Permanent Makeup MUST KNOWS

When thinking about permanent makeup, yes...it’s a tattoo...forever...as in...not removable.  You must consider a couple of things...

1. I am not really a big fan of using "colors".  They are too seasonal and trendy and later on you will be known as the old lady with blue eyebrows.  When thinking about permanent makeup, choose something neutral.  Go with colors that enhance your look!  Permanent makeup should really be used as a base.  You know, eyeliner, lip liner for fuller lips, stronger eyebrows when you barely have any.  Stuff like that.

2. Make SURE that the ink people use does not have iron oxides in it!  That is the stuff that will turn your shit green or blue. You know you’ve seen those old Asian women walkin around rockin the green or blue eyebrows!  Not good people!  Back in the old days, they used iron oxide ink because it’s in body tattoos and it’s cheap.  But after realizing that after sun exposure your shit will turn green, they quickly found other options.  There’s organic ink as well as just ink without it.  So make sure with your permanent makeup artist so you know what you’re getting into.

3. FIND a good artist!  Do your research!  To be honest, just because they may have been in the industry longer doesn’t necessarily mean they know what they’re doing anymore.  Some women who’ve been in the industry for 30 years don’t update their look.  So you’re stuck with a look that was hot, 30 years ago.  Make sure your artist has evolved and check their recent work before you let them mess with your face!  Sometimes it’s good to go with someone who’s younger because they are updated on the trends and the trends now a day is natural!

4. Ok, people usually get really queasy when tattooing eyeliner on.  Actually…not that bad!  Eyebrows are probably the least painful, and then eyeliner and the most painful are the lips!  You have less skin there and all of your meat is just chillin right there on your mouth.  So take that into consideration and make sure the artist numbs you with 5% lidocaine for approximately 20 minutes before starting on any area.   Some people still feel the pain after it’s numb, but at least it’s not as bad.  Trust me, you couldn’t take it without a little somethin!  Don’t worry; if you’ve found the right artist with the right touch, it’s all worth it!

5. Did you know that you can use permanent makeup to remove birth marks, sun spots, and some age spots?   Well, it’s true.  It is done by matching the color of your skin and basically coloring over it to conceal it.  In emergency rooms and plastic surgeons offices, they use it to treat burn victims and for breast cancer victims, they use it to create an areola.  Pretty cool eh?

And those are just a few things to consider…if you have any other permanent makeup questions, I am licensed and can answer any of your concerns.  Talk to Anna!

Furniture Shopping On a Budget?

Are you furniture shopping??

Every design project starts with an IDEA of a budget.  You want to get the look of a $30,000 room for less than half the price, right?  Well have no fear; the designer is here!  I used to work for Ethan Allen fine home furnishings and let me tell you, they have nice things.  But, they also have nice things for someone with a fat Louis Vuitton wallet.  If you’re one of those people, great!  Your sofa and room purchase comes with a designer.  Oh yes, they will do a house call and floor plans and set up a whole presentation for you, all complimentary!  You are not required to purchase anything, but don't get into it if you don't intend to buy anything.  Unless the room turned out crazy and your designer is nuts, they’re always willing to go back to the drawing board.  So please consider their time before you waste it.

Now if you have a Louis Vuitton INSPIRED wallet and you want to have the same look as an Ethan Allen room, then I’m here to help!  ZGallerie is a great place to find accessories as well as furniture.  They have the same things or similar items for a much lower price.  As far as furniture, you must know that if you pay less, you’ll probably get less quality.  However, what are you doing to your furniture??

ZGallerie - $149	Ethan Allen - $439
Zgallerie - $1399	Ethan Allen - Starting at $1949. (Which means by the time you’ve selected your fabric and custom it, it’ll run you about $3000 and up).

Things to consider:

• Both frames are constructed with kiln dried hardwood and engineered wood.
• Zgallerie offers it with featherblend cushions and that is an upgrade for Ethan Allen.  You have to pay extra for that.  However, it creates a more slouchy look and requires more maintenance with turning your cushions and constant fluffing.  The upside is that it gives you that more relaxed, sink in feel.
• At Ethan Allen, you can customize and select fabric, trims, cushion options, contrasting pillows, etc.  at Zgallerie, what you see is what you get.  But with the price difference, go with something neutral and pop different colors and patterns around your room.  You’ll get the same design feel and maximize the look of your sofa by evolving your look through accessories.