THE quest for perfect eyebrows can be long and treacherous, and for many the solutions is getting their eyebrows microbladed.
The trend is a semi-permanent form of cosmetic tattooing, but unlike traditional tattoos, which use a tattoo gun, microblading uses a blade-shaped tool with a row of tiny, barely visible needles to create hair-like strokes along your brows while depositing pigment into your skin.
But according to one beauty pro, it’s not for everyone and you could be left bitterly disappointed if you fall into one of these four categories.
Taking to TikTok, Moai, who is based in California, explained why microblading doesn’t work on certain people.
If you’ve had work done to your brows before and there’s still some colour left over, you might want to avoid microblading.
The beauty whizz explained that when there is still colour “even with the new hair strokes put in the old colour will show through the new strokes.”
And there’s no point trying to cover the old colour with extra hair strokes because they’ll simply “bleed together” – not exactly what you want when it comes to your eyebrows.
If you don’t have any brow hair microblading probably isn’t for you either, Moai explained.
The problem here is that the microblading hair strokes will never look quite as realistic as actual hair.
Although it’s a great way to fill in gaps or thicken up thin brows, it can be tricky to create a flawless look with microblading alone.
“Hair strokes do not work for you guys, they will blur out,” Moai said.
If you’ve got extremely oily skin it can dilute the pigment meaning the ink fades much faster and is more likely to blur together.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t get microblading done at all, but it’s worth keeping in mind you may require far more touch ups.
Wrinkled and folded skin is a no-no when it comes to microblading, the pro said.
“They will make your ink look like a blob,” she warned.
Deep wrinkles can leave you with an end results that’s patchy and uneven meaning it’s not a very practical option for ageing skin.
Anyone with thin or sparse eyebrows is a potentially good candidate for microblading.
Although not strictly permanent, the treatment does usually last around three to four years and can cost anywhere from £200 to £500.
If you’re unsure if it’s the right treatment for your eyebrows, speak to an artist with a lot of experience and a good reputation from previous clients.
The trending term is being used by people referring to their former looks, which they thought of as on-trend at the time but can see were a total fail now looking back.
While big bushy brows are trendy at the moment, thin, sculpted ones were more popular back in the 90s.
With many people regretting the fact they’d over-plucked their brows and left them so thin.
The ‘blindness’ term has also been used to refer to other parts of the appearance that people regret – such as massive fake lashes, migrated filler or patchy, overloaded fake tan.
FOOTAGE appears to show North Korean troops marching alongside Russian soldiers at a military base near Vladivostok as Putin’s men debate “what the f**k to do with them”.
The hordes of men could be gearing up to storm the frontline after the US confirmed that at least 3,000 of Kim Jong Un’s troops had entered Russian territory.
Video analysed by The Washington Post showed hordes of men who appeared to be of Korean descent at Sergeevka military training ground – near Russia’s eastern border with North Korea.
The clips also included audible Korean phrases spoken with a North Korean accent.
And audio intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence shows Russian soldiers talking offensively about the Korean troops – calling them “the f*****g Chinese”.
One even says: “And he’s like standing there with his eyes out, like… f**k… He came here and says what the f**k to do with them.”
Kyiv’s intercepted clips reveal possible plans to issue one interpreter and three senior officers for every 30 Pyongyang troops.
It showed the soldiers movements as concentrated in the Postoyalye Dvory field camp in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise invasion earlier this year.
Ukraine, South Korea and the US have voiced deep concern about possible military cooperation between the two.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday: “We assess that between early- to mid-October, North Korea moved at least 3,000 soldiers into eastern Russia.”
He added that it’s a “highly concerning probability” the Pyongyang soldiers are there to fight against Ukraine.
The security chief warned: “After completing training, these soldiers could travel to western Russia and then engage in combat against the Ukrainian military.”
Ukrainian intelligence has estimated that some 12,000 troops – including three generals – will be dispatched to Russia.
They told the Post that one such group has already arrived in Kursk – where US officials feared they might be sent.
Kim Jong Un lords over one of the world’s largest militaries – with some 1.2 million soldiers.
According to South Korea’s spy agency, special operations troops known as the “Storm Corps” have been sent to Russia.
They are among the best trained and equipped of all the North Korean units.
Just days ago a North Korean flag was apparently spotted next to a Russian one in Ukrainian territory.
A blurry photo, allegedly taken near the besieged key city of Pokrovsk showed the two flags flying between the trenches.
It implied that Korean troops had been deployed to the trenches, marking the first time a third country has put boots on the ground in the three-year conflict waged by Putin inside Ukraine.
In recent weeks other footage has emerged of what Ukrainian intelligence claims are Kim’s troops training at Russia’s military bases.
Dramatic videos from the Far East of Russia allegedly show Kim’s soldiers being given battlefield equipment and taking part in strict military training.
Other footage appears to show North Korean troops posing for photos in Moscow’s Red Square.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the presence of North Korean troops.
THE likelihood of winter fuel payments returning for millions has increased following the approval of a legal challenge.
With the help of the Govan Law Centre (GLC), two Scottish pensioners have been allowed to continue their proceedings against the UK and Scottish government’s decision to cut the benefit.
If successful, more than 10 million households that have lost the annual top-up of up to £300 could see the help reinstated.
In the past, the winter fuel payment was available to everyone aged 66 and above.
However, after Labour’s election victory, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced cuts limiting winter fuel payment eligibility to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
The decision led to the Scottish Government to follow suit.
In response, pensioners Peter and Florence Fanning raised a judicial review at Scotland’s highest court, the Court of Session, asking it to rule on whether the decision was unlawful last month.
Govan Law Centre said the permission to proceed, which was granted by Lady Hood in Edinburgh on Thursday, means the case has been assessed as having “a real prospect of success”.
If the cuts are found to be unlawful, the petitioners could ask the court to set aside the policy and restore the winter fuel payment to all.
However, there’s still no guarantee that such legal action will succeed.
A spokesperson for Govan Law Centre said: “Our clients are delighted that the court has granted permission for their judicial review challenge to proceed to a full hearing in early January.
“We await a decision on civil legal aid from the Scottish Legal Aid Board early next week in relation to the proceedings.
“If civil legal aid is granted we will then submit an urgent application for sanction for the employment of both junior and senior counsel and will announce our final legal team in early course.”
A procedural hearing has been assigned for December 4, with a substantive one-day hearing fixed for Wednesday, January 15.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this Parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.
“Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take-up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.
“Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with their energy bills over winter.”
The case rests on the accusation that both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age on the change and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes.
The GLC claims that the government did not adhere to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
According to the Act, public bodies are obligated to consider how their decisions and actions will impact individuals with various “protected characteristics”, such as age and disability.
However, on September 13, the DWP did release its own equality impact assessment on target winter fuel payment, after receiving a Freedom of Information request on the matter.
In response to the request, the DWP said: “The government has followed its legal and statutory duties before introducing these changes and will continue to do so.”
But, GLC claims that there was no “proper assessment” and that the research included in the impact assessment was inadequate.
Separately, the GLC also argues that the government had a legal duty to consult people of state pension age about the changes but failed to do so.
These court battles can often take many months, if not years and the chances of reaching a verdict before the winter is very slim.
However, if the Court determines that the government failed to meet its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 or consult pensioners properly, the decision to limit the payments could be deemed unlawful.
In such a case, the Court could annul the regulations that implemented the changes and mandate the Government to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment.
This would revert the situation to its state before the policy was introduced, and winter fuel payments could be reinstated for all pensioners.
Again, the likelihood of this happening before winter is low.
It’s not the first time people have challenged benefit rules.
Back in April 2021, two Brits launched a claim against the DWP on behalf of the 1.9million households on legacy benefits who did not receive a £20 a week uplift given to those on Universal Credit during the pandemic.
They argued that those on legacy benefits should have been granted the same uplift.
However, the court ruling that followed in February 2022 dashed hopes of a payout that could have been worth £1,500 in backdated benefits.
Winter fuel payments are now limited to retirees on pension credit or those receiving certain other means-tested benefits.
Only individuals claiming the following benefits will be eligible for a winter fuel payment this year:
To be eligible for this year’s payment, you must have an active claim for the benefits mentioned above during the “qualifying week,” which runs from 16 to 22 September (this week).
Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension credit.
Over 800,000 households are thought to be missing out on pension credit, which unlocks their eligibility for this year’s winter fuel payment.
If you don’t apply for this year’s payment by the end of the week, you might assume that you won’t qualify.
However, thanks to a little-known loophole, this is not the case.
This is because new claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months.
This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year’s winter fuel payment is December 21.
Of course, if you fail to apply for the benefit before this date, you won’t qualify for this year’s £300.
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach state pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.
This means you can get up to three months of pension credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
To apply, you’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
Applications can be made online by visiting gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.
If you’d prefer to apply over the phone, you can do so by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
AN iconic 90s chain with more than 120 sites in the UK has announced the closure of “the only toy shop within miles” as shoppers are left gutted.
Smyths Toys in Salisbury, Wiltshire, will close for good in January.
The branch, on the Churchill Way West Retail Park, will become a new Lidl supermarket.
HomeSense, which is based next door will also “vacate the site,” according to a planning application for the new Lidl outlet, who have confirmed plans for the supermarket.
Smyths posted a statement on social media, saying: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our Smyths Toys Superstores location in Salisbury, effective January 2025.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff and loyal customers who have supported us over the years.
“We understand the impact this may have on the community and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for our employees.
“As we approach the closure date, we invite our customers to visit us this Christmas to enjoy our range of toys and games.
“Thank you for being a part of the Smyths Toys family in Salisbury.
“We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”
Fans of the toy brand were gutted to hear the news.
One person wrote on a local Facebook group page: “I hope not we need Smyths as it’s the only toy shop in Salisbury.”
Another said: “Great. Just great. The only toy shop within miles replaced by another supermarket.”
While a third added: “Noo! We use Smyths and HomeSense all the time!!!”
A fourth person simply posted: “No, no, no……!!!!!!!!!”
A planning application was previously submitted to Wiltshire Council to make changes to units 1 and 2 of the retail park in order to accommodate the Lidl store.
Urban Edge Architecture, on behalf of Schroders Real Estate Investment Management, said reconfiguring the units, along with work to the car parking areas and service yard at the back, were necessary to bring the budget store to the site.
Lidl has confirmed the plan, with the new supermarket being the chain’s second store in Salisbury with one already in Hatches Lane.
Lidl said the need for a second was “driven by growing local demand for the discounter’s high-quality, affordable products”.
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
A spokesperson said the store will feature a sales area of 1,453sq m, including a bakery and ‘Middle of Lidl’ aisle.
There will also be customer toilets with baby-changing facilities and ample parking.
A spokesperson added: “It will also create around 40 new jobs in the area with new starters benefiting from some of the highest pay rates in the sector.”
It comes after Smyths fans were raving after a savvy shopper spotted an amazing discount code that helps parents get £10 off Christmas presents.
Smyths has more than 100 stores across the UK and you can find your nearest one by using the locator tool on its website.
It comes after Aldi and Lidl have confirmed the relaunch of their popular wooden toy range with prices starting at just £1.99.
And shoppers will be pleased to know one of Britain’s favourite bargain stores will be extending its opening hours to help shoppers over the Christmas period.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
RESIDENTS living in the “Beverly Hills of Surrey” can buy Gucci sandals in their local charity shop and pheasant and partridge at the butchers.
The posh commuter town of Weybridge, just eight miles to the south west of London, is one of the most desirable places to live in Britain.
On average, houses in the leafy Surrey town cost an incredible £741,000, with the most expensive currently on the market for a whopping £25 million in the highly desirable private St Georges Hill area.
The gated estate, which is considered to be the most exclusive private residential address outside of London has been home to dozens of celebrities over the years.
Famous faces include the likes of John Lennon, Elton John, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr and John Terry.
Posh residents have manned security on the main gates, with the estate boasting its own golf course, pickleball courts and tennis club, which has a membership fee of around £1,728.
Grant Letts, manager of Curchods estate agents, based in part of 17th century Portmore House in the High Street, said the average cost of houses on his books is £8 to £10 million.
“My most expensive house at the moment is £25 million in St George’s Hill,” he said.
The town, which is popular because of its beautiful location in rolling hills next to the River Wey, yet just a 30 minute train ride to London, has plenty of luxurious boutiques to cater for its millionaire residents.
Mahyar Godwin opened beautiful clothing store, Piajeh, 26 years ago and imports impressive pieces from all over the world, including America and Europe.
One of the items she shows off is a stunning pink Camilla dress from Australia for £800. “I have lots of clients who keep coming back,” she says.
Even the Cancer Research shop in the High Street understands its clientele.
A pair of £110 Gucci sandals were spotted on display in the window, alongside a collection of Wedgewood Chester soup bowls and terrines for £250.
The local pawnbrokers is also ridiculously high end, with a collection of luxurious Chanel, YSL and Prada handbags in the window for thousands of pounds.
Prestige Pawnbrokers, which features in the Channel 4 documentary Posh Pawn, has an exclusive Hermes Mini Lindy handbag on sale for £6,995 and a Chanel handbag for £5,995.
Nearby, Daniel Mark has been running Hollywood Hair for 17 years and says he has a large number of “wealthy clients” on his books.
The beautiful art deco salon is decorated like an A-lister’s Hollywood dressing room and offers unique one-to-one hairdressing.
The town’s rich residents can also find plenty of posh nosh, with award-winning Bachmanns Patisserie selling boxes of 30 handmade chocolates for £42.50, large luxury cakes for £32 and chocolate champagne bottles for £26.
The shop, which has been in Church Street for 15 years, even offers luxury bread, with a Swiss Zopf loaf on sale for £5.
Nearby, Valentina Deli and Wines has an incredibly impressive selection of rare and unusual cheeses, including Buffalo Camembert for £9.95 and three types of truffle cheese.
Manager Carmine Macari keeps the deli well stocked with a huge variety of luxurious Italian foods and wines, including truffle Dijon mustard and £295 bottles of red Barolo wine.
The store even sells a special pan for roasting chestnuts over a fire.
“I love coming here in my lunch break and the sandwiches are delicious,” said Tom Hodges, who works for a pharmaceutical distributor in Weybridge.
“It’s nice to bring clients here when they come to visit. Weybridge has such a great high street, it’s got a lot to offer.”
BY IAN LEONARD
RESIDENTS in a posh village say their high street is crammed with so many expensive supercars it looks like a car showroom.
Alderley Edge is part of Cheshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’ – an affluent area of small towns and villages which also includes Wilmslow and Prestbury.
Luxury vehicles like the Ferrari F40 – with around £1.2million – are a common sight in Alderley.
Set in glorious countryside, the area is known for its expensive homes, high-end shops and upmarket bars and restaurants.
It is popular with wealthy Premier League footballers and celebrities, and has earned a reputation as a millionaire’s playground and a place to see and be seen.
London Road, running through the centre of Alderley Edge, is frequently lined with millions of pounds worth of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis as well as luxury 4X4s and other cars.
Read the full story here.
GARY LINEKER has a “ready-made replacement” working at the BBC should he decide to leave Match of the Day.
The former England striker, 63, has presented the flagship football show since 1999 when he succeeded Des Lynman.
His contract comes to an end in the summer and it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay as the frontman for the programme.
But Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson, 67, feels the BBC already have a clear No1 candidate to step into Lineker’s shoes should he depart at the end of the season.
Lawrenson spent many years as a Match of the Day pundit alongside Lineker and fellow Reds icon Alan Hansen.
And he believes Mark Chapman, a regular host of Match of the Day 2, is poised to succeed Lineker.
Speaking to Metro courtesy of Free Bets, he said: “I still tune in regularly. It is still a very good programme, full stop.
‘I know there is a lot of speculation over Gary at the moment. Would it surprise me if he left at the end of the season? Possibly no.
“But he has earned the right to make his own decision, there is no doubt there whatever.
“And in Chappers, there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary.”
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Alongside his stints on Match of the Day 2, Chapman also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Sports.
But despite Chapman’s pedigree, Lawrenson insists it will be a tough job should he take the helm on Match of the Day.
He added: “Replacing Gary, it’s a big role for whoever takes it. Before him, Des [Lynam] and Jimmy Hill did it for years and were wonderful but at the end of it all, your time comes.
“But the good thing for Gary is, I think he will decide. I don’t think the BBC will decide. He will decide if he wants to go. He has earned the right to do so. He’s earned the right to leave.
“He’s in his 60s now, I’m not sure what else he has going on that could possibly be a substitute for Match Of The Day because when you first leave it feels like someone has chopped your arm off.
“But he can do whatever he wants.”
LAURA Anderson has wowed in a bikini as she wrapped her legs around her footballer boyfriend on a £700 a night break.
The Love Island star recently revealed that she’s in a relationship with a Scottish football hunk.
Laura, 35, was all smiles on Glasgow’s trendy Ashton Lane with Dundee centre-back Clark Robertson, 31, and now they’ve headed on another date to five star hotel, Gleneagles.
Mum-of-one Laura shared a string of photos from their trip, captioned: “That time we had a night off life.”
In one cheeky shot, the radio presenter clung onto her Scottish hunk and wrapped a leg around him as she smiled away.
A topless Clark beamed from ear to ear as he posed with Laura, as they enjoyed each other’s company.
In another photo, Laura and Clark pose in front of the Scottish hotel, and in others they cuddle up for glam mirror selfies.
Fans had only positive things to say about the gorgeous couple, who looked smitten in each snap.
Revealing her new man’s identity this month, telly fave Laura shared the exciting news with her loyal army of followers and said: “Happy Friday.”
Single-parent Laura has a tot with soap star Gary Lucy however the pair called it quits on their romance last year.
She was also in a relationship with nineties popstar Dane Bowers before the relationship fizzled out.
But Laura was proud as punch as she showed off her new beau in Glasgow.
The mum-of-one flaunted her legs in a tiny peach-coloured coat and paired the look with black heels.
Clark looked casual in black skinny jeans, a crisp white T-shirt and matching trainers.
And former Capital Radio co-star Fat Bresovski rushed online to issue a warning to Laura’s new squeeze.
He joked: “Just a heads up @robbo_3, don’t ever annoy or anger Laura – that’s my job.”
Other well-wishers flocked to the comments to wish the new couple all the best.
One said: “Girl you deserve all the love and happiness in the world.”
Another added: ” Oohhhhh who’s this!! Hopefully, you have found love.”
A third wrote: “Back to your roots to find a good old Scottish boy to make you smile.”
POLICE are investigating after a Labour MP was filmed having a row with a member of the public.
A video shows Mike Amesbury shouting “you’ll never threaten me again” at a man lying on the ground in Frodsham, Cheshire.
The MP for Runcorn and Helsby says: “You won’t ever threaten me again will you?
“You won’t ever threaten me again.”
When someone in the background points out Mr Amesbury is the local MP, he says: “Yes I am. You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
Mr Amesbury said: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.
“This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during this incident.
“I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.
“I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.”
The Labour Party said: “We are aware of an incident that took place last night.
“We understand that Mike Amesbury MP approached Cheshire Police to report what happened this morning himself and that he will cooperate with any inquiries they have.”
Cops have confirmed they are now probing the incident.
Cheshire Constabulary said: “At 2.48am on Saturday 26 October, police were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham.
“A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Enquiries are ongoing.”