Eyelash Extension Tips! #6-10

(Updated March 2nd, 2021)

Helped to design aftercare, information, tricks, myths, and more. 

But we've decided to share some of our tips, no matter what day of the week it is. 

Enjoy our tips #6-10!

6) Eyelash Extension Sealer (Clear or Black) 
Eyelash extension sealer can be beneficial for someone who wants to have long lasting eyelash extensions.  Eyelash Extension sealer can be applied daily or every other day, making each eyelash extension and bond last longer. By coating them with a clear or black sealant, they help protect each eyelash extensions and bond from humidity, oils, water, debris, and more. This is a great "extra" for clients to use right after a freshly applied full set, since it will help cut down drying time and help with getting rid o any fumes that still linger.
Make sure to double check where the product comes from, and what the ingredients are.



7) Beware of "pre-made"or incorrect volume eyelash extensions
I've had a few clients walk in from competitors, that have these horrendous pieces of lashes on them. Not only can these cause damage, be too heavy in weight, and irritating, but they ALWAYS clump together. Looking like you have a lot of natural lashes, are great! But looking like you have a thick heavy lash,when it's truely 5-6 thin lashes bonded together or pre-made, are not true volume lashes. Volume lashes is an actual technique, NOT a pre-made lash extension. Pre-made extensions always clump, have a previous bond, and are usually to heavy. Imagine putting a cluster lash on one natural lash, it wouldn't be pretty. Make sure to ask technicians how they apply these volume lashes. If they say they are pre-made" than run for the hills. However, if they say it's a manual technique, request to see a few pictures of there work to help give you a visual of what you are looking for in particular. Volume lashes are usually a great way to hide spots that lack natural lashes, and help blend and camouflage the area, or are for clients who do not have a lot of natural lashes in the first place. Save yourself the difficulties, time, money, and more. If you want more information on volume lashes, read more here:

8) Make-Up Removing Tip: on Lash, Lid, and for make up removal
For my clients who are avid make-up junkies, this will be extremely beneficial for you! Eye shadow's and liners are meant for eyelids, not lashes! SO for clients that use high pigmented eye shadow's or eyeliner that flakes off, transfers or has a light dusting that won't come off of lashes, DO NOT FEAR! There is a solution! Try to avoid using Q-tips, since the cottons can snag, but instead use either a make-up sponge (triangle) or a lip gloss tipped wand. You can find either at CVS or most beauty supply stores. These will never snag or leave a residue on lashes. But take a business card or whatever you have on hand that's stiff and that you don't mind getting wet or make-up on. You can place the card over your lashes or under. By placing it above you can have an easier time applying mascara or cleaning. With the card being under neath (the opposite) take a sponge or lip gloss wand and get them damp or moist with a bit with water or water/soap, or make up remover (make sure to use oil free!). Slowly brush down and wipe off the residue off the lashes! Its that easy. You can also use the trick to put mascara on, to make sure you never get it on your skin, and more.

9) Problem with fumes? Have good circulation
Feeling a little "wiped out" after getting your lashes done? Burning, like chopping an onion feeling, or if your sinuses are feeling like you've been breathing a strong fume, the culprit may be the adhesive. It's not usual, but each technician should be able to help accommodate the issue. Don't suck it up or lay there uncomfortable. Ask your technician if they can have better circulation, like a fan to be set up - at least on a low or minimum setting, that way the fan will not jeopardize there work, but the small amount of a consistent breeze will help keep the fumes away from each client and help with drying time. If client's experience a fume or burning, it may not be the fan, ask your technician to check the tape, or if the eye pad is too much of a barrier, or check to see if your eyes are closed the entire way. These can be a few culprits, but will be better in the long run, especially for full set and fills.

10) Stay away from Oil based, waterproof or fiber mascara's. 
We can't preach enough about staying away from OIL anything. This also includes a few mascaras. Luckily, most mascaras are mainly clay and or water based. And these are OK. Especially for clients who want to apply mascara on the bottom lashes or for a more dramatic appearance, or all over in-between lash fills. Most clients who get eyelash extensions, don't care to have mascara, since the eyelash extensions and bonds are already "black", curled, cured, thicker, longer, etc. But each woman want's to achieve something different. So for our clients, or avid make-up mascara wearers, there is hope. But let us explain.
Since most eyelash extension adhesive is oil based, we suggest to stay away from any oils. Oil mixed with Oil will MIX, meaning our adhesive used with oil based products will combine and loosen the bonds, meaning you'll lose lash extensions and bonds faster than normal. Because of this, check the ingredients and make sure you're mascara is water based, and contains no oils or mineral oils. Another mascara to stay away from would be waterproof, because it's a pain to get off and contains oils, and fiber mascaras. Fiber mascara's are almost 1000000000x worse than waterproof and oils. Because your applying a layer of fibers that are hard, and coating mascara on top. With 1 or more layers in between, it'll be a disaster attempting to get this stuff off. Not only does the mascara contain oils, but whats the point of eyelash extensions if your applying more crap on top? If your looking for more length, curl, height, or fullness, ask your technician to change the length, curl, width, etc. This may help achieve the look you want, without the extra make-up.

Celebrities with Eyelash Extensions

I honestly don't like to report on celebrities, because they get enough attention as it is. However, most of my clients that come in will ask for particular eyelash patterns, shapes, or lengths, based on whatever celebrity's lashes they've seen. Depending on what each client wants, compared to the reality of their natural lash health, some lashes might not be for everyone. However, when clients have an idea of what they would like, based off of a picture or whatever celeb has whatever on, this can be easier for techs during lash consults.

For some celebs, and even clients, most women are "shy" about spilling some beauty secrets. I honestly think it's pretty silly, considering that it's not a big deal, and most beauty secrets will get spilled by there technicians, stylists, or artists.

So who has eyelash extensions?
 

Kim Kardashian

She was probably one of the first celebs that started getting eyelash extensions, and everyone wanted to know her secret for awesome lashes. She stood out more, considering that she attached lash extensions to her bottom lashes for a dramatic appearance. I personally think only a small percentage can get away with having lashes on the "bottom", based on the brow shape, eye shape, eye size, lash length and patter. I still to this day get constantly asked, "I want Kim K lashes, is that possible?" Even if Kim isn't the best role model, I'll give the girl credit with her lashes. They are amazing, and she's got the look for them. She uses mink, but not sure who the exact technician is, however I have found the eyelash extension confession here:
"Celebrity eyelash expert Alicia Hunter, whose client list includes Dina Lohan, Lindsay Lohan’s mother, reveals for the publication that Kim is using eyelash extensions made of mink" 
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Kim-Kardashian-Has-Permanent-Mink-Eyelash-Extensions-292598.shtml 
The only brand I know that she rocks is Lash X Mink Eyelash Extensions.
http://www.destefinosouthside.com/tag/eyelash-extensions/ 

 Kylie Jenner (Kim's sister)
Go figure that "family apples, don't fall far from the tree." Sister of Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner also is a fan of the fabulous eyelash extensions. She posted this photo in the winter of 2014, showing off her awesome eyelashes. I have tried to find the research of who does them, but I will give them a standing ovation. To be honest, Kylie has beauty natural eyelashes, from what it looks like. If you see her bottom lashes, they are just light covered with mascara. With that being said, her lashes seem to curl and have length, so I would have assumed that lash extensions wouldn't be something she'd care to have. But with the extensions, they make them fuller, longer, noticeable, and rides the fine line of guessing if they are "natural" or not. She flaunted her lashes, and still I am unsure of her technician, but like her sister Kim, they look fabulous. See for yourself here: http://instagram.com/p/wPC48ZnGgU/?modal=true

Julianne Moore
Yup, go figure that all celebs opt our for eyelash extensions. Who wants a red carpet look, that will be natural looking, perfect, and lash longer than just a day? Well, apparently Julianne Moore is also a huge fan of  eyelash extensions. I tried researching where she may get her eyelash extensions, but came up empty handed. It's obvious that they are eyelash extensions, considering the natural lash pattern, the way the lashes are directed and spaced, and her finished look. She looks amazing, and I am so glad she didn't use strips. Strip lashes are a quick fix, but sometimes can appear to have a demarcation line, or can bunch together if you cry, the adhesive can come undone, etc. Not to mention that strips are too "uniform" looking, with eyelash extensions, you get a natural but fuller, longer, and darker appearance. Every. Single. Time. :)

Eva Longoria
With fabulous and exotically beautiful women, such as Eva, go figure that she'd have an amazing eyelash extensions too.  one of the original star's of "Housewives" I also imagined Eva not having the "need" for false lashes, nor eyelash extensions. However, it appears that no matter how beautiful or exotic, every woman needs the extra little "something" to bring everything together. I am not saying that Eva looks awful with natural beauty, but what I am saying is that when you compare her photo before and after, there is obviously a huge difference. She seems to be an amazing woman both on and off the camera, and with or without natural beauty. And unfortunately, like other celebs, it's next to impossible to see who does her eyelashes, but it's already enough validation with these photos.

Katy Perry
One of my personal favorite celebs, Katy Perry, is also a huge fan of lashes. Katy, who also owns her own personal line of false (strip and party) lashes, sold at major beauty boutiques and even at places like Walgreen's, Rite Aid, and CVS (Sav-On), still utilizes eyelash extensions as well. As a talented music, beauty, and "girl power" icon, Katy can put on one hell of a show, whether its music or when she's polished for the red carpet. I tried doing research where she gets her lashes done, but came up empty handed. I was a bit on the fence, since she uses her own lash line a majority of the time, but some pictures of her lashes, are not "uniform" or appear to be falsies. Nor does she have the demarcation line when she shuts her eyes. If you haven't seen her documentary on her life, I would highly recommend seeing it. Her make-up artist Todd Delano is incredibly talented, and I assumed maybe he was an eyelash extension technician. He might be, but I doubt it. But even though I'll never know who does Katy's eyelash extensions, they'll be a mystery of "amazing-ness."

With Lash Extensions

Kate Middleton  

What? The duchess gets eyelashes? Well, after checking out some of her before and afters, just mascara, or falsies, I came across some photos that appear to be eyelash extensions. No demarcation line, adhesive line, the lashes aren't uniform, but the lashes are longer, thicker, fuller, than just using mascara.  But with research, I came across where she gets her lashes done! Ha-le-lu-yah. "Flutter Eyelash Extensions" in the UK, is apparently the lucky culprit to have the honor doing Kate's lashes. With so much time traveling, events, and more, Kate doesn't have time to deal with make-up touch ups, or dealing with non-curled lashes. Especially for touching or tear jerking events, she can cry, and still look beautiful without having to deal with running make-up, mascaras, false lashes, etc.
Read the article under "eyelashes" here:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2125187/Help-Im-turning-Kate-Middleton-LIZ-JONES-falls-victim-Duchess-Cambridge-effect.html

With Eyelash Extensions

Taylor Swift
Even the princess of Country and Pop Music gets eyelash extensions!? Yes, its true! Similar to Kim K, she also used or uses a brand called, "Lash X Mink Eyelash Extensions. "
The only brand I know that she rocks is Lash X Mink Eyelash Extensions.
http://www.destefinosouthside.com/tag/eyelash-extensions/ 
T-Swift appears to wear a lot of falsies, but has since than switched to eyelash extensions. With her main insecurity of having smaller eyes and blonde lashes, mascara ain't cutting it anymore. According to http://enticelashes.com/salt-lake-city-eyelash-lash-extension-blog-information-research/2013/3/6/taylor-swift-lash-extension-photos, "Taylor just had her Cover Girl mascara add banned, because as it turns out mascara doesn't cut it anymore, "I have blonde eyelashes and blonde eyebrows, so my typical insecurity is that my eyes go away when I don't have makeup on." Like any "Cover Girl" Commercial is real without the help of falsies or other types of enhancements. Hah! All we know is, Taylor swift looks amazing with lashes than mascara or falsies.

I am sure more than these celeb's have eyelash extensions. Rumors has it that Beyonce, Jennifer Aniston, and Megan Fox have either used or still use the help of eyelash extensions. But until celebs have more close-ups, spill the beans on their beauty secrets, friends, family, or personal stylists, technicians or assistants fess up, we'll be waiting.

Other Sources of Eyelash Extensions:

 http://www.destefinosouthside.com/tag/eyelash-extensions/
http://www.divinelashesbrisbane.com/celebrities-who-look-different-without-eyelash-extensions/

Attention Eyelash Extension Technicians: "Paying your due's"

I know what both business, commission, and rental positions consist of, and what responsibilities come with each. So if you are a technician that wants to build a career in eyelash extensions, if your a NEW technician wanting to know which direction to take, if you are a eyelash extension technician that is doing this on the side, or as a "back burner" job, please read. 

When I started cosmetology school I thought I was going to have a career as a hairstylist. I was excited to learn, and acted like a sponge ready to soak in any and all information about beauty services, products, and more.

After completing my educating and after receiving my license, both cosmetologists and estheticians like me that are "new" and fresh out of school have a rude awakening, that comes with the territory of being "new."

Rome was not built in a day.

And neither will your clientele. 

I call this  "paying your due's."

As I write this, I am a bit disturbed by the new generation of stylists, technicians, and especially eyelash extension technicians that are or are not licensed. If I could describe the new generation today, the word I would use is entitlement. 


"A common criticism that many employers have about young people entering the workplace is that 20-somethings want all the trappings of a successful career but aren’t willing to put in the work needed to earn them. Young people just don’t want to pay their dues anymore." -http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/08/31/the-importance-of-paying-your-dues/

I don't think it's just young people, I think this applies to new or beginner technicians and stylists, no matter what age.
No, it's not Bull$%&#. 
If you act, there will be a reaction. If you do nothing, nothing will happen. 
Some people's expectations are to have everything come to them, is not only greedy, but it reminds me of someone believing in a "get rich quick" type of scheme. 

We are recently dealing with a high volume of eyelash extension technicians who are licensed that expect more from being a commission tech, even if I am handing them everything on a silver platter.
From access to your clientele records, your own room that you do not have to share, we pay for all of the lash tools, lash products, laundry, client beverages, legality, insurance, wifi, education, training, media, website, competitive pricing (which in our area, we are the most expensive) and more.

To make things fair, we explain that depending on your skills, schedule, situation, and when you first start a probationary percentage could be in affect for a 30 day period, etc.
 Also know that if you are schedule, as an example, Tuesday through Saturday,10:00am to 6:00pm, please be aware that when you are commission we expect that businesses expect that you will be at the time and place your agreed to. Just because you don't have 1 client the entire day, is not my problem. And that does not mean that the technician or stylist doesn't have to show up, or leave early, or show up late. Because if there is another commission stylist there, and walk- in's or if someone calls for an appointment, that client will go to those technicians or stylists who are available and not absent. Some businesses don't allow you to choose the work times, some will have them scheduled for you.

If you want the clientele, you have to show up. If you can't put in the effort, you won't get the clients.

But like any NEW technician licensed or not, building your clientele means we will do EVERYTHING possible to market you and your business and our business. But we also EXPECT that YOU are also SELLING your business (yourself) as well. 

This comes with the Territory. 

Wanting MORE than commission would be rental. But that means you have to have the clientele to support your renal position. Don't get the two confused. There is NO such thing as being commission with rental benefits, or vise-versa. It's one or the other.

When I started, I knew what I was getting myself into. My neighbor, who has been my hairdresser since I was a child, had told me the "pros" and rewards of her career, but had also told me the "cons." One of them being that when you first begin, you may need to assist, or be at a high volume commission salon (places like Fantastic Sam's, Sports Clips, etc.) But she had warned me, that in beginning, building your clientele will be difficult, and sometimes challenging. She had told me there may be days that I have a lot of clients, and the following day I may have none, and sit there for 8 hours not getting paid. It comes with the territory of our career and being new and commission. 

Asking someone or a place of business that you believe you deserve more, means you think very "highly of yourself." Which is a wonderful thing!, and we believe you deserve more as well. We are able to offer more, but when hiring a new candidate, that's like donating or contributing to a unknown business. For all we know, that mystery business could be a meth lab or a charity to help fight cancer, but without the homework, how would we know?
So as a business, we don't know what we're walking into when hiring someone new, so what we ask is " Show Us." (Prove it! ;) ) 

I have worked for salons, spas, and lash boutiques popular in Orange County, California. With this being said, some of these "business owners" have little or no previous knowledge or licensing with the beauty industry. Meaning, some are not licensed estheticians, cosmetologists,etc. Which translates into my brain screaming, "They should not run a beauty business." Sad, but true. Some of these businesses have no idea what "state board" cleanliness is really about, some of them do not follow state board regulations, some of them will not allow you to have access to clientele records (so if you are commission, how are you suppose to build your clientele?), not all the staff holds proper training, licensing, or education, and I'd write the rest of the dirty laundry list some of these shady places do, but it could take a week. Some business owners and technicians, both licensed or not, that have not had a lot of experience in salons, spas, or beauty boutiques can get commission or rental confused and customer service confused. I find this to be the main reason for the deteriorating service in eyelash extensions, services, and customer service in general.... SO to straighten out some things for technicians or future technicians, I have filed commission vs rental, down to basic benefits pro's/cons....

Commission vs. Rental Basics

Commission stylists are usually people who are new and have not fully built there clientele. The salon, spa, or boutique will usually take a commission rate depending on the location, prices, skill, or situation,  by splitting commission rates, these being the most popular, 50,50, 45/55, 40/60,etc. if Salons are taking 40%, it's due to the fact that 60% may be for the stylist or tech to purchase products that they are not sure or capable of doing. This is also a main reason for specialty services. The salon, spa, or boutique should be responsible for 1) giving you a station or place to work at (may be subjected to share the space with multiple people, which can interfere with appointments), 2) give you access to all needed to or products needed for services, 3) marketing and business information (promotions, website, media, business cards, etc., 4) help you set up pricing/competitive pricing, 5) access to all clientele records, since it's the technicians and the businesses clientele, 6)Because they are trying to build a clientele, new clients will be refereed to new technicians (unless referrals) , and more. 

Rental is usually a stylist or technician who has built there clientele, that rents a space, station, or place to work.Since they have built there clientele, there is no urgency to keep adding to there already flourished clientele. They handle all of your own clientele,and keep there own records as well.. They are responsible for paying for ALL of there own products, tools, and etc. They have access to other community products, wifi, backbar, towel service, website, promotions, marketing, etc. since that should come with rent. And more.

Which has technicians and others asking, how do I keep my clientele....

CUSTOMER SERVICE.

The courtesy and standards for customer service has been getting dismantled lately. Which is AWFUL. The poor performance, as far as eyelash extension technicians, needs to stop and change!

As a previous commission hair stylist, hair assistant, hair receptionist, sales associate, eyelash extension technician and a a rental eyelash extension technician, no matter what, technicians, stylists, etc, should be building a relationship. Make sure you customer service is on point!  Give proper consultations, keep track with your clients, etc. This is what will keep them coming back. Write your formulations down each time they come in, or notes, problems, or even notes if they we're going on vacation,etc.

To me, this is a very personal service. Don't just throw on lashes that you think would be best.
You don't see hair stylists throwing on red hair color on a blonde, just because they think it would look better. Talk to your clients, have consultation cards, forms, info sheets, etc. Build your relationship, like a hairstylist would do with you, like a massage therapist, doctor, nurse, dentist, etc.
Improve your customer service!