injection education
Clinical Director, Lovely C. Israel, A.N.P.
Women and men all over Sacramento are getting injections in their faces. When we choose to have semi-invasive procedures done for beauty, it is very important to go in with the necessary information so we can achieve stunning results. When I lived in Los Angeles, I had the privilege of meeting nurse practitioner, Lovely Israel. Lovely is not only a specialist in the aging process, but is a “nationally-recognized Clinical Instructor for advanced injection techniques for aesthetic injectables and trains clinicians around the country,” (http://www.skinbylovely.com/aboutus.html). Her office has been named Souther California Training Center For Aesthetic Advancements, Inc. and constantly welcomes students to rotate through and learn Lovely’s techniques for subtle, beautiful injection results.
Getting injections of botox and dermal fillers is a big decision that needs to be entered into with the proper knowledge and research. When one goes to get injections without the proper knowledge, and unarmed with the right questions, the results can at times be undesired and long lasting. Lovely, being just that, was kind enough to lend The Emery Board an exclusive interview where she answered some important questions for first time injection clients as well as those who currently receive treatments.
Q: For people who have never had injections done before, what are some key things to look for when choosing a doctor/nurse?
A: Ask the injector how many years of experience they have and how they were trained? What is the volume of patients that they see? The longer the experience and higher the volume of patients the better! Ask them if they know how to fix any complications and what complications may happen. Also, ask them to explain how botox works in the body (if they don’t know the pathophysiology of how something works then the person may be a beginner)
Q: What should a first timer expect from botox? fillers?
A: Botox takes 10 days for the full results to take effect and depending on the area and how much the person injects, the area should appear relaxed (not necessarily frozen) and most of the time fine lines diminish.
Dermall filler will add an instant result. Immediately following the procedure the area many be swollen or bruised and this should subside within the next few days.
Q: If someone over did it on botox, can that be fixed? How?
A: If someone is over botoxed only time will cure the issue. Exercise and antibiotics also make it metabolize faster.
Q: Are there serious risks associated with botox and fillers that most people don’t know about?
A: Botox can cause a “eyelid and eyebrow ptosis” which is sometimes called a droop. This is a possible complication when treating the forehead and frownlines. Botox also reduced mobility in the areas treated, so around the mouth, botox can cause problems with phonation. Dermal fillers, although very rare, if injected in the improper place can block blood flow to certain areas by putting pressure on blood vesssels or being injected in to blood vessels. If treated immediately these complications resolve. Dermal fillers can also appear lumpy at times but this can be fixed by the provider.
Q: What are some of your favorite effects that can be achieved through injectables?
A: Browlifts with botox and dermal fillers, jawline contouring, covering undereye bags, lifting the cheeks, raising the tip of the nose, eliminating lip lines, filling in hollow temples, etc…. endless possibilities!
Q: How can people make sure they don’t end up looking like the “Real Housewives?”
A: Make sure you stress to your provider that you want to look very natural and to be conservative. Request to still have some movement with botox and to start with small quantities with the fillers.
Q: Do you have any additional advice or information you think is important for patients to know?
A: Have realistic expectations. This is NOT surgery. Always communicate your needs and thoughts about treatment with your provider and if you don’t like the way something looks tell your provider.
Q: Do you know of any people who do injections in Northern California that you would recommend?
A: I just met Dr. Corey Maas this weekend and he was very nice. He has a practice in SF. http://www.drmaas.com/
Thank you, Lovely, for your wonderful advice!
If you are interested in more information on Lovely Israel, you can find her here http://www.skinbylovely.com/index.html
because beauty isn’t always pretty
Happy Sunday, Emery Boarders. Today, we’re going to take a step away from the positive and take a moment to rant. I recently read a post that a dear friend and fellow beauty industry insider wrote in response to an experience with an unpleasant client and was inspired to repost it. Then, I thought that after I posted it, I would also rant about something that has been really bugging me. So, without further ado, here is her post:
“what’s more important to you, hair or health? believe it or not some people suffer with the internal battle of their hair meaning more to them than their own well being. this is a bit ridiculous and a tiny bit serious… but it’s true. thus being said, if you are either of these types, please… treat your hairdresser with the same respect that you would with your Doc. if we are running 10 measly minutes behind (for reasons unknown to you) give us a break. remember, at a doctor’s office you are probably going to be waiting 15-45 mins for a “ROUTINE” check-up, and i ‘ll betcha that you’d never give the Doc heck for running late or just flat out triple booking you with the rest of the general public. hairdressing may be considered a part of the “service”, retail, artistic/creative, what-have -you, industry… but, it is also extremely different than any of these said industries. a profession all of it’s own, that has a billion options within it. we take pride in our work, we are privileged to have you as a patron just as you are privileged to patronize our place of work. so, please take this into consideration the next time you try to give your hairdresser verbal havoc. this is a very intense, thought-out gift we are giving, even if it seems like it’s a no-brainer/2nd nature process. there is A LOT of behind the scenes work going on to maintain YOUR happiness. one last thing: GIVE YOUR LOCAL BARISTA A BREAK, AS WELL!!!” -anonymous
To add to this, I think its important to be nice to people in general. We’re not perfect, we’re human, and when it feels so good to have someone forgive us of our imperfections, so too does it feel good to forgive others of theirs.
Now for my rant. Ke$ha, please stop looking like this.
You are a beautiful young woman, and you are doing yourself a terrible disservice.
Thank you for reading, and happy Sunday. Back to positivity tomorrow.
your epidermis is showing!
Alright, so I realize its raining outside, but spring is just around the corner, and that means that we should all be shopping for more intense sunscreens. Remember my post before http://theemeryboard.com/2009/07/12/what-you-dont-know-about-your-sunscreen/? It emphasized the importance of wearing antioxidants with your sunscreen or finding a formula that already contains antioxidants to combat the free radicals that the sun blocking chemicals form on the skin. While some of the formulas I am about to tell you about may not have antioxidants, just know that I still encourage you all to add them to your skincare routine regularly to fight off skin cancer.
Though it may be hard to even visualize what the sun looks like at this point, its important that when those sunny days come, we arm ourselves with the proper protection against those gorgeous, yet harmful rays. Here are a few different sunscreens for a few different people.
This sunscreen is for the bargain hunter. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch formula contains Helioplex which claims to have stabilized sunscreens which may not break down into free radicals as easily, but I would still recommend supplementing with an antioxidant underneath. This sunscreen is extremely dry to the touch, and is about $10. Though it is SPF 70, please, still reapply regularly. A higher number does NOT mean less reapplying! Pick this up at most drug stores.
This formula is made for those who love being in the water or those who sweat a lot. This waterproof formula is one of my favorites for those days at Tahoe on the jet ski when water is pummeling my face. When I apply Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, I have to wash my hands a few times before the soap will lather. It means business. Its packed full of antioxidants and plenty of anti-aging ingredients. The tiniest bit goes a really long way, and its got protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The Shu Uemura purifying oil is the best way to remove this thick, stubborn formula. I would not recommend this for daily use, but mainly for those particularly active days. You can pick this up at Sephora for $19.50-35.00.
For those delicate flowers out there, this Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunblock lotion with Purescreen is specifically formulated without fragrance and with natural sunscreens to be gentle on sensitive skin. Do not let the word natural fool you, however. This sunscreen does contain the ingredients that transform into free radicals on the skin, so definitely add your antioxidant serum or moisturizer underneath before applying, and reapply often. This is also around $10 and is available at the drug store.
For the sunscreen haters, here’s a formula that boasts no sunscreen feel. It completely absorbs into the skin leaving it soft, smooth, and matte (no more sunscreen sheen). This Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen also contains tons of antioxidants to help control free radicals. This formula has the lowest SPF of the entire group, but with SPF 30, its definitely still a valuable weapon against skin cancer and wrinkles. You can find it at Sephora for $26.
If you skipped the link to my previous sunscreen article, remember that you should always choose sunscreens that have antioxidants, and if they don’t, supplement with your own. Certain sunscreens break down into free radicals on your skin, which is exactly what you are trying to protect yourself from in the first place. Reapplying regularly, as stated on the label, also prevents those free radicals from forming. Make sure you use plenty, and no matter how much you hate the feeling of it, or the smell, or whatever your reasoning, get over it. The risks of not wearing sunscreen are too great. So stock up on your sunscreen now, and maybe, just maybe, the sun will come out tomorrow!
Update: Emery Board Reader Ericka reminded me that Neutrogena can be found super cheap at Wal-Mart. Happy sunscreening!
prep + prime = perfect pout
MAC is full of products I love, but I think this might top my list of favorites. This is MAC’s Prep + Prime for lips. When applied before liner and lipstick, it magically sets your lip color for exceptionally long wear. It also makes the pigment in the lip color seem richer and prevents it from feathering. Feathering was always a problem I had. My lipstick would always creep into those tiny lines around my lips that I never knew I had until they were full of red pigment. MAC’s Prep + Prime completely eradicated this problem. Hooray! This is a definite must for any bold lipstick lover.
MAC has counters at Macy’s (Arden, Downtown, and Sunrise), Nordstrom (Arden and Roseville), as well as free standing stores in Arden Fair Mall and the Galleria.
no double-dipping, please!
After having laser hair removal that was only partially effective (I was unable to complete the full amount of procedures), I was left with a little problem. The reason I had gotten the laser in the first place is because all I could think about while getting waxed was that the waxer almost always double dips, all of the people who had come in before me, and the scary statistics of contact spread illnesses out there. Having moved from LA, where Get Waxed was the only waxing salon that boasted NO DOUBLE-DIPPING, I felt little hope. However, after digging through site after site on the internet, I found Veronica J Esthetics out of Byuti Salon right here in midtown!
I was very nervous upon arriving to the salon, but when I met Veronica for the first time, she was so friendly and confident, I was immediately appeased. I’m such a modest person, and getting groomed, ahem, down there, has always been an awkward experience for me. Before the realization of double-dipping occurred to me, I would NEVER repeat a visit. I was always so embarrassed that I could not bring myself to see the same waxer twice! I was so surprised when I went to see Veronica, because she made me completely forget the situation I was in! She was fast, while also being incredibly thorough and meticulous, and it was also the least painful experience I had ever had. I had never felt so comfortable in such an uncomfortable position in my life.
After one appointment, I knew she had a client for life. Its also such a relief knowing that she NEVER uses the same stick twice. Once it touches the skin, she throws it out and gets a new one for the next dip. Her standards across the board are unrivaled in my opinion. I’ll never go anywhere else. I just hope that after writing this article, I can still get in for my appointment!
Veronica works out of Byuti Salon at 1414 H Street. Book with her for any waxing service or facial by calling 916-441-2000
fresh face to watch: katie neutz
There are few hairdressers in the world who feel a true, insatiable passion for their craft. True hair artists who view each strand as an opportunity to create something special and expressive that makes the wearer feel unique and fashion-forward. I love finding these people. They are infectious in the best kind of way. When I went to have my hair styled in the fashion of a blythe doll for Halloween last year, my usual stylist, Ericka Verrett at AJF was busy. She instead scheduled me with her assistant, Katie Neutz, who so far, had showed me that she could shampoo me into a relaxed blob, and blowdry my hair straighter with a Denman than with any flat iron I had ever seen. I knew I was in good hands, but when I sat in her chair, I began to truly understand the that I was in the presence of someone very special.
I loved how excited Katie became when I told her that I wanted big, crazy, but feminine hair. She turned me away from the mirror while she worked, and every time someone walked by, they raved about what she was doing to my head. The anticipation was KILLING me! She curled my hair with such detail, that each tiny section she curled had a special place in her work, creating the overall vision she had planned in her head. After chatting and laughing with each other for about an hour, she turned me to the mirror to reveal the most adorable and doll-like hair style I had ever seen on a human! I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I only wish I had better pictures of it to share with all of you, but instead, I’ll show you some other pictures of the genius that Katie has created in her short career; pictures that told me that I couldn’t wait any longer to tell you all about her!
What excited me the most about Katie is that despite the fact that she hasn’t been a hairdresser for very long, she possesses so much natural talent, its almost scary. My late mother always said that whatever you do, you should do with genuine care. Katie obviously cares, and not only is she amazing at what she does, but she also is an absolute delight to be around. To book with Katie for any of your events, call Muse Hair Boutique at 14th and R at 916-443-5780. Did I mention she’s great at cut and color too? Now, for those pictures I promised. Enjoy!
hurry up and buy josie!
Yes, you read right. Josie Maran is donating 50% of her online sales to Haiti. Now, there are only a few days left, but if you are running low on ANYTHING, restock here! Make sure you order before February 1st. http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/
After this generous offer is over, remember that the people of Haiti are going to need our help for long after it falls out of top news. An article I read in Yahoo was saying that the Haitians are going to need food and aid through December, and maybe longer. There are tons of ways to help, including this nifty t-shirt that donates 100% of its proceeds to the aid efforts in Haiti. These shirts are available here: http://www.helpendlocalpoverty.bigcartel.com/
If you are interested in helping in other ways, (and I hope you are!) here is a list of TONS of organizations taking donations for Haiti as well. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/
The most beautiful thing we can do is help others.
when bad things happen to good lashes
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to lay to rest a dear friend. A friend who made us bat our lashes, throw our falsies out the window, and never let us walk out the door with clumps. Bourjois Yes to Volume, No to Clumps, you will be dearly missed.
It is so hard to mourn the loss of a loved cosmetic, especially when that cosmetic was hands down the best mascara you had ever used. This was how I felt about Bourjois Yes to Volume, No to Clumps mascara. That comb looks wimpy, but it separated each lash while lengthening and fanning them out to create lashes that on more than one occasion, had people asking if they were fake. So, you can understand my dismay when I went to buy more only to find it had been discontinued! I was beyond upset. I had searched for what seemed like an eternity for a mascara that I thought was perfect, and now it was gone. However, knowing that Bourjois wasn’t going to remake a product simply because one little person wanted it back, I decided to start my search all over and share my findings with all of you.
So far, I have tried a long list of mascaras. Benefit’s Bad Gal ended up under my eyes and didn’t give me the separation I was seeking. Dior Show left me completely unimpressed with a dry formula that gave me scary spider eyes. Sephora brand might as well have been tint, it was so thin, as was the same for Anastasia. Vincent Longo had a great formula that also got discontinued (are we seeing a pattern here?). I also tried Loreal Clean Definition Telescopic which clumped my lashes together and made me look like I had fewer lashes. The Loreal Telescopic Explosion was hard to work with and took careful strokes to get the look I wanted. Lash Stiletto was alright, and I used it for a while, but decided to move on. None of the Lancome mascaras could touch the Bourjois, and Lash Injection couldn’t hold up to its name.
Finally, I picked up a tube that actually impressed me for the first time in, well, I don’t know, however long it took me to get through the list above!
There she is. Covergirl Lash Blast Length. With an easy to use brush that acts as a separating machine, and a great textured formula, the road to defined, voluminous, long lashes has become significantly shorter.
I do have a trick, though, that I use with all mascaras to get the most out of the product. First, I put on one layer on one eye. Then, while applying mascara to the second eye, the first eye’s mascara is getting slightly tacky as it dries. Then, I go back to the first eye and apply more, while separating and “styling” my lashes into place. I go back and forth usually 3 times total, constantly “styling” my lashes into place and in the shape I want. I’ll also use the brush as my lash curler by holding the lashes in a curled position with the wand until they have had adequate time to set. No mascara will give you amazing lashes in one coat, no matter what they advertise. We makeup artists have tricks to getting the makeup to look the way it does in print and film (including false lashes), so coming to that realization is just as important as finding the right formula. Great lashes take work, time, and styling finesse, just like the perfect hairstyle or eye shadow look. With that said, my new favorite is definitely the Covergirl Lash Blast Length, which is also drastically less expensive than other brands I tried. SUCCESS!!
just checkin’
For years now, I have told clients that Pantene is bad for their hair, and that salon brands really are better. I told them what I had been told; drug store brands used cheap surfactants that dry the hair, they strip color, and use harsh ingredients. However, even though I had been told this throughout my career in the beauty industry, I just took it as fact rather than testing it out.
Now that everyone is pinching their pennies, I decided to try out some drug store products, the first of which was Pantene Pro-V Moisture Restore Shampoo and Conditioner. I wanted to see if the ads were true, and see if I could skip out on the $30 price tag of my Kerastase, in exchange for a more modest price under $10.
The first thing I noticed was that my hair was squeaky clean after using the shampoo. This is NEVER a good thing. It felt dry and stiff. You never want your hair to be squeaky after washing it because that is an indication that too many oils have been stripped and can lead to excess drying. Also, the overall feel of my hair was just plain icky.
When I applied the conditioner, my hair instantly felt better. The conditioner felt creamy and rich, and seemed to make my hair drastically softer. It was an ok first impression.
After one week of using the products from Pantene, my hair smelled great, but my color was faded more than usual, and my ends seemed really dry with more split ends. The conditioner may have felt rich and creamy but clearly did not offset the damaging ingredients in the shampoo.
I really wanted to write a rave review for Pantene. I wanted all of the things I had been told about drug store brands to be mythical, but based on Pantene’s performance, I’d have to stick to my old way of thinking. As soon as I ran back to my Kerastase, my hair was thanking me with better hair days and softer locks.
I’ll be reviewing more and more drug store products as I go, so keep a look out. Hopefully those products will yield better results!
congrats deanne and amber!
You have each won $25 to Sephora courtesy of The Emery Board! Merry Christmas! I’ll be contacting you this week to get you your cards! Thanks for reading and to all who entered! Emery loves her beauties!
