Eyelash Extension Fanatics: Keeping your Lids and Lashes Clean will Improve your Retention and Keep the Nasties at bay.

If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your lashes (and extensions) is the awning that hangs over it. It prevents dirt, makeup, oils, dust, creams, etc., from entering your eye by providing a barrier, keeping foreign objects in its grasp until cleansed. If lashes are not kept clean on a regular basis, a build up of this debris will form, blocking our lash follicles and providing a nest for bacteria to thrive. Blocked follicles can lead to inflammation of the eyelids, better known to eye care professionals as Blepharitis.

There are many different types of Blepharitis, and if left untreated, can result in styes, pink eye, misdirected eyelashes, dandruff of the eyelids, and many other unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, it is very easy to prevent this from happening with just regular cleansing.

To keep dry or not to keep dry within the first 24-48hr period is still a huge debate amongst lash extension professionals. At Pretty In The City, we believe this step is still very important in allowing the tiny amount of adhesive applied to cure to its maximum strength. It is because of this practice, we feel is the reason why many clients equate getting extensions wet with reduced retention of the extensions, therefore avoiding or minimalize washing them altogether.

In fact, it is quite the opposite – keeping lash extensions clean with frequent washing, aids in optimum retention. This of course, is with gentle cleansing and not attacking your lashes with vigor. Oil rapidly breaks down the adhesive, resulting in premature loss of the lash extension. By removing the oils from our sweat, make-up, and face creams that collect on our lashes, we can prolong the life of our eyelash extensions.

Thorough cleansing is even more important during the spring and summer months due to increased perspiration and use of sunscreens and tanning lotions.

How to Cleanse:

 1. Remove all eye-makeup, including concealer on the lids, with an oil-free make-up remover. We love the make-up remover from iLash Care. Formulated especially for use with eyelash extensions, it removes all traces of make-up with ease.

 2. Always use a gentle, oil-free cleanser – we recommend Pure and Simple’s all natural cleanser for sensitive to combination skin types or Chrissanthie Lid Cleanser for oily skin types.

 3. A 1:1 solution of cleanser and distilled water in a foam pump is recommended.

 4. With clean hands, dispense a small amount of foam onto your fingers.

 5. Wet your lashes and with your index finger and thumb, gently rub your lashes in a slow, circular motion, moving from one side to another.

 6. Get right into your lash line; from the top and underneath. Cleanse your eyelids at the same time.

 7. Rinse thoroughly; pat dry.

 8. Cleanse at least every other day and right after working out, and after removing eye make-up. 

Eyelash extensions, when properly applied, do not pose damage to your natural lashes. It bestows upon the wearer to always appear bright eyed and bushy tailed with minimal effort. By keeping our lashes clean and free of build-up, extensions stay on longer while maintaining a healthy lash line.

Chrissanthie Lid Cleanser is formulated by South African opthamolic surgeon Chrissie Cockinos, and pharmacist Christine Deist. While it is gentle and effective to use on Rosacea of the eyelids, and other skin ailments, Chrissanthie has been tested on Eyelash Extension wearers for its efficacy in preventing blocked follicles while maintaining or even improving the retention of lash extensions with great success. ($30)

Pure and Simple - Pure Face Wash and Pure Sensitive Wash.  Aloe vera based, oil free, all natural wash for Eyelash Extensions.  A gentler, all natural alternative to using Baby wash, which may leave fragile eye lid skin dry. ($14.95-19.95)

All products recommended in this article is available through our web store as well as in-store.

Choosing the right Lash Style for your Eye Shape

Everyone knows that having long, full lashes - whether natural, or false strips and extensions - can enhance your appearance and make you look gorgeous!  But just like make-up, it’s important to know which style suits you best. The wrong style of lash can have a negative effect causing you to appear tired, sad or just plain old silly!  Here are our tips on selecting the best type of lash design for you.

Round Eyes
Accentuate round eyes with a bold spiky style that graduates longer toward the outer ends. This elongating effect creates harmony and makes the eyes appear brighter.  Stay away from dense, bushy lashes and where the longest length is in the middle.  These can make the eyes appear smaller and more round.

Hooded Eyelids
Spiky, criss-crossed and bushy will all work well with hooded eyelids.  Length and bulk should be focused in the centre of the eye to make it appear rounder.  They key here is to match the length and fullness to the size of your eye.  Lashes too short won’t have much of an effect; too long and they will end up looking like spider legs.  For this eye shape, bottom lashes should be accentuated with mascara or bottom falsies to create balance.

Mono-Lid
Wispy lashes that graduate longer
towards the ends will enhance
this eye shape beautifully.

Almond Eyes
Almost any style will flatter this shape. Length in the middle for
alertness, and towards the ends for a demure look.  Bushy lashes
add the finishing touch to an evening look.

Deep set
Spiky variations where the length graduates longer toward the outer end of the eye work best to create a wide-eye effect.  Stay away from very dense and centre-focused styles as this will make the eye appear small and beady.

Small Eyes
Paying attention to proportion is the key to making small eyes
appear larger.  Determine the shape of the eye and then select a
style that compliments that shape.  Choose a shorter, lighter
version of the design in order to enhance rather than overpower
the eye.