definitely see going back to her studio for other beauty procedures.

Thanks so much to Huemon Beauty for having me in for lip blushing!


WELCOME TO DUPONT SILVER MIRROR FACIAL BAR!


So, not to use labels, but I think I officially moved from a "fashion" blogger to a "lifestyle" and "beauty" blogger.  I've recently had a lot of opportunities to try out beauty products and skincare services and have really enjoyed learning about everything and seeing how my skin has reacted to changes I've made and improved with the different services I tried.  I have a huge favorite products post coming soon.

This past weekend, I was lucky to try out the Silver Mirror Facial Bar in Dupont Circle.  This is their third location, with the first two located in New York.  They offer one-off facials, but their model is geared towards offering a monthly membership at very reasonable prices.   They have a few different 30-minute and 50-minute facials to choose from.  They also have a lot of add-ons which come at a discount with a membership.  In addition to their facials, they also sell skincare products including brands that I love:  SkinCeuticals, Revision and Supergoop!..and one of my new favorites, Sanitas.







The spa is super chic and clean and luckily for me is about a 5 minute walk from my office and my home.  Lucky or dangerous?

The spa doesn't have individual rooms, but spaces are divided by sheer curtains.  I was in an area by myself, but could imagine that you could probably hear the person / service next to you..so I wouldn't call it the most relaxing.  But relaxing isn't really their thing; it's good facials.

My esthetician was Melodie (the spa manager) and she choose to do the 50-minute Anti-Aging facial.  Y'all, it was amazing.  I had her list out the entire process afterwards because there was no way I could remember everything.  Look at this:

- Pre-skin analysis
- Customized double cleanse (customized cleansers for your skins specific needs)
- Steam therapy (opens the pores for better product penetration)
- Custom exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells)
- Extractions (deep cleanse the pores)
- High-frequency treatment (kills bacteria and calms inflammation after extractions)
- Ultra-Lift treatment (electronic muscle stimulation to prevent and help reverse the signs of aging)
- Vitamin therapy (custom blend of vitamins in oil form that best benefit your skins needs)
- LED Light therapy (customized light therapy that penetrates the skin to deliver healing benefits to the dermal layer of the skin.  The light also stimulates regeneration of stronger collagen and elastin in the skin)
- Oxygen Therapy (oxygen and a blend of 87 vitamin and minerals are infused into the skin for better hydration)
- Moisturizer and sunscreen (to finalize the treatment we hydrate the skin with a customized blend of either oil based on water based moisturizer with sunscreen for protection)

All of these treatments are included in the 50-minute Anti-Aging facial, but you can add on the Ultra-Lift to any of the services and a shorter version comes with the 30-minute Party Prep facial.

Here's a look into some of the treatments:

Right after extractions:


This is the high-frequency treatment:


Oxygen therapy:


After your facial, your esthetician provides a card with information about your service as well as recommendations for follow-up services and products that would be good for you to try.  I was also lucky enough to be sent home with a bag full of samples..samples are my fave :)


I highly recommend trying out Silver Mirror Facial Bar whether you're new to getting facials and want something affordable to try out a few things to see what works for you or if you're a seasoned skincare guru looking for something that works and allows you to get a monthly service done at a reasonable price-point.

Thank you so much Silver Mirror Facial Bar for having me!

MY NEW WORKOUT OBSESSION || RUMBLE


I have recently found my new workout obsession and - no joke - it's boxing!  Who would've thought?  Now, to be fair this isn't the boxing you're probably thinking about.  I'm not fighting someone in a ring.  But I do get to punch a punching bag :)

Rumble Boxing gym moved about a block next to my office (2001 M St NW)

a couple months ago and I was so excited.  I had been walking past the location for a while and kept checking the website to see when it would actually open.  When I was asked to try a class, I jumped at the chance.  And I'm so happy I did.


I can't explain the energy of this place in words, so you'll just have to try it for yourself, but it's insane.  You walk in and are greeted by the most cheerful, fun staff.  They set you up with everything you need.  You need wraps, gloves and water.  All the extras can kinda add up, so I would highly suggest bringing your own water and eventually buying your own gloves if you decide you want to become a regular.  You sign up for a specific spot in advance, but they remind you of whether you start on the Floor or Bag side and what number you are.



Now, it's time for class!  Make sure your wraps are on, but keep off your gloves until you're in class.  I choose to start on the Floor side because a friend recommended it..you don't have to end class doing burpees basically.  The class is a high-energy cardio / strength training class focused on teaching you the six basic boxing punches.  The instructor starts every class showing off the punches and then guides you through the entire workout.  The music is super loud and there are screens everywhere showing you your ranking..just kidding..that's the worst.  There are screens up everywhere, but they're showing you how to do every punch and move to complement the instructor.  The class is an hour, but it's so fun, time flies and you're done before you know it.

For all of you that are super smart like me and run straight into the locker rooms after workout classes to use the hair dryers to blow cold air all over you, you'll love Rumble.  The lockers and locker rooms are extremely nice.  The locker rooms are set-up with all Drybar products..dry shampoo, hair dryers, etc.  It has a very spacious and clean feel.


I can't recommend Rumble enough.  Yes, it's expensive, but it's pretty similar to any other boutique workout you're paying for, so just try it.  It is so fun and you know you've gotten an awesome workout in when you leave..and even more so a day or two afterwards. 

Thanks so much for having me, Rumble..see you soon!


MY FIRST LASER TREATMENT W/ SKINDC


I don't even know how to start this post.  I want to gush about SkinDC in general, but the main objective is to talk about my laser treatment, so I'll start with that.

I recently visited SkinDC in Arlington for a laser resurfacing treatment.  After a few conversations through email, we had decided on one that sounded best for my skin.  I was nervous, excited, anxious.  How was it going to feel?  What would the laser fix?  Would I look like Samantha on Sex and the City afterwards?  However, after my consultation, my mind was at ease.





The laser treatment Dr. Keaney and I ultimately decided to go with was the BBL (not the original choice).  SkinDC has this very cool, very legit technology which, after multiple pictures of your face and skin, determines your skin's "age" and what areas need treatment.  I'm not doing this technology justice; it was one of the coolest things I've seen.  It measures UV, brown spots, wrinkles, texture, pores..you can see in the picture everything it covers.



What we gathered from the pictures, is that I need to focus on the brown spots, UV, and texture way more than wrinkles (who knew?..but also, Botox..).  The BBL laser focuses on exactly what I need treated.

The actual treatment itself takes no time at all.  First they remove your makeup, then they use an alcohol pad to remove any other impurities.  They then apply a thick-gel like substance all over your face, cover your eyes with little stickers and they're off.  The laser feels like hot, little rubber band snaps (as Dr. Keaney described) and he was totally right.  It's not terribly painful, but I wouldn't want to have the treatment last any longer than it did.  It's uncomfortable and your face gets pretty hot..but it's done within five minutes..probably even shorter than that.


My face was a little swollen, red, and tender right afterwards, but it went away in about 2-3 hours.  There is basically no downtime which was super important to me.  I can't miss work for something like this :)

Over the next week, I could tell that my brown spots were getting even darker and eventually they started falling off.  One of the staff members, Laurel, described the feeling as little coffee grinds on your face.  No one would notice but you.

The results were amazing!  I could tell a noticeable difference in the texture and evenness of my skin tone.  The after pictures are proof.  I went back about two weeks later for a follow-up and as you can see from the before and after pictures, my brown spots decreased (as well as my skin's texture improved) by ~100%..in just one treatment.  SkinDC and Dr. Keaney recommend three treatments and you can bet that I'm saving up my $ for two more.



Now, to the gushing.  Mary Keaney, her husband and the doctor who performed by treatment, Dr. Terrence Keaney as well as all of the staff I interacted with were the friendliest, most helpful people.  I typically have a lot of questions when trying something new - especially when it comes to beauty treatments and everyone was so professional and patient..not to mention educated.  Every question I asked was answered in a genuine and knowledgeable way.  They never tried to sell me on more services or try and get me to do something I didn't need, but did a thorough consultation advising me on things I could possibly do down the line.


I can't say enough good things about SkinDC and highly recommend going in for, at least, a consultation.

Thank you so much for having me in, SkinDC..I'll be back :)

I was provided the service in exchange for promotion; however, my love for this place and the treatment is real..they are amazing and I'll continue to do BBL if my wallet allows :)

BOTOX UPDATE..AND WHY I WON'T STOP GETTING IT


Thank you to Allergan and Dr. Lily Talakoub at McLean Dermatology for partnering on this post!

First things first, hi!  I know I've probably lost a lot of you all in my recent hiatus, but any post featuring Botox usually gets a lot of action, so here we go :)

I recently had the opportunity to attend a breakfast with Allergan and Dr. Lily to discuss the Allergan brand and what products they own.  Their most popular:  Botox.  

I've been a huge fan of the product for the past year and have always loved the results, so when Allergan reached out to see if I would be up to partnering with one of their favorite doctors, Dr. Lily, I was super excited!  McLean Dermatology is located in..you guessed it..McLean.  When you arrive, the lobby is fresh, chic, and smells so good (I know, weird).  Someone kept commenting on it and the girls at the front desk said that the practice just released a candle..and I was super tempted to buy..but that's not why I was there. Just wait until you see the pics of their product walls.  The pictures don't do it justice, but let's just say I stayed a little longer than I planned going through all they sold..



After a short wait, I was greeted by a medical assistant and was taken back into one of the service rooms.  Very typical of most medical offices, but these rooms were sterile..in a good way.  Everything was super clean and tidy.


After going though the basics (why I was there, allergies, etc..), Dr. Lily came in to perform the injections.  I guess the medical assistant had told her my past history with Botox, so she just got down to business.  Total, it took about 45 seconds (check out my Instagram stories) and I was done.  I received 20 units and let me tell you..no pain.  It's weird..like I was thinking "is she actually doing anything??".  Well, yes..the results show up in about two weeks and I was told to come back in for a check-up at that point.  Honestly, if I like the results, it's no biggie not to go back, but any patient is welcome to.


To be honest, I don't think I really needed to start getting Botox, but now that I've started, I'm not going back.  I feel as if it makes me look more awake, alert and fresh.  It's also like a semi-permanent makeup primer.  And it doesn't hurt at all!  I highly recommend getting Botox if you've been thinking about it.  Start small, see a reputable doctor, ask questions..and you're good!  But be careful, you won't be able to go back ;)

Also, if you're a nerd like me and want to learn more about Allergan, their products and the industry as a whole, check out this interesting report their team worked on!


Thank you again to Allergan and Dr. Lily Talakoub!

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