2016 Katie is BACK.
The lashes are on…the tan is developed…the hair is icy.
Today we need to dive head first into the world of L A S H E S. I missed them so dang much. I consider myself a lash expert since I had them for over two years. I was counting down the seconds to feel like myself again.
This morning I made my way to meet my friend and fellow stRIDE instructor, Gab at her little slice of heaven. I arrived at the Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon at 9:46am after teaching my 830 Fitness Pilates class at Lifetime in King of Prussia.
I used the restroom that smelled like the Main Line…expensive and chic. Gab met me at the front desk and walked me down to the spa. I filled out paper work with a host of questions ensuring she and I were on the same page.
When I was finished, Gab walked me back to a room where I met Kate (Insta: waxitwithkate). Gab + Kate were my lash dream team. They asked me my vision for my lashes… guys it’s so important to set expectations, for you and the stylist. I told them like the look of Ardell Wispies… classic and pretty.
I settled down on a heated table with a pillow under my knees and the coziest blanket over me. Gab rubbed my scalp and had me inhale lavender essential oil to help me relax. She then placed patches infused with green tea + collagen (!!!) under my eyes to hold my lower lashes down. After taping the patches in place she and Kate worked their magic.
The entire experience lasted less than 2 hours. It’s completely painless…you don’t feel a thing. Take your finger and rub it against the ends of your lashes… THAT’S IT.
The hardest part for me is the light… ya girl has sensitive eyes so I got a little teary.
Gab uses Lashe. Honestly, they are the LIGHTEST lashes I have ever had. It doesn’t feel like I have ANYTHING on my lashes. It’s weightless. So what makes Lashe different? The adhesive and technique.
“…The basic element of the technique is that you use a minimal amount of adhesive due to its concentrated formula. The extension is only wet at its base, up to 25% of its overall length. No “painting” of the lash with the adhesive. A major advantage of our technique is that, if you attach the extension properly (per our instructions) and the client does not have oily skin or uses oil-based products, the extension will stay on until the eyelash sheds naturally.” (thelashe.com)
So what does that mean? Your lashes get to breathe… meaning no damage. HOLLA AT YA GIRL. This adhesive also lasts longer than most traditional ‘glue’
WARNING: Ask about the adhesive the stylist uses… I learned some use WEAVE GLUE. On your EYE. Thank you, NEXT. (More on this in you get what you pay for)
If you aren’t local (greater Philadelphia area) I highly recommend clicking HERE to find a Lashe stylist near you.
Let’s talk dirty details
Request a consult with the lash stylist if they don’t require it ( Gab requires a consult ). This is where you set expectations, talk through the process and ask all your questions. Be sure to ask about their education, certification and how long they have been in the field. THIS IS IMPORTANT. I tell you guys all the time if you are hiring a professional, ASK for credentials. Also, ask how they sanitize their equipment. Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon uses medical grade sanitation. (HECK YES)
Lashes aren’t cheap. A full set is an investment… after that it is reasonable (I swear). Price varies from place to place. It also depends on the experience of the stylist and the type of lash they use. Do you really want to cut corners when someone has adhesive near your eyeballs??? (Hint: No.)
A full set takes up to two hours…maybe longer if you have a lot of natural lashes. Your stylist will be able to tell how long it will take during your consult.
How long they last between refills depends on a few things, the type of lash, the adhesive and how you care for them all play a roll. If you are a rule follower like me (teachers pet over here for SURE) and use a Lashe stylist you will need a refill once a month. When I had a different brand of lashes I needed refills every two weeks.
After care is EASY. You can’t get them wet for 24 hours…meaning no shower, workout or steam room. EASY. Brush them and use oil free products. Try not to sleep on them too much… I tuck my pillow under so my eyes aren’t touching but my neck is supported.
Keep oil away from lashes… ALWAYS use an oil free makeup remover near your extensions. I wear a hat when I workout to catch the sweat to avoid getting it near my lashes.
THAT’S IT. Don’t forget to follow Gab + Kate on socials!!
LOVE YOU
xoxo,
K
