Affordable boosters/glide?

Hi,

About to purchase the Derminator2 and gathering all my supplies. I have picked out my numbing cream, aftercare, etc. but I'm stuck on finding a glide on Amazon. I follow an influencer who linked one, but it's out of stock. I know you can just use HA as a glide, but I'm looking for more of a booster version that helps with quick healing as I don't really have 2-3 days to stay home. Any suggestions? Even if it's just HA I will take those suggestions too.

Thank you!

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u/lovealwayskota — 12 hours ago

Derminator 2 - starter product questions

Hi,

Just about to pull the plug on buying the Derminator 2. Been watching videos and trying to do my research but I still have a few questions.

  1. Should I purchase the HA gliding serum from the derminator website as well, or is there a better place to order some? I want to get a booster because I heard it helps healing time which is one of my main concerns as I don't have the time to stay home. Are there some boosters/gliding serums I can purchase online? Do you just apply them to the face and then microneedle? I saw some videos where people just go straight in with no gliding serum... why would you do that?

  2. Do I need the infadolan? Can I just use A&D ointment? I believe when I got it done professionally, she had me use my moisturizer + A&D ointment for a few days. I'm also confused about the sterilizing agent... is that necessary? I can't see myself making a gallon of it... is there something else I can buy?

  3. I see people buying an extra magnet, I'm going to get one just because it's cheap, but the website says it can fly out... what? LOL.

  4. I saw some videos where people just go straight in with no gliding serum... why would you do that? I also saw some people not using numbing cream... which seems crazy to me. I plan to start at 0.5mm and maybe work my way up to 1.0mm, but the plan is to do it once a month or so and have less downtime. Any other pointers?

TIA!

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u/lovealwayskota — 14 hours ago

Starter device + tips

Hi friends,

I’m looking into getting a microneedling pen for myself at home. I’ve gotten it done once professionally, and I am actually starting esthetician school in Sept as well.

I’ve been looking at the Dr. Pen M9 and M8S. I’m a complete amateur so please give me all of your beginner tips and tricks. Best lidocaine cream? Best cartridges to start with? Is nano even worth it? Etc.

My main issue for myself was the 3 days downtime, so I’m also wondering if there are ways around that like doing a less invasive depth. I have some research to do but figured I would start here. TIA!

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u/lovealwayskota — 3 days ago

Replacing clips for clip ins

Is there any way at all to replace the clips on clip-in hair extensions besides sewing them? I’ve tried and cannot figure out how to sew the replacement clip on. The hair extensions themselves still have life in them, yet I wind up having to buy a new set every few months because one or two of the clips will go out on me. Should I just try to super glue the clip on and get a little longer with them?

TIA

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u/lovealwayskota — 13 days ago

Are there fillers that actually wear off/dissolve?

I’ve always been against fillers in general because I know they never fully dissolve, and I also don’t want to look like a different person. But I’m also seeing so many new treatments come out, like certain HA fillers, etc.

Are there any fillers that would give me very subtle volume/smoothing (under eyes, smile lines, etc) in a few areas that do actually eventually wear off?

I figure doing microneedling to keep my collagen stimulated would be the next best course of action if not fillers.

TIA

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u/lovealwayskota — 16 days ago

Kerastase Genesis vs Chronologiste... worth it?

Hi friends. I went back to using Pantene Daily Moisture + deep conditioner for a while now and while I'm having decent results, I'm interesting in maybe adding in some luxury product into the rotation.

I have shoulder length brown hair, I have some damage at the ends that is growing out but I mostly have stayed dark as of the last year, I'm on a long hair growth journey. I do have fine/thin hair and have to wash every other day. I also heat style 3-4x a week as I'm a musician and have a few shows a week. I am 35 so not young but also not quite old either, LOL.

I have the genesis scalp serum + 8 hr serum and though they are not miracle workers, they are helping and I will continue to repurchase. I am considering the Chronologiste shampoo and conditioner. Has anyone tried and loved it? I also considered the genesis line but I'm not necessarily having any hair fall or shedding and just looking to take the best care of my hair while growing it out.

I also figure if I use it a few times and don't like it, I can always return it (I did that with the redken acidic gloss line and it did nothing for me- I tend to do better WITH silicones and sulfates)... but just wanted to get some reviews first.

TIA!

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u/lovealwayskota — 19 days ago

Supplements for hair growth

Hey friends,

While I could find this info on beauty and hair subs, I feel like a lot of people in this particular sub would have some real or science backed answers for me.

I cut my hair short 1.5 years ago and I regret it every day. Is there any actual way to make hair growth faster and thicker?

My current stack is: multi, b complex, cats claw, and krill+fish oil blend. I also take ashwaganda a few times a week as well. I’m 35F, work out almost every day. Get sun in the am (unless it’s raining). 5’7” 130 lbs. Eat well, sleep well, drink minimally, etc and last bloodwork came back good as well— so I’m not deficient in anything. Maybe just getting older? IDK.

I’m looking into trying Viviscal or pre-natals to help my hair growth, but Perplexity is telling me that I already take vitamins and supplements and so it would be pointless. I believe viviscal has some science backing behind it, but again I’m here because I think there are so many knowledgeable people here who could give me a real answer or recommendation. Hoping I’m not doomed with thin, short hair for too long LOL.

TIA

Edit: I forgot to mention I know of minoxidil but there’s a 3 month shedding period and also once you stop taking it you lose hair so definitely don’t want to try that one

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u/lovealwayskota — 19 days ago

Starting solo vs working at a spa?

I’m starting esthetician school in Sept. I see a lot of people say they start solo right out of the gate… but I can’t quite understand how that is the smartest option.

I can’t imagine paying $1200 in rent a month (on top of my current actual rent and bills) along with buying product and supplies and equipment, all while I am trying to build clientele.

I’m planning on working part time at a medspa where I can make hourly and tips, so I can build experience and clientele. I also want to do extra training for microneedling, lasers etc.

Am I missing something? Or are some people just well off enough they can jump in with both feet.

TIA?

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u/lovealwayskota — 24 days ago
▲ 5 r/SocialMediaMarketing+1 crossposts

How to get traction/engagement?

Hey friends,

What's the current trick for getting engagement on platforms and the algorithm to work for you? I have 30k on tiktok but will get 50 views. I have 4k people on both my personal and 4k on my business FB page, I will get 3 likes and 100 views.

I don't feel like it's because my content sucks (they are usually creative show flyers,) I just feel like the algorithm has changed so much and it's tough to get organic reach these days. Do I need to pay to promote? How do I push it out? I'm a full-time musician. I play locally every single week. I've tried some chatGPT suggestions but those didn't help either. I'm at a loss here.

TIA

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u/lovealwayskota — 25 days ago

How to improve self-esteem… Unfollowing pretty women on socials?

Curious if anyone has had success with improving their self esteem by unfollowing famous/influencer accounts on socials of really attractive women? (Or men I suppose)

I’m not hating by any means, I love and support these people, hence following them… but I find myself constantly comparing and feeling inadequate.

I am 35. I’d give myself a 7/10. I definitely look younger than my age. Work out every day. Eat well, sleep well. Take impeccable care of my skin. Do some basic bio hacking as well. I’m Irish/Italian. 5’7, 128 lbs. Right now the toughest thing for me is that my hair is short and thin and I hate it… it’s taking a long time to grow out. I also grew up in the 90’s so even though I am fit and healthy and have a body that my boyfriend thinks is perfect and most people would agree, I constantly find myself comparing myself to skinny girls— that was the “ideal” while I was growing up. So many girls with perfect faces, noses, hair extensions, perfect skin, etc. and I realize some of it can be fake or manufactured by plastic surgery but I still find myself comparing and feeling bad about myself at times.

I’ve been with a really wonderful and handsome man for a few years now who I know adores me and thinks and tells I’m beautiful. and I also find him very attractive and almost out my league at times. My issue is definitely in my own head.

I have to be on socials quite a bit as I am a musician. I guess I’m just curious if anyone noticed a difference by unfollowing very attractive women/men that make you question yourself. Are there other things I can do as well to help improve myself in this area?

TIA!

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u/lovealwayskota — 25 days ago

Positive experiences working for a chain?

Enrolled in esthetician school and looking forward to it. Ultimately, I want to go into skincare and take extra training for microneedling, lasers, etc. and work at a medspa or dermatology office.

I know it will take a while to get to where I’m going, and although there are many small spas and medspas near me… worst case scenario I know I might have to start at a chain to get some experience under my belt.

I’m already a full-time musician so esthetics will be a part-time venture.

I def don’t like the idea of upselling products nor getting paid minimum wage once I just spent money on schooling, but I digress: Has anyone had a positive experience working for Hand & Stone/ME/Face Foundrie? I’m in NJ if it matters.

TIA

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u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago
▲ 2 r/Ulta

Fav drugstore setting powder?

Hi friends,

What is your favorite drugstore/affordable setting powder? I use the Milani setting spray to set and melt the first part of my makeup, but I like a light layer of powder at the end create a bit of a more matte look. I've been using the ELF studio finish (compact powder) for a while and wanting to maybe switch it up. Definitely nothing that cakes or creases.

Thx!

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u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago

Two question: Daxxify // 11's

Hi friends,

  1. I've gotten daxxify 2x now. I do like the glow. I've heard injectors go back and forth about it, but I did not get 2x my normal units and it worked just fine. My main girl said it's not a true 2:1 ratio and wound up giving me 50 units instead of 40 and it literally worked the same as any other tox, just with a nice little glow. (It didn't last 6 months but according to studies, that only happens to about 10% of patients.) I work out daily so I'm lucky if my tox lasts 2.5 months no matter what kind I use. What's been your experience with daxxify?
  2. Also despite popular belief, I haven't gotten my 11's done in probably a year. They don't really move. I've had injectors say I *HAVE* to get my 11's done because it all works together, but the last few times I went, my girl didn't do my 11's and everything looked fine. Also curious if anyone else has experienced the same?

For reference, I do my forehead and crows every 2.5 months, and my once in a while - my 11's. Usually get between 40-50 units.

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u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago

Favorite gel pencil eyeliner under $10?

I usually go back and forth between Maybelline skinny precise & unstoppable. I also grab a color pop or nyx once in a while. I prefer and always use a creamy/gel pencil, in dark brown as it's more flattering on my skin tone & green eyes.

I usually grab for the skinny one more often... I tightline my upper lash line too, as a regular one doesn't get in all the nooks and crannies, and to do a sharp wing.

What's your tried-and-true?

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u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago

2023 SE Jetta speakers distorting

I’ve been having issues with the speakers in my Jetta distorting every time I start my car. I guess it was always an issue but it’s just becoming more annoying. I have to shut the radio off and turn it back on for it to stop.

Is there a through I can do besides spending $1500+ to replace the system?

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u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago
▲ 2 r/jetta+1 crossposts

‘23 SE Jetta speakers distorting

I’ve been having issues with the speakers in my Jetta distorting every time I start my car. I guess it was always an issue but it’s just becoming more annoying. I have to shut the radio off and turn it back on for it to stop.

Is there a through I can do besides spending $1500+ to replace the system?

reddit.com
u/lovealwayskota — 1 month ago

Is this vitamin c oxidized?

Geek and Gorgoeus vitamin c… I’ve been using it a few months. Def a little more orange than when I first got it but idk if this is normal and still potent or if it’s oxidized? How can you tell?

TIA!

u/lovealwayskota — 2 months ago

Seeking stories from happy/successful estheticians

I am currently enrolled to start esthetician school in September and very much looking forward to it.

Now that I'm on reddit, I'm seeing so much negativity, complaining, people saying they wasted their time on this career. I understand everything takes time. I don't expect to be up and running day one but I am very optimistic and excited about my future in this. I even want to take advanced education in microneedling/lasers etc. (You can legally do that in NJ under the supervision of a doctor.)

I mean... I packed up my things with all of $400 in my bank account and moved to Nashville for 7 years to pursue music. I've been back in NJ 4 years now, and I've been a successful full-time musician for 6 years. I do all my own booking, marketing, social media, etc. I just turned 35 and thank god I never listened to all the people who told me it was silly and "it's hard/it's rare/you're probably not gonna make it."

I'm just looking to add another business to my plate in addition to music. Any esthi's who are happy and successful, and make good money able to chime in? Thank you. ❤️

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u/lovealwayskota — 2 months ago

Interested in becoming an esthetician - NJ

Hi,

Sorry if this has been asked, but looking to get feedback from current estheticians and how they like their careers.

I am currently a full-time musician but looking to break it up as I'm burnt out, and I want to find another thing I enjoy to split my time. I've been interested in skincare a long time so trying out esthetician school seems like a good move. I currently work nights and weekends so it's proving difficult to find an esthetician program in NJ that will work around my schedule... but I digress:

Do you love being an esthetician? I'm basically looking to get to the point where I can do part time music and part time esthi. I have worked for myself for the past 6 years and would like to continue being able to make my own schedule + build my own clientele, even if I'm working for someone else or employed at a medspa. Is this going to be possible? I'm also very interested in extra specialized training after school too.

The biggest thing I see online in terms of hate for estheticians is "they don't know what they're doing/go to a dermatologist instead/they are just trying to upsell products" and I can't imagine that is true across the board.

My other big question: how do absences work in school? AKA sick days, snow days... etc. What if I need to leave class early one day?

TIA!

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u/lovealwayskota — 2 months ago

Estheticians schools in NJ with hybrid option?

Hi there,

I'm very invested in going to school for esthetician (and eventually medical esthetician). The issue I'm running into is finding a school with a schedule that I can make work.

I’m looking to go part-time and preferably with the ability to handle the theory on my own, at home. I work nights and weekends so even having to go in 9am-2pm M-F would be too much for me.

I was originally interested in Christine Valmy but they don't offer hybrid in NJ. I live in North Jersey. I need a school that either does hybrid or will allow me to go part-time 3 days a week or something, so that I can still work and pay my bills. I'm not sure if it exists but I'm currently trying to do my research and was hoping maybe there was someone else in a similar position to me.

Crossing my fingers... thanks in advance!

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u/lovealwayskota — 2 months ago