Look younger with Lesley
Anti-ageing guru Lesley Reynolds reveals the latest treatments to help you stay youthful
Semi-permanent make-up has a bad reputation, with heavy brows or wonky lip lines springing to mind. But techniques have come a long way in the past few years.
MICROBLADING INSTEAD OF AN EYE ‘LIFT’
The latest technique for restoring natural-looking
eyebrows, Microblading places pigment under the epidermis using a specially designed tiny needle-like blade, which leaves thin, realistic hair strokes for the most natural finish. Sparse or missing brows can be completely restored as the colour is deposited closer to the surface than when a machine is used, leaving very fine and crisp hair strokes, and giving an almost 3D effect. Results can last up for up to two years. From £400.
RESTORING A LIP BORDER INSTEAD OF INJECTIONS
Semi-permanent make-up is a great way of restoring the outer border of
the lips, which fades as we age. The one-hour treatment numbs lips with anaesthetic before the area is implanted with pigment to match your skin tone. You can also add colour over the lips. Results can last up to three years. From £400.
RECONSTRUCTING SKIN WITH MEDICAL TATTOOING
This can be used for multiple skin conditions, from improving stretch marks to adding colour definition to nipples post-mastectomy. A consultation will determine the exact colour match for your skin type and a test patch will be carried out first. A retouch is essential between 4-12 weeks. Results can last up to three years. From £350.
AND DON’T FORGET…
Enquire first about the practitioner’s training, and ask about the equipment used.
Avoid any discounted treatments. The price you pay should reflect the quality of the training, equipment and skill of the therapist.
Have a patch test first to ensure you won’t have an allergic reaction. It’ll also let you check the colour match.
Always go back for a check-up after 4-6 weeks.
You may experience some redness, swelling and flaking. This can be minimised with the use of aftercare balm, which should be provided.
The Red Cross advises not to give blood for four months after treatment. If you have an MRI scan, tell the radiologist, as pigment can show up.