1. What exactly is threading?

A thin (cotton or polyester) thread is doubled, then twisted. It is then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Unlike tweezing, where single hairs are pulled out one at a time, threading can remove short lines of hair. Advantages for eyebrow threading, as opposed to eyebrow waxing, are that it provides more precise control in shaping eyebrows and is more gentle on the skin. Look at this video of Angel, expert threader and visual artist.

2. Can I trust anyone to thread my brows?

You can if you want to but, like anything else, an expert will pick the right hairs to thread and create the perfect shaped brow for your face and liking. That being said; whoever gives you beautiful brows – STAY WITH THEM! And don’t pluck in between – just wait and get them done right. It’s better to have too much than not enough. The brow frames the eyes and that’s big. Scary brows make a bad impression. It’s like chipped toe nails with beautiful sandals. No one can see the shoes if the nails are nasty… you get my drift.

3. Should I go Brazilian?

Ok. So no hair down there has become the norm. It’s perceived as sexy and even expected in some bedrooms. But if it’s not you and you can’t deal with the itchy re-growthor you don’t have the time to get to the salon before that special Saturday night, I think it’s fine to have hair, some hair. But I also believe in good landscaping. Consult with your wax-gal. There are degrees of trimming and shaping. And shaving is not off the menu for legs or landing strips… But, good hair is good hair, anywhere.

4. What’s a European facial?

I would say it’s a fancy way of washing your skin, squeezing a few pores, shmooshing on a clay masque and massaging some cream all over your face and chest. Does it feel good? Of course, who doesn’t want to be stroked and rubbed in a spa setting? But will it change your skin? Probably not. If you want a facial that will do something to help with any skin issues you have, you need a knowledgeable person with experience and who offers more than applying products that you can purchase and use in the shower. The shower btw is the best place to steam your face and cleanse but it’s crucial that you do it correctly and  then close the pores with ccccold water or ice cubes… don’t expose open, moist pores to the outside dirty world. Even better is a high frequency wand… for anti-bacterial results.

5. Can I really shrink my pores or not?

That’s a tough one. Shrinking takes time and someone who knows how. Most creams or serums that proclaim pore shrinkage are faking it. I would say, yes it’s possible but frequent extractions and then electrical pulsing (high frequency for antibacterial, tightening and refining) of the skin is needed. Twice a month for starters and tapering down to once a month or every six weeks.

6. Is there really any anti-aging cream that works?

I have found a few… only a few. Using Retin-A, derived from vitamin A, can be amazing forsome people and a prescription from a dermatologist is the way to go, but it can also cause weird drying, not a great result for some. “But consistent use of Retin-A helps normalize the cells,” says Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee, a dermatologist in Walnut Creek, Calif. Skin cells contain retinoid receptors that help regulate how the cell functions. As people age, their cells behave more erratically. Retin-A can improve skin texture and fade dark spots and freckles because it causes skin cells to turn over more rapidly. It shrinks dilated pores so they are less likely to clog and become blackheads and whiteheads.

I personally love natural creams with live minerals and anti-aging frequencies programmed into them. Try VibesUp Crystal Cream from VibesUp.com

For the last month I have been using Nerium at night, a new cream sold by a membership, and it really makes a difference on lightening sun spots, tightening the skin and it seems to be diminishing lines around my mouth and eyes… I may love it and sign up. I like the science behind it a lot and the company is very open and supportive. I’ll keep you informed.

7. Is it worth it to start eyelash extensions?

If you want to look like a show girl everyday, then yes. But you must be ready to be careful with that area of your face. No rubbing or vigorous washing, sleeping on a satin pillow is good and no oil make-up remover. A fill visit every two weeks and yes, you will literally look and feel like a sexy hot pin-up. Oh, and don’t forget you can customize your lash look to be more natural, more cover shoot or more Dita Von Teese.

8. How often should I get a facial?

Depends what you want to achieve.  Twenties: once every two months is good for deep cleaning and teaching you a skin care routine, (if you have acne then more, to get a grip on your issues) Thirties: every month with some electric stimulation and healing elements to avoid early wrinkles and sagging. Forties: once or twice a month if you are committed to the anti-aging routine, as well as avoiding redness, inflamation and sun spots… Firties: continue forties routine, adding more if you can. As we get older it’s important to have the right person that knows your skin and can customize what your face needs and who can yell at you when your diet and lifestyle is causing problems… Your two closest relationships are your facialist and your hairdresser.

9. Is all this maintenance important?

Yes and no. It all depends on who you want to be. In western society beauty is defined differently than in Europe and certainly in Asia. Some countries are more relaxed about categorizing beauty and some are more obsessed with a specific vision of what beauty perfection means. Are we infatuated with youth and perfection in America, simply put… yes. But is that a bad thing? My mom is a very smart, strong, intense, opinionated, well read, artistic woman. She cares about art and politics and morality and she doesn’t leave the house without lipstick. Esthetics is her passion; design, fashion, graphic and fine art, and her own appearance could never be neglected while being true to herself. But, she’s never colored her hair or used make-up.

So, I say, find the right balance for you. Try things, new things; get lashes, wear red lips, navy blue toe nails, a new hair cut or color. See if you are hiding and in need of popping your look or maybe you’ll look great with a tinted moisturizer and a pink lip gloss and your hair in a ponytail. But if you look in the mirror and you aren’t happy, cut out pictures of your favorite looks in magazines, find an expert and take some chances. And when you decide on the look you want to maintain – then yes, spend the time and money. You are worth it.

10. And lastly… ask me your question that I missed…

nycredhead@yahoo.com

www.sublimeeyes.com

www.ninaface.com