The Glam Squad - Part 1 - Permanent Makeup

Hey Ladies,
I hope you are all having a great summer! How are those tips working out for you? Let me know. It's been a great summer for me so far. I'm having a blast. I've done a few long weekend getaways, instead of a one or two week vacation. It's been a wonderful way to get away with my husband, my family and my friends.

The beach is always my first option. This time of year makes me focus on good health, light, healthy eating (I said I think about it) and being active outdoors. I found great deals this summer from Speigel and Newport News on swimsuits with body shaping, slimming fabrics. I'm two shades darker and can't wait to get back at least once more before the summer says goodbye.

Well for the last few weeks, I have been busy working, traveling and visiting my Maintenance Team a.k.a. The Glam Squad. Now because I'm a bit of a glamour-puss, my Squad may be a little larger than some, not as large as others. However, periodic visits are extremely important in order to "maintain". So for the new or uninitiated, a Glam Squad could consist of, but is not limited to, the following:

Hair Stylist (barber, colorist)
Braider
Weaver
Nail Technician (Mani's and Pedi's)
Esthetician (waxing, facials, peels, lash extensions, etc.)
Massage Therapist (oh so very very, necessary)
Clinical Cosmetologist (permanent make up, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc.)

So now that we have an idea of some of the "services" we are having done, I'd like to share my latest round of visits with you. In the next couple of days, I will introduce you to my personal team, whom I trust implicitly. They are in a word, the BIZOMB! I'll do this in parts, so that you don't get bored. The titles will let you know what we're talking about.

Introducing, Ms. Debbie Ruperti, Licensed Clinical Cosmetologist, Hague Medi-Spa, Norfolk, Virginia 757-622-7500

Six years ago after having a long-desired breast reduction, I discovered my plastic surgeon had a Medi-Spa across the hall where they perform all sorts of pretty amazing, beauty enhancing procedures. One of the most fascinating (and I believe awesome), is the creation of an aerola after a mastectomy. The clinical cosmetologist can use permanent make up to create it (the darker circle part of the breast/nipple). There are women of course, who choose not to have this, they are just grateful to be alive but quite a lot of women actually do. Being fascinated by the whole industry, I had to investigate this permanent makeup option a little further. Twelve years ago I read an article in Allure, that described the procedure and results in great detail. It stuck with me as I had already noticed that my eyebrows weren't growing back as fast after waxing or as thick as they once were.

Enter Debbie. Warm personality and very patient as I asked a hundred questions about pain, botched results and correction, you name it. I loved that she wasn't trying to sell me, but inform me. Well, my investigation ended by me having my eyebrows done. Results? I loved them and six years later still do! To me eyebrows are so important as it relates to the face and the balance of it. They frame the eyes and can be the difference between so-so and even scary or fabulous. Unkempt brows, say, "unkempt" but a well-cared for brow says, "Pow"! Because I had been using brow pencil to fill in and extend, I no longer needed to do that nor worry about them sweating off during workouts, hot summer days or after a swim. So this summer, I needed a touch up. A touch up is required every 2-3 years to keep the color and shape. Not bad. The initial procedure which took about an hour was $250 and touch ups are $150. Sooooo worth it!

The method that my "magician" Debbie uses is called "soft tap". A topical anesthetic (cream) is used to numb the area first. While it's numbing you, Debbie discusses color options based on your hair color (natural or otherwise) and helps you pick out the color that you desire. I love that her treatment room has lots of bright, natural light so you can truly see what that color will look like. She does your perfect color and then records it so when you return for touch ups you can have the exact color. No recovery time. She sends you home with a tube of vaseline-like gel to apply for the next 3 days and that is it. No kidding.

The great thing is when I first had it done, I was wearing my hair brown with light brown and blond highlights. Now, I'm wearing a soft black with slightly red highlights. This time I wanted my brows a little darker than before. No problem! Debbie is a perfectionist and will work on your brows until they are exactly the shape and color you desire! She also does permanent eyeliner (upper and lower), lip liner, chemical peels and lash extensions are also available.

The staff at Hague Medi-Spa are fantastic. If you're considering a little or a lot of "nip tuck", or just a "freshening" I highly recommend the Hague Medi Spa. Tell 'em Vanessa sent you!

Upcoming Topics:

"Bikini vs Brazilian" - I've been Kojak'd!
"Candles and Plates" - Not a romantic dinner but definitely a treat - Ear-Candling