Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum Review

Ok if you follow my blogs you know how obsessed I am about lash serums by now right? My short stubby asian lashes don’t stand a chance with lash lifting without the help of these magical beauties that miraculously make little fine hairs longer!

 

THE EYENVY ALLERGY

Unfortunately, in 2019 after using Eyenvy on and off for 2 years I developed a severe allergy to Eyenvy. It started out with my eyes getting a little dry at first, but my lashes were growing sooo wildly long and fast I ignored the signs. First of all, my lashes started growing at hyper-speeds. So even though it was long, they would shed out so quickly that  I was needing a lash fill every week, and when I had a Triple Keratin Lash Lift, my lift would only last about 3-4 weeks before another lift was needed. 

Then the skin around my eyes started turning red, then purple, and my eyes were incredibly dry and itchy that I’d scratch off all my lash extensions at night from the itch. Eventually I pieced together this wasn’t caused by seasonal allergies and I stopped using Eyenvy altogether and my skin turned back to its normal colour and my lashes shrunk back to their puny lengths, like my heart 🙁

 

HELLO KERATONIC LASH AND BROW SERUM

I told the tale of my lash woes to my friend Michelle who owns a prestigious lash and brow studio in Calgary called Face Amor, and at the time she and her bestie (also named) Tammy were in development of a new lash and brow growth serum that included more natural ingredients. The serum didn’t have any chemicals in it that would trick your lashes into thinking it’s still in the anagen phase (lash lingo for “growth phase” of the lash cycle) so it was safe for lash lifting and wouldn’t make it grow out as fast.

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

 

I was super skeptical after the previous experience with Eyenvy but I tried it out for 2-3 months and though I didn’t notice anything right away, by the time I got my next Triple Keratin Lash Lift, my lashes definitely looked longer! It didn’t necessarily look fuller but definitely my dinky lashes looked longer. 

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

 

HOW TO USE

From the Bottle:

  1. Thoroughly cleanse and dry skin prior to application
  2. Shake the bottle for 15 seconds.
  3. Remove excess product on the applicator brush by swiping both sides on inner rim of the bottle
  4. For EYES: Brush once along the upper base of the lash line as you would when applying eyeliner
  5. For BROWS: Brush along the base of the brow hairs from the front working you way to the tail.
  6. Let dry for 90 seconds before applying other products

 

PRECAUTIONS

  • Keep away from children
  • Avoid getting product directly in eyes (it stings a bit!)
  • Discontinue if irritation or redness persists
  • Not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, under the age of 18, undergoing chemotherapy, have an ocular disorder or are under the care of a physician
  • Discolouration of the eyelids may occur with excessive use (this didn’t happen to me thank goodness!)

 

BEFORE AND AFTER EFFECTS

Here is a side by side comparison of what my lashes looked 3 months previously looked like to after using the Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum:

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Left Eye Before

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Left Eye After

 

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Right Eye Before

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Right Eye After

You can definitely see that it looks like the lashes themselves appeared a little thicker, and the average overall length seems longer, especially on the right side where the longest length was about 8mm and now the longest length was 10mm!

It was hard to tell that the left eyelashes grew longer because it looked the same length on the ruler, but because the lashes were still curled in the after photos, they actually were longer but appeared the same length!

 

PRICE

$60CAD for a 3.5mL sized bottle 

I thought this was really well priced considering many other lash and brow serums are in the $70+ range for 2mL or less.

 

INGREDIENTS LIST

Purified water, hyaluronic acid, collagen, myristoyl pentapeptide-17, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, pentylene glycol, panthenol, biotin, panax ginseng extract, swertia japonica extract, pumpkin seed extract, calamus root extract, vitamin b7, serenoa serrulata fruit extract, oligopeptide-10, arginine, tocopherol acetate

DRAWBACKS

The only drawback with the Keratonic is that it does contain quite a few fruit extract oils so it is not lash extension-friendly and may contribute to poorer retention. This product is best for normal use or used in conjunction with lash lifting or brow lamination. It is also not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

WHERE TO BUY

In store or online at Keravie Lash Loft with free shipping over $50 across Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY

You can also enter to win a FREE Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum by entering our giveaway on Instagram by following these simple steps:

  1. Follow us on Instagram @keravielashloft 
  2. Like this post
  3. Tag friends who love long lashes! 1 Tag = 1 Entry, unlimited entries allowed.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I’m really happy with the effects of this serum, especially considering I’m allergic to many others and would happily refer this product to others if you’re looking to grow your lashes longer without the risk of it over-growing. This is especially great for those who get lash lifts!

I would advise skipping this however if you are getting lash extensions just because it’s not extension-friendly.

Have more questions? Drop me a line or send us an email 🙂

xo, Tammy

WET LASH LOOK: New Lash Extensions Style

THE WET LASH LOOK is one of the hottest lash extension styles trending on Instagram right now and you can get yours at Keravie Lash Loft – Edmonton’s top lash extension studio! 

 

WHAT IT IS: This look mimics the look of your lash extensions when you get them wet; creating a spikier and more wispy effect. 

What is the difference between the Wet Lash Look and Classic Lash Extensions? : Classic Lash Extensions are single strand lash extensions that measure anywhere from 0.10mm to 0.20mm in diameter applied to one of your natural lashes. Classic extensions are best for those who like a natural look with average to full natural lashes. They are not suitable for those who like a fuller or much longer look with thin and shorter natural lashes. Conversely, because the Wet Lash Look utilizes regular volume and mega volume lashes that are ultra light weight, we can make the look longer and fuller than what your natural lashes can typically hold. The Wet Lash Look is suitable for anyone who is looking for a textured or wispy lash look that makes their lashes look fuller and longer while still looking natural and sexy.

HOW WE CREATE IT: Using a bundle of ultra-light and ultra-fine volume lash extensions, we make straight to very narrow fans to apply to each of your individual lashes. 

Wet Lash Look Bundle in 0.03s

The Wet Lash Look appears similar to Classic Lash Extensions, but they are thicker and bolder looking because of the wider appearance of the lash bundles. 

We’ve been combining the Wet Lash Look with Strip Lash Mapping Styles by using varying shorter and longer lengths in a stylized pattern and we are loving the effects! 

BEST SUITED FOR: Natural lashes that are moderate to full. Generally speaking, we wouldn’t recommend this look for someone with sparse lashes since sparse lashes benefit most from volume fans that are fat and wide as opposed to skinny and straight like the style demanded from this look.  

Wet Lash Look Strip Lash Look by Megan M at Keravie Lash Loft

Wet Lash Look Strip Lash Look by Megan M at Keravie Lash Loft, Edmonton

 

**T+C: Save $30 off New Sets with Megan M until April 5 using code WETLASHLOOK until April 5. Applies to New Sets Only and with Megan M. Only, Discount taken at time of checkout. Not to be combined with any other specials.

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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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!