let's talk retention...

Eyelash Extension Retention issues...

Retention issues can be a frustrating and tricky thing to figure out...there are so many variables to holding on to your eyelash extensions...and EVERYONE is different.  I do everything within my power from temperature, humidity, application time and a fresh adhesive every single month (when the manufacturer says I can keep it for three!) to assure that the application is correct on my end...it's what you do once you leave that really matters.  Remember, friction and oils are lash extensions worst enemies.

aftercare:  you must stay dry for the entire cure time of your adhesive in order to have a proper bond.  If it's raining bring a hat or an umbrella and plan all water, tear/sweat inducing activities for after your cure-window.  Lashes that are cleaned regularly will last longer.  Oils from your skin and makeup and pollutants from the environment can prematurely breakdown the adhesive causing early loss.  Even if you don't wear makeup you still need to wash the day to keep the extensions holding on.

daily skincare/makeup routine: be sure you are only using cleansers/makeup that is formulated to work with your extensions around your eyes...and be sure to wash it away everyday. If you tend to have oily skin or eyelids, invest in oil blotting papers and soak up that oil a few times a day.

workouts: excessive sweat or prolonged exposure to water will shorten the life of your extensions.  Start rocking a sweatband and buy goggles that are big enough to go over and around your extensions.

spray tanning:  avoid a spray tan three days before you get your lashes done.  spray tans contain an adhesive to help keep the color in place until it is absorbed by the body...this creates a film on your lashes and prevents the eyelash extension adhesive from properly bonding to the natural lash...also avoid spray tanning for 24 hours after you have your lashes done.

crying and eye rubbing: a good cry every now and again won't hurt your extensions, but days and days of tears will do a number.  rubbing your eyes is a very bad idea with extensions on...it can prematurely pull out your natural lash or weaken the bond between the natural lash and the extension. 

sleep:  don't lose sleep over your lashes, but know that squishing them into a pillow causes friction and will breakdown the bond between your natural lash and the extension...try your best to sleep on your back.

hormones: those of you on hormones (or pregnant) might find it difficult to keep your extensions on as long as you would like...there isn't much we can do about this one except see each other more often.  

stress: I only have anecdotal evidence for this, but I can see in your lashes when you have been stressed...so breathe

It's overwhelming to see this all in one place...I know.  If you are struggling with retention, take a look at this list and see what might be going on in your life/routine that could be compromising the bond between your natural lash and the eyelash extension.  

blink pink™ this october

Blink Pink for October.

add pink extensions to your fill this month and I will donate the $15 add-on to the Maine Cancer Foundation in your name...

you are in good hands...

It's official!  I am ADVANCED CERTIFIED in Volumation.

It's official. I am ADVANCED CERTIFIED in Volumation™!!!  I am really proud of myself and it's not for the reason you might think...I spent last weekend in NYC for a two day Advanced Training in Volumation™ with Xtreme Lashes® (a technique that safely applies multiple extensions to one natural lash) .  Sure,  I am thrilled that I passed the intense certification after only ever performing the application method two times (polishing my knuckles).  BUT, I am really proud of myself for the mindset I was able to keep all weekend.  Maybe it's because my best friend from college flew all the way across the country to be my first model and I got to spend my evenings catching up with her and not fixating on what I had learned or the daunting tasks facing me the next day. Maybe it was our awesome trainer, Ashton who so lovingly and patiently reminded us to be kind to ourselves as we learned to use new tools and new techniques.  Maybe it was the awesome models who gave their time in hopes that I might get some lashes attached (NYC models are the best...both of mine slept!!!).  Whatever it was, the combination was just what I needed to stay calm, focused, patient and able.  From here on out, I vow to work toward this mindset in any new tasks I learn.  I am in good hands with Xtreme Lashes® and in turn you are in good hands with me.  

I can't wait to show you my new tricks!  

it's time to get tough...effective immediately

Tough has never been my strong suit...I much prefer to take the 'what goes around comes around approach' to most things in life...including my cancellation policy.  Didn't the teacher always say "it only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch"? Well, it has been more than one bad apple in this case...it has been a whole bunch of them not respecting my cancellation policy and it is negatively effecting my ability to do business and provide the highest quality of service. I have always had written policies, but I have never felt the want or need to point them out.  Unfortunately, I have reached my breaking point. I greatly respect your time...please respect mine.

Here are my policies...officially...effective immediately (did that sound tough enough?) 

Policies:

Client Appointments:

New Clients: A credit card will be taken and used to reserve your scheduled appointment. Please arrive on time, your on time arrival insures that we will have your entire allotted time for your appointment and will allow you to receive the highest quality service.

Returning Clients: please arrive on time...your on time arrival insures that we will have your entire allotted time for your appointment.

After Hours Fee: There may be a time at some point that we cannot meet within my posted scheduled hours.  If we agree that a time outside of my posted schedule is the only time we can meet, there will be an after hours fee.  The fee will be determined by the services scheduled and will be agreed upon and discussed when the appointment is made.

Cancellations:

I completely understand that life (kids, work, illness, etc) happens...sometimes even unexpectedly. I respectfully ask that you give me 48 hours notice for FULL SET cancellations and 24 hours for all other appointments.  If you cannot give me 48/24 hours (those unexpected life situations) we will try to reschedule you within that same week**.  If we successfully get you scheduled and you keep the new appointment you will not be charged for the cancellation. If however, you do not reschedule within the same week or you do not keep your rescheduled appointment you will be charged a cancellation fee (50% of the cost of your service or $25 whichever is greater)  **please note that I have a very full and busy schedule, do not assume you will be, or count on being rescheduled.

No Shows: 

If you stand me up...you will be charged the cost of your scheduled service. Cancelling within 1 hour of your scheduled appointment counts as a No Show. You will be charged for the full service. 

Running Late:

Give me a shout.  Each situation will be different, there may be times where we can work with the tardiness, but most likely you will either have an abbreviated service or have to reschedule (see policy above).  

Walk-ins:

We do not accept walk-in clients.  Please call 207-650-4789 to schedule.

Payment:

We accept, cash, checks and credit cards.  We will take a credit card number when you make your appointment, but it does not have to be the form of payment we use at the time of service.