When it comes to enhancing one’s natural beauty, few things rival the transformative power of beautifully done lash extensions. Lash extensions have evolved over the years, offering various styles and curls to suit different eye shapes and preferences. The beauty industry is always racing against itself when it comes to keeping up with new trends and lash extensions are no different. We’ve been all over the map (no pin intended) with styles ranging from the Kim K. to the wet look and now it’s the L-curl that has our attention.

Understanding L-Curl Lash Extensions

L-curl lash extensions, characterized by their distinctive L-shaped base, are designed to provide a more pronounced lift compared to other curl types. The unique shape of these extensions offers a more dramatic upward angle, making them ideal for individuals with hooded or downturned eyes who desire a more open, awake appearance. Similar to the cat-eye, the lashes on longer towards the outer corner to offer the illusion of a more pronounced lift.

The Benefits of L-Curl Lash Extensions

1. Enhanced Lift:

The primary advantage of L-curl lashes is their ability to create a noticeable lift, resulting in a wide-eyed, youthful look. The extensions’ angled base provides a natural curve that lifts the lashes from the root, accentuating the eyes and creating a captivating allure.

2. Ideal for Specific Eye Shapes:

L-curl extensions are particularly suitable for individuals with hooded or downturned eyes. By lifting the lashes, they counteract the drooping effect and create a more lifted, balanced appearance.

3. Long-Lasting Effect:

When properly applied and maintained, L-curl lash extensions can retain their beautiful shape for an extended period. With routine touch-ups and care, these extensions can maintain their allure for weeks, saving time on daily makeup routines. They do not last any longer than other lash extensions curls but in comparison to a lash curler they take the cake!

4. Customizable Looks:

Just like other lash extension types, L-curl lashes offer versatility. They come in various lengths, thicknesses, and materials, allowing for customization based on individual preferences and desired styles.

The Application Process

L-curl lash extensions require skilled application by a certified lash technician. The process involves:

1. Consultation: Understanding the client’s desired look, eye shape, and any specific concerns.

2. Preparation: Cleansing the natural lashes to ensure they are free of oils and makeup.

3. Application: Using a safe adhesive, the technician attaches individual L-curl extensions to the natural lashes, focusing on creating the desired lift and fullness.

Conclusion

L-curl lash extensions offer a remarkable way to elevate one’s natural beauty by providing a striking lift and enhancing the eyes' appearance. With their ability to cater to specific eye shapes and their long-lasting allure, these extensions have rightfully gained popularity among those seeking a more pronounced and captivating look.

The Lash Trend that Winks! Party Lashes!

Embracing Pre-Made Volume Fans

In the ever-evolving realm of beauty and cosmetics, innovations continue to revolutionize the way we enhance our features. One such trend that has taken the world by storm is the art of lash extensions. Among these, pre-made volume lash extensions have emerged as a game-changer, providing a quick and efficient way to achieve lush, voluminous lashes with ease. While not lasting as long as hand-made extensions they can be applied more quickly saving you both time and money if you aren’t a regular lash extension wearer.

Lash extensions, in general, have become a staple in the beauty routines of many individuals, offering a convenient solution to elevate one's natural lashes without the hassle of daily mascara application or the commitment of false lashes. But, sometimes we just want something extra for a vacation or a party. Traditionally, lash extensions involve the attachment of individual lashes, a meticulous and time-consuming process often best left to professionals. However, pre-made volume lash extensions come in pre-fanned arrangements, already shaped to provide a fuller, more voluminous effect. This advancement simplifies the application process, making it accessible to both beauty professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The appeal of pre-made volume lash extensions lies in their efficiency. With the pre-fanned flower, the time required for application significantly reduces, allowing for a quicker transformation. Lash eperts praise the innovation of better quality pre-made fans than what can be purchased at a drug store or over the counter as a breakthrough, enabling them to serve more clients within a shorter timeframe while maintaining quality and achieving stunning results.

Moreover, these pre-made volume lash extensions offer versatility. They come in various lengths, thicknesses, and styles, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. Whether one desires a dramatic, glamorous look or a more natural enhancement, there's a range of options available to cater to diverse tastes.

The convenience and durability of pre-made volume lash extensions are not it’s advantages. When applied correctly and with proper care, these extensions can 7-14 days but not much longer. The additional glue makes the lashes too heavy to wear long term all the time without causing eventual damage to the natural lash follicles.

In conclusion, the advent of pre-made volume lash extensions in thinner stems and higher quality has undeniably revolutionized the beauty industry, offering a faster, more convenient, and customizable solution for achieving lush, voluminous lashes. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it's clear that the allure of these extensions lies not only in their time-saving qualities but also in the confidence and glamour they bring to anyone who bats their beautifully enhanced lashes.

Mad for Mod!

FALL 2023 IS ALL ABOUT MOD!

Once upon a time, in an era of vibrant colors and groovy tunes, a fashion revolution was brewing. It was the swinging 60s, a decade that brought forth a cultural shift like no other. And in the heart of this transformative period, a fashion trend emerged that would forever leave its mark on the world: the mod era.

Now, let me take you on a journey back in time, where the streets were filled with hip young women, dressed to the nines in their mod attire. Picture this: mini skirts, knee-high boots, and of course, the iconic Twiggy-inspired makeup.

In the mod era, makeup became a powerful tool for self-expression. Women embraced a fresh and youthful look, with a focus on the eyes. The eyes were the windows to the soul, and mod girls wanted to let their souls shine.

One of the key elements of mod makeup was the dramatic eye look. The eyes were adorned with bold and graphic eyeliner, creating the illusion of wider, more doe-like eyes. Thick, black lines were drawn along the upper lash line, extending outwards in a dramatic winged shape. This mesmerizing cat-eye effect was achieved using liquid eyeliner or kohl pencils.

To enhance the eyes even further, the mod girls reached for their trusty mascara. Lashes were coated with layer upon layer of mascara, creating a wide-eyed and doll-like effect. The goal was to make those peepers pop!

But the mod makeup magic didn't stop there. Another iconic feature of this era was the use of false eyelashes. These fluttery accessories added instant glamour, making the eyes appear even larger and more captivating. Long, thick lashes were the epitome of mod beauty.

Now, let's talk about the color palette. Mod makeup was all about being bold and daring. Bright, vibrant eyeshadows were the name of the game. Shades of electric blue, lime green, and psychedelic purples adorned the eyelids of mod girls everywhere. These vibrant hues were often paired with shimmery finishes, creating a mesmerizing effect under the city lights.

As for the rest of the face, mod girls preferred to keep it simple and fresh. A natural-looking base with a hint of blush gave that youthful, "just stepped out of Carnaby Street" vibe. Lips were often kept neutral or lightly tinted, allowing the eyes to take center stage.

And there you have it, a glimpse into the world of mod makeup in the swinging 60s. It was an era of experimentation, self-expression, and breaking free from traditional beauty norms. The mod girls of yesteryear left an indelible mark on fashion and beauty, inspiring generations to come.

So, next time you find yourself wanting to channel your inner mod girl, remember the dramatic eyeliner, the fluttery lashes, and the vibrant eyeshadows. Embrace the spirit of the swinging 60s and let your eyes tell a story of their own.

Finding the Right Lash Artist For You

A great ash artist can make your life heaven. You show up with no make-up, you either catch a nap or have a few laughs and leave feeling gorgeous and put together. Since you will see this person every three to four weeks for lash fills, this person is a big part of your life. You see them more than your hair dresser, more than your facialist in some cases and in mst cases, more than your parents. They need to be a person you like that does work you respect.

One of the first things to look for is how the person schedules their clients. Is it a system you like? Are you an online scheduler or do you prefer to call. Are you a last minute scheduler and expect someone to fit you in or do you like booking your sessions in advance? All of this is key in determining if you and your lash artist will get along. If the artist always has to make special exceptions for you, you may find yourself at the lower end of their priority list when they are busy, so it’s wise to choose a person that has a booking system and cancellation rules you can live with.

Another thing to look for is interaction. Are you able to text or email them of a picture of a particular style of lashes you like and get a response? Do they explain why they disagree or if they agree do they let you know? Having a degree of professional distance is normal for beauty service professionals but if you find interaction difficult, this may not be the right person for you.

How is the treatment space? Are you ok going to a person’s house if necessary or do you prefer a spa atmosphere? Are you picky about parking and what if there isn’t any? What are the options? Some artists picked up lashing as a side hustle during the pandemic and may not be able to provide the luxury of decent parking options and a professional space but it should be clean at the very least. Even if you can live with less than ideal circumstances, remember that you will be dealing with it every month for fills so the one thing you should never compromise on is cleanliness.

Finally, does the artist have the skill set to provide the style you want? Are they using pre-made fans to get the extra fullness in your lashline instead of making the fans by hand? This question is important because pre-made fans mean more glue which adds more weight to your natural lash. Pre-made fans also don’t stay as well so you’ll want someone who can make the fans on the spot if your looking for a full lash line. Lash extensions are not easy and all kinds of short cuts are taken so that people can take your money. An artist with these skills has spent the time learning them for a reason so if you plan on logevity with your lashes, pick an artist who has planned longevity in her career.

Lash Trends of 2023

Eyelash looks have turned a corner to a whispy flutter.  As women focus more on a skin glow for make-up trends, we are seeing less eyeliner, more natural lip colors and whispy lashes.  Even the big fluffy brow is taking a back seat to the skin glow.  But that does not mean you need to give up your lash extensions.

Using the lightest lashes possible, whispy lashes are done by mixing various lengths and curls to give your lash line a natural texture.  Instead of wide fans, smaller ones are created for the longer lengths, helping the eyes to open and pop in strategic places.  And the best part is, they are always on.

Do Volume Lashes Offer More Support?

This seems to be the question of 2022. While we were in lockdown and unable to get our lashes done, we used serums to grow our lash line full and thick again. So, naturally, when thinking about going back to lash extensions, we want the lightest weight possible so that we can keep our natural fluff.

As Ive explained in a previous blog, the weight used on each eyelash is important. If you have fine lashes, you’ll want the lightest weight fans so they can fluff out and hold the line together. The Penumbra 0.03 weight of lashes can be made into a lightweight fan so that you don’t have one single lever weighing your lash down. A classic lash is .15-.20 in weight and is like adding weight to one end of a teeter totter. It’s very hard for the natural lash to hold up weight that is one directional. However if you distribute that weight in a fan and then put another on each side of it, now that lash has a support group to lean on and isn’t carrying the weight alone.

For clients who have very strong, straight natural lashes, a classic lash may work better because only the classic lashes look good in a straighter curl. To have something that hugs the entire lash and offers a bit of lift is great for these types of clients. If a client has curl to their lashes, the chances are that the lashes are fine because curly hair tends to be more fragile than straight hair.

If you’ve always worn classic lashes, give the volume or hybrid ones a shot and see if they work better for you!

5 Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask About Eyelash Extensions

Are lash extensions bad for your eyes/eyelashes?

Eyelash extensions are no more harmful than any other cosmetic you would use on your eyes.  Liquid eyeliners, waterproof mascaras, lash strips and eye shadows all contain elements of harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin and eyes.  Lash extensions are less harmful in some ways because the ingredients are more limited.  Once the glue is completely cured on the lashes, there are no more chemicals to deal with the entire time they are worn.  Since your own natural lashes shed and grow, you will always grow in new eyelashes if you are keeping them clean and the follicles free of dirt and oil.  Clients who remove their lashes after wearing them for a while may feel like they have damaged their natural lashes but after two to three growth cycles ( 8-12 weeks), their lashes are back to normal.  The key is always quality ingredients and cleanliness.

How long do lash extensions last?

Depending on your lifestyle, lash extensions can last 3-6 weeks.  Since one eyelash has a life cycle of eight weeks, you are constantly shedding and regrowing new eyelashes.  Some people go through this cycle faster than others and there can be other contributing factors like humidity.  Someone who does hot yoga 3-4 times per week will need fills sooner than someone who doesn’t.  Someone who wears a lot of eye makeup with their extensions will need their fill in two to three weeks where someone who doesn’t can go three to four.

How do I remove lash extensions?

Removing lash extensions should always be done by a professional with a product made specifically for that purpose.  Trying to do this yourself can cause damage to the lash follicle and may even sting your eyes.  It is never recommended to use baby oil, olive oil, castor oil, etc. to try and remove extensions.  This rarely ever works, and the pulling of the extensions will cause your own eyelashes to break.

Do lash extensions cause styes?

A stye is caused by an infection in the oil gland of the eyelid.  When makeup is not properly washed off or pillowcases not changed routinely, styes can form.  One of the main causes is not cleaning make-up brushes on a regular basis.  Make-up brushes should be cleaned weekly with a professional brush cleaner or brushes should be replaced monthly.

What kind of glue is used for lash extensions?

Eyelash extensions should never be applied with any glue except medical grade eyelash glue.  Hair extensions glue, over the counter lash strip glue, craft glue or hobby glue should never be used.  Professional eyelash glue is extremely lightweight when it dries and is made to seal with a waterproof grip so that the lashes don’t lift when wet.  Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient in lash glue, there are various types.  A lash glue with a strong fume probably contains methyl cyanoacrylate which can cause burning and irritation.  Carbon also makes the glue black but some people may be sensitive, in which case, a clear adhesive should be used.

All other questions can be answered by a licensed and certified lash artist.  Find one near you by emailing info@staycosemtics.co

Summertime Eyelash Care

Summertime Eyelash Care

Music Festivals, Weddings, and events are all back this year and your eyelash extensions will get you through all of it.  Caring for them in the summer sun is something to consider but we got you!  Here is a refresher on what to do.

1.)    Wear sunglasses!  The bigger the better is the way to go when shading your flutter from the hot sun.  Remember, heat softens the extension glue and your attachment won’t hold long after that so if you can’t hide out in the shade, wear your sunnies.

2.)   No stacking.  What is eyelash stacking, you might ask?  It is when you don’t plan ahead for a proper fill so you try and fill in the gaps with little clusters.  This is always a bad idea but an even worse one with heat involved.  Cluster glue is made of latex and melts quickly in the hot sun so now you have soft latex stuck in your eyelash extensions and not even witches can save you. 

3.)   Surf and Wash.  If you plan on being in the ocean, wash the salt off your lashes when you get out.  Once the salt mixed with heat gets in between your lashes for long periods of time, it softens the glue by scrubbing it away like an exfoliant.  Great for the skin but not so much for lash extensions.

4.)   Bump up your fill appointments.  If you usually go one month between fills, bump your appointments to every three weeks.  Lashes grow and shed a bit quicker in the summer so keep them long and strong by three to four extra appointments during this time of year.

5.)   Moisturize your eyelids.  This may seem like a big no no but after you wash your lashes with a nice lash bath, moisturize your lids down to the lash line.  When your eyelids get dry, tiny skin particles shed into your lash line and it’s difficult to remove.  Wash, moisturize, repeat.

Yes, You Can DIY Lash Serum!

DIY Lash Serum?

Sustainability is on many people’s minds as we all ask ourselves how we can leave the world a better place for the next generation.  We are paying attention to packaging, sourcing, delivery, and recycling more than we have in the past and there are great social media influencers that teach us how to be more sustainable.

When it comes to sustainable beauty products, we have a long way to go but if you’re the kind of person who not only wants to save the planet but also money, there is a great way to make your own lash growth serum.  We were making our own for both lashes and brows at the spa long before big brand serums were available.  

You can use the DIY lash serum on both your natural lashes and your brows, but it is not recommended for use with lash extensions.  To use an eyelash growth serum with your lash extensions, you will want a pharmaceutical grade serum like the one we sell.

1.)   Take a small clean glass bottle or jar and make sure it is clean and dry.

2.)   Pour in one teaspoon of each of the following oils:  castor oil, coconut oil (melted) and vitamin E oil.

3.)   Shake up and seal with a cap.  

4.)   When you are ready for use, wash and dry the lash and brow line thoroughly.  Shake the bottle (you may need to soften in the microwave for a few seconds with the lid off and wait for it to cool).

5.)   Dip a clean mascara brush into the serum and brush through the eyebrows.  Use a microtip or doe foot applicator or a small eyeliner brush to apply to lash line.  You can also massage into the lash line with clean fingertips.

6.)   To be sustainable, clean your applicator and store in a clean dry place to be re-used.

Doing this on a nightly basis before bedtime can produce great results over a period of time but make sure you are changing your pillowcase weekly.  The extra oil may rub off and oil can collect dirt.  Hair grows best when the skin is healthy.  Healthy skin is produced in a clean environment.  It all works together and so do we!  Happy sustaining!

Your Wedding Lashes: What to Know Before you Decide

Clients email me all the time asking if they should get lash extensions for their wedding or if they should wear strip lashes.  With all the crying, make-up, photos, and honeymooning, they just aren’t sure if lash extensions can hold up so we broke down what you can expect for wedding lashes.

Ocean Water

Eyelash extensions are by far the way to go over strip lashes for your wedding.  Not only do you not have to think about them except for a daily fluffing and brushing, but they look much cleaner than mascara.  Now, if you are the kind of person that wears strip lashes on the regular, you may be fine with those but consider your honeymoon.  Are you going somewhere with ocean water and hot tubs?  Strip lashes are not friends with saltwater.  With extensions, you can play in the ocean as much as you want and just rinse the salt off after.

Crying

I’ve never known a bride not to cry on her wedding day.  While strip lashes may hold up through some tears, the salt from the water in your eyes can mix with the strip glue and cause very red eyes.  Even is you ditch the strip for waterproof mascara, the salt clumps with the fibers of the mascara and creates an unpleasant look.  Lash extensions are cured within 24 hours so if your lash artist is using a professional, high-grade glue, there shouldn’t be any stinging and definitely no redness.

Make-up

With all the make-up, powdering, sweating, and touching up a bride goes through in one day, it’s better not to have to think about if your strip is going to hold.  Few things are more embarrassing than having a conversation while your strip lash is starting to peel off.  This is something you never have to worry about with extensions.

Honeymoon

Why not wake up with gorgeous lashes as a new bride?  Sure, you could wear strip lashes to bed so you can wake up with them, but you are risking damage to your own lash follicle by sleeping in strip lash glue.  Skin sheds at night and when it mixes with strip glue, dirt and oil gets into the follicles causing clogs.  Lash extensions are superior when it comes to sleeping because the glue is attached to a lash and not your skin.

Should lash extensions be the way you go for your big day, timing is everything.  It is best to schedule ahead and book your appointment 2-4 days before your big day.  You want them new enough to stay full through your honeymoon but doing them the day before doesn’t provide enough curing time.

The Brow Breakdown: Dissecting Cometic Tattooing

Have you always dreamt of having fuller brows with a better shape?  Do you spend too much time trying to get the perfect brow shape as part of your make-up routine every morning?  Do You love the look of fluffy brows, but your thin twigs have been overplucked?  Well, you may have heard about the magical transformations that can be done with eyebrows now days.

Here is what you should know.  All the semi-permanent to permanent brow trends are a form of cosmetic tattooing.  Your artist needs a body art license and the facility they work in will have a body art permit for the service.  Body art covers tattooing and piercing of every level.  So, if your friend just learned how to microblade on an online course but has not gone through licensing steps, you could be in very dangerous hands.

With that said, there is a difference between microblading and machine work.   I know, it’s a lot but you should know that getting a permanent eyebrow service is something you should always research.  Thinking long and hard about these differences can save you lots of problems down the road.  It is never a good idea to jump into a permanent make-up service right before an event unless you’ve spent months considering which one is right for you. Hopefully, this helps.

Let’s start with microblading since it is the most popular.  Microblading is done with a disposable pen that holds a small grouping of micro needles that resemble a blade (hence the name microblading).  That pen is used to create fine lines into an already existing hairline that will resemble “real brow hair” and give the illusion of fuller, fluffier brows.  Awesome, right?  Take it easy, Turbo.  Here’s why it doesn’t always work.

1.)   A client with normal to oily skin may experience a beautiful result on the day the eyebrows are done resulting in beautiful before and after photos (Instagram is full of these) but because of the oil in the skin, the pigment may be pushed out.  Sometimes an artist will compensate by going a bit deeper but even if the pigment stays, the lines will look a bit flat and murky after about six months.  The lines no longer look like real hair and instead resemble striped brows, especially up close.  If you are someone who has normal to oily skin and you are still married to hair strokes over a powder look, you should research an artist who does nano brows.

2.)   A client who has drier skin will get great results with microblading but should be careful to choose an artist who understands color theory well.  Any variation of color from your real eyebrow color will draw attention to the lines so going darker is not recommended unless you plan on dying your brows on the regular.  Choose an artist who take time to match your skin’s undertones and hair color.  Both are equally important to getting a good, healed result.  At STAY, we use Brow Daddy pigments.  This line heals very true to tone and offers a variation that artists can usually only achieve by mixing colors, leaving more room for mistakes.

Feather Brows are another term used for microblading, but it could mean two different things.  Someone who offers feather brows may just mean they use the pattern of a feather (a common pattern) to help rebuild your brow.  It also may mean that they don’t go as deep as microblading, which means you’ll probably only get about six months out of the service before your new hairstrokes fade and your left with nothing again.  At STAY, a feather brow is sometimes done on the first appointment for clients who seem nervous or uncertain about what they want, and then deeper strokes are made on their second appointment after any adjustments are agreed upon.  The term feather brow could also mean both things, rather done with machine or microblading pen. 

Nano Brows are like microblading strokes except it is done with a machine.  This is a great alternative for people who have normal to oily skin because the artist has more freedom to use hair strokes and some strategic shading under the real hair.  Sometimes nano brows are combined with some light microblading and sometimes it’s combines with powder shading depending on the desired result.  The healing time is much easier than microblading and can be done several times over a person’s lifetime because no scar tissue is created.  The artist will need to be skilled in machine work and use a very low vibration machine, which are often quite expensive.

Powder Brows are also done with a machine but with a technique called whip shading.  The result is tiny dots in the skin that represent eyebrow powder.  Again, your artist needs to be highly skilled at whip shading to get the right depth and pattern consistency.  If the artist goes too deep, scar tissue can be created making it difficult to get touch ups in the future.  If an artist goes too shallow, the color doesn’t implement correctly and they will have to go over the area too many times, also causing scar tissue.  Eyebrow shaping before this service is key so that the brows are as even as possible, but the design will also shrink somewhat.  The size of the needle is determined by the age and texture of the skin. 

Consultations are always advised, and most artists are happy to oblige.  While cometic tattooing is a beauty service, it is still a tattoo even if it is meant to fade over a long period of time.  Take all precautions necessary when considering an artist.

5 Tips for Lash Extensions and Coachella

How to Protect Your Lashes at Coachella if You Wear Lash Extensions

Well, it’s back and it’s sold out.  LA’s favorite music festival has managed to not only get through the pandemic but thrive even with the cancellation of Kanye West.  It was the talk in West Hollywood.  However, if you are a Coachella rookie and you got eyelash extensions for the event, here are some tips for you to protect your investment.

#1. Lash Late

If you’re trying to do both weekends, you should have gotten your lashes done yesterday and not a minute sooner.  We are influencer friendly here and we know how important those camera-ready shots are.  Two weekends in make-up, sun and dust can make you look crazy by weekend two, but if you’re a seasoned lasher, you know this.

#2. Wear Big Sunglasses

This may seem so obvious, but some people have no idea how much this helps with dust.  Coachella is surrounded by low desert, so people assume it isn’t going to be windy.  But, not so fast.  The San Gorgonio Pass causes a “Venturi Effect” (another term for a wind phenomenon) that shoots from North palm Springs to Indio.  This is only intensified as the desert floor heats up during the day.  So, basically, consider it a blessing if you get those gorgeous sunset photos and you aren’t eating dust.

#3.  Baseball Caps win over wide-brimmed Hats

I know.  Your wide-brimmed hat makes every outfit cuter but when that thing blows off your head a few times or you get tired of removing it to get through the drink lines, you’ll end up not wearing it.  A baseball cap that fits just enough can be removed for photos but still protects your lashes from the sun.  BTW, there is no shade.  At least, not where the fun is.

#4.  Wash Your Lashes

I shouldn’t have to tell you to wash your face at night but just know if you don’t wash that dirt off, don’t expect your lashes to reciprocate the love.  Use a gentle foaming cleanser and then wait until your lashes are dry before brushing them out.  

#5. Have Fun!

 At the end of the day, this is so much more important than what your lashes look like. Happy Music Festing!

Why I Love My Job

A woman who had suffered a lot of trauma and is going through a big transition in her life visited recently.  She was ready to feel good about herself and came to me for a fluffy brow and a permanent eyeliner service.  She had gorgeous hazel eyes and full eyebrows, but they had no shape or uniformity.  

I always do the eyeliner service first because it is very messy and there is a lot of stretching required for the skin to accept the pigment, so after cleaning her eyelids, we applied a gentle numbing crème to her lids.  The cream is great because even though it takes 30 minutes, the client can open their eyes and use their phone or walk around if they need to.  This helps so they aren’t just lying on a table for an additional 30 minutes.  

While she was numbing, I got to work shaping her brows.  We use meticulous measuring to make sure both brows are being shaped evenly.  While I was busy working on that, she had time to tell me her amazing story.  This is one of the things I love about my job.

 After we got her brows shaped, I began her eyeliner service.  Because of her hazel eyes, I chose a warm black color so there would be a brown underneath to bring out the yellow in her eyes.  The eyeliner took about two hours and she actually slept through the last one.   After that, we took a little break and she was able to check on her kids while I transitioned for her brow service.

 For her brows, I used the same measuring techniques to draw an outline on her brows.  She wanted her slope going from her arch to her inner corner higher, so I used a pencil to add that.  She also wanted a more elegant tail so we elongated it slightly while being sure not to let it sit lower than the head of her brow.  After we both agreed on the shape, I made a first pass to protect and lock in her outline.  Then we were able to start numbing which only takes seven minutes.

Since she had beautiful dark brown hair and more olive skin, I chose Truffle Dream by Brow Daddy for her tail and then mixed it with a few drops of thinner once I started working hair strokes and shading towards the inside of the brows.  This is so that her color starts to soften the closer you get to the center of her forehead, providing the ultimate face frame.  

Her results are so pretty and she left feeling like she accomplished exactly what she set out to do that day; to feel like a new person.  

Before Combo Brows

After Como Brows

Five Things You Should Know Before Getting Permanent Eyeliner

Deciding to get permanent eyeliner is a commitment.  There are 10% of people who will reject the pigment, meaning it just won’t stay in their skin.  Then, there are those with sensitive eyes who may not realize what they are signing up for.  However, for people who are right for it, the service can be very rewarding.  Here are the five things you need to know before getting permanent eyeliner.

 1.)    Don’t go for a smoky look unless you have thick skin.  People with thin skin ages more quickly and your hot, smokey eyeliner ages with it.  The sides of our faces droop faster so our cute cat eye shape could end up turning down in several years.  Styles should be discussed with your technician.

 2.)   Eyes that are vascular will need to choose eyelash enhancement, which is permanent eyeliner that enhances your lash line.  If your eyes are too veiny, there are risks involved and its much safer to opt for darkening the lash line rather than trying to create a new shape or style.

 3.)   If you have sensitive skin, it may take 2-3 treatments to do your eyeliner.  Because sensitive skin swells up more quickly, you don’t want your technician to keep applying pigment through extreme swelling. The main reason is because the sides may not come out even.  One eye will always swell more than the other so the technician will need to use experience and instinct when deciding if they should proceed or not.

 4.)   If you can handle it, the results are better without numbing agents.  Numbing tends to soften the skin, making it a bit spongy.  This can affect how the permanent eyeliner looks after healing.

 5.)   Your eyes may feel itchy and a little tender for a few days after your treatment.  Icing them a bit right after your service can help.  A small amount of ointment can be used to prevent itching but talk to your technician first.

To book an appointment for permanent eyeliner with STAY. Cosmetics, click here.

Three Reasons You Should Consider Lash Extensions

Now that the world is recovering from the pandemic and we are all expected to show our faces again, our approach to our make-up routine while in lock-down will be tested.  Maybe you’ve grown out your lashes from the extreme break or maybe you’ve learned how to use strip lashes.  Either way, there is a good chance you’re considering going back to your lash artist or even finding a new one because we all know there is nothing quite like a great set of lashes!

Lash extensions, when applied correctly, add fullness and length to your existing lash line and only require a three-week touch-up.  Because your own lashes grow and shed, they are like hair extensions in the fact that they will need to be replaced.    

 If you live in a large city, lash extensions are more tempting because artists are easier to find and there are time saving benefits we need when our lives are full of hustle.  Since you will need to see your lash artist every two-four weeks, it’s best to find one you love and stick with them.

 But here are our top three reasons you should consider getting lash extensions:

1.)    Busy lives need time saving moments.  Let’s do some math on this.  If it takes 15 minutes to do eye make-up every morning, then you’ll be trading 15 minutes x 5 days per week.  That adds up to 75 minutes per week making your peepers look presentable.  75 minutes x 3 weeks = 225 minutes.  One 90 minute lash appointment every three weeks, plus 30 minutes’ drive time each way still only puts you at 150 minutes.  You’ll still have over one hour of free time left.  

2.)   Mascara can wreak havoc on your lashes.  Preservative like parabens, synthetic dyes and thimerosal keeps the mascara from turning too quickly but can be harmful to tour health, especially those with sensitive eyes.   Latex found in lash strips can also be damaging to natural lashes, especially if they aren’t removed gently.  

3.)   No beauty service can create the fabulous gratification that lashes can.  Handing a client the mirror after her service is one of the best parts of a lash artist’s job.  Lashes make our eyes look brighter and more awake with very little effort.  Who doesn’t need that?

To book a lash extension appointment with STAY. Cosmetics, click here.