Magic Stick

Being a creature of habit, it takes a little something to get me to try something new. For years now, I've been using Mac's ProLash for mascara despite the marvelous things I've heard Trish McEvoy, Dior, Lancome, Jan Marini etc. can do. I mean, I did try the extensions for awhile but failed miserably at maintaining them. I'll stick to applying fake lashes on the weekends if I must. It's not so bad.

But when something impresses you the first time you try it - it makes everything pale in comparison, well at least Mac's ProLash.

I think the secret to Katie B's Faux Lash mascara is the cone shaped brush which separates your lashes down to the layers. Then the mascara steps in to thicken and lengthen. It's like giving the sly illusion of donning fake lashes w/ no messy glue or precision needed to apply.

Katie B is a makeup artist with an entire line of cosmetics. I can only speak for the quality of the mascara, so if you'd like to learn more, please visit her online store. It may not be Best of Sephora for 2006, but it works! Though her credentials are pretty solid. Her makeup is currently being used to glam the models of FHM, Maxim, Stuff and Playboy.

Eyelash Extensions II

First day at work with my lashes and I kid you not, at least 5 people exclaimed how different I looked today. One person asked if I was wearing make up. I didn't know how to answer that since I do wear make up every day but ...I guess I'll take it as a compliment. One person even asked if I was in love! How funny!

I'll let my curious audience guess but I won't tell - just like you can't tell people you get Botox or plastic surgery.

If you're looking to get extensions, I'd suggest going to a Shavasana certified beauty professional. You can find a listing of professionals near you on their Web site. It's important to go to a certified extensionist. Believe it or not, some beauticians aren't even licensed to apply lashes! Shavasana lashes can only be applied by a licensed or medical professional - so, rest assured, they've had proper training.

As also tipped by California Style, if you're in the Boston area, visit:

Ashlee Santerre
Shavasana Certified Extensionist
617.312.0689
d_ashlee@hotmail.com

She did my lashes, and I love them!

Eyelash Extensions

Feels good to be back in Boston. Flew home for the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving and to see all my friends and family. But of course, what is a weekend trip without shopping? Did my usual drop by at Saks Fifth Avenue on Friday morning. If you're from Boston, you'll notice that the store is doing some heavy renovations. Speaking of renovations, the Bloomingdales in Chesnut hill opened at its new location a month ago and it's ginormous! It's worth stopping by if you haven't seen it yet.

Anyhow, after months of wanting eyelash extensions (& thanks to a tip from my cousin California Style), I got them done! I have to say, I'm impressed with what a difference it makes. I love how it opens your eyes! It took about an hour for the initial application and it's completely painless. Once they're applied, you have to be careful not to rub or use oil-based products (oil loosens the adhesive causing your lashes to come off). It's fun to try and now I can put my eyelash curler and mascara to rest. For maintenance, you just need to make monthly visits for refills. After a few months of wear, it's recommended that you take off your lashes (with baby oil - don't pull!) to let them breathe. It's like acrylic nails. Every now again, it's only healthy to go natural.

For more information, read this article in Vogue's May issue on Eyelash Extensions.

If you are adamant against getting false lashes, there are other options - Jan Marini's age intervention eyelash is the next big thing in eyelash technology. It's a treatment that helps to thicken and lengthen your real lashes.

But whatever you decide, I hope that you give it a try!