Thinking Of Getting Your Face Tattooed? Read This First

Tattoos have become the style statement in today’s world. Many people get their body parts tattooed with name of their lover, with a particular symbol or text or just random designs. 

It is more common to get tattoos over your body but if it is about tattooing your face, one has to think multiple times. Tattooing your face is like getting your face painted for lifetime that too with one design which cannot be altered.

Getting Your Face Tattooed

Well, it may not be a bad idea to get a face tattoo for some while a totally disgusting thing for some others. Moreover, getting your face tattooed may have certain serious repercussions. One may have to face rejection in job interviews, refused entry to hotels, clubs and may even be considered as a criminal by the police.

Over the past few years, face tattoos have become increasingly popular among outlaw bikie gangs and even among young people. But for all those who are thinking to get their face or even neck, head or hands tattooed, should consult their friends, family, colleagues and even experts before getting the ink on their facial skin. 

What Do The Experts Say About Face Tattoos?

Gary Southcombe, a veteran tattoo artist of the studio in Sydney ‘The Illustrated Man’ "It's not cool," "Nothing above the collar or below the wrist unless you already have a full sleeve, and faces, we don't do them."

Willink Sharpe, a tattoo artist from the studio ‘of Two Three Two Two Tattoo Studio’ in Newcastle says no to young men and women who come to the studio asking for face tattoos. In his words “I see a lot of young dudes who want their faces tattooed so they can look tough for their mates,”

He added "I don't even like doing sides of necks,”.

Sharpe has got tattoos over his skull, a dagger on his sideburns, skull and crossbones under his left eye and a "straight edge" tattoo on his temple. But most part of his face it still clear. 

He is just 28 years old and got some tattoos over his face in the past two years. But he still faces situations like being hit up at train stations and police enquires about his innocence. 

Bikie gang members go to club tattoo parlors which are owned by fellow members for getting their face tattooed. 

But these people tattooed their hands and faces to pose themselves as distinct from the crowd. Some people even use tattoos to earn a living, or to showcase a featured piece of tattoo art, for gaining recognition, or using their face as an advertising billboard. But the point is face tattoos are gaining popularity due to some or the reason. 

People With Tattooed Faces

Once you get your face tattooed with permanent ink it can only be removed with expensive or painful tattoo removal surgery. 

Here’s the story of Cronin, the face of the National Tattoo and Body Art Expo two years ago, who got his first tattoo when he was 11 and since then he has been filling his skin since then. He was a bodyguard to the late criminal Mark "Chopper" Reed and now he has reached his 50s. He says that being branded is like a spiritual experience. 

In his words "There's a Maori tradition - and I firmly believe in it - that every time you get tattooed, anywhere but especially the face, you walk out and start again,", "It's like a life-changing experience. A new stage."

You will find many such stories that may inspire you to get tattoos. But there are many who regret to have their facial skin tattooed. So, it’s all your choice but do consider before you go for.

How Do You Know if your Scabies Treatment Worked?

Scabies being a contagious and parasitic infestation, it is sometimes difficult to treat it completely. Hence there are a few things one should know when it comes to treating scabies. Have a look.

Possibilities after Scabies Treatment
It is not always true to say that the scabies treatment turns successful. People treated for scabies sometimes feel as though the medication did not work. Ineffective treatment or failure leads to frequent doctor visits and surplus use of potentially toxic drugs over multiple treatments. This may also create chances of further infestation, including Crusted scabies – a deadly form of scabies. And, with all this it is not required to mention about the money spent and stress associated with being unable to find a proper treatment.

Here, it would be significant to understand the ways to properly treat scabies and what to expect in the aftermath of cure.

Standard Scabies Treatment
The standard treatment for scabies includes topical ointments and scabicides – medications recommended to treat scabies. To ensure that scabies treatment is successful, proper procedure and guidelines should be followed. 

Often, people are recommended to use permethrin cream to treat scabies. However, with the increase in the extent and number of scabies patients, the permethrin treatment usually fails. Yet another treatment recommended is the Lindane. But, the FDA has banned the use of Lindane for scabies due to its pesticidal properties and that it can lead to cancer and other deadly side-effects.  

Medications like Dr. Scabies that includes natural ingredients like Sulfur and tee tree oil can prove effective in treating scabies. These are over-the-counter medications and do not need doctor’s prescription to buy.

The right way to apply these over the counter cream is: apply the cream 2-3 times a day on a clean and dry skin area. You can use them all over the body. The cream should be left on overnight. This will help the patient get relief from that itching that persists badly at night.

Taking preventive measures are also a must. In the morning, clothes and laundry that have been used by an infested person should be washed. Person's bedding and any other surfaces or items that have been touched by the infested person should also be washed. Things like upholstery, mattresses that cannot be washed should be vacuumed well. The individual should then wash the cream off of the body.

After the initial treatment, this exact routine should be followed a second time for one week so as to kill any mites hatched from eggs that may have survived the initial treatment. Although, there is no known medication that will surely kill the eggs, Dr. Scabies and some of the other natural treatments tend to do so. Plus, it is advisable to strictly follow the treatment by all individuals within the household at the same time, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.

Post Scabies Syndrome: What if the Treatment Didn't Work?

The treatment takes time to show its results. This is because it takes 48-72 hours for the lotion to kill the mites. Even after that, the eggs and feces that are left behind in their burrows may continue to annoy the skin until the body absorbs or expels the debris.

In addition, it is important to know that even though your treatment has started, it is still unlikely to be the end of the itching. The reason of post scabies syndrome is currently unidentified, but many scabies sufferers continue to experience scabies-like symptoms long after the mites have been successfully eliminated.

While some dermatologists believe that these symptoms arose because the body still tries to expel the debris left by the mites, other think that the body may be exhibiting a long-lasting immune reaction to the mites that was once but is no longer there, or possibly to the treatment.

To avoid the potential side effects when using any prescription drug, one should be certain to discuss how to use the medication and the possible side effects that might be hinder your comfort. A medical professional may be able to suggest some less severe alternatives.

Proper checkup, treatment and precautions are a must to treat off the scabies infestation completely in the first go. 

The American Who Become Scotland’s Premier Tattoo Artist

PAUL Slifer decided to take a voyage to the world after leaving Massachusetts 19 years ago, however, he quickly fell in love with Edinburgh and opened Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo. Cover his entire journey with us!

“I firmly believe tattooing is a craft and not art. It takes a certain level of skill to produce a tattoo that has the hallmarks of a well-executed tattoo; these being clean, sharp lines, smooth shading, and solid, saturated color. I'm not putting any ideas of my own into the work. I'm not trying to convey a part of my soul into the tattoo! I think that's the difference between art and craft. The crafts person works with their hands and head while the artist works with their hands, head and try's to communicate a personal message to the viewer. Tattooing doesn't work like that. Someone comes into my shop, says they want a dragon for example, and I give them the dragon they want, in the colors they want. I'm not going to tattoo an expression of the refuge crisis in Syria on them because I've decided I'm an artist!” says Paul Slifer - one of the most successful American Tattoo Artist working in Scotland.
You might be wondering, how an American can be a tattoo artist in Scotland? Here’s his story.

The Making Of A Tattoo Legend

PAUL Slifer runs his tattoo business in a shop called Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo on Brougham Place, Edinburgh. He is originally from Massachusetts in the U.S.A.
Slifer was an evolving tattoo artist who worked in Providence, Rhode Island in 1997. At this time, he decided to travel to the UK with the purpose of working for three months and then heading back to the Continent to experience more countries.
Hence, he started his journey in Scotland – Edinburgh. It was also the place where he met his future wife not long after arriving and he never left. About the meeting, Slifer that the in the beginning h felt like it was a fateful meeting to put an end to the idea that he would be a rambling tattooist traveling the globe. However, soon he realized that he has landed where he belongs.

Slifer and a number of other tattooists have been working at Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo, at their trade and building on a reputation for quality craftsmanship and beautiful work. Slifer has recently written a children’s book entitled “A is for Anchor” which teaches the Alphabet in letters using the tattooist style to demonstrate it.
Married to Clare and father of two beautiful daughters, an architect and a part-time teacher at Edinburgh University and Napier University, Scotland today caught up Paul at his home in Edinburgh.

When asked about how the changes have taken place since settling in Scotland 19 years ago, Slifer says,

“When I first arrived here 18 years ago, I (in my ignorance) viewed Scotland as more of a province of the UK rather than its own country. I know people from elsewhere in the United Kingdom have those sentiments as well, but as my time here went on my idea of Scotland changed. It's a country with its own language, customs and shared values. I can't forget to mention food and drink as well. I am now an avid porridge eater, (cooked in water and salt only!) and have been known to appreciate a single-malt on occasion.
Coming from the States, one of the things that I really like about Scotland is this idea that we're all in this together. I heard a saying when I first moved here "that we're all Jock Tamson's bairns". I love that and it's probably the thing I like most about Scottish people. 
I think that Massachusetts, where I am from, and the USA could do well to embrace some of those values.”

Tattoo Etiquette And Tips For The New Artists!

Do you like that particular ‘tattoo artist’ in the parlor who behaves rudely with the other artists, managers, piercers, and above all the customers? Obviously, NO! If you are new to the tattoo world, you need to learn that criticizing the other tattooist’s design, haggling for a lower price, etc. are of no use. Here is something you must follow. Read on.

When it comes to a perfect tattoo, it is often said, finding a good tattoo artist is half the job done…

And this might be the biggest reason, why people who love to get a tattoo search for the most professional and experienced artist. Whenever a person plans for a tattoo design, they first decide about the artist and the appropriate studio. For this, they ask a friend or relative for their opinion, might be they have some good or bad experience with some local tattoo shops. But, this is not all.  The customers today take more than that. Yes, they prefer making a deeper research for choosing the proper tattoo studio. Here are some major points what people look for:

• Whether the artist they are considering at the parlor has taken a course designed for tattoo artists? Is the area clean? Does the furniture in the parlor has the water proof barrier to prevent infections?  

• Are they using proper needles? Is the needle packing opened in front of you and disposed of after every client job is done? What about the ink quality? Is it poured into individual cups before use, and then discarded late?

• A licensed parlor and artist is enough to allure clients. As you are new to the field, start with your homework and find out what those regulations are. You can also ask for help from some studios to get the license.

• Is the artist you are considering is cooperative and friendly? Do you feel comfortable enough with him? As you need to communicate with the artist before and after the tattoo job, if something makes you uncomfortable or you are unable to talk, it might be stressful for you. Obviously, customers don’t want to enter a studio where the artist talking to them acts like a stranger. 

• Another thing customers check on priority is the portfolio. Often parlors display their work to the customers. And from here the clients get idea of their work and expect the same level from the artist. Hence, to attract more number of clientele, make sure the work meets the standards.

• You need to understand that people don’t really want to pick the cheapest place. As they look for good quality artwork to be done and if a place seems a lot cheaper as compared to others in the market, this can turn cutting corners somewhere. But, this never means you need to keep a hefty price list.

• As you are a newbie in the market, there might be some who advise you to start at home. But, this is a fact that people don’t count on someone who tattoos out of their home. It is not a good deal because it puts your career and the customer’s health at risk. The biggest reason is that sterility cannot be guaranteed, which is highly significant for tattooing.

• The aftercare matters a lot. Just getting the tattoo job done is not all. Customers expect a sense of affection. So, how you take care of their tattoo later is a great way to attract customers. Keep a good communication level with them, suggest them a good body lotion or help them in wrapping the tattoo with plastic wrap for an extended period. Providing basic first aid can help.

In the end, make sure you don’t show any kind of behavior that causes distraction or kills the vibe of the shop. Provide the best tattoo designs following the best shop etiquette!

How To Control Your Increasing Weight?

The increasing weight is something you really need to fear for. Undoubtedly, it can lead to a number of complications in future. But you really don’t what to do to control over it, isn’t it? Don’t worry; you are not the only one facing such a situation. There are many others who are not aware of the right way out to put a pause to their increasing weight. 

Do you know your weight can make a great difference to your health condition?  Yes, it can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and several other conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2- diabetes. Thus, if your weight is increasing abruptly, it is time to start putting efforts to control over it right now. 

In case, you are not sure, whether you need to lose weight or not, then first thing you need to check is your BMI. This will help you figure out whether you weight is appropriate according to your height or not. Another thing you need to check is your waist circumference. As your body shape is matters too. For those having greater weight around the middle of their body are more prone to health issues. Once you get to know that you are putting on weight, you should start making efforts to first control it and then shed the extra pounds as soon as possible. 

Here are some useful tips for you. Checkout:

1. Don’t Miss Your Breakfast: Give your day a kick start with healthy and nutritional breakfast. It is called the most important meal of the day and there are a number of reasons behind it. According to a recent survey, women having their breakfast regularly were more successful in weight loss race than those who skipped it. Hence, if you are about to start then make sure you add healthy choices like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruits. 

2. Fight Off The Hunger Bites: Are you in love with those munching bites, which you take on several times a day? Well, this might be the biggest reason you are putting on more and more. It is obvious, you cannot miss it completely. Hence, in order to keep up with the feeling of fullness, you can switch to healthy foods with fiber. Take fresh fruits and vegetables, or grab those whole grains and lean protein.

3. Count Your Calories: If you really wish to cut down on the rising weight, start counting calorie intake. For this you can use some journal to keep a running total throughout the day of your calories.  Nowadays a number of healthy device are available which can prove to be helpful in the weight-control survey. These are the easiest ways to keeps track of calorie consumption and limited fat intake. 

4. Make Exercises For Sure: While you are all set to maintain a diet for yourself, it is always recommend by the professionals to add at least 30 minutes of physical activity to your routine. Remember more you emphasize on your exercise plan, in a better way you lose weight. If you really want some visible results at a faster rate, aim for 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity daily. 

5. Measure Your Plate: At times, it is not possible to count your calories or measure the portions accurately. Here comes the easier solution, the ‘plate method’. It is an easy way to control the amount you're eating. All you need to do is when you serve fill half your plate with vegetables and the remaining space with lean protein and whole grains. It is a great tip for the dieters and works well for people who need to maintenance a diet plan. 

Generally when it comes to controlling weight, people look for some short cuts to do so. They want to lose weight quickly, but it is important to understand that things don’t change overnight. Instead it takes some time to show effective results. Moreover, if you follow those irrelevant diet plans or some other methods, which might work in the short term, you put yourself into greater problems. Hence, don’t rush behind those faddy crash diets; follow a healthy routine to keep it off in long term! 

Katy Perry Likes To Smell Edible'

You don’t need any introduction to this beautiful and elegant star - the ‘Mad Potion’ fame Katy Perry. Her kooky styling sense, ever-changing hair and killing smile makes her the queen of rocking fun and marvelous looks. 

She is not only the face of Covergirl, but Katy Perry is one of the biggest pop stars of all time, and now has become a true beauty icon for us. 

Although, her hardcore energetic shows and busy schedule have taken a toll on her body, as she says, “My knees are giving out on me now,” she says. “I do acupuncture every two to three days. I tour with a stage that goes from the front of the house to the back of the house with a triangle thrust that is a moving treadmill; I think I’m some kind of Olympic athlete!” Katy has still managed to look young and grace as always. 

So, here are a few beauty secrets of Katy Perry to learn and inspired from. Have a look.  

Katy well understands the worth of her beauty and hence follows a strict regime for up keeping the fitness and beauty. She says, “I don’t drink much. I used to drink a lot more when I was younger. Body can’t take it. Mind can’t take it. Focus can’t take it. You know how it is – at 30, you just don’t recover.”

How Does Mad Potion Differ From Your Last Fragrance?

She says that her last fragrance Killer Queen was a bit feminist, rebellious, floral and very royal. But, mad potion is her signature scent currently. It is a blend of various exotic vanillas and musks. Mad Potion is like a gourmet with a twist. But she feels it a sweet instead of an androgynous. The stuff isn’t so on the nose appeals to her. 

“I like to smell edible. Mad Potion is playful and the name is a reference to a mad hatter of sorts. It’s a bit kooky and weird. I’m a sucker for themes so, when I figured out that this would be a potion bottle, the campaign surrounded me.”

What’s Your Best Tip For Clear Skin?

“I never sleep with make-up on. Water and sleep help too!” When asked about her backstage beauty tip, she says that it’s all different on stage than it is at home. She prefer doing make=up on her own when she’s at home. “It’s all about my lashes and brows when I do my own make-up. I do a lot of mascara and shaping of the brow. I definitely have more natural skin.”

Among her list of products, she uses Lash Blast Mascara from Covergirl and still likes eyelash extensions. She believes that it makes you feel like Bambi when you wake up. “I’ve been pretty addicted for five years now. I like doing that, with a nice bronzer and powder. I just learned to shade so you get the most incredible bone structure. I know how to slim my face down.”

What Was The Last Really Exciting Beauty Trick, Product Or Service You Discovered?

“Shu Uemura oil! I use it to wash all my make-up off. It really lifts off the entire residue.” Katy prefers treating blemishes with ice and eye drops as it takes the red out. “I was looking for a nail file the other day and found out that a matchbook works. “

Who Is Your Beauty Inspiration?

I love accessorising and I love the alternative grunge tumblr look – a little street wear, 90s wear. I like taking cheap things and making them look really gorgeous. I like girls that look like cartoons. I love that presentation. In real life, I like someone looking healthy and taking care of themselves from the inside out.

Last but not the least, Katy says, “What I find really interesting about beauty is that, even if you had all the products in the world, they could never make you feel amazing – that comes from within.”

Beauty Tips For Brides

Every girl dreams of looking flawless on her wedding day. A radiant complexion, beautiful attire and glamorous look are what make a bride look perfect. But all this demands a lot of investment both in time and efforts to have that amazing look on the wedding day. The more challenging part is to keep away skin imperfections away from the skin for the glowing and radiant skin on the wedding day.

Therefore, we have created the following blog to highlight some of the best and must-to-follow beauty tips for all the brides. 

The first most important thing is to start as early as possible for better results. By doing this your skin will have enough time to focus on your skin and improve it accordingly. 

Remember, perfect outer beauty can be achieved with a combination of both skin care products and the right diet and sleep.  

Following are few tips you need to start following as a routine practice before your wedding day. 

1. Cut Out Salt Consumption

Using salt while bathing can clear the dead skin cells but directly consuming it directly will make your cells hold fluids captive and you will puff up like a marshmallow. The consequences will be puffiness of eyes. Thus, it’s best to avoid salt consumption as much as possible few weeks before your wedding day.  

2. Just Guzzle water

This is something you should do limitlessly. Drink at least two liters of water in a day. It’s must to keep your body hydrated as much as possible as it will help to flush out toxins from your system thus preventing dark circles, puffy eyes, and a bloated belly. 

So, wherever you go to gym or to salon, don’t forget to carry a 1-liter water bottle along with you and fill it twice. 

3. Focus On A Good Skin Care Routine

Investing in proper bridal skin care products will definitely give you the glow you are looking on your bridal day but if you want that it should last for a longer time then you need to put in a little extra effort. 

• Start using a gentle cleanser both in morning at during night. This will cleanse your skin properly clearing off all the dirt and debris that can clog your pores and also keep it hydrated.
• Use a nourishing eye make-up remover along with cleanser every night.
• Nourish your skin with a good moisturizer daily in the morning and night. A hydrating serum consisting of peptides will help in hydrating the skin, boost collagen, and make your skin glow.
• A gentle exfoliating scrub can help to remove the dead skin cells and keep it clean and smooth.

4. Follow A Healthy Lifestyle-Healthy Eating Habits, Sleep & Exercise

Your skin is a reflection of your dietary habits, sleep patterns and stress levels. Therefore, it’s must to eat a diet packed with essential nutrients, take a good amount of night sleep and also practice meditation and yoga to fight stress.

• Diet - Don’t eat excess of junk food, processed foods, and foods rich in calories at least 4 weeks before your wedding. You should eat 4 servings of leafy green vegetables and low-sugar fruits daily. Some examples of low-sugar fruits are:  pears, spinach, celery, cucumbers, avocados and tomatoes. Cut down your caffeine consumption which will eventually reduce your stress levels. You can consume green tea, herbal teas and coconut water instead of coffee. 
• Sleep - A good amount of sleep is must to keep your body and skin healthy. By a good amount we mean a sound sleep of around 7-8 hours. Sleep is rejuvenating for the skin and reinvigorating for the body.
• Exercise and Mediation - You are bound to be under natural stress before your marriage and the best way to cut it off is through yoga and meditation. You can practice few basic yoga postures daily for 15-20 minutes in a day. This will help to keep your body in shape and also release excess of tension from shoulder, neck and other portions of the body. A few minutes of deep meditation is a great way to balance all the energy levels in your body. So, take some time out from your busy schedule and sit with closed eyes for a while. You can focus on your breath or you can even play a soft music while you meditate. Walking is another great form of exercise that can contribute in your fitness. A half an hour of brisk walk is good enough to maintain your body.