What is Microblading—and How Can it Benefit You?

A woman is laying down and getting her eyebrows prepared for microblading

Thick eyebrows are all the rage right now. But whether you just weren’t born with naturally thick eyebrows or you managed to overpluck them in the early aughts when thin brows were the style, you may be wondering if there’s a way (beyond the brow pencil) to fill yours in and keep up with the trends. Eyebrows can really change the way that your face looks and make your features pop if done the right way, so it’s understandable that you want to make sure they are just right.

One technique to getting fuller, thicker brows is microblading. So, what is microblading? What does it do? How does it benefit you? Are there any risks?

Let’s learn all about this hot new beauty trend—and reasons why you may want to consider scheduling an appointment.

Microblading is a Semi-Permanent Tattoo

Microblading is a procedure that claims to improve the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it is also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.” The microblading procedure is a semi-permanent tattoo where pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine (like a regular tattoo). During the microblading procedure, your microblading professional will make hundreds of tiny little strokes to build a texture that looks like natural eyebrow hair.

It Takes a While

When you schedule a microblading session, you’re going to need to block off at least a couple of hours to get it right. In other words, don’t expect that you can get in and out. Your microblading professional will take their time to make sure that your eyebrows are looking perfect before you leave. You definitely don’t want to rush the process!

Preparing Your Skin is Key

There are some things you need to avoid before getting microbladed, such as anything that can thin out your blood. At least a week before your appointment, cut down your consumption of alcohol, avoid taking aspirin, and avoid using retinol.

It Doesn’t Hurt Too Much

If you’ve never gotten a tattoo before it’s understandable to be a little nervous about the microblading experience, but the truth is that the pain isn’t too much to handle for most people. If you do have a low tolerance for pain, you may want to speak to your microblading professional about a numbing cream that can be applied beforehand to dull the pain a little bit. And even though microblading does sting a little bit, the procedure is completely safe to do as long as it is performed in a clean, safe environment by a professional.

Microblading Means Never Having to Pick Up a Brow Pencil

Although you can achieve fuller brows with the use of a brow pencil or a brow gel, a microblading procedure means that you won’t have to spend several minutes every day fiddling with your eyebrows. They will look natural, look filled in, and you can have a makeup-free way to pop your features and change the shape of your face. The best part is that microblading can last up to six months—which means that maintenance is minimal.

Interested in scheduling a microblading appointment with a professional at Volume Eyelash Extension Studio in Santa Barbara? You can book an appointment online or give us a call at (805) 881-2242! 

Everything You Need to Know About Bikini Waxes—But Were Afraid to Ask

A little girl with a surprised face

If you’ve never gotten a bikini wax before, you may have some reservations. To ease your mind and relieve some of your fears, we’ve decided to compile a list of things that you should know before you head into that first appointment.

Don’t worry! It’s not so bad.

Here is everything you need to know about bikini waxes, but were afraid to ask:

1. It Hurts, but It’s Not Intolerable

You remember the waxing scene in the movie 40 Year-Old Virgin? Although he screamed and writhed in pain, the truth is that most waxing is, yes, painful but not intolerable. Your waxer will spread warm wax on the areas you’ll be receiving hair removal and you’ll feel a slight sting for a few seconds. Nothing more, nothing less.

2. You Can Get Waxed When You are On Your Period

Although some women report more sensitive skin during this time of the month, it is possible to get a bikini wax while you’re on your period. All you need to do if you happen to be on your period is just make sure you are wearing a tampon. Other than that, the waxing appointment will go as normal. However, if you feel completely uncomfortable and need to reschedule, that’s completely fine too.

3. It Can Be Awkward, But Your Waxer is a Professional

Even though getting a bikini wax can make you feel really vulnerable (yes, lying halfway exposed in a salon can be a little weird), but your waxer will do everything possible to make sure that you are 100% comfortable. She won’t be judging you; she’s simply there to do her job. So don’t sweat it! And if something is ever super uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to speak up.

4. You Might Have Some Redness Afterwards

Getting any kind of hair removed can result in some tender, red skin afterwards. Don’t panic if you go home and you see a tiny bit of irritation. After the appointment, to avoid any more irritation don’t take any hot baths and stay out of the sun for about 24 hours.

Schedule a Professional Waxing at Volume Eyelash Studio

Do you need to schedule a professional waxing in Santa Barbara? Call the Volume Eyelash Studio at 805-881-2242 to schedule an appointment for legs, eyebrows, or a bikini wax!

The 7 Basics of a Facial

A woman receiving a professional facial

A facial might seem like an extra, over-the-top beauty service that only wealthy people get to have a day of pampering—but a facial can actually be a very important part of a regimented skin routine. A professional facial can be used to help your battle with blackheads, find a remedy for anti-aging, and yes, it can be a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

If you’ve never gotten a facial before—or if it’s been awhile—here is a list of what to expect will happen during your professional facial appointment.

Cleansing

After you’ve gotten undressed to your level of comfort (typically shirt and bra off, and then you wrap yourself with a towel), your esthetician will come back into your room and begin your facial with a deep cleanse. She will typically use cotton balls or a special sponge to get your face all nice and clean.

Skin Analysis

One of the big benefits of getting a facial is that you finally have a skin care professional who can take a close look at your skin and analyze it. This will help you know what type of skin you have and how to best care for it. She will also look at any skin conditions that you have (blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun damage, dehydration, etc.) and make recommendations for further care.

Steam

To loosen up any blackheads or whiteheads that may be lurking on your face and to give your skin some much-needed moisture, your esthetician will apply steam directly to your face—typically using a machine that will put a thin layer of vapor on your skin.

Exfoliation

In the next step of a facial, your esthetician will start your process of exfoliation in order to make the skin a smoother surface. Exfoliation can be done in a mechanical or chemical way, with each having their benefits. A chemical exfoliation is usually done in a series of steps and is much stronger than a mechanical exfoliation.

Extraction

If you are in need of any extractions—i.e. getting rid of those blackheads and whiteheads—you can opt to do so. However, if your skin doesn’t need this then this step will obviously be skipped.

Facial Massage

Now here comes the good part: Your esthetician will massage your face and neck in order to help you relax and also to stimulate the skin cells. Be sure to enjoy this part of the process!

Are you interested in schedule a professional facial? Whether you need to pamper or your skin is having some issues, Volume Eyelash Studio is here to help you with all of your skincare!

Change Your Skincare Routine for Fall

A forest pathway in the fall

Fall is nearly here—and we can barely hold in our excitement. Pumpkin spice lattes are officially back, clothing stores are stocking up on sweaters and ditching the tank tops, and the weather is slowly starting to cool down (okay, maybe we made that one up—but you can't contain our fall excitement!). 

As the season starts to change and the temperatures start to dip, this can have a pretty big impact on your skin. Humidity levels start to drop in the autumn and really plummet in the winter months. The drier the air, the more moisture it takes from your skin. This can lead to dryness and flakiness and all of that other cute stuff that happens during the cooler months. 

Here's what you need to change your skincare routine up for the impending cooler months. 

Change Up Your Cleanser

Before the temperatures dip too low, you might want to think about changing up your cleanser to prepare for the dryer skin you're inevitably going to get. It's time to stash away all the cleansers that get rid of excess oil and switch to something milder and a little gentler on your skin. 

Add in a Night Cream

If you've never used a night cream before, fall is a good time to start. As your skin starts to dry out (thanks gas heating!), you'll need some extra hydration anywhere you can get it. These little revitalizing moisturizers will help you wake up looking fresh as a daisy!

Use a Humidifier

You may only have thought to use a humidifier when you're deathly ill from a winter cold, but using a humidifier regularly can do serious wonders for your skin. 

Turn Down the Heat

There might be nothing better than a piping hot shower when it's cool outside, but this is wreaking some serious havoc on your skin! It's best to take lukewarm showers all the time, but especially during the cooler months when your skin has a tendency to stay dry. 

When you hop out of the shower, you should also immediately moisturize to keep that skin silky smooth. 

Are you in need of a facial for your dry skin? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today! 

 

 

How to Take Care of Dry Skin

A woman puts lotion on her hand

Whether you're dealing with chronic dry skin or you're just a seasonal dry skinned person, it can be very frustrating to deal with—especially when your makeup starts to flake off and your skin feels rough to the touch. 

Here are a few tips for taking care of dry skin and getting that smooth, vibrant skin you've always wanted. 

Stop Taking Long, Hot Showers

You know those long, hot showers that you love so much? Not only are they making the rest of your family angry because you're taking too long in the bathroom, but they're also drying out your skin hardcore. Instead of blistering hot, take it down a notch to a warm shower—and make it snappy. Trust us: Your skin will thank you (and so will your family + the environment). 

Avoid Anything with Harsh Ingredients

If you have dry skin on your face, you might want to take a look at all of the products that you're using on a regular basis. Are you using a cleanser with harsh ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus? Chances are, that could be the culprit of your dry skin. In addition to harsh ingredients, you should also avoid cleaning your face with bar soap, which can irritate it. 

Wear Sunscreen. Always.

Most beauty experts preach the importance of wearing sunscreen (even when you're not going to be basking in the rays), and we're no different. Wearing sunscreen is the least you could do to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, which (guess what?) could be the reason why your skin is dried out. 

Moisturize Twice Per Day

Moisturizing when you have dry skin is a no brainer, but it's important to get into the routine of doing it twice a day. Moisturize with a water-based moisturizer once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Your skin will look glorious as a result!

Get a Facial

Sometimes your skin needs a little more than over-the-counter DIY treatments. When your skin is extremely dry, you might want to seek out the services of a professional who can apply special treatments to your skin to keep it moisturized. Facials aren't just for relaxation (although they can be!)—they are a full-fledged skin treatment. 

Are you in need of a facial for your dry skin? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today! 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Ideas for Self-Care

A silhouette of a woman meditating

Sometimes it seems like life is simply exhausting. Whether it's your job, your schoolwork, or something more personal like your family, your anxieties, or financial troubles—the stress can certainly pile up. With all of your commitments and responsibilities, it can often feel like the world is literally sitting on your shoulders. 

When life feels overwhelming, it can be easy to give into the stress. But instead of hiding out, or worse, letting your anxiety getting the best of you, the best thing to do is to perform a little self-care. 

Self-care is different for everyone. For some, it means a day of indulgence and pampering. For others, it might mean a day of meditation and exercise. Whatever it is, you should always spare a few hours for yourself every week to decompress and care for your self. 

Here are a few ideas we have for you to practice self-care. 

Pamper Yourself

Obviously we are partial to the type of self-care that involves pampering yourself. Whether you go get a massage, a facial, or you get a day pass to a spa in your city, it's important to be indulgent every once in a while. Remember that it's never a bad thing to do something that makes you feel good about yourself!

Read a Good Book 

Is there anything better than curling up on your favorite couch and reading a classic? Even if you only get to read for 20 or 30 minutes, it's good to try to fit this into your daily schedule. Reading has been proven to reduce stress and avid readers are purportedly happier than non-readers. 

Go Exercise

A really great stress reliever is to go exercise and sweat a little bit. Everyone knows that exercise gives you endorphins, which leads to happiness—but also exercise can make you feel strong, powerful, and in control. This is an especially important feeling when you feel like things are out of control in your life. 

Get Some Good Z's

There's a reason why people say, "sleep on it." There's nothing more beneficial than a good night's sleep. If you've been stressing out lately, a lack of good sleep may be the culprit. We just aren't ourselves when we're not sleeping! 

Do yourself a favor and set yourself up for a great night's rest: Stop using electronics about an hour before bedtime, take a long and relaxing bath, and head into bed early than you normally would. If you're still having trouble winding down, you might want to reexamine your sleep habits and go visit a doctor if you think it's necessary. Sleeping well is crucial for a well balanced life! 

Interested in scheduling a microblading appointment or a facial with a professional at Volume Eyelash Extension Studio in Santa Barbara? You can book an appointment online or give us a call at (805) 881-2242! 

How to Get Thicker Eyebrows

Thick eyebrows are all the rage these days—and it's easy to see why: They frame your face, and let's face it, they make a statement. But if you were one of the unlucky ones who overplucked in the early 2000s or you just weren't born with naturally thick eyebrows, it can feel frustrating that you can't be part of this gorgeous beauty trend.

Here's what you need to know when you need thicker eyebrows—STAT. 

Stop Plucking Right this Second 

We mean it. Just stop plucking right now. Even though it might feel awkward because you might have a few errant hairs here and there, the best way to promote growth in your eyebrows is to stop messing with them so much. It can take a bit of time for eyebrows to grow out, so give it some time: Three or four months without plucking is usually best. 

Slather on Some Vaseline

In order to grow more hair on your eyebrows, you have to facilitate a healthy environment that promotes hair growth. This means that your skin is going to have to be extra hydrated. Believe it or not, applying good old-fashioned Vaseline on the area around your eyebrows will moisturize and provide a seal on your skin. 

Try an Eyebrow Growth Serum

A really quick way to get thicker eyebrows is to apply a growth serum to your brows daily. Growth serums contain triple peptide complex, as well as vitamins, botanicals, and hair conditioners that allow hair to grow fast. 

Schedule a Microblading Session

Microblading is a procedure that claims to improve the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it is also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.”

Microblading is performed by a trained technician. They may or may not have a special license to perform the procedure, depending on the state in which they are working. This individual carefully draws in your brows using a special tool. The procedure involves hundreds of tiny strokes that build a texture that looks like your own eyebrow hair. 

Interested in scheduling a microblading appointment with a professional at Volume Eyelash Extension Studio in Santa Barbara? You can book an appointment online or give us a call at (805) 881-2242! 

 

 

 

A close up of a woman's eyes and eyebrows

How to Prep Your Skin for Microblading

A woman getting a microblade treatment

Microblading is a procedure that claims to improve the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it is also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.” This procedure has become really popular as fuller brows have come in style and has even gained the praise of celebrities like Lena Dunham who used microblading to fill in her eyebrows after years of overplucking. 

Microblading is performed by a trained technician who carefully draws in your brows using a special tool. The procedure involves hundreds of tiny strokes that build a texture that looks like your own eyebrow hair. Microblading results can last 12-18 months, which is a big part of its appeal.  

Because microblading is a procedure that involves cutting into the skin, you want to make sure that your skin is as healthy as it can be before your appointment. Just like a painter needs to clean and prime a wall before they apply color, your skin needs to be primed and ready for your microblading appointment. 

Here's how to prep your skin before a microblading session.

What to Avoid Before Microblading

Before you have a microblading appointment, here are a few things to avoid one or two weeks out:

• Tweezing 
• Tanning or having a sunburnt face
• Facials 
• Taking fish oil or Vitamin E
• Botox
• Tinting your brows

Here are a few things to avoid a couple of days before your appointment:

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Aspirin or Tylenol

What to Do Before Microblading

Now that you know what not to do before a microblading appointment, here are a few things to do to make sure your skin is at its best before:

• Cleanse your face using a nonabrasive cleanser
• Moisturize with an unscented lotion

Schedule a Microblading Appointment Today

Interested in scheduling a microblading appointment with a professional at Volume Eyelash Extension Studio in Santa Barbara? You can book an appointment online or give us a call at (805) 881-2242! 

 

The 4 Benefits of a Facial

A woman with a facial mask on

You may have a skincare regimen that you follow for healthy, youthful looking skin, but every once in awhile your skin needs a little extra TLC from a professional to get it looking squeaky clean and address any issues you are having. 

A regular facial might sound like a superfluous way to spend your money, but think about it for a second: Simply washing and drying your hair each day isn't going to make it look its best. You're still going to need to schedule a salon visit for a cut every six weeks to keep your hair looking healthy.

Your skin, especially your face, is exposed to so many toxins and dirt throughout the day. Daily cleansers are great, but they're not going to get deep beneath the surface like you need. 

Here are four benefits of getting a regular facial. (Trust us, your skin will thank you!)

1. Facials are Deep Cleansing

Your skin goes through a lot every day. Smog, dust, toxins, and chemicals fill the air and wreak havoc on your skin. Daily cleansers are one way to combat all of the bacteria that's piled up on your face, but getting a deep cleanse is a job for the pros.  

2. Facials are Anti-Aging

No one wants to think about how their skin is going to age, but facials are a way to help slow down the aging process. They can reduce the appearance of wrinkles because they increase blood circulation and oxygen flow, which promotes collagen production and increases the elasticity of your skin, thus making it look more bouncy and youthful. It's never too early to start taking proper care of your skin, so don't think you're too young to be partaking in regular facials! 

3. Facials are Relaxing

The best reason to get a facial is because they are very relaxing. At the end of a long week, there's really nothing better than to sit in a quiet room and have a professional massage your face and slather on lotions and oils that promote healthy skin and smell great. Plus, the boost in circulation on your skin will make it look glowing and healthy. 

4. Facials Help Treat and Heal Your Skin

It seems like no matter how old we get, there is always going to be an issue with our skin every so often. A regular facial will help treat and heal your skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, sunspots, acne, inflammation, rosacea, dehydration, acne scarring, and loss of elasticity. If you keep having the same skin issues pop up, a facial might be a good solution to helping you on the way to clearer, healthier skin. 

Thinking about Scheduling a Facial in Santa Barbara?

If you're in need of a facial in Santa Barbara, call to schedule an appointment with Volume Eyelash Studio at (805) 881-2242! 

 

Why You Shouldn't Wax at Home

A woman gets her underarms waxed

Thanks to endless DIY tutorials on websites and blogs, we're handling a lot more stuff on our own these days—from furniture building to changing our own oil, but one thing that we shouldn't attempt to DIY is waxing body hair. There are numerous at-home waxing kits and DIY tutorials about how to best wax your body hair off at home, but the truth is that you're never going to get the same results as you can in the studio with a professional. 

Here are a few reasons why waxing is best left to the pros. 

A Pro Knows How to Wax As Quickly and Painlessly As Possible

You expect that waxing is going to be a little uncomfortable, but you'd be surprised at how much more painful it can be when you choose to wax at home. The at-home wax kits that you can buy don't contain high-quality wax, which can make a difference in the discomfort of removing hair. 

A salon professional will also know the right technique to remove hair quickly and can get to those hard-to-reach spots that you won't be able to see if you're waxing it yourself. 

A Professional Waxer Has Better Quality Wax

There's just no doubt about it: Professional waxers use higher quality wax than the average at-home kit. The technology of wax is constantly improving and it's likely that pros are going to have access to the latest types of waxes available. These higher-quality waxes are likely going to be less painful, remove hair quicker, and can even smell better than a lot of the traditional at-home kits. 

The Quality of Waxing Results Will be Better

No matter how good you may think you'll be at waxing your own hair, a pro is just always going to be better. Even the pros themselves hire professional waxers to remove their own hair! 

A professional waxer is going to be able to see all of the hair that needs to be removed and can get to those hard-to-reach places that you aren't able to. They also have all of the professional tools and equipment necessary to remove hair. Your experience will also be better at a salon than trying to maneuver around in different positions in your bathroom. 

Schedule a Professional Waxing at Volume Eyelash Studio

Do you need to schedule a professional waxing in Santa Barbara? Call the Volume Eyelash Studio at 805-881-2242 to schedule an appointment for legs, eyebrows, or a bikini wax!

 

 

 

The 5 Biggest Eyebrow Mistakes

A girl with thick eyebrows looks at the camera

Eyebrows are one of the most defining features on your face. When your brows are looking good, they can help bring focus toward your gorgeous eyes and frame your face. But when your brows are too thin, not arched right, or too dark for your complexion, they can really detract from what you've got going on. 

Here are the five biggest eyebrow mistakes you can make—and how to fix them. 

You're Over-plucking Them

We've all been guilty of this No. 1 eyebrow sin. Right now, fuller, thicker brows are very in, but in the early 00's, people were sporting a thinner brow that led to a whole lot of over-plucking. But plucking your brows into oblivion is not doing your face any favors: It looks unnatural and doesn't frame your face in the right way. 

How to fix it: DROP THE TWEEZERS. Yes, it might be awkward in the beginning as they grow out, but trust us. It's the only way. If you're having trouble growing them out, you can check out some growth serum products to give them a bit of a growth boost. 

You're Trying to Make them Identical

We've all been told that it's super important for our eyebrows to match perfectly, but this is a total myth. The truth is that your eyebrows are never going to look exactly identical and obsessing over it is just going to lead to over-plucking. 

How to fix it: Leave them alone for a little while and let them grow out. After they've grown out a little bit, you can work on re-shaping them without going overboard with making them match exactly. 

You're Placing the Arch in the Wrong Spot

The arch is one of the most important things about your eyebrows. While some women naturally have a strong arch, others have more subtle ones. Many women, while trying to create an arch, put it in the middle of the brow. This can give you an unintended angry or surprised look on your face.

How to fix it: Let your eyebrows go out for a little bit and then go to a brow specialist to see if they can help you re-shape them to fit with your natural arch. 

You're Skipping Brow Gel

Your eyebrows may look great right after you do your makeup in the morning, but that look won't last all day if you're not using brow gel to hold the hairs in place.

How to fix it: After you've filled in your brows while doing your makeup in the morning, apply some clear brow gel in the direction the hair grows.

You're Going too Dark with Your Filler

Most of us aren't blessed with naturally super thick eyebrows that don't require any assistance from makeup. But be careful if you fill in your brows—coloring them in too dark can be overkill. As it is with most things: less is more. 

How to fix it: Take the time to find an eyebrow pencil or kit that matches the color of your natural brow. Apply with short, feathery strokes and step back from the mirror so that you get a more natural look. 

Consider Microblading

Microblading is a procedure performed by a trained technician in a salon that improves the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it is also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.” Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that will eventually fade away after several weeks. 

Want to know more about whether or not microblading is for you? Visit the SB Volume Eyelash Studio in Santa Barbara for a consultation with our expert salon technicians!