Monday 20 June 2016

4 struggles of having tattoo regret


1 in 6 people who get inked, totally and completely regret doing it! Maybe mum was right that getting Robbie Williams’ signature tattooed on your arm wouldn’t be the pride & joy it once was when you were 18! These may seem all too familiar to you, if you too have tattoo regret:

1. Summer heat + long sleeves = a hot mess
It’s so not attractive when it’s 30 degrees outside, everyone’s in dresses, shorts and t-shirts but you’re at the BBQ in long sleeves, to cover up the dodgy artwork! A recipe for heatstroke & a seriously limited wardrobe!


2. Everyone will ask about it
We all love a conversation starter, but when that conversation starter is your ‘Girl Power’ Spice Girls tattoo, we would rather skip that totally cringe chat about how you got the tattoo when you were drunk on a girls’ holiday, thank you very much!

3. One tat, fits all
As they say, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but how many fish are named Tim?!


4. Using bucket loads of foundation
There are no amounts of foundation and concealer that can cover up the dolphin tattoo for your job interview, but you think it’s a good idea and worth a shot, until you leave an orange streak across the desk as a nervous sweat breaks out!


HOWEVER, you don’t have to feel these struggles for much longer! Our tattoo laser remover treatment can remove any cringe-worthy tatt over a course of sessions, from just £39 per session!

Here’s how it works…
We use a laser called Q-switched ND YAG to remove the unwanted tattoo & you’ll usually be able to see a significant fading in 3 to 4 sessions, and a complete removal in 6-10 sessions. However, everyone and every tattoo are different, so we will advice you accordingly at your consultation.


If you’re interested please call our salon and our team will be happy to discuss your requirements > 020 8301 0040

Tuesday 7 June 2016

What is your skin type?


A common question people ask – what skin type are you? You may think you know, but many people have no idea if they have normal skin, dry, oily, combination, acne-prone or sensitive. It is important to know what skin type you are, so you can use the right products for your skin & so we can recommend you products & treatments, such a facials according to what your skin needs.

1. Normal skin type
Normal skin is exactly what you think – not too dry and not too oily, just normal!  It has:
                Few imperfections
                No severe sensitivity
                Barely visible pores

2. Oily skin type
However, some people are prone to have oily skin, which can produce:
·      Enlarged pores
·      Shiny, thick complexion
·      Blackheads, pimples & other blemishes

If you tend to have oily skin, you may want to stay away from rich moisturizers. A great recommendation is Dermalogica’s Active Moist as it is made for skin with excess oil production, so is oil-free and very lightweight on the skin. Pick you’re one up next time you visit us at Gems!

Finding foundations for oily skin can also be tricky, as you may find that liquid foundations make your skin look shinier and enlarge your pores. A great foundation recommendation is the Bare Minerals Original Foundation, which is a weight-less, mineral powered foundation, which reduces, skin oil & pore size.

3. Combination skin type
If you have combination skin, your skin can be dry/normal in certain areas and oily in others, such as your T-zone (nose, forehead & chin).
Combination skin can create:
                Large visible pores
                Blackheads
                Shiny skin

4. Dry skin type
If you have dry skin, your pores will be almost invisible, and you may suffer from red patches. As your skin has less moisture, it may be less elastic which makes the lines on your face more visible.

Skin can crack, peel or feel slightly itchy which may be worse in certain weather conditions like being in the sun or the cold.


Our Guinot Hydramerdie facial is great for people with dry skin, as the facial is designed to instantly make your skin feel more hydrated and comfortable. Your skin will have regained its radiance, which sometimes lacks in dry skin types.