6.13.2013

Permanent Makeup - Beauty for the New Millennium

Article about Athena in West of Twin Peaks Observer in the early 2000s
Permanent Makeup - Beauty for the New Millennium

At the turn of the millennium, the demand for beauty services continues to rise. Permanent makeup is at the leading edge of the demand, according to Athena Karsant, of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. A healthy economy, more disposable income, our media driven culture and the graying of the Baby Boomers has led to an explosive increase in the demand for cosmetic services to help us look our best.


Permanent makeup, also known as intradermal cosmetics, is a cosmetic tattooing procedure. It is used to create a lasting, beautiful enhancement of the lips, eyes, brows, and to compliment the surgical reconstruction of damaged features. When the Society started in 1991 with 61 members, the idea of tattooed makeup was met with skepticism. Today, women are the fastest growing tattooing market and demand for permanent makeup has grown. The society has more than 700 members worldwide who perform thousands of permanent makeup procedures annually.

Permanent makeup is for people with allergiesto conventional cosmetics, those with difficulty applying their own makeup, women who are active, sports-minded, have hair loss and busy women who don’t have time to apply makeup. Anyone who wants to look attractive is a candidate for permanent makeup, including misplaced pigment, poor color choice, accidental injury or infection. All these problems can be avoided by going to a properly qualified technician. Technician members of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals receive continuing education and conform to the highest levels of professional practice in the industry.

Athena Karsant is a permanent cosmetic specialist who has been in business for over 10 years (in 2013 - she has been in business for 20+ years) in the San Francisco area (and now in Beverly Hills) and is a member in good standing of the SPCP. She can be reached at 415-412-9700. For more information on permanent cosmetics, visit FoolingMotherNature.com.



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6.07.2013

Favorite's Fridays - Apple Cider Vinegar


About a month ago, I posted an article on my Facebook and Twitter about how Scarlett Johansson uses Apple Cider Vinegar on her face. I thought that it would be fun to try, so I did. I got my daughter hooked on it, too, and now we love it!

We use it just like we would a normal toner. It is very smelly, but it's not awful. I even mixed it with some astringent to cut the smell. 

We keep it in the fridge so that it is cold on our skin. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar balances your natural pH levels gives your skin a beautiful glow just like a normal toner would. However, there are no harsh chemicals in it, and it costs just a few dollars! 

It is also great for your hair - vinegar makes your hair shiny! (Just use a tiny drop of conditioner afterwards to get the vinegar smell out of your hair)

You can purchase it at any grocery store! 


Thanks Scarlett! We love your skin & love using Apple Cider Vinegar!

Follow me on Facebook & Twitter and stay up to date on the latest tips, tricks and giveaways! 
Also, get educated about cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup

5.30.2013

Favorite's Fridays - WATTS UP!

Happy Friday to you! This week my favorite product is Watts UP! by Benefit cosmetics. I bought it a few weeks ago and have loved it. It's a great way to highlight your cheekbones, nose and even your brow bone.

It comes in one color - a champagne glow that works with anyone's skin tone. It's smooth and extremely easy to apply. Use it solo or on top of your makeup! Use a little or a lot, and show the world Watts UP! with your beauty!

You can purchase Watts UP! at any Benefit cosmetics store or Sephora


Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest tips, tricks, information, & giveaways!

xoxo
Athena Karsant

5.23.2013

Favorites Fridays: Voluminous T3 Hot Rollers


Last week, I bought these fabulous hot rollers at Sephora. My hair is a little past shoulder length, and they really work well. The T3 tourmaline technology (which emits maximum ionic in fared heat) safely penetrates the hair shaft which effectively styles the hair from the inside out. This technology seals the hair cuticle against unwanted frizz. The rollers are lined with velvet which encourages a natural shine to the hair during the styling process. The curlers warm to 250°F in less than 5 minutes to save you time in the morning. 

These amazing hot rollers have really helped with making my hair more shiny and less frizzy!

It only comes with 8 curlers (4 large, 4 medium) so I ordered 8 more large rollers online. It's great that they offer extras! 

You can purchase these wonderful hot rollers at Sephora or Sephora.com. 

Go check out my Facebook page! xoxo

5.10.2013

Favorite's Fridays: Tyler Perry

This week, I was all prepared to post a new favorite beauty product. However, I have put that off until next week because of something very special that happened to us on Wednesday. My daughter, son-in-law and my good friend, Jessica Canseco, went to a restaurant around the corner from my office in Beverly Hills for dinner after work. We enjoyed a light bite, some drinks and conversation for about an hour until someone very special walked in the door: Tyler Perry. My daughter (Krysten) started freaking out (which she doesn't normally do with celebrities, since we live and work in Beverly Hills and see famous people on a semi-daily basis) when she saw him and immediately called it to our attention. Because Jessica had met him before, Krysten had convinced her to take her over so she could take a quick picture with him. They were both giddy school girls and I watched them go over and speak to him for about 3 minutes before I jumped in a photo with him and Krysten. Later, Krysten told me this is the conversation that had taken place:

Jessica: My name is Jessica Canseco, this is my friend Krysten. She would love to take a photo with you if that is okay?
Tyler Perry: OF COURSE!
Tyler Perry: What is your name? (looking straight in her eyes)
Krysten: My name is Krysten, and I am so honored to meet you. My husband and I just cry laughing at your movies and we just love everything you do!
Tyler Perry: That means so much to me. (Hugged Krysten - held her hand the whole time etc.)

(takes a photo with Krysten and I jump in too)

Krysten: Would it be okay if my husband came over to meet you too?
Tyler Perry: Of course! My pleasure!
Jeff comes in, they meet, and we all say thank you etc and go back to our table....


Krysten, Jeff and I couldn't stop talking about how incredibly charming and sweet he was. He was so nice to Krysten and literally made her feel so special. Krysten and her godmother (Annie) introduced me to his Madea movies a few years back, and now I look forward to every one that comes out. He is incredibly handsome and tall in person, and we just can't get over how wonderful and gracious he was to us.

Tyler, if you ever read this, thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to engage with us and take photos with us. We are so thankful for your movies, talent and incredible character that shines through your work - which is a true testament to your beliefs and love for people.

Next week, look for another favorite's fridays beauty product - unless we are so lucky to strike the lotto twice and meet Mr. Tyler Perry again!

xoxo,
Athena Karsant



We can't wait to see PEEPLES (which comes out TODAY) 
Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (which comes out later this year)

5.02.2013

Favorite's Fridays - Beauty Blender

This is a product that I have seen in all kinds of magazines and really just thought it was a gimmick. After seeing the Beauty Blender at Sephora again the other day, I asked the gal helping me if it really is amazing. She said it is one of her favorite tools to use for her makeup and assured me that if I bought it, tried it, and didn't like it, I could bring it back for a refund. Basically I couldn't lose. 

My daughter loves makeup just as much, if not more, than I do, so I bought her one, too, and figured she could try it along with me. After she used it the first day, she told me that she LOVE LOVE LOVED it. I tried it too and didn't love it. She asked if I had followed the directions (wetting it, squeezing the water out and using it damp).  I hadn't, which is why I didn't like it or see any difference in using it. After I decided to follow the directions, I really loved it. It allows you to apply your makeup flawlessly and streak free!

The Beauty Blender is hypoallergenic, latex free and can last for 4-6 months if cared for properly. Make sure you clean your Beauty Blender often.


Give it a try! Give me your feedback! 






4.29.2013

Hair Follicle Simulation

Before & After - Hair Follicle Simulation

Did you know that 35 million men and 21 million women are experiencing hair loss in the U.S.? How about the fact that people who are losing their hair lose an average of 100 hair follicles per day? People go to different lengths to try different techniques to hide their hair loss: Rogaine, Wigs, Toupees, and even Hair Transplant Surgery. One technique that most people don't know even exists is Hair Follicle Simulation using tattooing techniques. 

A trained cosmetic & corrective tattooist has the ability to use special tattooing techniques to hide your hair loss. For those who are experiencing thinning hair, tattooing your scalp can give the illusion of a full head of hair. For those who are experiencing a receding hair line, tattooing very small, finite dots can simulate individual hair follicles and make it look like you have a very natural buzz cut. Some people have gone through the very invasive Hair Transplant Surgery and have a strip scar across the back of their head. Medical needling techniques, followed by hair follicle simulation can allow the scar to shrink and make the back of your head look like a natural head of hair.

No matter what kind level of hair loss you are experiencing, a competent, highly trained cosmetic & corrective tattooist can be the answer to your problems. I have been able to help many people camouflage their hair loss and/or hide their hair transplant scars. To see some examples of hair follicle simulation, visit my website.