Lash Extensions

I really didn't want to have to do this because a lot of my close friends offer lash extensions. But as a beauty blogger, I feel it's my obligation. First and foremost, this is just MY opinion. So I recently did lash extensions for the first time and here are my thoughts. Although they look GORGEOUS and its so great to wake up looking fabulous, I just could not get used to them! To me, they just weren't comfortable. They felt as if I used super glue mascara and were terribly hard and itchy. As they grew out I also didn't like how tangled they started to get in my other lashes and how messy they started to look. And mostly, it is nearly impossible to use eyeshadow without having it stick to the lash extensions. So after a fabulous smokey eye, I was left with powdery looking lashes that I was unable to clean. I tried a wet lash wand and cleaning them with a wipe but nothing fully cleaned them except a shower. So in conclusion I removed them and was left with kermit the frog looking eyes.  And if you're wondering how I removed them, I didn't just pull them off (ouch!). I used a lot of steam and baby oil to remove them as gently as possible but the result was inevitable. My fabulous natural lashes have now been compromised and it's going to be a lot of false lash strips for this girl, until they grow back! I do not blame my friend who did them in any way and don't believe they were done improperly, they just weren't for me. 

As a makeup artist, here are my words of wisdom...

• DO NOT do them immediately before your wedding for the first time. Try them at least 6 months in advance, that way if you don't like them you have time for you lashes to repair themselves.
• Be prepared for your lash extensions to have eye shadow stick to them, it's inevitable! (if anyone has any suggestions of how to avoid this please comment below).
• Lash strips are so much better! I'm a lash strip junkie and have been using them for years and I must say that although they are a pain to put on at least they don't damage your lashes. 

Ugh the things were do for beauty!! In the end, I'm not mad that I gave them a shot. I believe in trying everything once and at least now I can offer some lash extension advice to my clients. 

5 ways to get the most out of your makeup trial

-Jill Raposo

I've done a countless makeup trials at this point and I'd say about 90% of them go by without a hitch, but there's always a few people that just don't know what to expect and how to prepare. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's not everyday that you do a makeup trial, so we get it! For those who don't know what to expect or what you can do to maximize your trial, here's some great info :)

1. Clean face: 

Try your best to come to your makeup trial with a clean face. If you're coming from somewhere your artist can always use a makeup remover wipe to cleanse your skin but nothing is better than a good thorough cleansing in the sink. That way you aren't super oily and don't have any residue left over from prior makeup. If the skin isn't cleansed properly your makeup can often appear blotchy and greasy. It is also important to remove any waterproof mascara or liner completely. If there is left over mascara on your lashes, chances are you won't get the full effect of the mascara your artist is using. It can be very difficult for the artist to scrub at your eyes to get it off and the last thing we want before applying makeup is irritation to the skin.

2. Have an idea or color scheme in mind:
Although it is flattering when someone says "do whatever you think" it can be a bit overwhelming to the artist. If you have it narrowed down to at least a color scheme it can help big time. Example: grey smokey eye, natural pink tone, warm brown tones, etc.

3. Know your terms:
Cat eye: I can't tell you how many people have asked for a "cat eye" and then at the end have said "I don't like that little wing thing you made at the end of my eyes". That my friend, is indeed a cat eye.



Smokey eye: A very dramatic look! Many people ask for a smokey eye and then often say it's not as natural as they envisioned. There's nothing natural about a "traditional" smokey eye ladies. If you're looking for a natural look with a little bit of an impact you might want to say, slightly smokey.



Matte vs. Shimmer: A matte shadow is something with no shine or shimmer. This is important to know when choosing your look because by just telling your artist "grey" it could be one thing in your mind and another in the artists.


Shimmer


Matte


4. Bring a picture with a clear vision and be realistic:
We love pictures! Pictures can cut down the whole process of figuring out what you have in mind by far. Often times people bring pictures of celebrities they want to look like, but you can't see the makeup!! Example: Down below is a picture of Juliane Hough, gorgeous! right!? Anyways... I constantly get pictures like this where to me, it just looks like a nice set of lashes and a lip color. Even though that's all Juliana may need to look flawless due to her stunning eye color and skin, it may translate differently on a client.



It is much easier for the artist to have a picture with a clear vision, such as the one below.



5. Don't be afraid to speak your mind!
I myself had my makeup done for my wedding, didn't speak up to the artist then went home and washed it off. Please don't do that. We do not take ANY offense to any changes you'd like to make or if you don't like something. We want you to feel confident and more gorgeous than you ever imagined and we will work with you until we achieve that. However, you're makeup trial is a 1 hour appointment so the more preparation you do in advance the more you will get out of your appointment. 




If this all seems overwhelming to you NO WORRIES! If you aren't prepared and have NO IDEA we will go through a series of questions and swatches with you until we find the perfect look :)