Hestia Aesthetics- Anti Wrinkle Injections

After a lot of heartbreak and trauma this year I really wanted to do something to make myself feel better. Anti wrinkle injections AKA Botox is something I had considered for a while and after the final nail in the coffin with my ex and an extra large dose of worries and frowning, I felt a bit ropey and weathered and it gave me the push I needed to book myself in for 1 area of botox. Now I’m not saying this is for everyone, nor am I telling you to go and do it, I just wanna share my personal experience and my personal thoughts on the results. 

So Botox anti wrinkle injections are a treatment where an injectable solution is administered and this takes up to 14 days to activate and it basically ‘freezes’ the muscle movement, smoothing lines and preventing future lines from forming. Results do vary from person to person and last from 2-6 months. Reactions are highly unlikely but if on the rare occasion this did happen, the skin would likely react then and there so help is on hand and it would likely be a localized reaction. I only mention this as it is something on instagram I was asked multiple times and I know is a concern to many of you.

I didn’t know where to go for my treatment as the cosmetic sector is now such a competitive market with more and more people offering this treatment but after doing a bit of research Hestia Aesthetics just stood out for me. The team of Costas and Lauren have an extensive medical career and full aesthetics training, the language on the website really stood out to me as it seemed less daunting and more approachable than other places- I mean, lets face it, this stuff is a bit daunting, confusing and can be really intimidating too. 

I booked my appointment online for 1 area and paid a £30 deposit, the total treatment price is £180. The area I wanted to go for is the forehead as this is definitely the area for me where life takes its toll! We came to the agreement that I would help get the word out as this is very new business they would do me a package so I had a little more in other areas too! 

I visited the clinic on a Sunday morning. I arrived with no makeup on and a little nervous. I was invited into the room and greeted by the guys, they are a lovely team, so friendly and put me straight at ease. The appointment starts with a consultation when you will be asked about the treatment you have selected and the desired results, you will then be talked through how it works and a little about the anatomy of what you are having done. Once you are both happy with the selection you will move over onto the bed and you will be marked up, this is done with a liner and is to make sure you have your botox applied evenly, then once done, they will inject. I promise, this does not hurt, unless you have an incredibly low pain threshold. Some of the injections I could barely feel!

After the treatment you are left with a little redness but totally manageable and I would really recommend having his done when you have no plans as you don’t wanna be putting makeup on for up to 24 hours ideally. 

The areas which I had done were the forehead and a brow lift. You can also have amongst other areas- crows feet, frown line, bunny lines, hooded eyes, tear trough, dimpled chin, marionette lines, smile lines, underarm. The team also do a range of other treatments too including filler and cannula treatments.

So… the results! Obviously what we all want to know about! So you’re appointment includes a 2-week follow up appointment to check the results and includes a top up if required! Costas on my follow up appointment also gave me a little extra in my frown lines, smile lines and bunny lines to share with you guys.

 

Lifting my brows before and after full activation

For me; I will never look back, after having botox I have gone through such a traumatic event in my life and normally that would take its toll in my face, honestly, I look fresh as a daisy! My skin looks smooth, polished and healthy and I just feel so much more confident in myself even though the changes are subtle. My requested result was the desire to have a ‘freshen up’ that is exactly what I got, I look natural and not over enhanced but I feel the BEST I have felt in years!! 

Lauren and Costas are so friendly and knowledgeable and would be so happy to talk you through anything if you are considering a treatment. 

The clinic is highly professional, sterile and clean but still feels extremely relaxing and it is based at Rowan House in Hethersett. 

I can not rate my experience enough, I’m so pleased, honestly I feel the most confident I’ve ever felt in myself and that feels wonderful. Thanks so much guys for making me feel like me again!

 

If you would like more info or to book, click here

 

Thanks for reading, H x

The Style Show

Hey readers! It’s been a while! I’ve been really active on Instagram but not so much on the site so apologies for the break but I’m here, I’m back and I’ve got just the post to share to end this hiatus!

Several weeks ago I was invited to an evening at The Style Show in Eaton, Norwich. The Style Show is a a boutique where you can shop but it’s not just your regular clothes store! The lovely team in store are qualified stylists and can really give you some incredible, styling recommendations and advice!

That’s not all! They are also available to book in for full colour and shape analysis which you can do privately, off the shop floor. Chrissie the owner did a mini session on the evening to give us a taster of the kind of info that they share and how it works and what is involved in determining what suits you best.

With the colour analysis, I particularly love that the team will not say to you “you can’t wear ***”, if you really want to wear a colour that isn’t on your palette, they will advise you how to style it and make it work for you! Working in beauty, I see a lot of ladies who are told they can’t wear a certain colour and it almost puts them in a box which they are afraid to deviate from but Chrissie and the team won’t do that.

For example, I am ‘light/cool with a touch bit of bright’ so neutrals like camels and beiges are not on my palette, however I have a beige blazer which was my mums and is vintage Cerruti and to make it work they advised colour blocking with a black top to break away from the camel and add a statement lip which is from my palette to lift it and it works!

With the shape analysis they really teach you how to make clothes work with your shape and discuss length, cut, style, accessorizing, how to accentuate and minimize too, its extremely fascinating!

 

Clothing wise in the boutique they have some lovely items, age range they say would be 30+ but for any of my younger readers (and even me too as at 31 still trying to dress like I’m 21) if the clothes aren’t your style the specialist and detailed advice will cater for everyone who wants to take their fashion knowledge and ability to enhance their own personal style. I would highly recommend a visit. I know it’s certainly made me think very differently and look at things in a new way! It’s so so interesting!!

Thanks so much to the team for inviting me, educating me, opening my eyes and for the lovely goody bag too!!

Head over to their instagram here and check it out and give them a follow!

Thanks for reading all!

 

I’m back! Hx

Taking Care in the Sun

Going on holiday and lucky summer heat waves are the best thing ever but the sun is no joke! When you are young without a care in the world it’s so easy to think that you’re invincible and nothing will ever affect you but as someone who is only 30 and was a serious goth for about 10 years so avoided the sun and showing any flesh I still have managed some pretty bad sun damage on my face when I have always thought I have been pretty careful. Working in beauty for almost ten years has given me the fortunate advantage to really understand the importance of sun protection, how it works and what to look for in your products. There’s so many misunderstandings so I’m here to share some easy facts to follow, along with the products that I have grabbed for my upcoming holiday in Mexico! The sun is definitely there to be enjoyed and using some caution, good products and being aware can ensure a beautiful tan and lower risk of sun damage, burning and worst case scenario skin cancer. 

  • First fact- you can not top up an SPF, the highest one takes president and that’s regardless of if it is on top, bottom or alone. So- if you wear an SPF 10 and then put on an SPF 20 you will still have an SPF 20 protection not SPF 30 (SPF10 + 20). Similarly if you have on an SPF 20 then put on top and SPF 10 even though the SPF 10 is on top you’ll still have an SPF 20 protection. Highest number wins.
  • You can still be harmed by the sun through clothing, glass and water. These will all filter and offer some protection from UVA and UVB rays but not completely so you may want to still consider an SPF is exposed for prolonged periods of time. 
  • ‘I tan easily therefore I don’t need an SPF’- wrong tanning is still the sun damaging your skin although it may not be burning it is still exposed to the harmful rays of the sun with no protection. 
  • ‘I wear foundation so I don’t need to protect my face’ – wrong- foundation although providing coverage will not protect you from the suns UVA and UVB rays, wear an SPF under your makeup if you want to wear makeup in the sun

So my advice when looking for skincare products, look for the products with the 5 star protection or PA+++ protection, these are a generally the highest broad spectrum protection and filter the UVA and UVB rays. The easiest way to understand and remember what these rays do is UVA = Aging, UVB = Burning.

I really can’t afford to spend a lot of money on sun cream and I don’t think its necessary if the protection is right, of course on holiday having a nice tan is lovely but safety for the skin is really important too. From my research Asda’s own range came out extremely highly rated and affordable too. I went to the store and grabbed myself a selection of products for me and partner to use on holiday! For the great price of £16 I got everything we’ll need on holiday which I’ll share with you!

 

For the Face

Having products specifically designed for the face can be really helpful to work in harmony with your skin, I always opt for a facial protection as I am prone to breakouts and they tend to be less greasy!

SPF 50 anti-aging Q10 face protect- 5 star protection, dermatalogically tested and UVB tested! £2.50

SPF 50 Lip balm (the only product not from ASDA, £1 from Primark- if you’ve never experienced burnt lips thank me later, it’s the worst thing ever)

For the Body

SPF 50 refreshing clear sun spray £2.39

SPF 30 cooling clear sun mist £3.50

SPF 10 sun oil £2.39

All these products are water resistant, 5 star protection- even the low SPF oil which is really good as these products often don’t have that, UVB tested, dermatologically tested and I think the most 

For After 

There’s nothing more satisfying when your skin has that tight post sun feel to slap on some cooling after sun, but which do you choose? Aloe vera to soothe and cool or tan prolonger to be an even more bronzed goddess? For 2 quid each I went for both!

After sun spray with Aloe Vera £2.00

After sun lotion with tan prolonger £2.00

So all in all it looks like a really promising range! Price- good, reviews- good, product stats- good! Once Im back from my holiday I will update you all on how they worked!

On top of using sun protection products other essentials for staying safe in the sun is obviously staying extremely hydrated, particularly if you are drinking in the sun too and using something to shade your face and head like a good hat or visor. Like I mentioned before the rays of the sun can still harm through clothing and hats. My recommendation for a good hat would be to take a visit over to Wallaroo Hats– they have an amazing selection of UPF 50+ fabric hats which blocks 97.5% of UV Rays, they are approved and recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation, many are scrunchable and packable and the do mens, women’s, child and baby so you can protect the whole family! Protecting your head in the sun can also help prevent the utterly unpleasant sun stroke too on top of all the other sun damaging elements I have already touched on! Here’s a few of my favourites from Wallaroo Hats! 

 

Gorgeous aren’t they! Nearly all of the products come in different colours so there is something for everyone! Head over to their website here to find your next holiday hat!

 

Thanks so much for reading! I hope I have helped prevent some lobster burnt days on the beach and can help you enjoy some lovely summer days with great tans!

Bon voyage!

H x