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LASHES TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Lashes, those beautiful, bendable and hopefully bountiful tiny little hairs that protect our eyes. We love them! Unfortunately, due to genetics or neglect, not all of us have enviable lashes. Your lashes are very delicate but surprisingly resilient considering the amount of damage that we do with mascara, curling, falsies and whatever other beauty torture techniques are around that can cause damage to them. Don’t sweat it. The great thing about lashes is that they are hair, and the great thing about hair is the as long as there is a healthy viable follicle, hair will continue to grow.

 

Understanding Eyelash Growth

Just like the hair on our heads, our eyelashes grow in three phases. Anagen (growth), Catagen (transition) and Telogen (resting). The amount of time that your lashes are in the anagen phase is anywhere from 30 to 45 days. During this time less than half of your upper and about a quarter of your lower lashes are growing at once. During the catagen phase your lashes have stopped growing (they are at rest), and the follicle shrinks. This phase will last up to three weeks. The final phase is the telogen phase, this phase can last more than 100 days before the old lash falls out and is replaced with a new one.

Don’t be alarmed by all the talk of growth stoppage and lash fallout. This is all part of the cycle of growth for lashes as a matter of fact the only difference between the growth of your lashes and hair is that the phases are shorter for lashes, which makes sense considering the hairs a shorter as well.

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Lovely Lashes

We employ so many tricks and techniques to lengthen (whether that’s actual or perceived) our lashes. But why is it that we don’t practice the same care and patience that we do with our lashes as we do with our hair? There is no correct answer, but more than likely it’s because we just don’t think of the care and maintenance of our hair in the same terms as we do with our crown.

Your lashes need care day and night. This is especially true if you regularly utilize any of the following techniques to enhance the look of your lashes.

  • Daily Mascara (especially certain waterproof formulas)
  • Curling (heated or non heated)
  • False Lashes
  • Lash Extensions
  • Eye Rubbing

 

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We’re pretty sure that at least one of these techniques is part of your regular routine. So now that you know everything you’re doing that could be damaging to lashes, we can share the things you should be doing to make them stronger and better looking.

  • Condition Lashes
  • Go Easy on the Curling
  • Completely Remove Makeup at Night

Eyelash Serum for Lashes

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could go outside with only your natural lashes enhancing your beautiful eyes? Who says that you can’t, especially if you take the time to prepare them and make them look their best at all times. ANGEL LASH Eyelash Enhance Serum has a gentle and unique formula that conditions and lubricates lashes to improve the look and feel of your lashes.

The exclusive OCULSANA® Complex in INFINITE LASH is a packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and botanicals. What does all of that mean for you as an expert in all things beautiful and eyelash involved? Well it means that the formula is safe enough to be applied to the eye area without fear damaging your delicate eyes.

In addition to the above mentioned “super cocktail”, INFINITE LASH has other ingredients that are known for their ability to sooth, calm and brighten the delicate eye area.

Eyebright (Euphrasia)

Licorice Root

Rose Water

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So as you are conditioning your lashes and making them feel more supple, you are also doing a service to the area around your eye by nourishing them with ingredients  the reduce the appearance of eye stress, fatigue.

 

The Science of Beauty

Most of the things that we need as humans to live and feel good can be derived from plants. Oxygen, antibiotics, healing ointments, sustenance and a host of other products all begin in the stems, flowers, leaves or seeds of plants or herbs. There’s no escaping it – everyone is getting back to basics especially when it comes to the ingredients in cosmetics and other health and beauty aids.

There are many reasons for using ingredients that are extracted from plants in cosmetics and other products that promote health. Not the least of which is safety. On a much simpler note before we were chemically processing everything and creating synthetic versions of naturally occurring substances we got our meds and other healing agents from plants. Today’s cosmetics customer doesn’t want to apply chemicals that they can’t pronounce onto their hair and skin. INFINITE LASH understands this and that is why our formula contains a list of ingredients that work together to leave lashes feeling softer, shinier and more nourished.

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THE SKINNY ON EYELASH EXTENSIONS

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Take a walk down the beauty aisle of any drugstore, and you’ll see dozens of eyelash products, all promising length and volume. Mascaras, serums, fake lashes, overnight treatments…the list goes on and on. Researchers from Procter & Gamble say that 40 percent of mascara users are “volume seekers” – the average woman applies six strokes of mascara per eye every day to achieve fuller, more voluminous lashes. It’s no surprise then that eyelash extensions, which offer luscious length and volume without heavy makeup application, are popular with everyone from Kim Kardashian to your local yoga teacher.

Eyelash extensions can help you appear polished, even without makeup, and can add drama to your look at night. There are several options to fit any taste or price range, and a variety of looks you can achieve with extensions. Of course, like with any long-term beauty treatment, there are risks involved. Here’s everything you need to know before taking the leap to longer lashes.

 

The History of Eyelash Extensions

Some beauty trends come and go, but it seems a desire for long, commanding lashes has been around for ages — women have been coveting dramatic lashes for thousands of years. Before The House of Rimmel created modern mascara in the 19th century, Cleopatra was making homemade mascara with a blend of waxes and pigments.

Fake eyelashes first made their debut in 1916, when D.W. Griffith was making the film Intolerance, and wanted leading lady Seena Owen to have longer lashes to make her eyes appear bigger. He wanted lashes so long they brushed her cheeks, so a neighborhood wig maker wove human hair with gauze to create false eyelashes, and an industry was born. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s artificial lashes became popular, though they often looked fake and were reserved for movie stars and special occasions. It wasn’t until fashion model Twiggy made big, doe-eyed false lashes popular in the 1960s that the trend became part of a woman’s regular beauty routine.

Still, eyelash extensions as we know them today didn’t come on the scene in the US until 2004. The practice came from Japan and Korea, where women have been lengthening their lashes with extensions for at least 40 years. By 2005, a-list celebrities and many more were batting longer lashes, thanks to eyelash extensions. Some even took it a step further by bedazzling their newly extended lashes. Over the past few years, the trend has become more accessible for those outside the celebrity realm, and more and more women around the country are trying eyelash extensions for themselves.

 

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Which Type of Eyelash Extensions Are Right for You?

So what exactly are eyelash extensions? They’re individual lashes made from silk, mink or synthetic material. They come in various lengths, based on your desired look, and anywhere from 80-150 are placed on each eye, depending on how thick your natural eyelashes are. Here’s the scoop on each of the options:

Synthetic Eyelash Extensions – For really full, thick eyelashes, synthetic lashes are your best option. Made from an acrylic material, they’re the thickest and heaviest extension option, and also the shiniest, providing the most dramatic effect. Synthetic eyelash extensions provide a more made-up look than the alternatives, so they’re good for special occasions or if you want to forego other makeup. Because of their added weight, they usually don’t last as long as their silk or mink counterparts. Synthetic extensions cost from $75 to $150, depending on how thickly you want them applied.

Silk Eyelash Extensions – Silk eyelash extensions are lighter and softer than synthetic, and last longer. Their weight is between that of synthetic and mink, providing a more natural look, while still adding drama. These extensions start at around $100.

Mink Eyelash Extensions – Because they’re made from mink fur, mink extensions are the most natural looking extension material. Mink eyelash extensions will give you full, fluffy eyelashes that are much lighter than synthetic or silk extensions.

The natural material allows them to straighten out on their own when they get wet, just like your natural lashes. Some synthetic and silk lash extension users run into problems with this, and end up spending time straightening out their lashes after they shower. Mink extensions also blend more easily with your natural lash line, and they last longer than silk or synthetic. Because of these benefits, they are by far the most expensive option, running upwards of $400.

Faux Mink Eyelash Extensions – There is also faux mink, which mimics the weight and feel of mink but is used by those uncomfortable with having animal fur on their face.  An added benefit of faux mink lashes is that they hold a natural curl, so you don’t have to worry about using an eyelash curler. They run about the same price as mink extensions, sometimes slightly cheaper. Some salons charge by the hour, instead of by the product, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead for an estimate.

Before deciding on an extension type, think about the style you’re going for, consider how each type of extension would look with your natural lashes, and if your preference will fit in your price range. You can also talk through the options with your lash extension artist, as she can help guide you toward the extension type that will blend most easily with your natural lashes and help you achieve the exact look you want.

The Risks of Eyelash Extensions

No matter which extension type you choose, all three options pose potential risks. Some women are allergic to the glue used in the extension process, which can cause inflammation and redness. Usually this is because the eyelash glue contains formaldehyde, so make sure your salon uses an adhesive with other ingredients. Although inflamed, red eyes are no walk in the park, other side effects are even more serious.

In 2013, the American Academy of Ophthalmology said eyelash extensions and their glue could cause infections and swelling of the cornea and eyelid, and cautioned against use. Consumer Reports also warns against extensions, and has said they can cause bacteria and fungal infections, erosion of the inner surface of the eyelid, and even permanent or temporary loss of lashes.

Britain’s College of Optometrists also warns eyelash extension users that alopecia, a condition that causes your hair to fall out as a result of extreme tension on the hair shaft, is a risk with eyelash extensions. In some scenarios, women have experienced, swollen eyelids and temporary blindness due to infections as a result of prolonged wearing of extensions. While these side effects are rare, they are also serious and you should be aware of them.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Potential Risks of Eyelash Extensions 

Although nothing can prevent these risks entirely, you can minimize your chances of infection by choosing a good salon. Choose a spa or salon with an excellent reputation, or even better, an establishment that specializes in eyelash extensions only.

Your lash artist should definitely be a licensed esthetician. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, including what type of adhesive is used. Remember, you want one without formaldehyde! You should also inquire about what sterilization practices the establishment and technician follow. During the process, make sure the technician is washing her hands thoroughly. Once your lashes are in place, if you do notice any signs of infection see an ophthalmologist immediately.

It’s also important to find an eyelash extension artist you’re comfortable with and who will listen to what you want, so you don’t waste your money and can ensure you get the look you’re going for. You might want thick, full lashes, or a more sparse application to create more awake looking eyes. Talk with your eyelash artist to make sure you’re on the same page, and if you have photos bring them along for reference.

 

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What Should You Expect When Getting Eyelash Extensions?

Your first eyelash extension procedure will take about two to three hours, and from then on follow-up appointments will only take about an hour. First, you’ll talk with your eyelash extension artist about your desired outcome, and then you’ll lie back with your eyes closed for the application process. The technician will cover your lower lashes with an under eye pad, or in some cases tape. Often, she will also tape your eyelid to your eyebrow so the skin is more taut.

The technician will then take each extension lash and dip it in a waterproof adhesive, and attach the extensions to your natural lashes hair by hair. They’ll only use a tiny bit of glue for each lash, so you barely feel it. Once all of the lashes are applied, they’ll make sure they’re evenly distributed and not tangled in each other.

 

How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

Once applied, the extensions will last throughout the natural growth cycle of your lashes, which is anywhere from two to four weeks. The life of your eyelash extensions can be slightly extended with products and proper care. Most importantly, do not get your lashes wet for 24 hours after application — including exposure to steam rooms or saunas.

You probably won’t need mascara once you have extensions, but if you choose to apply it anyway you should used a water-based product, and always use an oil-based makeup remover. Be careful if using a traditional eyelash curler, and never use a mechanical eyelash curler. You should also avoid sleep masks or other eye coverings aside from glasses or sunglasses. Of course, avoid excessively touching or rubbing your lashes (even though it may be tempting).

 

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Alternatives to Eyelash Extensions

If the application process and caring for extensions sounds like too much, there are plenty of other options that will help you achieve long, luscious lashes — without the inherent risks. New mascaras hit the market all the time, some even promising the look of fake lashes or including lash extension fibers, and there are several lash treatments to help nourish and rejuvenate your eyelashes.

Angel Lash eyelash enhance serum, for example, uses a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and botanicals to naturally enhance and beautify your lashes. Because of damage from makeup, curling, and cleansing, only about 24 percent of your eyelashes reach their full potential. Infinite Lash could restore lost nutrients and help promote healthy follicles and more flexible lashes.

Over time, the Infinite Lash serum conditions your lashes to help them become supple and bendable, so they’re less likely to break in harsh elements or because of makeup. Because the ingredients are natural, there are no scary side effects to worry about. Natural antioxidants also protect against future damage, resulting in fuller, healthier lashes after prolonged use. When you’ve got voluminous, healthy lashes, who needs extensions?

Another option as an alternative to eyelash extensions is an eyelash lift, which bends the root of your natural lashes so they curl up and appear longer and fuller. It costs about half the price of eyelash extensions, and lasts about two months.

 

Decision Time: Should You Get Eyelash Extensions?

Now that you know everything you need to about eyelash extensions, you can decide if they’re right for you. If you do decide to get extensions, think about which option is best for your look and lifestyle, and do some research on pricing. Talk with your technician about any questions you have and the style you’re going for, so you can walk away happy with your new lashes.

Once the application process is complete, take the time to care for your new lashes properly so they can stay looking beautiful and last as long as possible — again, trying a product like angel Lash can help with this.

If you decide against eyelash extensions and instead opt for the more natural route, Infinite Lash can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. In fact, most users notice a noticeable improvement in their lashes in about a month. However, individual results may vary. The product also has a money-back guarantee, so if you’re unsatisfied you can get a full refund.

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Curious About Eyelash Extensions? Here’s What You Should Know

an I let you in on a secret, just between you and me? I’ve worn eyelash extensions continuously for about two years now. They make me feel like a Disney princess whose pure and gentle spirit has enticed delicate, mascara-free butterflies to live on my face.

Amid my otherwise low-maintenance makeup routine, lash extensions are like a cosmetic cheat code: Whether I’ve just woken up, exercised for an hour, gone for a swim or lived through a harrowing 24-hour stomach flu, I’m unfailingly delighted by the way my eyes pop, and by how quickly I can get ready.

When it comes to, say, applying eyeliner, I have the fine motor skills of a ventriloquist’s dummy, but there is no daily effort required on my part for lash extensions work their fluttery magic.

For the uninitiated but curious, I asked the owners of four eyelash-extension salons (and one ophthalmologist) about what to expect when you’re extending.

What are lash extensions?
Unlike temporary false lashes, eyelash extensions are neither a D.I.Y. affair nor a fleeting commitment.

They are professionally applied, one on each natural lash, with a semi-permanent glue meant to hold them in place for several weeks. Extensions bewitch your lashes with the length and volume that nature didn’t see fit to give you (and beyond what multiple coats of mascara and a lash curler could), but at a length your face deserves.

Before we go any further, let’s get this out of the way: Ophthalmologists are fine with it.

“We don’t have any problem with people being gorgeous,” Rebecca J. Taylor, a Nashville ophthalmologist and clinical spokeswoman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. That said, there are some risks that lash extension customers should most definitely be aware of. More on those later.

The price of eyelash extensions varies depending on the style, the technician’s experience and the area in which you live, but you can expect a full set to start around $100 and climb to as high as $500. At the Lash Method in Salt Lake City, a full set of eyelash extensions begins at $99. You’d pay $150 for that service at Maxim-Eyes Lashes in Orlando, and Chicago’s Flutter Lash Studio will set you back at least $350.

Where should you get them?
Other than personal recommendations from friends, reviews and client photos posted on sites like Yelp and Instagram are invaluable for offering insight into both the quality of service and the style of lashes a company provides.

Tirzah Shirai owns BlinkBar, an eyelash extension salon with three locations in greater Los Angeles. Her star-studded client base includes Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and Renée Zellweger.

“As a general rule, I would tell people: Save the Groupon for a yoga class,” Ms. Shirai said. “We’ve seen some crazy stuff at BlinkBar — people who have Groupons who are doing lashes out of the back of their car, using Krazy Glue.” (Full disclosure: I got my first set of eyelash extensions with a Groupon. Do as I say, not as I do.)

Shelby McKinney owns and operates the Lashing Out eyelash extensions studio in Dallas. When you arrive at your chosen lash salon, she said, look around.

“Take a quick glance to make sure all products used during your service are new or sanitized,” she said. “Your stylist is also required by law to be licensed in the state in which they are performing the service and their license should be posted somewhere in the salon.”

Your first appointment
Your first will be your longest, taking at least 90 minutes and possibly upward of two hours. You should arrive at the salon with your eyes entirely clean of makeup.

“We ask that our clients don’t have caffeine before they come in,” Ms. Shirai said. “You’re lying still, it’s a great chance to unplug. My advice would be to bring a playlist or a book on tape.”

I’m partial to podcasts myself, and I always make sure to switch my phone to airplane mode to make sure it won’t be buzzing in my pocket with crazy-making notifications I won’t be able to check for two hours. And given the complicated logistics of extricating yourself mid-application, you should always visit the restroom just before your appointment begins.

Your technician should discuss your expectations and personal taste with you: Are you interested in a more subtle look, or are you hoping to unleash your inner diva? The health and thickness of your natural lashes as well as the shape of your face and eyes will be used to determine the right set of extensions for you.

Eyelash extensions are available in a wide variety of lengths, diameters and curls. There are also different materials, including synthetic, silk and mink (the most expensive, and ethically dubious, option, touted for its real-fur fluffiness). The general wisdom is that synthetic lashes tend to look glossier and more dramatic than softer, lighter silk lashes, although different extensionists offered me contradictory descriptions of their attributes. I think it’s safe to say that an untrained observer probably wouldn’t clock a drastic difference.

Julie Mella and Ramona Azcona, the owners of She Winks Lash Studio in New York, recommend that novices err on the conservative side; they can always up the drama later.

“If a client is coming in for the first time, we advise them to follow their lash growth pattern and just make them darker,” Ms. Mella and Ms. Azcona wrote in an email. “That will give them a natural look, as if they were wearing mascara, until they get accustomed to the change.”

The procedure
To begin, you’ll lie down on your back and get comfortable. Your bottom lashes will be shielded with under-eye pads, stickers or tape. Prepare for your eyes to remain closed for the entire application, as your technician delicately affixes each extension with tweezers.

It may take a few minutes to adjust to the knowledge that a pointed metal object is moving so close to your eyeball, but the procedure is gentle enough that, if you’re like me, you might very well find yourself dozing off. I’m usually awakened by the breeze of a small fan the technician points at my lashes to help dry the adhesive as the service wraps up.

“I have clients that come in, say hello and fall asleep,” said Soul Lee, owner of Beautiful Soul Makeup Studio in New York City. “If you can find a way to relax yourself, I think it’s great to find an hour during the day to take a nap.”

The care and keeping of lash extensions
After your appointment, don’t let your extensions get wet for the next 24 hours, so that the glue can dry completely. Steer clear of humid environments like saunas, too. I once made the mistake of running a 10-K on a steamy summer morning right after an evening lash application, and I remember wiping my sweaty face with my hand and finding three or four fugitive extensions on my palm.

To preserve your extensions, keep them clean and gently detangle them with a pristine mascara wand or spoolie brush every day. You can wear eye makeup, but accept that oils and oil-based makeup remover are your lashes’ worst enemy, because they break down the adhesive. When it comes to mascara specifically, the experts suggest skipping it.

“You don’t really need mascara. That’s why you’re getting the extensions, and you’re spending a lot of money doing it,” Ms. Lee said.

Ms. McKinney added: “The rule of thumb for eyelash extensions is the less you mess with them, the better and longer they are going to stay.”

To keep your extensions looking full and fresh, touch-ups should be scheduled every two to four weeks. These fill-in appointments take roughly one hour and range in price from $50 to $250. (After a month, you’ll normally be charged for a full, new set.) Extensions, properly applied and cared for, should not make your eyelashes fall out, but you will notice some inevitable casualties as your lashes grow and shed according to their natural cycles. Ms. Lee said she has clients who have worn lash extensions for 10 years without any apparent adverse side effects, though she does recommend that her customers take a three-month break every year or two.

What ophthalmologists want you to know
Among the medical concerns associated with eyelash extensions are the possibilities of trauma to and infection of the eyelid or the cornea, permanent or temporary loss of the eyelashes, and allergic reactions to the glues, some of which have historically contained formaldehyde. (Like other cosmetics, eyelash adhesives are not subject to F.D.A. approval.)

If you’re interested in lash extensions, and your eyes and eyelids are otherwise healthy, Dr. Taylor, the ophthalmologist, recommends asking about the contents of any glue before it’s applied near your eyes and even requesting that your technician first do a spot test on the inside of your wrist.

“What you don’t want to end up with is a massive allergic reaction,” Dr. Taylor said. “You’re just trying to go in and get a little bit more glorious and beautiful, and two days later, you wake up with swollen eye you can’t even open.”

Should symptoms like pain, itching or redness present themselves, don’t take matters into your own hands. Dr. Taylor strongly recommended against attempting to remove your extensions at home, as did every lash guru I spoke to.

“If you’re having a problem, please come in and see an ophthalmologist,” Dr. Taylor said. “You may exacerbate your symptoms by tugging and pulling. You may fracture your lashes. Try not to handle it yourself, because sometimes it can be a bigger fish to fry than you realize.”

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Why choose Angel Lash

Russian volume lashes are lighter and thinner than normal eyelash extensions. They carry the same weight as your natural lash leaving room for more lash applications. With regular eyelash extensions you apply “one lash on one”, but with the Russian volume, you apply in either 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D etc. They work similar to cluster lashes where you have either 2 lashes on one (2D), 3 on one (3D), 4 on one (4D) etc

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How To Straighten Eyelashes

 

Ascertain that a qualified physician recommends a treatment that you can apply by yourself at home. The procedure takes less than five minutes daily just like the two other ways mentioned above, but the chemistry within this merchandise promises lasting effects.

​Step 1. Clean The Area.

​Gently remove any mascara residue on the lashes. Moisturizing it beforehand is not necessary when you pick a high-quality product.

​Step 2. Spread On The Eyelash Enhancer.

​Do the second step from the lash line down to the ends. Applying the product in this manner ensures that it reaches the hair roots.

​Step 3. Style The Next Morning.

​When you wake up, you can readily smear mascara on it without having to use false eyelashes or a straightening tool. What it entails is that your mornings can go on minus the stress that you used to experience to uncurl those lashes of yours.

​Step 4. Repeat The Steps As Indicated By The Brand.

​How long you should utilize the chemical will once again depend on the jurisdiction of the medical and industrial professionals. However, stick to this basic routine until the final date specified in the packaging.