Everytime I shut my eyes during my eyelash extension treatments, all I hear is apparatus clinking and all I feel is my eyelashes being separated by some kind of applicator.
The rhythmic noises, gentle motions and comfortable bed usually make me sleepy and I’ll doze off during the treatment.
It’s the cool breeze and water at the end of the treatment that usually wakes me from my slumber.
But I always wonder what actually happens during those two mysterious hours.
Well, that curiosity was satisfied when Jocelyn of Novalash decided to hire me as a Lash Technician for a day! Woohoo!
All I can say is I better not give up my day job. Haha! Click to be enlightened! 😛
Robert Baden-Powell once said “Success in training the boy depends largely on the Scoutmaster’s own personal example.“
So here I am, being trained by my ‘Scoutmaster’, Jocelyn, owner of Lolita Group who specializes in Novalash Eyelash extensions.
My success depends on her now! Haha!
The tools to beautydom…
If you think extending lashes is just sticking strands of fake lashes on the eyelid, you’re absolutely mistaken.
A lot of knowledge, effort and patience goes into producing the perfect natural looking lashes.
No easy way out here.
Novalash extensions are single fiber artificial eyelashes with a tapered tip and blunt base. They are intended to be applied one at a time to one single natural eyelash hair. When applied properly, extensions do not have the opportunity to cause damage to the natural eyelashes. In fact, they grow, rest and shed right along with the natural eyelash to which they were applied, so there is no damage to neigboring lashes.
I noticed many salons in Singapore extending lashes with the ‘tabbing’ technique, which is applying multiple fibers at once. This method not only produces an unnatural look but also damages the natural eyelashes.
This is an example of extensions created using the ‘tabbing’ technique.
One of Novalash’s requirements for a successful application technique is to use at least 3 lengths of extensions.
Jocelyn explained that natural lashes have 3 phases in their growth cycle: growing, resting and shedding. The three-length bonding technique ensures that shorter (growing) natural lashes are bonded to an extension that is shorter in length (typically 6-8mm), resting natural lashes are bonded to a medium length extension (typically 10-12mm) and shedding natural lashes are bonded to longer extensions (typically 12 -14mm).
These four pots of lashes are of the same thickness (0.25mm) but different lengths. The large numbers indicated on their covers refer to their lengths.
The image below shows the difference between a set of lashes that has been done using only one length and a set that has been done using three lengths.
The Novalash technique clearly results in a more attractive, thicker lash line and will also grow out beautifully and stay natural looking.
To create a more dramatic effect, you can also use lashes of different diameters. These extensions below are of the same length but different thickness.
Well, most technicians practise with these fake eyelashes first.
But! Jocelyn decided to give me a more challenging first day by letting me practise on a real model. Eek!
My teacher is none other than Ally, my lash stylist at Novalash.
And here’s my model – my good friend and also brother’s girlfriend, Alice!
If anything happens to her, my bro is gonna kill me. So I was very attentive during the lesson.
Since Alice has never tried lash extensions, Ally suggested shorter and lighter lashes to let her get used to the look. Most of her extensions were 0.2mm thick.
Ally placed a soothing eye patch below Alice’s eyes before separating her lower lashes from her upper ones with a tape.
As mentioned before, I used to be reluctant about trying eyelash extensions, mainly because of the potential damage that the glue may cause.
Jocelyn assured me that the Novalash extensions are bonded with award-winning medical-grade adhesives that do not contain formaldehyde.
Most glues contain formaldehyde which is the main culprit of eye infections and irritation so formaldehyde-free adhesives certainly sounded more comforting.
However, I have to warn you that it is still glue after all so still expect a certain degree of irritation in the eyes.
If you want to minimise irritation, you can also try their Purity Fume-Free adhesive.
The only difference lies in the strength of the bond. Since the formulation is lighter, do note that it may not hold as well as the regular Novalash glue known as the Platinum Bond. This means lash extensions may last three weeks or less.
Here’s a quick ‘vis-a-vis’ comparison!
Alright! I’m all ready to take up the challenge!
Ally placed the adhesives on a plate beside me and handed two forceps to me – one to separate the lashes, the other to apply the extensions to the real lashes.
She did a quick demonstration before she handed the reins over to me. Gulp!
I used my left hand to isolate the eyelash I want to extend and my right hand to flip the extension, dip the glue and apply it to the natural lash.
Picked out the lash I wanted to extend.
Gently apply the extension on the lash.
On top of that, I also had to make sure I matched the size of the extension to the natural lash so that it looks better and lasts longer.
If you think all these look easy peasy, you’re certainly wrong.
I had a hard time coordinating both hands as I had to ensure that I keep the lashes separated on the left hand while I struggle to look for the perfect extension, position it well on the forcep and dip the appropriate amount of glue with the right hand.
Imagine drawing a perfect circle with one hand and drawing a square with the other simultaneously.
That was not all! I also had to separate the extensions that were stuck together by gently grasping each extension with separate forceps and applying horizontal pressure to detach them from each other. At the same time, I had to constantly remind myself to be gentle and not to tug the lashes.
Tough day at work eh?
And the last step!
And also the easiest step. Blow dry the lashes and sprinkle water to enhance the viscosity of the glue! This ensures that it holds the extensions for a longer period of time.
And of course, remove the tape to reveal long luscious eyelashes!
Thanks Alice for entrusting me with your precious lashes!
Thanks Jocelyn and Ally for your wonderful guidance!
From left to right: Jocelyn, Ally, Alice and me.
My satisfied model!
Ally perfected the look by touching up Alice’s lashes with more extensions.
The greatest nemesis of Novalash extensions is Glycol. Any cosmetic product or cleanser containing glycols, organic solvents, urea or high concentrations of alcohol should be avoided to ensure the longevity of the extensions. This is because products such as these can potentially break down the adhesive bond and shorten the lifespan of the extensions.
So Jocelyn also gave Alice a pot of Novalash alcohol-free Clean Lash cleanser pads worth SGD59.90 each. Each pad is soaked in pomegranate extract, pomegranate seed oil and mineral oil to remove makeup and to condition the lashes, extending their lifespan and ensuring that they remain flexible and radiant.
Well, I did not go home empty-handed too. Since I’ve longer and heavier eyelash extensions now, Jocelyn gave me a tube of Novalash Lash Doctor serum to moisturize and to prolong the lifespan of my extensions AND natural lashes. NOVALASH Lash Doctor, SGD179 (4ml)
Description: Lash+Doctor™ is an eyelash and eyebrow growth serum that is designed to condition and strengthen hair growth. Scientifically formulated, NOVALASH ‘s pH balanced formula is safe for contact wearers and compatible with NovaLash® adhesives. Lash+Doctor is enhanced with natural plant extracts, peptides and multi-vitamins, with continued use; fuller and fortified lashes will appear.
Lash+Doctor helps lashes and brows become more resilient and resistant to loss and breakage, appearing full, lustrous and more youthful.
How to use: Remove cap and click the container end (may take a few times). As soon as serum is visible, close eye and apply to lash line. One click will suffice to produce enough product for one application. Re-click and apply to other eye. Click again for application on eyebrow line. The unique soft-tip applicator allows a successful application on both the lash line and brow line. Safe for use twice a day, morning and evening.
Ingredients: aqua/water/eau, panax ginseng root extract, arginine, acetyl tyrosine, arctium majus root extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, polyquaternium-11, PEG-12 dimethi- cone, calcium panthotenate, zinc gluconate, niacinamide, ornithine HCL, citrulline, glucos- amine HCL, biotin, glycerin, glycoproteins, butylene glycol, PPG-26-buteth-26, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, apigenin, olealonic acid, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acer saccharum (maple isolate), phospholipids, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, panthenol, 1,2- hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, glucamine, disodium EDTA.
Afterthoughts…
My eyelash extensions are rather long and thick so they can tend to weigh the lashes down or worse, make them fall out prematurely. The Lash Doctor is specially formulated to moisturize the lashes and prevent them from breaking or falling off.
The Lash Doctor serum helped my lashes grow back steadily as I noticed smaller gaps between my lashes.
My most favorite feature of the lash serum is its soft and flexible silicone applicator.
I’m not a fan of the usual lash applicators which are like mascara wands. They are very unhygienic as you introduce germs and foreign substances to the serum everytime you dip the wand into it.
The silicone applicator eradicates this problem by allowing you to dispense a small amount of serum each time. Please allow me to reiterate this – fresh and uncontaminated serum. 🙂
My only gripe is the slight stinging feeling when the serum gets into my eyes. So make sure none gets into your eyes when you apply it. Wash it out with water or eye drops if it happens.
Otherwise, it is an ingenious product that I’ll purchase even when I remove my extensions.
4.5 Honeyz crowns!
Great news, my fellow Honeyz Belles!
One of you is going to walk away with this best-selling lash serum proudly sponsored by Lolita Group when you perform the following steps!
Like Honeyz Facebook Page and share this photo on your Facebook wall.
Then tag five friends on this photo on Honeyz’ Facebook Wall. It’s that easy!
The contest will end on 22 October 2013, Tuesday at 10pm.
This is an international giveaway so readers outside of Singapore can take part too!
Good luck! ❤
One more good news before I sign off!
Buy 1 get 1 session free!
Quote ‘NovaLash_BOGO_Honeyz‘ when you book an appointment this month (SGD139 per 2-hour session) to receive another lash extension service for free!*
* The purchased session has to be used in October while the complimentary one may be used in November.
This means SGD139 for 2 sessions!
Contact Lolita Group/Ally at 65-63389981 for your appointments!
Lolita Group is located at Marina Link @ Marina Square #B1-12 Singapore. Lunch hours are between 3pm – 4pm. For more information, visit their website at www.lolitagroup.com
Have you tried any Novalash products too lately? Let me know by sharing your review at Honeyz Cube!
Your friend, Juliana
Disclaimer: Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are objective and genuine. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time.