Author: The Lash Lounge

Lash Loungers, you’re in luck! We’re lucky enough to have three different salon owners join us today with the inside scoop on getting the most out of your lash appointment. From coming in with clean lashes, to understanding the time you should set aside for your first visit, to customizing a lash look all your own, they’ve got it all for you.

Lash Appointment Tips—Straight from Lash Lounge Owners!

*After you’re done reading, stay tuned for even more tips from them next week!

It’s All About the Lash Consultation

• Getting your perfect lashes is a creative process between you and your stylist as we customize each guest’s look tailored to their eye shape and characteristics.  

Healthy Lashes = Luscious Lashes

• One key factor in getting the fullest lash look possible with extensions is for your natural lashes to be healthy!   

We Live Lashes

• We live and breathe lashes. Ask us for tips to increase the health of your natural lashes. We can educate our guests on everything from the process itself, our aftercare products to keep your lashes clean, healthy, and longer lasting to the amazing growth serums we offer. 

Prepping for Your Lash Appointment

• Give yourself the gift of two hours and allow yourself that full time for your first full set of lashes.
• When you come, we want to make sure that we have plenty of time for a thorough consultation and explanation of the process, a custom lash design to best highlight your eyes, the time to answer your questions and educate you on the care of your lashes.   

Lash Long With Regular Refills

• Schedule your refill appointments regularly! In fact, ask us about our membership program, which will save you money on regular refills and make sure you’re always looking and feeling your best!
• Follow-up refill appointments are usually an hour, which gives you the chance to check in with your stylist regarding any questions or changes to your design. In both cases, there is always time for a quick lash nap!

Get More Out of Your Lash Service With Clean Lashes

• We do encourage our guests come to their appointment with clean lashes, however we know everyone leads busy lives and often come directly from work. So when possible, arrive with clean lashes, you’ll see why this is so important next…
• A clean lash line allows us to spend more time applying lashes than cleaning residue that has built up between visits. This will also improve your lash retention level since we will have a clean lash pallet to apply your new extensions. 

Sink into The Lash Lounge

• Since applying lash extensions is a detailed process, we recommend lying down and sinking into some quality relaxation time; those phone calls and texts can wait!
• Stillness is the name of the game. If you try to talk or open your eyes during your appointment, your stylist could have difficulty isolating your natural lash and applying the extension properly, and the gel pad under your eyes can possibly move out of place. Working together, your stylist will be able to get your lashes as full as possible!

Check out Part 2, where we’re sharing more tips you won’t want to miss!

As we are making our way through the new year, one goal we should all have  should not only be working to empower others, but also ourselves! See below for 10 ways you can empower yourself and start NOW!

1. Find your passion

Whether it’s art, academia, writing, tech, fashion, charity, animals, food, reading, etc find something that you love and care about. It may not happen overnight but vision boards and Pinterest are great tools to help you. When you find something you love you will be more committed and focused to giving your time to it accordingly. (via medium.com)

2. Don’t wait around…Take action

The surefire way to tell the difference between a regular team member and an empowered one is to see how they handle work. Empowered people don’t wait around for someone else to walk them through a challenge, they come up with an action plan to accomplish the task at hand. Own your job! (via jonschultz.com)

3. Kindness

Be consciously kinder to you. The more you do for you, the better you’ll feel. Each kindness will make you want more. It helps you focus on you and believe that you deserve good. Give yourself a break when you’re tired. Take a bath. Buy the lotion or coffee that costs a few dollars more than the cheap brand. Self-kindness can blossom into self-love from which self-empowerment can grow. (via beliefnet.com)

4. Tidy up

“For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.” – Benjamin Franklin

Steve Jobs began leading Apple in 1997 and then began one of the largest-scale cleanups in history. Within a year, Jobs had cancelled 70 percent of Apple’s products and turned a $1 billion loss into a $700 million profit. What soon followed was a series of ground-breaking and now-ubiquitous products: the iPod, iMac, iPhone, and iPad. You don’t have to re-make a multimillion-dollar company to start making improvements in your professional life. Begin with your office or home work space. Remember, there would be no iPhone without a clear space for its development. So clear out the clutter to make room for new ideas and innovations. (via cnbc.com)

5. Set the right kind of goals

The mother of one of my friends has the mantra: “small successes, not big failures.” While there’s nothing wrong with having big, lofty goals … be sure you’re setting reasonable goals that you can accomplish. Short-term measurements of success can help build your confidence (and empower you) with each achievement. Whereas, if your measure of success is this big, lofty goal you’ve set that may take years to achieve, your confidence won’t grow as quickly. Long term goals stretch out the path to success —build your confidence and empower yourself every day. (via jonschultz.com)

6. Raise up others

As Maya Angelou said: “When you know better you do better.” None of us can be successful without the help of others and vice versa. Take time to mentor or be a mentee. Attend speaking engagements or conferences. Be a supportive friend. Showing up can take on many forms, but the key is to be present and have empathy for your sisters. (via medium.com)

7. Let go

Let go of negative people. We absorb other people’s negativity. That’s why it’s good to avoid the negative or toxic ones who bring you down and make you feel like you’re not capable. If you want to keep one in your life, limit time spent with that person. And ask that they not make the negative comments. If they do, leave. Love yourself enough to not allow negative people to hurt you. (via beliefnet.com)

8. Have a self care day

Even Superwoman can use a spa day. Take one day of the week (or at least a few hours) to binge that Netflix series you’ve been eyeing, catch up on some sleep, take a bath with some tea, or have a spa day with a girlfriend. Feeling rejuvenated and relaxed will make you more productive the rest of the week. (via medium.com)

9. Take action to seize opportunity

Business owner, investor, and philanthropist Richard Branson is known worldwide for his many successful ventures. His net worth totals over $5 billion dollars. Less known is the story of how his airline, Virgin Airways, came into being.

Branson was in his late 20s, waiting for a flight to the Virgin Islands, when he found out that his flight was being cancelled. Not having any other options, he took the initiative, writing “Virgin Airlines $29” on a blackboard and walking around the airport. Using the money to finance it, he chartered a plane then and there and took himself and his happy passengers to their destination. When you encounter a problem, consider a direct solution, even if you haven’t worked out all the details. You may be surprised at what you are capable of.(via cnbc.com)

10. Adopt a Positive Mindset

Never underestimate the power of a positive mindset. The mind is a very powerful entity that controls everything within our inner being. Thinking positively through all situations gives women a sense of calm, a peace of mind, happiness, productivity and a full feeling of self-worth. There is nothing a woman cannot do with a positive mindset. Maintaining the daily habit of being aware of what and how the mind is thinking allows women to pick and choose their thoughts by being in control of their mental state. Thinking positively helps women confidently solve problems and face life’s daily challenges with a smile, knowing that everything will work out to their benefit and the benefit of others. (via lifehack.org)

There’s nothing more exciting and rewarding than seeing photos of our guests with smiles on their faces because they adore their lashes. We also love it when we get messages from these real women sharing how the experience and services at The Lash Lounge has transformed not only their look but also their lives. Today we are thrilled to share 3 of these real women and what they’re saying about their lashes and their new simplified, time saving beauty routines!

Amanda Upadhyaya

• Mother 
• Fashion + Lifestyle Blogger
• Lash Addict from The Lash Lounge Laguna Niguel in Laguna Niguel, California

What Amanda has to say: 

Getting lash extensions from The Lash Lounge last month has made SUCH a huge impact on how fast I can get ready every morning. As the mom of a preschooler, I don’t have much time to spend getting ready before we start our day so it’s so helpful to just be able to throw on some BB cream and head out the door, while still looking completely “put together.” Having lash extensions over the holidays was a game changer, especially since my family and I spent the new year in Park City. Between snow storms and snowball fights with my husband and son, I was one of the only mamas without the wet mascara eyes, makeup stayed intact and my lashes had me still looking fresh and flawless even after being poured down on with snow!

Follow Amanda on Instagram @southcoaststyleoc

Sydney Massingale

• Mother
• Fashion + Lifestyle Blogger
• Previous Teacher
• Lash Addict from The Lash Lounge Carmel in Carmel, Indiana

What Sydney (AKA Syd) has to say: 

My lash extensions have made my “getting ready” time A LOT quicker! Often, I don’t have to wear mascara at all and when I do, it’s just very little and takes very little time, like 1-2 minutes. It’s nice to not have to invest the time into putting a ton of mascara on yet I  still get the long, full lash look I want!

Follow Syd on Instagram @syd_massingale

Grace Liang

• Author + Public Speaker
• Over 40 Fashion + Lifestyle Blogger 
• Lash Addict from The Lash Lounge Rochester Hills in Rochester Hills, Michigan

What Grace has to say: 

I LOVE my lash extensions from The Lash Lounge! They make me feel like a million bucks and I am addicted to them! During my last refill at The Lash Lounge, I chose even longer lash extensions and I can’t believe what a big  difference they make! Ladies, find a Lash Lounge near you and give yourself the opportunity to not only look good, but feel good, too! And if you live in Michigan, you can visit the Bloomfield location (Coming Soon) or the Rochester Hills location!

Follow Grace on Instagram @colorandgrace

It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019! Whether for your health, body or mind, see these 14 resolutions that all women should make for the new year!

1. Give Yourself 30 Minutes Of “Me Time” A Week

Relieving stress is a great goal, but pretty hard to grab if you don’t pinpoint how to do it. One way: Set aside 30 minutes a week for some quiet time by yourself. You can use this time to meditate, journal, walk in nature, or simply just breathe. Now that’s a New Year’s resolution idea you can probably get behind. (via womenshealthmag.com)

2. Give Yourself More Compliments

Repeat after us: “Today is my day. I’m thankful for me.” Positive self-talk can help you focus on what’s good in your life, says psychologist Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D. Research shows that a little vitamin G (for gratitude) can make you feel happier and more satisfied and even improve your sleep. “If you repeat an affirmation related to gratitude in the morning, you’re likely to show and feel more of it throughout that day,” Bradford says. You’re so welcome! (via goodhousekeeping.com)

3. Ask For Help

We’re specifically talking to you, moms. It takes a village to raise a family, and that means you deserve help on this journey through parenthood. Pretending you can do it all only hurts you and, inevitably, your family because it leaves you emotionally and mentally depleted. Whether it’s asking your spouse to take over the chores or hiring an extra set of hands to give you a break, you deserve the help and should resolve to ask for it in 2019 – and beyond. (via mom.me)

4. Reconnect With Someone

It seems like everyone is too busy to catch up these days. How many times have you told someone “We need to get together!” and never followed through? No judgment. We’ve all done it. Luckily there’s still some time left in the year to make good on your promise. There’s a reason the New Year’s anthem starts with “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon.” (via goodhousekeeping.com)

5. Get Healthy

Every year, you say it (and you might even give it an honest effort before throwing in the towel), but 2019 is officially the year of reclaiming your health. The trick? Throw away your preconditioned ideas about weight and clothing size, and focus on being truly healthy. That means exercising to keep your heart and mind active, eating a mostly healthy diet (with the occasional indulgence) and taking care of your mental health to help remove roadblocks to your success. (via mom.me)

6. Write To Yourself

When your inner critic picks up her bullhorn, jot down the kind words you’d say to a friend in the same situation. “We have such a hard time channeling compassion for ourselves,” says Emma Seppala, Ph.D., of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research. “Writing it down makes it easier to shift perspective.”(via goodhousekeeping.com)

7. Embrace Your Figure

Before you make any  fashion resolutions, the first step is to get familiar with the shape of your body and fully embrace it. What may look good on a pear shaped figure will most likely not suit an apple shaped one. Knowing your body shape and what suits it will help you grow your confidence and ensure you always look good, no matter what you wear, even when you’re wearing a swimsuit. ( via joyfulsource.com)

8. Get Your Life On A Schedule

If you regularly use the word “chaos” to describe your family’s daily life, then let us introduce you to the magic of a day planner for 2019. Having a set daily schedule that includes waking up, meals, activities, appointments, bedtime and more, will help your family operate like a well-oiled machine. While adapting to a new schedule can initially be rough, once everyone adjusts, the chaos will give way to calm and comfort. (via mom.me)

9. Let Go And Laugh

12. Do One Thing At A Time

Multitasking doesn’t make you more efficient, but it does stress you out, says mindfulness expert Pedram Shojai, author of The Art of Stopping Time. “If your focus is fragmented, you’ll likely find yourself getting anxious as new items come up when old ones are still incomplete,” he says. Instead, he suggests, organize your activities into chunks of time, such as kid time and cooking time, and then “commit to being focused in that allotted time and see what happens.” (via goodhousekeeping.com)

13. Invest In Self-Care

14. Plan A Vacay

One of the easiest ways to glam up any look  is with a great smoky eye. Consider stepping outside of the box this holiday season and try one of these unique looks below to transform the usual smoky eye into a show stopping look.

Emerald Smoky Eyes

Instead of making a statement with the usual red lip, make one with a bold smoky eye, but in green. The perfect green eyeshadow paired with volume lashes will make any holiday look pop, just as we see below on actress and singer, Lucy Hale.

(image via allure.com)

Smoky Wings

Bringing the smoky shadow out along the corners of each eyelid gives an even more dramatic, smokier look with a sultry wing effect, which is sure to take your holiday glam game up a notch! Just see how fabulous this look is on model, Bella Hadid.

(image via sports.yahoo.com)

Subtly Smoky

Because sometimes less IS more, we love the idea of a subtle smoky eye, as seen below on Eiza González. A faint eyeshadow with a hint of shimmer is the way to go to achieve this elegant look.

(image via birdie.com)

Smoky Gold

A gilded smoky eye never looked so good, just as we see below on Nicole Richie who completed her look with classic, full lashes. Try ‘going for the gold’ this season and select a shadow with a shimmery gold tone and try this look for yourself!

(image via allure.com)

Smoke ‘n Glitter

A smoky eye should never be limited to only dark gray shades, but can work beautifully when glittery, warm tones are used. Just see how fabulous Emma Stone’s eyes look! We also really love how the smoky look was not just applied to her top lid, but also underneath along her lower lash line for an even more sultry look. #bowchicawowwow

(image via refinery29.com)

Blue Smoky Eyes

Try taking the usual smoky eye up a notch by accenting the look with a pop of blue in the inner corners, just as Kelly Rowland did. Then of course, her lashes complete the look with the perfect amount of length and curl.

(image via allure.com)

Want to see more beauty looks and ideas to rock this holiday season? Click here!

If you have ever been thinking about visiting a place of business whether it’s a salon, spa, restaurant … anywhere, there’s always that question of “what can I expect?” Today on the TLL blog we’re sharing what you can expect at The Lash Lounge, from the atmosphere itself to after your first lash extension application.

Atmosphere

• From the moment you walk through the doors to the moment you leave, you will enjoy a beautiful and inviting spa-like atmosphere.
• The signature Lash Lounge colors blend beautifully throughout the salon from the front desk and guest area to the service areas themselves.
• The plush blankets found on each bed adds a welcoming touch and creates an atmosphere where guests instantly know they can relax and feel pampered.

Consultation

• At your first appointment for lash extensions, you will receive a personalized consultation with a trained stylist who will talk to you about the different lash looks, and show you different style and curl options.
• Your stylist will also determine the length and density your natural lashes will be able to sustain.
• Be prepared to answer some questions about your current beauty routine, allergies, etc.

Pre-Application Process

• Once you and your stylist have determined your desired lash style, you are ready to lie down and relax.
• Keep in mind that the first session for lash extensions can take approximately 90 minutes (or more) and you will have your eyes closed during that time.
• Your stylist will apply tape and an eye pad under each eye. Why are they applying tape and eye pads? This helps keep the top lash line and bottom lash line separated during the service, which makes your top lashes more visible to your stylist.

Application

• The application process itself begins by your stylist adhering one synthetic lash extension to one of your natural lashes with medical grade adhesive.
• During the application, you will feel a very light touch to your lashes, which can feel like your lashes are occasionally being brushed … this is very relaxing!
• While your stylist is working her lash magic, this is the time for you to just relax and take one of those dreamy lash naps you’ve been hearing all about!

End of Application + Results

• When the application is complete, your stylist will observe your lashes and check to ensure they are symmetrical and full.
• To speed up the drying process of the adhesive and curing your lashes immediately, your stylist may use a small blower. This will feel like a cool breeze on your eyes for just a few seconds.
• When the application is complete, the tape and eye pads under your eyes will gently be removed. And now, drum roll please … it’s time to look at your luxurious, new lashes!

After Care

• After your application, your stylist will share a few of the best ways to take care of your lashes and products to use to keep your lashes looking beautiful.
• To keep your lashes looking full and fabulous, schedule a refill appointment within 2-3 weeks. A typical refill takes about an hour, so it’s a shorter process than your first application but still the perfect time for you to relax!

Our passion for lashes drives who we are and what we do. We are dedicated to providing the best Lash Lounge experience and want our guests to feel confident and cared for.

(photos courtesy of The Lash Lounge Memorial Green.)

Life seems to never slow down which means gifts that make you feel pampered are always appreciated … right, ladies? Whether you need some gift ideas for that special gal in your life or you need some ideas to share with your significant other, we’ve rounded up some great gifts that are sure to make any woman feel relaxed and pampered!

1. Pottery Barn Faux Fur Slippers

Fight the winter blues and cold feet with these creamy white slippers. The touch of faux fur—which comes in four colors, with at least one to satisfy even the pickiest person on your list—dresses them up, but it’s the super soft, cushy fabric that will delight whoever opens up this gift. (via health.com)

2. The Little Book of Mindfulness

Letting go of stress, living in the moment, and managing our modern world: it’s all here in this little book of 10 minutes a day to less stress. (via travelandleisure.com)

3. Bamboo Bath Caddy

This waterproof bamboo caddy will hold everything she needs to take her bath-time relaxation up a notch: a book or tablet, wine glass, snacks, and bathing needs like soap. It’s super sturdy, since the handles are extendable with non-slip silicone grips, so she doesn’t have to worry about it sliding out of place. (via prevention.com)

4. Diptyque Lavender Scented Candle

It’s no secret that lavender is one of the most soothing fragrances in the world, often used to ease stress and release tension headaches. And when it comes to candles, it doesn’t get much better than Parisian candle house Diptyque. This therapeutic candle will help calm anyone on your list who needs some serious de-stressing. (via travelandleisure.com)

5. Bloomsy Box

Handpicked, hand-tied bouquets sent from sustainable farms around the globe make a super fabulous gift. Choose from weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries to give that special someone (or yourself) beautiful blooms to brighten up their life! (via bloomsybox.com)

6. Clarisonic Exfoliator

Sometimes a simple face wash just doesn’t cut it when you need a good scrub. That’s where the Clarisonic comes in. Named on of our best exfoliators, it uses a “micro-massage” technology to flush out any dirt, oil, makeup, or sweat lodged deep within your pores. You can adjust the speed to your liking, pair the device with your favorite cleanser, and gently buff away for glowing skin. (via prevention.com)

7. Tea Forté Winter Sampler Collection

Herbal tea has an impressive range of health benefits—from relaxing your muscles to soothing an upset stomach. Surprise the tea lover in your life with this winter sampler collection from Tea Forté. It includes 15 pre-portioned single steep tea packets, including harvest apple spice, rum raisin biscotti, spiced ginger plum, sweet orange spice, and winter chai.(via prevention.com)

8. An E-Gift Card from The Lash Lounge

Effortless beauty, lash and brow services, a luxurious environment AND lash naps … what woman wouldn’t feel pampered?!? An E-Gift Card from The Lash Lounge will give her all of this and more! Click here to find a salon near you and to purchase.

9. Homedics Ellia Gather Ultrasonic Diffuser

Adding aromatherapy to your self-care routine can help enhance your relaxation and melt stress away. This ceramic woven diffuser adds style to any room. It delivers the scent of essential oils, and also has a remote-powered light that changes color. The device can also play a variety of soothing sounds. (via health.com)

One of the questions we get asked most often is “How do I clean my lashes?” Some may think eyelash extension care is an in-depth process, but it’s really not at all! Learn how caring for eyelash extensions is as simple as 1, 2, 3:

Step #1: Eyelash Extension Care

• Splash your eyes with lukewarm water and then gently massage an oil-free makeup remover around your upper and lower lid lines.
• Splash again until all product is rinsed away.
• NOTE: Visit a Lash Lounge near you to purchase one of our oil-free, lash extension safe makeup removers!

Step #2: Eyelash Extension Care 

• Apply an oil-free makeup remover to a clean brush and gently wash in a downward motion over the eyelid and lash-line.
• Rinse with fresh water until all product is removed.
• NOTE: Never rub back and forth as this will be too abrasive on the lash extensions.

Step #3: Eyelash Extension Care 

• Gently pat the skin around your eyelashes with a lint-free towel or microfiber towel (we recommend The Original MakeUp Eraser) and then just let your lashes air dry.
• Last but not least, brush through your lashes with a clean mascara wand to separate and fluff.

Click here to see more tips on how to care for eyelash extensions, brushing and keeping them clean!

Whether it’s a classic, more natural look or full fledge glam look, these 9 famous females (who are all over 40) have a strong lash game and we love it! See below for some of the most famous faces in Hollywood and their lovely lashes. And leave us a comment and tell us whose lash look you love most … we’d love to hear from you!

Vanessa Williams, 55 

(image via wmagazine.com)

Ellen Barkin, 64

(image via stylebistro.com)

Angela Bassett, 60

(image via stylebistro.com)

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 49

(image via glamourmagazine.co.uk)

Valerie Bertinelli, 58

(image via newsday.com)

Raquel Welch, 78

(image via 1310news.com)

Viola Davis, 53

(image via stylebistro.com)

Julianne Moore, 57

(image via stylebistro.com)

Gabrielle Union, 46

(image via thecut.com)

Want to see more celebs and there lashes? Click here!

No client, their eye shape or their natural lashes are the same, which is why here at The Lash Lounge we take our client consultations very seriously. We want to determine a custom lash style to fit you and your life. How, you ask? See below for details on our 4-step eyelash extension customization process.

1. Face Mapping

Our Face Mapping system allows our stylists to determine the client’s eye profile. All eyes fall into 1 of 3 profiles and each eye can even be a different profile. Based on which profile each eye is, indicates which lash design will look the best. Our face mapping system provides a fool-proof, perfect lash design for each eye, every time.

 2. Lash & Curl Type

Our stylists strive to educate our guests on which lash curl is best for them and also which texture, Silk or Mink. We offer 3 different lash curls: C curl, D curl and L+ curl. (Stay tuned for more info coming soon to the blog on the textures and curls.)

(image via The Lash Lounge Memorial Green)

3. Longest Length

To determine what the longest lash length is, our stylists consider the following: 1) The length of the natural hair 2) The condition of the natural hair 3) The desired look of the guest. If a guest requests a longer length, the stylist can use a thinner extension or suggest the client upgrade to mink lashes which are lighter in weight and won’t damage the integrity of the natural hair.

4. Application Method & Lash Thickness

The final step to the customization process our stylists conduct is selecting which type of application method the guest prefers (Classic Lashes or Volume Lashes) and which lash thickness will work best with their natural hairs.

After the stylist has completed the 4-step guest consultation, they will then complete the guest’s custom design code. Below is an example of how that design code is determined:

Design: Straight, Upward, Downward
Curl: C, D, L+
Lash Type: Silk or Mink
Length: List the longest lash length selected (i.e. 12mm)
Method: Classic or Volume
Thickness: .06, .07, .10, .15, .18

Want more? Click here for 5 important things that lash stylists want their clients to know!

(Note: Featured image at top of page via The Lash Lounge Shrewsbury)