CK HAGEN BEAUTY BLOG : How to Get the Best out of your Eyelash Extension ...

CK HAGEN BEAUTY BLOG : How to Get the Best out of your Eyelash Extension ...: So after a year or two of debating whether or not to take the plunge, I finally got them and oh man am I happy I did!!!!! I LOVE MY EYELA...

Bronzalicious

Bronzer is every woman's summer essential beauty product. But most women would be shocked to find out that while they have been shelling out big bucks for department store brands, the best bronzer has been in their kitchen cupboards the entire time. You can make your own, all natural bronzer free of preservatives and perfumes with kitchen staples. Here's what you'll need:

A flour sifter
1/4C Cornstarch
3T Cocoa powder
2T Cinnamon

Sift all ingredients four times for the smoothest blend and store in an airtight container. You'll have more than enough bronzer for the entire summer season. The ratio of ingredients can be adjusted for a deeper bronze or a more subtle glow. Now brush your way to a sun-kissed tan!

Spring Cleaning

The promise of Spring is popping up all around us in sunshine, tulips, and birds chirping. For most of us this is a time of year we spend decluttering the environment around us. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine spring is a time to cleanse within, paying special attention to properly detox and nourish the liver. The leafy, green, wild herb Stinging Nettle is perfect for such a task. Prepared as an herbal infusion and sipped throughout the day will not only combat seasonal allergies but fuel the body with high levels of protein, calcium, phosphorous, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, potassium, sulphur, chlorophyll, and vitamins B,C,D and K. Flooding your cells with this much nutrition helps the body cope with stress, toxin overload, and any disorders stemming from inflammation. But this practice is not limited to just health advantages; the beauty benefits are ENDLESS. After sipping on 4 cups of Nettle brew daily for a month anyone can expect to see relief, if not the elimination of conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and cellulite. Nails and hair will grow stronger and at a rapid pace. And if you have some infusion left at the end of the day, rinse it through your hair to strengthen split ends, treat dry scalp, and accelerate growth.

To Prepare:

1. Weigh 1 dry ounce of stinging nettles and place in a quart mason jar.
2. Boil 4 cups of water, pour over Nettles, and seal jar closed. Allow to steep overnight.
3. In the morning, strain out the Nettle leaf and sip on this dark, green beauty potion all day.

Great resources for dried Nettles: mountainroseherbs.com and healingspiritsherbfarm.com

Upcoming Bridal Shows you Should Know About

'Tis the Season to be Merry Married!

When Spring time rolls around you can ensure lots of rain, lots of flowers, and lots of weddings! Whether you are the bride or in the bridal party, you should always be in the know about bridal shows or expos that are coming up in your area. These are the perfect events to treat your bridesmaids to! They can be even more memorable when accompanied by a brunch at your favorite restaurant or even prior to your bachelorette party!

These shows, or luckily expos, are where you will find ideas from your wedding dress all the way down to your centerpieces, and even to your honey moon. There are usually freebies and give aways, and if you're lucky, free hors d'oeurves and refreshments! 

Here at Lash L'Amour, we love to pamper you, so we went ahead and found some shows in the Boston Area, to make your wedding planning a little easier!

March 28th

BOSTON WEDDING BAND SHOWCASE

Holiday Inn, Somerville 

"Wilson Stevens Productions, Inc. hosts four of the most in demand Boston Wedding Bands on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Somerville for the March edition of their Monthly Wedding Band Showcase Series. The night kicks off at 7:00pm and will feature live performances from THE HUB, ENCORE, SEARCH PARTY, SPLASH! Attendance is free and open to the public however RSVP is required. Attendees may RSVP at http://wilsonstevens.com/boston-wedding-band-showcase/or by calling Wilson Stevens' office at 978-256-0360."

April 11th

BRIDE'S NIGHT OUT

Sons of Italy, Braintree

"Come join us for a evening of Wedding Planning with exclusive award winning wedding vendors. Have fun, dance, drink & plan your up-coming wedding with friends and family. Wedding Services : Photographers, Videographers, Photo Booth, DJs Uplighting,and a Cash Bar. Pre register for free admission

:http://www.classicweddingsgroup.com/bridesnightout/ For additional questions contact Keith @ 603.566.1526"

April 24th

WEDDING SHOWCASE

Merrimack Valley Golf Club

"Join us for a fun night! Meet the areas top Wedding Professionals, join Get Down Tonight Entertainment with the latest music and dance trends! Over $1,000 in prizes including a free PHOTOBOOTH for your wedding and a CASH grand prize! 

http://dreamdaybridalpromotions.com"

April 28th

New England Bridal Affair

Indigo hotel, Newton

"Grand prize giveaway to Aruba! enter to win at the "love Affair" Wedding and event planning booth! Food, Live Entertainment , prize giveaways by our New England Most exclusive Wedding Professional's. http://www.newenglandbridalaffair.com"

April 28th
Boston Bridal Bash
Sheraton Copley Hotel, Boston

"Come spend the day meeting some of Boston’s most distinguished wedding experts as you begin to plan your special day. The Boston Bridal Bash gives you the opportunity to get new ideas and plan with the best in the business to make your day spectacular. Spend the day browsing and planning while meeting face-to-face with our friendly and knowledgeable vendors! http://www.bostonbridalbash.com/"

May 19th

New England Bridal Affair

Petite Robert Central, Boston

"The New England Bridal Affair is Greater Boston's Premier Wedding Showcase featuring New England's most exclusive wedding vendors. Join us as we showcase the Finest wedding services at our next event. The expo where every bride meets the exhibitor & every exhibitor meets the bride! We offer Boutique Style events in an intimate setting at New England's Most exclusive venues...To register please visit http://www.newenglandbridalaffair.com/"

Best Mother's Day Gifts

Mothers Day is quickly approaching, and if your mother is anything like most mothers, you've probably heard, "I don't need anything on Mother's Day, I have you!" Although this statement may be true, It shouldn't be taken literally. If you are stuck on what to get your mother this Mother's Day, here is a list to help you out, just in case she is wearing this phrase out...

5. Breakfast in Bed

Our mothers have cooked and cared for us since day one. What better way to pay her back than a nice home cooked meal (without her having to ask you, of course!)? Wake her up with her favorite breakfast meal, fresh squeezed juice, and maybe even some freshly picked flowers. If your mother is not a breakfast eater, treat her to home cooked lunch or dinner, just make sure it is personalized and sentimental - mothers love that! Add in some flowers or chocolate covered strawberries for an extra happy mom!

4. A Trip Down Memory Lane - Personalized Items 

If your mother is anything like mine, a trip down memory lane is the perfect gift to make her the happiest mom in the world. Today, anything can be personalized-calendars, mugs, photo frames, etc- so why not take advantage of this? Think of something she loves, or uses often, and make it personalized! Add pictures of you and her, or an etching of why she is the best mother, and she will forever be bragging and showing this gift off. Gifts like this do not get shoved in the back of her closet or dusty on the top shelf of the bookcase. They are fun, useful, and can be completely custom to make your mother happy.

3. A Dinner Date with Yours Truly

Whether this be at a 5-Star restaurant, or her favorite burger joint, take your mother out to dinner, completely on you! One-on-one time with you is all she's ever wanted since you went off to school, and making dates with you have probably become nearly impossible. For an even more special Mother's Day, make it a surprise! Tell her when to be ready and what to wear, that's it! Then surprise her at her favorite restaurant with champagne already on  ice. She will feel like a princess, I promise. 

 

2. A Day of Pampering for Her

Is your mother also doubling as Wonder Woman? Does she do so much in one day that you don't know how she handles it all so elegantly? Send her off for a day of pampering to show her that even Wonder Woman rests at some point! Whether her dream day of relaxation is a Swedish Massage with hot stones, or a new hair cut, book her the appointment of a lifetime. Most salons and spas now offer great packages and will be able to get your mom nice and relaxed for the big day.

1.  A Weekend Away 

What is her ideal getaway? Relaxing in the sun at the beach? Kayaking? Cruising? Find out her ideal weekend getaway and book it! Whether it be with you or with one of her best gal friends, show your mother that you listen, and that she deserves a weekend away. For an even more stress-free weekend, book her a getaway or all inclusive package so she doesn't need to worry about anything when she gets there, except what bikini to wear or what mountain to hike!

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.