One of the best parts about being a high school teacher is taking part in preparing our future creatives, leaders, and helpers. Over the years, my students have gone on to become amazing people… nurses, teachers, naval officers, engineers, pastors, firefighters, police officers, doctors, massage therapists, hair stylists, and tattoo artists. I love when those students ask me to take part in their adult journey. I have had the honor of attending senior recitals, helping stock classrooms, and support my student’s dreams with my dollars in commerce. It is something I consider a great honor!
Recently, one of my alumni invited me to help her as a client, while she is studying to be an aesthetician. This woman is a strong, empowered business lady, with the dream of working in a spa and helping others with custom makeup applications. (I have already been able to see her at work as a makeup artist, and she is an absolute wizard!) I decided to sign up for a spa service with her at The Salon Professional Academy. Student work can be a great way to try otherwise expensive spa services. I decided to try a lash lift for the upcoming holidays.
So what the heck is a lash lift? Basically, it is a perm that curls your eyelashes for six to eight weeks. For those who are plagued with short, stubby eyelashes like I am, this service can give your eyes a real pop, without having to hassle with false lashes. I always end up pinching my eyelid in a lash curler and yanking out some of the precious few lashes I do have with a startled blink. The lash lift eliminates that disaster. Typically, the service costs $50-100 at a spa. At The Salon Professional Academy, it is $30, plus I had a coupon, so I was able to do the service for $15! (Bonus!!)
The process takes about an hour from start to finish. When you arrive, your aesthetician will start by having you lie down in a private space and interview you about allergies and stuff. Then, they will gently remove all traces of eye makeup you are currently wearing to ensure a clean work surface. Next, they will tape down your bottom lashes to make sure they don’t accidentally get curled. That part feels a little weird, but becomes more comfortable once you have your eyes closed.
Then, the magic begins. Shields are applied to your eyelids, so you are instructed not to open your eyes for the rest of the process. Next, your lashes are glued upward with a gentle glue and fixed to the shield. Perm solution is then applied and sits for a while to take shape. (Boy that smell took me back to the middle school spiral perm days!) After the solution has had time to take effect, it is then neutralized, the glue is removed, and voila! Your lashes are magically curly for a few weeks with no extra fuss.
I am really pleased with the results. It’s not super dramatic, but it is definitely noticeable. I like the extra pop it gives my eyes. My only concern is that I have horrible allergies that make my eyes really itchy. I am afraid by rubbing them, I will cancel the perm out too soon. (Fingers crossed.) The overall effect is really lovely and I would definitely recommend it as a special treat to yourself. Seriously, treat yo self!
If you are local, let me know and I will give you my student’s info, so you can contact her for your own lash lift.
Forty Fat and Fabulous 