Beauty in Melbourne
Nails, brows, lashes, tanning and makeup.
Nail salons
The main decision is what you want on your nails: a simple polish or gel, structured gel (BIAB) for strength, or acrylic extensions for length. They wear differently, cost differently, and come off differently.
- BIAB suits people who want strength without extensions and are happy to come back for infills.
- Acrylics give length but need more upkeep and careful removal.
Brow studios
Brows frame everything else on your face, and over-shaping is very hard to undo — hair does not always grow back. The best brow artists take less off than you expect on a first visit.
- Mapping before waxing. It is the difference between shaping and just tidying.
- A conservative first appointment. You can always take more off next time.
Lash studios
Extensions range from classic — one extension per natural lash — through to mega volume. More is not automatically better: your natural lashes can only carry so much weight.
- A full set that takes under 90 minutes is being rushed.
- Ask what weight and length they are using on your natural lashes.
Spray tanning
The difference between a natural tan and an obvious one is almost entirely down to solution choice and preparation, not the spraying itself.
- Solution mixed to your skin tone rather than one bottle used on everyone.
- Exfoliate the day before and skip moisturiser on the day.
Waxing studios
Technique and wax type matter more than price. Hard wax on sensitive areas is noticeably more comfortable than strip wax, and a fast therapist hurts less than a careful slow one.
- Hard wax for intimate and facial areas.
- Therapists who do the same service all day are quicker and more comfortable.
Makeup artists
For events and weddings, longevity and how it photographs matter more than how it looks in the chair.
- Portfolio work on skin tones and skin types like yours.
- A trial for weddings. Not usually necessary for anything else.