Sunday, November 11, 2012

Eyelash Extensions Review - Eyelash Canada

So last Thurs. I got to experience a very special pampering treat for the VERY FIRST TIME - Eyelash Extensions!  I have been curious about eyelash extensions for sometime now...I mean how can you not be when everywhere you turn you see those Group On coupons for eyelash extensions...but something always made me a bit weary about getting such a good deal on something that involves my eyes...sort of like why I would never get laser eye surgery on special lol.  Plus as a makeup artist I've seen A LOT of eyelash extension work...some of it very good...and some downright awful!

So when Yvette from Eyelash Canada contacted me about trying out eyelash extensions for a review on my blog I was very curious to find out more.  Plus and I know this sounds stupid I thought it might be useful for my trip to India if I didn't have to worry about mascara...lol yes, only a makeup artist would think about mascara when she's backpacking in India lol! Also, I never realized but I actually spend quite a bit of time everyday putting on mascara b/c I'm so anal about it...I curl my lashes, first coat of mascara, let dry, curl again (I have really stubborn straight lashes), second and third coat of mascara, comb through clumps (b/c I HATE clumps)...these extensions are going to save me so much time lol!

So here's a little back story about Yvette.  She's been doing eyelash extensions for A LONG time...like 8 years (I didn't even know eyelash extensions were around 8 yrs ago).  In fact she was the first to bring this skill to Canada.  She first witnessed eyelash extensions at a trade show in California and she was fascinated by the technique and results.  As an already practicing esthetician she already had a firm understanding about skincare, nails and other spa and beauty treatments so eyelash extensions seemed like a natural fit. Like any pioneer in any trade it was a lot of long, hard work before things started to catch on here in Canada.  She became one of the first technicians in Canada to awarded approval for the use of medical grade adhesives and she even developed a technique for applying lash extensions to the lower lashes - a service exclusive to her company in Canada.  Plus she teaches and trains other technicians all across Canada in the art of eyelash extensions...and she's still obsessed w/ learning about new techniques, products and visiting trade shows to this day.

Knowing all this I definitely felt like I was in safe and skilled hands.  Plus, I can tell you first hand she treats eyelash extensions as an art form...she is so meticulous and quite the perfectionist and after all these years she still gets excited when she sees the surprise and joy on her client's faces when they see the results for the first time!

She has two locations for eyelash extension services.  Her main location is up on Orfus rd. near Yorkdale Mall (this location is apparently much larger and this is also where she teaches) but I opted for the much more convenient Yonge location which is literally just a block away from my apt.!  She had just moved into the space a few days before my appt. so she apologized for the appearance...not it wasn't a luxurious spa location but it was clean and I'm practical I don't need a fancy atmosphere...just give me good, clean work and I'm happy!

Upon meeting we discussed the look that would best suit me and my needs.  I wanted something natural but w/ a little more...but I didn't want to look like a drag queen (God I sound exactly like my brides lol).  Right away Yvette made me right at home.  She's very friendly and talkative and throughout the whole experience I learned so much about the history of eyelash extensions, different curl grades of lashes, her business, the saturation of the market plus I learned a lot about the difference between good eyelash extensions vs. bad and how a lot of those "deals" actually scrimp on the lashes or do quick and shoddy work.  

Overall the whole experience isn't uncomfortable or painful.  It is a little weird at first...esp. for someone like me who is not the best at having anyone near my eyes...yes I was a pain to try and work w/ in makeup school...lots of blinking and twitching lol!  It does feel a little weird at first to have your eyes taped in various ways...no idea what it looked like as my eyes were obviously closed during the procedure.  I don't know if I could have fallen asleep during it like I've heard a lot of my clients tell me they do...but who knows maybe if I got more use to it I would have.  In total the whole process of the application takes about 1.5 hrs...she's quick (a lot of ppl take a couple of hrs for the first application)...after all she is a Master Technician!  

She did one eye and let me look, already I was amazed!  Then she did the second eye and I couldn't believe how natural yet gorgeous my lashes looked!  Such clean work - no clumping of lashes, nicely spaced...really amazing!  Yes, my eyes were bloodshot afterward and a little sore but that went away after a couple of hrs...plus I think my eyes just weren't use to it.  

Of course Yvette is a little more pricey than some of those are ppl out there offering lots of deals and sales...but you can't argue w/ experience or skill (also like I said before I don't know if I want a "deal" w/ anything that involves my eyes).  Just like w/ makeup artists...of course sometimes ppl just want to hire the cheapest but does that really get them what they want in the end.  If you want quality you have to pay for quality!  I'll be curious to see if these last 4+ weeks like Yvette said they should...I know a lot of other companies say they last that long but most of my clients have told me they usually need to get them filled every 2-3 wks...so if Yvette's do last 4+ weeks like she said they are actually a good deal b/c you don't have to get them filled as often.  She does also have other technicians that work for her at a reduced price that might be worth checking out too.  

I'm not going to go into everything here but on her website she has a very full detail section w/ FAQs for all your eyelash extension questions, history, eyelash options, training etc.  You can even book an appt. online

So if you're thinking about eyelash extensions and don't mind a bit of an indulgence but are really looking for the best I definitely suggest Yvette...I think I might be hooked!

Here's the Before & After Photos!

Before...As you can see my natural lashes are pretty long


But compare...this is just ONE eye!

How good is that looking!

Even though they are gorgeous and long look how natural they look! Excuse the bloodshot eye lol!

Final result AFTER shot!


I've already had several friends and clients comment on how natural they look and how it just looks like I have the most amazing lashes ever!  No one can tell that they are "fake"!

 I'm definitely interested to see how they hold up...esp. through my backpacking tour of India...I'll give you an update in a few wks!  Btw can't believe I leave for India next SUNDAY!!!

6 comments:

Benzagel said...

These look really good. Do you find you need to use any mascara at all on them? I have always wanted an excuse to put on those elaborate lashes with feathers and glitter on them!

Melanie said...

Wow,
That is amazing. I always see badly applied eyelashes on the internet being reviewed. This one is beautiful!

LashesLover said...

Yvette has been doing my lashes for the 3rd time now and I have to say that she never failed to impress me with her magic eyelashes touch. I always make it a point to book an appointment with her because she does deliver good results.. I recommend that you book an appointment with her and see the result for yourselves.

longer lashes said...

Its recommended not to use any mascara on the lashes, but if you must use a water based mascara. Apply the mascara from the middle towards the tip, avoid applying from the base. When it comes time to remove the make up, mascara tend to be stubborn, you'll end up rubbing at them pretty hard and it will cause your extensions to break off. The less you touch the longer your lashes will last, but you have to keep in mind to have good hygiene along your lash line.

Janette said...

This is really nice work and great pics too. They look fab.

Unknown said...

I had an awful experience with eyelash extensions due to the glue. I was simply an allergic reaction. So, that said, be careful ladies. This site was useful as well: http://bettereyelashes.com/eyelash-extensions-do-or-dont/