Eyelash Extensions Products: MADE IN ?

About a year ago, I had been watching a TV program with my family, about our economy in the USA. These producers on the TV show had gone door to door in a neighborhood, betting the homeowners that 50% or more of all the items in there homes we're not made in the USA. If the items we're not made in the USA, these items we're to be placed on there lawns, and items that we're made in the USA would stay in there homes. They bet the homeowners $100,000.00.
Within 20 minutes, half the house was on the lawn, and the homeowners lost the bet.

Sadly to say, people, especially consumers, are not conscientious about where they purchase products from. Ever look at the back of a can to see "Made in China"? or the back of the box of of a DVD that said "Made in Taiwan"? Just because these items are sold in walmart, target, forever 21, online, or other places, doesn't mean that there products are made in the USA. Sure, labor is cheaper, and cost is low in other countries, thus why most big corporations seek elsewhere out of the US to have items made and manufactured in other countries. Sadly, this has also been hurting our economy greatly as well. But just because cheaper labor or cost, does NOT mean these products or the ingredients they use are good quality/good products, nor are some approved or regulated by the FDA, etc.

Unfortunately, the eyelash extension industry, including lash boutiques, salons, and spas fall to this problem. I've seen too many of our competitors offer (excuse my language, but) piece-of-china-crap lash products and adhesives.

Most lash technicians, some licensed and mostly certified, either buy products from wholesalers or directly from the source, who sell there lash products from overseas, in mostly Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, etc.  Even by purchasing product from wholesalers in the USA, DOES NOT mean these products are made nor manufactured in the USA. Because of this, most of these products, ESPECIALLY the adhesives, contains DANGEROUS chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acrylics. One of the leading problems in allergic reactions.
Because of this, most lash extension places cannot guarantee MINK lashes are 100% real.
This also includes that these countries cannot guarantee that MINK lashes are animal testing and cruelty free. Most distributors form these countries will tell you, "There's no animal cruelty", is probably lying. Even some EUROPEAN COUNTRIES have this major issue. Here's Sweden as an example,

http://www.peta.org/features/shocking-look-inside-swedish-fur-farms/

Sweden Fur Farms :(

Wonder where we've heard this before?

*Whale Wars* (on animal planet)

*The Cove* (on Vimeo and on DVD)

So what makes you think that these countries would be any different with Minks?

The main reason why some of these lash technicians purchase product from other countries directly or through wholesalers, can be of 2 reasons.

1) Cheaper prices

2) Or because they are only "certified" technicians.

Most reputable lash companies, only sell to licensed estheticians and cosmetologists who are also certified. This is a follow up response from Texas (Who is the only state to regulate eyelash extension services.) Because of this, most reputable brands will not sell nor teach to only "certified" technicians. 

The big problem, that I see from our local competitors, is that they sell China crap, or re-label these china-crap products as there own and sell them. 

Example, adhesives

 Why do these ALL look SO familiar?

Just because you peeled off a label, and replaced it with yours, does not mean it will change the products origins or ingredients.

It's like dressing up a pig with lipstick, and trying to say its Marilyn Monroe. 

The most important thing I cannot stress to clients and techs enough is to do your homework, or to offer quality products. Clients, don't get stuck with a tech who doesn't know where there product is from. Chances are, they are using poor quality products, or products that contain dangerous chemicals. Lash techs, don't use crappy-china-crap products! Spend the little extra on good, and higher quality products made in the USA. Compared to the USA, some European (UK) lines are good quality, and most UK countries have district laws of ingredients in haircare, skincare, cosmetics, and etc. But beware of animal cruelty/testing in these areas.

With all of this being said, for both CLIENTS and LASH TECHNICIANS,

try and make a concious effort to aim for lash products that are,

MADE IN THE USA
(Free of formaldehyde and acrylics)

Animal Cruelty & Animal Testing FREE

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde:

Noun:  Simplest aldehyde, chemical formula HCHO. Formaldehyde (37%) in water solution, called formalin, is used as a preservative, an embalming agent, and a disinfectant. Large amounts of formaldehyde are used in the manufacture of various familiar plastics. Bakelite (the first completely synthetic plastic) is the trademark for formaldehyde and phenol polymer, and Formica is the trademark for formaldehyde and urea polymer. The reaction of formaldehyde with proteins (called amino formylation) leads to its use in the tanning industry and for treating various vegetable proteins to render them fibrous.

Formaldehyde is a HUGE problem with the eyelash extension industry. This ingredient is mainly found in most eyelash extensions adhesives, including some sensitive. Formaldehyde is an agent that is used to preserve dead organisms......imagine that on your eyes! That's like using acrylic or acetone on your eyes instead of yours nails! I stumbled upon a blog from a lash tech who was featured on "Good Morning America." She stated,"“formaldehyde based adhesive.” Let’s clarify – A formaldehyde based adhesive is one that was used in the Red Cross trailers that were donated to hurricane Katrina victims, which ended up making them terribly sick. There is a big difference between that and what we use as eyelash technicians for applications. I think we all know that using formaldehyde “based” adhesive for eyelash extensions would be complete taboo; no adhesive we use on people’s eyes should contain formaldehyde as a base. Precisely what I meant when I responded with “adhesives should not contain formaldehyde.” "
We 100% agree. 
She also stated, "cyanoacrylate based adhesive, which CAN omit a barely undetectable amount of formaldehyde into the atmosphere if combined with certain ingredients, or if the adhesive is not properly purified. Personally I believe Sophy Merszei, Founder of Novalash and chemist and molecular biologist, was being straightforward when she explained that adhesives must be properly purified and bottled correctly in order to prevent formaldehyde from forming. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think she was just trying to sell her adhesive." 

Even though Sophy Merszei had received some criticism, later on, by claiming that adhesives used for eyelash extensions shouldn’t necessarily contain formaldehyde. Is still up for debate. We believe eyelash extension adhesive should be formaldehyde free. 

No Thanks.

Most lash extension adhesives are not medical grade and contain at least a small trace/amount of formaldehyde. From what I've seen in the last 2 years, most local lash boutiques (in Orange County, CA) purchase cheap product, pr product that contains a small amount of Formaldehyde (JB Lashes being on of the vendors) and either re-label, or go through private labeling. When re-labeling, they take off the original label, including the ingredients list. Frustrating, since most techs in orange county don't have a clue of what is in there adhesive. Sad. It's disappointing to have a brand such as JB Lashes, who is so well known and local to the OC, contain such a disgusting ingredient. After speaking to a JB Lash Rep, they had said there is NO formaldehyde in the list, however the product is manufactured in a factory where there is a small trace of formaldehyde.
I decided I would NOT take any chances.

The label is not the original.

If you ask you lash tech which product line they use and they say, "it's our own products", they could be doing private, or re labeling. Ask them about ingredients in the adhesive to verify. If the tech is unsure, or they have purchased from a private label or mystery label, make sure to ask the brand first, before a service.

No Labels. Manufacture in S.K.

 Formaldehyde is a dangerous substance. I believe some clients forget how toxic this ingredient can be, since there are levels of formaldehyde we are surrounded by every day. The toxic substance has been linked to causing cancer and has been the culprit of many irritants and health issues.
Take Brazilian Blowout or Johnson and Johnson "No More Tears" Baby Shampoo. Both phased out or reformulated after high levels of the toxic problem being detected.

Do your body and health a favor, and check for formaldehyde.

Refrences
 http://damage-free.com/real-answers-on-cyanoacrylates-and-the-f-word/
 http://www.novalash.com/
 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde
 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-to-phase-out-potentially-harmful-chemicals-by-2015/
 http://www.womensvoices.org/avoid-toxic-chemicals/cosmetics-salons/hair-straightening-products-containing-formaldehyde/
 http://professional.jblashes.com/

Glitter Lash Extensions

Since the holidays and Halloween are approaching, I've been getting bombarded with demands for color and glitter lashes.

There are many different types of Glitter Lashes, some better than others. And all come with pros and cons, and different shapes, sizes and lengths. But depending on if your tech is able to access good quality product, may also depend if the glitter lashes are good quality.

So, lets start with the worst...

 Glitter Lashes

Yikes.

This is a great example of bad glitter lashes. Most people will argue that these are not "that bad." However I beg to differ. They are noticeably "clumpy" and are obvious, in the wrong ways. Clumpy glitter lashes can happen in 3 ways.
1) there is too much adhesive
2) there is too much glitter
3) the glitter is thicker (not finely cut)
 With this being said, glitter lashes can be problematic. With excess product, the lashes can seem to be heavier, and harder comb through and de-tangle. If the glitter used is a thicker cut, they can also get into the eye, causing irritation and/or discomfort. Because of the clumpy and heaviness, glitter lashes may only last up to 1-2 weeks.

Most lash distributors offer some sort of glitter lashes, and are unfortunately the clumpy version. The only benefit, is that they come in trays, ready to go. But, another problem, is that they can be stuck together, or when peeling a lash off the tray, the glitter comes off of the lash. My biggest pet-peeve is that the glitter is only coated 1/2- 2/3 of the way down. Meaning only 1/2 to 1/3 of the lash will bond, and not look complete to the root and your bond may not last as long.
More cons than pros.


But fear not! There are GOOD glitter lashes, here are 2 examples.
Mica Powder Glitter Lashes

Much better.

 Mica Powder comes in various colors and is finely ground. Meaning you won't have clumpy looking lashes, nor have access product flake into the eyes. Say goodbye to discomfort or clumpy looking lashes. Have a pop of sparkle, that's classy and soft. They are easy to comb through and detangle, and are lighter weight. The coolest thing about mica powder, is that by making them, you can get creative and make two-toned/ ombre effect lashes or multi colored lashes. My only complaint, is that most mica powder lashes must be made, and made ahead of time. With this being said, this can be irritating, especially if a client asks for a few last second. Make sure to have a variety of a few in different lengths.

Mica powder is a fine granulated glitter/pigment, that is easier to coat each lash, evenly, without giving a clump appearance. Mica is a colorant and is found in most eyeshadow, blushes, lip products, or “translucent” powders, etc. And it is safe. Mica powder can also be added to products, such as nail art, to give a different appearance. These powders can last up to two weeks or more.

Lastly, 
Candied Lashes (Glitter Lashes by Nova Lash)

Nova Lash Launch of Candied Lashes

Candied Lashes we're presented by Nova Lash, are hand-dipped, freeze-dried and crystallized lashes can be worn day or night for a delicate sparkle that lasts up to 2 weeks. These lashes are hand-dipped similar to mica powder. These are a more finely granulated glitter, such as mica powder, and are easier to brush through and comb/detangle.

As much as this sounds dandy, they only come in 10 different colors. Most of the colors avilable are requested colors, but these pots are expensiveeeeee. Since they are similar to mica powder, I would rather buy 40 different shades of colors for $40.00, than 6 pots for $100- 150.00! That's a bit absurd, to charge 6 pots of colors for that much money. As much as a I love Nova lash, they are the only brand of there kind to get away with murderous prices such as these.

Now that you've seen the differences,
CLIENTS: 
Make sure to ask your tech what glitter lashes they use
TECHS: 
Invest time and or money in a good quality glitter lashes.

Refrences:
http://www.makeupgeek.com/forums/topic/looking-for-talc-free-mica-free-paraben-free-bismuth-free-powder/
https://www.novalash.com/catalog/productpages/lashes-candied.html