tattoos | Faute De Mieux

So I guess by now you would have all seen this article. While I respect her choice of not liking tattoos, like many others I found her article insulting. I wrote a response to her article which can be found below. In the mean time, next week I am meeting with my tattoo artist to discuss colour for this baby below. Exciting!

Dear Lisa Khoury,

It is without doubt that this letter is one among many, that I’m not sure why I am even responding when there are more eloquent and succinct responses out there.

Tattoos are not a modern invention, they has been around for centuries and if you done your homework, you would find that they hold very significant spiritual and cultural values in many parts of the world. Tattoos have and always be an expression of one’s self and societal status. For example the Moko tattoo in Maori culture was traditionally seen as a sign of status and now has become a symbol of the revival of the language and culture.

But this isn’t about tattoos, and their histories or your dislike for them. You’re entitled to that opinion. This is about the harmful message you are broadcasting to those who are still yet impressionable. It is about the reinforcement of outdated ideals that reek in sexism, cultural insensitivity and pure shallowness.

It is about the idea that a women’s purpose, value and worth lies only in her physical ability to make “heads turn”, “guys drool” and that the notion of class and elegance is derived from this. It is about claiming that activities such as going to the gym, shopping, high heels are symbols of class and elegance but intelligence, self expression, kindness and acceptance of others and confidence are not. It is about the perception that one’s morals and values is inanely wrapped up in one’s physical appearance and that those who do not fall within your perceived societal norm will find themselves struggling to teach any form of moral code. It is about classifying women as objects and commodities of desire. It is about inadvertently dismissing those who fall out of the hetreosexual/ cis female gender realm.

That is my problem with your opinion piece because quite frankly I don’t give two hoots if you like tattoos or not.

yours sincerely,

Rochelle

close up

Readers, I just want to give you a two or so weeks later update on my latest tattoo and to talk mainly about the healing process. First it has healed really well. I didn’t experienced any yucky scabbing so never had temptations to pick at it. No bruising, or super swelling either. The healing process has been so quick that I’ve been able to sit at my desk at work without feeling subconscious of a scabby tattoo showing ( GROSS). There was slight flaking around shaded areas but nothing that was a vanity concern.

Second the entire healing process is contributed to the application and use of a aftercare product called Tinkture recommended by ALC. The aftercare of a tattoo is actually the number one thing that worries me the most when considering or getting tattooed. I admit I’m vain, I get upset and consider taking days off work if I get a slight pimple and I have relatively okay skin. In comparison the pain of being tattooed doesn’t stress me out so much, I know its going to hurt, its inevitable but its only for a short period of time while the healing process afterwards sometimes feels forever (Am I the only person who thinks like this?). This is where Tinkture comes in, if you are looking for a fast healing tattoo after care alternative to the standard bethapathen tattoo care stuff then I highly recommend Tinkture. Its 100% natural, easy to apply, healing process is much faster than other tattoo after care products and it smells awesome. I’ve pretty much have found my GO TO tattoo aftercare product. The only downside to the product was that the packaging got affected by the oil residue and instructions became unreadable but that is entirely my fault. Besides that – an awesome product that I am sure to buy again.

Last and most exciting of all , the owner and creator of Tinkture, Gillian Parkinson was kind enough to answer a few questions. (My first interview!)

1. What made you decide to produce and sell a tattoo after care product?

I have several tattoos and haven’t liked any other products on the market, there is other natural products but they only soothe and don’t aid the healing process (from my experience) – they are usually thick, sticky, stain clothing/bedding & often don’t smell that great. My tattoos would swell, bruise heaps & take minimum 2 weeks to heal – as an Aromatologist, I thought I could do better so made one. I got fantastic feedback and support from the people at ALC Headquarters, Simon Morse was amazed at how my ‘blend’ healed his latest work…. Simon encouraged me to speak to Guy (ALC owner) to get some test bunnies from his shop, Guy supported me too and 6 months of testing began. I am very grateful to all at ALC. All my test bunnies loved the ‘blend’ (then yet to be named).

2. What are the main ingredients in Tinkture and how do they assist with the aftercare of a tattoo?

Oooo the secret ingredients ^__^ TINKture’s base is therapeutic grade Olive oil & Jojoba Oil. Chosen for their specific healing qualities for inflamed skin conditions. Jojoba is actually a wax and mimics sebum in the skin so helps to moisturize and applies a thin layer which protects the skin. Then there are the 5 essential oils (100% pure therapeutic/medical grade) – together the powerful pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic/antibacterial properties will quickly reduce swelling, bruising and speed the healing process (used as directed of course). The essential oils will also help relieve the itchy stage and protect very effectively, from infection. The peeling process usually starts around day 3….. Complete healing usually within 10 days…. Good to use for two weeks to continue moisterising. People who use TINKture are blown away by how fast the healing process is – and it smells good!

3. Where can one purchase Tinkture?

Currently ALC Headquarters & Amcal Pharmacy in Wellington, Powerhouse Tattoo in Palmerston North, The Tattooed Heart in Auckland – TINKture is being trialled in 3 tattoo shops in Christchurch, 6 tattoo shops in Melbourne and soon, once the website is up, online. Or people can email me directly TINKture@LeEsscience.co.nz. I plan to gain more stockists as soon as I can – suggestions welcome!

4. Is there any possible side effects of Tinkture?

Well so far no one has had a side effect (that has been reported to me) – it was tested on people with sensitive skin and no probs. It has been used on people who have experienced ‘pigment rejection’ (I have experienced this with a particular green colour) – just keep using TINKture as it will help to relieve the pigment rejection symptoms too! The dilution is such that side effects should be minimal.

5. What other products do you produce?

Many, many, many – I have a practice in Wellington where I see clients and use massage to disburse a specific blend throughout the body to assist to help with health conditions a client maybe experiencing, then send clients home with a blend to be used at home to continue the treatment – this can be for anxiety, depression, stress, headache/migraine sufferers, insomnia, any skin conditions, provide relief for colds & flus, digestion conditions, arthritis, muscle pain, injuries… The list is endless really. Oh and I treat pregnant ladies I have a special massage table for them so they can lay on their tummies People can purchase blends via my website (www.LeEsscience.co.nz) via email or by consultation. I love being able to produce 100% natural and very effective products that help to assist healing, naturally

Thank you Gillian for being so kind to do my little interview and for allowing me to put pictures up (taken from fb and twitter, I sound so stalkerish!! haha)

To everyone else – hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I sure did

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