#aimforwellness

Disposable makeup removal wipes are a popular product for many and although a convenient makeup removal option, there are many downsides to these products for both your skin and the environment. We have outlined some of these negative effects below;

They are Unsustainable: Disposable makeup wipes are one of the fastest growing causes of pollution, mainly due to being tossed down the toilet. Marine Conservation Society Volunteers pick up makeup wipes at the rate of 35 wipes per kilometre. These wipes also take up to 100 years to break down.

They Aren’t Cost Effective: Although there are cheap makeup removal wipes available on the market, as they can only be used once, the cost really adds up. Purchasing a reusable alternative can be a great investment in the long term.

They Only Clean the Surface: It may seem as though a makeup removal wipe cleans all of the makeup off your skin, but they cannot reach in and clean out your pores. This can lead to build up and congestion in the pores and skin issues.

Harsh on Your Skin: Make up removal wipes require some effort to remove stubborn makeup, especially around the eyes and lips. This often results in a scrubbing action with the wipes which can be aggressive and damaging on your skin and may even result in wrinkles. As well as this, some makeup wipes (especially the cheaper options) contain chemicals that can dehydrate and irritate the skin.

 Are There any Alternatives?

The good news is there are convenient, cost effective and efficient alternatives to disposable makeup wipes. At Aim, we have recently started stocking the Zagg makeup removal cloth. These are soft, reusable microfibre cloths that can remove all kinds of makeup, using only water. The tiny microfibres will clean out your pores completely, which is a great benefit to your skin. These cloths can be used up to 1000 times and be washed in a regular washing machine cycle- saving you money on cheap, inefficient makeup wipes and excess cleansing products.

 Head into Aim Cosmetic & Wellness Centre to pick up your Zagg Makeup Removal Cloth today.

An eyelash extension is an artificial lash glued onto your natural lash. Depending on your eyelash life-cycle and your lifestyle, eyelash extensions may last from 3 to 6 weeks. For an eyelash extension refill appointment, you should have at least 30-40% of your eyelash extensions remaining, which is usually 3-4 weeks post initial appointment. Here are a few tips to help your eyelash extensions last well between refills;

After Application: The bond or ‘glue’ is completely set within 24 hours. During that 24 hours it is best to avoid heat, steam, water and touching the new lashes. If you need to wash your face, use a cool flannel to avoid water getting on the new lashes.

Brushing: After the 24 hours since application start brushing your lashes with the eyelash brush given to you at your appointment. If done once to twice daily it will prevent tangles or crossed lashes.

Washing: Your eye area is subjected to a lot of debris, oil and bacteria growth. It is important to wash your eyelash extensions every second day with the recipe below with a cotton bud. This removes debris, oil and bacteria from the area, making them clean and lowering any risks of infection.

DIY Eyelash Extension Shampoo 1 tsp of baby shampoo 200ml distilled water ½ tsp baking soda

Avoid Oils: Oil based make up and make up removers, creams and serums should be avoided in the eye area. Any oils can cause the glue to de-bond causing the extension to fall out prematurely.

Make-up Removal: Gently remove all make up around lashes with an oil free make up remover and cotton bud. Try avoid using cotton rounds or make up wipes over lash extensions as this can remove them.

Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent your lashes becoming tangled in your sleep. You may even prefer to use a silk or satin pillowcase if you tend to sleep on your stomach or side.

For a high-quality spray tan that not only looks natural but lasts well, it is important to prepare correctly. Here are our top tips on preparing for your spray tan;

Prior to Your Appointment

Exfoliate: Exfoliation is the removal of the old, dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This is important for a spray tan as it creates an even base for the tan to be sprayed onto. There are many different exfoliants on the market but we recommend creating your own natural scrub to use at home (see our recipe here), the night before your tan.

Hair removal: It is best to remove unwanted hair before your spray tan as many hair removal methods will strip tans and leave patching. If a spray tan is done too soon after hair removal it can settle in open pores, creating a spotty appearance. Hair removal should be performed at least one day prior to your spray tan (or 5 days after IPL).

Moisturise: This softens any dry areas on the body. If you leave dry areas on the body the tan may stick to them, giving a patchy appearance.

Just Before Your Appointment

Shower: Cleanse the skin with an oil-free shower gel to remove any oils and products off the skin. It is important to ensure there are no products acting as barriers on the skin. Some products may even react with the tan, causing it to appear green.

Clothing: Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. Your fresh spray tan needs time to develop without being rubbed off before it is washed off.

Hugging is a powerful tool for our wellbeing that many people may take for granted. Research shows that hugging (and also laughter) overflows us with positive emotions and provides a wide range of benefits, such as;

**Improving Our Mood ** When we hug, we release the hormone oxytocin which in turn helps to improve our mood and relieve anxiety.

Improving our Relationships Frequent hugging produces the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which help us to relax and similar to oxytocin, improve our general happiness. This in turn can then positively effect our external relationships.

Parent-Child Hugging A hug between a parent and child has a great value. Studies have shown frequent hugging can positively affect brain development, natural growth and help with self-confidence and sense of wellbeing.

Strengthening Our Immune System Hugging stimulates the thymus gland of the brain, regulating the body’s production of white blood cells and keeping us healthy. Hugs also positively affect the heart as they have been shown to reduce high blood pressure in some circumstances.

Relaxing Muscles and Tension Hugs may also ease pain by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.