Plenty of eyelash enhancement cosmetics have been utilized by women for ages, but recently few more beauty innovations hit the scene to help give you the best eyelashes possible.

Here’s a look at what sort of lash enhancements there are available. These eyelash products have their own benefit and limitations in making your eyelashes longer and more beautiful.

Mascara- the obvious go to choice in every woman’s make up bag. Some rank higher than others in terms of getting the lashes thicker or longer. Hypoallergenic and waterproof mascara is also available.

Eyelash Curler- this tool can be scary to use at first, but get the hang of it and it is a cinch. Some women skip over this tool in favor of a one-step mascara application. Asian women who usually have straighter more sparse eyelashes can really get a nice natural curve to eyelashes with this tool. Permanent eyelash curling is another option, a service that will “perm” your eyelashes, making the curve last longer- until they grow out.

Fake eyelashes- The false eyelash is one of the greatest beauty inventions in my option. They come in all shapes and sizes, giving you an instant, changeable look. Plus with a little effort you can learn to apply them yourself. Pick up a false eyelash kit with glue included at a local pharmacy such as Walgreens or CVS, or you could order specialty false lashes online.

Eyelash Extensions – My personal favorite. These look so natural and last up to 2 weeks before you’ll need a refill.  You can ask for a customized look with the type of length and thickness desired. The downside is that they are costly and you can’t apply them yourself.

Eyelash Growth Serum- Available by doctor’s prescription, this beauty prescriptive really works to simulate eyelash growth. The downside is that, although approved for public sale, long term effects are not known. The scariest part is that your eye color can change if you accidentally get the serum onto your eye. For some, the reward of long lashes is worth the risks. Others like me are sticking to the other methods of eyelash enhancement.

How do you like to get longer eyelashes?

Introduced from Asia, eyelash extensions were picked up by cosmetologists who saw that their natural look and semi-permanence would be a hit among women (and a few men) of the Western world. Celebrities are particularly fond of this method since the look is entirely natural. The service is becoming more popular and available in every city and most towns.

Unfortunately, one cannot apply eyelash extensions to themselves, which is the biggest downside. Getting lash extensions requires a skill person who had lash training, usually a cosmetologist or esthetician with eyelash training to apply each individual lash. Many eyelash extension training companies have popped up, teaching people how to apply lashes.

How much time does it take to get eyelash extensions?   

Typically the process takes over an hour, sometimes more if you request an extra thick lash. Each eye typically gets at least 70 lashes.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

They usually last about 2 weeks before they start falling out. To keep the lustrous look, you’ll want to make a refill appointment, which is usually about half the price and takes have the time.

How much do eyelash extensions cost?

This varies by city usually. A full set of eyelash extensions can cost upwards of $250 to $100, depending where you live. If your looking for affordable lash extension, avoid  day spas and check out Korean salons to see if they offer the service.

How to remove eyelash extensions at home?

If for any reason you want to remove eyelash extensions before they naturally fall out, you can do this easily at home by dabbing some cooking oil, such as olive oil between your fingers and rubbing your eyelashes with it. The oil will help remove the extenions from your real lashes as you rub them. For the remainders you can hold your real lash and peel off the extension until they are all removed.

Comparing other eyelash enhancement methods

Although fake lashes have been around for decades- eyelash extensions are in a category all on their own.

Fake lashes can range from the kind you can get at a pharmacy and apply yourself to fancier fake lashes sold exclusively and often applied by an esthetican or cosmetologist.

Eyelash implants are a serious, permanent eyelash transplant surgery that can result in fuller longer lashes but the hairs will actually be hairs from the back of the neck and need to be regularly trimmed and curled. Unlike eyelash extensions they will not need any costly maintenance.

Eyelash growth serums are the newest eyelash innovation, however they are not without risks as it is possible permanently alter parts of your eye color by using them. Yea. Is the risk worth it? For some people it is, because your lashes do grow longer in a matter of weeks. For others, the risks outweigh the benefits and prefer false eyelashes and semi permanent lash extensions.

The process of eyelash implants was originally developed for burn victims who had lost their natural lashes. Over time, people have discovered the asthetic benefits of eyelash surgery and it is offered as a cosmetic enhancement.

Sometimes eyelash implants are misleadingly referred to as ‘permanent eyelash extensions’ which is misleading because they are not extensions but true implants.

Individual hairs from the back of the neck are used and primed to put in the base of the eyelid where, just like any other hair they will continue to grow. Depending on the individual 40-80 hairs are implanted. Each hair is positioned at a slight angle just like real eyelashes in order to make them seem as real as possible. Generally most of them survive the transplant although their may be a few that don’t make it and will subsequently fall out never to regrow. A local anethetic will be used so you will be awake during the procedure.

Afterward the eyelash transplant is complete, you’ll be ready to go home almost immediately. It is likely will experience some downtime and discomfort around the eyes. The effect will be immediate however and you will have a new set of permanent eyelashes.

The eyelash implant surgery is fairly rare, and expensive. Each eye could cost around $3,000, making a pair of new permanent eyelashes come out to be about $6,000 (some variation depending where you live.) Unless you have a medical condition that is responsible for eyelash hair loss, medical insurance will unlikely cover the expense. The upside is that there is no upkeep expense like with eyelash extensions that grow out and need to be replaced at a cost of $50-150 per month.

Why isn’t everyone getting eyelash implants? Aside from the cost of surgery, eyelash implants, although permanent have one major drawback- the eyelashes keep growing as a regular hair would. The new permanent eyelashes will need to be trimmed regularly. Another drawback is that they are thinner than real eyelashes and sometimes don’t look as normal. Curling the eyelashes regularly to give them a natural shape and thickening them with mascara will help achieve a normal natural look.

Before you jump at the chance to get eyelash implant surgery for cosmetic purposes, think over the decision before committing, because they will be permanent.

If you are experiencing oily skin for an extended period of time, it is likely that you are indeed an oily skin type. Don’t worry, there is actually a lot you can do for it.

How to make your face less oily

Whether you have mildly to extremely oily skin, the skin care basics should be the same- but you should be extra discriminating of the products you use. What you think is helping you, probably isn’t.

One of the largest culprits of excerbating oily skin are actually the highly alkaline “oil-free” products that pack pharmacy shelves. Why? These products if used frequently (as their directions actually recommend) dry out the skin, thus irritating it which signals the body to send in more oil. If you are wondering ‘why my skin so oily?’ – first think, are you using drying products? If so, a lack of moisture is the top cause of oily skin.

It’s a mystery as to why so many people continue to use these products. It took me about 10 years and becoming an esthetician to understand that if you have oily skin the best thing to do is to use a face wash for oily skin that is mild, non-comedogenic with a balanced pH. That does not mean an oil-free cleanser, which are often too drying. From there you are in a better position to control oily skin without making the problem worse.

So, how to control oily skin?

Once you have your skin balanced in its normal state, continue to adapt a personalized skin care routine around it.  Cleanse, moisturize, and wear a natural sunblock (with zinc oxide in it for instance).

Choosing makeup for oily skin is also a crucial factor. Mineral pigments in both liquid and powder foundations are often preferred because they give full coverage and can absorb some of the oily.

Know that other factors come into play. Stress, lack of exercise and your diet all can affect the skin. A truism is that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and void of junk food can significantly improve even the worst oily or acne skin in as little  as two weeks.

Living a healthy lifestyle, using soothing makeup and skin care products will significantly improve your complexion.

So here’s the go-to list of face and body exfoliator products that you can buy or find around the house.

Body Exfoliator Products

Beaded shower gel or scrub. A wash meant for the shower that has granular beads in it is a great way to benefit from a mechanical exfoliation. Compound the action with a natural sea sponge.

Salt or Sugar Scrub. Buy it or make our own with sea salt and olive oil. Shake up and apply as a scrub, making sure to exfoliate all those parts of your body. Leave on to let the  natural oils do their work. Shower or take a bath to remove.

Coffee Scrub. Similar to the above, the only difference is that it makes the clean up a little more messy. Use your morning coffee grounds for an evening scrub.

Dry Skin Brushing. A bristly brush alone is a great exfoliant. Do this dry of course and cover your entire body brushing the dead skin off your body, encouraging the new cells to push through as well as stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system.

Skin brushes. Basically similar to a dry skin brush, these can take many forms, including cellulite brushes, natural sea sponges and long handled bath brushes. Use for dry brushing or for exfoliating the body in the shower or bath.

Exfoliating mitts. Also know as exfoliating gloves or bath gloves, these little mittens are great to use both as tool for dry skin brushing. They also work well in the shower or bath.

The Clarisonic. Along with other worthy rotary brushes, the Clarisonic, although generally made for facial exfoliation, it is water-proof and can be used in the shower or bath. It includes a shower brush head.

Face Exfoliator Products

The Clarisonic, aforementioned, is the best way to exfoliate the face!

Enzyme, Lactic acid, AHA and BHA peels.  These peels are excellent facial exfoliators that can be purchased in moderate strengths and used to chemically exfoliate the skin.

Salicylic acid. A light gel mask can be purchased over-the-counter for nightly treatments. Alternatively, an Asprin facial mask will work too.

For a facial exfoliator stronger than those listed above, you’ll need to visit an esthetician or dermatologist.

Exfoliating the body and face regularly will help improve skin tone and help smooth skin.

If have some go-to skin exfoliation products not listed here, please share.

So, how to get rid of oily skin?

You can’t, really. Oily skin type is inherited as a genetic trait, so until scientists discover how to change our genetic code, there is not much you can do to change your skin type. You can however help control oily skin by learning how it reacts to different skin care products and find a skin care routine that helps normalize your overactive sebaceous glands.

Very oily skin can sometimes affect a person’s self-esteem if you let it. Keep in mind there there is a blessing in disguise in all this, the natural oil of the face acts as a constant moisturizer, therefore, later in life when all other skin types begin to show signs of aging- people with oily skin will have a more youthful, hydrated complexion. We deserve it too.

Best skin care for oily skin, the non-commercial way.

There are two paths of care for oily skin- the bad and the good. The first is a common over-compensation route, where a person will buy whatever “oil-free product” is out there and uses them diligently as recommended. (Neutrogena makes millions at this, notice how they never actually solve the problem?) What typically happens is that the regular use of oil-free products affect the skin’s pH, and the skin can becomes drier and actually irritated through continued use of alkaline products which signals the body to produce even more oil to help replenish the skin. It becomes a vicious cycle, where the more you use oil-free products, the more oily your face gets.

For each individual this pattern varies. It is very common in people who have truly oily skin, who buy over-the-counter oil-free cleansers, astringents, oil free moisturizers, oil-free sunscreens (laden with chemicals).  Many teenagers who are just becoming introduced to their true skin type, dealing with flare ups and trying everything they can to get their face under control often become susceptible to this problem. Because our knowledge base is often dependent on TV and advertising, some people may be frustrated with extremely oily skin before they learn how to prevent it from getting worse.

The second path to take has much less emphasis on buying commercial products marketed to people with oily skin. So how do you control oily skin? The key is to realize that oily skin just gets worse when there is a lack of moisture. You can’t stop oily skin from being part of you, but you can reduce oily skin’s unsightly appearance by getting it under control and not making it worse.

First, dump all the oil-frees and find a balanced pH, non-drying, non-irritating products to keep your skin in its normal condition. Oily yes, but not slippery or out of control. Look for non-comedogenic cleanser, moisturizer, and sunblock with zinc oxide in it. This will keep your in its natural zone, rather than stimulating it to become even more oily.

A go-to affordable cleanser for oily skin (as well as normal and dry skin types) is Cetaphil. A light-weight basic oil-free cleanser can work too if used in moderation. The point is to not dehydrate and irritate the skin with an unnatural onslaught of such irritating products.

You’ll still want to moisturize oily skin with a non-comedogenic hydration lotion (not cream based) during the day and for some people at night as well.

Use a sunblock with natural pigments in them such as zinc oxide, rather than oil free sunscreens that mess with the pH of your skin throughout the day.

How to prevent oily skin with fresh, healthy food. 

While eating junk food may not be reason you get surges of extra oil and breakouts and a troublesome oily face, it could be. There have been studies linking the effect that junk foods to messing with hormones. Hormones indeed can trigger an onset of extra oil or could make your complexion clear and beautiful. Eating natural, fresh foods with an emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruits is a tried and true way of reducing the problems related to oily skin types- and make a remarkable 360 change in your face. You’ll need to eat this way for about 2 weeks to see the full results.

In summary, very oily skin is often the result of using astutely marketed commercial products that actually do more harm than good by drying out and irritating your skin. When treating oily skin, you need to make the situation better not worse. Then address the underlying cause of hormones through eating nutritiously. Using makeup and foundation for oily skin is often a great way to conceal the oil, while not making it any worse.  Check out the Makeup for Oily Skin article here.

*If you have personal experience with dealing with an oily face please share your treasured oily skin solutions below. Think a friend could benefit from this? Send it along!

I had been using Salicylic acid for years, almost a decade actually before I discovered that- indeed it is the same thing as Aspirin.  Now, I’ll never go without. If you are in need of a quick fix at in need of a homemade face exfoliator – just use Aspirin.

Aspirin Mask Recipe

1. Take two Aspirin pills and run a little water over them to dissolve their outer coating. When thoroughly wet, start mushing them between your fingers and the palm after you hand. After several seconds the pills will separate and become a paste. Add a little more water to this paste, presto you have a salicylic acid scrub in your hands.

2. Wet your face and pat the paste onto your face, and rub very gently. The paste is coarse so you’ll want to be extra careful so that it does not tear into the skin as you cover it. Leave on for several (3-10) minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity, Let the the acid begins to work.  You can actually do this in the shower as long as you keep it away from the water. Then rinse off getting all the areas.

You’ll notice the skin is a little brighter and more flushed due to the manual exfoliation of scrubbing and its chemical reaction.

3. As with any exfoliating treatment, follow up with a moisturizer or hydrating agent. If you are going outside, slather on the sunblock as usual.

For travelers who like to pack extra light on trips- bringing your Aspirin bottle is a two-in-one solution for pain and an Aspirin face mask.

Think a friend would enjoy? Share this super savvy skin care tip with your friends.

The first of all skin care tips is to abandon the thinking that beauty commericials are there to serve you or actually improve your skin. Sorry, folks- but it’s not in their business to actually solve your problems, its their business to sell you a multitude of products, over and over again.

Now, get serious and stock up on the basics, the trusted and essential products that are usually affordable. These staples include a non-irritating facial cleanser,  an exfoliant or two, a daily moisturizer, sunblock and a night cream/second moisturizer.

That’s all you really need to keep up a great skin care routine, which should go something like this.

In the morning, freshen your face with a wash if you need it, or freshen up your face with a light facial toner if you don’t. To wash, use a washcloth or your hands. Pat dry (never pull at your skin when drying). Apply your moisturizer before your makeup, then follow up with a sunblock or sunscreen. If your makeup and moisturizer has a sunscreen in it, great, even better- just make sure you have it.

Throughout your day, eat and drink what supports your skin. This means skipping over the second cup of coffee and bag of chips. Go for fresh nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. Eat super fresh and healthy for two weeks or more and you will see the difference it has in your skin.

If you are outside a lot, invest in a fashionable large brimmed hat- since sunblock can only go so far. Reapply the sunblock throughout the day. Having great skin throughout your skin is as much about prevention as it is maintenance.

In the evening, remove your makeup gently, wash your face and use an exfoliant, such as brushing your skin with the Clarisonic, or a chemical exfoliant.  Although you can technically use the Clarisonic twice a day to wash your face- once is typically enough.

Apply a night cream, one that preferably has a retinol in it to fight your wrinkles as you sleep. If you have oily skin, seek out a light weight hydrating lotion, one that will surely not clog your pores.

So that’s the basics of a good skin care routine. If you have a basic skin care tip to share, please add it in the comments section to help other readers. Know it all already, check out The Lustrous’ Advanced Skin Care article.

Here’s the basics on how to get smooth skin.

Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation is essential to any person’s skin care routine. Use a mechanical or chemical exfoliant (or combination thereof) and follow through, usually in the evenings.

Lost on what facial exfoliant is right for you? Invest in a great rotary brush, at this time and probably long into the next decade the Clarisonic brush tops. Start with a gentle acid at-home peel with an AHA or BHA ingredient. Do a light peel once or twice a week.

Watch what you put in your mouth. Eat smart and healthy. Cosmetic companies generally downplay the importance of nutrition because it is an element that they can’t control or sell you. Instead they’ll heavily market concealers to help hide a dehydrated or under-nourished skin.

Drinking 8 cups of water a day is the baseline. For every coffee of caffeinated drink you down you’ll need another 4 cups of the pure stuff to maintain your hydration levels.

Chemical and preservative laden food may be your go-to choice especially if you are under stress but it is just going to stress out your skin too. What you put in your mouth eventually shows up in your face. This is a truth.

Moisturize your face. After you exfoliate slather on a daily moisturizer to help lock in your skin’s moisturizer. At night, wear a night cream with retinol in it. Remember, hydrated skin equals smooth skin.

Wear sunscreen. This is an obvious one, but worth mentioning for any la-la’s out there who don’t wear it everyday.  Sun will leather-up your face if you let it.

So those are the basics of how to get smooth skin. Onwards with the more advanced skin care treatments.

Laser skin facial. If you haven’t had the magic of a non-ablative laser grace your face then you should get it. Yes they are pricey- but you are paying for immediate effectiveness. Not only will your skin become immediately more smooth, hyperpigmentation and large pores will take a significant a**-kicking too.

Strong chemical peels. Whether it is a professional enzyme peel from your favorite esthetician, or a deep chemical peel from a doctor- they all technically fall into the ‘exfoliation’ category therefore are great at getting immediate and long lasting results.

If you have a tried and true method not mentioned here- please add in the comments section for others to learn.

What is Exfoliation?

To put it simply, exfoliation is a process of removing the top layer of the dead skin cells. The cells, complete in their life process, are essentially still clinging to your skin, face and body when they no longer need to be there. If built up and not sloughed off with exfoliation, they can make you appear older, have drier and less vibrant looking skin. Dead skin cells do remove themselves naturally as the newer cells push through, but exfoliation keeps the process fresh, making sure that your new fresher skin is always shining through. Exfoliating the skin also improves the skin’s ability to receive serums and other moisturizers that can help protect and rejuvinate the skin, which is why exfoliation is so important in facials as well as other body treatments. Skin and spa professionals know that exfoliation is the main benefit to most of their services.

Types of Exfoliation

Exfoliation can fall into two categories- mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical exfoliation occurs anytime there is a physical caused reaction, such as using a beaded face scrub, a coffee or salt scrub, dry brushing, the loofah sponge you use to scrub your back, or a professional microdermabrasion treatment. When it comes to your face you’ll want to be much more picky- choosing a manual exfoliant that is gentle yet effective is key. A gentle beaded scrub approved by an esthetician or dermatologist, along with an exfoliation brush like the Clairisonic or other complimentary exfoliator are great for manunally exfoliating your face. When it comes to the rest of your body, general body brushes and coarse scrubs are great.

Chemical exfoliation has nothing to do with any rubbing or scrubbing but is all about the reaction of different chemicals on your face.  This is where chemical peels come in and at home glycolic and lactic acid peels that you can do regularly. Common chemical exfoliants are enzymes, AHAs and BHAs. While people can use these ingredients on their whole body, such exfoliation products are typically made for the face.

Keep in mind the main purpose of exfoliation on your face and body is to speed up cell turnover, which inturn keeps your skin looking more youthful because the keratinized dead cells are removed. As a person gets older the dead skin cells don’t slough off as quickly, therefore you’ll need to more exfoliate, with a mechanical or chemical exfoliant (or both).

Do’s and Don’t to Skin Exfoliation

Body exfoliation and facial exfoliation are two different animals. The skin of the body is tougher and can withstand what the thinner skin of the face cannot. Exfoliate the skin appropriately.

Never do too much. Keep it gentle when exfoliating. More is not necessarily more.

Although doctor’s do it- avoid microdermabrasion, professional mechanical exfoliation treatment. It can physically thin the skin and break the capillaries underneath.

Wear sunscreen, you should be doing this anyway, but you especially want cover up if you are exfoliating regularly because the skin will be more prone to sun damage.

Body brushing is essentially way of exfoliating your entire body. Dry brushing is a great, easy and cheap at home skin treatment you can do for yourself.