Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum

Keratonic Lash and Brow Serum Review

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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

Maintaining Your Lashes During a Pandemic

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As we trudge through this pandemic, battling lockdown and isolations, it’s tough on our lashes. Though we can’t be there for you during closures, we’re still here! And this post is to help you get through this!

 

How to maintain your Lash Extensions during lockdowns 

These 3+week closures have been the most detrimental to your extensions, but here’s some tips on how you can do your best to maintain your extensions:

  1. Wash your lashes! But not too much! We all know that oils affect the lash adhesive, this is one of the reasons it’s important to wash your lashes. Excess build up of natural skin oils can cause your extensions to fall off prematurely. If you’re wearing eye makeup daily, then yes, wash it off your lashes. However, if you do not wear makeup daily, try washing your lashes every other day using an extension-safe foaming lash bath. Also get yourself a lash brush to ensure optimal deep cleaning!

    100ml Lash Bath and Brush

     

  2. NO TOUCHY! Aside from washing and brushing your lashes, do not touch them! I know as they grow out more, playing with them can become irresistible, however dirt and oils also transfer from your hands onto your lashes, circling back to tip #1. Also, tugging on these can cause your natural lash to shed before they are ready. Resist that urge!! DO NOT TOUCH!
  1. Book a “New Set” for when we reopen. Even if you still may have some extensions on, booking a new set with your artist will ensure they have enough time to remove and grown out ones (which will likely be almost all of them) and then fill those lashes to the best of their ability!
  2. Try Lashocracy! Lashocracy is our glueless strip-lashes that are extension safe. If your extensions are not handling the lockdown well and you need a lash boost, these are a great fix till your lash fill! The fact that they are glueless makes them easy to apply and remove without damaging your lashes!

Lashocracy Glueless Strip Lashes

How To maintain your natural lashes during lockdowns

The tips above also protect your natural lashes while wearing extensions, however there’s more you can do:

  1. Get on the Eyenvy train! This forced break is a great time to boost your lashes, and get them growing longer and stronger! Eyenvy is an excellent ay to do so. This has to be used DAILY for optimal results. But start this routine A.S.A.P. and your natural lashes will be even longer and stronger, and even If your getting a New Set, or a Keratin Lash Lift when we reopen, this will be highly beneficial!
  2. Use your Keratin Mascara! (Not extension friendly). Whether you have a lift that is growing out, or has already completely grown out, continued use of this will help to maintain the strength and integrity of your lashes. If your lift is still growing out, this will really help to tame the sometimes wild grow-out stage, and also help your lift last longer through these lockdowns. If your lift has already grown out,
    Keratin Mascara

    Keratin Mascara

    using this daily will only give added nutrients to your lashes and prime them for your next lift when we reopen!

Paired with Eyenvy, this duo does wonders for your lashes, they really are a power-couple!

 

We are sad we can’t see your beautiful faces to have these discussions with you, but we are always available to answer any questions you may have, so don’t be afraid to slide into our DMs! Also, don’t panic if you’ve ran out of any of the products above! We are still sending out our online orders! Peep our online shop and save 10% on your order for the products mentioned in this blog post!*

Eyenvy Lash and Brow Kit

 

*only valid for Foaming Lash Cleanser, Acrylic Lash Brush, Keratin Mascara, and Eyenvy kits (not individual tubes). Sale begins May 17 and ends May 31.

 

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! 

eyenvy

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!