Spotlight: Eyelash Treatments

Big, beautiful lashes are a hot trend for summer. Brush up on the latest treatments that boast eyelash-enhancing benefits.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, maybe that's why women have long been playing up their lashes. In the first century, Egyptians rubbed their lashes with kohl to draw attention to their eyes. In the 1930s, filmmaker D.W. Griffith used false eyelashes to glam up an actress for the silver screen.

The eyelash-enhancing trend returned earlier this decade, when celebrities began touting lash extensions—a technique that originated in Asia. For the beauty industry, this comeback means big business. An increasing number of day spas are offering products and services that promise to give clients enviable eyelashes—from tints, perms and extensions to topical formulas that promote growth.

These semi-permanent treatments appeal to those wary of cosmetic procedures. "Baby boomers are trying to age naturally, and they're looking for alternatives to surgery," says Michelle Bouse, owner of Michelle Bouse's Beauty Boutique in Burbank, California, and a global master educator for Lash beLong. She estimates that 85% of her revenue comes from eyelash services.

Following is an overview of the latest in eyelash beautification:

Growth Products
Brushed on like mascara or liquid eyeliner, or dabbed like salve, growth-promoting serums and gels are applied directly to the lash line. With regular use, the peptides, nutrients and other naturally enhancing ingredients in these products can improve the health and appearance of your clients' lashes in about one month.

Extensions
Synthetic lashes are adhered to the natural ones using a bonding agent. Spa professionals who want to offer this service must complete advanced education courses that teach them to protect clients' eyes and educate spa-goers on proper upkeep.

Tinting
A vegetable dye-based product is used to temporarily stain the lashes in this speedy, cost-effective service. Eyelash tinting replaces the need for mascara.

Perming
This simple service, which adds curl to natural lashes, takes 30 to 45 minutes, with results lasting one to four months.

Jan Marini Skin Research Marini Lash combines a proprietary peptide with other natural ingredients that lengthen and plump lashes. "It's compatible with extensions and gives the artist a more substantial platform to work with," says Jan Marini, CEO. 800.347.2223, www.janmarini.com.

For expert tips and tricks on how to enhance natural lashes, read "Eyes on Style."

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