Magnetic Lashes – Application and removal are simple even for a beginner, you just align the magnetic strip with your natural lash line base. They are reusable and come in sections for a customizable look. The magnets can be noticeable, alignment may be difficult to achieve, look unnatural and cheap. Moving them around after application of makeup can cause your makeup to smudge and smear. Much more expensive than strip lashes, they are only temporary and should be cleaned and removed daily.
Strip Lashes – Synthetic lashes that can be natural, classic or dramatic depending on which style and lengths you choose. The plastic fibers can be soft like mink lashes at a much lesser cost. Strip lashes can be applied to the skin using a strip lash adhesive, such as Duo and an application tool, back end of a makeup brush or tweezers. There is little damage to your natural lash although some lashes can get caught in the adhesive and pulled out when you remove them, so you need to be very careful when removing. Strip lashes are only temporary and should be removed at the end of the day. The adhesive should be removed from the band and cleaned after wearing. Strip lashes should never have mascara applied to them and they cannot get wet.
Lash Lift Perm Treatments – Lifts lashes from the root, curls and creates the illusion of longer lashes, open the eyes and enhances your natural lashes. These are great for people who are sensitive to eyelash extension adhesives. This application must be performed by a qualified professional. This works on long or short lashes. Although people whose lashes point downward will love it at first, as the lashes start to grow, the new growth will still grow downward while leaving the curled ones intact, the result will be lashes going down and up and straight and curly. Not so great for applying mascara on them during this in-between stage. Most lash lift treatments can safely be re-done every 4-6 weeks. You must make sure that you are using a qualified professional for this treatment. Sylvia has done a few perm corrections on people who went to an unqualified lash stylist.
Semi-permanent Mascara – A formaldehyde free, hypoallergenic, lash coating that is similar looking to mascara. Typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks. It can be applied to both upper and lower lashes, is smudge proof and waterproof. Semi-permanent mascara can be used with lash lift and eyelash extensions although we do not recommend it with eyelash extensions. Recommended use on clients who have medium length to long lashes. It is also recommended that after 3 or 4 weeks client must return for removal and have a fresh coating applied.
Volumizing Mascaras – Use a couple of different types of mascaras together can also help to achieve a more dramatic look. Try using a volumizing mascara along with a lengthening mascara. Also, if your lashes cannot hold a curl very well, have a lash lift service or curl your lashes and then select waterproof formulas. They are a much drier formula than regular mascaras and will allow your lash to hold the curl better.
Fiber Lashes or Fiber Lash Mascaras – Different companies claim you will see up to a 500% increase in volume with your first coat. You can purchase your own mascara and add the fibers to that after applying or you can purchase mascara that already has the fibers in it.
Prescription Growth Serums – We know of people who have used medicated growth serums, such as Latisse®, but due to the side effects we do not really recommend them. Several people have claimed that they get wonky wild lashes that curl inward or are too curly in spots and they stopped using it, but lashes did not return to normal. Mea has personally experienced the red eyes, hair growth in unintended areas around the eyes (which made the areas look darker), and the whites of her eyes started to develop brown spots. Sylvia experienced red, itchy, puffy upper eyelids along with a dark brown line on the eyelid where the serum was applied and red irritated eyes along with not much lash growth at all.
Here is a copy of the Latisse® warning: “Do not use LATISSE® if you are allergic to one of its ingredients. If you use/used prescription products for eye pressure problems, use LATISSE® under doctor care. May cause brown darkening of the colored part of the eye which is likely permanent. LATISSE® may cause eyelid skin darkening which may be reversible. Only apply at base of upper lashes. DO NOT APPLY to lower lid. Hair may grow outside the treatment area. If you have eye problems/surgery, consult your doctor. Common side effects include itchy and red eyes. If discontinued, lashes gradually return to the previous appearance.”