Eyelash Extravaganza!

What type of lashes are best for you?

When it comes to eyelashes, people are usually overwhelmed by the vast majority of options. Should you go temporary or semi-permanent. Do you want a natural look or more of a dramatic look? Sometimes it can feel like trying to choose which road to take in Downtown Boston when you are trying to get home after a long day of work.  Don't worry, we're here to break it down for you so the process of choosing is painless.This process usually starts with deciding which type of false lash you want: individual lash extensions, flare lashes, or strip lashes ...

Individual Lash Extensions

Individual extensions, like the ones we specialize in here at Lash L'Amour, are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. Each lash is applied one by one to your own lashes with a medical grade adhesive. Since the extensions are glued to your natural lashes, they will ultimately shed when your natural lash does, requiring refills every 2-3 weeks. If refills are not an option for you, your natural lashes will usually shed and regrow within 6 weeks, calling for a new set to be applied. 

When it comes to individual extensions, you can choose the look you want with your esthetician, seeing as how they have power over where the lashes go and what will look best with your natural eye shape. Common looks are natural, dramatic, elegant, or luxurious, and common shapes are natural or cat-eye. 

PROS

Because they are attached with a medical-grade adhesive, individual lash extensions are semi-permanent, waterproof, and requires no mascara. They are custom to your eye shape and you are free to choose the length and fullness you want, which can be adjusted during your refills.

CONS

You must only use oil-free products around your lashes (makeup remover, makeup, etc.), and avoid rubbing-or any harsh contact with-your lashes. The process is also time consuming, especially the initial new set. 

 

 Flare Lashes

If you are going for more of a dramatic or elegant look, flare lashes are the way to go.  Flare lashes are glued to your lash line and have multiple lashes coming from the base. These can be knotted or knot-free, and will definitely give you that elegant red carpet look! These types of lashes can be purchased at a beauty store or applied by a professional (which is always recommended) and they last a couple of days. These types of lashes are more for special occasions.

PROS 

No need for mascara or lash curlers for the extension has more than enough oomph and ou la la to wow everyone at your special occasion. The multiple lashes give depth and fullness for a more elegant, glamorous look. If you do not have time to go to the salon, you can apply the lashes at home with a little help from You Tube!

CONS

Because these type of false lashes have multiple strands attached to one base, when the glue gives, you will be left with chunks missing requiring fills more often. These lashes are heavier which can be uncomfortable for some people.

Strip Lashes

Want lush, long lashes for a night on the town? Strip lashes are a great temporary solution to shorter, thinner lashes. With a little bit of glue (usually provided for you in the package), and a steady hand, these lashes are quick and easy to apply for a dramatic look. Lately, strip lashes have become very artistic and some even include gems, feathers, and vibrant colors. 

PROS

Great for a quick and easy temporary application. They can be reused 2-4 times and you are not locked into a dramatic look for 2-6 weeks. These are the cheapest option and can be found in almost any large convenient store. 

CONS

Fake Alert! If you want a natural look, strip lashes are not the way to go. If you do not have a steady hand, and cannot get the strip as close to your natural lash as possible, the thick strip can be seen.

The Decision

Hopefully after all of this information has been digested, your decision on which lashes to pick will be easier.  Some other things to consider when deciding on lashes:

• Your Time: do you have the time to get individual lash extensions, or are you more of an "on the go" person who may have to do their lashes at home?
• Your Lifestyle: if you spend a lot of time in the water (swim instructor, vacation taker) this can effect the adhesive on all types of lashes. A more temporary solution (flares or strips) may be the way to go.
• Your Budget: are you willing to spend the money on refills for your lash extensions, or are you looking more for a temporary solution? 
• Your Artistic Side: can you actually put false eyelashes on yourself, or should you leave it up to a professional?

 

Spray Tan Vs. Tanning bed

Spray Tan vs. Tanning by bed or booth

It's not hard to see what a difference a tan can make on someone, but what's the best way to get there? The decision to have a tan sprayed on to you or to tan it on with ultraviolet lighting lies in the preference of the customer. Both sides have their positives as well as negatives and the results seem to be a lot of mixed feelings on both sides.

Indoor Tanning with beds

and booths has been around since the late 70's and is today's most famous way to provide yourself with an off-season glow. When taking into consideration if you want to try out this beauty-enhancing phenomena, there are many things to take into consideration. First, let’s look at the positives. 

Pro's: Tanning in a bed or booth can provide you with a natural looking glow or full on tan, without the necessity of the sun. Even during the summer months, laying in a tanning bed for 12 to 15 minutes seems more effective than laying outside in the sun for 2 to 3 hours to achieve the same tan. It saves time and provides you with a great look for a special occasion or any normal day of the week. Achieving a tan through tanning beds will not start to peel or blotch, like many spray tans tend to do.

Cons: Tanning in beds, unfortunately, has been discovered as threatening to a tanner’s health. Despite their convenience and emotional benefits, tanning beds are not considered to be safer alternatives to natural sunlight. Actually, they dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer.

Spray tanning 

 also has it’s pro’s and con’s and is usually a hit or miss with any client to try it.

Pros:There are many benefits to getting a spray tan. A huge one is decreasing the risk of skin cancer associated with traditional tanning. The other positive to spray tans is that they are instant. No need for baking outside in the sun for hours on end or waiting for your sticky self-tanning lotion to dry. As well, you can adjust how dark you want to go by spray tanning more or less frequently.

After going through the positives of spray tanning, you might say that there are probably no negatives to be found! Well, like with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Cons: One of the disadvantages of a spray-on tan is that the color lasts for only a few days. The National Institutes of Health's service "UptoDate" explains that the colorant, DHA, fades within a week in most people as dead skin cells are shed. Also, tanning sprays can stain clothing as well as skin, making it a potentially messy way to give skin a healthy glow. A lot of times unevenness becomes an issue, especially around fingers, elbows, knees, and other creases that push around the spray immediately after application.

Spring 2013 Accessories

 Accessorizing for Spring 2013

Crystal Clear

Possibly the most interesting new trend, inspired by your 1990's "jelly shoes", are clear accessories. From bags to shoes, to even sunglasses and hats the clear accessory trend is slowly but surely gaining momentum!

Going Gladiator

 

 These thigh-high, strappy numbers were seen everywhere on the runway this season. From boots to sandals these gladiator inspired shoes certainly make a statement.

Pastels go Bold

 

These aren't your ordinary pretty spring pastels. Using color-blocking and black details these pastels have been transformed.

Modern Metals

 

Gold and silver metallics made a bold statement on the runway this season. Designers demonstrated that metallics are no longer just for nighttime wear. Pair them with neutrals for a  chic, minimalist look!

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends

 

Stripes
 

 

From Marc Jacobs to Oscar de la Renta, stripes were showcased everywhere on the runway. Whether horizontal, vertical, chevron or curved, with stripes there is no failing. Wear them with denim for an all-American look, navy for a nautical feel, or mix and match to look ultra chic! They may be the new trend for spring, but stripes will never go out of style!

Menswear

 

With so many new adaptations the classic tuxedo still maintains it's classic reputation, but with a chic update. The trick to menswear is to keep it structured, while staying feminine. Add some killer heels, red lipstick and a sophisticated clutch and your outfit will do the talking.

Leather Details

Leather trim, tops, dresses and skirts were everywhere at fashion week. Search for minimalistic shapes, rich colors and take a no-fuss approach to the hair, makeup and accessories for a more current look!

Eastern Influences

 

 Designers from Prada to Emilio Pucci drew inspiration for Asian cultures this season. Pair these bold prints with basic pieces, so the focus is on the beautiful fabrics these designers have transformed!

Peekaboo Pieces

At fashion week there were daring cutouts, midriff-baring separates, and sheer fabrics all over the runway. This spring it shouldn't be a problem finding something daring and baring!

Spring 2013 Makeup Trends

 

Spring is right around the corner and so are all the new makeup trends! This season's looks are fun and easy to recreate at home!

 Bold Brows

 

Bold, almost boyish, brows were everywhere on the runway this season. Now more than ever, the thicker the brow the better! Marc Jacob's took the look to another level by creating a squared, angular brow. At home, outline your brows natural shape,using a color close to your own, going just slightly outside the outline of your natural brow.

Fun with Liner

 Eyeliner is quickly becoming the makeup must have in everybody's routines. Whether it be smoldering, graphic, or a fun pop of color, liner is taking center stage this season. Teals and aquas are are becoming a huge hit for the warmer months. You can smudge it, wing it, blend it, colorblock it and create endless shapes and designs, there are so many possibilities!

Fresh Luminous Skin

 Spring is the time of new life and fresh beginnings, so our skin should reflect that! The trick is to use as little makeup as possible (and a great moisturizer)! Apply concealer where it's needed and blend, blend, blend. If more coverage is needed, use a tinted moisturizer or beauty balm. Next, apply a cream, or liquid, highlight shade to the highest planes of the face. Apply a rosy light colored cream blush to the apples of the cheeks and very lightly powder the "t-zone" if necessary.

Red Lips

 Red lips are probably the most surprising of all the trends on the runway this season. Pick a shade that has more of an orange or peach undertone to it, this way it doesn't look like your still stuck in the winter, cold weather blues. A red lip is classic but keep it bright and fun for spring!

 Lush Lashes

Luxurious, full and long lashes were the main focus of many designers looks, especially Gucci. Artist's used false lashes to achieve this look, but at Lash L'Amour you can flaunt this look day and night without having to apply any falsies!

Beauty Products That Are Worth the Hype

Urban Decay's Naked Palettes $50

An absolute must-have, you can create countless looks with these twelve highly pigmented shadows. Both Naked 1 and 2 are great for neutral days and bold nighttime looks. The original Naked palette consists of more warm tones while the second palette includes cooler colors. The original palette has two matte shades while the Naked 2 has three. For the matte shadow fans, Urban Decay recently put out their Naked Basics palette which includes six completely matte shades. The company has reformulated all their shadows to be some of the best on the market. With these palettes at hand, you can't go wrong!

 

Benefit Porefessional Primer $30

If you aren't using a primer already, start! They're applied after your skincare, but before your makeup. It preps your skin for the makeup to go on as smoothly as possible. It also allows your foundation to stick to something, besides your own skin, making it not wear as fast throughout the day. Everybody wants to shrink their pores, unfortunately it's not as easy as some may think. However, there is a quick fix and it's called the Porefessional (get it?). It is a silky silicone texture and it instantly fills in every single pore or fine line your skin may have. It blurs every imperfection so that you can even wear it alone.

 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer $29

This bronzer contains real cocoa and makes you crave a cup of hot chocolate when you put it on. Not only does it smell delicious, it is not orange and it lasts throughout the day. Many bronzers change to a not-so-pretty orange shade throughout the day when your skins chemistry react with the chemicals in your cosmetics. The Chocolate Soleil bronzer applys a shade of brown and stays that shade throughout the day. For more fair skin tones, Too Faced also has the Soleil bronzer in Milk Chocolate.

Mac Fix Plus $21

For powder foundation lovers Fix Plus is must. It is a mist that you spray after applying your setting powder or powder foundation. It magically "fixes" your makeup for you. If you've applied too much, or it's not even, this magical mist instantly transforms your skin.