Frequently Asked Questions
Semi-Permanent Makeup
What is Semi Permanent Makeup (SPMU)?
SPMU was first introduced into the UK in the mid 80’s and is becoming ever more popular as the techniques become more refined and the equipment more sophisticated. Also known as Permanent Makeup, Micropigmentation, Permanent Cosmetics or Cosmetic Tattooing, it is a cosmetic enhancement procedure that uses advanced techniques to implant hypoallergenic pigments into the dermal layer of the skin (0.5mm) using state of the art equipment.
Why have SPMU?
Naturally, we all want to look out best. Just imagine how convenient it would be to have perfectly shaped eyebrows, beautifully contoured lips or wide-awake enhanced eyes! SPMU gives you the confidence of looking your best at all times – around the clock.
Is SPMU safe?
Absolutely safe. Pigments used in my procedures are from Finishing Touches. They are pharmaceutical grade, made of natural iron oxide, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and have been EU regulated. Only pre-packed, brand new sterile cartridges are used for each client.
How long will my SPMU last?
SPMU stays fresh and beautiful for a number of years, slowly fading in time – depending on skin type, lifestyle and sun exposure. Regular colour refresh treatments are recommended every 12-18 months to maintain perfect results.
Am I suitable for SPMU?
For most, SPMU is definitely an answer and most people are suitable for these treatments. At your one-to-one consultation, Olya will advise which treatment and technique suits you best and discuss your desires and expectations on improving the area/s of your choice.
Is the SPMU procedure painful?
Your comfort is of the utmost importance so a topical anaesthetic – a cream or/and gel is used 30 minutes prior to and throughout the procedure.
How Will The Shape Be Decided?
Decisions are based on the shape of your face, on your personality and your preference. A make-up pencil is used to outline alternatives until the ideal shape is found. The template is then measured and checked for perfect symmetry and balance.
What can I expect from my consultation?
Many clients are understandably a little nervous about the semi-permanent nature of their SPMU procedure. This is natural and with this in mind, Olya will seek to address any anxieties clients may have. The consultation process shows clients exactly how their make up will appear after their treatment so clients can see what they are getting.
After discussing your natural features and colouring and with feedback from the client, Olya will suggest the best possible shape and colour for the area concerned. She will draw your perfect eyebrows using brow pencil and callipers and show you the best colour of pigment – the closest to your natural colouring. This way clients get to see exactly what their new features will look like post-procedure. For clients wishing to have the procedure, an allergy patch test is also completed.
Does It Look Natural?
The results will appear very natural and your features will look more defined making you look completely refreshed. Your friends will never know what the difference is unless you choose to tell them. The benefits these treatments have to offer is a major break through in Permanent Makeup.
When applied correctly they can give the impression of a mini facelift making one appear 10 years younger without surgery. The treatment is long-lasting therefore it cannot be emphasised enough how important it is to go to a reputable practitioner.
How will I look immediately after and will everyone notice?
When your procedure is completed, the colour will appear darker and more defined than the final result. This is because the colour is in BOTH the epidermis and the dermis. The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, is always shedding and renewing itself so the colour in the top layer will flake during the healing process. this will soften by up to 30% during the healing process which will be between 5 and 10 days depending on the individual’s unique recovery rate and how closely the ‘post-procedure’ care instructions are adhered to.
• You may resume back to normal activity straight after treatment
• Slight swelling will be gone within 1-2 days
• Slight flaking over the area during healing
• 30-40% of the pigment will fade after initial treatment
• Additional treatment needed after initial procedure 4-6 weeks later
• End results will be soft natural enhancement
What if I don’t like the result?
Much care is taken during your initial consultation, with a template and colour finally approved and sign-off by yourself prior to your treatment. Taking your time to reseach and find a suitable SPMU specialist with a proven past performance and reputation is an important part of the whole process. Olya is proud of her track record and has never had an unsatisfied client. On the contrary; clients are delighted with the final results.
Is SPMU expensive?
Bearing in mind its long-lasting results and one’s confidence with always having subtle, soft and perfectly in-place make-up, SPMU is in fact a low cost option. Although it is normally at the higher end of the Cosmetic Industry market, it is still lower than dermal filler and Botox, both which require costly and frequent maintenance.
The quality of a SPMU technician’s work should be observed, rather than price. Olya made the choice to locate outside Bath meaning lower overheads and cost savings which can be assed onto the client.
Health and Safety Standards
The equipment Olya uses for her procedures is the most technologically advanced available. It’s also used for medical procedures. The ‘Precision Plus’ by Finishing Touches, is safe by design and safe against cross-contamination. This machine is the only digital machine to carry class 2a medical certification and is the choice of surgeons, nurses and Advanced Micropigmentation Technicians.
The machine uses a sterile cartridge system – “single use only” needles – for better implantation, less discomfort and more accurate results. Only pre-packed, brand new sterile cartridges are used for each client. Olya adheres to strict hygiene standards.
Do I need an allergy test?
A test patch is offered, however if you so wish you can elect to waive the patch test and have the procedure immediately as 99% of people do not have any reaction at all. A test can however also be carried out 24 hrs prior to treatment. If you wish to discuss any medical contra-indications, please feel free to contact Olya, or discuss them during consultation.
After Care
You will be given after-care instructions as well as topical after-care ointment to apply.
What next?
The next step is to arrange an appointment for consultation. Please also refer to ‘What Can You Expect From Your Visit?‘ section on the ‘About’ page of this website.
Pre - Procedural Advice
Please refrain from eyebrow tinting and eyelash curling for a week before your procedure. Also, if applicable, please bring your glasses as you cannot wear your contact lenses for 24 hrs after the procedure.
AQUALYX® Lithotherapy
What is AQUALYX?
AQUALYX™ is an injectable treatment used as a means of body contouring. This is a form of injection lipolysis, lipotherapy or intralipotherapy.
AQUALYX™ was developed to treat localised pockets of fat underneath the surface of the skin. It can be used to treat fat pockets on the back, chin, stomach, underneath the buttocks, hips, thighs and knees. It can also be used to treat pseudo-gynaecomastia, the development of fatty tissue around the nipple, resulting in a “breast”-like appearance in men, (due to weight gain rather than the growth of actual breast tissue as seen in genuine male gynaecomastia).
What is it used to treat?
AQUALYX™ is used to treat pockets of fat that are difficult to remove through diet and exercise alone. It is ideal to target specific areas due to the administration technique. Aqualyx is not a weight loss solution.
What is the Treatment Regime?
The solution is injected into the treatment area where it alters the surface tension of the fat cell membrane and increases the permeability of the membrane. The fat cells start to balloon and break up, leading to the drainage of micro droplets of fatty liquid into the body, which is then metabolised through the lymphatic system and excreted.
One AQUALYX™ treatment typically consists of two injection sites. A local anaesthetic, lidocaine, will usually be administered before the treatment commences or may be added to the AQUALYX solution so that the two are injected together. Either method helps to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
The time taken for a treatment session will depend upon the size of the area and indication being treated. Treatment can take between 30–60 minutes per treatment and you will typically require 2–8 treatments, 4 weeks apart. Some people may see significant results after 1 or 2 sessions. Treatment for fat pockets underneath the neck and chin, for example, may require 1–3 treatments of 2–3 injections, while treatment for fat pockets on the hips and thighs may require 8 treatments.
Is it safe? What are the risks?
AQUALYX™ is made up from a number of different plant based compounds that have been refined in a lab environment.
AQUALYX™ was developed by Professor Pasquale Motolese, Vice President of the Italian Society of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine who presented it at the Aesthetic Medical International Congress in Milan in 2004.
AQUALYX™ has been given CE approval for use in the UK which means it meets the health and safety standards required by the European Union. Since 2009 it has been used in over 2 million treatments in over 49 countries. It has a strong safety record supported by sound medical science.
What after effects can I expect?
People treated with AQUALYX™ will typically experience minimal side effects when compared to more invasive procedures, such as liposuction. Side effects include some redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated area. Some people may experience some light bruising, but this and any other side effects will usually resolve within a few days. You may need to take over the counter painkillers to control any pain-related side effects.
How long will it last?
The results of an AQUALYX™ treatment are permanent under the condition of maintaining a constant weight measurement (i.e. assuming you don’t gain weight). Once the freed fatty acids have been processed through the body’s lymphatic system, they don’t reappear. However, the procedure is only permanent if you follow a healthy diet and exercise frequently following treatment. If you regain weight, it is likely that the fat pockets will reappear. If a healthy lifestyle is maintained, the results should be permanent.
TROPIC® Skincare
WHAT IS TROPIC SKINCARE?
Tropic are a beauty brand with a range of over 200 products, spanning across skincare, hair care, body care, makeup, tanning and sun care. They are a social selling company, with a family of over 17,000 Tropic Ambassadors that sell our products across the UK. They believe in being a force for good beyond beauty, so have an evergreen mission statement they like to call our Infinite Purpose, in order to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. This means that customers are driving change with each and every purchase.
WHO OWNS TROPIC SKINCARE?
The Founder and CEO Susie Ma co-owns and manages all elements of the business day-to-day. The company is also co-owned by Lord Alan Sugar, who invested in Susie and Tropic in 2011 after she appeared on The Apprentice.
HOW DO TROPIC SKINCARE SOURCE THEIR INGREDIENTS?
Tropic sustainably sources their ingredients from tropical regions all over the world. They work with co-operative farmers to ensure that their ingredients are of the highest quality, while remaining sustainable.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TROPIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Olya is your local Tropic Ambassador. You can purchase products from her at the Salon.
WHAT DOES NATURAL SKINCARE MEAN?
Natural skincare means that products contain ingredients which are predominantly of natural origin. It can be a difficult to define term, and can sometimes be used in unethical ways. It’s important to note that just because a product claims to be natural, it may not be 100% natural, and may still contain some less-than-ideal ingredients. It’s also important to note that just because an ingredient is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe – after all, cyanide is of natural origin!
To TROPIC, natural skincare means that they have enriched their products with safe, premium, naturally-effective ingredients wherever possible, without ever compromising on results. They say our ingredients are ‘naturally derived’, as typically ‘natural’ ingredients are raw, unmodified ingredients as they are produced by nature, such as flowers. Naturally derived ingredients have been through a process, such as distilling essential oils from flowers, which means they aren’t how nature grew them.
On each piece of skincare, hair care and body care packaging, you will see the percentage of naturally-derived ingredients. All of their skincare is 100% naturally derived, however some of the hair care contains nature identical ingredients, and some of the makeup is formulated with safe synthetic pigments.
Most importantly, all of the ingredients are displayed in plain English (as well as the traditional latin INCI) on the products, so it’s easy to decipher what you’re applying to your skin.
IS TROPIC SKINCARE VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE?
Yes! They are proudly certified by The Vegan Society, as well as Cruelty Free International and PETA.
WHY USE TROPIC SKINCARE?
There are many reasons to choose Tropic products! First and foremost, the products are formulated by highly skilled specialists at Tropic HQ using transformative naturally effective extracts to deliver unrivalled results. They then make our products fresh every day in our Product Kitchen, to ensure you’re using them while they’re fresh and at their most effective. They believe in their products so much that they/we offer you a 30-day happiness guarantee with each and every one.
It is also an ethical brand with an Infinite Purpose to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. Each time you shop TROPIC, you are driving change beyond beauty with a whole host of different initiatives. From the CarbonNeutral certification that funds conservation work in the Amazon Rainforest, to the charity partnership with United World Schools. Each product you purchase helps fund days of education for children living in remote regions of Cambodia, Myanmar and Nepal, including at our Tropic school in Ta Lart Thmey.
Not only will the products transform your beauty routine, but they will also transform lives, and that’s pretty cool.
DO TROPIC SKINCARE SELL RECYCLABLE SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Yes, all ‘secondary’ packaging (wraps and boxes) are fully recyclable, and the majority of the ‘primary’ packaging (tubes, jars) is recyclable too. However, each local government council has different recycling abilities, so it’s worth checking in with them about which materials are recyclable in your local area.
We’re always working towards our packaging becoming more environmentally friendly, and many of the products offer a refillable option too.
DO THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE PRESERVATIVES?
Yes, many of the products do contain a safe preservative system. This is required to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould when the product has got water as water is required for them to grow. So where water is present in the formulations, they use safe and gentle preservatives. Wherever possible they also use innovative packaging and some waterless formulations to minimise the preservatives required.
ARE NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS BETTER FOR SKIN?
Everyone’s skin is unique, so the products that suit you are unique too. We believe that the plants and fruits that grow in tropical climates, with a generous helping of sunshine, are the most nutritious for your skin, as they are abundant in minerals and vitamins. TROPIC packs many exotic natural extracts into their products, as mother nature usually offers the most nutritious, skin-loving option. Sometimes, this is not the case, such as when ingredients can’t be sourced sustainably, so they do occasionally use nature identical or safe synthetic ingredients in their products.
WHAT ARE AHA AND BHAS? CAN I USE AN AHA AND BHA PRODUCT EVERY DAY?
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliators which slough away dead skin cells with various penetration levels. AHAs gently remove skin cells from the outermost layer of our skin, tackling dark marks, blemishes, texture/fine lines and dull skin. BHAs penetrate deeper into the pores and are great for tackling acne, blemishes, excessive oil secretion and inflamed breakouts, without stripping or causing discomfort to the skin.
AHA and BHAs can be used daily, depending on the formulation and concentration of the product. Our Fruit Peel serum includes both AHAs and BHAs for optimum results and due to its concentration, shouldn’t be used every day. This can be used up to 3 times a week, every other evening, depending on your skin’s needs. As the new skin revealed is particularly photosensitive, it’s important to always follow up with an SPF every day.
WHY DOES MY SKIN FEEL TIGHT AFTER USING TROPIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
If your skin feels tight after using a product with water, then the water could be too hot. Also, remember to be gentle when removing Smoothing Cleanser with a Bamboo Cloth and avoid a ‘scrubbing’ motion. Try to pat your skin dry with a cotton towel, making sure not to ‘rub’ the skin.
