Latest news with #selfconfidence
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I had a glow-down after hiding under foundation & drawn-on brows – now people are begging me never to touch makeup again
A WOMAN has left people open-mouthed after sharing her epic glow-down. In a bid to embrace her natural beauty, Amahle Mgenge ditched her heavy make-up, which included cakey foundation and drawn-on eyebrows. 2 2 And now, the stunner has left people gobsmacked after sharing her before and after look. In a new trend, social media users are sharing their jaw-dropping glow-downs, with many ditching fillers and heavy make-up for a more natural look. There have now been plenty of glow-downs posted online, but it will be pretty challenging to find one more epic than Carla's. A glow-down, similar to the ' clean girl aesthetic ' trend, is rooted in the idea of 'less is more'. It promotes enhancing natural beauty - rather than covering it up. With a glow-down, out are long hair extensions, colourful fake nails and mega lashes - and in is learning how to take care of your skin to make it look youthful and radiant. Before embarking on her transformation journey, Amahle wore heavy foundation and contour for a defined appearance. She also styled her hair, brushed up and drew on her brows, wore fluttery fake eyelashes and lined her already plump lips with lip liner. But after becoming ''hiding behind make-up'' for ''so long'', the young beaut soon realised she had had enough of the aesthetic and decided to give herself a brand new look. Sharing the jaw-dropping transformation online, Amahle showed off what she looked like before, prior to going on a journey to become more confident in her natural appearance. I asked ChatGPT to help me glow up for summer - I did all the tweaks at home myself Seconds later, the young beauty rocked a much more fresh-faced look, showing off her radiant skin and her hair blowing in the wind. Now, Amahle has said goodbye to the cakey foundation and faux lashes, as she shared a selfie after her glow-down. Alongside pictures of her after saying goodbye to the mega glam look, Amahle shared: 'I almost forgot how beautiful I look without it [make-up].'' Four ways to give yourself a glowdown Thick fluffly lashes are out, so is the fake tan and long how to have the ultimate glow-down in four steps... The term "glow-down" refers to a woman removing what once was the most popular beauty choices, for a more natural look. Eyelash extensions - Thick, bold "Russian lashes" used to be all the rage, but nowadays, girls are opt for subtle, individual eyelash extensions to lengthen what they already have. Nails - Gone are the long, plastic talons, more women are favouring BIAB or gel manis. Hair colour - Remember when everyone wanted icy white hair? Not anymore! Millions of women are trying to go back to their roots (literally), and have soft blondes, and warm gold tones added to their hair, in a bid to achieve the "old money blonde" look. Makeup - Sculpting your face shape through the art of contouring is no more. Ladies are adding freckles and sweeping blush across cheekbones instead. Social media users gasp The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ amahlemgengee, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed over an astronomical 9million views. Not only this, but it's also racked up 2.6million likes, over 20k comments and more than 85k saves. Social media users were left open-mouthed by Amahle's natural beauty and many eagerly rushed to the comments to express this. One viewer said: ''The makeup was self sabotage.'' Another agreed, demanding: ''Don't ever touch it again.'' Meanwhile, someone else thought the glow-down has slashed a decade off her face. ''That's it, you're banned from makeup,'' a fourth chimed in.
ABC News
7 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients left with missing teeth and superannuation after clinics collapse
Melinda Amourous was slowly losing her top teeth and struggling with self-confidence when she visited a Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinic in 2022. It offered what seemed like the ideal solution: a full mouth of dental implants, giving her the perfect smile. The cost was $48,000, but they reassured her they would help the single mother of four apply to the tax office to access her superannuation. "I have never spent that kind of money ever in my life. I literally jumped at the chance because it's not anything I would ever be able to afford on my own," Ms Amourous said. Three years later, she has lost more than half her total superannuation balance, cannot eat without removing her teeth, has a bleeding mouth and had to superglue her broken temporary implant dentures together so she can leave the house. "I've missed birthday parties, weddings, school reunions — all sorts of things — because there was just no chance in hell I was putting myself out there for people to look at me with no teeth in." Despite dozens of emails and phone calls to the Kotara Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinic and its owners, Ms Amourous has been unable to have the work repaired. ABC NEWS can reveal Supercare Dental and Cosmetics was struggling to keep staff after repeatedly failing to pay its dentists. Ms Amourous is among hundreds of patients across the country who have paid millions of dollars up-front for dental work not yet completed at Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinics, according to a report to creditors. The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has begun an investigation into the company's Kotara branch after reviewing documents from Ms Amourous showing the standard of care she received. "They are highly, highly unprofessional. I have been through horrific physical pain as well," Ms Amourous said. WARNING: This section contains a reference to suicide. ABC NEWS has spoken to more than a dozen former staff and patients of Supercare Dental and Cosmetics after two of its clinics at Kotara and Tuggerah and a related entity, Usman Dental Pty Ltd, were placed into voluntary administration last month. Late Tuesday, the NSW Supreme Court ordered Usman Dental Pty Ltd be wound up and a liquidator appointed to take control of the company. A hearing will be held to determine the fate of the Tuggerah clinic later on Wednesday. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics has three other NSW clinics — at Penrith, Wilton and Corrimal. As of last week, the company was still taking bookings for new patients at some clinics, even as patients battled to get their money back for unfinished treatment. Do you have a story to share? Email A preliminary report issued to creditors revealed the three entities under administration have a deficit of $5.76 million. It listed "defective work performed by contractors, unrecoverable loans to related entities, inadequate cash flow and high cash use, and poor financial control" as reasons behind the company's failure. There were more than 441 patients between the Kotara and Tuggerah clinic who appeared to have paid over $2.1 million dollars for dental work yet to be delivered, the administrator's report to creditors stated. Much of that money, according to patients and former dentists who worked for Supercare Dental and Cosmetics, was likely to have come from patient superannuation balances. On May 14, the Kotara and Tuggerah clinics posted on Facebook confirming it had entered voluntary administration. It reassured patients the practice would continue to "operate as normal and all scheduled and ongoing treatments are proceeding as planned". A report issued to creditors noted that the administrator's review found "the companies clearly traded while insolvent" and that at least one of the companies "became clearly insolvent by 30 June 2024, however there remains arguments for an earlier date of insolvency". Company records show the director of the three entities under administration is Syma Usman, the wife of dentist Dr Khurram Usman, who treated patients and provided treatment plans at some of the clinics. The combined report to creditors noted Ms Usman may be guilty of two offences under the Corporations Act — failure to exercise due care and diligence and failure to prevent insolvent trading, both of which can carry civil penalties. Five dentists who worked for the company told ABC NEWS they were collectively owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages and were concerned for patient welfare. Several former staff described the company as "predatory" and "aggressive" in pushing patients to withdraw their superannuation to pay for treatment plans, costing tens of thousands dollars. "I've noticed they kept increasing prices, they were at $70,000 for the most expensive treatment but I noticed them trying to increase to $80,000 or $100,000 for a full mouth of implants," one dentist told ABC NEWS. "They are very aggressive in pushing people to take out their superannuation," the dentist said, adding patients were often lower to middle-class with little financial literacy or way of accessing cash other than from their superannuation. "My worry is someone will look at the facts and say my money is gone and might commit suicide." The case reflects a growing concern about the rising number of Australians who are applying for compassionate early release of superannuation to fund medical and dental procedures, with more than a billion dollars accessed last financial year. Dental treatment made up more than half that number, surging to half a billion dollars last financial year — a figure that has more than tripled in the past three years. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) allows patients to withdraw their superannuation to pay for medical and dental work to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or to alleviate acute or chronic pain. ATO rules do not allow superannuation to be used for cosmetic dental procedures. Despite that, multiple Supercare Dental and Cosmetics advertisements spruiked that dental implants and porcelain veneers "to achieve the smile you've always wanted" were "potentially affordable through your super fund". Speaking more broadly, Xavier O'Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, said there was now a whole industry of businesses set up to help patients access their superannuation to pay for surgical and dental work. "Some charge fees of around $700 in order to just access super from the ATO, which is a free process, so no one should be paying for that." Mr O'Halloran said some patients did not realise you needed to pay extra tax of up to 22 per cent when withdrawing superannuation early, which can already have a huge impact on your super balance at retirement age. "If you're taking out something in the order of $50,000, you could pretty easily be in excess of $100,000 worse off by the time you retire," he said. "The promotion of these kind of early release schemes leave a lot to be desired and I don't think the promoters have the best interests of consumers at heart. "We can see that through the excessive fees and the coaching practises that have been involved in order to get people to take their money out of super," Mr O'Halloran said, adding it was a practice he believed should be banned. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients have had little success getting their money back even after multiple complaints to the ATO, fair trading and healthcare regulators. Newcastle woman Clorissa Bishop said she was left "heartbroken", $22,000 out-of-pocket and with unfinished dental work, as a result of Supercare Dental and Cosmetics' Kotara clinic going into voluntary administration. Ms Bishop, 42, took $55,000 out of her superannuation to fix lifelong issues with her teeth and gums. She says she was also taxed an additional $15,000 when withdrawing her superannuation. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics assisted her to get approval from the ATO and Ms Bishop transferred them the entire amount, as required under the contract she signed. Treatment to have her top teeth removed and replaced with implants began at the Kotara clinic in August 2024, with a dentist who flew in from the Gold Coast. Halfway through the treatment, Ms Bishop says she was warned by the dentist that the company was in financial difficulty. The dentist told her to ask for a refund for work yet to be completed but she was unable to get her money back. Ms Bishop said she was a "mess" when she learnt Supercare Dental and Cosmetics had gone into voluntary administration. "I spoke to the Tax Office and there's nothing they can do." Ms Bishop has made a claim to the administrator for $22,000. She has had no follow-up appointments for her upper teeth implants and her tongue does not sit properly in her mouth. Ms Bishop's lower teeth remain unfixed. "I now can't afford to get that work done and just have to live with it." A former patient of the Tuggerah clinic said Supercare Dental and Cosmetics exaggerated his condition in documents submitted to the ATO by saying he was in a lot of pain when he wasn't. David, who did not want his last name used, withdrew $13,000 from his superannuation but about four months into the treatment, was told by Supercare Dental and Cosmetics that his dentist had left and the work could not be finished. Emails earlier this month from Supercare Dental and Cosmetics' "customer success coordinator" informed David the company was in voluntary administration and the dentists that practiced from their clinics were "independent and responsible for their own treatment and patient care". Even though David paid Supercare Dental and Cosmetics directly, the staff member advised him to contact the treating dentist at his new clinic. That dentist told ABC NEWS his lawyer had advised him to stop treating Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients because he had not been paid for months and was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. Ms Amourous — who is still wearing her superglued dentures, which cause her pain — said she was also told to directly contact the dentist who did the work to pursue any claims. Emails provided to ABC NEWS show Supercare Dental and Cosmetics staff told Ms Amourous "as a facility provider, we are not the ones who performed the treatment" and said they could assist her to sue the dentist that treated her. "Compensation must be pursued through Dr. [name redacted] insurance or via legal action against Dr. [ name redacted] directly]," the email stated. "We are happy to refer you to a solicitor who specialises in these types of cases if you would like legal representation to pursue compensation directly from Dr. [name redacted]." Ms Amourous said she was then told that after the dentist personally refunded her, she could then pay that money back to Supercare Dental and Cosmetics for a second time to do the repairs. Eventually Ms Amourous was seen by a new dentist at Supercare Dental and Cosmetics last year who she said agreed the work was not up to scratch and offered to fix it. Shortly after that, the new dentist advised he was not being paid either and had left the clinic. Almost three years after the process started, Ms Amourous is still waiting to have her teeth fixed. At 53 years old, she cares for four children, including one with a disability. She remains toothless and said she would never have enough superannuation to comfortably retire. "I have been through horrific physical pain. I've kind of been screaming out for somebody to hear me." Supercare Dental and Cosmetics did not respond to questions before deadline. A creditors meeting is due to be held this Thursday.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Psychologist reveals how praise could actually be a sign that your friendship has become toxic
A clinical psychologist has revealed three signs that a friendship may have become toxic. Dr Julie Smith, from Hampshire, took to TikTok, where she shared the information in a short video. She often posts clips about mental health topics, including how to build self-confidence, why we procrastinate, and warning signs your partner is emotionally immature. Speaking in her recent video about toxic friendships, Dr Smith said: 'Here are three hidden signs that your friendship has become toxic. 'Number one, your friendship is conditional on you being no threat to them, so you have to stay small enough so that they can tolerate you.' Moving onto the second sign, she added: 'They don't respect the word "no". So instead, they manipulate you into doing what they want.' The third warning sign she raised was 'what sounds like praise feels like poison'. Dr Smith explained: 'So even comments that appear friendly on the surface seem to come laced with contempt.' The video was accompanied by a caption in which the psychologist shared more hidden signs that a friendship is toxic. She wrote: 'When you share bad news, your bid for connection and support is squashed by something apparently much worse that happened to them once. 'Sharing good news or something positive that is happening for you feels unwelcome too. You might be met with sarcasm, or praise the comes laced with insult.' Dr Smith concluded: 'Or you might notice that you are being subtly excluded in ways that you weren't when things weren't going so well for you.' Viewers took to the comments section to share their experiences with toxic friends. One admitted that they often found themselves in this type of friendships, writing: 'I often have wondered why I kept getting myself involved in toxic friendships and then I found out it was ME. I was doing this to me because of my fear of intimacy!! Just saying.' A further TikTok user shared their thoughts about what people should do if they find themselves in this situation. They wrote: 'I promise you will find peace and friendship if you cut off that person to find better. i cut off someone like this in September who i had been incredibly close with for years. it's been peaceful.' @drjulie 👉The last one can be hard to spot 👀 More on the subtle signs that a friendship has gone sour ⤵️ • When you share bad news, your bid for connection and support is squashed by something apparently much worse that happened to them once. • Sharing good news or something positive that is happening for you feels unwelcome too. You might be met with sarcasm, or praise the comes laced with insult. Or you might notice that you are being subtly excluded in ways that you weren't when things weren't going so well for you. 💫 Much more on how to spot signs that a friend might not be a friend and how to deal with it in my new book, 'Open When...' it is finally out. It was an instant No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller and New York Times Bestseller. Available for limited time with up to -48%. Also check out my million copy bestselling 1st book 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?'Up to 60% off right now. Both are available in across the world in over 35 languages in audio and ebook. Links in my bio. ♬ original sound - Dr Julie | Psychologist Another noted how cutting out the toxic friend had benefited them, writing: 'So glad I distanced myself.' A number of commentators shared how they had been in toxic friendships. One wrote: 'That sounds like the story of my life.' Another simply said: '100% your words resonates with me.' Dr Smith has previously spoken about friendships in past videos. In one such clip, she highlighted the red flags that indicate your pals may not have your back. She said that when something good happens in your life, a faux friend may act differently towards you. 'You suddenly realise that this isn't friendship, this is a competition. But this is a competition that you didn't know you were in,' she said. If your pal never apologises for what they've done, they also may not have your best interests at heart. The expert said watch out if they won't say sorry for their actions or take responsibility when they hurt your feelings. Viewers took to the comments section of Dr Julie Smith's video to share their experiences with toxic friendships Dr Smith then moved on to speak about the third and final warning sign that your friendship is a sham. She said feeling as though you have to walk on eggshells or find that you're censoring yourself around them to fit in is another tell-tale indication that your friendship is not built on solid foundations. 'The last one often gets ignored. Do you ever pick up on it? These are just some of the subtle, uncomfortable ways that people who don't really have our best interests at heart can reveal themselves. 'But it's not just friendship that is so crucial to a healthy and happy life, it's good quality friendship.' She added: 'If a friendship is taking away from your life, rather than adding to it, you have a decision to make. But never be too ruthless in your decisions. This is your life and relationships are complex.'
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Insane': Indy Clinton unveils ‘secret' 5-month transformation
A popular Australian influencer has opened up about her recent 'transformation' after revealing she 'secretly struggled' for years with an issue that affects around 1 in 2 mothers. Indy Clinton has amassed a loyal following of over 2 million people with her 'relatable' videos, which mostly show the chaos of raising young children and the everyday challenges of motherhood. However earlier this year, the mum-of-three documented her decision to have a rhinoplasty procedure, after a duck diving accident left a ridge on her nose that made her feel 'self-conscious'. While the 27-year-old has been honest about having cosmetic surgery, she said her recent 'glow-up' actually comes from the confidence she's found after fixing her lengthy battle with post-partum hair loss. 'I've always struggled with thin hair my whole life, I was never one of those girls that had thick long luscious hair from the roots, it was always a big insecurity of mine growing up during my teenage years,' she told 'I was always under the impression that if I grew my hair longer it would appear thicker, but I was so wrong about that. I have photos of myself and it looks like I have a ratstail attached to my head, it was just this big stringy piece down my back.' However, after having her children Navy, Bambi and Soul, Clinton's hair got worse, which she described as 'quite a hit' on her confidence. 'After having kids, it gets worse, and I experienced post-partum hair loss after each baby,' she said. 'There's nothing you can do about it, you're too busy navigating motherhood, so when you notice your hair is shedding and there's little bald patches, you just have to get on with it. 'But it's such a knock to your confidence and I was really self-conscious about it.' It was only last year that Clinton became fed-up and decided to look for a solution. 'I didn't have much hair, it always looked dead, so I decided to stop bleaching my hair blonde,' she explained. 'So I decided to go brunette to help preserve what was left. It was a huge decision.' Ditching her signature blonde colour helped, but Clinton was still unsatisfied with the health of her hair. Then, by pure chance, she was approached by a new Aussie beauty brand called BOUF to try its new hair growth range months before it hit shelves. Created by Gen Z entrepreneur Rach Wilde, the mastermind behind cult skincare brand TBH, the products contain a new technology that claim to tackle FGF5, a protein that tells your hair when it's time to stop growing and fall out. The 'proprietary blend of botanicals' that helps manage FGF5 took a team of hair microbiologists in Japan 7 years to perfect and was formulated into the new BOUF range by Wilde after it came across her desk in 2024. She later sent it onto Clinton. 'I've previously worked with Indy on multiple brand partnership deals for tbh skincare and they have been some of our most successful campaigns to date, because Indy has such a loyal community of followers who really trust her product recommendations,' she told 'But before we signed any deal, we gave Indy the full Bouf product range to trial for herself to see the results on her own hair. 'Her before and afters are insane – the results speak for themselves and show how in just a few months Bouf can completely transform your hair.' Post partum hair loss affects between 40 and 50 per cent of women who have given birth in Australia. The effects can last anywhere between 6 months to 1 year but in some women it can last longer – particularly if they have had more than one child. Clinton, who has been true to herself and shared the five-month testing process with fans, said she has been floored by the confidence her new hair has brought her. 'It was hard because for months I couldn't say what product I was using, not until I was confident it was working,' she said. 'But I was getting so many messages from followers asking why my hair was so healthy, I felt like I was keeping a secret from them when usually I share everything. 'The nicest part of my transformation is how I feel. Even my nose job didn't give me the same confidence boost that this has. After struggling for so many years, I just feel like myself.' Fans have been quick to share their thoughts at Clinton's results, with many declaring the young mum was 'stunning' before and after her transformation. 'Wow,' said one, as another wrote: 'I need this.' 'Hair looks sooooo good,' added someone else. There were some sceptics, including some who asked to see the ingredients list, which won't be released until the products – priced between $29.95 and $39.95 – launch in Priceline on May 27. 'I think once you stopped bleaching it got healthy,' one fan scoffed. 'I'm dubious but happy to try it for myself,' another shared.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Acclaimed Plastic Surgeon Dr. Keith Neaman Partners with GetHairMD™ to Bring Advanced Hair Restoration to Salem, Oregon
New collaboration brings personalized, non-invasive hair restoration treatments to Oregon's capital through local medical leader. 'After seeing countless patients struggle with hair loss and its impact on their self-confidence, I'm excited to offer truly effective solutions without the need for surgery or downtime'— Dr. Keith Neaman SALEM, OR, UNITED STATES, May 22, 2025 / / -- Neaman Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa is proud to announce its partnership with GetHairMD™ to offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical, physician-directed hair restoration solutions to patients in Oregon. Dr. Keith Neaman, a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in body contouring and aesthetic procedures, will now provide patients with access to GetHairMD's complete suite of non-surgical hair restoration treatments. These solutions are designed to address all forms of hair loss with minimal disruption to patients' daily lives. 'After seeing countless patients struggle with hair loss and its impact on their self-confidence, I'm excited to offer truly effective solutions without the need for surgery or downtime,' said Dr. Neaman. 'Partnering with GetHairMD allows us to provide scientifically-backed treatments that complement our existing aesthetic services and fulfill our mission of helping patients look and feel their best.' The new partnership enables patients to access personalized hair restoration treatments previously unavailable in the region. Dr. Neaman's practice will utilize HairMetrix, an AI-powered hair diagnostic tool that precisely measures hair density, thickness, and growth patterns to create individualized treatment plans. Patients at Neaman Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa will benefit from GetHairMD's multi-modality approach, which includes: • Clinical hair growth laser therapy stimulates and regrows hair follicles • Non-invasive Topical Delivery Device technology that delivers pharmaceutical-grade serum directly to hair follicles • DNA-based customizations to guide treatment plans based on genetic testing • At-home programs for ongoing maintenance and long-term results 'Dr. Neaman's commitment to bringing innovative techniques to the Willamette Valley aligns perfectly with our mission at GetHairMD,' said John Carullo, President of GetHairMD. 'His dedication to patient education and personalized care makes him an ideal partner to bring these transformative hair restoration solutions to Salem.' As part of the GetHairMD network, Neaman Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa has secured exclusive territory rights in Salem and the surrounding areas. This new business model helps practices become the premier provider for their patients in the region, ensuring consistent, high-quality care throughout the treatment process. The partnership emphasizes affordable treatment options, allowing more patients to access these advanced hair restoration solutions. Treatment plans are personalized based on each patient's specific needs, and hair loss patterns. About Dr. Keith Neaman Dr. Neaman is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in surgical body contouring with extensive training from institutions including Oregon Health and Sciences University and the Mayo Clinic Microsurgery Training Program. As president-elect of the Marion Polk County Medical Society, he is committed to promoting wellness, ethics, education, and clinical standards for medical professionals in Oregon. Dr. Neaman has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and lectured globally on aesthetic procedures. His community involvement includes co-founding the OHSU Foundation's Craniofacial Fund and participating in Operation Smile in India. About Neaman Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa Neaman Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa is an award-winning aesthetic practice and one of Allergan's Top 250 providers in the U.S., placing it among the top one percent of Allergan providers nationwide. The practice offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in its 5,000 sq ft facility dedicated to patient privacy and comfort. For more information about Neaman Plastic Surgery and Medi Spa, please visit: About GetHairMD™ GetHairMD is a network of experienced physicians with expertise in all forms and causes of hair loss. The company offers a multi-modality approach, combining advanced technology with doctor-supervised care to achieve optimal hair restoration results, exceeding a 90% success rate. GetHairMD has grown from a single location to over 55+ locations nationally. For more information about GetHairMD, please visit the website at Trace Herchman GetHairMD [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
