Lashocracy: The BEST Glueless Lashes Ever!

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If you have met me or read any of my previous posts, you would know that it is no surprise that I am a lash addict. I’ve worn lash extensions for years and have been loving trying out different lash products while taking a break from extensions. I got a Keratin Lash Lift at Keravie, tried a magnet-free eyeliner system, and now I’m so excited to talk about the newest product that I have been trying out lately – Lashocracy Glueless Lashes! This product is an especially exciting one to talk about as it was created and designed by Keravie studio owner Tammy Ma. In today’s post I am going to go over everything you need to know about these revolutionary lashes and all of my thoughts on them (spoiler – I’m obsessed!). 

What are Lashocracy Glueless Lashes?

Lashocracy lashes are glueless lashes that can be applied in just one step! They have a tacky band that adheres to the skin and stays put all day long. The sticky band is made with a medical-grade adhesive that is non-irritating to the skin. The band is meant to remain sticky for up to 5-6 wears in which afterwards a regular adhesive or eyeliner adhesive can be used to apply the lashes. The lashes are compatible with regular lash glue and adhesive eyeliner up to 20 times or more even after the lashes lose its stickiness with proper cleaning and care.

How to Apply and Lash Guide

Step 1. Cut lashes to the width of your eyes

Step 2. Gently apply the lashes from the inner to outer corner

Tip: Place as close to the lash line as possible

Clean: Use a damp Q-tip and gently remove makeup and oils. Air dry. 

My Thoughts

Application – These lashes are SO easy to apply – they truly are just one step! Just when I thought applying false strip lashes couldn’t get any easier after trying the MINTnetic eyeliner lash system, the Lashocracy Lashes take the cake as far as ease of application. It is so nice to not have to fuss with applying lash glue and waiting for it to dry. I highly recommend using a lash applicator such as this one to make application even easier. 

Wear – The adhesive on the band of these lashes is no joke, they are super sticky. While I have only worn the same pair of lashes for a total of 3 days, the adhesive on them is still going strong! I love that I don’t have to worry about my lashes coming off throughout the day or carrying lash glue with me. I also like that even once the stick of adhesive wears off I can still wear the lashes with normal adhesive and get good use out of them!

Look – If you are a lash extension lover (or not) – you will love how these lashes look. They are vegan faux mink lashes so they look and feel extremely soft, fluffy and natural. The band is definitely on the thicker side which makes the lashes super high quality and durable while mimicking the look of eyeliner so that you can go without if you wanted!

Lastly, one of the things I love the most about the Lashocracy Lash Collection is that they come in so many different styles for diverse eye shapes and occasions. You are absolutely sure to find something that best suits your style and eye shape! The lashes come in eight different styles, ranging from very natural to dramatic, shorter/longer, cat eye/doll eye, wispy/not wispy etc. 

Below are the styles that I tried out (Sugarcoated, Pretty Little Thing, Dreaming in Blush, and Angel Face Devil Thoughts). Below is a video of me applying the lashes and some up-close footage of what the lashes look like on! This is the fourth time I’m wearing them now so I’ve already gone through the step of cutting them to the length I want on my eyes:

Sugarcoated 

These are the first that I tried and they might be my favourite! They are one of the more natural styles yet the cat eye shape gives just the right amount of flirtiness.

Sugarcoated

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes in Sugarcoated

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes in Sugarcoated

Pretty Little Thing

These are the most natural style of the bunch. They are a rounded doll eye shape and would be great for those who are just starting out with lashes or for those no-makeup makeup days!

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Pretty Little Thing

 

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes in Pretty Little Thing

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes in Pretty Little Thing

 

Dreaming in Blush

These are a great “natural yet noticeable” style. They are definitely a longer and fuller lash style without being over the top! These would be great for either day or night wear. 

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Dreaming in Blush

 

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Dreaming in Blush Self Adhesive Lashes

 

Angel Face Devil Thoughts

If you like wispy lashes – you’ll love these! These lashes feature a cat eye shape with lots of wisps and a criss cross style. These ones are super fluttery and would also be great for day or night!

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Angel Face Devil Thoughts

 

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Angel Face Devil Thoughts

 

Lashocracy Glueless Lashes Angel Face Devil Thoughts

All in all, if you are a lash lover like myself you should absolutely give the new Lashocracy lashes a try! For full descriptions of all of the different Lashocracy styles and to shop click here!

The Dreaded Fall Lash Shed; Yes, it’s real and it’s coming in hot!

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There is something about the fall that we all love and look forward to! The smell in the air, walking through crunchy leaves, Pumpkin Spice, comfy sweaters, and cute booties! But there’s one thing about the fall that we all dread…

So, we all know our lashes shed daily right? As all the hair on our body does. But why does it seem as though we lose more lashes in the Autumn months and are finding ourselves struggling to make it to a 2-week fill when we can usually surpass a 3-week fill? Well, I spent some time doing some research and diving deeper into the cycles of hair shedding and many other contributing factors so that I can tell you exactly why (you’re welcome)! I will discuss how our lashes grow and shed some causes of the Fall Lash Shed, and some key things you can do during this dreaded cycle change to maintain optimal lash health!

 

Let’s start with some lash growth basics:

To really understand why our lashes are falling out, we need to first understand how they grow! 

  1. The lash growth cycle begins with the growth phase (Anagen); this is when those pesky baby lashes begin to grow from the hair follicles. These little guys will almost never have an extension placed on them as they are far too short and weak to properly support an extension.
  2. The second stage in the lash growth cycle is the transition phase or the Catagen phase. This is the “teenage” point of the lash cycle. These guys can usually be strategically lashed, depending on where they are within this phase.
  3. The final stage before the lashes shed is the resting or Telogen phase. These are the adult lashes; these are the ones we love! These lashes can hold extensions with no problem (given the appropriate length and diameters are chosen).

Sounds a little confusing right? Well, I’ve included a couple of pictures to clear it all up for you!

This is a picture taken last week of a client of mine to show an example of lashes in their different growth stages. Here you can see the Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen phases.

 

What is normal lash shedding and what is abnormal shedding?

We always explain to our clients that they can expect to lose anywhere from 2-5 lashes a day due to normal shedding. The exception comes during our lovely fall shed (and sometimes spring too). However, this change in the lash cycle will only last a few weeks so no need to fret! Abnormal shedding would be any excessive, worrisome amounts of lashes coming out, and this can be due to many issues such as Alopecia and other severe health issues.

 

Ok, ok, so really, what DOES cause this “Fall Lash Shed” I have been talking about?

Well as a Lash Artist, it’s always been a phenomenon that we have known about and discussed with our clients, but I really wanted to understand WHY this happens. So, I did some research. I spent time reading blogs posted from other lash artists and studios, I have read the information on health and beauty websites, and even dug into academic medical journals and here are the top 3 reasons I’ve discovered.

1. Vitamin D! Vitamin D plays a big part in our skin and hair. It stimulates the hair follicles to encourage the Anagen phase which keeps our lashes growing long and strong! And the biggest source of our vitamin D is good ol’ Mr. Sun! Unfortunately for us in Canada, our hours of sun in a day quickly dwindle as we enter the Autumn months. As I am sure almost all of you reading can attest to this, it’s dark when we leave for school/work and it’s dark when we leave for home. So, we really do not have very much sun exposure; this leads to a vitamin D deficiency, which then stunts the growth cycle of our lashes (and our hair), contributing to Fall Lash Shed.

2. Humidity! Along with the cooler temperatures comes dehydration. Yup–we all know exactly what I’m talking about! Dry cracked hands, eczema flairs, and forever thirsty. The lack of humidity in the air has a serious effect on our epidermis (fancy work for skin; have I impressed you yet?). This lack of moisture and humidity causes the lashes to become more brittle which means our lashes are more prone to premature breaking and shedding.

3. It’s Summer’s fault! I found that there is evidence that suggests that this crazy cycle begins in summer. Our lashes and skin are flourishing with vitamin D and hydration during the summer months so during this time there’s actually an increase in the growth of our lashes and because they are so happy that they tend to hang out in the Telogen Phase for a little bit longer. This actually increases in the number of adult lashes present on our lash line. So, when the drastic change occurs over the Autumn months, all those extra happy and healthy adult lashes tend then shed out. And Voila! The Fall Lash Shed!

 

How do you manage life during the Fall Lash Shed?

Now, you may not be able to prevent this Fall Lash Shed from happening, but there are a few things that you can do during these stressful times for your lashes. This I cannot stress enough: 

         1. WASH YOUR LASHES! 

This is super important, not only during this season but all-year-round! However, during this time, because our skin is so dry, I always see an excess build-up of skin in and around clients lashes so washing them is super important. If they are not properly washed, it can lead to infections and even worse things (which we will save likely for another blog topic). The best thing to use is an oil-free foaming cleanser, and a soft brush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re in a panic and can’t find some, or you forget to pick some up during your appointment don’t worry! We offer free shipping in Alberta!

      

        2. BE PROACTIVE AND BOOK AHEAD! 

Talk with your lash artist and determine the best game plan when it comes to booking your fills. You may be someone who can easily go 3 weeks between fills, but during this Fall Lash Shed we recommend booking 2 weeks instead. It is likely you will have less lash-able lashes during the shed so this will help to ensure your lashes are looking as beautiful and full as we can get them! I know we all live crazy busy lives but luckily for you (and us) our online booking system is a life-saver!

         3. EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY: TAKE A BREAK!

This time can be very frustrating for clients since their lashes are not behaving as they normally would. But another option would be to just embrace the Fall Shed, let your lashes have a break and get a removal. I know… I said it… the “R” word, but just hear me out. None of us can truly get by without lashes, especially now during the COVID face mask era, our eyes are all anyone sees! 

BUT we have solutions for you if a break from extensions is what you are leaning toward during the Fall Lash Shed:

  • Try a growth serum! This will help you get through your lash shed a little bit faster. We swear by Eyenvy at Keravie! It works by stimulating the lash follicles to encourage a longer growth phase. Skeptical? Check out our previous blog post that tells you everything you need to know about Eyenvy, and has some great before and after photos! 
  • One word: LASHOCRACY. We’ve stepped up the strip-lash game! These must haves are glueless, vegan, reusable, hypoallergenic AND hella cute. What more could you want!? Trust me, you are going to want to check them out! 

Lashocracy Glueless Strip Lashes

 

5. Lastly, DON’T PANIC! 

If you take anything away from this, know that this excess shedding is normal, and we are here for you! Just stay hydrated, healthy, and happy and we will get through the dreaded Fall Lash Shed together!

My brow lamination before and after

I tried Brow Lamination for the first time for fuller, bolder brows

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What is Brow Lamination? 

Brow lamination is essentially a brow lift. How it works is that it redirects the direction of brow hairs so that it gives the eyebrows a fuller and fluffier look! This look is achieved by using a treatment that is similar to lash lifting that lasts 4-8 weeks and eliminates the hassle of filling them every day. After the brow lamination, your brows will be left looking picture-perfect; they will look thicker, straighter, and more full, giving you your ideal brow.

When I started my research, I wanted to learn more about what the process looked like, what kind of treatments they use, and if there were any harsh chemicals involved. I found that most studios used a solution that is pretty much the same as hair perm … yikes! This steered me away as I did not want to fry my thin eyebrows off. I was happy to see that Keravie uses a safer brow treatment without some of the harsh chemicals that other studios use. That being said, with any treatment like this where adhesives are being applied to the brows aftercare is extremely important to hydrate the brows in order to maintain the lift. 

 

Why I decided to get a Brow Lamination… 

After seeing the hype about brow lamination for months I decided it would be a great time to give it a try. As someone who would religiously wax and tweeze their eyebrows since they were a teenager, I needed something that would give life to my thin sparse brows. I wasn’t ready to take the plunge and get a permanent solution like microblading, but I also wanted to try something that would make my life easier by not having to fill my brows in every day. Brow lamination intrigued me because of the fluffiness and fullness that can be achieved with one single treatment! 

The look that I wanted for my brow lamination was to get the shape that I have when I pencil them in but with more definition in the individual hairs (to look more like microblading). As far as my makeup routine goes I am a strict gel and pencil kind of gal so I was intrigued to see what the final look of the lamination would be for my brows. 

I went into the brow lamination hoping for something a little less dramatic as I didn’t want my eyebrows to look too bushy like some of the treatments I had seen while searching online. I did find a couple of photos for inspiration and what kind of look I was going for.

This is my daily brow makeup before lamination

 

The Brow Lamination Process

The process of the lamination was quick, painless, and quite relaxing. 

  1. The treatment begins with an in-depth consultation that went over the process of the treatment, the style and look desired for the eyebrows and any other questions or concerns. 
  2. A barrier cream is put around the eyes to protect the edges around the eyebrows to keep any unwanted colour from the tint or serum from the treatment.
  3. A  lift adhesive is applied to the eyebrows to help treat them into place and align the hairs in an upward direction. 
  4. A setting solution is placed on the brows in order to process the hairs and ensure they stay in the desired place.
  5. Next, the artist maps the brows to ensure proper shape and waxes the brows to get rid of any unwanted hair. Keravie uses a hard wax which definitely lessens the pain of waxing because it only adheres to the hair and not the skin. 
  6. Tinting the brows is the next step to give them a bold finished look.
  7. The GEL Organic Lash and Brow Botox is applied to nourish and hydrate the brow hairs.
  8.  A setting oil is then applied that helps keep the lamination in place and keep the brows in the direction that was achieved during the treatment.

 

The Result!

My brow lamination before and after

My brow lamination before and after

Step-by-Step Video on my Brow Lamination

I was in awe of what my brows looked like after the treatment, My artist Chelsea did an amazing job. They had never in my life looked so perfectly shaped, full, and bold. The process overall was very relaxing and the result of the brow lamination was everything I was hoping for. My brows looked like they had been perfectly penciled in and I could see the hairs at the tip of my brows for once. The tint with the lamination was the perfect combo for my light non-existent brows. I am hooked!

 

After the Treatment  

The morning after the service I woke up to perfect eyebrows for the first time in my life. All I had to do to be brow ready was to brush them into place  … and voila, they were perfect! Personally,  I think one of the best aspects of their service was how dark and full my brows looked, considering that without makeup the blonde hairs looked almost non-existent. The service also added convenience into my morning beauty routine as it shaved off about 15 minutes that I would usually dedicate to my brows. 

For those with darker hair, you can opt-out from the tint, but for those like me (lighter haired ladies), I highly recommend it. I have never had anything semi-permanent on my eyebrows and it felt amazing to have brows that are prominent and bold on my face.

The GEL Keratin Lash and Brow Mascara is also recommended for aftercare to nourish and strengthen your brow hairs after treatment. It also helps to style them too for an added bonus!

My brows 2 weeks after the lamination with a bit of brow pencil

 

Final Thoughts 

If you are like me and aren’t ready to permanently change your brows but want to add some oomph, brow lamination is the way to go! A good idea is to bring some pictures into the studio for inspiration in order to get a look that suits you. Finally, a holy grail I recommend grabbing is to pick up some of the GEL Keratin Mascara (yes I said mascara) once the treatment is complete. Amazingly, this mascara actually doubles as a great eyebrow serum for the night time as it strengthens and nourishes those brows. You can grab the mascara here!

If this looks like a service you need done you can book one for yourself here!

I tried MINTNETICS new adhesive eyeliner and strip lashes and will never purchase lash glue again

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As an avid lash extension wearer myself, I have taken these past few months as an opportunity to switch things up and give my natural lashes a little break! While I have been enjoying the break (and finally being able to rub my eyes!), there are still occasions where I want a little more drama with my look. This is where strip lashes come in! I love the look and versatility of strip lashes when I am not wearing extensions. However, and I am sure many of you can agree with this, they are not always the easiest and most convenient to apply on an everyday basis. 

There are many new and trendy false lash systems out there, a popular one being the magnetic lash system. Although I have personally never tried the magnetic eyeliner system, I have heard that the magnetic eyeliner itself can be irritating and very difficult to remove.

When I found out that M.INT Beauty (the brand whose lashes we use and love here at Keravie) released a new lash system called MINTNETIC, I was very intrigued! Their lash system is a similar concept to the trendy magnetic eyeliner lashes but is completely magnet free. The MINTNETIC lash system claims to be “easy on and easy off – stay put all day lashes” – sign me up! I decided to give their lashes and adhesive eyeliner a try and today I am going to be sharing my thoughts on this innovative system with you all.

 

What is the MINTNETIC Lash System? 

The MINTNETIC Lash System is made up of super-soft synthetic silk strip lashes and a magnet-free adhesive in the form of an eyeliner pen that the strip lashes adhere to. 

  • The lashes are vegan and made from synthetic silk. They are super soft and come in 10 different styles ranging from very natural to full and dramatic! 
  • The eyeliner comes in a pen form and is water-resistant, smudge-proof, and long-lasting. The eyeliner comes in black, brown or clear. 
  • MINTNETIC lashes last up to 30 wears, and the MINTNETIC eyeliner lasts up to 60 uses. 

 

Application Instructions from mintnetic.com

Remove the eyelashes from the box with the lash applicator. Along the band of the eyelashes, remove the sticky adhesive before applying- the adhesive is used to keep the lashes in place and its shape.

Step 1 – Starting at the outer edge of your eye, hold your strip lashes up against your eye to see how they will fit. Roll the lashes gently to adjust to your eye shape. Trim the lashes if necessary. It is advised that you trim the edges of the lashes down on both ends. This will stop them from lifting.

Step 2 – Shake the adhesive eyeliner pen and apply as you normally would to a clean, oil-free lash line. Allow to set up to 60seconds until tacky, then apply the lashes.

Step 3 – Start at the outer corner of your eye. Place your lashes onto the adhesive liner and adjust until they are perfect. Then press firmly to ensure they are secure. If you need to adjust the lashes you may have to reapply the adhesive liner first. Apply Mascara to blend in your own lashes if needed. Please be aware that mascara may affect the longevity of the lashes.

For Best Results (Firm hold) – Apply a layer of the adhesive liner and let fully dry for 60 seconds, then apply the second layer of eyeliner. Let the second layer set for another 60 seconds and apply lashes while the eyeliner is still tacky.

Removal – Gently pull the lashes away from your eye. Use cleansing foam with a lint-free applicator to remove the eyeliner from your eye area. Clean excess adhesive eyeliner from lashes with a cleanser before placing back in the storage box.

 

First Impressions

 

I tried out the lashes in the style “Airy” and the eyeliner in Black. My first impression of the lashes themselves is that they are beautiful! They are so soft and fluffy and almost resemble volume lash extensions. The style that I chose is one of their most natural and wispy styles that they have. The eyeliner pen is very easy to apply and gives you a lot of control for making a nice sharp line along your lash line. The black liner goes on smoothly and dries to a super dark blackest black finish. I applied two coats of the liner as suggested on the box for best results and waited the 60 seconds before applying the lashes. When I went to apply the lashes onto the eyeliner, I was pleasantly surprised with how easily they adhered to the liner! It probably took me less than 30 seconds for each eye to get the lashes on. The lashes sit nice and snug along the lash line and feel super comfortable on the eyes with no poking in the inner corners. 

Quick Video on How I Applied the Adhesive Eyeliner and Lashes

How they wore throughout the day

I wore the MINTNETIC strip lashes for about 7 hours during the day and they held on pretty well overall. I will say that there were some areas along the lash line that did begin to lift as the day went on, but it was nothing major! I think this had to do with the fact that my eyes were slightly watery due to allergies. It was easy just to touch up the eyeliner and secure the lashes back in place. The lashes remained comfortable to wear throughout the whole day and I even got a few compliments!

Final thoughts (tips on how to make them last longer)

Overall, I really enjoy these lashes and think this is a great and innovative product! What I loved the most about the MINTNETIC  lash system is how easy the lashes are to apply. I think most people are intimidated by false strip lashes because they think they will be next to impossible to apply. If that is your concern, I would highly recommend trying the MINTNETIC system! If you do decide to try them out, here are some of my tips and recommendations to ensure you get the best wear out of them:

  1. Ensure that your lash line is completely clean and free of oils prior to applying the eyeliner adhesive. If you have oily eyelids, I would highly recommend applying powder on your eyelids and lash line before using the eyeliner. This is key for ensuring your lashes stay put all day! 
  2. As with all strip lashes, be sure to measure and trim the lashes so that they fit your eye shape properly. If the lashes are too long for your eye, they won’t line up properly with the eyeliner and will lift off of your eye. In order for the lashes to stick, every part of the lash band needs to be touching the eyeliner!
  3. Make sure that when you line your eye with the eyeliner adhesive, you are drawing on a fairly thick line! Again, there needs to be enough surface area of adhesive along your lash line for the lash band to stick to. If a thicker black line is not your thing, I would suggest trying the brown or the clear liner. 

If this sounds like something you’d like to try out, head over to our shop and enjoy 20% off of the MINTNETIC products until August 23! 

5 WAYS TO GET LONGER WEAR OUT OF YOUR LASH EXTENSIONS

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Are you someone who time and time again feels like their fill appointment could not come soon enough? Does it take everything in you not to put mascara or false lashes on over your extensions because they are looking sparse? Or maybe you have a friend who seems to only get her lashes done every 3-4 weeks while you have to come back every two. Let’s face it – eyelash extensions are an investment and we want you to get the most that you can out of them! While there are some determinants of lash extension longevity that cannot be controlled (such as your personal lash growth cycle or the slickness/smoothness of your lashes), a big factor in lash extension retention is how much TLC you are giving them! Whether you’re a lash extension newbie or you’ve worn them for years, here are 5 tips to help you get the best and longest wear out of your lash extensions!

3 week retention – lash extensions by Devan M      

 

3 week retention – lash extensions by Becca A

 

1. Clean your lashes with a lash shampoo

This may sound like a broken record, but it has to be said! If clients express that their lashes are not lasting as long as they hoped, the first thing I always ask is if they are cleaning them and what they are cleaning them with. Using a lash specific foaming shampoo is your best bet for ensuring you are removing all the dirt, oil and makeup that can sit on your lash line and weaken the bond of the lash extension adhesive. Cleansers that are not specifically meant for lash extensions could contain ingredients that might potentially be detrimental to your extensions (not to mention harsh on your eyes!). Always be sure to clean your lashes everyday – especially if you are wearing makeup, sweating, or swimming! Most lash artists carry a lash shampoo in stock. We recommend using our in-house Baby Coral Lash Shampoo which is made of 99% Organic and Natural Ingredients that’s gentle enough for your eyes, but also super effective in removing eye makeup too! 

 

2. Go easy on the growth serums

If you’re like me and have natural lashes that are on the shorter, thinner and sparser side then you’ve probably been advised at some point by a lash artist to try a growth serum such as Eye Envy. While Eye Envy is great for making your lashes grow and supporting lash health, it should be used in moderation while wearing lash extensions. Growth serums work by speeding up your lash growth cycle and by result – your shedding cycle as well! This means that if you are using one daily while wearing extensions, you may notice that you are losing more lashes than usual. Additionally, you will likely have to come back much sooner for fills as you will have more “grown out” lashes (shown below) that will need to be removed and replaced during your fill appointment. We recommend slowing down usage to 1-2 times per week. We love Eye Envy – just in moderation when it comes to lash extensions 🙂 Read Everything you need to know about Eyenvy and Lash Growth serums here!

 

3. Switch it up! 

As much as we love long and dramatic lashes, if you want to make your lashes last longer try going with a slightly lighter set! Lash extensions come in many different lengths and diameters whether you’re doing classic, hybrid or volume. Talk with your artist about trying a lighter extension or going shorter. Shorter and lighter extensions put less weight on your natural lashes and are less likely to pop off as the natural lashes can better support them. 

Another option is to switch up the curl! Try switching to a lash extension that more closely matches with the curl of your natural lashes. For example, if you are someone with very straight natural lashes and are wearing a D curl (most dramatic curl), there will only be a small area of contact between the natural lash and the extension. Try switching to a C curl (moderate curl) extension to create a larger contact area and better bond with the natural lash. 

 

4. Trade in your eyeliner

It is no surprise that makeup will make your extensions fall out faster. Most makeup products have some form of oil in them whether it seems obvious or not. Mascara, pencil eyeliner, gel eyeliner, and cream eyeshadows are all big no-no’s with lash extensions. I remember when I first started wearing lashes I would apply pencil eyeliner on my top lash line every day and wonder why they fell out so soon! If you’re someone who just cannot go without eyeliner, talk to your lash artist about trying an “eyeliner effect” with your extensions! With the eyeliner effect, we place shorter extensions along the bottom layer of your lashes. By doing this, it creates density along the lash line mimicking the effects of eyeliner so you can go without!

Lash extensions by Emily B

 

5. Let us know!

Lastly and most importantly, if you feel like your lashes are not lasting as long as you wish make sure to bring it up with your artist the next time you’re in! They will be sure to help troubleshoot anything that might be causing your lashes to not hold as well as they could. They will talk through your routine with you to pinpoint any changes that you can implement to make your lashes last longer. I had a client once who was having retention issues and told me she would often go to hot yoga later in the day after her lash appointments! She wouldn’t have known this was detrimental to her lash extensions had she not brought it up with me. By talking it out with your artist you are sure to leave with some tips and tricks to try out at home to help get longer wear out of your lashes. Sometimes all it takes is a little trial and error to determine what works best for you and your lashes!

Have any questions about lash retention? Let us know so we can help you get the most out of your lash extensions!

 

I Ditched my Lash Extensions and tried a GEL Keratin Lash Lift for the First Time!

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I have been working at Keravie for close to a year now and have not strayed far from lash extensions and would label myself as a die-hard eyelash extension enthusiast. Even after working at the lash studio, the thought of getting a GEL Keratin Lash Lift never crossed my mind regardless of how many countless amazing lash lifts I have seen come and go.  I honestly never believed that I would transition from the extensions to the lift because I really loved the dramatic look and fullness that extensions brought to my very blonde, thin lashes. That being said, after being isolated for the last few months I had a change of heart. Seeing more people opting for a lash lift over extensions sparked my interest and my boss had mentioned that it would be a great time to give the more natural look a try for the summer and that is when I decided I would give the GEL Keratin Lash Lift a go. I started looking through an insane amount of before and after photos and decided that was going to be my new summer look!

I have never been fully satisfied with my natural eyelashes, which is why I would always opt for extensions. My natural lashes are quite straight if I don’t curl them (which I am not a fan of doing) and aren’t super long which is why they barely exist without any mascara. I can say I am a fan of the more long dramatic lashes but like I said I wanted to take the more natural looking route and see if my own lashes have what it takes. 

These are my natural lashes with mascara (as you can see they are pretty short and not curled)

 

What is a GEL Keratin Lash Lift and how is it different than a regular lash lift

The GEL Keratin Lash Lift is a new lifting technology that was created specifically for eyelashes and is a better alternative to a lash perm because of its premier results and safer solutions. 

I was actually quite surprised by the differences between the GEL Lash Lift and a regular lash lift/perm! One of the most prominent differences was between the formulas used to lift the eyelashes. Some lash perm/lift solutions contain ammonia or hair perming solutions within them and if you’re like me (care about your eyes) that’s a big heck no. Thankfully, I found that the GEL Lash Lift doesn’t contain those scary ingredients. It actually has keratin within the solution (hence the name) which actually helps protect your lashes while also nourishing and moisturizing them. Another reason that the GEL Lash Lift is superior to the regular lash lift/perm is because of the lifting technique itself. A regular lash lift will lift from the middle of the eyelash which leaves the lashes looking mediocre at best and not as dramatically lifted. In contrast, the GEL Lash Lift lifts from the base of the eyelash, providing a greater length and dramatic lift. 

Did that convince you that the GEL Lash Lift is superior? Because it sure did for me! Another fact I found while doing more research (for those still not convinced): the GEL Lash Lift uses a gentle Organic Lash Botox that is made specifically for eyelashes, giving you more peace of mind because it is mostly made from organic ingredients that include keratin, silk peptides, and botanicals that = a safer way to lift that creates better results. 

 

The process of the GEL Lash Lift 

The GEL Lash Lift was a relaxing experience and the total service only took an hour and a half which for me was perfect as I tend to get squirmish after laying down for too long. I really liked how quick the appointment went by and how much time I saved by getting the lift instead of extensions. 

  1. The service started off with a relaxing head massage with a towel and essential oils and let me tell you that was the perfect start to the treatment because it made me so relaxed
  2. A shield is placed on the eyelid; the size of this shield will determine how dramatic the lift is (the lash artist will recommend one depending on how dramatic you want your lashes and the length of your natural lashes) 
  3. Step 1: This solution was placed on the eyelashes to break down the bond of the eyelashes in order to rebuild them into a lifted state
  4. Step 2: The next solution is placed to rebuild the bond that holds it the lashes into the lift and into the shape desired 
  5. Step 3: The next step is tinting the lashes (which helped so much for my blonde lashes). The tint includes a lash botox to give nutrients to the lashes and keep them strong and moisturized
  6. Nourishing oil is brushed through the lashes to help nourish and bring back some moisture 
  7. GEL Keratin Mascara for a last coating to complete the look 

 

The results

Before and after: GEL Lash Lift

 

To say I am obsessed is an understatement. The lash lift turned out better than I could have imagined and I could not believe that those were my eyelashes (they looked like classic extensions).  My artist Megan used a medium shield on me and it worked out amazing. Even though my natural lashes are on the shorter side, I was in shock by how much they lifted.

My eyelashes with GEL Keratin Mascara 5 days after the lift 

 

Everything you need to know before you go 

Since this treatment uses your natural eyelashes, the longer and thicker your eyelashes are the better the results will be! That being said, I think the GEL Lash lift is a great option for anyone who wants to enhance the eyelashes they have and who are looking for a more natural day to day look! If you are someone who wants drama I suggest you stick with your extensions (unless you’re like me and just really need a break from them and want to try something new). 

Some of the perks of the GEL Lash lift is the shorter amount of time for the service, compared to a new set of extensions (depending on the style) you are saving anywhere from 1-2.5 hours. It’s already almost been a week for me and my lashes still look as lifted as they did when I got the treatment done. I have yet to wear mascara either, I find that the tint and the keratin mascara do the job just fine! 

 

Aftercare

Once you get your lift you will need to refrain from getting your lashes wet for 24 hours and also keep mascara/any other serums away for 72 hours. 

A godsend that I absolutely recommend getting (no really it will change your lash lift life) is the GEL Keratin Mascara, this baby will help keep your lashes lifted and luscious and give them a thicker look! This mascara is not like regular mascaras…it is a clear keratin based mascara that gives the appearance of thicker lashes while providing them with the nutrients they need. This mascara is a double threat because it can also be used on your brows too (which I can vouch for as I use it for both every night). This serum retails for $70 comes in a hefty 11mL bottle and lasts up to one year of use. You can buy it at any GEL-licensed retailers and also at our online shop here with free local shipping! 

Re-Opening June 18 + COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocol

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After a 3 month hiatus, Keravie will be re-opening our doors again on Thursday, June 18th!

Additional preventative COVID-19 protocol will be in place as we navigate the new landscape of beauty services to ensure the health and safety of you–our valued patrons–and our staff as well. In addition to our high standards in sanitation and disinfection, the following requirements are in place:

  • Hands must be disinfected/washed upon entering the studio
  • All clients and artists to wear a face mask/cover at all times during a service
  • We will be operating at a reduced capacity to observe physical distancing
  • Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to cancel their appointment and reschedule to a later date, including our artists.
  • Please provide a minimum of 4hrs notice to avoid late cancellation fees due to illness
  • Minimize personal belongings being brought into the studio
  • Leave guests, including children, at home (or in the mall) as our waiting area will no longer allow for seating. Guests will not be able to sit with you during your service as we observe physical distancing between our beds and to allow our artists to stay focused on providing you the best service they can
  • Dress warmly for your lash nap; unfortunately we will no longer be providing blankets for warmth until further notice; sorry!
  • Increased disinfecting routine in place for high traffic and contact areas
  • We are still accepting all forms of payment but contact-less payments are preferred

Thank you for helping us keep our studio clean and supporting us during these last few months and beyond. We seriously can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces again!

XO, Team Keravie

 

 

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Everything You Need to Know About Eyenvy

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If you have thin, sparse natural lashes, you’re not alone! Being asian, I’m destined for wimpy lashes and have spent my entire professional career enhancing the look of lashes and everything surrounding eyes. I first learned about Eyenvy a few years ago through another asian client. Her lashes were an astonishing 2cm long (FYI that’s super long). She told me her secret was Eyenvy–Everyday for the last 2 years.

This prompted me to get fully stocked up and try it out myself. I began recommending it to all my clients with semi-wimpy lashes too. Soon enough, my entire client base was using it. Some loved it and some hated, and I personally have an ongoing love-hate relationship with it too.

What it is: Eyenvy is a hormonal lash conditioner that makes your lashes longer and thicker.

How it works: it tricks your lashes into thinking it’s in its growth phase for longer than your body normally would allow it to.

After nearly 3 years of distribution with hundreds of clients who’ve come through and used it at Keravie, here is literally everything you need to know about Eyenvy:

1. It really, really, works!
It works well on 99% of users, and even users who have gone through a lash trauma from excessive lash pulling or even chemo.

Above: This client used Eyenvy everyday for 1-1.5 years. Lashes are nearly double their normal lengths and thickness.

Above: This client went through chemo 2 years prior and her lashes never grew back to their original fullness. After using Eyenvy everyday for 3 months, they are back to how they used to be!

The instructions tell you to use it everyday for 3 months to see results. This isn’t absolutely true. Like everything in life, some lucky people can see results in as little as a few weeks with drastic growth, while some may take up to 3 months of religious use before seeing moderate growth.

It’s important to note however, that this serum can only magic up your lash line where a hair follicle exists. This means that if you have sparse lashes, it won’t sprout new lashes where they didn’t exist before. But it could appear slightly fuller because your baby lashes are now more prominent because of its length (small win!)

2. Sometimes it works too well
Be careful that the serum is mostly dry before you begin blinking away. Also, if you get some below your eyes by accident, you should cleanse that area with soap to remove all of the product. If you don’t, unwanted facial hair will grow longer there. (A 5 o’clock shadow once grew under my eyes due from me wiping away serum in that spot!)

3. Sometimes it’s not for everyone
This product works on 99% of users. But there is a small chance your body simply doesn’t respond to it–sorry! 🙁

Who it’s not for:

  • Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding
  • Those with sensitive eyes – it can be an irritant for some people. If your eyes or the area around your eyes get red and itchy, discontinue using it immediately and thoroughly cleanse your eyes with a gentle eye makeup cleanser. Like all products–whether created in a lab or found naturally in the wild–can cause allergic reactions.

4. Side Effects
I find that most people who use Eyenvy are those who are most committed to full, fluttery and dramatic lashes, so people who use Eyenvy are those who also have another lash enhancement–ie. Lash extensions or lash lift. Here are the top annoying side effects of Eyenvy:

5. Hyper Growth and Shed Cycle
In addition to making the growth stage stretch out, it seems to also expedite the entire growth process of your lashes which means–yes, even the shed happens quicker too! The average life cycle of lashes range anywhere from 6-12 weeks with no lash conditioner use. However over-use creates hyper growth and can shorten your lash’s life span, so we typically don’t recommend Eyenvy for those who already have healthy and strong lashes with a healthy lash life cycle if you plan to wear extensions or get a lift

How much it can shorten depends entirely on your own body chemistry but on average, those who use Eyenvy should be getting 1-2 week lash extension fills religiously (as opposed to 2-4 week fills), and a lash lift every 3-4 weeks (instead of 6-8 weeks).

Also it may take some time for the lash serum to stop working if you’ve been using it regularly for a long time. Always consult with your lash artist to see how often you should be using Eyenvy, if at all.

Below: In this extreme case below, this client’s lash lift only lasted 2 weeks before it was fully grown out by week 3.

Crazy Growth, Makes Crazy Lashes
By forcefully growing out lashes where they don’t normally grow to such lengths, lashes that have been conditioned with Eyenvy or any type of lash growth serum appear to grow in all sorts of directions. It can make your lash lift appear a bit messier with a messier grow out and it can be harder for your lash artist to apply extensions on your natural lashes.

Discoloured Skin Around Your Eyes
By far the most dreaded side effect that happens to a handful of clients is that it can temporarily discolour the skin where you place the serum. This is why you should be extra careful to not apply it where you don’t want, always do a spot test before you begin using it lavishly everyday.

Note: Discolouration of the skin and irises is also a side effect when using Latisse. No reported side effects of iris discolouration from Eyenvy at this time.

Added Bonus: Brow Hair Conditioner
Although it doesn’t state this, you can pretty much use this wherever a hair follicle exists to help make that hair longer and thicker — including your brows! Just like your eyelashes, you apply the serum along the base of your brow hairs closest to the hair follicle.

6. Price

2mL (2.5-3 months everyday use) – $70
3.5mL (5-6 months everyday use) – $105

Although the larger size is a better value, I typically recommend getting the smaller bottle if you’re a first-time user! Note: It’s usually not sold online but we’ve added Eyenvy on our shop section due to COVID-19 with free shipping in Alberta!

7. Learn when to throw it away
This product expires after 9 months of the bottle being open. Do not use it after the expiry date, not only because it’s no longer working, but because you should really never use anything that’s been opened for longer than a year, especially around your eyes!

Overall, this is a great product to try out if you’re after longer and thicker lashes. The price point is very reasonable compared to other leading products available. In particular, I like it over Latisse even though Latisse is arguably a more effective product. Why? Because it has less side effects, it’s half the price of Latisse ($150 for a 3 month supply?) and you don’t need a prescription for it. That all said, if Eyenvy doesn’t work for you, Latisse might be your next best step!

I would especially recommend it for those:

  • With thin, short lashes
  • Who’ve experience a lash trauma due to:
  • Poor lash extension application
  • Chemotherapy
  • Pulled out/cut off all your lashes or burned them off over the BBQ (you’d be surprised what we get!)
  • Or simply those who want the longest and thickest lashes in general

Careful on usage for those who:

  • Get lash extensions or a lash lift (always consult your artist)
  • Have sensitive skin or eyes — always do a test patch first!

Avoid this product if:

  • You’re pregnant/breastfeeding
  • Have an allergy to it (red, itchy eyes)

Have additional questions? Let us know and so we can help you live your best lash life!

lash loft edmonton studio lashes wedding blogAbove: Volume Lash Extensions. Photo Credit: Bethany Locates @b.gracecreatives

4 Tips for Wedding Lash Extensions

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It’s pretty clear by now lash extensions are the bees knees of the entire lash industry when it comes to lashes for ultra special occasions. Lash extensions offer the drama (or as little drama) of that of strip lashes, but without the headache of applying them, risking lifting mid-photosession, and the dreaded removal at the end of the night, where no matter how talented the application, there will almost always be a few lashes you have to rip out because glue got attached to it–ouch!

Not only that, extensions provide 360-degree angles of seamlessly blended lashes. There is no evidence of that glossy band that all strip lashes, including magnetic ones, all have. They give away that you are in fact, wearing fake lashes. And for me, there is a poetic perfection in seeing a beautifully styled, customized set of lash extensions meticulously laboured to create a unique look for a stunning bride.

So now you’ve decided to get lash extensions for your big day? Well let us just say, congratulations on your coming nuptials! We can’t be more thrilled for you. Here are 4 Tips to Prep Your Wear for Wedding Lash Extensions:

1. Do a Pre-Trial Set of Lash Extensions
We recommend booking a pre-trial set of extensions with your trial hair and makeup. Always make sure you do a consultation with your chosen lash artist on the trial and the final day so they know what purpose you’re getting the lashes for and to make sure you’re both on the same page on what look you’re going for. It’s helpful to provide photos of how your makeup will look. Will it be light and natural? Or more dramatic and smokey?

Ideally, you might consider doing the trial hair and makeup with the lashes so you can see what they’ll look like all together. Be sure to take lots of selfies and photos of your pre-trial hair and makeup together with the pre-trial lashes to get the best idea of how it will turn out in the photos that’ll help you remember that special day.

Additional Tip: If you’ve never gotten lash extensions before in your life, you should book your trial set at least 3 months before your wedding lashes. In the unlikely event you are allergic to lash adhesive, you have time for the allergy flare to go away.

2. Get Dramatic
Makeup and lashes always look a lot less dramatic in photos than in person, so we recommend always going a little more dramatic than what you’re used to with your everyday lash look to add that extra glam to balance out a more made up look. Additionally, if you plan to wear thicker eyeliner than usual, your extensions will appear shorter.

For example, if you normally wear Classic Lash Extensions, we would recommend doing your next fill with Volume extensions to create a hybrid look for your wedding day lashes.

selena

>Above: How a light smokey eye makeup look affects the appearance of Lash Extensions. Credit: Selena’s Lash Studio

You should expect that you might feel the more voluminous lashes might be a little bit too much, but we promise you that your wedding day you will thank you for it!

Above: Hollywood Hybrids (Classic Extensions mixed with Megavolume Fans) – Suitable for those with strong, healthy lashes.

3. Additional Tip: Never Fill Longer than 1mm of Your Usual Length
While it’s perfectly fine to fill more volume, I never recommend filling over existing lashes longer than 1mm at a time because it never looks seamless. It always looks like you’ve applied a whole different set of lashes over a totally different style of lashes. So if you always wear extensions and want a longer lash look, you should do a full removal and a new set for your wedding day.

4. Book Your Final Lash Appointment 3 Days Before
Lashes always look their very, very freshest in their first 3 days, so we recommend booking your final fill or new set 3 days before the big day before any discernible amount of shedding has taken place. 3 is also the safest number because If there’s anything you need fixed or topped up for whatever reason, you have 2 more days to come back to see your artist, and let’s be honest…you will not want to be worrying about your lashes one day before the wedding.

5. Say No If You Want To
The goal of getting a lash enhancement of any sort is to treat yourself by making you feel the best version of you on your wedding day. So if you’re not comfortable with the recommendations given to you by either your artist or any one else in your life, just say no. After all, underneath all the flowers, lace and lashes, you should still feel comfortable in your own skin because all that really matters is love 🙂

Have more questions about getting extensions for your wedding day? Drop me a hello here!

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Lash Extensions vs. GEL Lash Lift: Which is for Me?

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So you’ve finally decided to let us pop your lash cherry. First of all congratulations–You’re in for a fun treat! But now you’re stuck on the Bookings page and you want to click ‘confirm’ but…which service is for you? Read on for the whole kit and caboodle on whether lash extensions or the GEL Lash Lift should be the star feature of your first lash outing.

The Low Down on Lash Extensions

It’s important to remember that lash extensions are pre-curled, synthetic lashes that are glued on to your own natural lashes. We can apply anywhere from 1-15 extensions to one of your natural lashes, which means we have the ability to make them Classic and Natural, to Full and Dramatic in lengths that can be as short as your natural lashes, or extend them to be up to 50% longer. They are pre-curled, so you don’t need to curl your extensions and they don’t require mascara. Those who want more length and more volume compared to their natural lashes should opt for lash extensions. They’re particularly great for special occasions because that means you can achieve the fullness of a striplashes, sans the striplash glue and application!

The drawbacks however, is that extensions require meticulous attention to apply. You should always use a trusted lash artist who has experience, proper training and a resource for feedback for your extension work. Most artists are certified after taking a one-day course only, so do your research!

Also, lash extensions are higher maintenance since you have to evict all your oil-based products from your face care repertoire (oil is not lash extension glue friendly!) and since your natural lashes naturally grow and shed out, you’ll need fills every 2-3 weeks to maintain the look. Say goodbye to rubbing your eyes by the way!

Lash Extensions are for anyone and everyone:
With any type of eyelash of any length (sparse, full, long short etc.)
Who want a natural, full or dramatic look
Particularly those who have a special occasion where strip lashes are the better choice but you don’t want to go through the hassle of putting them on and risking them peel off your face

Lash Extensions are not for those who:
Don’t like laying still for periods of time
Are allergic to lash glue
Would rather die than not rub their eyes whenever they please

The GEL Keratin Lash Lift

lash healthy edmonton services stick on
By contrast, the GEL Lash Lift uses only your natural lashes and nothing else. It’s biggest draw is that it creates an effortlessly natural look that is low maintenance and lasts up to 6-8 weeks. Black mascara is optional, but many of our clients love using the recommended GEL Keratin Mascara. Since it’s clear, you’re guaranteed no panda eyes while it helps define, strengthen and extend the life of your lift.

The GEL Lash Lift is ideal for those who:
Love a natural look
Really values a low-maintenance beauty routine
Have medium to long lashes
Have average to very full lashes

The GEL Lash Lift is not for those who:
Want much longer or fuller lashes than what they have when curl their lashes
Have short and sparse natural lashes*

*At Keravie, we can lift and curl lashes of any length and fullness because of how effective the GEL Lash Lift is, but most of our clients who have short and sparse lashes are much more thrilled about their look with lash extensions instead, which can offer both more length and volume to your look.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of looks that lash enhancements can make. There really is no wrong choice and whichever you decide on, let us just say new lash lovers be warned:

Side effects include stopping yourself dead in your tracks every time you pass by a mirror so you can check you out 🙂

Still have more questions? Send us an email or give us a call!