R I D G E L A N D , M I S S I S S I P P I

The Lash+Brow Gal Studio has a multitude of skills that they have mastered over the years. But one service they offer that is so fascinating to us is microblading! This is a semi permanent form of cosmetic tattooing.  It lasts 1-2 years on average depending on your skin type. The results are a much more natural alternative to traditional permanent cosmetic techniques. Cosmopolitan tells us that this process actually hurts way less than you actually think. 

What is microblading for? 
Microblading is for anyone who wants to enhance the look of their eyebrows. Eyebrows frame your face and by making them perfectly placed and symmetrical they can truly open up your eyes and give you a more youthful appearance. Great for busy moms or working women with no extra time on their hands. People with trichotillomania, alopecia, or anyone who is simply unhappy with their brows, microblading is your answer.

How long does the healing process take?
It is completely normal to have tenderness and swelling immediately after or a few days after microblading. The strokes will appear sharper and darker the first few days and then they will soften and lighten up as the skin heals. For a period of 10 days following the microblading, Aquafor is recommended to be worn on your brows. Your brows must be kept dry and clean for the 10 day period. No sweating, touching, picking at or wearing makeup on your brows. After 10 days, you may notice the pigment fading in and out of color as the skin continues to heal. At 4 weeks, you will see your healed results. Between 4-6 weeks, you will come in for a complimentary perfecting session to fill in any areas that have faded.

Before & After Care
To maximize your results, it is important to follow the procedures listed below prior to your scheduled visit.

• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or over the counter medications that thin your blood for 2 days prior to appointment.
• Do not take fish oil for 1 week prior to appointment.
• Do not get a wax or tint during the 2 days prior to appointment.
• Do not drink alcohol the night before or day of appointment.
• Do not use retinols or aggressive exfoliation 1 week prior to appointment.
• Do not get botox during the 2 weeks prior to appointment.

To ensure you have long lasting results, please follow the guidelines for aftercare listed below carefully.
Day 1:  Two hours after receiving your microblading treatment, wipe the brow area with a cotton round and distilled water.  Apply a rice grain size drop of Aquafor with a Q-Tip to the microbladed area.  Do not touch the microbladed area with your hands.  Repeat this process every hour for 24 hours, except while sleeping.
Day 2:  After the first 24 hours, keep the Aquafor on your brows at all times.  Apply the Aquafor twice a day or as needed.  Wash your brows with Cetaphil cleanser morning and night.  Gently wash the area with clean hands and dab dry.  Use a Q-Tip to reapply the Aquafor.  Repeat this process until Day 10.
During Days 1-10:

• Absolutely no creams, makeups, or products besides those listed above on the microbladed area.
• Do not get the microbladed area wet unless cleansing with clean hands twice a day with Cetaphil cleanser.
• Keep the area clean & sterile.
• No touching, picking, scratching, or rubbing the microbladed area. Flaking and scabbing are expected.
• No sweating: this includes working out, saunas, steam rooms, spicy foods.
• No sun on the microbladed area. After 10 days, ALWAYS wear SPF on the brow area.
• Avoid cleaning dusty areas or doing anything that may risk debris getting in the microbladed area.

Day 11-30:  After 10 days the surface of your skin is healed.  At this point you can get your brows wet or use makeup as needed.  Your brows will begin to fade in and out of color and will continue until about 4 weeks when your skin is completely healed.
Between 4-6 weeks, you must come back for a complimentary perfecting session.  During this session, your brows will be perfected.  Altering the color as needed, going back over existing strokes, and focusing more on areas that did not hold the pigment as well.  

It is important to recognize that everyone's skin is different, so your results vary from one person to the next. But check out some of these amazing results! Call 601.910.1106 and set up your appointment today, or visit their website to check out some of the other amazing services these gals offer!

C L I N T O N , M I S S I S S I P P I

Early retirement can be planned, but it’s often unexpected. Over three in 10 pre-retirees say they plan to retire before 65. But many retire sooner than they intended. So, even if you plan on retiring at or after age 65, you’ll want to understand your health insurance options. Most people won’t be eligible for Medicare before age 65, but many will retire before then. 32% of pre-retirees plan to retire before age 65, but 71% of retirees actually retire before age 65. Why do some retire earlier than expected? 

Potential reasons people may unexpectedly retire early include:

• Job loss
• Unhappy with their current job
• Poor health – them or a loved one
• Spouse retires
• Financially ready to retire earlier than expected

Since most people get their health care insurance from their employers, retiring before 65 – whether planned or not – can mean a coverage gap. Finding health insurance during that gap may be expensive, but not having coverage could be even more costly and lead to poor health and well-being.

• Hospitals frequently charge two to four times the amount health insurers/public programs pay for hospital services.
  • Fixing a broken leg can cost as much as $7,500
  • A three-day hospital stay costs an average of $30,000
  • Comprehensive cancer care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Uninsured adults are more likely to face negative consequences from medical bills, such as: 2
  • Depleting their savings
  • Having difficulty paying for necessities
  • Borrowing money
  • Having medical bills sent to collection
• Many uninsured individuals avoid seeking medical care, contributing to overall lower health and well-being

When you consider all the negative consequences of not having insurance, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to maintain health care insurance and incorporate expected medical costs into your retirement plans.

Retirement is the opportunity to live your life on your own terms. Living your healthiest life possible – without worrying about debilitating medical bills – should be part of the plan. Health care may be among the highest expenses in retirement, but by accounting for it and planning for the unexpected, you can help ensure you enjoy those years to the fullest.

We know all of this can be super overwhelming and frightening but thankfully, Cindee Herlocker with Edward Jones, has expertise with this chaos! Cindee utilizes an established process to develop personalized financial strategies for clients based on their current status and then building a path to obtain their dreams. Retirement saving strategies being one of her many focus areas. Visit her website to request an appointment or call 601.925.4653 to chat more about this. Cindee is one of the best, and she can take a stressful and intimidating process and break it down to give her clients ultimate relief!