For those who are blessed with long luscious lashes and finely tuned eyebrows, this blog isn’t for you. You should probably keep scrolling. However, for most of us, we could use a little help, after all if what they say is correct and the eyes are the windows to the soul, which means our lashes and brows are the shutters, and they need to be in their best shape.
Lashes
The world of lash extensions has greatly grown since the time of basic strip lashes and individuals. Now there are options expanding from single use to long term wear, DIY to pro-applied. What’s best for you is solely based on your needs and lifestyle but it’s best you know the basics first.
A Lift/Tint is a good option for those who may have the length but lack the curl or volume they desire. A lift is a semi-permanent solution completed with a specialized curling rod and a chemical solution. Consider it a perm for your eyelashes. Tinting your lashes, much like you coloring your hair, will darken and intensify your lashes and provide the added illusion of volume. Combining these two services can yield a glamorous result lasting you about 4-6 weeks.
The DIY Lash is a quickly growing industry, among these are Lashify, a widely known brand. Their website offers an introductory Control Kit which includes their A, B and C gossamers and all the required materials to apply, remove and store your lashes. Once received, you can choose to try it yourself following their how-to guide or schedule a 1:1 consultation with a Lashify expert if you need some added assistance. If you love their lashes, you can opt to enroll in their LUXE membership plan to restock your lashes every 30-60 days.
If you’re looking for lovely DIY lashes at a lower cost, Jenn recommends Lilac Street. She has tried several different companies and loves the lashes, long lasting glue and price point of Lilac Street.
Not the DIY type, no worries, sometimes things just require you to seek a professional. Eyelash extensions are one of those times. Trained technicians specialize in styles ranging from Classic to Russian or Mega Volume depending on the desired look of the client. Unlike other lash methods, lash technicians such as the gals at Salon AF & Beauty Co., are trained to “lash map” designing the best style for your eye type. Every eye is unique and so are the results and your technician may require a consultation before applying your lashes. Lash extensions with the proper care will result in a noticeable effect, either subtle or dramatic, but they are not for the commitment-phobic, as they require a fill-in every 2-3 weeks. Please be cautious of who you use for this service, every state has regulations on who can apply lash extensions. In the State of Georgia you must be a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician or medical professional + receive proper training. Jenn cautions everyone, as she received an injury to her cornea while getting lash extensions several years ago.
Brows
Brow waxing & threading remain tried-and-true methods of manicuring the hair above our lids, but now there is a shift in focus from simple shaping to landscaping our brows into works of art. If your brows are two thin, we’ve got you covered.
Microshading is a semi-permanent option. Essentially a tattoo, color is implanted beneath the skin of your eyebrows. It can be done on nearly skin types and the resulting effect is a fuller looking brow that lasts up to 24 months.
Microblading uses a fine blade composed of several needles that creates small scratches resembling your natural hairs and are then filled with pigment. The result is more natural than micro shading, however its longevity can be affected by oil production in the skin, which will cause the hair strokes to fade over time. The amount of touch ups that you can get are limited, due to the scarring this blading causes and many artists are moving away from this particular technique.
Hybrid or Ombre brows are a mixture of the two techniques and allow those of us with slightly oiler skin to benefit from the best of both worlds.
Whichever you choose, after care for your brows is very important and touch-ups are strongly encouraged. This is NOT a DIY beauty regimen so leave this one to the pros. Do your research and schedule a consultation with your technician to discuss the best options for you.
Remember, beauty treatments are an investment, both of time and money. Be prepared to invest in yourself and your aftercare. Please consult with your technician and follow the required steps to ensure your results.
xoxo, Marissa
