• It lasts for years and allows you to remain ‘made up’ even after a heavy gym session or a night of partying.
• It can be good value and saves on the cost of makeup over the years.
• It can help with the side effects of certain medical conditions or treatments. For example, chemotherapy can cause loss of eyebrow hair, which permanent makeup can remedy.
• It can camouflage scars.
• It can sometimes be used by people with sensitive skin who cannot use regular makeup. Always check this out with your doctor beforehand though, as your skin may not be able to handle permanent makeup either.

How it works

• Permanent makeup should be applied by a qualified beauty therapist.
• Cost varies, depending on what area you are getting done and the location of the salon. However it is unlikely that you will find any reputable salon offering it for less than €100.
• The beauty therapist will apply a numbing/anesthetic cream to the area that they will be working on.
• Some people find it very painful and other people don’t find it painful at all. Make sure to discuss pain control methods with the therapist beforehand.
• There may be a small amount of bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
• The area will likely be swollen for a few days afterwards. It may also feel a bit tender.
• The color will fade over a few days, so don’t be too worried if it seems very harsh at first.
• It fades more quickly with sun exposure, so slap on that SPF if you want to keep it as long as possible.
• The more dramatic the permanent makeup, the longer it tends to last. Subtle and natural makeup fades more quickly.

Important stuff you need to know

• Permanent makeup is basically a form of tattooing, so it carries the same risk of infection as tattoos.
• Make sure you choose a beauty therapist that is certified in permanent makeup and can show you his/her certificate of training.
• If instruments are unsterilised or dirty, you run the risk of contracting an infection like HIV and Hepatitis. Make sure the therapist uses a brand new needle on you.
• Permanent makeup could cause an allergic reaction, which you won’t know about in advance until it happens to you.
• You could experience swelling or other skin reactions, known as granulomas or keloids. These are basically scar tissue and they can be painful and look unsightly.
• Permanent makeup may cause problems with MRIs. An MRI is an in-depth medical scan, and permanent makeup may interfere with the MRI images. It may also cause pain and swelling in the area where the makeup was applied.

What to do if you are unhappy with the results

• Wait a few days and see if it looks better as it fades.
• Contact the beauty therapist who applied it and ask them what they can do.
• Get scrubbing. Apply face masks, facial scrubs and at home peels to the skin.
• Get professional treatments like dermabrasion done. These treatments can penetrate the skin more deeply than home treatments.
• Cover it up. Remember that you can still apply your own makeup to cover it. This may not be possible with all makeup, for example eyeliner, but it might help.

More info: The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals

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Inside the bathroom door of The George, at one of our dedicated Dyke nights ‘Pussywagon’, I stop dead in my tracks. Two lesbians stand before me at the washbasins, engaging in what I can only imagine to be a new form of lesbian foreplay. Head bent to one side, revealing a partially shaved hairstyle, one girl directs another’s hand across the shaved portion of her head, resulting an audible squeak of excitement from the other. As the night continues, the number of lesbian’s I encounter with similar hairstyle’s increases, and I can’t help but self consciously stroke my own long untouched hair. For not the first time I find myself wondering... Am I a real dyke? 

Since coming out, I have struggled to fit into the status quo ‘lesbionic’ role. I’ve suffered infected piercings, spent a ridiculous amount of money on Topshop shirts, purchased high top runners - hell I even bought a GOLA side bag not too long ago (our ownership of these bags must now be a two to one ratio girls!), and yet I can’t help but wonder whether this style is my own, or a style I feel I should own.

‘You’re not very lesbionic...’ so goes the opening line of an article I wrote a few years back for Ireland’s main LGBT magazine – Gay Community News. This observation on my appearance was made by a ‘butch’ lesbian at an LGBT youth group that I happened to be attending for the first time. So why did the girl that I refer to view me as being not very ‘lesbionic’? Was it because I had long hair of a certain length, which was and still is untouched by the blade of a razor? Or perhaps it was my light foundation and eye make up which made her sceptical of my sexuality?

This scepticism towards women who don’t fit into the stereotypical ‘lesbionic’ image (short hair, piercing’s, tattoos, boyish clothing etc) is rampant on the gay scene. Due to this, ‘fem’ lesbians can often feel pressured into disowning their femininity when they first hit the gay scene. I know one such ‘fem’ who completely transformed her appearance following constant negative attention and questioning about the authenticity of her sexuality from her lesbian peers.

True, in many cases, ‘fem’ girls appearances drastically change because coming out gives the girl in question the confidence to ditch the dress she has hated for the past few years and sport the clothes that reflect the real her. Yet, like the girl I speak of, there are a number of girls that feel that they have no other choice but to disown their femininity in order to be accepted by both the straight and LGBT community as a credible dyke.

Scepticism towards ‘fem’ girls who claim to be gay not only stems from the lesbian community, but also from people who are outside of it. Heterosexual men in particular are sometimes guilty of disbelieving ‘fem’ women’s assertations that they are gay. I know one ‘fem’ girl who constantly gets harassed on nights out with her straight friends in straight bars. On numerous occasions following a night out she has joked about shaving her head and exchanging her dress for a checked shirt - ‘Maybe they’ll believe me then and f**k off’ she recently exclaimed, understandably frustrated.

Sometimes this change of ‘image’ upon coming out has nothing to do with external pressure or judgement. It seems like many of us can feel an internal pressure to conform to the stereotypical lesbian image that we have perhaps grown up seeing in the media. Our own rational tells us that upon coming out, we must ditch our old ‘straight’ self and embrace a whole new look. It’s like we become plain and simply a lesbian, as if there is nothing else to our person which defines us. Aren’t we in danger of transforming into les beings, rather than human beings that just also happen to be gay?

For some of us who were perhaps bullied about our sexuality, is this change of ‘image’ essentially a defence mechanism? A statement, showing the world and perhaps those people who made us feel ashamed that we are now proud of who we are? There is nothing wrong with being proud, but if this is the only reason as to why we are changing our appearance is this really healthy? Aren’t there other ways in which we can show the world that we are proud of being gay? Pride for example?

I should add that if you are a lesbian who genuinely loves the style that you sport and fashion that you wear, whether it include a Gola bag, a pair of high tops or a partially shaved head (it is a hot look), then keep doing what you are doing. Coming out is all about embracing who you are, and if this is part of the real you, then more power to you!

Yet for those gay girls that are content with their high heels, dresses and repunzal like locks, whom may be contemplating a number two hairstyle in a bid to fit in with other lesbians, then please PUT THE RAZOR DOWN! Despite what some girls would have you believe, there is no lesbian commandment book, written by some legendary figure from the island of Lesbos (I am picturing a Frankie/Shaneesque figure), that you must abide by in order to be a true lesbian! FACT.

As I write the conclusion to this article I have just been informed by a reliable source that the shaved head look may now be on its way out. Apparently, straight girls have taken a liking to it, and this has somewhat ruined it’s dyke street cred. That’s the problem with trends isn’t it? They’re hair today gone tomorrow.

6 CURRENT LESBIONIC TRENDS
•    The Topman shirt
•    The GOLA sidebag
•    High-top runners
•    Partial head shaving
•    The Blazer
•    Lip piercing

Christine Allen

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With CAO once again badgering 6th year students for a list of their college course choices, the Youth Media Group in Carrickmacross decided to carry out a survey on 6th years from the local schools. Sixth years are getting ready to make a decision that will no doubt alter their lives forever; do you want to know what goes on inside their heads? In these economic times, it’s definitely important to make a wise career choice and the concern of most parents would be to be practical and to get a job by the end of it.

It seems that most 6th years are willing to pursue their interests, whatever that may be!

The study found it encouraging to see that so many 6th years are willing to follow a career that will interest them and no doubt make them happy, but the question must still be asked – should they be thinking about a more practical career?

What do you think? Comment below sure!

Survey and article carried out by Katie Duffy, Emma McEnaney, Hannah Boylan and Victoria Brennan of Youth Work Ireland Monaghan Youth Media Group. The group meets every Tuesday at 4pm in Youth Work Ireland Monaghan Youth Information Centre, Carrickmacross, new members always welcome!

Further info

Contact Melissa, outreachinfo@ywimonaghan.ie

www.youthworkireland.ie/monaghan and www.facebook.com/ywimon

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The festival is based on France’s Fête de la Musique, a French national musical holiday that began in 1982. Since then, the event has gone global and similar festivities take place in more than 360 cities around the world, in countries such as Germany, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Australia, Vietnam, Congo, Cameroon, Fiji, Colombia, Chile, Nepal and Japan.

It would be great if it came to Ireland and we also got to join in the global solstice celebration.

If you’re musically talented, are in a band or like to sing, it may be time to think about taking up an Irish version of this festival. If you would like to learn more about the American version first, check out makemusicny.org or email aaron@makemusicny.org to get you started!

Make Music New York
Web: http:// makemusicny.org
Email: aaron@makemusicny.org
Make Music New York is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer.

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Image by Rob Ellis' on Flickr

Qs

Keen to do work experience somewhere fun, youthful and innovative?

Like the freedom of working bare-foot and/or in a bean bag?

Want to do more than make tea and photocopy?

Got a positive and can-do attitude?

Fancy spending your breaks wandering about Temple Bar?

Yes, you say? Excellent, we reply!

To get the ball rolling, email info@spunout.ie with the following info:

Thanks for your interest! We'll try our best to get back to you ASAP.

While you're waiting...

Submit an article, image, video or audio

11 reasons to follow us on Twitter

Find out about SpunOut Superhero Grants

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Follow us on Twitter @SpunOut

1. Be the 1st to know about SpunOut job/ internship/ volunteer opps!

2. Get the latest and greatest YOUTH-related news, events and opps from Ireland and the world!

3. Procrastinate with us!

4. Have a laugh!

5. Win prizes from @SpunOut competitions!

6. Ask a Q, get an answer ASAP!

7. Hear what's happenning in SpunOut HQ!

8. Have your say on the hottest controversies!

9. Vent!

10. Revel in our randomness!

11. Enjoy something FUN and FREE!

Follow us on Twitter @SpunOut

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 Engaging with politicians isn't always easy, no matter your age!

This week, representatives of SpunOut.ie were engaged in very intense discussions with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs about what SpunOut's all about and all the great stuff it's doing for young people in Ireland... ha! Well, that's not how this article is going to go because I'm here to give you the down low on what really went on in a particular discussion room in Leinster House.

Well to begin with, I had no preconceptions of what our meeting with the Minister would be like, I was ready for any situation, happy to represent young people and get my points across.

Cut to the actual meeting: In the meeting room there was the Minister, Francis Fitzgerald, her two advisers, Will (the man who arranged the meeting), our very own Manus Hanratty and Marie Duffy, and yours truly. I don't remember exactly the order of the conversation but it went something like, Manus introducing us and explaining what we're about; Marie talking about her experience with SpunOut; and me speaking whenever I felt was appropriate as “an average young person.”

I'm going to give you my own character analysis of the Minister, as she came across to me. I'll be honest and say I expected her to be a little more interested in me as a young person. I felt like her attitude towards me was more like I was a young child with little understanding of “grown ups business” and no real opinion. It came across as patronising. It didn't feel like she made any effort to involve me in the general flow of the conversation which was mainly dominated with facts and figures about the website and what do we do that sets us apart. I don't at all think this was intentional on her part, I think she is just unaccustomed to relating to young adults in any situation, which is worrying seeing as she is our voice in the government. I understand that her business-like, straight-to-the-point style of conversing is only necessary in such a situation when there is much to be discussed and little time but her abrupt change of tone when she was talking to me made it clear she didn't see me in any way on the same level as the other adults in the room.

I was disappointed with how little she validated that I had an opinion on what they were discussing, after all I am her “target audience.” If I was her I would have used the time to get as much information on today's young people as possible. I finally did butt in towards the end of the meeting and voiced the point that she needs to make herself and the workings of her department more known to us the youth and make sure we know when there is something we can have a say in. Basically we have no idea who she is or what she does and we bloody well should. But even her response to this was along the same lines as what you would say to a child when they show you a drawing looking for your approval and you have to pretend like its beautiful when really you have not a clue what it is. You know the tone I'm talking about? Well that's how she spoke to me. I felt like my (valid) point had been trivialised and she was just trying to make me feel better and like I'd contributed to the conversation in some way.

I totally get how in her head she would think that by raising her eyebrows and smiling encouragingly at me it would make me feel like she was listening and taking in what I was saying but I found it frustrating beyond belief. Maybe she did listen to what I was saying but it didn't at all feel like it, which only reinforces the fact that although she has “a background in social work” she is clearly totally un-used to dealing with teenagers.

She of all people should be putting herself out there and getting right into youth culture, trying to understand us and our needs and what is happening right now. This can not happen when she purely relies on the Chinese whispers that passes from actual teenagers through person after person until it finally reaches her. A watered down version of the truth is no good! Brave the elements and engage with us, we don't bite. Furthermore, you have a formal invitation to my school.
 

Speaking purely as part of the SpunOut delegation, all dis-satisfaction with the minister aside, the meeting left me feeling indifferent. I hope this feeling is not justified because I want to think that we made an impression on her and her encouraging words weren't just routine. It's hard to tell, although she did accept our gift of the SpunOut “Find Help in Ireland” app and made it clear that the work SpunOut does is of high importance and value. The meeting definitely had a positive sheen to it and things look bright for SpunOut in the future.

Viva Ferguson

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• Have your phone or diary full of reminders that you never do until the final deadline is looming.
• Take so many tea/coffee breaks that people start thinking about checking you into caffeine rehab!
• Always do the easiest and least important tasks on your ‘to do’ list first i.e. responding to your friend’s email rather than doing the report that’s due tomorrow morning.
• Experience a lot of stress doing things at the last minute.

Why do people procrastinate?

• Because they find it tough to organise themselves.
• Because they lack confidence that they can get the task done.
• Because humans are wired to seek immediate rewards before long term gains. It’s how we evolved.

Living with your procrastination tendencies

• Choose a job where procrastination isn’t a big problem. If procrastination is an issue for you, you’d be best off avoiding careers that demand high levels of concentration such as accountancy, writing and the legal field. You may instead find more happiness in the health and fitness industry, in PR or as an entrepreneur.
• Be realistic. You won’t ever become totally cured of your tendency to procrastinate. So if you can just improve your concentration and abilities to get things done, that’s still really good.
• Be aware that you are not alone on this one. No matter how efficient your friends and family seem, it is very likely that they have procrastinated at some stage too.
• Use some handy anti procrastination tools. You might enjoy a disconnect tool. This is an application/programmethat disconnects your Internet for up to eight hours and thus allows you to slave away without being tempted to check your Twitter every five minutes.
• Be aware of what you need to work efficiently. For example, some people absolutely cannot study or work in silence. If they try to work without music or radio, their procrastination will only worsen and they won’t get anything done. On the other hand, maybe music distracts you and you are better off working in silence. Only you know the answer to this one.
• Give yourself a specified amount of time. Some people like to set their phone alarm to go off in twenty minute chunks of time. This means that they have a nice break to look forward to when it goes off, but before then they will simply be working. Cutting work down into bite sized chunks like this seems to help many people become more efficient, as they are not facing three hours without a break, but are instead getting a lot of work done in short bursts.
• Start with the roughest task first. The natural inclination is to go with the easiest task first, but many people find that getting the tough one out of the way first makes life easier. Try it and see if it works for you.
• Start with the easiest task first. Yep, the exact opposite of the advice above. Apparently, it seems that procrastinators do do stuff. In fact, they do plenty of stuff. It’s just that they tend to put off the most important tasks in order to do the less important ones. Accepting this fact allows you to order your ‘to do’ list so that the most important tasks at the top of the list are the ones that seem vitally important, but actually aren’t. This clever concept is called ‘structured procrastination’ and it was created by the Harvard professor John Perry.  It may well work for you.
• Reward yourself. This is a biggie and many people find it motivating. The reward can be as cheap and simple as a bath or it can be as extravagant as a trip away. It depends on your finances and the extent of the task.
• Make sure that there are consequences of not following through. Some people are not motivated by positive rewards and instead need the threat of something negative to get them going. So maybe tell yourself that you won’t be allowed to watch that all important match if you don’t finish the project. Of course, this requires discipline on your part, to actually follow through with it. If you do though, you may actually find it very motivating.
• Seek support if you feel that procrastination is really interfering with your happiness or if it’s preventing you from getting on at school, college or in your career.

January 31st is ‘Backward day’, February 4th is ‘Vacuum day’ and (loving this one) February 6th is ‘Wave all your fingers at your neighbours day’. You said what?! We don’t know if someone just made that up but hey, it’s fun, so who cares!

One that we recently heard about and that we reckon everyone should celebrate is ‘Escape day’ on January 30th. It’s all about kicking back and making time for your favourite escape – be that picking up a rucksack and heading travelling, wandering through the wet countryside or sneaking off to bed in the middle of the day with a good book.

Some juicy escape ideas:

• Escape from being a student:  Be a teacher for three minutes – pop into the staff room and give your ‘colleagues’ a great big happy hello! See how long it takes them to kick you out.

• Escape yourself: Dress up (or get in the headspace) of someone else for an hour. If you’d like to be more confident, take on your favourite super confident role model’s persona. If you fancy being a joker, start channelling Charlie Chaplin or Des Bishop.

• Escape your mindset: If you love heavy metal, listen to some cheesy pop and have a silly dance. If you’re pro-environment, think anti-environment for a while – picture yourself sucking diesel in a big SUV.

• Escape your saintly self: Try a bit of pride – be arrogant for a few minutes. Or if you really want to go wild, dip into those seven deadly sins (without being nasty to anyone else though!).

• Really escape: Pick a day and bunk off from doing anything. Grab  your i-pod and chill out with no worries and no pressures.

Enjoy celebrating!

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I was just sitting here floating through the SpunOut site (as I do), when I started wondering what it is all about. Why are we here? What is our purpose? I guess that's the old age question isn't it?! And the answer......who knows? I guess we are here to learn.

I truly believe that life is a learning experience and that as long as you still want to learn; you’re still young and still have a reason to be here. Of course, your family and friends are (or should be) reason enough to just be here and exist, and then of course there are jobs and well just anything that you hold important, but learning and discovering is what makes life's journey really great!

I am young (only 20), and by all accounts have much much more to learn and experience. Lord knows that there is so much that I still want to do and see, and just experience, but if there is one thing that I have realised in my (young) life, it is that the joy of life is discovery. If you take all your experiences and learn from them, you will become a much better person for it! I know that I am young, but I also know that I have already lived a pretty exceptional life, thanks to some pretty colourful characters indeed.

I have lost people I loved, both through the eventual and ever real concept that is death, but also through my own foolishness! And what have I taken from those experiences - well lessons! Lessons on how to live and how to cherish those that I truly love and those that I care for. I’ve learned to never take them for granted because one day they are here and the next they are gone!

I lost my grandfather in a matter of hours in a foreign country; he took ill and within hours was gone. I was alone, and even though I had lost a mentor and confident, the man who had raised me, I have been able to use that dreadful day to grow and to become a better person.

Although it was easily one of the worst days of my life, it has also become one of the best because now I know how to live life to the fullest. I know that when I want to do something, I should do it and not just wait and let the opportunity pass me by. I know how to really show people how much I appreciate them. The experience has allowed me to grow and really experience life. I LEARNED from that day!

So I guess I just wrote this to say that no matter what happens, just remember to use the experience and learn from it. You will become a better more fulfilled person, and isn't that what life is about?

By: Anonymous

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