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Aesthetic

British Beauty

Nailed it – My Views On Revolution Nail Products! – All Things Aesthetic

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Happy Thursday! I’m finally feeling a little more human having been unwell last week, so that’s a positive. I have been struggling with the lock down recently, and if I’m completely honest, my mental health has taken a bit of a hit. Being unwell didn’t help, but as I’m feeling better now, I’m hoping to do little things to keep myself distracted. I’ve been doing daily workouts, uni work, working from home for my job, and of course blogging! I also find reading very therapeutic and audio books as well if I’m struggling to find the will power to read after a full on day of exam prep. I’ve been trying to do regular pampers so that I feel good about myself as well, and last week my treat from me to me was some new nail stuff! I’ve been isolating at my grandma’s, which means I didn’t have my gel lamp/kit to hand, so I thought I’d give the Revolution brand a go. Here are my thoughts!

The Price and Product

Makeup Revolution is known for being an affordable brand that provides high quality results which is why I thought I’d give their nail products a try. I’m used to gels, but they’re not the best for your nails, so I thought I’d invest in a few products to really help get my nails back into shape ready for me to have my gels on when this is all over. I went for a nice subtle nude/pink colour (called lingerie). I’ve never been one for bright nail colours for some reason, and I tend to stick to pinks/nudes/greys to make sure my nails never clash with my outfits. All the products I bought are below, with the links to purchase:

Makeup Revolution Care and Repair Nail Treatment – £4.00
Makeup Revolution High Gloss Nail Polish (Lingerie) – £4.00
Makeup Revolution Plump and Shine Gel Top Coat – £3.95
Makeup Revolution Nourish and Care Cuticle Oil – £5.00
Total: £16.95

It’s worth noting that the reviews are great and the products sell out really fast, so get buying ASAP if you want a bargain!

How to Apply

So I thought the products were great when I used them! They dry really quickly, and combining some nail treatments was really effective in helping my nails look and feel healthier – I think my favourite was the cuticle oil as it made me feel like a professional haha! Each product is fast drying and doesn’t smudge. However, you can only really do one layer of the lingerie varnish as it starts to peel if you do any more. Luckily, it has a really even finish so it doesn’t matter too much. They’re also quite durable; I’ve had the varnish on since Monday and haven’t had any chipped nails yet which is a result! For what I paid, I think it was worth it. It wasn’t too time consuming because of the fast drying, and I LOVE that it doesn’t smudge – that’s an issue I have with quite a few nail varnishes (FYI avoid Barry M nail varnishes).

Final thoughts? I would say give these products a go! I’m going to invest in a few other colours too so that I can switch it up a bit. I know it might seem pointless because no one will see me anyway, but it’s helping me restore some normality into my life in such an uncertain and unprecedented time.

On that note, I want to make a point of saying again that if you are struggling as I have been, please do feel free to drop me a message. If you feel you need a professional service, I’ve used Samaritans in the past (by calling 116 123) and they were an incredible help. More than ever, it’s essential that we are looking out for each other and keeping ourselves healthy physically AND mentally. Blogging has been a huge help throughout this, so I also owe those who read my posts a huge thank you!

Tomorrow is Friday, and while we may all be losing track of the days right now, let’s try and get that Friday feeling and look forward to the weekend ahead!

Speak soon everyone xxx


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Hair Styling

Neurotoxins in Aesthetic Medicine: A Comparative Review of Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Introduction


Botulinum neurotoxins have become essential tools in both therapeutic and aesthetic medicine. Derived from Clostridium botulinum, these neuromodulators inhibit acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, resulting in temporary muscle paralysis. Clinically, this effect is used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, particularly in the upper face. Four major botulinum toxin type A formulations are commonly used in aesthetic dermatology: onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®), incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®), and prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (Jeuveau®).

This review explores the molecular differences, pharmacodynamics, diffusion characteristics, immunogenicity, clinical outcomes, and emerging considerations in long-term use of these products.

Mechanism of Action

All botulinum toxin type A formulations function by blocking presynaptic release of acetylcholine via cleavage of SNAP-25, a key SNARE protein required for vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release. This inhibition prevents muscle contraction and leads to temporary denervation. Though each product shares this mechanism, variations in molecular structure and formulation result in different clinical behaviors.

The onset of action typically occurs within 2 to 7 days post-injection, with peak effects at approximately 2 weeks, and duration of action generally lasting 3 to 5 months depending on formulation, dosage, and muscle mass.

Molecular Composition and Formulation Differences

Toxin Brand Name Complexing Proteins Molecular Weight Units per Vial
OnabotulinumtoxinA Botox® Yes ~900 kDa 100 units
AbobotulinumtoxinA Dysport® Yes ~500-900 kDa 300 units
IncobotulinumtoxinA Xeomin® No 150 kDa (naked toxin) 100 units
PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs Jeuveau® Yes ~900 kDa 100 units

Xeomin® is considered a “naked” neurotoxin as it lacks complexing proteins, which may reduce the risk of immunogenicity. The presence of these accessory proteins in other formulations does not affect clinical efficacy but may influence immune response and product stability.

Diffusion and Spread Characteristics

Diffusion is a critical factor in determining efficacy and potential side effects. Dysport® is thought to have a broader spread due to its lower unit potency and molecular configuration. However, diffusion is not solely dependent on the toxin itself but also on dose, injection technique, muscle anatomy, and dilution practices. New imaging techniques such as electromyography and three-dimensional mapping are being studied to quantify diffusion zones with more precision.

Potency and Dose Conversion

There is no direct unit-to-unit equivalence among neurotoxins:

  • Botox:Dysport is often approximated as 1:2.5–3
  • Botox:Xeomin is considered 1:1
  • Botox:Jeuveau is also considered 1:1 based on current evidence

These conversions are based on clinical studies and are not interchangeable at a molecular level due to proprietary manufacturing processes and potency assays.

Duration and Clinical Efficacy

Clinical duration of effect is influenced by patient metabolism, treatment area, and product used. Meta-analyses have shown comparable efficacy across all four products, though some patients may perceive longer duration or smoother onset with one over another due to formulation characteristics.

A 2019 head-to-head trial (Prager et al.) comparing Botox and Jeuveau found no statistically significant difference in wrinkle reduction outcomes at 30 days post-treatment. Longer-term comparative trials are limited and needed to evaluate sustained efficacy and recurrence timing.

Immunogenicity and Neutralizing Antibodies

One clinical concern is the development of neutralizing antibodies that reduce efficacy. Xeomin®, which lacks complexing proteins, may present a lower immunogenic risk. While the incidence of antibody-mediated resistance is low in aesthetic applications due to infrequent dosing, higher cumulative dose exposure—such as for therapeutic uses or high-frequency cosmetic treatments—may increase immunogenic potential. Studies suggest that minimizing protein load and extending treatment intervals may mitigate risk.

Storage and Handling

  • Botox and Xeomin can be stored in a refrigerator before reconstitution.
  • Jeuveau and Dysport also require refrigeration but have varied stability profiles post-reconstitution depending on diluent and temperature.
  • Studies comparing shelf stability suggest that Xeomin may be more thermally stable due to its formulation without complexing proteins.

Regulatory and Manufacturing Differences

Each neurotoxin is manufactured using proprietary processes, which may affect purity, potency, and immunogenicity. For example:

  • Botox is produced by Allergan (AbbVie) in the U.S. using a crystalline preparation.
  • Dysport is manufactured by Ipsen in Europe with a lyophilized powder.
  • Xeomin is produced by Merz in Germany using chromatographic purification.
  • Jeuveau is manufactured by Evolus via Daewoong Pharmaceutical in South Korea using a 900 kDa complex similar to Botox.

These differences, while subtle, contribute to physician preferences and may influence clinical selection based on treatment context and patient response history.

A Note on Clinical Practice

Clinics across North America increasingly personalize neurotoxin selection based on patient goals, previous response, and injection history. For example, providers like Skin Works Medical Spa in El Segundo may offer multiple neurotoxin options in a medically supervised setting, emphasizing safety, precision dosing, and informed decision-making. Though product choice may vary, patient outcomes are consistently tied to injection technique, anatomical understanding, and follow-up care.

Conclusion

Botulinum neurotoxins remain central to non-surgical facial rejuvenation and neurological therapies. Although their mechanisms of action are similar, subtle differences in molecular structure, accessory protein content, diffusion, immunogenicity, and clinical handling may influence choice based on practitioner experience and patient-specific factors. Ongoing comparative research, long-term safety studies, and improved standardization in potency assays are essential to further advancing the science of neuromodulation.

References

  • Jankovic, J. et al. (2021). Botulinum Toxin in Clinical Practice. Toxicon, 189, 60–67.
  • Prager, W. et al. (2019). A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs and OnabotulinumtoxinA. Dermatologic Surgery.
  • Carruthers, A. et al. (2013). A Comparative Review of Botulinum Toxin Formulations. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
  • Hexsel, D. et al. (2020). Diffusion, Spread, and Migration of Botulinum Toxin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
  • Dressler, D., & Bigalke, H. (2018). Botulinum Toxin Therapy: A Standardized Approach. Drugs.

Pickett, A. (2020). Manufacturing and Characterization of Botulinum Neurotoxins. Biologics in Therapy.




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British Beauty

Lips and Lashes on Lock! – All Things Aesthetic

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Good morning! I genuinely hope it is a good morning for you all. I’ve been a little more positive this week about things and I’ve been going on long walks as my daily outdoor exercise which I have also found beneficial.

It’s also been quite refreshing to have a break from makeup, although my skin doesn’t seem to think so! I’ve seen so many posts where people have been saying lockdown has done wonders for their skin. Has this happened with mine??? NOPE! If you’re a regular on my posts, you’ll know I’ve struggled with bad skin since I was about 11. Although having more time on my hands has enabled a greater focus on my skincare regime, mother nature making an appearance and my stress levels recently have caused an annoying breakout. I’ve just completed a two week social media detox and I absolutely loved it because I wasn’t constantly viewing pictures of picture perfect women (which can really impact your confidence if you’re not feeling great). I have them back now, but I’ve reduced my screen time massively, and instead of posting a cheerful photo of me looking all dolled up and pretending everything is fab, you can have some photos of my flared up skin instead! My best advice at the moment would be to try and stay away from social media; it’s inevitable that were not gonna be feeling amazing, and seeing unrealistic and photoshopped pictures where people are looking their best will only exacerbate the problem. Take time out and be happy in your own skin (I’ve embraced the spots)!

  • Wow ok I also really need to brush my hair!

Right, now for the subject of this week’s blog: lips and lashes! And first up we have….

Product 1 – The Lip Mask

It’s no secret that I’ve used dermal fillers in the past (click here to see my blog post where I discuss them). They’re not for everyone and it’s really not a decision that should be taken lightly, so I just want to make it clear that I never have and never will promote the use of lip fillers.

Of course, being in lockdown I can’t actually get my lips topped up anyway! I mentioned in last week’s post that I was feeling pretty rubbish, so my best friend very kindly left a care package outside for me, which included these really cool lip masks!

Dermal fillers start at around £100 for 0.5ml and can go upwards of £250 for more. These little masks are…£1!!! That’s 50p per lip mask as they come in a pack of two – check them out on the B&M website here. The packet says that they moisturise and plump the lips, and they’re infused with collagen, which is a natural remedy for enhancing lip volume. I’m sure given the bargain price you may be skeptical as to whether they work – let’s see!

  • BEFORE
  • LEAVE ON FOR 15 MINS
  • AFTER!

Not only is the volume of my lips visibly enhanced, they were left feeling really soft and smooth so the moisturising promise was most certainly met. While the effects are less permanent, I’m excited to continue using these masks throughout lockdown to keep my full lips in place! These little masks are a must have (even if I did looks a little strange while wearing one).

Product 2 – The Last Lift

I’ve never been one to wear individual lashes as I just end up picking them all out, so my usual go to lash treat is the lash lift. Right now, more than ever, I felt like this was a must-have because I’m makeup free every day but still want a little boost so that I’m feeling good when rocking the natural look. So, I thought why not try it myself…

I purchased this product from amazon for £20.99 – click here to buy! The instructions are really clear, but I just want to say, it is really fiddly to use at first. Here are the steps:

Sounds easy right? I mean, it was once I got the hang of it! So for step one, my advice is to apply the glue to your lashes and the pads before trying to fix them on the lid. Once you’ve placed the glue on the pad/your lashes, fix onto your eyelid and use a cotton bud to gently stroke up the lashes so that they stick to the pad. I also used a cotton bud to apply the perm solution and the fixation lotion. This is what it will look like – it’s a little strange.

  • 1) Glue
  • 2) Perm
  • 3) Fixation

Staying still for around 30 minutes was harder than you’d think, but I was actually really happy with the finished result.

  • Before
  • After

As you can see, my lashes are visibly lifted, although I wouldn’t say it’s salon quality. I think it would be better to use the product with a tinting solution too for optimal results, but I was still really pleased with the outcome for my first time trying! You’ve got to be patient, but we all have a lot of time on our hands right now don’t we?

That’s all for this week! I have honestly really enjoyed trying out some cool home treatments during lockdown and I would recommend giving it a go if you’re looking for something new to try. We’re all missing our usual beauty treatments at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we have to go without! It’s also a really nice distraction, particularly if you’re an over-thinker like myself. I say it every week, but if you’re struggling and need a chat, contact me here! Sometimes it’s good to speak with someone you don’t know as well. Also give me a message or leave a comment with recommendations of any other products you think I should try – I am open to all suggestions. Here’s a picture of me with half wet hair, no makeup, and pretty rubbish skin as a reminder that what you see on social media isn’t always accurate – don’t pay too much attention to it!

Stay safe everyone xxx



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British Beauty

Get Ready With Me (Again) – A Full Makeup Tutorial! – All Things Aesthetic

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Hi everyone, and welcome to this week’s blog! And what a rubbish week we are having with the weather, although I’m not sure what I prefer; is it better for the weather to be bad when we are stuck indoors anyway, or is the sunshine uplifting in difficult times? I think my mixed views display how neither situation is exactly ideal, however there are things we can do to try and make how we are feeling slightly better. At the moment, I am loving having a daily pamper, reading more books, watching rubbish on Netflix, going on walks, and doing home workouts. I’ve also decided to do my makeup a couple of times a week to keep me feeling human, which you will know if you read my post a couple of weeks ago on my BeautyBay haul! I’ve not actually done a full makeup tutorial for you guys since December though (check it out here), and some products I use have changed since then, so why not do a big makeup post?! Here is a nice little before picture if you guys need a laugh (I know I do)!

I’ve just noticed I am so pale I would probably disappear into my wall if it was white…

Aaaaand here is a meme to summarise how I am feeling about the above picture…

Wow, I also LOVE the caption of this pin haha! Well, at least I am funny sometimes I hope…Anyway, time to stop rambling. Here’s the tutorial!

Step 1 – Prime

So this is a pretty easy step, although for some reason I didn’t actually take a before and after picture. Here is the order in which I apply the products:
1) Dr Everyouth Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Day Moisturiser – £13.99 on gogroupie.
2) The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer – £3.95 from BeautyBay.
3) RCMA No-Color Powder – £11.75 from BeautyBay.
4) Morphe Continuous Setting Mist – £16 from Cult Beauty.

So, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this prime routine. I’ve always moisturised and then applied primer, but I would highly recommend setting your primer with a translucent powder and setting spray – you will notice a huge difference when it comes to the durability of your makeup and it goes on soooo much better.

Step 2 – Brows

The products used here are my all time faves:
1) Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in shade Soft Brown – £19 from Cult Beauty.
2) ZOEVA Graphic Brow Fix in shade Ammos – £9 from Beauty Bay.
3) Morphe Liquid Full Coverage Concealer in shade C1.35 – £10 from Cult Beauty

  • STEP 1 – Use a flat angled brush to apply the dipbrow pomade.
  • STEP 2 – Brush on the brow gel in fine strokes.
  • STEP 3 – Apply concealer around the brow and brush down onto the lid to act as a primer.

As my hair is blonde (despite the awful roots I have right now due to being unable to visit a hairdressers) I don’t go too dark with my brows. However, more shades are available in the products I recommend depending on what kind of colour you go for. While £19 is a bit expensive for a brow gel (I may have cried at the time of purchasing), it has lasted for 2 years and I am still no where close to finishing so I think we can view this as an investment.

Step 3 – Eyes

Right, I had to improvise pretty hard here as I don’t have a lot of makeup with me. As mentioned above, I used concealer to prime my lids, and then I used a bronzer and highlighter to create a natural bronze look which I love for the daytime. Here are the products:
1) Doll Beauty Gimme Sun Matte Bronzer in shade Medium – £15 from BeautyBay.
2) MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter in shade Golden Scintillation – £2.99 from Luxplus.
3) Unicorn Cosmetics Lashes in style Peachy Pie – £10 from BeautyBay.

  • STEP 1 – Use a fluffy brush to buff the bronzer across your lid.
  • STEP 3 – Gently press the highlighter into the mid-to-corner of the lid.
  • STEP 4 – Once the lash glue is tacky, apply and hold for 20 seconds to ensure it stays on.

Now, this is definitely not the most dramatic eyeshadow look I’ve done but this is my go to for a more natural, glowy, daytime look, and I often use highlighters and bronzers as eyeshadows too which makes them an even better investment. While the lashes are £10, they are reusable which means that these are also an investment and they work out cheaper than less expensive lash brands as they last longer.

Step 4 – Base

Here we have two of my favourite ever makeup products for base makeup, and I would highly recommend you purchase ASAP! I’ve tried a lot of brands, but I’ve never found a foundation or concealer as enduring as these two. The products are:
1) EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Liquid Foundation in shade 3.5 – £12.50 from BeautyBay.
2) Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Multi-Use Concealer in shade Neutraliser – £8.99 from Superdrug.

  • STEP 1 – Apply the foundation using a flat topped foundation brush (I would say BH Cosmetics are the best).
  • STEP 2 – Apply concealer under the eyes, the forehead, the nose and chin.
  • STEP 3 – Use a small contour brush to blend.

These are really great products which are priced well too! My foundation is a little too dark for me right now though, but that’s purely because I am not fake tanning at the moment! If you want to find the perfect shade in the foundation/concealer, take a look on Findation to get your match based on the shades you use in your current products.

Step 5 – Contour

Time to sculpt my face into something slightly more appealing. Some of the products here can definitely be replaced with cheaper alternatives, but again, I’m limited with the products I have to hand. Products used here are:
1) Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder – £32 from Look Fantastic. A cheaper alternative which is *almost* as good is Morphe’s Bake and Set Powder in shade Banana for £12 from Cult Beauty.
2) EX1 Invisiwear Compact Powder in shade 11 – £11.50 from BeautyBay.
3) Mac Studiofix Powder Plus Foundation in shade C35 – £27 from MAC. However, you can get much cheaper pressed powders which do the job – EX1 do many shades on BeautyBay, and you can buy the Revolution Pressed Powder for £2 from Superdrug.

  • STEP 1 – Use a beauty blender to apply the baking powder under the eyes, the nose, forehead and cheeks.
  • STEP 2 – Use a sculpting brush to apply bronzer to the cheeks, sides of the nose (can use a finer brush for that step) and forehead.
  • STEP 3 – Gently press a flat foundation brush into pressed powder and dust off the translucent powder.

As you can see, I am starting to look slightly more human now! Contouring can be quite tricky, so I am fairly basic with my method so as not to overdo it. That being said, I’m happy with the result!

Step 6 – Highlight

As you can see, I sat on this palette and smashed the mirror…

This product is my new favourite highlighter! The BeautyBay Brilliance Bouncy Beam palette is £12 from BeautyBay. I used ‘Radiant’ for contouring the corners of my cheeks, ‘Strobe’ for the corner of my eyes and under my brows and a mix of ‘Charmed’ and ‘Shine Bright’ for contouring my nose, cheekbones and upper lip. Here’s the result! I apply setting spray to my brush before application for the best results.

Step 7 – Lips

Right, I am sure if you’re a regular here you will know that I just ADORE a nude lip! I know I need to branch out, and I will try to do so, but as this is a daytime look I had to go for a natural nude colour. The products used were:
1) Milani Colour Statement Lipliner in shade Nude – £6.50 from BeautyBay.
2) Doll Beauty Lipstick in shade Golden Girl – £13 from BeautyBay.
3) Doll Beauty Lipgloss in shade #Gobby – £13 from BeautyBay.

  • STEP 1 – Apply the lipliner around the lip and blend inwards towards the center of the lip.
  • STEP 2 – Apply the lipstick and blot with tissue.
  • STEP 3 – Run a thin layer of lipgloss across the top.

I absolutely love these colours together as they create a really cute pinky nude that’s both glossy and natural! The lipstick is also nice and creamy which I like, as matte lipsticks can really dry my lips out. The durability of the lipliner is fabulous too, and I love the pinker tone of the gloss – the perfect nude!

Now to set again with setting spray and I am FINISHED! Here is the end result!

  • BEFORE
  • AFTER
I am pretty impressed with this glow up!

Doing my makeup, taking some selfies and going on nice long walk really calmed me down the other day when I was having a bit of a meltdown, and I would strongly advise you all to find something which has the same effect as it genuinely works. Here are some cute pictures I took on my walk…

PHEW – that’s the longest post I’ve done in a while, but I really enjoyed it and I hope some of like the products I have recommended. In the meantime, remember to contact me and/or leave a comment with any anxieties/recommendations or even if you just fancy a chat – my ears are open. Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Stay safe xxxx



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