Eyelash Extensions Go Glam With Xtreme Lashes

April 9th, 2013

By: Jennifer Chan, Sr. Fashion & Beauty Correspondent, TheFabulousFile.com (via JustLuxe.com)

Xtreme Lashes

Xtreme Lashes

Love the look of fabulous, thick lashes, but intimidated by the hassle of applying convincing faux variations every time you want to amp up the glam factor? Look no further than Xtreme Lashes, a revolutionary new lash extension product that creates longer, thicker, more natural-looking lashes like you’ve never imagined!

As JustLuxe’s Sr. Fashion & Beauty Correspondent, I never leave home without lashes, so I happily obliged to road test the product and report back on my experience.

Consultation
I arrived at Beauty Boutique in Studio City, California for my consultation with lash stylist extraordinaire Arlena Parker. The studio was stylish, modern and inviting. Arlena wowed me with her expertise in the lash business and I immediately felt comfortable knowing she would be in charge of my entire experience.

The founder and owner of Xtreme Lashes, Jo Mousselli, is a registered nurse so I knew safety and quality were priorities here, which isn’t always the case with lash

Jo Mousselli, Founder of Xtreme Lashes

Jo Mousselli, Founder of Xtreme Lashes

extensions elsewhere — and trust me, I’ve heard horror stories! Luckily for me, Arlena was personable, friendly and had natural lashes to die for, so I knew I was in good hands.

I was instructed to show up sans eye makeup, which was a struggle in and of itself. I felt a little self-conscious (I don’t feel like myself without a good swipe of eyeliner), and was concerned that without seeing my everyday made up face, she would assume I wanted a subtler lash effect. After getting to know me, thankfully, she recommended a full-on glam look — longer and more dramatic than a typical natural look. I was totally game!

Application
I settled back and closed my eyes for the application process. I anticipated it would take about an hour or so, and Arlena assured me it was more than okay to doze off if I wanted to while she worked away, adhering individual lashes one by one to my own lashes with a special glue. As Arlena got into a rhythm (you could tell she was a pro with a passion for this) I took a relaxing nap and quickly assured myself I could definitely get used to pampering like this on a monthly basis.

Application

Application

The studio was luxuriously cozy (as was the lush blanket she covered me in) and I nodded off in no time. When I woke I was surprised we were still only halfway through. By the time it was all said and done, three hours had passed and my jam-packed agenda took a nosedive for the rest of the day. Oops. On the upside, I had fantastic, fluttery lashes that were convincingly natural looking and just dramatic enough for my taste. I received compliments as soon as I stepped out of the door!

The Xtreme Lash Experience
The first 48 hours with Xtreme Lashes take some lifestyle adjustments. You can’t really shower, work out or have steam near the eye area to ensure the glue dries properly and lasts as long as possible (about three to four weeks). During this time, I became very aware of my lashes and felt super cautious cleansing my face, removing my contacts or getting near anything wet.

After all, I wanted those three hours of patience to pay off in the long run. I absolutely loved waking up and having flirty, fabulous lashes, and felt sexy and confident at the gym, even with sweat dripping off my face. Getting ready in the morning was suddenly simple and fuss-free, too — what a terrific timesaver!

I should mention that I did have to change up my makeup routine considerably though. I’m a diehard waterproof eye

eyelashes

Eyelashes

makeup kind of girl, so when I found out I couldn’t use eye makeup removers or any products that required strong removal (goodbye gel liners, waterproof mascaras, liquid pens and more); I have to admit I panicked. Luckily, I managed to find some great oil-free products that did the job just fine.

Final Thoughts
The lashes lasted well over three solid weeks and fell out naturally and discreetly, without damaging my own lashes at all. Most clients return before that time for a refill to boost the lash line and maintain the lush Xtreme Lashes look for weeks to come and continue the cycle. Due to my demanding schedule, I was unable to squeeze in an appointment, but I appreciated the experience as much as my current lifestyle could allow.

All in all, Xtreme Lashes made me feel glamorous at any given hour of the day and reminded me that I should try to factor in a couple hours for myself. If you are in the market for high quality lash extensions and can squeeze in a few hours every month for the upkeep, I’d highly recommend this experience. For more information on the product, or to find an Xtreme Lash stylist near you, go to a XtremeLashes.com.

Photos courtesy of Xtreme Lashes.



Sun-Kissed: Three Great Ways to Sunless Tan

March 1st, 2013

A radiant complexion makes us appear healthier and more attractive, and fortunately, there is a simple, sure-fire way to achieve this without weeks of grueling yoga classes and downing wheat-grass, açaí and kelp tinctures: an ever so subtle sunless tan. A natural, radiant “I just-got-kissed-by-the-sun” glow.

See below for some excellent sunless options:

Tanning Salon Spray Tans:  Perfect for a special occasion, and when you desire a quick and noticeable tan. Most spray tans last 5-10 days (2-4 if they are painted on with a brush) and begin to fade each time you bathe.

mystic-sunless

mystic-sunless

At-Home Spray Tans: A more cost-effective way to spray tan and available in the comfort of your home.

Semi-Temporary:  Exfoliate, apply evenly and wait four hours prior to bathing for a tan that lasts 2-3 days.  We love  Mystic Tan Sunless Face and Body Tanning Spray™ >>

Wash-Off: Just spray, let dry, dress and go… than wash it down the drain when your day is done. TRY: St. Tropez Wash Off Dark Instant Glow Spray

 Sunless Tanning Lotions. These easy to use moisturizers contain gradual tanning agents that provide a slight increase in color after just one use, intensifying with perpetual use.  Opt for a formula that is sweat or water resistant. Let dry completely before dressing and wear dark clothing to avoid staining.

<< TRY: ZIA Ultimate Age-Defying Sunless Tanner

A natural looking, soft golden glow after just one use.

Bronzing Powder:  The perfect complement to your sunless tanning treatment.  Apply to areas of the face that are likely to be hit by the sun: nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.

Chanel Enchants With Spring Couture Collection

February 8th, 2013

By Nicolle Keogh for JustLuxe

If ever there were an enchanted forest in real life, it was the one seen at last week’s Chanel show held at the Grand Palais in Paris, at which designer Karl Lagerfeld presented his Couture collection for the luxury brand. Actual trees and shrubbery were shipped in one-by-one to the venue at which Lagerfeld has presented in the past. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was apparently the inspiration for the show, and the actual collection is just as fascinating as the set itself.

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Structured shoulders are the main theme of Lagerfeld’s silhouettes for this season— they take form by way of ribbon tweed, most notably in the daywear; and then chiffon, sequins and lace for the evening looks. Daywear included short but full skirts— most falling just above the knee but others hitting mid-calf— paired with tailored jackets with accent buttons. These ensembles were made of fabulous fine tweed that were made all the more mystical next to accessories like leather and lace thigh-high boots and the falling chiffon feathers that hung from each model’s head.
.

Eveningwear was just as— if not more— alluring. Smooth panels of white chiffon created my favorite look, while other ensembles sported velvet, lace and other luxe materials. Sequins even made an appearance— different colored clusters were embroidered so delicately as to initially appear to the audience as a print. Of course, the first detection of shimmer hinted to Lagerfeld’s elegant handiwork.

The grand finale revealed a series of gowns— the last two of which clearly resembled wedding dresses that were worn down the runway by two side-by-side brides who walked hand-in-hand along with a ring bearer, Lagerfeld’s actual godson. This was apparently Lagerfeld’s way of showing his position on the fierce debate on gay marriage that is presently taking place in France.

 

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