Eyelash Extension Tips! #11-15

The #UrbanLashSpaTDayTips are eyelash extensions related tips, presented each week, either on Tuesdays or Thursdays! 

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 #11-15!

11) How to remove excess make-up (eyeshadow) on eyelash extensions. 

My Favorite fan brush from Make-Up Forever

With or without eyelash extensions, everyone has had this problem at least once. Similar, but extended version of tip #6.
You're getting ready for a night out with friends, and you've had enough time to touch-up your make up.
You decide to use an eyeshadow that has a shine, hue, or pigment to add an extra touch for the occasion.
But than, a problem arises.
While applying your beautiful eyeshadow you have put on your lids, the extra powder (or excess) has fallen off the brush in the application and onto the lashes.
To anyone reading this, they may say, "jeez, dramatic aren't we?"
Sure.
But sometimes your high pigmented white, silver, or lighter color eyed shadows can than end up on the lashes, making the "look" not as appeasing. The excess of the application can than get onto the lashes on the back, making it difficult to remove without smudging the eyelids, eyeshadow, and lashes.

 So what do I recommended?
Not to worry.
Get a fan brush, and brush away the excess. For stubborn pigment shadows, get the brush mildly damp, and hold a sponge, cotton, or tissue on the bottom of the lashes while swiping or brushing downwards, away from the lids. It will help clean off any excess eyeshadow pigments and help the lashes darken up.

You can also add a layer of water based mascara on top just for safe measure.
Our favorite fan brush is from make-up-forever, you can find at sephora or here:
http://www.sephora.com/120-medium-powder-fan-brush-P382428?skuId=1536135.
In no time you can go from a problem, to a solution.


12) Upgrade from Q-Tips for cleaning your lashes, and get Microfiber Wands.
Cleaning eyelash extensions properly should be a huge priority for our lash clients! Avoid any protein, mineral, oil buildups, dirt, etc. And by keeping your lashes clean and happy!
Which makes us happy!
Which can also leave your eyes happy! (and no chance of building, infections, etc.)

But finding ways or things to clean them with can be a pain. 

Everyone I know has a stash of Q-Tips at home. And it's the holy grail of cleaning ears and for women cleaning there eyelash extensions. Even though Q-Tips are the most easily accessible or common, there are some drawbacks. Because Q-Tips cotton heads are not "solid", when cleaning eyelash extensions, the cotton can/could possibly get snagged onto the lashes. And depending on how one is cleaning there eyelashes, it may be a nightmare trying to get the cotton off without taking a lash off. So I have ruled out q-tips, cotton pads or cotton balls for this reason.  Even though I have offered mirco fiber, which is actually a common "dental tool," the brushes are to small to clean all or if any gel eyeliner or mascara. Not being able to clean the eyelash with a wash cloth or loofah is also ruled out. The materials can get eyelash extensions caught, snagged, yanked, pulled, and plucked. And depending on how vigorous one washes there eyes and lashes, it could be disastrous.

So what do I recommended?

Micro Fiber Wands (Lip gloss wands) or
Make-Up Sponges!  
Both are easily accessible and cheap $3.00 or less from Sally's Beauty Supply (Link: http://www.sallybeauty.com/cosmetic-wedge/SBS-168080,default,pd.html#start=9.)
Because the material can suds easily, you'll get a great clean without any snagging, yanking, uncomfortable, or problems that cloths, loofahs, cotton and Q-Tips have. And because they are disposable, throw them away for an easy clean up and are great for traveling. Since the sponges are soft and flexible, you'll be able to clean easily and comfortably. With the wands, you'll be able to clean the lashes and get into all the "nooks and cranny's." Either way, you've upgraded.

Note to Eyelash Extension Technicians: This is a huge bonus to give 1 of each for clients in there aftercare kits! And since it's fairly cheap, it shouldn't break the bank :).


13) Beware of Excessive Sweating, Swimming, Steam, Etc. 

There is natural where and tear. And unfortunately, this is just the nature of the beast. But I tell every client, that the more you sweat excessively (my gym-aholics) and the more you're in the water (showering, swimming in the pool, at the beach, etc) and/or the more you are surrounded by steam (from jacuzzis, spas, saunas, etc) that the lash life may not last long. The more frequently any of those are done, the lashes may not last nearly as long either. Depending on what clients have, such as a classic set or volume too, may also something clients and techs should discuss for maintenance and upkeep if they are doing of the above. 

So what do I recommended?
I'd always recommend any client to cut down if possible. But that's not feasible for some clients if any of the above reasons are part of there daily routine or career/job. With that being said there are a few things I can reccomend.


Sweating: Try to wear a sweat band (head band) Have it closer to the brows, that way it helps absorb any sweat or oils, that way they never reach the lashes. You can also apply a small amount of baby powder under the eyes and a few on the lashes, just to help absorb any oils to stay away. Make sure to be careful not to get any of the powder in the eyes. It's also a great idea to carry a small towel to wipe away any sweat on the face if you feel that your oils may jeopardize the lashes. Nike and other brands can sometimes make these headbands. Visit your local sporting goods store, or browse on the web.

Pool, Swimming, etc.: Anytime that I have a clients who are swimmers, surfers, etc. The best thing to protect your lashes from are goggles. I've contemplated a lot of solutions, but this is the easier and best one. Just make sure to find goggles that fits your eye shade and make sure that your lashes dont touch the lenses. You can find wider goggles (with snorkeling gear) at your local sporting goods store like Big 5, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Sports Authority. If you live in southern california or florida, especially during the summer, you may be able to find a cheap pair at your local CVS, target, etc. in the seasonal sections. If you live in hawaii, it'll be easier to find year-round.

Steam, Sauna's, Spas, Jacuzzis, etc.: Unfortunately, this is one was tricky trying to find a solution. And similar to swimming, only goggles may work. The big problem is that goggles tend to steam up as well. I'd recommend to set the temperature down, and keep your face away from the steam. Other than that, this is one problem that doesn't have much of a solution.


14) Make sure to book any Lash Tinting before Eyelash Extensions. 
There's nothing worse than not getting into a lash appointment at a specific day and time that one wishes. It's even worse when you have to book 2 separate appointments, and one before the other. This tip is pretty self explanatory, but some clients (once in a blue moons) will think it's ok, generally to tint after they have an extension appointment. wrong wrong wrong.

 So what do I recommended?
There's a reason for the madness. The reason why we recommend that clients get there lashes tinted before there extension appointment is pretty simple. Similar to oils, they are a mixture of oils and ammonia, to help deposit color/pigment into the cuticle. Meaning, they can break down the bonds of the extensions, and not all of the natural lash will get tinted, if adhesive/bonds that are coating the natural lashes will be in the way.
Don't waste time and money. Just follow the instructed way, and your tech and yourself will be happy.

NOTE: If you are a client with lighter hair, look into lash tinting. It will help darken the natural lashes.


15) Make sure to book any Eyelash Extension after a Spray Tan. 
 Similar to reason number 14, this reason also stands true. Again, there's a reason why technicians recommend certain things to clients. If we didn't we would tell or care about them as much as we do.
With spray tanning, this can be tricky. Depending if you want you face spray tanned, and depending on what the spray tan technician carries as a tanning brand, and whatnot, clients could be rolling the dice on there lashes.

So what do I recommended? 
Ask your technician what formula of spray tanning do they use? Sjolie, Kahuna Bay, Million Dollar Tan, and other brands are some variations. Some clients who do tanning are OK to do it with eyelash extensions, as long as you are not tanning the face. If you are tanning the face, that's a different story.
Talk to your spray tanning technician, and ask about the ingredients used in the formula they are going to spray you with. If the formula contains a lot of oils, I would re frame from using the product on the face. Most brands are organic, which are either a alcohol or aloe vera based. Regardless, most of the alcohol based sprays have less oils, than the aloe vera.
If there are lots of mineral oils, essential oils, or in general "oils", I'd avoid spraying the face.
Either
1) Avoid Spraying the Face. Have your technician feather out the spray tan on the neck to the face, so it can blend better with the body.
2)  Make-up. I'd than recommend using either a bronzer over the face or getting a new darker shade foundation to match your new tan. I normally like the two-faced bronzers, or the versatile "golden refined" by Mac cosmetics.
 3) Self Tanner for the face. If you realllly want a tan face, you can always do a at-home self tanner but just for the face and avoid the eyes and the lashes.  My favorite is Faux Tan by Bare Minerals, it can easily lift your skin a shade or two darker naturally. Lasts for about a week and a half to two weeks, and with each coat you can adjust the color you desire.