LASH LIFT REVIEW: THE BEFORE AND AFTER IS AMAZING!

Lash lift results

I GOT A LASH LIFT!

Yes! The rumours are all true! I got a lash lift and to be honest the results were better than expected!

Earlier this week, I headed to Lac Beauty in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood for my first ever lash lift with makeup and brow artist Jenna Want. If this is the first you are hearing about lash lifts, they are essentially a ‘perm’ for your lashes. Much like the effects of a perm for your hair, lash lifts sets a permanent curl into your lashes and the outcome is bigger, more awake looking eyes and more predominant lashes. Additionally, lash lifts are a low maintenance alternative to always using false lashes or getting lash extensions and they last way longer!


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


LASH LIFT BEFORE AND AFTER

All lashes have a natural shape to them and mine are long but unfortunately, pretty dead straight. As I have been getting older I have also noticed my eyelids have become more hooded. You can really notice from this ‘lash lift before and after’ picture that the curled lashes now hide the excess skin on my eyelid and make my eyes appear bigger and more awake. Further, since a lash lift curls your lashes from the base all the way to the tip, you really get to see the full length of your natural lashes which helps them appear even longer and stand out more predominantly. It’s quite amazing how such a little thing can make such a big difference.

lash lift before and after

My lash lift before and after photo

HOW LONG DOES A LASH LIFT LAST

How long does a lash lift last? The short answer is 2 months. The long answer is, it really depends on you. Like everything on our body that regenerates, our eyelashes are also on a cycle. Typically, lash cycles are about 2 months long but it really depends on a person’s genes. Either way, over the course of 2-3 months you can expect a whole new set of lashes to grow in and push the old permed lashes out.

LASH LIFT AFTERCARE

Lash lift aftercare is super simple and is one of the main reasons why I favour it over lash extensions or even false lashes. Much like a hair perm, all you need to do for the first 24-48 hours after your treatment is let the perm set. That means, do not wash your face or wear makeup for the first 24 -48 hours. If you do wash your face and water does get on your lashes, the perm wont set and the lash lift results could be badly affected. After 24 hours it is back to business as usually. You can wear makeup, mascara, wash your face with your facial cleanser, apply creams, etc. as you normally would.

See, told you lash lift aftercare was simple!

For anyone that uses lash growth serums to help lengthen, nourish, and condition your lashes, you can still use these products but you may want to use them less as they could speed up your regrowth cycle causing you to have to go back for another lash lift session sooner.

EYELASH LIFT AND TINT

When I did my lash lift I didn’t get a lash tint because I already have naturally dark lashes but it is very common for people to do an eyelash lift and tint at the same time. Ideally you would want to get the lift done before the tint to ensure you have the best curl, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a lash lift if you’ve recently tinted your eyelashes. If you have blonde lashes or lashes that you can barely see, getting an eyelash lift and tint would be perfect and really make your eyes pop! Plus, it’s really only one extra step!

LASH LIFT VS. LASH EXTENSIONS

I have had both a lash lift and lash extensions and I would 100% say I like lash lifts more. When comparing lash lift vs. lash extensions there are a few reason why I like lash lifts more:

They are significantly cheaper! Lash lifts are around $95 whereas lash extensions start at $150 and go up depending on how dense you want them.

Lash lifts last longer - approximately 2 months! Lash extensions on the other hand last maybe two weeks depending on how quickly they start to fall out. Also, when you start to lose lash extensions your lash line looks sparse and it’s super noticeable whereas when a lash lift grows out it’s way less obvious cause you’re using your natural lashes.

You can wash your face as normal with a lash lift. When you have lash extensions you have to be careful when washing your face to avoid the eye area. I like wearing makeup but I also like having good hygiene and I was always worried with lash extensions that the glue would be a breading ground for bacteria, especially if I couldn’t wash the area. Even naturally, bacteria grow along your lash line and in your mascara tube which is why you are suppose to throw out your mascara ever three months. With lash extensions, you are more susceptible to getting an eye infection which is enough for me to choose a lash lift over a lash extension every time.

You can wear makeup as normal with lash lifts. Yes, it’s true! Load on as much of that eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara as you want because you can wash your lashes as normal. Feel free to keep using your favourite Micellar make up remover and wipes while you’re at it! Unlike lash extensions, you can continue to do your makeup as normal unlike lash extensions where you are advised to touch the eyes as little as possible and keep them clean. Either way, because cleaning is harder with lash extensions in general, you don’t really wear makeup quite the same way.

Lash lifts look more natural than lash extensions because they use your natural lashes. In addition to using the full length of your natural lash to make them appear more prominently once permed, they also don’t look sparse once a new cycle grows in. Lash extensions on the other hand can look fake and, I find, often not done well. Unless you are going to a pro, they tend to be very dramatic, dark, overdone and need constant maintenance which can be a pain in the ass.


CHECK OUT SOME OF MY OTHER RECENT BEAUTY POSTS


LASH LIFT PROS AND CONS

Still on the fence as to whether to give a lash lift a go? Here are some lash lift pros and cons to help you get more comfortable.

Some lash lift pros are:

  • They give your lashes a natural looking curl that opens up your eyes and makes you look more awake.

  • They last for as long as your lash cycle (approximately two months).

  • They aren’t insanely expensive - Lac Beauty charges $70.

  • They can help hid hooded eyelids.

  • You can wear makeup and wash your face, use your favourite moisturizer, etc. as normal.

  • You can choose how dramatic of a curl you want! *More on this to come!

Some lash lift cons:

  • They don’t last forever.

  • It isn’t cheap. - “But, If you don’t spend your money, who will?”

  • You are putting chemicals near your eye. Another reason to make sure you go see a professional.

  • If done incorrectly, you can over process your eyelashes and damage them. Yet another reason to go to a professional for this service.

WHERE TO GO GET A LASH LIFT IN TORONTO

Well, I’m obviously going to recommend the place where I went because I loved my experience with Jenna and I’ve always had great treatments there. I actually also go to their sister hair salon Lac and Co. down the street to get my hair coloured - shout out to Kiki! She’s the best!

Lac Beauty is a conceptual lifestyle and beauty boutique spa located at 162 Davenport Rd in Yorkville, and in my opinion, one of the best spas in Toronto. In addition to lash lifts, they also offer facials, manicures and pedicures, brows, waxing, makeup services for all occasions including bridle, and spray tans. In the past I have also been to Lac Beauty for Biologique Recherche facials which I also highly recommend trying because of how they give life back to your skin and drown it in hydration to reveal a dewy ass glow!

My lash lift experience took a total of 40 minutes and included a quick consultation at the beginning so Jenna could examine my lashes and help me choose a suitable curl. I went with something natural but you can actually pick different degrees of perms depending on how dramatic of a curl you want, which I thought was pretty cool. Other than a small unpleasant smell, the procedure was quick and easy. I felt no stinging, irritation, or cause for concern during or after my procedure and left with beautifully curled lashes. As someone who does have sensitive lashes (they sometimes become super itchy depending on what mascara I use) I was relieved to see that I experienced zero irritation and would 100% go back to do it again. Maybe I’ll see you there!

I didn’t only leave Lac Beauty with a lash lift though, I also left with some funny photos and videos from my treatment which I thought were too good to hide from the world! So I quickly edited them together for you so you can see the struggle of content creation during a lash lift. OMG, I love my job but sometimes it’s a laugh and this one is on me! Enjoy!


Thank you so much for visiting the blog today and watching my lash lift review video. If you enjoyed this lash lift review feel free to let me know in the comments below. I’m also happy to answer any further questions around the topic. I’m going to be posting more videos on YouTube as well so I want to encourage you to subscribe to my 'Is That Soh YouTube channel’ if you aren’t already so you can keep up with all the great content I have planned!

Until next time,

-Soheila


PIN THIS POST

VITAMIN C - THE BRILLIANT BENEFITS AND WHY YOU NEED IT IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE!!

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *

Ever since I turned 30, I have become way more interested in and motivated to take better care of my skin. Past mistakes of falling asleep with all my makeup on or not putting SPF on when I am going outside are behind me and I now understand the importance of investing in nutrient-rich products that preserve my youthful appearance. One such nutrient-rich product (besides blue light product for those who work in front of a computer and SPF for those who work outside) that I highly recommend you add to your current routine are serums with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients on the market today and has so many amazing benefits including being a potent antioxidant. Unfortunately, digesting it doesn’t guarantee the benefits will go straight to where you need them, but using a topical form of Vitamin C can. Further, it’s a product that is very safe to use no matter your skin type, and only in the rarest situations does it cause minor irritation.

Additional Benefits of Vitamin C Serums

  • It is a nutrient-packed antioxidant!

  • It is safe to use in conjunction with other active ingredients like Retinol, alpha Hydroxy acids, SPF etc.

  • It allows your skin to retain moisture.

  • It helps fade skin pigmentation and smooth out skin texture which helps your skin appear brighter and healthier.

  • It reduces inflammation and minimizes redness for a more even skin tone.

  • It can help fade hyperpigmentation like those sunspots you got when you were in your twenties and never wore sunscreen or Melasma.

  • It can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and hydrate the area.

  • It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote collagen production which helps retain your skin’s elasticity longer and keep things looking firm and tight.

  • It helps to smooth and replace damaged skin cells caused by the sun, by accelerating cell turnover.

  • It helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental pollution.

When picking your Vitamin C products it is important to know that not all Vitamin C agents are created equal and some oxidize quicker than others, rendering them less potent. When choosing Vitamin C serums make sure to look for products that contain Ascorbic Acid like ‘L-ascorbic acid’ which is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C. Further, make sure to store all your products out of sunlight in a cool, dry place to ensure that they don’t spoil.

When it comes to using Vitamin C products, remember that consistency is key and that they typically can be used twice a day. If you are unsure of where they fit into your current skincare routine, typically the steps in skincare go as followed: Cleanse, Toner, Vitamin C Serums, Moisturizer, SPF.

Lastly, to help you get started I have compiled a shortlist of Vitamin C products below that you can use daily to benefit your skin.


VITAMIN C SERUMS TO CONSIDER




At the top of every beauty editors list, The C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum By Drunk Elephant is one of the most popular Vitamin C serums on the market today. Packed full of antioxidants, nutrients, and fruit enzymes to visibly firm, brighten, and improve signs of photo-aging, this potent vitamin C day serum doesn’t come cheap! WIth 15% L-Ascorbic Acid not only is this product strong but it also has Pumpkin Ferment and Pomegranate Extract in it that works together with the Vitamin C to dissolve dead surface skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores. Further, this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum also contains Chronocyclin, a peptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D for more youthful-looking skin. One thing to note about this product though is that a gradual introduction of this product into your skincare routine is advised and after the first use, it is recommended to store this product in your fridge to help maintain its potent antioxidant activity and effectiveness.

Price - $105 CAD

L'Oreal’s Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate is a high end drugstore accessible product that contains 10% Pure Vitamin C, is formulated without water and is protectively sealed in an air-tight tube. This product can be applied every morning and evening to revive the radiance of your skin in just one week.

Price - $30.99 CAD



Last but not least, Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is a powerful lightweight serum that supports youthful luminosity while delivering antioxidant defense against environmental stressors and free radicals. Not only does this serum contain vitamin C but it also contains collagen to smooth the look of the skin. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this product leaves all skin types soft, smooth, and glowing.

Price - $60 CAD


One of my all-time-favorite brands, Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C skincare serum reduces the look of fine lines with a formulated light weight cream. It also helps to improve the skins texture by reducing the appearance of pores and correcting uneven skin tones. Additionally, it is free of parabens, and phthalates, can be used twice a day and contains pure vitamin also known as L-Ascorbic Acid which improves the appearance of skin aging and protects from skin damaging free-radicals.

Price - $109 CAD



For those who are price conscious, The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% could be the perfect product for you. Priced at $5.80 CAD this water and silicone-free formulation suspends a whopping 23% pure l-ascorbic acid stably and is formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance, and works for all skin types. Not only that but The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum is equivalent to a single grande latte at Starbucks!

Price - $5.80 CAD!!!!




Glow Recipe’s Pineapple Vitamin C Serum is
a potent, lightweight Vitamin C and AHA serum concentrated with smoothing pineapple juice and hyaluronic acid to brighten and even out your skin tone. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, Glow Recipe’s Pineapple C Bright serum’s liquid formulation bright, smooth, and hydrated as well as provides calming effects thanks to its inclusion of Chamomile. A few important things to note, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and is a clean product formulated without sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more

Price - $68.00 CAD



If you have any questions or comments about the benefits of vitamin C or have a vitamin C serum you want to recommend to me to try, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


PIN THIS POST

IS BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR PHONE/COMPUTER DAMAGING YOUR SKIN? YES! HERE'S WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *

Since I relying heavily on both my computer and phone for work as well as for entertainment (Thanks COVID!), I am spending so much time in front of a screen these days! I was shocked to learn after a recent visit to my dermatologist, that the dark spots (hyperpigmentation) I recently noticed that had appeared on my face (especially around my eye area) were due to the blue light that emits from my computer and phone screen! I knew it was a culprit for eye strain, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases, but was completely unaware of the damage it was causing to my skin!

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT AND WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT?

In a nutshell, blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that emits from the sun, indoor lights, and our screens. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue but now, since most of us spend over 50% of our day in front of a screen, the damage it is causing to our skin has become even more apparent!

Currently, there is evidence showing that blue light contributes to the development of brown spots and skin hyperpigmentation around the mouth, eyes, and face such as melasma. Currently, research is being done to see if it could also be the possible cause of premature photoaging and the breakdown of collagen known to cause wrinkles and impact skin laxity. Further, Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine says, "There's also evidence that as blue light penetrates the skin, reactive oxygen species are generated, which leads to DNA damage, thereby causing inflammation and the breakdown of healthy collagen and elastin, as well as hyperpigmentation."

WHAT INGREDIENTS PROTECT AGAINST BLUE LIGHT?

Both my dermatologist and Marchbein recommend finding a product that you can use daily that contains iron oxide and antioxidants in the ingredient list. Both of these ingredients help create a protective barrier from blue light rays that emit from our phones and computers as we continue to work from home. In addition, my dermatologist also always tells me to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 even in the winter or on cloudy days as skin damage from the sun’s rays is still an issue even if the weather gives you a different impression.

In addition to adding products to protect your skin from blue light, lowering the brightness level on your screens to 50 percent or switching on the darker "Night Shift" setting (as long as you don’t dim it so much that you're straining your eyes) are two additional suggestions to helping prevent skin damage from blue light along with going hands-free as much as possible and ironically social distancing from your devices. LOL!!


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


To help you combat this new skincare issue, I have compiled a shortlist of products below that contain the recommended ingredients you need to combat blue light that you can use daily to protect your skin.

If you have any questions or comments about blue light skincare products or the effects of blue light on the skin, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR BLUE LIGHT

Since its launch, Vivier Skincare’s ‘Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Moisturizing Lotion with Antioxidants’ has been part of my daily skincare line up. Its ChromaTint™ technology gives my skin an instant natural looking glow while also providing protection from damaging blue light rays emitting from the sun and computer. Further, it also features a light weight formula with anti aging benefits thanks to the added antioxidants!

Great for all skin types, Vivier’ Skincare’s Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion can be used daily on the face, neck and chest area.

On days that I don’t feel like wearing makeup I always reach for my Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion. I find that it smooths out any imperfections I may be experiencing while also evening out my uneven skin tone. The fact that it give me a nice glow, protects me from damaging blue rays, and moisturizers my skin while also providing anti aging benefits, is just an extra bonus!  

Price - $48.00


One of the first tinted moisturizers I ever owned was the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It has a lightweight, oil free formula great for combination and oily skin, and it acts almost like a lightweight foundation. Although this product doesn’t have SPF it does give a boost of moisture to your skin and helps with oil control on acne prone or sensitive skin. It also comes in a range of light skin tones.

Price - $59 CAD




The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight tinted moisturizer great for people with normal, dry and combination skin. Like a translucent veil, this tinted moisturizer offers blue light protection while also evening your skin tone. Infused with naturally derived ingredients, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps keep thirsty skin hydrated. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections. It is also paraben, sulfate, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, petrochemical and GMO free, and comes in a range of light to medium skin tones.

Price - $58 CAD

A new product to pop up on my radar, bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Vail is bareMinerals answer to the effects of blue light. I was recently sent a sample of this product to try and found it to be to my satisfaction. I noticed some reviews online that mentioned it had a ‘funny smell’ but personally I thought it to both smelled and look just like an unscented sunscreen. With that being said bareMinerals is a clean beauty company that doesn’t add artificial fragrances to their products and considering it has a 30 SPF in it, I found no reason to be put off by its smell. One thing I would note about this product is that when applied, the cream does leave a sheer white layer which makes me believe it would be better suited for fair to light skin tones. Additionally, I do think this would make a great product for men who are concerned about blue light but do not want to wear a tinted product.

Price - $39.00



One of my all-time-favorites, the Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a light weight, oil free tinted moisturizer that is good for all skin types. Not only will it help you fight off the negative effects of blue light but it also hydrates, helps cover up uneven skin tone and brightens and smooths out your skin texture. Additionally, it comes with great SPF protection, is great for guys that don’t want to look like they are wearing makeup and is made with the high quality ingredients. Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a clean skincare product which means it’s also free of any parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, paraffin or formaldehyde. In all honesty, mine doesn’t leave my desk!

Price - $52 CAD



A ‘Best of Beauty’ Award Winner, bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 come in a large range of shades from light to dark skin tones. Great for both dry and combination skin, it offered a medium foundation coverage and a natural radiant finish - almost like it combines the benefits of a BB cream with a CC cream. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue™ is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free product that is also free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It offers 30 SPF protection, is formulated with mineral electrolytes and has heart-leaf globe daisy antioxidants, all of which protect you skin from environmental stressors and pollution.

Price - $40 CAD




tarte Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer is a vegan, lightweight tinted moisturizer that delivers a beautiful sheer coverage that hydrate, soothe and brighten your skin’s appearance. Infused with Maracuja Oil super fruits, Hyluronic acid, and Turmeric root extract this product provides coverage and hydration for up to 12 hours. Further, it is also cruelty-free and gluten-free as well as parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, and triclosan free. I am also happy to share that out of all the above products recommended, this one comes in the largest range of skin tone shades from light to dark!

Price - $38.00


CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BEAUTY POST!


FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST!


PIN THIS POST

Blue Light.jpg

ABH GLAM WITH MY PRISM PALETTE | COACHELLA VIBES + DESERT SUNRISE

Today I created this green, orange desert sunrise look using my ABH Prism Palette. I even paired it with some bold lashes from KISS NYC and what can I say - I just love it. If you are curious to know how I created this look HIT THAT PLAY BUTTON!

Read more

SMOKEY GREEN GLAM EYE MAKEUP

This video is a makeup tutorial for a 'Soft Cut Crease Eye Makeup' look. I also just want to say I am not an affiliate of any of these makeup companies I just really like these products!

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SoheilaHakim
Follow Soheila Online on Twitter: @SoheilaOnline
Follow Soheila Online on Instagram: @SoheilaOnline
Like Soheila Online on Facebook: @Soheila
Or check me out on Snap Chat: soheilahakim

List of items I used in this video with links:

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly - $26
MAC 195 Concealer Brush - $30
Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom Palette - $54
MAC 217 Blending Brush - $30
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Brune' - $ 8.00
Luxie Small Tapered Blending Brush - $16
Smashbox Cream Eye Shadow in 'Stone' - $66.49
Anastasia Beverly Hills 'Artist Palette' - $39.00
Mac 242 Shader Brush - $30.00
Mac Fix + Spray - $12
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Bronze Frost' - $ 8.00
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Twinks' - $ 8.00
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in the colour Trooper-  $28.39
Illimasqua Eye Liner in 'Abyss' - $38.95
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 'Porcelain' - $8.96
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation in 'Natural Buff' -$14.99
Sigma Angled Kabuki Foundation Brush - $24.00
Nars Creamy Concealer in 'Honey' - $29.00
Real Techniques Setting Brush - $8.00
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder- $38.00
MAC 135 Brush - $51.00
MAC 'Give Me Sun' Bronzer - $37.00
NYX Contour and Highlight Palette - $27.00
MAC 'Dessert Rose' Blush - $21.00
MAC 129 Blush Brush - $42.00
NYX - Micro Brow Pencil in 'Ash Brown' - $12.00
Benefits Gimmie Brows, Brow Gel in Medium/Light - $24.00
Sephora Smudger Brush - $48.00 (came in a set)
Stila Cosmetics Eyeliner in 'Stingray' - $22.00
Skone – Smudger Brush - $15
MAC 212 Brush - $30
NYX Butter Gloss in 'Creme Brulee' - $8.00
House of Lashes 'Iconics' - $12.00
Mac Haute and Naighty Mascara - $27.00

Dont forget to spray fix plus all over your face to make sure it stays and looks fresh longer.

I am NOT an affiliated of any of these makeup companies however I do think these products are top notch and would recommend them to anyone!