Arque Derma: Artistic Restoration Lift at the InjectAbility Clinic, Torrance

January 29, 2017

ARQUE DERMA 

Pronounced ‘ARC DERMA,’ ArqueDerma® in Latin means ‘to inject the skin’. The name ArqueDerma® imparts a seamless mix of the artistic, ‘Arque’ (classical architecture – arches, buttresses, corbels), and medical science, ‘Derma’.

ArqueDerma® Artistic Restoration Lift® is an original, patented non-surgical face lift methodology developed by Leslie Fletcher, RN, MEP-C  to deliver FDA approved dermal fillers such as Voluma™, Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane® more effectively to the skin.

I recently tried this and I am totally wowed. I had no idea what to expect and thought I was just getting a little upkeep to stay lifted and fresh. But Arque Derma goes was deeper than that. It’s not about filling one little area or just plumping up your skin. The goal is deep, just like the description. One of my favorite people in the biz, Michele G. Messiah, PA-C, Board Certified Physician Assistant took excellent care of me and I was privileged to have the renown Leslie Fletcher consulting and giving me the inside scoop on this worthy procedure.

Arque Derma is something to plan for as you will most certainly bruise and not just your little freezer or filler spot here and there. You will need a good solid week to 10 days for the bruising to really subside – so make sure you follow all pre and post procedure protocol and plan for some downtime.

I can assure you it will all be worth it. The effects are incredible. I was treated in areas I never considered before or even thought of. As I get older, it seems my face in changing in subtle ways I am not even noticing, but these experts are. And yes, they are subtle – but it all adds up. So this Arque Derma, coupled with the Profound treatment I did in November (article comes out soon) with the phenom Dr. Ben Talei, are sure to hold me over for a good while.

I also fell in love with this place in general. They are full service, incredibly staffed with experts and KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. It’s a little drive from your usual Bev Hills, but 100 percent worth it.

ArqueDerma provides natural, more dramatic results not achievable using conventional filler techniques offered by most clinics. Unlike conventional volume replacement techniques, the ArqueDerma technique utilizes dermal fillers as strategic relocation vectors to redistribute and direct the patient’s own tissue toward the facial hollows that have formed. Using the ArqueDerma technique, we are able to collect your descended excess facial volume and redirect it to create a more youthful look to embellish your natural beauty.

The cost for a dermal filler procedure is usually charged per syringe. Utilizing your own descended volume allows us to use less dermal filler product, making the ArqueDerma technique more economical than conventional methods.

See ArqueDerma.com for more information.

 

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MICHELE MESSIAH, PA-C  – Board Certified Physician Assistant

Michele G. Messiah, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology and aesthetics. Michele earned her Masters of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Michele also holds a degree in Psychology- Biology from UCLA. Michele is fluent is Spanish and French.
Her specialties include administering aesthetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers in a very natural way.  Having worked in Beverly Hills, CA she has injected many celebrities.  She had to learn the fine art of using cosmetic injectables in a way that is undetectable under the harsh high definition lights on camera.  Her patients needed to be able to express their emotions during a scene, but still wanted a more relaxed look.  Using techniques she gleaned from InjectAbility® Institute, such as MicroTox®, InstaTox®, and the patented ArqueDerma® Artistic Restoration Lift® technique she was able to offer the best of the natural look of injectables to her celebrity clientele.  With her extensive dermatology background, she also specializes in treating acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. She is a member of SDPA (Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants) California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY:

“During my physician assistant rotations, I fell in love with the diversity that dermatology offers.  Once I started my practice, I was captivated by the ability to make my cosmetic patients so happy and comfortable with their appearance. This became my driving motivator.  As a perfectionist, I never want to deliver sub-par results, so I quickly sought out the expertise of the known aesthetic industry icon, InjectAbility Institute. It was here that I found my inspiration to excel to my highest potential. The collaboration with the Institute was a catalyst for me to soar to my highest potential.  I’m excited to bring my clinical experience to the patients at InjectAbility Clinic.”

HISTORY WITH INJECTABILITY

From Leslie: “Michele and I have been working together for several years now.  I have spent time with her in her practice, and she has spent ample time training and precepting.  I have seen her flourish in the aesthetic industry as her passion for all things creative and advanced have driven her to the highest level of patient care. She is so enthusiastic about her career; I knew she would be a perfect fit for the VIP program. She will be splitting time from her current position in Beverly Hills to share her talents with our patients one day a week here at InjectAbility.”

From Michele: “When I was asked to participate in the VIP program at the Injectability Institute, I thought it was such a compliment.  I hold Leslie and her staff in such a high regard in the aesthetic industry. I consider it an honor to work side by side with the person who taught me all their specialized techniques.  I do believe Leslie is one of the best injectors around and her passion for aesthetics is contagious.  Her enthusiasm for staying on top of the latest and greatest treatments available is exceptional. The professionalism at the InjectAbility Institute is top notch and I am extremely honored to be part of their team.”

InjectAbility Clinic

Address :  2223 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA – 90501

Tel : 310-879-5662

OY-L Skincare – Beauty Without Secrets

January 24, 2017

OY-L is divine and my new fave obsession. Here’s why…

We take a stand for women’s skin.

“Before my daughter became ill I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on skin care products and had never once looked at the label.”

– Andrea Pierce-Naymon, Founder OY-L Skincare

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PUTTING AN END TO BEAUTY SECRETS

I grew up like the rest of the women of my generation. As a teenager I found skin care and cosmetics within my price range at the drug store and as I matured and my income rose, I aspired to department store brands and then luxury lines. I treasured these brands and I trusted them.

As my daughter became a teenager herself, I saw no problem with her following my example. When she began experiencing unexplained weakness, pain and discomfort, I became consumed with researching everything that went into her body. I quickly found out that much of what she (and all of us) used every day was toxic. I became determined to find a natural solution for her, for me and for every mother and daughter who would listen.

I left the fashion, style and retail world to create OY-L an all natural skin care line on a mission to provide beauty without secrets.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT.

OY-L believes in our Zero Chemical Skin Care brand and is committed to our promise “beauty without secrets.” Whenever possible we use sustainable packaging options. All of our glass containers are ready to recycle after use if you cannot find another use for them.

DONATE.

OY-L will donate 15% of sales of the bath salts and body scrub to Dysautonomia International, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for dysautonomia, the category of illness in which Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) falls. Pierce-Naymon’s daughter is afflicted with POTS.

ZERO ANIMAL TESTING.

OY-L ORIGINAL ZERO CHEMICAL FORMULATIONS.

No Phthalates, No Parabens, No DEA/TEA/MEA

No Color Pigments, No Formaldehyde

No Preservatives, No Isopropyl Alcohol

No Mineral Oil, No PEGs

No Propylene Glycols, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Triclosan, No Talc

No Petrolatum

Learn more about OY-L ingredients

Sugarlash Pro Brand CEO + Founder Courtney Buhler Q & A on all things Lash Extensions

Sugarlash PRO is a world leading lash extension brand with HQ’s is in Canada but the brand is sold all over the world. Many artists in LA use Sugarlash PRO products and right here in LA you can get this stunning lash by Sugarlash PRO brand Ambassadors, Sarah Maxwell, at Violet Grey. I just had mine done and they look amazing.

Sugarlash PRO Q&A


Answers from Courtney Buhler, CEO and Founder of Sugarlash PRO. Courtney is also an award-winning lash artist herself.

 

  • What’s the number one thing people get wrong about lash extensions?
    • The main two myths about eyelash extensions are:
      1. That they cause damage to your natural lashes. This is NOT the case at all. In fact, if your natural lashes are damaged whatsoever while wearing eyelash extensions it means they were not properly applied. Just like hair colourists aren’t all super talented or sometimes don’t care about the integrity of your hair (hello going platinum from black in 3 one appointment!) the same can be said with lash artists. Take the time to find a responsible, skilled lash artist that can give you amazing results but who won’t EVER put your lash health in jeopardy.
      2. The other myth is that lash extensions look fake/feel uncomfortable. Lash extensions are completely comfortable as no adhesive/extension touches your eyelid skin. Each extension should be attached individually to the natural lashes so the client’s shed cycle can remain healthy and fully functioning. Lashes can also be as natural looking or dramatic as you’d like (to a certain extent based on how strong your natural lashes are). Lash extensions shouldn’t be obvious, and fake looking.
    • What’s the most essential part of taking care of them that people need to know?
      • The biggest adjustment eyelash extension lovers make is with product selection, and sleeping habits. Eyelash extensions don’t like oils. Oils break down the adhesive bond over time, often making it shed prematurely. Check your ingredients for oils, glycerins, and glycols and avoid using them within the orbital bone (eye socket).
      • The other no-no is sleeping on your eyelash extensions and grinding them into your pillow at night. When you hit R.E.M. (rapid eye movement) sleep the fluttering into the pillow causes friction stress on the bonds and will cause them to weaken also. Your best bet is to train yourself to sleep on your hand between your face and the pillow which raises the eye area away from the pillow.
    • What ways do you think are best for asking what you want when you go to a lash stylist? Should people bring in photos?
      • It’s a similar idea to hair styling when we talk lash styling. Just because you bring in a photo of a super full bodied head of hair on a celeb, doesn’t mean you can get that look when you have ultra fine, thin hair naturally. With eyelash extensions, it’s a similar idea. Women will have anywhere from 35-250 natural lashes on each eye. These natural lashes can be fine, thick, long, short, curly, straight, and come in a variety of colours. We are somewhat limited with what you come in with naturally to the amount of drama we can give to your natural lashes while keeping them healthy.
      • As a general rule, the longer and stronger your natural lashes are, the less limited you are with the lash look you can receive. Bringing in a photo as a guide isn’t a bad idea but remember that we customize and work with your natural features and lash base to give you best results. Your lash artist will stock a variety of curls, lengths, and thicknesses, and lash materials to give you a truly unique look! You are you – and we try to emphasize and customize your natural beauty.
    • How is Sugarlash PRO different than all the other lash companies out there?
      • Sugarlash PRO is focussed on two things: product quality, and creating a supportive culture of on-going learning for lash artists around the globe. Our brand is different than most, because before I got into the product development side of things – I was a full time lash artist, and the owner of a speciality lash and brow boutique. What I wanted as far as professional product didn’t exist so I decided to source and work directly with manufacturers to develop ultra-fast performing adhesives, and eyelash extensions that had beautiful tapers, realistic finishes (not plastic looking), and a true black finish (not blue-black like what was out at the time). As a lash artist, and a lash lover myself I knew exactly what the industry needed as far as products and training, and brought my unique flare to the industry.
    • What made you want to go into this specific beauty industry?
      • I have the smallest, saddest lashes ever (got them from my mom), and both of my sisters got super long natural eyelashes. My mom texted me one day and said “there is a new thing called eyelash extensions, and we are going!”
      • From my very first appointment I was hooked. I couldn’t believe the difference it made to my overall look and confidence. I felt flirty and glamorous… just rolling out of bed! At that time, I was 18 and didn’t have a ton of money. In fact I was so addicted to my eyelash extensions that I cleaned my lash artists house in exchange for my lash extension fill appointments!
      • At each appointment I would ask my lash artist all about the process, and the product. I was so obsessed that she said one day “Courtney, you just need to do lashes. No other client loves lashes like you do.” The seed was planted. I received my education and got into lashes right away!
      • There are so many misconceptions and myths about the industry, I’m determined to educate consumers on the truth about lash extensions!
    • Is it recommended to wear mascara over the lashes? Why or why not?
      • The point of eyelash extensions is so you shouldn’t need to wear mascara. “wake up and go” is the goal of lash lovers everywhere. However, if you have a special night out and you just need that extra touch, mascara (non waterproof as this has oils) can be worn on the tips of the eyelash extensions only.
      • Wearing mascara regularly will require more wear and tear on the extensions to remove it, and can also gunk up and clump the extensions.
      • If you need more fullness, talk to your lash provider about volume lashing. Classic eyelash extensions use one extension that is thicker, and fuller and are placed individually to each natural eyelash. Volume lashing uses 2-6 ultra thin individual eyelash extensions that are applied to each natural lash (these are not to be confused with clusters or “knotted” lash tabs). We use completely individual eyelash extensions with volume lashing that are picked up together, fanned, and are adhered to wrap around the natural lash. Classic lashing will give you 35-250 lashes per eye (based on how many natural lashes you have), whereas volume lashing can give you 125-600 lashes per eye and provides an ultra full look.

 

Philip Kingsley PK Prep: In Search Of Volume Part 1

January 23, 2017

I grew up with a mother who was graced with the most gorgeous locks. No matter what style she chose, each piece would continue to know its role in landing effortlessly and beautifully, it was a talent to say the least. My father, although incredibly equipped with many fantastic features, hair was not one of them. Sadly, I inherited his thin wispy hair and have spent most of my adult life hunting for that magical serum to add luster and volume to these unfortunate locks of mine. As we girls go through our own journey into vanity, trial and error play a role and most of the serums that came into my life did not hold up their end of the bargain.

Until Philip Kingsley PK Prep came along and boy oh boy do they understand the concept of plumping. I can finally report that I do see a difference and that difference is grand. I love this serum, it does what it says it is going to do and I know we ladies appreciate that in more ways then one. Try it, love it, see your hair turn into what you have always wanted it to be. Full of life, healthy happy voluminous hair. 

xx Kira

Two Warm Drinks Cuz The Weather Outside Is Frightful! Macaccnio + Prana Chai

January 22, 2017

OH! My body and could are loving two new warming drinks. Perfect for any of time of day treat, I just cant get enough. Add some hot almond or coconut milk and leave the Startbucks at the curb, please!

Prana Chai  $20.00

Prana Chai is hand made and blended in Melbourne from all natural ingredients and uses 100% Australian quality honey blended by hand with tea and whole spices. All the ingredients are natural and all the ingredients are good for you, it’s an honest product.

Watch how to make at home video.  Download the Prana Chai Recipe Booklet.

Macaccino

I’ve been adding a scoop to my morning coffee as I am HUGE maca fan. It gives my coffee that musky warm flavor, deepening it and making it that more hearty. But you can also brew a cup straight up on its own.

Maca is a herb from the cruciferous family of plants (of the species lepidium meyenii). It’s a distant relative to the radish, but contains significantly more benefits than its relative. Maca root has been used for thousands of years to provide energy, improve mood, and treat illnesses. It’s also well-known for its libido-enhancing properties for both men and women as it improves blood flow and overall well-being. It balances the body’s muscular, lymphatic, nervous, and cardiovascular systems, and gives the user a sense of calm confidence  known to those familiar with a healthy, vitamin- and nutrient-rich diet.

THE SUBTLE-YET-POWERFUL MACA ROOT ENERGY

The beautiful part about this natural stimulant is that you don’t feel like you are taking a stimulant. The jitters commonly associated with energy drinks and coffee simply aren’t there. The libido-enhancing properties are noticeable, but not in a way that would prevent you from living a normal day (i.e., maca does not induce an erection). Not too strong or too weak, maca is a very perfect balance of well-being, energy, and nutrition that leaves you feeling young and refreshed. Dressed up like a frothy latte or an iced mocha, the Macaccino looks like a specialty coffee drink, yet its source of fuel is not caffeine, but the Peruvian superfood Maca, a funny looking root that grows in altitudes of 14,000 feet in the Andes mountains. With an enviable nutritional resume, that contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, phenols, vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, maca has earned its superfood moniker. An adaptogen, maca improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress. It has been used for centuries to increase energy, boost mood, enhance libido and balance hormones.