Recently – after spotting a special on the Alternative Aesthetics Instagram page – I decided to take my lash tint up a notch by adding a lash lift. This being my first time, I was a little unsure of what to expect but I must say I was very impressed by the results. Let me tell you more.
Alternative Aesthetics is the new baby of Carla Peake. I was introduced to Carla through my friend Karissa from Cape Town My Love blog, who’recommended her for my hubby’s tattoo removal (a post to come in the future).
Carla is a creative individual with a passion for people and arts, having completed a BA in Humanities at Stelenbosch. After graduating in 2014 she went on to work at various tattoo shops where she was trained in laser tattoo removal and went on to earn a Microblading and lash lift certification through Urban Beauty Lounge in Gardens. In Feb 2019 after deciding she was tired of working for someone else, she handed in her resignation and started Alternative Aesthetics. Carla has big dreams for her baby, and her goal is to keep upping her skills and to grow her small little business to a point where she can mentor and create a learning space for other young beauty entrepreneurs. Also having a strong family history of Cancer she has a massive soft spot for those battling the disease and she hopes in the future to be able to help cancer patients look and feel better about themselves by means of giving them eyebrows when they lose their own after chemo or give them nipples after a mastectomy.
Now back to my lash lift experience:
What’s a lash lift you ask?
Well, it’s kinda similar to a lash perm, while the perm curls your lashes and is more suitable for those with long lashes, the lift ‘lifts’ your lashes up from the base and can benefit those with long or short lashes. Using the same chemical solution as a perm, the lash lift uses a speed bump-shaped device called a shield, rather than a cylindrical rod. This opens up your eyes, and gives the appearance of longer lashes – without the need for extensions! The lift takes about 45 mins, the same amount of time as a perm, but should last slightly longer – about 6 weeks.
So how does it work?
Step 1
First up Carla cleanses the lashes and separates the bottom and the top by covering the lower lashes with eye patches (as you would with eyelash extensions). Up next the shields are sized and applied to eyelids with a gentle glue (the same glue used when applying false lashes) as close to the lash line as possible. Glue is then placed on top of the shield in sections, so that it doesn’t dry and the lashes combed up onto the shield, making sure that they are stuck down with as little gap between the base of the lashes and the shield as possible.
Step 2:
Once the lashes are set in place, the perming lotion (translucent – see image below) is applied as close the base as possible for the best results. This is left for between 6 to 12 minutes depending on the thickness of the lashes, which will be determined at the start of the consultation.
Step 3
The perming lotion is then cleaned off with a dry cotton bud, taking care not to wipe over the tips of the lashes in case they come loose from the shield. Once all the solution is wiped away the setting lotion (opaque white – see image below) is applied in exactly the same way as the perming lotion. This sets the lift and locks in the shape. The lotion is left on for 6 minutes and then removed.
Step 4
Last but not least it’s time to apply the tint. This is dabbed on and remains on the lashes for 3-4 minutes, as it activates a lot quicker after the perming lotions.
Once the tint is cleaned off, a damp cotton bud is then used to wipe underneath the shields to carefully loosen them from the eyelid. Both eyes are then rinsed of any excess product and a nourishing keratin-containing oil applied to strengthen and moisturise the lashes. This is left on to absorb into the lashes and is not removed.
And voila… My results
Final Verdict:
I love my results and this is definitely a treatment I’d recommend to those with straight or short lashes. Carla from Alternative Aesthetics is also a darling and I’d most definitely recommend you go see some more of her work and give her a follow on Instagram and Facebook or give her a shout.
Contact number: 060 554 6988
Till next time x
