Friday, July 31, 2009

Xtreme Lashes vs Novalash

I was trained with Xtreme Lashes in 2006. Their reputation was the reason for my choice- global leader in the eyelash extensions. At the end of 2006 I became pregnant and with my pregnancy I had carpal tunnel. It was so difficult to do lash extensions during that time. I decided to take a break. When I returned from maternity leave I decided not to advertise for my lash extension services. It's now been 3 years and I'm back in the swing of doing lash extensions and loving it!

I was approached by another lash artist to help her while she was on maternity leave. I was more than happy to help her with her clients, however she wanted me become certified in Novalash. I agreed to become certified, but I am thankful that I didn't have to pay the full price for training and a new kit. In April of 2009 I was certified with Novalash.

It's been over 3 months that I've been using Novalash and at first it was my preferred choice, but now I think I've changed my mind. Last week I decided to order a refill for my kit with Xtreme Lashes. I received my kit this week and have been using it all week with clients.

I love the Xtreme Lashes eye/gel pads they are so much better than the Novalash eye stickers. Xtreme Lashes eye/gel pads are so easy to put on and the client notice a huge difference. Apparently I don't have the skill to put them on properly because I'm worried about the sticker scratching their cornea. Multiple times I have spent over 10 minutes just trying to tape down bottom lashes. I've tried Novalash's eye/gel pads and they seem to thick, difficult to use on smaller eyes and seem to have a little bit of lint. Obviously comfort to my client is very important to me, but so is functionality. It provides the protection that clients need while I use my sharp forceps to isolate their lashes.

I'm having a hard time with Novalash's glue. I feel that it makes client's lashes too clumpy, but perhaps its my application technique. At times, I've been told that I don't use enough glue, so I add more glue to my application and it becomes a HOT mess. There is also a strong fume that I find with Novalash's glue. My verdict on the glue with Xtreme Lashes will have to wait until clients come back for their touch up.

Stay tuned for my perspective on which vendor I prefer.


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Lash Conditioners

Yes, they work! I've tried Revitlash and MD Lash Factor. Both make your eyelashes longer, but I did notice more fullness with MD Lash Factor. My preference is definitely MD Lash Factor. It will give you length, fullness and it will provide that natural curl so you won't have to use a lash curler. All I needed with MD Lash Factor was mascara.

Both lash conditioners will give you the length that it claims provide, the downside....you still have to use that mascara to make them stand out.

When I used MD Lash Factor it took about 2 months to notice a difference in length and by 3 months I didn't have to use a lash curler...just mascara.

3 of my clients are currently using the product and they love the results.

Lash conditioners are great in conjunction with lash extensions. It give the lash stylist a great foundation to work with, but it's always good to check the ingredients to make sure it does not conflict with lash extension adhesive.

So....my product of choice for lash conditioners is MD Lash Factor. http://www.mdlashfactor.com/

Sunday, July 19, 2009

What are lash extensions?

It's my best beauty trick - lash extensions!!! They make you look and feel younger. Your lashes look naturally thicker and fuller. They can last indefinitely if taken care of properly, which includes a touch up every three to four weeks. The best part is that it eliminates the step to curl your lashes and put mascara on....one less step to getting ready! The other part that my clients love, especially my mom clients, is the fact that they get about an hour to themselves, an hour of relaxation and to feel pampered once a month! Once you have them, you'll never go back....you'll feel like your eyes are naked without them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmWEDvWOPQU