We won an award!Carrina is super proud to have learnt that she won a Bronze Award in the British Hair and Beauty Awards, in the 'Microblading Expert Of The Year 2021' category!
She was judged on examples of her microblading work, 'Before and After' treatment photos, client reviews and her business and customer care strategies, by a panel of independent judges. Its a wonderful feeling to be recognised, and know that we are moving in the right direction. Thank you to our clients, for the continued support and feedback - it really made the difference in this case!
0 Comments
Micro Art LDN will offer Botched Ink® Cosmetic Tattoo Saline Removal from May 2021!
Micro Art LDN gets its OWN clinic!We cannot believe it - after 3 years of practicing from the lovely Create Your Beauty clinic, Micro Art LDN has moved to it OWN premises!
The new private clinic, located on the outskirts of Watford in the gorgeous village of Abbots Langley, has been refitted to provide a personal, private space for client treatments. The clinic benefits from ample free parking, a selection of shops, cafes and bakeries, and is only a 5 minute taxi from Kings Langley train station (with a direct link to London Euston). Carrina has been working hard to ensure that the space is welcoming, spacious and hygienic - perfect for micropigmentation! We cant wait to welcome you to our new home! “Can’t you just touch up that patch?”With the recent boom in Semi Permanent cosmetics, and the wide selection of technicians with varying experience on the market, it’s become commonplace to see clients whom have had less than desirable results from their enhancement looking for correctional treatment.
In many cases, where pigment has faded significantly, or the original design is at least partially favourable, a flattering correctional treatment can be performed. However, due to the the unpredictability of the success of the correction, and the work involved in achieving a good result, clients should expect that this highly skilled work is charged accordingly. At Micro Art LDN, we are often asked whether we are able to “touch up” the work of a another technician. This could be because the client has had an enhancement elsewhere that they feel hasn’t quite met their expectations (patchy shading work, or missing strokes for example), or their technician has ceased working prior to the completion of their refill treatment. Unfortunately, like most professional clinics, we often have to decline. Here’s why:
At Micro Art LDN, we want to achieve the very best results possible for you, and we cannot guarantee OUR best work if we are only “patching up” the work of another technician. This is why we will always insist on seeing any previous pigment that you have in the skin prior to confirming a booking, and correctional work - no matter how small - will always be treated and charged as a new procedure with a necessary refill application. For further information, or to discuss the possibility of correctional work in a free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Carrina gets Government Accredited!Carrina is super proud to announce that she passed with merit her Itec Level 4 Micropigmentation exam!
This means that not only does she have the standard UK certification for Permanent Makeup, but she also holds a government-recognised QUALIFICATION in Micropigmentation, accredited by the official industry body VTCT and OFQUAL and recognised in over 38 countries globally! The industry is changing, and councils are cracking down on technicians who are not properly trained. Insist on the highest level of knowledge and expertise when selecting your Permanent Makeup Technician. Thick/Latino eyeliner now available!Are you looking for a smudge-free, dramatic eyeliner look? We are now offering a thick semi-permanent eyeliner look, complete with Latino-style flick if desired!
The appointment takes around 2.5hrs (which includes a consultation and design time) and includes a refill treatment 4-12 weeks later to ensure a perfect result. Enquire today and save time in the morning! Carrina has joined Karen Betts!I'm absolutely over the moon to be able to announce that as from August, I will be working for Karen Betts as part of her elite team in Harley Street and Cheshire!
Karen Betts is an an international leader in permanent makeup and microblading services. She founded Nouveau Contour, KB PRO and Nouveau Lashes (inventor of LVL!) amongst others, and is a pioneer for the industry. To be offered the chance to work under her is an absolutely honour, as I’m completely inspired by the exceptional work and training that is delivered at this company. Plus, everyone is lovely ❤️ Exciting things are coming! Carrina goes to Pure Pigmentation Clinic!It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that I have been selected to work at the Pure Pigmentation clinic in Kenley, Surrey, where I will be performing treatments on a weekly basis to assist the lovely Hanna during her maternity leave.
I will be introducing Brow Microblading to her treatment list, and I’m super excited to meet the clients and give them confidence-boosting brows! I will be at Pure Pigmentation on Thursdays initially, so will still have plenty of time for my Watford clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sunday. Keep an eye out for some amazing work coming from this collaboration, as well as for the pitter-patter of brand tiny new feet! "I want my brows to be symmetrical"When performing a consultation for a client looking for an eyebrow enhancement, and discussing the expectations for the treatment, one request is almost always asked:
“Can you make my brows symmetrical?” Symmetry has long been seen as an example of beauty, and many models and celebrities are hailed for their mirror-image good looks. In reality however, a perfectly symmetrical face does not exist, and no two sides of the face are the same, even for the rich and famous. Look closely enough at a portrait image, and you’ll see the subtle differences between left and right - a rounder eye socket, or a stronger jawline perhaps. One side of the face is often slightly wider than the other side, or one eye positioned slightly lower or higher. Take a mirror image of both halves of your face in a photo, and you may find that your character is made up of two entirely different people! All of these factors contribute to the look of the eyebrows and what can be achieved in a treatment. Whilst a good technician will take precise measurements of your brows in order to position the enhancement and achieve as much balance as possible, the canvas of your face will dictate how symmetrical the result will be. So my answer to that client question will always be, with true honesty: “No I can’t, because your brows are sisters, not twins. But I can definitely help stop them from looking like distant relatives!” For a free consultation with Micro Art LDN, where your brows will be measured and assessed for the most flattering result, please call 07749749149 or email [email protected]. "They must be the best, because they've been doing it for years"It is easy to assume that the longer a technician has been qualified, the more experienced and skillful they will be at creating enhancements. However, clients need to take into consideration how many treatments that person performs, and on how regular a basis.
A technician that qualified in 2012 might have 5 years of owning the title of ‘permanent makeup artist’, but they may only have been performing 2-3 treatments a month. In contrast, a technician whom performs several procedures a day on a weekly basis, despite only having had a year or two in the industry, may be more experienced and skillful due to the fact that they are consistently in the skin. Artistic flare and natural creativity play a big part in producing a successful and flattering enhancement, and having an eye for detail, symmetry and balance is sometimes something that must be possessed rather than learnt. Clients should request to see a technician’s portfolio before making a decision to pursue treatment, including images of their healed work. Social media is a great method of determining whether a technician performs treatments regularly. Do they post new work often? Are they performing treatments on a wide range of skin colours/types/ages? Do they update in regards to extra training or courses that they have undertaken? Do they have good reviews from previous clients? Remember, no amount of artistic skill can make up for poor standards, so it is still imperative to confirm that your technician is licenced, insured and working to the highest of hygiene standards. For more information on treatments at Micro Art LDN, please visit www.microartldn.com/treatments to view the full portfolio. Regular updates and reviews are posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/microartldn. Carrina performs treatments on a daily basis, 4 days a week for the Sian Dellar Evanescence Clinic in Harley Street, and on Wednesdays and Sundays for Micro Art LDN. £199 Hair-Stroke brow enhancements using a Microblading technique - with inclusive refill!Get natural-looking, smudge-free microbladed eyebrows for £199 for a limited time only!
"What's the difference between microblading and permanent makeup?"Clients often ask what the difference is between 'Microblading' and 'Permanent Makeup', having heard many myths that one technique is more superior than the other.
In fact, both methods of micropigmentation are highly effective at creating beautiful enhancements, and if performed by a reputable, trained and licenced technician, can achieve safe and successful results for clients. Microblading is a technique that originates from Asia, and is sometimes known as "eyebrow embroidery" or "microstroking". The pigment is 'scratched' into the upper dermis of the skin, depositing pigment in crisp, clean strokes that mimic natural brow hair using a hand tool comprised of a series of fine needles fused together in a curvilinear grouping. The tool can also be used to create shading and powder/mist brows, by using a tapping technique. Generally, microblading treatments last between 6-15 months in the skin, and requires a yearly refresh. Treatments are usually quicker to perform - sometimes taking as little as 20 minutes for the actual implantation process. Machine Permanent makeup, also known as "semi permanent makeup" or "cosmetic tattooing", uses an electronically powered device and handgun which deposits pigment into the dermis using fine needles that repeatedly 'prick' the skin, penetrating slightly deeper in the skin than the microblade. This method can be used to draw fine hair strokes, shade and create powder/mist brows by using different needle configurations or tapers. Generally, machine permanent makeup lasts between 1-3 years, but a yearly refresh is recommended. Treatments usually take longer than microblading, as the needle needs to be moved slowly and consistently over the skin to implant smoothly. Machine implantation is usually required for the creation of eye and lip enhancements, although microblade versions of these treatments are beginning to appear. In both methods:
It goes without saying that whatever method a client chooses for an enhancement, whether machine or microblade, researching into the technician, premises and standard of equipment is key. There is good and bad work in either technique! For more information, please contact Carrina at Micro Art LDN for a complimentary, no obligation consultation where your questions and concerns will be addressed and you can find out the best method of enhancement for you. Carrina goes to Harley Street!It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that I have been selected to work at the prestigious Evanescence Clinic in Harley Street, alongside permanent makeup specialist, Sian Dellar!
I will be working for Sian 4 days per week, assisting with her clients, and learning lots of new techniques and skills to bring back to my own. I can't wait to get into the swing of being a London girl again (despite the early commute of course!) But don't worry - I will still be performing treatments for my own clients from Create Your Beauty in Watford on Wednesdays and Sundays, so make sure you secure your appointment in advance! And keep your eyes peeled on my Facebook and Instagram pages for more exciting updates! Ombré Powder Brow Technique - New to Micro Art LDNGet defined, dense-looking brows this summer with the NEW Ombré Powder Brow Technique!
Brows heal 30-40% lighter to a soft, graduated, powdery makeup finish, for clients who want their brows 'on fleek'. Book now, and the Ombré Powder Brow is included in the £199 Summer offer until 30th June 2017! Summer Offer time - Get any Permanent Makeup treatment for £199!If there were ever a time of year that Permanent Makeup really makes a difference, then Summer would be that time!
In the season of sweaty faces, swimming pools and long lazy days on sandy beaches, Permanent Makeup can give you the confidence of a made-up face without the worry of smudges or streaks. Book in for a FREE, no obligation consultation to see how an enhancement can benefit you, and if you decide to proceed, then you can choose any enhancement for only £199 until the end of June. Remember - it takes 4 weeks for a procedure to full heal before the touch-up refill can be performed, so make sure you book in plenty of time of your holidays! Call 07749749149 for further information, or email [email protected] "Its only a little procedure, you won't need a patch test"Sensitivity testing for pigments can cause controversy in the permanent makeup industry, simply due to the fact that it is possible for the skin to develop a delayed allergic reaction to pigment even though the initial test proved negative.
However, a reputable and responsible technician should provide a patch test to all new clients regardless, not only to cover all bases, but also because insurance companies insist on it - even for the smallest of beauty spots. If a technician is fobbing off the need for a pre-procedure patch test, you need to ask yourself - what other rules do they break? In fact...do they even have insurance at all? Micro Art LDN will always insist on providing a patch test for the Biotek pigments and numbing agents used, either via direct application at consultation or via a spot plaster. Treat Your Mum this March - with £50 off a treatment!Spring has finally sprung!
The days are getting longer, the daffodils are out, and Mother's day is just around the corner! Many of my clients are busy mums who just don't have the time for conventional makeup application. They love to look polished - even if its just for the school run! - but don't get the time that they need in the morning to apply perfectly even eyeliner, or pencil their brows in place. One lovely lady confessed that even if she did manage to take 5 minutes to herself to do her makeup, by the time she had rounded up her children, lugged the pushchair in and out of the car, and prised her toddler through the nursery doors, most of it was smudged out of place anyway! Permanent Makeup was the answer for her, as she knew that her brows would be even and in place no matter what life (or her 3 year old) threw at her. But its not just mums of little ones that can benefit from Permanent Makeup! Its also perfect for mature mummies who love to look their best. As we age, we can lose our natural brow and eyelash hair, and the definition of our lips can fade away. Sight impairments, arthritis and unsteady hands can make precise makeup application difficult too, and Permanent Makeup can help with this. So if you're stuck for something to treat your mum to this Mother's Day, why not give her a gift voucher towards a time-saving treatment? Gift vouchers are available for any amount that you choose, or better yet, book her in a treatment this March and receive £50.00 off of the price! Enquire now for details. Have a happy Spring! "They perform their treatments in a 100% sterile treatment room"Strict hygiene is key when it comes to a procedure where the skin’s barrier is broken. Even small infections can affect the healing of an enhancement, whilst transmission of diseases can damage the health of both client and technician.
It’s important when choosing where to have your enhancement done that you look at the premises and question the technician on their health and safety practices. No procedure room is ever going to be “100% sterile” – if an operating theater in a hospital cannot claim to be guaranteed sterile, then it is very unlikely that this environment is going to be achieved in a beauty salon or a spa. Sterilisation is a process that eliminates all micro-organisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores, and whilst single pieces of equipment can be sterilised via pressure boiling over 120 degrees centigrade (such as in an autoclave), it’s very difficult to achieve that across a whole room. However, there are things that the client can be on the lookout for. The procedure room should have walls and a floor that can be easily wiped down with disinfectant. Carpets, wallpaper and curtains should be removed, seeing as they can harbour bacteria, and be difficult to clean. Treatment couches should be smooth and made of a non-absorbent material, so that they can be easily wiped down. There should always be hand-washing facilities available, and a proper disposal method for hazardous waste. Most councils will require a premises to be licensed before treatments can be performed, and a health inspector will examine the facility to ensure that it meets safety criteria. You can always ask to see a copy of the licence certificate, which should be displayed on site. New Year, New You!A new year is upon us, and what better way to start it than by improving our own self confidence!
I can't wait to get my 2017 fitness kick underway! I've ploughed through far too many mince pies this month, and its time to get burning them off. I plan to hit the gym ASAP to get back to feeling healthier, and I'm going to incorporate a bit of swimming and a new dance class into my routine to help beat the boredom. Of course, I love that my enhanced brows mean that I can sweat or swim to my heart's content without the worry of makeup smearing down my face. Permanent Makeup really does give you the freedom to do as you please, whilst looking the best that you can, and it can save you time in the morning to be getting on with all those resolutions that you have to keep! Its something that many people can't believe that they waited so long to try. Think it might be time for you to consider a Permanent Makeup enhancement? Ive extended the Christmas offer until the end of January, so you can still benefit from £100 off a treatment! Happy New Year! Carrina x Micro Art LDN teams with 'Matthew Armsby Photography' for a BIOTEK photoshootWhat better way to showcase how proud I am to use the Biotek Arte device and products than with a photoshoot of my equipment. Last week I was lucky enough to spend time with Matthew Armsby - an independent photographer based in Staines, Surrey - to capture beauty and quality of the brand....and I am excited to receive the finished images!
Biotek offers unparalleled quality in its technology design and materials, and strives for excellence in both safety and aesthetic results. Its the first choice for many of the worlds' international experts, and it's a hit with my clients too! Many have commented to me that treatments with the Biotek needles are far more comfortable that any other permanent makeup treatment that they have experienced before...with some clients even falling to sleep during their procedures! You can learn more why the Biotek needles and pigments are so special on my website 'ABOUT' page, however keep your eyes peeled for updates on why using this brand with Micro Art LDN will ensure that you get the best permanent makeup treatment possible! "I found someone much cheaper, who can fit me in tomorrow"Sometimes it's great to grab a bargain, but when it comes to your face and an invasive procedure, it's imperative to research your technician and the tools that they use.
A good quality needle can cost around £15 each, and sometimes multiple needles are required in a procedure, such as for eyeliner application. Add to that the cost of high quality pigments (the Biotek pigments used by Micro Art LDN are £65 per bottle for example), client aftercare items, and all of the consumables used and disposed of after every treatment (protective aprons/bonnets, trays, pigment cups, pencils, tweezers etc..) and the cost of performing a safe treatment mounts up. And of course, because each procedure includes a refill, this cost is then doubled. So when looking for a technician to perform your treatment, don't be swayed by cheap prices. Ask yourself - "what corners are being cut to allow the technician to still be making a profit?" A good technician will always be proud to show you where they purchase their products from. For any information on Micro Art LDN, please do not hesitate to contact me. Micro Art LDN and 'Create Your Beauty' join forces at ChristmasIts been a busy couple of months of organisation, but last week 'Create Your Beauty' held its first Christmas Event at the Bushey Mill Lane salon...and it went down a storm! Festive food, raffles and promotions rallied the crowd (the free mulled wine helped enormously!) and everyone had a blast. Carrina from Micro Art LDN was invited to showcase her permanent makeup enhancements and offer free consultations to all of the lovely clients!
Permanent Makeup is available at the salon on a weekly basis - enquire now, as the £100 Christmas offer won't last for long! "Its fine, they always use a new needle"Many people believe that as long as a tattooist or permanent makeup technician uses a new, sterile needle for their treatment, that the procedure must be safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Many of the needles on the market, particularly the cheaply-made Chinese versions, can be lacking the protective membranes in the cartridge that are imperative for preventing the backwash of bodily fluids into the handpiece itself. Therefore, new needle or not, the hand piece that is used client after client could actually then be carrying blood-borne viruses from person to person - scary stuff! At Micro Art LDN, only the highest quality European needles are used. The Biotek needle cartridges are CE Class and contain internal diaphragms to prevent body fluids and airborne contaminants entering the handpiece, protecting against cross-infection. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2021
Categories |