Author: Cynthia Tsang

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Decoding Lash Options: Semi-Permanent Extensions, Express Premade Volume Fans, DIY Clusters, and Strip Lashes—What’s the Best Fit for You?

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As a lash master and someone who can’t get enough of lashes, I’ve tried just about every type out there. I genuinely love them all for different reasons and occasions. Each type of faux lash offers a unique combination of durability, application ease, and customization options to enhance individual style preferences. Here’s my quick breakdown of each one, along with their pros and cons.

1. Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions

These are individual lashes and handmade volume fans professionally applied one by one to each natural lash. They can last up to 6–8 weeks with regular refills.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting up to 6 to 8 weeks
  • Customizable to each person’s eye shape, style, and desired fullness and length.
  • Safe for natural lashes with proper application and care
  • Low maintenance and stay put through sleep, exercise, and daily activities.
  • No need to reapply every day like strip or DIY lashes

Cons:

  • Can be costly and need refills every 2-3 weeks for maintenance
  • Time-consuming application
  • Risk of adhesive irritation
  • Requires professional application

2. Express Premade Volume Fan Lashes

Promade and premade volume fans are essentially the same thing—they’re factory-produced. These fans are applied professionally, with one fan attached to each natural lash, typically taking about 30 to 45 minutes. They create a beautiful, voluminous look, but they usually last only 1 to 2 weeks.

Pros:

  • Quicker application compared to single extensions and handmade volume fans
  • Lower cost than handmade fans
  • Ideal for 1–2-week event and short vacation
  • Customizable from natural look to dramatic volume

Cons:

  • Shorter wear time (1-2 weeks)
  • May damage natural lashes if fans are too heavy
  • Less natural look due to factory production and not enough time to customize
  • Cannot be refilled; a fresh set is needed every 2 weeks
  • Possible irritation due to adhesive

3. DIY Lashes

DIY lashes are applied at home using lash clusters and glue without fumes. They give you a semi-permanent look that lasts 1 to 5 days, perfect if you want something temporary without a long-term commitment.

Pros:

  • Affordable and accessible with a range of price options
  • Flexible application for different looks
  • No professional appointment needed
  • Reusable with proper care
  • Good for a natural or customized look

Cons:

  • Short wear time (typically 1–5 days)
  • Daily morning maintenance required
  • Requires practice and precision for proper application
  • Limited durability since lash glue may weaken throughout the day
  • Not water-resistant, can’t withstand heavy moisture
  • Will damage natural lashes with frequent wear

4. Strip Lashes

These lashes come attached to a thin strip that you stick along your lash line. You can apply them at home, and they’re usually meant for wear of less than 24 hours.

Pros:

  • Quick application
  • Variety of styles for different looks
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Reusable with careful removal and cleaning
  • No long-term commitment

Cons:

  • Short wear time less than 24 hours
  • It can look unnatural if not applied correctly
  • Less secure hold; inner and outer corner may peel off during wear
  • Not ideal for water or sweat exposure
  • Will be uncomfortable for sensitive eyes or long wear

Each type of lash meets different needs and preferences. Semi-permanent and express lashes are great for long wear and added volume, while DIY and strip lashes are perfect for short-term use or special occasions.

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‘Tis the Season for Self-Care

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During the busy holiday months, we often become overwhelmed with gift-shopping, cooking family dinners, attending or planning parties, and so much more! Sometimes we need a little reminder to pause and take a moment for ourselves. The idea of ‘self-care’ can easily be brushed off since we “never have time” for anything. What if we gave ourselves just one hour? A facial, perhaps. A low-maintenance Lash Lift, or that forgotten brow and lip wax. Especially during the holidays, we all want to look our best, but don’t always set aside time to do so. Our Estheticians at Lash L’Amour can help you relax and give you that self-care you very much deserve!

If you’re already one of our beloved lash extension clients, you know how relaxing it can be to come in for a fill, take a little lash nap, and wake up even more beautiful than when you arrived! If you’re not up for lash extensions, no need to worry. Our Lash Lift might be the perfect alternative. The service only takes about an hour, so it won’t interfere too much with your holiday shopping. This quick service curls and ‘sets’ your natural lashes into a beautiful, lifted position, making lashes appear longer. Even super curly lashes can be tamed to perfection. Lash Lifts give the perfect enhancement for a bright-eyed, more ‘awake’ look.

Looking for a little more relaxation? Enjoy one of our rejuvenating facial treatments. The patented technology of a Hydrafacial uses a 3-step treatment to cleanse the skin, extract impurities with a gentle, yet powerful suction, and exfoliate with a mild chemical peel. Leaving skin smooth and hydrated.  Our Dermplane Facial uses a manual form of exfoliation with a specialized blade with no pain. We gently remove the outer layer of dead skin, with the added benefit of removing unwanted “peach fuzz” or vellus hair. The facial is accompanied by our favorite Eminence Organic Skincare products including a mild chemical peel, hydrating mask, nourishing serums and rich moisturizers. Don’t forget the soothing hand massage for a finishing touch. Whether it be our HydraFacial or Dermplane Facial, both treatments will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and glowing for all your holiday festivities. And it only takes about an hour!

We hope you’ll treat yourself to a little self-care before crossing-off the rest of your to-do list. You deserve it! Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!

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Fall Shedding

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They call it fall for reason. Leaves fall from trees. Clocks fall back an hour. You might even notice that your lashes seem to be falling off (or shedding) a bit more than usual. There’s no need to panic. It’s perfectly normal and we have a few tips to get you through it.

All of your lashes are in different stages of their growth cycle. There are baby lashes just appearing and growing (the Anagen phase lasting 15 to 20 days), “teenage” lashes (transitional Catagen phase lasting 14 to 21 days), and mature lashes (the resting Telogen phase lasting 30 to 45 days). In fall and winter, the length of the cycle can shift, and lashes may shed more frequently.

Everything starts closer to the end of the summer. During this time, intense heat may trigger more lash hairs to go into the resting phase, stopping growth, and causing them to fall out over the next month or two.

Also when temps and humidity start to drop in autumn, if your skin is dry, your hair follicles (located just below the skin) aren’t being as nourished. Translation: their growth is affected and they can become brittle. Result: they fall out before their time is up.

There are a few ways to help your lashes stay full throughout the fall and winter months.

  • Invest in a lash growth serum to help them stay nourished. We love LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum because it can be safely used with lash extensions. It conditions and nourishes follicles to boost the appearance of length and thickness of your lashes. Grab one during your next visit at any of our locations or order online.
  • Take Vitamin D. Known to keep bones and skin healthy, in recent years, it’s also been linked to boosting hair growth. A 2012 study in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine suggests that Vitamin D can actually help create new follicles!
  • Don’t wait three weeks for refill. Come in sooner. Heavier shedding means more frequent fills, so we’ll see you soon!
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Lash Extensions are Not ‘One Size Fits All’

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We know lash extensions are not for everyone (despite our personal obsession). However, some might think they’re not the lash type until they have the right set. Often times, we hear clients tell us they don’t want them to look “fake” because they’ve seen so many “fake” looking sets. Chances are that those super-dramatic lashes are exactly what those particular clients requested. That doesn’t mean you have to walk around like that. Mega volume sets are the only ones you might notice, since the more subtle extensions look so close to our natural lashes (but better!). Sometimes, it’s just about finding what works best for you and your eyes.

Patch Test

If you’re concerned about a sensitivity or an allergic reaction, we offer a complimentary patch test to all clients. It is not required but recommended, especially if you’re getting lash extensions for a wedding, vacation, or another special event. We would hate for you to have red puffy eyes for your wedding photos. During a patch test, we apply about 10-20 lash extensions per eye. The lashes we apply are very short and will blend right in with your natural lashes so you can go about your day. Typically, we’ll use a mild adhesive on one eye, and a stronger adhesive on the other. This ensures that even if one adhesive is too strong for you, the other one might be perfectly fine. If you experience no reaction within 24-48 hours, chances are you are in the clear for a gorgeous set of lashes!

Consultations

We offer complimentary lash extension consultations to all our guests, especially those that are getting extensions for the first time. If you want to skip the full consultation, our lash artists will still discuss options with you prior to starting your full set. Photos are always helpful for the lash artist to get a good idea of your desired look. We’ll often ask questions about your daily routine, including how much or how little makeup you wear on a daily basis. This helps us judge how dramatic or subtle of a set you’re looking for.

Follow-Up

All of our New Sets come with a complimentary 30-minute follow-up appointment. Although we get a pretty good idea of what our clients are looking for during the consultation, sometimes the lashes come out ever-so-slightly too short, long, full, or not full enough after your new set. We offer this complimentary follow-up appointment to make those little adjustments within 7 days of your new set to make sure we get the lash extensions to your liking.

Even our regulars occasionally need a reminder that lash extensions are customizable. Changing the length, shape, and fullness can make quite a difference. We never want you to feel like you’re “stuck” with lashes that you aren’t pleased with. Communicate with your lash artist if you ever want to try something new. We are always happy to accommodate and try new things to make you look and feel your best!

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Summer Skin Care

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Summer in New England might turn all of us into sun worshipers, but our skin will thank us later if we keep it protected from harmful UV rays. While we might want a little tan after hibernating all winter, sun exposure causes premature signs of aging that nobody wants. Our Eminence Organic Skin Care line has all the essentials to protect you from the sun, and to help reverse damage caused by UV rays.

One of our favorite SPF products is our Bright Skin Moisturizer. Not only is this an SPF40 moisturizer, it is also packed with organic ingredients to brighten your complexion. Whether it’s sun-spots, hyper-pigmentation, or any dark spots that we notice as we age, this hydrating, yet lightweight moisturizer helps to minimize areas of darkness overtime.

If you’re grabbing lunch with the girls or hopping on the ferry to Nantucket, SPF is crucial! We have just the thing to keep you protected, while adding a little more “glow.” Our Sun Defense Minerals is an SPF and makeup combined! What more could you ask for!? Simply brush this super-light-weight mineral powder all over your face with the convenient retractable brush. The SPF30 mineral powder is already in the brush, so no need for extra steps. Perfect to throw in the beach bag, or to leave in the car for a quick touch-up. Comes in several shades for every skin-tone under the sun.

When it’s a work day instead of a beach-day, reverse the signs of again with our Citrus & Kale Potent C & E Serum. This lightweight serum is great for all skin types, delivering antioxidants to help brighten skin, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of free radical damage.

Visit our Wellesley location to see all our amazing Eminence products. See something online that we don’t have in stock? Let us know, and we’ll order it for you!

Worship that sun all summer long, but never without a good SPF!

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Summer Lash Care

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As the hot summer months approach, clients often think that lash extensions don’t mix with outdoor activities. We are here to give you our sun-loving lash tips to keep your extensions looking hot all summer long!

Pool Daze

Clients often ask if they can go swimming with lash extensions. Of course! Not being able to jump into a refreshing pool during a New England summer would be torture. Enjoy that water as often as you can. After you go for a dunk, rinse lashes with cool, fresh water to rinse away chlorine. This will help keep the extensions in their best shape. Be sure to brush lashes with a spoolie to fluff them back into place as they dry.

Beach Bum

Much like the chlorine in a pool, we recommend rinsing away salt water as well. As you run Baywatch-style from the ocean, splash some cool bottled water onto your lashes to rinse away salt and debris. When sun-bathing (with SPF of course), be sure to give your lashes a little splash of fresh water every now and then to keep any sweat from falling into your lashes. Not to mention, that burst of cold water just feels fantastic in the hot summer sun! Speaking of SPF, avoid applying sunscreen directly to your lashes. Oil-based products, like sunscreen, will break down the adhesive and cause extensions to fall out prematurely. If possible, look for an oil-free sunscreen, and still avoid getting any on the lashes.

Heat Wave

For those 90-degree days where the humidity and sweat are just inevitable, we recommend booking your lash fills a little closer together. If you typically go every three weeks, try coming in every two weeks to keep lashes looking nice and full during those few super-hot weeks.

Lash Vacation

If you are going away on a long overseas vacation and sadly need to take a break from lash extensions, we totally understand, and are happy to recommend the perfect place-holder: The lovely Lash Lift. A Lash Lift is a semi-permanent lift and curl of your natural lashes, giving a more eye-opening look that lasts 6-8 weeks. With the exception of the first 24-hours, lashes can get wet or sweaty with no repercussions and minimal upkeep.

However you choose to spend your summer, don’t let the heat keep you from looking and feeling your absolute best!

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Lash Appointment

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Arrive Early

The more time we have for your appointment, the more lashes we’re able to give you.  We completely understand that everyone runs late every now and then and are happy to accommodate whenever possible.

Come in with Clean Lashes

Even if you are not wearing makeup, oils and dead skin cells build up on our lashes and prevent extensions from adhering properly. We ask that you wash your lashes with our foaming lash cleanser in the restroom when you arrive. Washing them as close to your appointment as possible is ideal, as our skin is constantly producing oils. We will also offer a complementary lash bath if needed.

Take a Lash Nap

Relaxation is key for the most productive lash fill. Feel free to let us know you’d like to take a nap and we’ll be sure to let you rest and wake up with beautiful lashes.

Avoid Caffeine Prior to appointment

Caffeine is a stimulant. Even if you don’t feel it, caffeine often makes eyelids very twitchy. This constant movement makes it very difficult to attach an extension to. The more still and relaxed you are, the more lashes we can apply.

‘Me Time’

Be sure to put your phone on silent so you can relax and not disrupt other guests. We know emergencies happen, but please try to avoid asking your lash artist to read a text message for you during your service. They are focused on giving you a beautiful set of lashes. We also ask that you don’t bring any children or guests into the spa during your appointment.

Extra Time

Let us know if you don’t have to be anywhere after (or if you have to be out by a certain time). If we don’t have anyone scheduled after you, we are always happy to spend a little extra time on your lashes if you have nowhere to be.

Speak Up

If you feel any discomfort at all during the service, whether something is stinging, itchy, or you just need a sip of water, don’t hesitate to tell your lash artist. We want you to have the most comfortable lash experience.

Book Your Refill in Advance

Our lash artists book up quickly, especially in the busy warmer months. Booking several appointments in advance is a great idea to ensure your lashes stay full.

Have Fun with your Lashes

Let your lash artist know if you ever want to switch it up!  Try a new curl, length or design. We also have black lashes, brown lashes, and all the colors of the rainbow to try!

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Dermaplane

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What is Dermaplane?

Dermaplaning immediately rejuvenates the skin by removing the top layer of skin cells along with vellus hair. It is highly effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars, while leaving skin smooth, supple, and vibrant. It has been utilized in medical practices for over 40 years to prepare the skin for chemical peels and laser treatments. Dermaplaning increases the penetration of active ingredients in treatment room and home care products. It creates the perfect canvas for makeup application.

Am I a good candidate for Dermaplane?

The ideal client is focused on anti-aging. She is concerned about dull, dry skin, a sallow complexion, enlarged pores, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and perhaps acne scars. She’s interested in the removal of peach fuzz and may already be using retinol. She is typically over 30 and interested in maintaining a youthful, healthy appearance and looking good both in person and in photos.

Is it safe?

Dermaplaning is a physical/mechanical exfoliation that is extremely safe when performed by a professionally trained skin care specialist utilizing the appropriate tools and practices for the service. Low quality tools, including blades not designed for dermaplaning and inexpensive handles that don’t lock the blade on tight, are responsible for increased risk of injury to the client.

How long does the service take?

At Lash L’Amour we offer three types of Dermaplane services:

Dermaplane – 45 minutes  

Dermaplane with Eminence Facial – 1 hour

Dermaplane + HydraFacial Approximately 1.25 hour

How often can I book a Dermaplane service?

We recommend a Dermaplane treatment once per month.  

Won’t my facial hair grow back thicker?

No. We only remove the vellus hair (peach fuzz), so the hair grows back exactly how it previously did.

What should I do prior to my appointment?

Avoid the use of any retinols or Retin-A at least 5 days to Dermplaning. Avoid chemical peels at least 14 days prior to Dermaplaning. Avoid any injectables like Botox or fillers at least 1 week prior to Dermaplaning (they can be done immediately following Dermaplaning if desired).

What should I do after my appointment?

Do not use abrasive cleansers, wash clothes or hot shower spray for 24-48 hours after the service.

Avoid the use of any retinols 5 days post-treatment.

Wash all makeup brushes & sponges. Makeup can irritate the skin after Dermaplaning

Avoid sun exposure as much as possible. SPF is essential even on cloudy days.

Delay exposure to excessive heat, sweat, and steam rooms.

Blog

Brow Lamination

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Penciling in your brows every day can become a chore. Look no further than Brow Lamination – a quick and painless service to give your brows a more full, fluffy, and styled appearance. Promising arches that look thicker, and fuller, brow lamination is a needle-free alternative to micro-blading that produces less permanent results. So many of us have been searching for a non-permanent solution for fuller-looking brows, and Lash L’Amour offers just that! We’ll be answering all your Brow Lamination questions to get you ready for this brow-changing experience.

What is a Brow Lamination?

Brow Lamination is a process in which we redirect the brow hair in an upward position to achieve a fuller, styled look. Brow Lamination is achieved with a two-step cream solution in which the first solution lifts the hair upwards and the second solution sets the brow hair in place.

Am I a good candidate for a Brow Lamination?

If your brow hair seems to be growing in a downward or horizontal position, or if you have stubborn coarse hair that doesn’t lay flat, Lamination may be the perfect fix. Do keep in mind that if your eyebrows are sparse where hair does not grow, it does not fill in those gaps. We are simply working with the brow hair you already have and enhancing the style of it.

Is Brow Lamination Safe?

Absolutely! Both solutions are formulated to be safely applied directly to brow hair and skin. As with any treatment to skin or hair, allergic reaction or irritation may occur. Our brow artists will perform a patch test before each service by placing a small amount of solution on your skin to ensure no reaction takes place. We will send each client home with an aftercare kit to take care of your fresh brows at home, including Argan oil to keep brows nourished and healthy. The effects of Brow Lamination last about 6-8 weeks, at which point you can return for another treatment.

Does it hurt?

No! Brow Lamination is a painless process. Of course, if you ever do feel any discomfort, please let your brow artist know right away so we can quickly remedy it. We take the utmost precaution to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

How long does it take?

Brow Lamination takes approximately 45 minutes. One hour, if tinting is also requested. We suggest trying it with a brow tint, to enhance and bolden lighter-haired brows.

What should I do prior to my appointment?

Avoid any exfoliants or retinols for three days prior and post Brow Lamination treatment.  Upon booking your service, you will receive a form to provide us with any health and skin information to ensure we perform the service as safely as possible to each individual client.

Is Brow Lamination high maintenance?

No! Your eyebrows should stay dry and untouched for the first 24 hours. After that, your brows stay fluffy and styled up to 8 weeks! Avoid the use of brow-growth serum for two months post treatment to ensure the effects of brow lamination are long-lasting.

After 24 hours you are welcome to get your brows wet and use Argan oil to nourish your eyebrows. Remember to brush your brows upward and outward to keep them looking nice and full. Brow Lamination is recommended to be done every 3 months.

Blog

Lash Lift

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Tired of struggling with a lash curler every morning, only to have your lashes start drooping down a few hours later? A lash lift might be the perfect solution for you! Lash Lifts have made their way to the spotlight in the last few years, and we couldn’t be more excited about them! We’re answering all your questions about lash lifts to put your mind at ease and get you as excited as we are!

What is a Lash Lift?

A lash lift uses a silicone rod and a two-step cream solution to lift and curl your natural lashes in an upward, lifted position. The result is a brighter, more awake look, making lashes appear longer and fuller.

Am I a good candidate for a lash lift?

If your natural lashes are super short, sparse, or very fine, we recommend lash extensions over a lift. A lash lift works with your own natural lashes, so it won’t fill in gaps or add volume. On the other hand, if lashes are average or long in length, straight, downturned, or overly curly, a lash lift is the perfect low-maintenance service for you! A lift helps your natural lashes reach their full potential, so if you’ve already got the length, the lift showcases all those luscious lashes.

Is a lash lift safe?

Yes! The lift solution never touches your skin and your eyes are kept closed for the duration of the treatment. We use Elleebana Lash Lift, which is one of the most recommended brands for lift treatments. We take great care in making sure the solution only touches the base of your lashes, to avoid over-processing or damaging the tips. We also recommend waiting at least 6 weeks in between lifts to avoid over-processing the lashes. This allows time for the natural growth cycle of our lashes, so we aren’t lifting the same set of lashes that we already did.

Does it hurt?

No! This is a pain-free service. Of course, if you feel any irritation at all, please let your esthetician know right away to remedy the situation.  If you have a history of allergic reactions to makeup or adhesives, a complimentary patch test is recommended prior to the service. We will test the adhesive and the lift solutions on your skin, to ensure a safe and pleasant treatment for you.

How long does the lash lift take?

A lash lift takes approximately 45 minutes. One hour if you pair it with a beautiful tint to darken and enhance lighter lashes. 

What should I do before coming in for a lash lift?

Please come in with no eye makeup. Makeup residue could prevent the lift solution from working properly.

Are lash lifts high maintenance?

No! Lash lifts last an average of 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that you may notice new growth coming in after several weeks as part of your normal growth cycle. You will need to keep your lashes dry and free of makeup and oily products for the first 24 hours after the treatment. Avoid rubbing your eyes and sleeping on your face while you have a lash lift. After the first 24 hours, you are free to wear makeup, wash your face, or go for a swim. Lashes will stay lifted and gorgeous!

What is Lash Botox?

“Lash Botox” is an add-on treatment to a lash lift to deep condition your natural lashes. Lift solution can be drying to our hair, so adding a conditioning treatment every now and then helps to boost the elasticity and keep the follicle healthy and hydrated. Using a lash growth serum, like LiLash, is also a great way to continually keep lashes hydrated and healthy even after the service is complete.

We hope we answered all your lash lift questions! As always, you can call our friendly front desk team to answer any further questions you may have or to book your appointment. We hope to see you soon!