What is Milia & Benefits of Mineral Makeup

Dear Laurel: I have little white bumps on my face and around my eyes. They look like pimples, but when I try to pop them they don’t come out. What are they and how do I get rid of them? 
Shawna ~ Lexington

Dear Shawna: Without having the opportunity to see your skin firsthand, I can only assume that what you are talking about is commonly referred to as milia. Milia can occur anywhere on the skin, but is often prominent around the delicate eye and lip area. Milia are deep seeded white bumps that form when skin cells become trapped rather than exfoliate naturally through your normal skin cleansing routine. These trapped cells turn into little cysts that appear like white bumps below the skins surface. The natural reaction when seeing one of these annoying bumps is to squeeze it out, yet the only thing you will be getting out is a loud “OUCH!” Trying to remove milia by squeezing, is not only extremely painful, but ineffective and may result in scarring as the cyst-like bead tries to penetrate the surface of the skin. You don’t necessarily need a medical degree to remove milia; however the safest and least painful way to remove them is to seek the help of an esthetician or dermatologist. A sterile lancet or small needle is used to gently open the skin over the milia, pressure is then applied, and the milia typically pop right out. Although this technique seems quite simple, it is rather difficult to take this on yourself, especially around the eyes where the skin is thin and easily torn. Milia may occur for a variety of reasons, some of which you have no control over on account of the genetic cards you were dealt, but if you have not always been prone to these pesky bumps, you may want to reconsider the cosmetics and skin care products you are using. A good exfoliating product can go a long way in helping to deal with skin prone to milia. By exfoliation, I don’t mean scrubbing off the top layer or your skin, but using a gentle exfoliating scrub to keep the surface of the skin smooth and clean. You may also want to avoid cumulative sun exposure that can cause thickening of the skin, hindering your quest for proper exfoliation. While practicing a consistent home care routine that includes exfoliation will help keep milia at bay, keep in mind that clearing any skin condition takes some time, so be patient and remain consistent in your skin care routine.

Dear Laurel: I’ve heard more and more hype about mineral makeup lately and that it is supposedly better for my skin. What is the difference between mineral makeup and the traditional makeup I’ve been buying from department stores for years?
Pamela ~ Arlington

Dear Pamela: Mineral makeup has become extremely popular in the past few years, and for good reason. Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic (does not block pores) and is manufactured with minerals found in the earth as opposed to synthetic products. These minerals are sterilized and pulverized into a very fine powder which is then mixed with a variety of natural inorganic colorings to produce a variety of colors. Because the prime ingredients are inorganic, bacteria and microbes cannot live in the makeup and infect the skin. This is great news for those suffering from rosacea, dryness, acne or other troublesome skin conditions, because mineral makeup will not exacerbate the existing problem. Using inorganic ingredients also means that no preservatives are needed, and the shelf life of mineral makeup can be extremely long, provided that reasonable care is taken when applying and caring for your brushes. The benefits of mineral makeup over traditional cosmetics are quite significant. Mineral makeup does not damage the skin with oils and chemical additives. It does not block the skin’s pores or provide a breeding ground for bacteria. It usually includes beneficial ingredients to guard the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and to feed and nourish it. And it provides you with a healthy and natural glow. It is little wonder mineral makeup is flying off the shelves.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Skin Care Product Differences & Chapped Lips

Dear Laurel:  I have spent hundreds of dollars on specialty skin care products that say they are “pharmaceutical”, assuming that they are better than the commercial products I might find at my local drug store or spa. Can you please explain the difference between these types of products and which is more effective in helping with anti-aging?
Monica ~ Arlington

Dear Monica:  The difference between pharmaceutical (or professional strength) skin care products and commercial (or cosmetic strength) skin care products is two-part.

  1. Professional strength products fall under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must have valid scientific studies and clinical trials to back a product’s claim. The FDA requires that pharmaceutical grade products contain 99.9% pure ingredients and contain .1% or less of bacteria.
  2. Commercial products, like those you may find in department, drug, and grocery stores, may only contain 70% pure ingredients and up to 30% bacteria. These products don’t contain a high enough percentage of an ingredient for the ingredient to be “active” or to cause a significant change in the condition of the skin.

The term “cosmeceutical” refers to the fastest growing segment of the skin care industry. Cosmeceuticals contain high levels of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s), L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), peptides, retinoids, botanicals and a number of other effective ingredients. These ingredients have drug-like effects in helping to improve the skin’s function and to prevent aging. Cosmeceuticals are not officially regulated by the FDA; however, many companies, like G.M. Collin for example, choose to follow the standards set by the FDA when developing products. Only 5% of the skincare industry falls under the scrutiny and authority of the FDA and is considered pharmaceutical grade. So if you’re looking for an anti-aging treatment, consult with your aesthetician, dermatologist or physician to find a product that will assist you in achieving the results you desire.

Dear Laurel:  I have a chronic problem with chapped lips. No matter what I do to prevent them from becoming chapped, they always seem dry and irritated. What can I do to help prevent this embarrassing problem?  
Patricia ~ Lexington

Dear Patricia:  Chapped lips bring truth to the saying “crack a smile” and are not only irritating and embarrassing, but can be extremely painful as well. There are many causes of chapped lips: exposure to wind, sun and cold dry air, constantly breathing through your mouth instead of your nose, habitually licking your lips, and lack of water (dehydration). So start the healing process from the inside out and drink lots of fluids, especially in the winter months. You should also try to avoid the dry, cold weather that can cause them in the first place. This may be a little difficult since you live in New England and moving to a warmer climate isn’t an option for most people. Try applying lip balm or lipstick before you go out and reapply whenever the mood strikes. You may also want to consider getting a lip balm that has a built-in sunscreen to protect from the suns drying rays. Practicing good lip care should help to bring a smile back to your face.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Chipping Polish & Choosing Foundation

Dear Laurel: I love getting manicures and how great it makes my hands look and feel, but it’s so frustrating when after a day my polish is already chipping. What can I do to help my polish last longer?  Melinda ~ Woburn

Dear Melinda: There are few things more frustrating than discovering chipped polish after spending your hard earned money on a professional manicure. Most expect to get at least a few good days before seeing the first signs of chipping. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to extend the life of your manicure: 1. Avoid prolonged exposure to water by wearing gloves when cleaning or doing dishes and limiting the time you spend bathing. 2. After having a manicure, apply a thin layer of top coat frequently; every other day is usually sufficient. The top coat you choose can also include a nail strengthener or hardener, and your nail technician can usually suggest one best suited for your nail type. 3. Keep your hands and cuticles well moisturized to keep them looking and feeling great. This is especially important during the cold winter months when the air is lacking humidity and literally pulls the moisture from your skin. Practicing good home nail care can help to extend the life of your manicure, save you time and money, and help to keep your hands looking their very best.

Dear Laurel: I’m having a hard time choosing a makeup foundation that looks natural. How do I go about selecting a color that best matches my skin tone?  Erika ~ Lexington

Dear Erika: The first thing you should remember is that foundation is just that, the base on which all your other makeup will rest. Therefore, your foundation should simply smooth out skin imperfections, not change its color. The right foundation should appear nearly invisible when applied correctly. Your best bet for foundation success is to seek the aid of a professional makeup artist or esthetician that can assist you in making the right color choice for your skin tone. To ensure that you are truly happy with the foundation selected, borrow a mirror and head toward the nearest window or door in order to access the natural lighting outside. This will allow you to see your foundation in the most natural of settings. If that is not an option, apply a small amount of foundation to your inner wrist, or even better, along your jaw line. The applied area should look natural with no noticeable difference in color or skin tone. It may take some time to find a foundation that is perfect for you, but once you have, you’ll be happy you did.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Bikini Waxing & Ingrown Toenails

Dear Laurel: Is there a new kind of wax that only grabs and pulls the hair, and doesn’t stick to the actual skin? I hear it makes waxing painless. Is this true? I’m also very interested in getting a bikini wax, but I am terrified and can’t imagine waxing down there… ANNA ~ Arlington

Dear Anna: You’re probably referring to sugaring, a technique believed to be used by ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations. There is much debate over traditional waxing vs. sugaring, and as far as my research has indicated, it’s a tossup. Sugaring is believed to be less painful than waxing, but many others disagree seeing as often it requires reapplying the sugar to the same area in order to remove the hair. No matter what technique you choose to use… it will still hurt, but really ladies… it’s not that bad. The most common side effects of hair removal, regardless of where you make bare, is redness and temporary discomfort. However, the redness usually only lasts about an hour and pain is equivalent to quickly ripping off a Band-Aid and gone before you know it. The plus side… the upkeep is minimal. Think about it, you wax once a month instead of shaving your bikini line every other day and eventually the hair does thin out.

Dear Laurel:  How do I prevent and get rid of an ingrown nail?  KATHY ~ Lexington

Dear Kathy:  Ingrown toenails, if not treated can be extremely painful and the options are never great cosmetically for a woman because to have one surgically removed will often leave you with a skinnier unattractive toenail. Removal should only be done by a podiatrist, but regular visits to your nail technician can help keep nasty ingrown nails from forming.

To prevent an ingrown toenail, I suggest never cutting your toe nails too short, especially on the sides of your toes. When you cut your nails super short, you set the stage for an ingrown by encouraging your nail to grow directly into the skin of your toe. There are many causes for ingrown nails, however the most common causes are wearing tight shoes or improper grooming and trimming of the nail. Treat your feet to a monthly pedicure with a professional nail technician to keep the nails filed and trimmed to a healthy length. After all, your feet are the vehicle that takes you everywhere you want to go.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Large Pores & Contact Lenses

Dear Laurel: I have very large pores on my face and wonder if there is any product or facial that I can get that will shrink them.  Kim ~ Belmont

Dear Kim: Unfortunately, enlarged pores are mainly caused by two factors, genetics and age, neither of which we can do much to change or prevent. However, clogged pores and blackheads can also contribute to the appearance of larger pores. Although, there is really no way of making your pores disappear completely, you can take steps to keep them clear and therefore appear smaller. Pores appear larger when they become clogged by dirt and bacteria, and oil begins to accumulate, causing the pore’s diameter to expand. A cleanser specific to your skin type followed by a good exfoliation is a key to minimizing their appearance. A consistent skincare routine is also crucial to keeping your skin clear of impurities and thereby reducing the appearance of larger pores. A visit to the spa for a facial is a great jump start to motivate you to execute a consistent skincare routine at home, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. A simple facial along with some good advice from your esthetician regarding the proper products will start you on your way to smoother and more radiant skin.

Dear Laurel:  I wear contact lenses and am curious as to whether or not I should take them out when having a facial.   Anna ~ Lexington

Dear Anna:  As someone who spent most of my adult life wearing contact lenses, I would recommend taking out contact lenses prior to having a facial. However, most likely no harm will come from wearing them. As a precaution, I would ask your esthetician what products will be used during your facial to ensure that there are not any ingredients that will irritate your eyes. I would also recommend making sure that your esthetician knows that you are wearing contacts, therefore they know to take more caution while applying products used in the facial too close to your eyes. Bringing this to their attention will also prevent them from excessively massaging the area around the eyes and risk the possible shifting of the positioning of your contacts. Most spas have saline solution on their premises, should this be a concern, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it, so lay back, relax and enjoy your facial service.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Facial Hair Removal & Benefits of Massage

Dear Laurel:  I have noticed coarse hairs growing on my face in places that hair should not be growing, like on my upper lip and chin. Is there anything I can do besides plucking them to get rid of the hair? Lilly ~ Woburn

Dear Lilly:  I refer to this type of unwanted facial hair as misplaced brow hair, caused by gravity forcing the hair to fall down on the face where it takes up permanent residence on the upper lip and chin. Just kidding! In reality there are many reasons hair may appear on these unwanted areas, like the onset of puberty, pregnancy, heredity, or hormonal imbalances like menopause. Other possible factors include reactions to certain medications and diseases, and yes, even stress may cause the adrenal glands to set off a hormonal reaction that causes increased hair growth.

The good news is you have many options for ridding your face of these unwelcome hairs. One of the most popular choices is waxing. This method removes the entire hair, including the root, and leaves your face feeling soft and smooth. Although the hairs will eventually return, waxing is a quick and relatively painless way to make the hairs disappear instantly. Another popular choice is electrolysis. Electrolysis requires a series of treatments; the number depends on the individual, and involves directing a small amount of energy into the natural opening of the hair follicle. This gradually weakens and ultimately eliminates the hair producing cells. Without these cells, hair cannot grow. Electrolysis is the only proven method to remove hair permanently. Whichever method you choose, know that you do not have to live with the embarrassment of these uninvited hairs and make an appointment to free yourself from their presence.

Dear Laurel:  Will regular massages help to prepare my body for the upcoming winter season and the inevitable shoveling that follows? John ~ Arlington

Dear John:  Massages will ABSOLUTELY help! There’s no better season than the winter to treat your body and mind to regular massages, especially with the flu epidemic upon us. Massage increases vitality, reduces congestion, and improves circulation. It also increases oxygen and nutrients supplied to muscles, joints, organs and the brain and reduces pain due to spasm, inflammation and tissue damage. Anyone who has instinctively rubbed a stiff neck knows intuitively that massage relieves pain and muscle tension, but the benefits don’t stop there. Scientists are now finding that massage can reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, dampen harmful stress hormones and raise mood-elevating brain chemicals such as serotonin. And you can’t beat massage for relaxation and stress release.

To make the most of a massage, close your eyes, relax and breathe freely. If you experience any discomfort, inform the therapist immediately, but keep conversation to a minimum and focus on the feeling and become passive and limp.Let the skilled hands of an expert massage therapist do all the work; don’t help when he or she moves your body or manipulates a limb. When you notice muscle tension, release it. After a massage you should drink lots of water as this helps the body discharge toxins that you were able to release during the massage. For most of us, a good therapeutic-body massage is just what the doctor ordered. Like exercise, massage does more for you if you engage in it regularly, but even monthly treatments can help maintain general health. That’s all the excuse anyone should need to indulge.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Electrolysis & Dry Skin Remedies

Dear Laurel: I am interested in electrolysis. Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body and are the treatments painful?   Joanne ~ Arlington

Dear Joanne: Hair removal can be safely done on most areas of the body. However, the most common areas to have hair removed are the chin and the upper lip. Other common areas for hair removal include the eyebrows, cheeks, sideburns, neck, shoulders, underarms, and bikini line. Once a relationship has been established with your electrologist, you may be more inclined to bring up other areas of unwanted hair like on the breast or below the belly button. Even men can benefit from electrolysis by having treatments to remove hair from their back, shoulders and chest. Whether there is any discomfort during electrolysis is highly individual and depends on the client’s tolerance and/or what area is being treated. It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The feeling most described during treatment is “tingling” or “slightly stinging” however there are topical anesthetics that can be applied prior to treatment to ease these sensations. Whatever the feeling, there is an assurance that activity is taking place to destroy the hair. Immediately following electrolysis treatments, there may be slight redness and/or puffiness, which usually disappear within a few hours. Your electrologist can discuss your post electrolysis treatments with you to promote proper healing.

Dear Laurel: What can I do to help prevent my skin from becoming so dry during the winter months?   Catherine ~ Lexington

Dear Catherine: The winter months are the hardest on your skin because of the cold temperatures, harsh winds and dry air. The low humidity actually removes moisture from the skin causing dryness, flaking, itching and cracking. These environmental factors actually impede the skins proper functioning of lipids (fats), which normally help to prevent dry skin. Although it seems that dry skin is inevitable in the winter months, there are simple things you can do to try and prevent your skin from becoming too dry. First, do not take long hot showers; this will strip the natural moisturizing lipids from your skin so take lukewarm showers instead. Also, use a moisturizing body wash instead of soap and apply moisturizer to your body immediately following your shower. Gently pat your skin until almost dry and then apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp, this will help to hold the moisture in the upper layers of the skin where you need the protection. Secondly, don’t overheat your home. Heating the air will reduce the humidity level and cause your skin to be even dryer. You also want to avoid sleeping with an electric blanket; the heat from the blanket will actually suck out the moisture from your skin as you sleep. Thirdly, if you don’t already have one, get a humidifier. Humidifiers are very helpful in keeping the skin from getting too dry. Placing several humidifiers around the home will add moisture to the air, reduce the loss of moisture from the skin, and help prevent the skin from becoming overly dry. If you only have one humidifier, place it in the bedroom at night so that you can moisturize the air while you sleep. Lastly, don’t forget your sunscreen! Even though it’s winter, it’s important to continue to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Some facial moisturizers contain sunscreen, but if yours doesn’t, apply a separate layer of sunscreen after you have applied your daily moisturizer. I actually prefer this approach to protecting my face because I want my moisturizer to penetrate the skin; however I want my sunscreen to remain on the surface to protect my skin from the winter sun’s harmful rays.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Winter Nail Problems & Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancements

Dear Laurel: My nails seem to crack and break more easily during the winter months. Is there anything I can do to prevent them from breaking?   Melissa ~ Lexington

Dear Melissa: Our nails aren’t necessary for living, but they do provide protection for the tips of the fingers (and toes) and aid in picking up small objects. Without finger nails, we’d have a hard time scratching an itch, untying a knot, manipulating jewelry clasps, as well as a variety of other tasks made easier by our nails.

Nails are an extension of our skin and, similar to our hair, are made of protein called keratin. Nails can be an indicator of a person’s general health, and illness and other factors often affect their growth. In the cold winter months, nails become brittle and weak, often cracking and splitting. This is a result of extremely dry air associated with central heating and low humidity.

Your best bet to help alleviate dry nails and cuticles during these bitter winter months is to apply a cuticle oil, or moisturizing emollient like petroleum jelly, on the nails and cuticles to help hold moisture in. At night, apply a generous layer all over the nails and, if you can stand it, wear cotton gloves to bed in order to maximize absorption. Regular manicures can also help to keep your nails looking their best. Polish helps to protect your nails against harsh weather, so make an appointment with your favorite nail technician, pick a fun color, and watch them grow!

Dear Laurel: My face looks dull and colorless this time of year and I’m not crazy about applying a ton of makeup. What can I do to brighten up my face without having to cake on makeup?   Denise ~ Belmont

Dear Denise: There are two features on your face that can bring out your natural beauty without the use of heavy makeup, your eyebrows and eyelashes.

Your eyebrows are a part of your expression and can make you look happy, sad or angry; all dependent on their shape. If you’re not sure what shape eyebrows would suit you, ask a professional esthetician who has been trained in brow shaping. There is no one style that suits everyone so a professional will look at your bone structure and natural brow shape while determining what would look best on you. Believe it or not, a beautifully shaped eyebrow will transform your face.

Your eyelashes do an incredible job of framing your eyes. Whether you are lacking length or thickness, a good mascara will brighten up your eyes. Take some time to experiment with how you apply your mascara. If you are looking for thicker lashes apply mascara in layers. If you are looking for length but a thinner look, comb out your lashes while the mascara is still wet. Another alternative is eyelash extensions. The process involves adhering single strands of synthetic lashes that are meticulously applied to your own natural lashes creating a dramatic luxurious look.

You could go so far as to say that for a minimal makeup look, you need only do these two things. If you get your eyebrows looking immaculate and apply a good mascara, or treat yourself to lash extensions, your face will come alive. You could leave the rest of your makeup in your cosmetic bag.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Benefits of Toner & Sunscreen

Dear Laurel: My esthetician recommends that I use a toner after cleansing my face, but I’m not really sure that I need it if I’m using a good cleanser and moisturizer. Would you please tell me the purpose of toner and how it benefits my skin? Vicki ~ Winchester

Dear Vicki: What an excellent question! Out of curiosity, I asked several of my clients if they knew what a toner was and what benefit it has for their skin. Surprisingly most had no idea. Toner is a sensible part of your skin care regimen and is designed to remove excess debris left behind by your cleanser, aid in tightening your pores, and assist in restoring the normal pH balance to your skin. The normal pH level for your face should be somewhere around 5.5, whereas the water you use to cleanse your face has a pH level of approximately 7. It’s important to restore pH to normal levels in order to prevent acne, infection, irritation, and most importantly, to slow down the effects of aging. There are three basic types of toners: fresheners, lotions, and astringents. Fresheners are the mildest of toners and opposite in strength to astringents. They contain virtually no alcohol, aid in balancing the moisture levels, and simply refresh the skin. Lotions, often referred to as clarifying lotions, are considered a medium strength toner and may or may not contain alcohol. If your skin is normal or sensitive, I recommend using a toner that does not contain alcohol. Since alcohol evaporates so easily and is extremely drying, it tends to absorb much needed moisture from the skin. Astringents are the harshest of all toners and most all contain alcohol. They are most suited for the oiliest of skin types, including teenagers suffering from hormonal changes that can bring about an over-production of sebum and acne. If you’re not sure what type of toner you should be using, ask your esthetician, but be sure to include it in your daily skincare routine.

Dear Laurel: I keep getting lectured by my esthetician to wear sunscreen, even during the winter. I don’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as I usually do during the summer months and don’t understand why it’s so important. Can you please help me understand? Barbara ~ Lexington

Dear Barbara: You are not alone in your theory; however, you are wrong to think that sunscreen is not necessary in the winter months. During this time of year the sun is actually closer to the earth, and its rays are even stronger and can be even more damaging to exposed skin. Like water and sand, snow reflects up to 90% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Despite these facts, most people feel that sunscreen is not essential during the winter months. Even more at risk for sun damage are those who partake in winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Being atop a mountain peak brings them that much closer to the sun. Bottom line is, your esthetician is right to lecture you in an attempt to convince you to wear sunscreen, so make it a part of your daily skincare routine and start protecting your skin today.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com

Ingrown Hairs & Eyelash Extensions

Dear Laurel: I shave my bikini area and almost always break out with a bumpy rash and ingrown hairs. What can I do about them?  Sarah ~ Woburn

Dear Sarah: Let’s first start with what is causing your breakouts (also known as razor bumps) and ingrowns. Razor bumps can appear on the skin surface when cut hairs start to grow out and pierce back into the skin causing a red bump. Ingrown hairs form when the hair loops around back into the hair follicle instead of growing out normally. Both conditions usually cause only minor irritation yet can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed. If left untreated, ingrown hairs can often lead to infection and could require a physician’s attention. Here are some tips to help prevent and soothe your irritated skin: 1. Exfoliate using a loofah sponge and/or grainy scrubs to remove the outermost layer of skin (and dead skin cells) to expose the hair so that it can grow straight out of the follicle. 2. If you shave, always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the pattern of hair growth is one of the worst things you can do if you are prone to ingrown hairs. Everyone has individual growth patterns, so forego shaving for a few days to get a look at yours if you are unsure. 3. There are several products on the market with specific chemicals designed to prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating the outer layer of skin. Some also contain pain relievers and soothing products to minimize the irritation. All-natural exfoliants such as tea tree oil are also a good choice. Ask your esthetician what product he/she recommends. 4. Consider an alternative to shaving such as waxing or electrolysis. Waxing actually deters hair growth, the more you wax the slower the hair will grow, and you won’t have to worry about shaving for up to a month while the hair slowly grows back. Electrolysis is a more permanent method of hair removal and uses short pulses of electricity delivered through a thin probe inserted into the hair follicle to destroy the hair in that particular follicle. Results from electrolysis will be achieved with a series of treatments.

Dear Laurel: I’m interested in getting eyelash extensions, but I don’t know much about them. Would you please tell me more about the process?  Julie ~ Lexington

Dear Julie: Lash extensions are a great way to enhance the look of your eyes and create a luxurious and dramatic look that will make your friends envious. The procedure typically takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the expertise of the lash stylist and the number of lashes being applied per eye. The process involves adhering single strands of synthetic lashes that are meticulously applied to your own natural lashes using a safe and long lasting adhesive developed specifically for the delicate eye area. Like your scalp hair, natural eyelashes grow and shed in a cycle, which is typically about 60 days (2 months), but the look can last indefinitely with 45 minute refills every 2-3 weeks. Clients are comfortably reclined on an esthetic bed or massage table with their eyes closed, and lower lashes are covered to prevent the top lashes from adhering to the bottom lashes. The procedure is non-invasive, painless and so relaxing that clients typically fall asleep then awaken to lush, beautiful lashes.

Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com