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The Beauty Insider

We don't keep our beauty secrets...

Nicola Quinn and Chaniele Erasmuson

A Legacy of Beauty

Founder Nicola Quinn and current Owner Director Chaniele Erasmuson reflect on the success of this Merivale icon and celebrate 30 years.

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Woman with smooth skin after dermaplaning in Christchurch

What is Dermaplaning?

Say hello to Dermaplaning, sometimes known as epidermal levelling, a treatment to both exfoliate the skin and remove fine, vellus hairs on the face. For those unfamiliar with the concept, dermaplaning is one of the easiest ways of removing unwanted hair from the face. In the same way that shaving works, it uses a painless blade to gently scrape away facial hair (often referred to as ‘peach fuzz’) and rids the skin of any build-up of dead skin cells, all of which can contribute to making your skin look dull or uneven. Just like exfoliation, it removes any barriers which would stop your skincare from penetrating – meaning your products often work much more effectively after a treatment Dermaplaning results in a healthier and more hydrated complexion. How exactly does Dermaplaning work? This treatment is performed by a highly trained and qualified skin therapist here at Nicola Quinn beauty & Day Spa in Christchurch, using a very sharp and sterile surgical blade to gently scrape away dead skin cell build up (which can make your skin look dry, dull or uneven) as well as removing the fine vellus hairs over the face. Once this process is complete, a clean, active serum or hydrating lotion is applied to your face to hydrate and brighten the skin. The result is a deep skin exfoliation, a baby-smooth face, and the perfect glowing base for your foundation. What to expect after dermaplaning? While the thought of a blade sliding across your face is a

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woman having a facial in christchurch nz

All the Benefits You’ll See After a Facial

With so many new skin treatments and at-home masks on the market, it’s hard to work out which ones are best for your particular skin conditions and concerns, and more importantly, which will get you one step further to that glowing celebrity skin! One of our most requested skin treatments is a facial, so if you don’t know much about them, read on as we delve into their benefits.   What happens in a facial? Facials are a way to professionally cleanse and brighten the skin. Your therapist will assess your skin type to work out which products will work best on it, and do a deep cleanse (that you can’t DIY at home) to remove bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells. It could also include an “extraction” – clearing your pores of impurities such as blackheads. If you prefer, the treatment can focus on relaxation, with a face massage to stimulate muscles. Next, you’ll have nourishing products or a mask applied for hydration, with serums or creams to work on your skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, uneven skin tone or just dull lacklustre skin. What will my skin be like afterwards? All of these techniques and products combined will work to beautify the skin – you’ll leave with a natural glow, impurities and dirt removed from pores and rejuvenated skin. A facial is the perfect treatment before an event or holiday, to make sure your skin is looking its absolute best – fresher, younger and cleaner!  

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young woman having microblading

Say Hello to Dream Eyebrows with Brow Microblading

You may have noticed celebrities, influencers (or even people you know) who suddenly have such perfectly full, defined and shaped eyebrows that seem to make their whole face look polished and red carpet worthy, without that fake “drawn in” makeup look over them. How did they manage to grow them out AND get them looking such a perfect shape? Probably with eyebrow microblading. What is microblading? Microblading, or “feathered brows” is a form of semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing. But don’t panic, we’re not talking about a dark line of inked “tattoo makeup” à la Christina Aguilera circa 2002. This is a detailed process where tiny lines of pigment (matched to your perfect hair colour shade) are drawn to replace each elusive eyebrow hair, giving an undetectable and completely natural look. It’s basically your ticket to the brows of your dreams, every single day. Whether you were born with sparse, light-coloured or thin brows or they’ve managed to diminish over years of over-plucking and waxing (again, thank you early 2000’s) or even just with age, this is your best bet for beautiful, full brows that frame your face and make you look ultra-groomed 24/7. How many microblading treatments do I need? It’s best to come in for a consultation initially which is redeemable on any treatment, where we’ll check that microblading is right for you, discuss the shape and colour you’re after and tell you everything you need to know about the process. The treatment is then usually done over two appointments

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