Mascara! To Do or Not To Do

Best Mascaras for Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are an investment that must be well taken care of.   Half the battle is getting them applied in the style that you like.  The other half is won in carrying out great after care at home by using the right products for your eyelash extensions.

Clients tend to get really excited once they get lashes.  Some clients will want to ramp up the volume with mascara regardless of how full and luscious their eyelash extensions are.  For volume lash clients (2-6 faux lashes to one natural lash), mascara is an absolute NO! NO! as it closes the volume fans causing them to clump together and ultimately ruining the lash set.  But for classic eyelash extensions wearers (one faux lash to one natural lash) there are a few allowances.

The mascara must be water-based and oil-free to be safe to wear on eyelash extensions.  Oil-free and water-based products won’t weaken the bond in the glue and cause premature lash fallout.  These products are also easy to remove resulting in better lash retention.  Waterproof products usually require a lot of scrubbing and rubbing to remove and that friction can pullout and damage your lashes. 

Be sure to read the ingredients or get a product referral from your lash artist.  Below is are a few “eyelash extension friendly “ mascaras to use on your lashes.

And remember, when applying mascara to eyelash extensions:

"Only apply water-based mascara from mid lash to tip, NEVER from root to tip.  Applying from root to tip applies too much tension on the base of the lash where the lashes are bonded and can pullout the lashes and/or disrupt the adhesive bond."

Max2 "Volume Up" Mascara

Noir Mascara

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (water-based)

Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara

xoxo,

Tandi

Perfect Brows with Brow Tinting

Are you tired of filling in your brows?  Do you have fine hairs that are barely noticeable?  If so, brow tinting might be the answer to your problem.  Intensive Brow Tint is made from a vegetable dye that is safe for facial use.  During this quick treatment, the chosen color and developer are mixed together and applied to the brow hair.  As the mixture processes, the color is deposited resulting in a defined and sharpened look. 

Top 5 Benefits of Brow Tinting

1.     Say goodbye to your brow pencil - The tint will give the appearance of filled-in brows

2.     Tints the most stubborn gray & white hairs

3.     Adds depth and definition to sparse & light brows

4.     Lasts up to 3 weeks

5.     Works for all hair colors including blondes & red heads

If you are ready to chuck the brow pencil and brow powder, a professional brow tint might be the answer to your prayers.

xoxo,

Tandi

Which One is Better - Hard Wax or Soft Wax?

Pink Hard Wax

Before I started lashing full-time I worked as a waxing specialist in NYC for three years.  I spent a month in Singapore where I mastered their technique/product and fell in love with the ease and results of hard wax.  

Even though I prefer hard wax to soft wax, they both have their place in the waxing room.   Soft wax gets a bad reputation as being harsh and it can be, but with proper use it is just as effective.  The key is to know when and where to use each one.  Ideally, soft wax should only be used on large body parts that are not sensitive nor delicate.  Since soft wax is generally a cheaper product than hard wax, some businesses use it for every service thus ignoring the quality of the experience for its clients.  Lets face it, waxing is not an ouch less event, but there are many ways to make it less traumatic and choosing the right product is one way.

Now that I specialize in luxury lashes, I only offer waxing that compliment my lash services.  Those services include brow shaping, sideburns, lip, and chin waxing.  I use hard wax as it is ideal for facial waxing and is generally safe for most people.   Those with skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea will benefit from using hard wax as it much gentler on the skin.

A video posted by NYC Lashes in Westchester (@lashesbytandi) on Jun 7, 2016 at 1:58pm PDT

Top 5 Pros of Hard Wax

1.  Less irritating.

2.  Thicker consistency, which offers better control and less oops!

3.  Works at a low temperature so burns are less likely to occur.

4.  Contains soothing oil which is great for drier skin types as it lubricates just enough to prevent unnecessary discomfort to the skin. 

5.  No paper or muslin is needed to remove hard wax as it hardens naturally and then the wax itself is used to remove the hair.

 So if you have waxed before and have had a bad experience that was not the result of an allergic reaction, try hard wax.  Also keep in mind the experience of your technician.  A lot of times it is not the product that is the issue, but the person using it incorrectly.

Xoxo,

Tandi

What You Need To Know About Real Mink Eyelash Extensions vs. Faux Mink Eyelash Extensions

I have worked with real Siberian mink eyelash extensions in the past and though it is marketed as a high-end product, there are some details that potential clients should be aware of.  While they are super soft and thin, thus resulting in an extremely natural look, they fall short is their inability to hold their curl and create drama. 

There is also the issue of how real mink lashes are sourced.  Mink lash manufacturers claim that their methods are cruelty-free and that the hairs are gently brushed from the mink animal.  Unfortunately this is probably not the case.  In fact, very little information can be found about mink farms and many inquiries regarding the process have gone ignored.  So if you are against the fur industry, you will want to skip on this option. 

Fine & Wispy Real Mink Lashes

Consistent & Dense Faux Mink Lashes

Most lash boutiques will offer faux mink or faux silk.  They are synthetic and usually made of a poly fiber material (PBT).  Unlike real hair, the synthetic material is predicable and more effective.  Faux lashes hold their curl very well yet still maintain a natural feel and appearance. 

At Lashes by Tandi, we offer faux mink eyelash extensions that are so light that you can barely feel them.  And for clients who want that super thin look, we choose a lash that is finer than the standard and mimics the look and feel of real hair. 

Please be aware of lash boutiques that claim to offer real mink lashes, but are applying faux mink instead.  Real mink is an expensive product so the service price is a bit higher than faux mink most times.  If real mink is what you want, make sure it is what you're getting by asking questions and seeing the product.  Do your research, stay informed, and ask a lot of questions before you get your eyelash extensions done.

xoxo,

Tandi

Well Being Goals for 2017!

I wanted to share with you some of my New Years “Well Being” Goals.  As you know, I am all about quick and easy beauty tips so here are a few I hope to incorporate into my routine this year!  I hope you find some of them useful. 

Sleep Earlier – I’m the girl that gets re-energized at 1 am if I stay up too late….and then I kick myself in the morning when I look and feel tired.  To help, I will be setting a “wind down” alarm.  I will set it a half-hour before my bedtime to cue sleep mode.

Water– I plan to drink 16oz of water first thing in the morning.  To make this fool proof, I’ll set the bottle on my nightstand the night beforeso I have no excuse.  Even if I don’t get out of bed right away, it is just within arm's reach.

Scalp Massage – I LOVE getting my hair washed, but more importantly the scalp massage is cherry on top.  Scalp massages can instantly decrease stress and boost your mood.  I’ll be aiming for once or twice a week for 5-10 minutes.

Smile – In the mirror, at myself, every morning :-)

Express Gratitude – For life, health, sunshine, or whatever else I'm thankful for.  Focusing on the good weakens the impact of the bad. 

What are some your goals for 2017?

xoxo,

Tandi

Yes, You Should Get Lash Refills & Here is Why!

Stages of Lash Growth

1.  Our Lashes Shed Daily

We lose anywhere from 2-5 lashes per day!  We don’t notice it, but it’s happening.  During different seasons, the shedding may be more or less, but it is a completely natural occurrence.  Due to this shedding, refills are needed to replenish the shed lashes so the set can be beautiful and full again.  

That is why refills are recommended every two - three weeks.  Some people have slower growth cycles and can push to three - four weeks, but it is not recommended as run the risk of having to pay for a full set instead of a refill if you lose too many lashes.

The average person has between 90 – 120 natural lashes per eye on the upper lid.  I aim to lash all of these lashes for the Deluxe Set and 75% of these lashes for the Dainty Set.

If each eye sheds approximately 2-5 lashes every day, the loss of extensions adds up pretty quickly the longer you wait for a refill.   

For the example example below, I averaged lash loss at 3 per day:

In 1 week you will lose 21 lashes

2 weeks 42 lashes

3 weeks 63 lashes

By week 4, a full set is probably needed, unless you have a slower lash cycle, but you would have lost 84 lashes in a 90-120 lash set.

2.  So Your Lashes Can Be in Fabulous Shape Consistently

When lashes shed, they do not shed evenly.  One eye might shed more than the other or a few in a group might shed together leaving a gap!  Most times it won't be terribly noticeable, especially if you stay within your natural length and style, but because the shedding can not be predicted or controlled, getting regular refills solves this problem.     

3.  So your Lash Artist can remove any outgrown lashes.

You will notice that your once sleek cat-eye look isn't looking so catty around the end of 2-3 weeks and this is because in addition to your lashes shedding, some have grown out - affecting the overall shape and of the look of your set.  During your refill appointment, outgrown lashes are gently removed as well and replaced with new lashes restoring your perfect feline flick!

 

Bonus* 

If you choose to not get refills and prefer to do a full set once a month or whenever you feel, that is okay as well. You just need to take really good care of your lashes during that time.  

I hope you found this info helpful!!

xoxo,

Tandi

Taking Care of the Skin Under Your Eyes Will Make Your Lashes Look Even Better!!!!

Eye Skin Care

Stop rubbing your eyes!  If you are an eye rubber, stop now!   Rubbing your eyes stretches and damages the elasticity of the skin around the delicate eye area.  This habit results in premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Apply chilled cotton balls! Cucumbers are great for the eyes, but sometimes you just don’t have one laying around.  Don’t skip out on eye care because of it!  Dip cotton balls in ice water or chill over night and apply to your eyes for 5-10 minutes to refresh and reduce puffiness. 

Don't use face cream!  The skin under your eye is thinner and requires more TLC than the rest of your face.  Due to its delicate nature, your standard face cream may be too harsh so a separate targeted cream just for your eyes is recommended.    

Invest in a good eye cream!  The skin under the eye is so tender that we must protect and nourish it daily.  If you are low on sleep, get an eye cream like Burt’s Bees Radiant Eye Cream for normal and combination skin or Burt's Bees Intense Hydration  Eye Cream for dry skin to gently pat the stress away. 

"Prevention is easier than corrective treatment, don't wait until it's an issue"

xoxo,

Tandi

Got Large Pores?

Large Pores are such a Pain!

I swear that they are the reason why the beauty filter was created!  If you have oily skin then you definitely know the struggle. 

I am all about effortless easy beauty so I wanted to share a few tips to reduce the appearance of your pores.


1. Cold Water - This is my favorite and easiest tip.  After cleansing and/or exfoliating, splash your face with cold water repeatedly for 15-20 counts.  The cold water helps in tightening your pores over time.  I know it seems silly, but I learned this trick from a Japanese friend with pore-less skin.   It really does work if you keep up with it. 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar - I use this sometimes as a toner as it is a natural astringent.  Mix equal amounts of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (this is a good one) and water and apply with a cotton ball.  For best results, use every night after you cleanse your face.  Follow with a light moisturizer. 

3. Baking Soda - This is great for removing excess oil, dirt and debris from your skin. It also helps balance the pH levels reducing problems like acne and pimples due to its antibacterial properties.  Mix two tablespoons each of baking soda and lukewarm water.   Apply the mixture on your skin and massage in circular motion for a few seconds.   Finally, rinse it off with cool water.  Repeat the process daily for five to seven days. Then reduce the frequency to three to five times a week for a few weeks.

I hope you found these tips helpful!

xoxo,
Tandi

The Ultimate Lash Perk Nap While I Lash

Public Service Announcement

Getting Eyelash Extensions should not be painful!” I repeat,  “Getting Eyelash Extensions should not be painful!”

It saddens me that I have to say this.   But the truth is that many people think it’s supposed to be an uncomfortable service.  Yes, lying on your back for up to 2 hours may have you a lil achy, but your eye area should be completely trauma free.   What you should feel is your lash artist adjusting your head and light pressure on different areas of your face while they meticulously work their magic, but “ouch!” is a no no.  If that is an experience that you have had or heard about then I would avoid at all cost.    

When done correctly, the process of getting eyelash extensions is completely comfortable.

So comfortable in fact that many clients go to sleep.  The ‘Lash Nap’ is one of the most refreshing (physically and mentally) naps you can have.  During the eyelash extension process, your eyes must remain closed and it is best that you remain as still as possible.  If you are lucky, you will have a blanket and some soothing tunes to lull you off to sleep.   By the end of your service, you will wake up rested and with a new set or a restored set of eye candy to continue on with your day. 

I used to work in an open layout salon with about 7 lash beds lined up - talk about distractions galore.  People were constantly walking back and forth and having loud conversations resulting in the least relaxing environment ever.  Hearing all that hustle and bustle really takes away from the enjoyment of the service.   

I knew from that experience that I would have a private studio so that my clients could feel pampered in the way that they deserve.  No interruption, just peace is what you should expect during an eyelash extensions service.  In fact, I use lavender oil to help promote a calm tranquil environment for all my clients and only allow one client in the studio per service.

Don’t sell yourself short and settle for an experience that is both distracting and uncomfortable.  Seek out the best and enjoy it the fullest...your worth it.  

Xoxo

Tandi

PS. Enjoy $50.00 off your Eyelash Extensions Classic Set by July 4th!

Book at: www.westchestereyelashes.com/online-booking/

or call: 929.224.2826

Lashes by Tandi is Opening Tuesday, June 7th!

Tell your friends and come on in and say Hi!