I wanted to really challenge myself this month with topics that I haven’t addressed before or were perhaps a little out of my comfort zone.
Topics that come up at happy hour or a girls night where we all feel comfortable to be vulnerable and our truest self.
So let’s discuss what I’m doing to pump the brakes on time and improve my skin.
BEFORE we move forward, please let me say, I am NOT an esthetician. I am simply sharing with you the practices and products that have worked for me over time.
ALSO, you do not need Botox or filler to feel beautiful.
That feeling starts with you and it starts deep down in your gut. If you’re new to my website and reading my words for the first time hear my damn heart through this screen. If you struggle with confidence there is no quick fix. And believe me we ALL have days. But, it’s a choice everyday to make the most out of the skin we are in, so in the words of Lizzo let’s feel, GOOD AS HELL.
In fact, turn that song on as you read the rest of this post, baby how you feelin?!
On my 30th birthday (four years ago), I went to my dermatologist at the time and inquired about what skincare products I should be using to start INVESTING in my skin.
The key word here is “investing”, because good skin doesn’t happen over night or with just one product.
Good skin is a combined commitment over time. I’m going to do a quick bullet list of my morning and night routine with links for each item. This way you have the proper descriptions for what each need the product is addressing with reviews.
Keep in my mind I have oily combination skin so these products were recommended by my dermatologist with that in mind. Some products I have incorporated into my routine on my own through trial and error. I’ll put a “*” next to the products that were recommended by Dr. Annette Lynn at Carolina Dermatology.
Cleanser for AM/PM:
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser *
AM Routine:
Citrix Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum *
I use the following three moisturizers interchangeably depending on how much I will be in the sun that day.
Estee Lauder DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant 24H-Moisture Crème SPF 15
IMAGE Prevention+ Daily Moisturizer SPF 50
PM Routine:
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
I use the following two products together when I’m needing to tighten up a little.
Replinx Power of Three Cream *
Glycolix Elite Facial Cream 10% *
I like to use any of the following products when my main concern is moisterizing.
SHOP
Shortly after making the big jump to invest in my everyday product routine I met Beth Williams.
I was accompanying a close friend as moral support who was getting lip filler for the first time.
That day in the appointment, I was not the client, but Beth won me over as a client at The Essential Face.
It was evident her first priority was establishing a friendship with us, not overselling a product to pump in our faces.
The Essential Face is the first Midlands medical spa owned and operated by a Nurse Practitioner.
Beth was soft spoken, thorough and reassuring that she would stay within my friend’s comfort zone.
Also, please know, I in no way shape or form am being paid to share this information. As women, our generation is choosing to age gracefully and when you find someone whose priority is to maintain the best version of you that is worth sharing.
The Essential Face is located in the Devine Street district in a 19th century old house that feels like a beautiful home and not a medical office. Its walls are adorned with one of a kind artwork by Emily Hudson. I LOVE her work and had a few pieces commissioned for our home as well. See more of her work on Instagram linked below!
Even now after almost four years of being Beth’s client I have moments of wanting to push it too far and she kindly pulls me back in my lane.
I think it should be a practice that you can’t be near any mirrors when your coffee kicks in, because it is SO easy to go down a rabbit hole of STUDYING your face up close in the mirror.
And the mission isn’t to never have wrinkles, it’s to pump the brakes, keep people guessing and not look overdone. When I think of the end goal I think of Jane Fonda, because man she is still a fox!
So let me give you the fresh face rundown on our journey together.
Here’s a timeline on how I have maintained my fresh face.
In September of 2017 I got filler for my laugh/smile lines. We used a full syringe of Vollure. I have not retouched them since then.
My body tends to really hold onto filler, so I don’t have to get it very often.
I haven’t had my lips done since December of last year and we used 1 cc of Volbella. I still think they’ve got a great plump volume to them. My timeline for getting my lips done is typically about every 8-12 months.
Botox on the other hand my body metabolizes pretty quickly. I get Botox about every 3-4 months and each area wears off at different times, so I may get it in my forehead on one visit or around my eyes on another.
What areas do I get Botox?
-forhead
-crows feet
-above my lips to prevent vertical lines from drinking with straws or bottles of water
-my chin
-platysmal bands in my neck
Because of my frame the platysmal bands in my neck tend to be pretty pronounced.
For me, that is more of an area of concern than my forehead or eyes. You on the other hand, may have never even noticed your platysmal bands.
The skin on my neck and chest is aging completely different than my face. In addition to using Botox as a preventative in my neck I combine Morpheus8 treatments.
And, YES! I’m actually getting Botox in these pictures.
This is what my neck looks like naturally.
Just kidding…not really.
Let’s address some questions you guys sent me on Instagram:
How do you keep your lips and filler spots looking so natural?
One of the reasons I felt led to share this information with you guys is because I feel like I have found a trustworthy relationship with Beth in that she will keep me looking like myself and not allowing me to push it too far with any of the services she offers. When you schedule a consultation for Botox or filler pay attention to your gut reaction. If you’re meeting your potential injector for the first time look at how they’ve maintained their own skin. Is their standard the same as yours or the look you want for yourself? Do they look overdone? Consider these points before trusting someone to stick your face with a needle. ALSO, if you ever want an honest opinion, just ask your daddy or your brother, because they will always keep your behind in check on what’s real.
Whats your FAVORITE treatment you have had done? You can only pick one!
Microneedling with PRP!!! This service is what has permanently changed my skin for the better. If for some reason I couldn’t get Botox or filler for the rest of my life I would be totally fine with that. Microneedling with PRP is what has attained that youthful glow in my skin and for me that is the number one priority. I’ll touch more on this service in a sec!
What would $200 get me in Botox?
Depending on what pricing specials are taking place the amount of units you can get for $200 may vary. The Essential Face is currently running a special of $150 off with a minimum 25 unit purchase. When I first began getting Botox at the age of 27, I would get it only in my forehead and it would be about 25 units. I have a large forehead and am pretty animated in my expressions so you may not need as much. I decided to start getting Botox when I saw visible lines on my forehead when my expressions were at rest.
How bad does botox hurt?
On a scale of 1-10 I’d say it’s a 3. It does sting a little, but that sensation only lasts for a second. The most painful procedure I’ve ever done was microblading my eyebrows. The pigment only lasted about 3 months for me and I would not do it again. I’ll just look like Powder and be fine with it.
How often do you get treatments?
I get Botox about every 3-4 months in whatever area has worn off. I tend to metabolize it quicker than most people so it could very well last longer on you. If I were to do my entire face at once for Botox it would be about 40-50 units. I grew up cheerleading and dancing my entire life, so I have trained to my face to be over the top expressive. It may seem like my face would be frozen after so many units, but I still have animation in my face staying true to who I am. I get my lips filled about once a year.
Where is a good Botox Dr in the Aiken/Augusta/Columbia area?
Beth Williams at The Essential Face. Needles are their JAM…Botox, filler, microneedling and ear piercing. It’s happening on Holly!!
Back to the fresh face timeline…
In May of 2018 I got my first microneedling facial with PRP, often referred to as the “vampire facial”. During this procedure your blood is drawn and while your face numbs the blood is spun into PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). After the facial your skin is slightly pink, like a light sunburn which is gone by the next day. You are advised not to wear makeup the following day, but you can resume your normal schedule.
The best results are often seen after a series of three facials, so I got two more in the Fall/Winter of 2018.
The previous fresh face picture shows a truer up close view of my skin’s texture and glow. The sun shifted and washed me out in this shot.
Personally, I think microneedling with PRP is the best noninvasive preventative service out there. There is zero to little downtime and it creates a natural youthful glow while keeping you, YOU! Hands down my favorite service. It feels like little pricks in your face, but it’s tolerable and worth it. I’d say it’s a 5 on the pain scale of 1-10.
Whenever my skin is dull or needs a reset button a hydrafacial is my go to solution.
In Columbia I use Tara Monroe at Pout!!
If you’re looking to explore various skin services at a discounted price the Southeastern Esthetics Institute offers a wide variety of services from students working towards completing their esthetics license.
If you’re in the North Augusta area Cucumber & Mint is favorite hydrafacial destination. Crystal is infectiously passionate about educating proper skincare and I love watching her insight on Instagram stories.
The goal isn’t to look different or be different, just simply too slow time a bit. The picture on the left was taken in 2008 by my best friend, Jaime Boehner. We used to get together and she would take pictures of my funky outfits and makeup styles. I guess you could say I started blogging then and didn’t even realize it. It looks like I’m still passionate about big earrings apparently!!
At the end of the day the ultimate goal is to surround yourself with women who support you in what makes you happy!
Especially women whose fashion power moves are black, animal print and leather! Dare I even add they like to unwind at the end of the day with a shot of Fireball! Is it even a question how I found myself at home and friends with this group of ladies?!
Whether it’s getting a little Botox or dying your hair purple and wearing black lipstick.
We all have the choice to live the life we want to live.
After all we only have one life to Lyv.
So whatever you like doing to feel great in your skin let’s do it and turn some heads while silently demanding the attention of a room!
Cheers to aging gracefully, never looking our age or acting it…
because being you ROX!
Lyv
SHOP
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