Why you SHOULDN'T play or touch your eyelash extensions

Ever wonder why your eyelash artist or technician tells you NOT to touch your eyelash extensions?

Believe it or not, there is a reason for the madness.

First of all, Eyelash extension adhesives are predominantly made with "oil based" ingredients. When someone starts to play with there lashes, not only do the oils from your hands can loosen the bonds, making them last less or come off faster, but by tampering with your lashes, you can make extensions fall out faster. Playing with your lashes in the first place is a no no! Jeopardizing that you may pull, yank, twist, snag, or pluck lashes or extensions off, can lead to messing up your lash cycle, damaging your lashes and/or cycle, and/or damage of premature lash balding/shedding. Even though lash extensions can feel like left over mascara, and may feel addictive to pick at, try your best to re frame! You'll thank us later, and you're tech will thank you! :)

The next reason not to play with your lashes,
is conjunctivitis. In other words, Pink eye.
People who play with there lashes usually are doing it out of habit or "subconsciously." But when most people are "on-the-go", no one ever stops to think about, "How clean was the gas pump I just touched before touching my lashes?" or "How clean was the money I handed the gas station clerk, before touching my lashes?" or other things of that nature.
Chances are, unless your a germ-a-phoebe (which I am), you are not always thinking about it how clean your surroundings are. Because of this reason, this is how a lot of people who have eyelash extensions get eye infections or problems.
Example:
Say you stopped to get gas, and now your touching your lashes.
Chances are you touched the machine (to swipe your card), pressed buttons (for pin, zip code, or picked the gas # you wanted), or you've touched the pump with the gas lever.

Who knows who's touched that machine, lever, pump, etc.
But if someone went to the bathroom and hadn't washed there hands, someone who had an itch "downstairs", or other reasons similar to these, and they DID touch those items before you......
And now your touching your lashes. Not only is that somewhat gross, but that's the gateway to pinkeye.
Even if someone went to the bathroom and forgot to wash there hands, and started to play with there lashes.....it's that easy to get.

Another reason not to play with your lashes, is since they are falling out faster, time is money. And money to get your lashes done, and finding the extra time to do it, because you played with them......isn't fun. Try to be conscience when it comes to your budget, especially if you are tight on your finances, or be conscience to your technicians time if shes busy/slammed.


A forth reason to resist the urge, is that your could also get bacteria infections. Like pink eye, other diseases like bacteria infections, eye infections, eye allergies or allergies, or other medical issues, can prevent you from getting eyelash extensions (full sets or fills). Not only can some of these medical issues be contagious, but can also set you back for re-couping, if you are to catch something....again, all because you decided to play with your lashes.

The last reason, is simply because you can irritate the eyes. Irritating the eyes more often, can make them inflamed, make you want to touch/rub/etc. and can make the eyes sensitive, water or tear. With more tearing, irritation etc. These can make the lashes come off faster, and can make the whole experience until a lash correction, not a fun experience. With a small irritation, can be the gateway to the above reasons medically to start.



With all of this being said, most of the time a lot of eye problems, medical issues, etc, are due on the client or customers own time. Depending on what technician you see, how experienced, clean, or particular they are with cleanliness, or if they follow state board (or if they are licensed) can also be a reason on the technicians behalf. Here at Urban Lash Spa, with all technicians being current licensed estheticians and cosmetologists, certified and certified/trained trough Urban Lash Academy, and following state board guidelines, we have never had to worry over situations regarding our shop or staff. Not only do we sanitize all of our tools, but we also sterilize.
Ask you technician or the spa/salon/boutique that currently see's you for lashes, and ask them how they clean they're tools.

For clients, if you can't stop playing with your lashes, at least carry a bar of soap to wash your hands, hand sanitizer and some wet ones.

Have questions? Ask us and comment below, and we will answer them shortly!

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!

Eyelash Extensions "Medical Grade" Supplies: Opinion

I've heard every sales pitch known to man when it comes to eyelash extensions.
Some of my favorites include,

"Learn how to do eyelash extensions from the best! The educator has her masters in teaching and psychology!"
What does teaching or psychology have to do with cosmetology, beauty, or eyelash extensions?

"We offer eyelash extensions by time or by the amount of lashes to best accommodate each client."
This is actually a tactic that eyelash extension boutique in states that are NOT regulated use. If a boutique has a mixture of licensed technicians and licensed technicians, they're are certain regulations up to state board standards that each can accept services. If the technician is licensed, they can sell the service. If the technician is not licensed, they can sell the amount of lashes (not the service.) And that's how they get away with it.

or my topic of debating today,

"We offer medical grade adhesives (supplies)."

What are medical grade eyelash extensions adhesives? And how would a client or eyelash extension technician know what makes each adhesive "Medical Grade?"

Most boutiques and eyelash extension academy's will advertise that they use high quality medical grade adhesives, but what makes them medical grade?

The term "Medical Grade", is unfortunately used as a sales pitch than what it actually means. Medical Grade truly means "Medical Standards."
If the adhesives follow or abide by "Medical Standards," than the adhesives or products are most likely approved by a medical suppliers, physicians, doctors, or medical staff. With this being said, unless a eyelash extension technician or boutique is able to provide proof of who approved there product, than the advertisement of "Medical Grade," is pretty much BOLOGNA.

The FDA has been dealing with a high volume of eyelash extensions products, since this service has begun to increase in popularity. With this being said, unfortunately because the FDA is slow (surprise!), there is no regulation on eyelash extension products, including adhesives, ingredients, or where lash extension products are sold or come from. (Even places such as China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, etc.) Which is terrifying, considering that most of the countries that supply these products never label what ingredients are in the adhesives, or not knowing where these products came from or what they contain.

From the FDA,

 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048943.htm

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)regulates all cosmetics marketed in the United States, including mascara, eye shadows, eye liner, concealers, and eyebrow pencils.
Safety experts within the Office of Cosmetics and Colors in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) offer consumers the following advice:
Keep everything clean. Dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow in some cosmetic products, as well as their containers. Cleanliness can help prevent eye infections.
Always wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics, and be sure that any instrument you place near your eyes is clean. Be especially careful not to contaminate cosmetics by introducing microorganisms. For example, don't lay an eyelash wand on a countertop where it can pick up bacteria. Keep containers clean, since these may also be a source of contamination.
Don't moisten cosmetic products. Don't add saliva or water to moisten eye cosmetics. Doing so can introduce bacteria. Problems can arise if you overpower a product's preservative capability.
Don't share or swap. People can be harmed by others' germs when they share eye makeup. Keep this in mind when you come across "testers" at retail stores. If you do sample cosmetics at a store, be sure to use single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs.
Don't apply or remove eye makeup in a moving vehicle. Any bump or sudden stop can cause injury to your eye with a mascara wand or other applicator.
Check ingredients, including color additives. As with any cosmetic product sold to consumers, eye cosmetics are required to have an ingredient declaration on the label. If they don't, they are considered misbranded and illegal.
In the United States, the use of color additives is strictly regulated. Some color additives approved for cosmetic use in general are not approved for areas near the eyes.
If the product is properly labeled, you can check to see whether the color additives declared on the label are in FDA's List of Color Additives Approved for Use in Cosmetics. (Under "For More Information" below, see "Color Additives Approved for Use in Cosmetics.")
Use only cosmetics intended for the eyes on the eyes. Don't use a lip liner as an eye liner, for example. You may expose eyes either to contamination from your mouth or to color additives that are not approved for use near the eyes.
Say "no" to kohl! Also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, kohl is used in some parts of the world for enhancing the appearance of the eyes. But kohl is unapproved for cosmetic use in the United States.
Kohl contains salts of heavy metals such as antimony and lead. Reports have linked the use of kohl to lead poisoning in children.
Some eye cosmetics may be labeled with the word "kohl" only to indicate the shade, not because they contain true kohl.
A product's "ingredient statement" should not list kohl—this is not an FDA-approved color additive. Check the ingredient statement to make sure that kohl is not present.
Don't dye eyelashes and eyebrows. No color additives are approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries.
Use care with false eyelashes or extensions. False eyelashes and extensions, as well as their adhesives, must meet the safety and labeling requirements for cosmetics. Since the eyelids are delicate, an allergic reaction, irritation, or injury in the eye area can occur. Check the ingredients to make sure you are not allergic to the adhesives.
Don't use eye cosmetics that cause irritation. Stop using a product immediately if irritation occurs. See a doctor if irritation persists.
Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection. Also, don't use eye cosmetics if the skin around the eye is inflamed.
Don't use old eye cosmetics. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. Discard dried-up mascara.
Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85° F. Preservatives that keep bacteria or fungi from growing can lose their effectiveness, for example, in cosmetics kept for long periods in hot cars.

The FDA's definition of "Hypoallergenic is even more hilarious."  Because the true meaning, really is no standards at all. 

The FDA also allows the popular Whiskey, "Fireball" to be sold in the USA. Even though places in countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and others have recalled the popular spirit, considering there is too much of the chemical propylene glycol, the same ingredient in Anti-Freeze. 

You can find the article here:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/28/frathouse-favorite-fireball-whiskey-recalled-in-europe.html

If American's are ok with these harsh ingredients, or the FDA's poor regulation of ingredients or products, than imagine the regulation on eyelash extension supplies.

                                      Scared yet? We are.

Look at all of the "horror stories" of irritation and/or allergic reaction from eyelash extensions. Now there are multiple things that could have triggered this, like mink lashes, latex tape, eyepads adhesive, fumes, not sanitizing tools, etc. But this also goes under regulation for each state to regulate this service, and the FDA to regulate products.

My suggestion?
Find a eyelash technician that can give your a list of the ingredients in the adhesives, and find a technician who only uses product MADE and MANUFACTURED in the USA or UK. Make sure that where the products are manufactured have no ingredients that could have small traces of harsh ingredients. The UK also has very strict laws in what is allowed to be in there products. If an eyelash technician only carries a product that is "manufactured specifically for them or the boutique" but cannot supply you with the ingredient information, DO NOT proceed. Private labeling is a lie half of the time. Private labeling can mean they get products from a vendor made for there company, however that should still include ingredients. If do not, that means they are most likely buying product from god knows where, and ripping off the label, and replacing it with there logo and label instead. Most of the time, the boutiques or techs that do this are usually not licensed. See my articles on, http://urbanlashspa.blogspot.com/2014/10/eyelash-extensions-products-made-in.html.
http://urbanlashspa.blogspot.com/2014/08/eyelash-extension-licensing.html.
http://urbanlashspa.blogspot.com/2014/06/great-work-aint-cheap-cheap-work-aint.html

Have any other questions? 

leave me a comment.

Eyelash Extension Medical Exemptions (#1-6)

 Depending on where eyelash extensions technicians receive there education, unless they are licensed estheticians or cosmetologists (or specialty licenses in Texas), most techs are oblivious to medical needs or diagnosis that may tamper or exempt clients from eyelash extensions. It's scary that certain states have not regulated eyelash extensions in ALMOST ALL STATES, except Texas. With this being said, most techs are not licensed estheticians or cosmetologists that have no experience, education, or knowledge of diseases, sanitation, safety, medical problems/issues, medical needs, etc.
If you aren't sure, please check my original article http://urbanlashspa.blogspot.com/2014/08/eyelash-extension-licensing.html

Obviously we're only human, and as we are human, we can still be exposed to diseases, illnesses, viruses, and more. With this being said, I don't think it takes to much common sense to tell your clients who have a bad cold or flu to NOT show up to there appointment. But what about other diseases?
So I've decided this week to make a "Basic" medical list of who is exempted from getting lash extensions, and who is not, but needs a little more care or assistance with a medical issue.

SO first:
The Exemption List:
This list exempts all clients or perspective clients from receiving eyelash extensions until all candidates are no longer suffering from illness, disease, treatments, etc.

(Current) Cancer, Chemotherapy &/Or Radiation Patients: 
If you haven't read my previous article on this subject, I recommend all clients, techs, and people viewing this blog to read. You can find it here, http://urbanlashspa.blogspot.com/2014/08/can-cancer-patients-get-eyelash.html. But to touch base, any clients who are in REMISSION are OK, but those who are CURRENT are NOT. Clients currently going through chemotherapy or radiation treatments due to cancer or other illnesses. Because of the disease or treatments, if clients are poked, cut, or scratched and draw blood, clients could experience problems healing or expose treatments to both other clients and the technician. These could also be a problem, considering that lashes  Because these clients usually experience hair loss, lashes can be  a waste of money, and could jeopardize the natural state of natural lashes. These patients usually have little to NO immune system. Because of this reason, why risk it? Getting lashes can be great, but if clients had and allergic reaction, how do they stand a chance battling an allergic reaction if they have no immune system? I wouldn't.

What is Cancer?
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.
Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start - for example, cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in melanocytes of the skin is called melanoma.
Cancer types can be grouped into broader categories. The main categories of cancer include:

• Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. There are a number of subtypes of carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma.
• Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
• Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
• Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
• Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer

What is Chemotherapy?
 Chemotherapy is often refereed to as "Chemo", is a treatment of disease by the use of chemical substances, especially the treatment of cancer by cytotoxic and other drugs.

What is Radiation Therapy? 
 Radiation is a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy most often gets its power from X-rays, but the power can also come from protons or other types of energy.

Bulla:
Bulla is pretty much a blister at least 5mm, with thin walls filled with fluid (pus). With this being said, if clients had blisters or bulla present on or around the eyes, clients could experience problems with tape, tweezers, etc. If tape was removed, the thin walls of blisters could be peeled off, exposing the blister, making bacteria spread. Or tweezers could accidentally scratch, poke, prick the blisters for any reason, could open the blister causing the same issue as tape did. Because of these few reasons, if clients have blisters (bulla) please re frame from proceeding with an appointment. Wait for your client to heal or seek medical advice from a healthcare provider. 

What is Bulla?
 (medicine) A blister or other thin-wall
ed cavity or lesion. More than one bulla, a bulla being a blister more than 5 mm (about 3/16 inch) in diameter with thin walls that is full of fluid.

photo from: http://www.aocd.org/?page=Cysts

Cyst:
Cysts can be some nasty looking pimples on a larger scale. If a client has a cyst around the eye area of face, refuse the service, and ask them to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider until the heal. Similar to Bulla, if cysts are poked, poped, pricked, scratched, etc. They have the potential to pop, exposing bacteria, fluids, debris, and other nasty bodily fluids with tape, tweezers, etc.. (YES, I said nasty, because it's nasty. If I popped a pimple, it wouldn't gross me out. But if someone else did it in front of me, I'd be grossed out.)

What are Cysts?

Cysts are noncancerous, closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid, pus, or other material.

Cysts are common on the skin and can appear anywhere. They feel like large peas under the surface of the skin. Cysts can develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands (oil glands), or around foreign bodies, such as earrings.

There are a number skin conditions that cause lumps and bumps to appear on the surface or just below the skin. This article covers some of the most common ones, and includes the following:

• Skin cysts
• Cherry angioma
• Dermatofibromas
• Epidermoid cysts
• Folliculitis
• Keratoacanthoma
• Keratosis pilaris
• Lipomas
• Neurofibromas

Ouch :(

 Crust:
Crust is pretty much a very bad scab. Scab's are cause by trauma to the skin that has been caused trauma, and as it's healing the scab forms by dried pus, debris, or blood. With this being said, if clients who have crust present around the eyes or bridge of the nose, brows, etc, do not proceed with the service. Crust can be pulled off by tape, causing exposure to the wound again, pus, blood, etc. This can also be poked, scratched, etc. by tweezers, etc. I would stay away from any way of spreading bacteria or harm to both you, the client, or etc. Just don't do it.

 What is Crust?
(krust) a formed outer layer, especially of solid matter formed by drying of a bodily exudate or secretion.
A hard, crisp covering or surface.
An outer layer or coating formed by the drying of a bodily exudate such as pus or blood; a scab.v.
Asolidified, hard outer layer formed by the drying of a body exudate, such as blood or pus, common in dermatologic conditions such as eczema, impetigo, seborrhea, and favus and during the healing of burns and lesions; a scab.

Eek :(! http://www.gopixpic.com/

Furnucle:
 In other words, this is pretty much a boil. Just like the cysts, crust, etc. Don't risk potentially poking, pulling, poping, causing pain, etc. to the clients as well as maybe exposing bacteria and issues for yourself as a tech. If boils are present around the eye area, ask your client to seek medical advice and to rebook when the boil has healed.

 What is a Furnucle?
Furnucle,  or boil, also called a furuncle, is a deep folliculitis, infection of the hair follicle. It is most commonly caused by infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in a painful swollen area on the skin caused by an accumulation of pus and dead tissue.^[1] Boils which are expanded are basically pus-filled nodules.^{[2][verification needed]} Individual boils clustered together are called carbuncles.^[3] Most human infections are caused by coagulase-positive S. aureus strains, notable for the bacteria's ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that can clot blood. Almost any organ system can be infected by S. aureus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boil

Everyone's worst nightmare.

 Conjunctivisit:
 Translation= Pink Eye!
If your client comes in and has pink eye, DO NOT proceed with this service. Pink eye is contagious, and can be spread easily. Have your clients seek medical attention through there health care provider and return once eyes are healthy.

 What is Conjunctivitis?
 Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.

Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately, as it could be a vision-threatening infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Pinkeye? 

The symptoms of pinkeye differ based on the cause of the inflammation, but may include:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Increased amount of tears
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
• Green or white discharge from the eye
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

See your eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms of pinkeye. http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis


Like I said, I expect that people are using the best judgement and have some sort of common sense when it comes to identifying medical issues or problems with there clients, especially for the clients that aren't being truthful to receive there service. For the techs, please have an eye out, or add some of these to your client information sheets or forms that they have to sign. Clients, please, if you have any of the above medical problems, please seek medical advice, heal, and give time for your body to heal in order to come back to have a lash appointment.

Have a question? Write a comment or leave us a message!

Is Fiber Mascara worth it? (Younique Mascara)

FIBER MASCARA WILL NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRR
compare to eyelash extensions.

Now, some fiber mascara wearers that are "die hard," usually have a slight to curly lash base. With this being said, most of these fiber mascara followers, usually, have a very good lash base. Most clients that I have had over the years predominantly get lashes are because they have no curl, darkness, or volume to their natural lashes.
Or because you dont want to have flaking, clumps, or to add more every other day.

Younique Fiber Mascara

So in my opinion, I'll tell you why I think Fiber Mascara is just downright awful.

Sure, it's a bit biased coming from my point of view, since I am a eyelash extension technician. But just because I am a lash tech, doesn't mean I don't do my research on products, ingredients, lashes, and have my interactions with the product. I do my homework, and try numerous things in order to compare to lash extensions.

With this being said, i've touched based on this subject before, but I'll add and touch base on one of the best selling Fiber Mascara's on the market: Younique Fiber Mascara.

So first off lets start off with some pictures i've pulled from Pinterest. You can tell the difference between someone who has a good base, vs. someone who doesn't. Just because someone looks good in a t-shirt, doesn't mean it will look good on you, and you'd know that because of your body type, fit, etc. This is a similar situation. Just because someone is preaching about fiber mascara, doesn't mean it will work for everybody.Lets see if you can see the diffrences.

good lash base, has a god ash curl, needs less product.

not a good or bad lash base, but has slight curl. Needs more product.

not a very good lash base. (short, little to no curl, etc.) Needs more product.

 Unless your ok with looking like you have spider legs, heavy mascara, or clumps than be my guest. But lets go over the pros and cons.

Like Younique, most fiber mascaras claim to last anywhere from 8-12 weeks in a bottle, depending on how many passes you are applying. though you have to apply it just like mascara every day. If you apply once, you could extend the longevity or your product 8-12 weeks, but if you applying 2-3 coats a day, you now cut the longevity in half 4-6 weeks. I don't normally use mascara, but when I use to be a heavy mascara wearer, I never  went through a tube of mascara in a month, and I always did 1-2 passes.
But regardless, you have to apply 2-3 coats of mascara.Which leads to my next issue. Since there is so much product being applied, the lashes are given a "heavy" mascara look, or they can somewhat resemble as spider legs.

I'd like to supersize my mascara please.

The fiber mascaras usually come in a package of 2. One is the mascara, and the second tube is the fiber "lashes" The fibers are usually nylon, and are loose or packed together. Once applied the mascara, fiber lashes, and mascara they can "gunk" or "bunch" together, creating difficulty for the consumer,and since there is a lot of product applied, it's impossible to get a simple natural look.  Some of the mascara wand packaging can also have difficult shaped brushes/wands for the application.
Application should be a easy process, and there are multiple youtube videos on "how to apply." But like i've said, depending on your natural lash growth and pattern, this can vary.

Now it says that these can be water resistant, and can be applied every other day on top of what you have on. Um.......for health reasons, please please please wash your face/eyes. Some people think, " Oh, okay, I don't have to do anything to my eyes, cool." Doesn't mean you should skip hygiene. Besides, they will start to flake off a bit, just like normal mascara within a few hours to 1-2 days. 


 Speaking of.......
Ever try washing these products off? Its next to impossible. If you have never tried them, imagine trying to get waterproof mascara off. It pretty close to that hassle.Warm water is what is recommended, but oil based products may be more helpful to get them off. These mascaras claim to be waterproof and or water resistant, but the problem is that mascara will run, and you'll still end up with racoon eyes. Even humidity can effect the product, making the nylon and mascara heavy, droop, and run. The nylon fibers and mascara can leave signs that it won't be evicted, even after scrubbing!

Got a little carried away, did yah?

 Some reviews and people I have talked to about the product, have such a hard time for removal, that they even pull lashes out! The fibers are a big problem with this. Depending on what your using, or brand, like Younique, these can be rough, hard, and solidify against your natural lashes. So if they aren't coming off during removal, than a lot clients, refer to plucking, pulling, and yanking the lashes off. This can leave you with premature balding of lashes and or damage of the natural lash cycle. The nylon fibers can create discomfort or itiching if applied to close to the skin. The fibers and mascara can than stick to the bottom lashes, creating annoyance for the consumer. Another problem with these fibers, is that humidity or if you move the ashes around, the clump together, droop, or don't last as long.

for $30.00-$50.00 a bottle, depending who you purchase the mascara from, may not be worth it, considering how long it may last, results, maintenance, time and cost. Especially since it's as much s a lash fill every 2-3-4 weeks.

Might make you think twice.

That's all for now. I'll add more to this, have any questions? Leave us a note or message! 

xo Holly