Introducing- Eyelash Extensions

While eyelash extensions can frame your eyes prettily, it can be an inconvenient and expensive habit to maintain monthly. This post isnt about recommending you which places are good to go to do those pretty lashes, because that's for people who already set their minds (and money!) to doing it. This post is for the doubtful, clueless and careful ones who are still in the midst of weighing the pros and cons of doing eyelash extensions, and also, including some helpful tips I have learnt to maintain those expensive b**ches. This is to ensure better longevity, and to increase the length of time in-between appointments, possibly saving some money in the process!  :)

Firstly, I must start by stating where I go to do my eyelashes. This is NOT a sponsored post by them. I just feel I need to get it out there for you people so that those looking for a comparison as to which eyelash parlours are better, or wondering where I got my monthy eyelashes fix can have a source/option to consider. I do my eyelashes at Gorgeous Japanese Salon located opposite Mohammad Sultan Road. There are plenty of reviews about it so go ahead and search them up! Here's a typical before-and-after eyelash extension session to show you the difference. 

As you can see, the difference is pretty obvious. For my eyes, I chose Super Curly (SC) Lashes (Gorgeous), 13-18mm, extending outwards to accentuate almond-shaped eyes (pardon my reddish eyelids as I took the photos when I woke up super early in the morning on separate days). Mines is more dramatic as I chose the 'Gorgeous' option. They do have the 'Natural' option (which essentially means, lesser lashes) as well. I have tried both before, and I find Gorgeous Lashes to be more luscious, thick and va-va-voom, obviously because there are more lashes on your eyes. Its $130 for 70 lashes on each side. I pay lesser if my appointments are booked within 3 weeks from the previous appointment. However, I usually try to prolong my eyelashes and go after 1.5 months. Although I pay about $20 extra if I booked it after 3 weeks, at least, if calculated on a yearly basis, I saved money and time travelling to the place. Although we can all argue that this particular plan is not the most cost-effective (Hell, doing eyelash extensions in itself is not money savvy in the first place! So, let's not try to argue too much about the itsy bitsy here, shall we? :D) Anyways, despite this not being the cheapest option in the market, I still choose to make my way there as I have been sticking to this parlour for about close to a year now, and am super lazy to do research and call up other parlours to book appointments/trial sessions. Its too much of a hassle. Gorgeous Japanese Salon simply sends me a SMS 2-3 days before my appointment date and I just need to reply with a confirmation, which suits me just fine. But yes of course, I do advise going ahead and do your research on other parlours before deciding on one!

Anyways, prelude aside. Here's the pros and cons of wearing eyelash extensions!

** Disclaimer: These are simply my personal opinions and thoughts. Feel free to disagree with me, as everyone's experiences are different. Be open to your own experiences, which may differ from mines in varying degrees. **


| P R O S |

1. THE PROCESS. Is not painful. Nor should you feel any enormous discomfort when the ladies apply it to your eyelids and above your own natural eyelashes. The maximum discomfort I experienced was a slight tickling sensation when they adjust the individual hairs to make it frame your eyes prettily. And then, I just snooze on the bed for 1.5 hours till they are done, while listening to New Age music playing in the background of the quaint small Japanese parlour. 

2. SAVE ON EYELINER. That's right, ladies. Eyelash extensions are the easiest, non-surgical and semi-permanent (or temporary, depends on how you see it, I guess) way to reconcile the conflict between the vainpod and Lazy Susan in you! Sometimes, I still put on eyeliner when I want a more defined look. But most of the times, I simply wake up, slap on foundation, concealer and a lippie, and I'm good to go. Saves you some time, and definitely a less grumpy morning when you have to exercise forgiveness on that unsteady eyeliner applicator hand of yours.

3. LASTING. Eyelash extensions typically last about 3-4 weeks before they need to be primmed again. But for all of it to be gone takes approximately 5-6 weeks depending on how one cares for their lashes. 

4. SEMI-PERMANENT/TEMPORARY. No need surgery. Eyelash extensions fall away naturally. 

| C O N S |

1. EYELINER REMOVAL, NOT FOR THE CARELESS. If you apply eyeliner and want to remove it at the end of the day, you have to be extra careful. As I can be quite rough when I remove my makeup, I have to consciously make the effort to use makeup removal wipes to slowly dab on my closed eyelids and avoid the eyelash extensions, increasing the time to remove makeup in general. One time, when I was in a hurry, I accidentally wiped my eyeliner in a 'wiping motion' (Like how I would usually do it, if I did not have eyelash extensions. In one swiping motion across the eyelid), I ended up ripping a few eyelash extensions along, as the wipe dragged across my eyelid. It wasnt painful, just a slight tugging feeling. But damn, my heart hurts! ): This applies to mascara as well, but you have to be 2X more careful as its on the eyelashes themselves!

2. MAKEUP REMOVAL, IN GENERAL. Because you cannot use oil-based makeup removal (as this may cause the glue of the eyelash extensions to wear away more easily), you have to be more particular about the makeup removal products you used on your eyes. Personally, I simply prefer to use makeup wipes to remove my eye makeup, and then use my makeup cleanser (oil-based) to remove the rest of my face makeup, carefully avoiding the eye areas and then wash it away (again, avoiding the eye area). But of course, all the hassle can be avoided if you choose a water-based makeup removal product all together. Personally, I bought an oil-based makeup removal long before I started doing my eyelash extensions, and did not want it to go to waste. Hence, I have the aforementioned nighttime routine. But yes, those intending to get eyelash extensions may have to switch up your makeup removal routine or do it more carefully like I did! In conclusion, a MAJOR con and a hassle!

3. WEARING SPECTACLES. This is the downside of vanity, haha. "My eyelashes are too long that it scrapes the lens of my spectacles, ugh!" (Imagine saying this in a bimbotic voice, and you will feel like hitting yourself. Haha) But yes, wearing spectacles can prove a tad uncomfortable, especially the first few days after the appointment fix. This is because its the period of time when the extensions are the longest, thickest and heaviest. Hence, when you blink, you have a tendency to feel the "brushing effect" more. However, you will get used to it after a few days or after prolonged wear of spectacles. In a week or so, eyelash extensions will start to feel more natural and then you wont feel the effect so much anymore. However, if you still feel uncomfortable, opt for shorter lashes the next time. 

4. WEARING CONTACT LENSES. Yup, you have to open your eyes bigger in order avoid those 'overhanging' eyelash extensions being trapped along as you put on your contact lens. You also have to be extra careful when taking them out. This is probably the most frustrating point for ladies with smaller eyes.

5. RUBBING. Rub your eyes gently when you experience an itch around your eye areas (itch may or may not be related to your eyelash extensions. Dont think too much about that. However, if prolonged or constant itch is experienced, please see a doctor immediately as you may be allergic to the glue.)

6. HELLO, EXPENSIVE HABIT. Yes, it can be high-maintenance to some, having to go back to prim the eyelashes monthly or within 1.5 months. The good news is that as these eyelashes fall away naturally, you can simply do it for 'special months' or occasions and need not do it throughout the year, therefore, saving money.

| C A R E  T I P S |

If you have patiently read the entire post, you would find snippets of care tips here and there for the inconveniences you experience while having those eyelash extensions on. Hence, I shall just summarize those points, and add those not previously mentioned for the straight-forward and lazy reader in some of you!

1. Use water-based makeup removal product/ wipes.

2. When removing eyeliner makeup, use dabbing motions and a light, careful hand for the eyelids. For mascara, do not tug at your lashes, remove using a wipe wrapped over your index finger, and in the motion like how you apply your mascara, inner to outer lash. When using eyelash curler, make sure you be careful not to tug at those lashes too hard as your curl them.

3. Do not use cotton pad to remove eye makeup as the fibres may stick to your eyelash extensions.

4. Use an eyebrow brush to brush your eyelash extensions from time to time to ensure that the eyelashes are uniformly separated, and not bundled together like how your natural eyelashes can be sometimes.

5. Lastly, use eye essence to increase the longevity of your eyelashes! I could not find mines at the point of photo, so I took a picture of my sister's one instead. Personally, I dont have a preference for eyelash essence. The one I used (not in this photo) was recommended to me by the lady at the parlour because she said my eyelashes were sparse. So I bought it for $55 (Yes, super freaking expensive) and used it diligently on top of my eyelash extensions and my natural eyelashes for a month before my next appointment. I felt that my eyelash extensions last longer and look better as compared to subsequent months where I stopped using it thereafter. I honestly dont know how that works, but my guess is it helps to keep eyelashes healthier and hence, more adhesive for eyelash extensions. I do not think I'm in a good and informed position to recommend any eyelash essence, and am personally not particular about the eyelash essence that I use. I have since used my $55 eyelash essence on-off just to deter the need for getting a new one anytime soon, just because mines was crazy expensive, in my opinion.

However, my sister uses this eyelash essence instead, and I do not see her complaining. So it should work fine as well. Hence, my conclusion that any general eyelash essence should do fine, as long as there's no irritation whatsoever. And even if you dont have such products, its fine as well. I just think this is an added bonus if you really are keen on wanting to maintain your pretty peepers. 

RichEye mascara essence- Eyelashes and eyebrow treatment with vitamin of DL Panthenol (Korea) 

$20 (Price on MKBeautyClub website)

MYTH BUST!

** It is perfectly fine to sleep freely in any position in my opinion. Some people think that if you got eyelash extensions, you have to sleep in an upright, face-up position. THIS IS A MYTH! I have slept in however position I liked, and have not found any eyelash extensions on my pillow so far. So I think its fine. But of course, I have never tried sleeping face-down before because I doubt anybody actually does that. Chest-down, I understand. But, face-down? Boy, you must have been really drunk! (How do you even breathe?! Its so uncomfortable!) **


All in all, eyelash extensions are really for the Vain. If you are willing to go through the extra inconveniences and possibly, discomfort, in a bid to look more pretty or beautiful effortlessly, then eyelash extensions are worthy to give a try. If you are still doubtful but seem quite drawn to the perks of these pretty peepers, I would suggest to give it a try once. And if you dont like it, you can always just leave it alone and it will fall away naturally. Of course, there are also those 'special months' like birthday months, Chinese New Year or pre-wedding preparations that you can select to give these eyelash extensions a try, thereby giving more bang for your buck. 

That's all the advice I can give for now! You can comment or send me an email if you have anymore queries. Let me know if this has been helpful! (:

xx
Loves,
Nices

Introducing- TeaLeafCulture

Hello everyone,

FINALLY! MY EXAMS ARE OVER! End of University life! Now I have absolutely no excuses to say why I have no work. I am officially unemployed, guys. Well, today's post is not about my sad rants anymore, its about a realllllyyy long overdue post for this awesome tea that admittedly, got me started on the habit of drinking tea.

Betty from TeaLeafCulture approached me to try one of their teas. I was pleasantly surprised when she first contacted me via Instagram to try their product because I dont have a lot of followers, and I dont even see myself as a major influencer. But of course, I accepted partly because Betty is such a nice person. Thanks for liking pictures of my darling husky, Iris! (: But mostly because I was curious as to such teas in general. When she approached me a realllyyyyy long time ago, such detox and healthy teas were still a new, emerging trend. Tea-drinkers were literally unheard of. Now, its all the rave. (P.s. The highly popular Skinnymint, for example?) 

Anyways, I received one of these portable tea packets in my mail.

TeaLeafCulture

Specializes in premium tea blends. Meticulously formulated in Australia with a combination of organic and natural ingredients from around the world, to meet specific health and well-being needs. 

TLC Tea Trim (As stated behind the packet)

Floral and beautifully sweet-scented. Tea Trim is the perfect tea blend that helps to naturally suppress appetite and boost metabolism - keeping your body in top shape!

Contains:
Organic, sencha green tea, puerh, rose petals, licorice and yerba mate.

Enjoy:
Hot, perfect on its own.

Weight:
15g

** Disclaimer: Please seek medical advice if unsure any of the herbs will react with your physical condition **


| B E N E F I T S |

1. Firstly, the scent is definitely pleasant. It smells floral and when drunk,  refreshing. 

2. I find the effects of tea in general, the most effective when drunk first thing in the morning before breakfast. Whether or not it is just my body, I believe its definitely healthier than drinking coffee! For coffee drinkers who are looking for healthier alternatives to energy boosting or simply wanting to switch up to a healthier lifestyle, might I suggest a cuppa floral-scented tea as a substitute! And what better way to do it with a detox such as this!

3. Does it really help to suppress appetite and boosting metabolism? I believe it did! I apologise for not being able to have more convincing proof such as a 30 day series of photos to depict my progression. You only have my word for it. When I drank the tea, I felt that it did make me feel fuller and I find myself having lesser random food cravings throughout the day. I actually felt significantly less bloated and my abs show more after my completion of the packet. 

HUGE MAJOR BUT. Please dont have the mistaken belief that by drinking this tea, you will naturally get abs. As I lead a pretty active lifestyle by exercising and doing my workouts almost 5 times a day, min. 1.5 hours/day, I am already quite fit and hence, with a healthy lifestyle, my abs maintenance was low. HOWEVER, it IS possible for you to have awesome abs as well! Just remember to consistently workout and have healthier food choices, and eventually, your hard work will pay off. The time period to attain your ideal body is different for everyone due to varying factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, dietary preferences and even, body type! Just be patient and results will show! Similarly, I did not get my abs straight away. Yes, I was skinny but had no abs until I started cheerleading a little over 3 years ago. And even then, my abs only came out 1 year into cheer when I started to get really serious and passionate about it. We had to condition our body for stunts, hence, the need for the body to be fit and strong. 

4. Packet is light, portable and there's a resealable seal so that the tea leaves are kept airtight.

5. Easy on the stomach. Unlike some detox teas where their teas may be made in such a way that they stimulate your stomach to "evacuate" more frequently/actively. I know for sure that when I tried Skinnymint's night cleanse, it did that for me and the experience was not pleasant at all. But if you would like an honest comparison, skinnymint's morning boost and TLC Tea Trim have similar effects in my opinion. Both are great morning boosters. However, skinnymint's smell and taste is more distinctive and fruity whilst TLC is more subtle and has a herbal scent to it. So, herbal scent and taste lovers, you might prefer TLC! 

**Disclaimer: For those who think I might seem like a crazy fanatic trying two teas at one time, please note that I did not do so. I tried Skinnymint after that just for fun, and TLC Tea Trim came about 2-3 weeks before that. I do not believe in constantly drinking such detox teas because I am not trying to lose weight (some people believe it does and that these are the teas' main purposes), I was curious and really wanted to get them mainly for the energy boost that they claimed these teas will be able to provide. I have since stopped and converted to simply drinking normal green tea. **

| D R A W B A C K S |

1. The seal doesnt adhere well because sometimes the tea leaves get stuck there. So my advice when you get it is to leave it either propped up, or flat but not jumbled up with other stuff as movements will cause the aforementioned to happen. This essentially means - dont put it in your bag, because you may have a tendency to find loose tea leaves in your bag and then, your bag will smell like a giant tea bag. Hah. 

2. Loose tea leaves. It is not packed in small tea bags unlike other regular teas. When Betty asked me to review the tea, I told her about this concern of mine. She explained that tea leaves in bags may lose its quality during the packing process and also, the packing quantity per serving. Hence, in a bid to preserve both aspects, they went for loose tea leaves instead. So now here's a good reason to get one of those cute tea infusers you have been secretly eyeing to put your loose tea leaves in! :D

If you are interested, do check out TeaLeafCulture! 
Details as below:

Website: tealeafculture.com
Instagram: tealeafculture 

| F U R T H E R  T H O U G H T S |

As my latest disclaimer had stated, I have since stopped drinking such teas and simply converted to drinking green tea every morning. It was a one-off thing in a bid to feed my curiosity. I believe that drinking tea in general is a good healthy lifestyle initiative and TLC has definitely kick start my drinking tea habit! I will purchase TLC Tea Trim again in future when I feel the need for a good detox, and also for its preferable herbal scent! (: 

** First and last photo, description and content of TLC Tea Trim are taken from TeaLeafCulture's website **

Cheers!

xx
Loves,
Nices