They say the eyes are the window to the soul. We say it’s your lashes! Whether long and fluttery, thick and bold, or somewhere in between, you can say a lot with your eyelashes. And there hasn’t been a recent beauty trend hotter than getting the perfect set of peepers courtesy of your lashes. But with so many options, where do you even begin? We’ve broken down the ins and outs of various lash routines so you can find the perfect one for YOU!
AVEDA Mascara
Xtreme Lashes & AVEDA Mascara by Kelly
We might be partial to the AVEDA mosscara, but it’s for good reason. The smudge and flake proof formula thickens, lengthens, and conditions making it a triple makeup threat. It’s why our resident makeup guru Louise says, “I always go back to it after trying others.”
Price: $20
Convenience: If you don’t mind sweeping on mascara every day, we’d say it’s pretty convenient.
Comfort: You won’t even know you’re wearing it!
Maintenance: Zilch
Results: Beautifully natural effects
Risks: It’s opthamologist tested and aroma free!
Grande Lash Mascara
The Grande Lash mascara – and it’s sister, the lash growth serum – has been taking Instagram by storm. It’s your average mascara with a boost of peptides and waxes that add extra drama and promote growth. La Pomponnee makeup artist Kathy loves it because “your eyes will have a more defined appearance.”
Price: $25
Convenience: The same as traditional mascara
Comfort: The same as traditional mascara
Maintenance: Low
Results: With continued use, you could see longer, healthier lashes.
Risks: None that we’re aware of!
Lash Tint
You color the hair on your head; why not color your lashes too? This totally safe procedure aims to darken your natural lashes to provide the look of wearing mascara without the hassle of actually putting it on. MUA Paige says many of her clients get a lash tint before going on vacation, while Kelley thinks it’s great for blondes, redheads, or anyone with really light lashes.
Price: $20+
Convenience: The process takes about 30 minutes and can be done right in our salons!
Comfort: There may be a mild tingling or itching sensation during the tint procedure, but there should be no discomfort afterwards.
Maintenance: Tints last approximately 6-8 weeks with virtually no upkeep in between.
Results: Darker lashes!
Risks: Some clients may be bothered by the tinting serum but most have no issues!
Lash Lift
Before & After: Lash lift by Bonnie
Perms are back, baby! Just kidding….but a lash lift IS basically like a perm for your eyelashes. This semi-permanent process curls your natural lashes for an eye-opening effect. Kiss your eyelash curler goodbye because you won’t need it after this! Kelley loves a lash lift for “clients with straight but long lashes” and says it will definitely make the lashes “front and center!”
Price: $150
Convenience: The process takes about 90 minutes and can be down right in our salons!
Comfort: You may experience mild stinging during the lash lift, but it’s otherwise painless.
Maintenance: Lashes should not get wet for 24 hours after the lift, and you should be careful with harsh rubbing aftwards. Lifts can last up to 8 weeks.
Results: Fun and flirty curled lashes with zero effort!
Risks: Nada
Strip Lashes
Strip Lashes by Paige
If you aren’t sure if a semi-permanent lash routine is your thing, strip lashes are a great temporary alternative. They come in varying degrees of length, thickness, and fullness and can be cut to custom fit your eye shape. Louise thinks they’re a “great addition to a really nice makeup application for a special day” although some clients wear them on a more routine basis!
Price: $25+
Convenience: They can be tricky to apply yourself but practice makes perfect.
Comfort: You’ll definitely be able to feel them on your eyelids. This may bother some women but most are not phased, especially since they’re usually only worn for a short period of time.
Maintenance: After a few hours or with sweat, lashes can begin to fall off. Keep a bottle of glue in your clutch and you’ll be prepared to handle any loose edges.
Results: DRAM-A! You’ll be ready for your close up ;)
Risks: Some wearers are irritated by certain lashes glues. We recommend experimenting to find the one most suitable for your skin type.
Individual Lashes
Think false lashes, but small clusters instead of long strips. As many (or as few) as you like can be applied to achieve a custom look. Because of this, Kelley thinks the individual lashes look a bit more natural too!
Price: $25+
Convenience: These are a bit easier to apply than strip lashes because they are placed on one by one.
Comfort: You might feel the weight of these too, but usually to a less degree since fewer are applied.
Maintenance: They may fall off after a few hours, but it will be much less noticeable than a full strip of lashes.
Results: A nice oomph but not overwhelming
Risks: Same as strip lashes!
Xtreme or Permanent Lash Styles
Before & After: Xtreme Lashes by Louise
This is the mac daddy of lash routines. Lash extensions and other extreme styles have been sweeping the beauty industry for the last few years. While they look the most striking, they also comes with a hefty price. Like Bonnie says, “they are higher maintenance and need proper care to keep them looking like the day they were done.”
Price: $200+
Convenience: After a full set is placed, fills are needed every 2-4 weeks to keep the lashes in the best condition.
Comfort: The only discomfort may be sitting still during the initial procedure and fills, which can take an hour or longer.
Maintenance: While lash extensions mean most women can ditch the mascara altogether, keeping up with this look can be costly and time consuming.
Results: You can literally wake up and walk out the door. You’ll look THAT good.
Risks: If applied incorrectly, lash extensions can harm your natural lashes. That’s why you should always always always visit a reputable salon for the procedure and avoid Groupon deals like the plague.
Whew! Who knew there was so much you could do to your lashes? But now that you’re an informed consumer, you can choose the routine that matches your budget and lifestyle. We’d love to have you in the salon for a consultation to chat about which lash method is best for you! Give us a call!
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