Cry Baby Mascara: Review

 From Cry Baby Mascara's Website:

"Tints fade. Extensions fall out. Strip Lashes aren’t moisture-proof. And they’re often expensive and laborious to apply. If your salon or spa could offer a durable, longer-lasting, more affordable service to your clients, why wouldn’t you?

Cry Baby Semi-Permanent Mascara is a procedure that curls and coats lashes with our proprietary lash coating. This coating adds volume, length, curl and color to lashes, is 100% waterproof/ smear-proof and lasts two weeks, often longer. It’s ideal for active lifestyles as well as special events like weddings and vacations. Better still, it’s professionally applied by your technicians and can be offered at a fraction of the cost of extensions."

After reading about this service and product, the coolest part, is that it MUST be applied by a LICENSED ESTHETICIAN or COSMETOLOGIST.
Takes about 30 minutes to apply, and is simple, with long lasting effects. It's not going to give your much curl, but for my avid mascara wearers, this may be a good fit! 

Another great thing, They have a long list of FAQ! And there training is selective and extensive. Heres are some of the topics they cover....

How long will CryBaby Mascara last? With proper care, CryBaby Mascara will last 2 weeks or longer. For one-time special occasions, CryBaby will slowly wear off the natural lash over a 2 to 3 week period. If you want to maintain the look, retouches are recommended every 10-14 days. How thick will CryBaby Mascara make lashes? Typically CryBaby Mascara will thicken natural lashes 30 to 50%. It is designed to make lashes thicker, fuller, and longer like mascara, but it is also water-proof, smear-proof and lasts much longer. How long will CryBaby Mascara make lashes? On average, CryBaby Mascara can make lashes look 20% to 50% longer. How is CryBaby Mascara maintained? Although some people get CryBaby Mascara for a special occasion or vacation, most love the look so much that they chose to maintain it. Reapplication on a two week basis keeps the lashes looking fresh and new. How soon before an event should CryBaby Mascara be applied? CryBaby Mascara can be applied the day of a special event; however, we suggest having it applied 4 hours prior. This ensures accurate curing time for the mascara and the freshest possible look for the lashes. Can regular Mascara be used over CryBaby Mascara? Regular mascara will not need to be used with CryBaby Mascara. As CryBaby wears off, washable mascara can be worn. Petroleum based mascaras can break down CryBaby and shorten its life. Mascara used with CryBaby should be water-washable; although after several applications over CryBaby, it can get thick, clumpy and dull. CryBaby Nutritional Volume Mascara is the best bet. Can regular cleanser be used to remove make up? Because cleansers are usually very emollient, we don’t recommend them for the eyelashes. Instead we recommend an oil free makeup remover. Keeping eyes clean is essential. Face and eye area should be washed and cleaned daily. Eye creams and moisturizers for the skin are fine, but keep them off lashes. Can CryBaby Mascara pull natural eyelashes off? No. Eyelashes should not be picked, pulled, or rubbed. Gently blot them dry after a shower or swim. An eyelash may come off if treated roughly. Treat lashes with respect and be gentle with them. The gentler CryBaby Mascara is treated, the longer it will last. If picking or pulling is a problem for a client, we do not recommend CryBaby Mascara. How will sleeping affect CryBaby lashes? CryBaby is very flexible, so if lashes get misshapen during sleep, warm water or a shower will bounce them back into shape. Sleeping with a pillow or blanket over the head may affect the longevity of CryBaby Mascara. Side sleepers may notice that the eye on the side they sleep on wears a little more than the other side.  Here are some examples of  Before and Afters thats are pretty impressive.    My only set back with this product is that the eyelashes, even though you gain longer, thicker, fuller lashes, may not 1) curl or 2) be as long as you are wanting to go (especially for my more dramatic clients.) However for my avid mascara wearers, or for clients who have long and great lashes naturally, or for clients who don't want to put on mascara everyday, this is a great solution.  Unfortunately, when I wrote this review it was back in 2014. It is now 2021 doing an update, and I am not sure if the company exists any longer. :( The website seems to be down/nonexistent.)

DUO & Ardell Lash Adhesive Warning

Ardell

I remember I was in 6th grade when my parent's allowed me to start wearing a bit of make up. I was pretty heavy with the foundation, because I had difficult acne and oily skin. Because I was self consciousness about my skin I started to feel the same with my lashes. I am naturally blond, so they look invisible. They don't do me any justice. My lashes are short, thin, point straight down, and refuse to curl. It was in 8th grade when I was introduced to strip lashes by my older sister.
My sister, who was a sophomore in college began to wear them all the time, but those lashes completed everything that I was looking for. She looked fabulous. And I wanted that.
Of course my parents we're furious, because at that time I loved the long, big, barbie-fake looking lashes. However I imagine it was my age.😂 

 But soon, lashes became a habit I was never able to kick.

Fast forward to 9 years later, I became a licensed cosmetologist, another 2 years later I had become a certified lash extension technician. Here I am another 11-12 years later, and I am STILL fixated on lashes. The technologies, methods, education, and products/ingredients continue to improve in the lash world. And now, my parent's aren't so furious with my decision to wear lashes when I was younger, since they've seen to pay themselves off ;).

However, it wasn't until I was talking with one of my clients, who is also a licensed cosmetologist, about strip lashes and clusters while comparing them to lash extensions. We got to talking about ingredients in certain products that drives us NUTS. But than she dropped a bombshell on me.

I feel like such an idiot for not knowing, but I had NEVER looked, nor did I ever imagine that ingredient would be in there. However,

Ardell and DUO, the 2 MOST COMMON and popular false, strip lashes, and cluster lash adhesives, contain Formaldehyde.

Three words : Cancer Hazard Material

DUO (CLEAR) Adhesive Ingredients:
Aqua (Water, Eau), Rubber Latex, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate,Ammonium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Coumarin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool,Formaldehyde. May Contain: CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

ARDELL (CLEAR) Adhesive Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Rubber Latex, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Dodecylbenesulfonate, Ammonium Hydroxide, fragrance (parfum), Coumarin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Formaldehyde, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Even though there is a small amount in the adhesives, what bothers me is knowing I have worn strip lashes for a lengthy periods of time, so my body has been absorbing each day I wear that damn adhesive.
But it got me thinking more negative thoughts. I know the adhesive is somewhat "flexible and soft", but can still pull out your natural lashes with the falsies, thus why it is temporary and can only last one day/a few hours..... I know some clients say the adhesive can hold up for DAYS, but if you aren't cleaning your eyes for more than 1-2 days, I am sorry, but that's gross, not to mention you could easily start to harbor discharge from the eye, bacteria, etc. And can lead to blepharitis, or other eye infections. 

NOTE: NO FALSE LASHES Such as strip lashes or cluster "individuals" lashes should NEVER be applied with eyelash extensions or medical grade adhesives. Or any other adhesives for that matter. 

I know Formaldehyde is found in a lot of things that people are surrounded with. We can't escape the ingredient, but if Brazilian Blowout could re-formulate there products with OUT any formaldehyde or any "chemical reaction" that would create formaldehyde, than surely DUO or ARDELL could jump on that band wagon.
There are a few adhesives that do not have the harsh ingredient inside, but the most common to find these days at any CVS, Walgreens, Sephora, Ulta, even MAC Cosmetics, are one of the two, Ardell or Duo.

Formaldehyde is a nasty substance, so do yourself, your eyes, and health a favor, and check for formaldehyde.

RESOURCES:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod1031050
 http://www.sephora.com/eyelash-adhesive-P266812

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

What are lash extensions made of?

I get asked this question frequently enough, that I figured it would make a good topic on the Blog. :)

What are lash extensions made of?

Well, depending on what your lash tech supplies, it could be a few things, so lets begin.

If the tech is licensed/certified, chances are your going to get good product. If not, or if you tech isn't reputable, chances are your going to get crappy product.

The product I am about to name, is pretty universal to all lash materials that are sold from all companies. SO, lets call this the "lash traffic light" - green light for good materials, yellow light for fair materials, and red light for poor materials. Red light should make you turn the other direction and run.

Green Light: Recommended Product

Mink
Mink Lashes are one of the most popular lashes requested, and the most expensive lash material available on the Market. With a feel for "Hollywood glamor", mink lashes extensions have a pros and cons. Mink lashes are the closest thing you will come to the look and feel of a natural hair follice/lash. The lashes are extremely light weight, giving a longer lash life, and lighter on the natural lashes, helping keep the natural integrity. Due to the natural origins of the mink hairs, lashes may vary in thickness, length and curl per tray/container. Because of this, mink can be annoying. Depending on the vendor you purchase from, lashes can come in different lengths, sizes, curls, and even color! In most cases, the lashes are not 100% real mink. Make sure to buy from a rep who offers mink lashes that are treated (colored and permed). The color and perm guarantees that the lash will hold the color and curl. Another problem, allergies. If your client is allergic to cats or dogs, chances are that they may be allergic to the mink lashes. Make sure to ask these questions during a consultation, and be able to offer a solution (synthetic mink). Another problem? These can easily get kinked or crimped. Do not use tweezers or lash curlers with pressure. Be gentle. The last and biggest problem I have with Mink lashes, Animal Cruelty. Most reputable brands/reps you purchase from who carry mink are animal cruelty free. Make sure to purchase lashes that are animal cruelty free. 

left semi mink - right 100% real mink

Semi-Mink (Synthetic Mink)
 Similar to human hair/ mink lashes, these lush lashes are manufactured a high grade polymer. Depending on the brand/rep you purchase from, some lashes can be mixed with silk, or other materials, so make sure to check the ingredients from reps. Synthetic lashes are great to work with, because they are easy, perfectly uniformed, sized, curled, and more. The lashes can come in multiple colors, such as white, brown, black, red, green, blue, and more. They even offer two tone! This versatile lash is also light weight, and act as a natural lash. Depending on the vendor you buy from, and what size, they can be heavy and/or overly shiny. I prefer the "matte" lashes for clients. If they choose to have a shine, I'd than offer a lash sealer to help achieve that look, and help extend the lash life. My problem with these? Depending on lashes, they come in multiple styles, such as strip lashes, to W, Y, J(A), B, C, D, ect. lashes. Volume lashes, depending on the vendor, are a pain in the butt. They don't hold the position or the seperation, but instead bunch together, making it appear as one giant lash. What should be 4-5 lashes that are "0.5 or less weight" now appear to look like a .25 or heavier. Nasty. Cluster or strip lashes should never be applied as lash extensions, and neither should some volume. Again, buy from a reputable company.

Yellow Light: Not Recommended, but on the Market. 

Silk
Silk lashes are lighter than typical eyelash extensions allowing them to flex and act as a natural lash. Silk lashes also give a high gloss look, and is a popular lash type techs use. Silk is one of the chepeast materials available for purchase, depending on the vendor. Because of this, there have been cases where the silk lashes are not 100%. The problem? Like any other "thread" or "fabric material", it can absorb. So when you dip the lash into adhesive, and place on the lashes and set/dry, they become stiff. It's not fun having needles for lashes, when they are firm. Another issue that silk doesn't present, is make sure your client is not allergic to silk/satin. You'd be surprised, there are some people allergic to the material. Another problem? These can easily get kinked or crimped. Do not use tweezers or lash curlers with pressure. Be gentle.

silk: High gloss

Red Light:

Cluster "Party" Lashes &
Stip Lashes 
These should NEVER EVER EVER be applied as lash extensions. If your tech offers this, RUN in the other direction far far away. If applied with lash extension adhesive, to the natural lashes, they can cause damage the natural lash cycle, cause premature or permanent shedding or balding, skin irritation/damage to the lid. Because these lashes are not applied on a "one extension to one lash" basis, they are applied to a group of natural lashes (2-3 or more - or strips - portion/all). If applied, they are now screwing up the natural lash cycle, and are also extremely heavy and damaging to the natural integrity of natural lashes. It's one thing if these we're applied with a semi-soft adhesive, like "DUO" that lasts for only a day.... But if you are going to see a PROFESSIONAL, and they offer these with lash extension adhesive........RUN.

clusters gone wrong!

My suggestion?
CLIENTS - Make sure to do your homework. Ask your tech if they are licensed/certified, if they have reviews, reputable references, and what lashes/brand they use.
TECHS - Ask your brand/rep about the product. Do your homework for lashes, lash materials, ingredients, where they come from, etc.

Local/Competitor Lash Academy's: Red Flags & Grey Areas

Lashes are one of the newest growing trends, and it seems that boutiques are popping up left and right. But like I've explained in the past you do not have to be licensed (esthetician and/or cosmetologist) to do this service. 

Lashes is a gray area service. Sort of like make up artists. You do not have to be licensed in order to become a license make up artist. (At least for the state of California.) But if you have certification of a reputable company, than you're more highly likely to succeed. And it will also help to have some knowledge, however some certification programs can be a joke. But because neither make up or lashes are regulated, there is a gray area of how academy's are ran, and who can teach. Because to be honest, there is NONE. So you're interested in becoming a lash extension technician, than it can be easy to acquire, but where to begin. There are so many academy's to choose from, SO why choose us or what to look for?

Here are some RED FLAGS.

Most lash academy's or education is taught by unlicensed technicians. Meaning they are not licensed estheticians or cosmetologists.
A local competitors add had advertised (but I will re frame from mentioning who)  

"One of our instructors has her Masters Degree in Education and one has their degree in Psychology."

I laughed so hard, I almost fell out of my seat after reading the add. Just because you have a degree in education and psychology, doesn't mean you have any experience with beauty, cosmetology, esthetics, cosmetics, health - safety-sanitation, diseases, etc.  
Which I hope is a RED FLAG to students and/or clients. 

Some competitors rank there information, education, or program stating "5 Star". 
What I would like to ask is, who the hell is rating your class/packet/information/etc. 5 stars? Yourself? the business? or actual students? Because the only one who would matter would be the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology of California. But, because its not regulated, of course it wouldn't be ranked by them. SO than who? 

It's reminds me of the movie "Elf", when Will Ferrell runs into a hole in the wall coffee shop, because the advertisement on the window said,"Worlds best cup of coffee." He truly believed they had the worlds best, and bursts in the cafe to congratulate the staff. The staff and customers look at him like he's gone mad. Here's the clip.

Don't be like Will. Don't fall for FALSE ADVERTISEMENT. Don't be afarid to ask for license and certification verification from your lash instructors. That information should be easily accessible.

Here is another example of a competitors academy add with a red flag. They had labeled there instructor as "Master Level Trainer." Again, I would love to know who had ranked any lash tech as a Master level trainer?
It would make sense if you are a "Master Colorist" after taking a advanced hair color class and if you we're a licensed cosmetologist. But the difference is, one is regulated and one is not. So how can someone just label themselves as extremely advanced, when they have no credentials?

Who is your instructor?

Another red flag from another lash training add was immediate "Job Placement". If clients knew this, they'd be MUCH more alarmed at this offer. Don't get me wrong, everyone has to start somewhere. But I recommend at least 2-3 months of practice and building a clientele mobile or as an added service. That way, you can be sure that you will continue to offer lashes. But immediate job placement is a bit disturbing. That's like offering a teaching position to a kindergartener. (No offense to any new lash techs.) These people should be looking into students as students. If they are interested in hiring them, than I would have been checking there backgrounds, getting references, making sure they have LIABILITY INSURANCE, and etc. These places do not even question.
Trust me when I say, I've worked for some shady and some professional lash boutqiues/salons. Some are professional, and some are a joke. Take my word for it. But to see some of the certifications and classes offered, that are taught by the shady or unlicensed people, REALLLLLLLLY Concerns me. But because no one talks about it,  it goes unnoticed by clients and students.

The lash issue I'll touch base on is lash kits. Lash kits can vary from sizes, prices, and products. Again, most nonlicensed boutiques cannot purchase "reputable" product. Meaning they are forced to buy from oversears or through local wholesalers who purchase overseas. The product can come from places like China, Japan, South Korea, etc. That's why most lash academy's and education programs are so cheap. The product is cheap, and they are able to offer class with kits at an insane low price. But is it worth is? Well first off, the sizes of products is usually a joke. The biggest complaint I've heard from students who have taken classes/certifications locally had said the quality of product was poor, as well as the sizes and quantity we're small and not adequate.

Meaning that the product is most likely SKETCHY. Most ALL adhesives contain harsh and harmful ingredients such as acrylic and formaldehyde. These are the leading ingredients for allergic reactions, and  most of the ingredients are found in nail products, and should never be used near or around the eyes. 

The Mink lashes also are not "animal cruelty free. Mink's (Part of the mustela family, Otters, Ferrets, Mongoose, Weasels, etc.) are gathered and slaughtered or treated unfairly and in poor conditions for there fur. There fur is used for lashes and other items. 

 My suggestion? Make sure you product is made and manufactured in the USA. That includes free of formaldehyde and acrylics, as well as animal cruelty free. And make sure the educators gives you the name of the product or brand they purchase from. Also, Request a list that comes in the lash kit, and what comes with your class. If they don't do any of the above, I'd take that as a red flag.

 Compared to Our own Lash Academy : Urban Lash Academy, I think it speaks for itself. Here's a part of our add for our classes.

 "Compared to competitor certification programs, learn from licensed and certified lash techs, who have experience in the beauty industry. Most education lash programs are taught by only certified lash techs, who do not have a esthetician or cosmetology license. Since the state of California does not regulate this service, the certification programs are not regulated. At Urban Lash Academy, we strive for our students to have a high end education and a legitimate experience. The only state that is regulated is Texas, so we abide by Texas eyelash extension specialty license rules and regulations, while abiding California state board regulations in our salon. Learn the difference in legalities and what the truth with Eyelash Extensions is.

We also carry 2 exclusive lash product lines, specially formulated for our lash salon. Most lash salons that are only certified, and do not have a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, cannot buy reputable product from the USA. Meaning they are directed to buy from overseas, or from wholesales in the US who buy from overseas. Those products usually come from China, Japan, South Korea, etc. The danger of these products can contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde and acrylics, and are leading ingredients for allergic reactions. Since this service is not regulated by the FDA, these products are able to make its way to the US, regardless of its ingredients or contents.  Don’t get poor quality product and harmful product, be able to sleep well at night, and your clients too, with a high end quality product, made on our home soil. Every student from our program is able to purchase our exclusive product, even after the class. It’s only offered exclusively to our students and staff.

We offer small class base, for more efficient one-on-one time with instructors and staff. Don’t get distracted, or feel discouraged. Have the proper attention you deserve with our staff. The max class occupancy is 6 students. We also offer two education packages that come with a free refresher course, at any time.

Eyelash extension application is a technical and tedious art, requiring a steady hand, endurance, attentiveness and skilled technique. Unlike strip/false eyelashes, which are applied as a single strip or group/cluster, "individuals", that only last a few hours to a few days. Eyelash Extensions are individual lash extensions, bonding one lash extension to a natural lash. With our proper application technique, lash extensions help you to create a more natural look, each set customized while conforming to natural eye shapes and keeping the integrity of natural eyelashes. Our program and training is designed to maximize the longevity of lash extensions for each client, while maintaining the health of their natural lashes and lash cycle.  Our experienced, licensed & certified, and professional staff will instruct each student in today's most popular specialty training course.
Our luxury education is a one day, 8 hour intensive, technical, and superior seminar, providing the best licensed/certified professionals in the beauty industry. A two part program, our training covers both theory and practical courses. The theory course, which provides diligent and extensive amount of information on health and safety, sanitation, diseases, the history of lashes, proper application, techniques, product knowledge, legality information and forms for clients and technicians, business information, marketing information, lash science and theory, lash placement, and more. The practical course, is our hands on and in-depth training, supervised by our educators. The second portion of the class is all “hands on” while supervised by our lash instructors.

Our academy kits, which is included in each course, has our exclusive lash extensions and products solely made for our company. We offer two different options of kits, that can help accommodate any budget, but maintaining the quality and integrity of products. Only our students are given access for future purchases of product after completion of our training. Once completion, our students receive a certificate of training upon completion of our program!"

Other lash programs, such as Nova Lash, is extremely reputable. However, I have my own experience and opinions with the brad and products. However you can only be a licensed esthetician and/or cosmetologist, in order to take the class. 

My advice to perspective students, is to do your homework. Ask questions to instructors and the academy/lash programs. Ask about what the program holds, certification, products, ingredients, etc. 

Tags# OC, Orange County, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Lake Forest, RSM, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, California, Lashes, Eyelashes, Lash Extensions, Eyelash Extensions, Lash Academy, Lash Artist, Lash Technician, Newport, Laguna, Dana Point, Costa Mesa, SJC, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Coto de caza, Dove Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Doheney, Urban Lash Spa, Licenseing,