By now, you’ve probably heard of IPL or Intense Pulse Light Laser technology. You may understand generally what it is and get the gist of it: a way of removing unwanted body hair. But how exactly does it work? What’s the difference between IPL Hair Removal and Laser Hair Removal? And which one should you choose?

We take a look at the nitty gritty of IPL and bring you up to speed on all the technical details.

Rejuvenate your skin while removing unwanted hair – the best of both worlds.

How Does IPL Laser Hair Removal Work?

Basically, IPL involves a high intensity flash of filtered light which is designed to damage hair follicles and prevent the growth of unwanted hair.

This light is directed at specific areas of your skin and is absorbed by melanin. Melanin is the pigment which gives your hair its colour. This means that IPL works most effectively on hair that is dark; rather than white, grey or very fair. If your hair is particularly light, this process might not work as effectively as it could. People with dark hair and fair skin generally experience the best results.

Once this light is absorbed it spreads to the surrounding cells and is then converted into heat. The heat damages the cells in your hair follicles. This works to prevent or prohibit future hair growth.

To work effectively, this process needs to be repeated at each of the stages of the hair growth cycle and therefore approximately seven treatments are recommended.

How IPL Laser Hair Removal Different to Laser Hair Removal?

The difference between laser hair removal and IPL comes down to the type of light that is used to damage hair follicles. Laser hair removal involves only one single wavelength of light whereas IPL involves a flash of light containing hundreds of wavelengths.
The light emitted by lasers is more intense and is very specific. It delivers energy to a specific skin structure.

In this sense, IPL is considered more versatile. The intensity levels of IPL can be adjusted and the wavelengths can be filtered. This means that IPL is appropriate for a larger variety of hair types.

Which One Should You Choose?

It always comes down to a matter of personal preference, but at Isabel Almeida we strongly recommend IPL Laser Hair Removal
as an effective way of reducing unwanted hair growth for the long term. It works on a range of skin types as well as hair lengths and types and is much less painful than laser hair removal. The added benefit to using IPL is that skin in the treated area is rejuvenated, improving the appearance of skin as well as reducing lines and blemishes.

IPL is also considered to be much safer than laser hair removal and is safe to use on the face as well as your body’s delicate areas. This means that, in addition to the obvious areas like legs, IPL is safe and can be used to remove unwanted hair on your face, underarms and bikini area.

The risks of side effects and skin damage are greatly reduced due to IPL’s selective light frequency filtering. If you’d like more information on how IPL works, to find out whether it’s right for you or to make an appointment, give us a call today.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for staying fit and keeping in shape.  What you may not know is that regular exercise can also do wonders for your skin and fitness health.

Read on for our Fitness Tips for Beautiful Skin

Exercise increases your blood flow.  Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, which helps to nourish your skin cells.  This helps replenish your skin cells and flush away the bad ones.

Exercise decreases stress. Stress can cause or worsen acne and other skin conditions.  By exercising and decreasing stress, you’re doing your skin and fitness health a big favour. Yoga and Pilates are especially great for unwinding and relieving stress.

Working up a sweat can work wonders on your skin.

Exercise makes you sweat.  Sweat helps to remove impurities that clog your pores.

Exercise makes you glow. Exercising causes your skin to produce natural oils which make your skin radiate. Your skin will look soft, healthy and gorgeous.

What To Avoid For Healthy Skin

Sunburn. If you’re exercising outside, especially on sunny days, make sure you’re wearing waterproof sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt. Waterproof is important – if you get hot and sweaty your sweat might wash away the sunscreen rendering it useless.  Add extra protection to your face by wearing a hat or visor.

Chafing. Chafing can lead to rashes on your skin, which don’t look great and are also quite uncomfortable. Avoid chafing by wearing loose fitting clothing or workout gear that breathes or draws moisture away from your skin.

Pimples. Don’t wear makeup when you work out. Also wash your face or shower as soon after exercising as possible. Remember when we said that sweat helps to remove impurities that clog your pores? Unless you thoroughly wash these impurities and sweat away, they’ll sit on your skin and cause breakouts.

Dehydration. Exercising can cause your skin to become dehydrated. Avoid this by drinking plenty of water.

Stay fit, and keep your skin glowing and gorgeous by exercising regularly.

Many of us rely on makeup every day. Unfortunately, wearing makeup can be harmful to our skin. Here are our top five tips for using makeup without harming your skin:

Wash Your Makeup Off As Soon As Possible

Whenever you get home from work or running errands or whenever you are done for the day, remove your makeup as soon as possible. Makeup clogs your pores preventing your skin from breathing. This can lead to oily or discoloured skin and blemishes. Removing makeup as soon as you can will give your skin the chance to breathe and replenish.

Whatever you do, do not go to bed still wearing your make up. We also recommend that you avoid wearing make up on as many days as possible to give your skin a break. Be particularly careful about applying makeup if you’ve performed an extraction facial procedure on your own, as skin products and open skin can be uncomfortable.

Wash your make up off thoroughly using a cleanser that’s right for your skin. Remove eye makeup with makeup remover designed especially for eyes. Your eyes and the area around your eyes are particularly delicate. To avoid causing unnecessary damage, remove eye makeup by dabbing eye makeup remover onto a makeup pad and gently wiping it across your eyes.

Make Sure You’re Choosing Makeup that’s Right for Your Skin

Everyone’s skin is different. Get to know your skin and whether it is oily, dry or sensitive. This will help you choose make up products that are right for you.

Some ingredients in makeup can cause allergies or irritation. Avoid creating an allergic reaction all over your face by testing new make up on a small patch of skin on your arm. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Share Brushes.

Sharing brushes means sharing bacteria and germs. Play it safe and only use your own brushes.

Also be sure to clean your own brushes. Makeup brushes build up old makeup, dead skin cells and bacteria – all the things you don’t want to be spreading across your face. Depending on how often you use your brushes, you should be cleaning them roughly every one or two weeks. A designated makeup brush cleanser will work or otherwise you could use a sulphate-free shampoo (try a baby shampoo) or even plain old soap.

Choose a Foundation With SPF 15+

In the harsh Australian climate, a foundation with SPF 15 (at least) is an essential.

An SPF foundation will protect your skin from UV rays while allowing you to still wear makeup. You’ll be protecting your skin from sun damage, premature wrinkles and the risk of skin cancer. If you’re looking for a tan, we strongly recommend a much safer spray tan- contrary to popular belief, they CAN look natural!

Less is More

Always remember, that the more makeup you pile on, the more damage you’ll be doing to your skin. As we’ve mentioned, makeup clogs your pores and prevents your skin from the nutrients it needs from oxygen and sunlight. Give your skin a break by applying as little makeup as you can and avoid caking on layers of foundation. Let your natural beauty shine through.

If you still feel like your skin could use some rejuvenating, we can help. Book an appointment now on 02 9362 0994

In a number of ways, anyone can benefit from getting a Deep Cleansing Facial at our Sydney Double Bay beauty salon. This is a tried-and-true treatment that heals, beautifies and strengthens the skin. It has an excellent efficacy level, so its productivity is not in question.

Of course, the results vary from person to person, but you will certainly gain the following number of benefits after getting this treatment:

• Your pores will be cleansed.
• Your skin will be purified.
• Your entire face will feel refreshed.

The Magical ABC Formula Behind A Deep Cleansing Facial

With your pores being cleansed of all toxins, there is no way for maladies or blemishes to develop. This means that you will be able to say goodbye to acne and other skin problems and say hello to better-looking skin. Like most of our other facial treatments, our Deep Cleansing Facials purify the skin through a simple yet elaborate process. The first phase is an evaluation; our expert staff will examine your skin to ascertain its current condition. The second phase is massage therapy; we will massage your face to open its pores and relax its muscles, with the goal of putting you in a state of ease. The third phase is masking; we will apply a potent serum on your entire face–the serum will sit until it sinks deeply into your skin. The fourth phase is relaxation; there will be little moving and no talking to let the serum work its magic before our expert washes it off.

How You Get Your Money’s Worth

This treatment works miracles for all skin types and complexions. Everyone–including the elderly, children and young adults–can get a facial in Sydney and come out looking prettier, younger and stress free. Thus, you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose besides the following:

• Dry, crackly skin–with the passel of minerals this treatment has, your skin will achieve a smooth, glowing effect that lasts.
• Wrinkled, loose skin–with the minerals, combined with such vigorous massage techniques, your skin will tighten up immensely, reducing the number of wrinkles and making them less noticeable.
• Discolouration in skin–likewise, the minerals and massage techniques will eliminate any discolouration, making your skin tone even all over.

In A Nutshell

Isabel Almeida’s Deep Cleansing Facial in Sydney is one of the most practical treatments available, considering that it is effective, yet not time consuming. Lastly, it can produce the results you want.

Give our Double Bay beauty salon a call and book a skin consultation today by calling (02) 9362 0994

In Australia, you can’t be too careful when it comes to the sun. We all know that it is just too easy to get burnt when you’re out in the sun, even if it’s just for an hour.

We tend to look healthier with a tan, don’t you think?

Sunburn and sun exposure can lead to all sorts of damage – from unsightly peeling to serious and life-threatening conditions such as melanoma. Wrinkling and skin discolouration can also occur as a result of sun exposure.

But, there is no denying that a tan looks fabulous. Not only can a tan make you look slim, but it also enhances your beauty irrespective of your skin color. In the summer months, you can’t hide pale skin behind long pants and tops.

Avoid the pain, ever-lasting damage and the dangers of the sun and still look gorgeous with a spray tan at Isabel Almeida.

There are many benefits to getting a spray tan, including, of course, looking bronzed and beautiful all year round. A spray tan contains moisturising agents, which, unlike the sun, will prevent your skin from drying out during the summer months.

Maybe you don’t like the idea of spray tans. Maybe you’ve had a bad experience. Or maybe you know someone who has had a bad experience. Everyone has a spray tan horror story; streaky legs, white hands and orange arms, unnaturally dark or orange skin. Whether it’s happened to you or happened to a friend or someone you’ve passed in the street, we’ve all encountered spray tan nightmares. That’s why it’s important to have a beautician you can trust to give you a natural, flawless looking tan.

At Isabel Almeida, our expertise and attention to detail means you’ll leave our salon looking gorgeous and streak-free every time. We are highly experienced and dedicated to creating a beautiful spray tan based on what you want and need. You won’t be going home looking darker or lighter than you wanted and you definitely won’t be orange or streaky. Looking summertime gorgeous has never been so easy.

To make an appointment or for more information give us a call on 02 9362 0994

Looking after your body can sometimes feel like a chore. Keeping up a routine can become tedious and it’s so easy to fall behind with your body care regime. But taking care of yourself is so important. There are so many benefits of looking after your body from looking gorgeous to keeping healthy and feeling good. That’s why at Isabel Almeida, we offer a range of treatments which make taking care of your body a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We pride ourselves on creating a peaceful and tranquil environment. Somewhere quiet and private where you can take a time out from your busy life and enjoy pure indulgence. We devote all our attention to making you look and feel gorgeous.

Skin Care
Regular skin care treatments keep your skin glowing. Not only that, but there are a range of benefits from having regular skin care treatments to suit your skin. These benefits include removing dead skin cells and revitalising skin, cleansing pores, smoothing uneven skin and fighting the signs of aging.

Whatever your skin type or skin condition, we at Isabel Almeida will have a skin care treatment to suit you. We offer a range of skin care treatments for various skin types and with various benefits including facials, microdermabrasions, photo rejuvenation, skin peels and oxygen treatments.

Body Care
There are so many ways to indulge and pamper your body, ensuring that you not only look great but feel great too. At Isabel Almeida we appreciate the importance of pampering and taking care of your body. That’s why we also offer a range of body care treatments to keep you looking and feeling beautiful.

Consider a Paraffin treatment, a treatment dating back to Roman times, to alleviate pain in your hands and feet and to soften you skin. Or perhaps a MP2 Venus body treatment to rejuvenate and tighten your skin, all while relaxing you and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
We also offer manicures and pedicures to keep your hands and feet looking stunning and spray tans for a healthy, even glow.

Hair Removal
Staying gorgeous wouldn’t be possible without a hair removal routine. We offer a range of hair removal procedures to make your life even easier. Come in for professional waxing, including Brazilians and eyebrow shaping, or our highly recommended IPL Laser Hair Removal. We are highly qualified and extremely sensitive to your privacy.

Looking gorgeous and taking care of your body is easy when you have a place you can rely on for premium service and treatments every time. That’s why at Isabel Almeida we strive to provide you with the highest quality treatments and a place for you to feel content and relaxed every time you visit.

To come in for one of our luxury treatments, give us a call on 02 9362 0994 today.

A manicure is so much more than a manicure. The benefits, both physiologically and psychologically, of having your nails professionally done are almost endless. Here are our Top Eight Reasons to Get a Manicure:

1. Look Fabulous

There is nothing more fabulous than a set of gorgeous, glossy, perfectly manicured nails. Manicured nails add a touch of glamour to any outfit and make a difference to your overall appearance. Your overall appearance contributes greatly to impressions, especially first impressions. Neglected nails do not go unnoticed.

2. Feel Fabulous

It’s amazing the difference something as seemingly small and simple as a manicure can make to the way you feel. Not only will you look glamorous, but you’ll feel glamorous too. Not to mention, a colourful manicure can brighten up your outfit as well as your mood.

3. Healthy Nails

Over time our nails become brittle and weakened. A manicure can help to revitalise, strengthen and protect your nails. A manicurist will trim your cuticles, keeping your nail beds clean and healthy. Your nails will be less prone to breaking, discolouration and other nail disasters you just don’t want to know about.

4. Healthy Hands

A manicurist will massage your hands, gently exfoliating away dead skin cells and rehydrating dry skin. Your hands will be refreshed, healthy and soft.

5. Stress Less

A manicure gives you a well-deserved break from your busy lifestyle; a chance to sit back and relax in peace and quiet. Not only that, but a manicure gives your hands both a chance to rest and the attention they deserve. When you think about, how often do you use your hands? Almost all the time. A manicurist will massage your hands, easing away stress and tension.

6. *You* Time

When you’re at a salon, surrounded by nothing but serene décor, soft music and a manicurist who is devoting 100% of their attention to you and only you, you have nothing to answer to. You can sit peacefully in your own thoughts, thinking about nothing or everything in a retreat of your own, apart from the rest of the world.

7. Mix it Up

A manicure adds a bit of variation to your life. There are so many options when it comes to nails; from the classic and elegant French polish to modern patterns and designs. Nail polish comes in colours to complement all seasons. This spring and summer stay on trend with bright, candy colours. Brighten up your look with bright pinks and corals.

8. Something Special for a Special Occasion

Dressing up for a special occasion is never complete without a manicure. Beautifully manicured nails are the icing on the cake when you’re dressed to the nines with stunning make up and your favourite jewellery. Choose a shade or style to complement your outfit and attend any event feeling like a million dollars.

Whether you are having your nails done on a regular basis, as a one-off or for a special occasion there are so many reasons why beautiful, attractive nails are so important. Feel glamorous inside and out by treating yourself to a professional manicure at our Sydney Beauty Salon — simply call 02 9362 0994.

If you are wondering just what “tinting eyebrows” entails, don’t worry: You’re not alone. Beauty blogs and magazines are often bombarded with questions from confused women who have just changed their hair colour, and are now left with brows that don’t match their new hue. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, here are some quick tips on how to go about tinting eyebrows… and why it should be left to beauty professionals.

Why At-Home Brow Tinting is a No-no

Most beauty professionals would recommend that you don’t try tinting eyebrows at home. When you have your brows tinted in a salon, your stylist will have you lay flat so that there is no chance that any bleach or dye will run into your eyes. If you choose to tint your brows at home, you will most likely need to stand upright in front of a mirror so that you can see what you are doing. Positioned this way, there is a serious risk of dye dripping in to your eyes, which can cause not only eye damage, but poses the potential risk for blindness.

Colour Accuracy is Vital

Another important reason that you should leave tinting eyebrows to the beauty professionals is the simple reason that they are the experts in colour, and walking around with a disaster dye job on your face would almost be worse than walking around with it on your head. Few stylists will actually dye the brows to match the hair colour perfectly; rather, they will slightly darken or lighten the brows so that the eyebrows match the hair better, but not exactly. Eyebrows that match the hair perfectly are actually sort of unnatural looking; both brunettes and blondes typically have brows that are a few shades darker than their hair, and redheads with matching eyebrows almost always have a cartoon-like effect.

Always Use Your Salon Color

If you are having your hair coloured professionally, the brow tinting should always be a part of the process where possible… no exceptions. If your stylist is blowing out your newly coloured hair and you notice that it is not a good fit for your brows, it is imperative that you speak up and ensure that it is corrected before you walk out. Some stylists won’t say anything if they have another client coming and need to stay on schedule, but they will not disagree with you or refuse to correct the problem if you bring it up.

When it comes to eyebrow tinting, it’s best to leave it to beauty professionals. And above all else? Your eyebrows are the colour that they are for a reason – if you are on the fence about a new hair hue, your brows are a great way to determine whether or not the look will work for you.

To find out more about Isabel Almeida’s Eyebrow Tinting Services, follow this link.