Wow, who'd have thought eyelashes could be life changing! If you've ever wondered what's involved in having eyelash extensions, what's required on an on-going basis and whether you should take the plunge or not, then you need to read this.  If you want a real reason to justify saying "I woke up like this",  and you're looking to amp up your "hello gorgeous" factor all whilst wearing no makeup, then this is the beauty regimen for you.

Being  fair of skin and hair and in my late fifties, my eyelashes and eyebrows have become thinner and lighter to the degree that neither are very visible with no makeup.  In an effort to get fluttering with the best of them, I decided to try out lash extensions. 

Hush Lash Studio recently opened a location in Scottsdale AZ. This company is well established in the eyelash extension business with 97 studios across North America.  I was comfortable knowing that here is a company who specialize in one beauty treatment alone, as opposed to a salon or spa that does a bit of everything. Better to be the best in one thing, than mediocre in many.  

Wendy Whitman, the Scottsdale studio owner has been in the beauty business for many years. She's put her own flair on the studio with some extra finishing touches, or lack of touches, like the elegant powder room, a completely touch free zone from the light switch to the toilet flush and everything else that moves or is dispensed, it all happens at the wave of your hand!

The unique studio has an open plan layout of eight stations in total.  This makes it the perfect place to come with girlfriends and enjoy a lash party. Who wouldn't want an invite to a lash bash? Everyone can chat to each other whilst having their eyelashes done and even request the music that's played.  It's also a great idea for a wedding party,  or a birthday "blash"!

​They take their business very seriously.  The stylists who work here come with eyelash extension certification but must still fulfill Hush Lash Studio training before they can work on clients.

Also good to know... Hush Lash Studio products are made in the USA in Utah. No need to worry about any dodgy ingredients coming from foreign countries.
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So now I had to try these babies out. I went home and fluttered my best ever come hither lashes at the hubby, and he did the dishes. Later I received a foot rub without even asking! The next day I went to the supermarket and the man behind the deli counter kept giving me free samples, ha ha!  

It was two days before I saw an eyelash fall out. I showed it to the hubby and he asked me if he was supposed to put a dollar under my pillow! I thought this was a brilliant idea, especially since I secretly knew there were about 200 to 300 lashes attached to each eye! New eyelash ledger book purchased!

Whilst the initial application can be costly depending upon the style you choose, consider it an investment.  If time is money, think of the saving on a daily basis due to never having to apply mascara again, plus never having to buy mascara.  Because the lash extensions make your eyes look bigger in and of themselves, there really is no need to wear any eye makeup, except perhaps some eyeliner on the bottom lash line. 

It is however an ongoing procedure being anywhere from two to six weeks before requiring an in-fill or re-lash. Whilst a fraction of the cost of the initial full set, it still adds to ones beauty maintenance expenses.  
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The Re-Lash Process:
I took really good care of my lashes. Even in the shower I minimized how much time they spent wet. I avoided showering directly over my face, and I didn't do any deep sea diving ha ha!  As a result my lashes continued to look amazing for 3 weeks  and I could have definitely gone another week if not even longer before getting the in-fill.  

I believe one of the keys to them lasting and looking so amazing for longer is the "volume" lashes as opposed to the "classic".  With volume, there can be anywhere from two to ten lashes applied to one of your own lashes. With so many more lashes applied, even when you've lost a significant amount, there is still enough remaining to keep that wide eyed look going strong.

The re-lash procedure is much the same except it takes less time, up to forty five minutes depending on how many lashes need to be applied.

If you decide to take the plunge and get yourself longer, thicker, fuller lashes and live in Scottsdale or the surrounding area, then you're in luck! Wendy is currently offering a full set introductory offer of only $79, a huge saving on the normal price of $199.99.  In addition, she offers an optional monthly membership of $9.99 which provides an affordable maintenance re-lash price of $39.99 and 15% discount on Hush Lash Studio cosmetics and after care products. You can book on-line by clicking the link Scottsdale Hush Lash Studio or call directly at 480-508-5380 to book an appointment.   You can also book on-line for any of the other 96 locations in Canada and the US by clicking the link Hush Lash Studio, or go directly to their Facebook page, or Instagram account.

Have a wonderful week friends
​Karen xox
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To start my Memorial Day weekend in style, I attended the official launch for the opening of the Tom Ford cosmetics counter at Nordstrom Scottsdale, located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall in Arizona. I was invited to have my makeup done and meet Allan Aponte, Tom Ford's National Artistry Executive, and of course the lovely staff whom I have come to know over the years due to my love of Tom Ford perfumes, specifically Black Orchid. I've long since been a fan of Tom Ford cosmetics,  his lipsticks are one of the few that don't dry my lips, and the nail color lasts without chipping for days beyond other brands.

I have become much more picky about the products I use since I reached my late forties and early fifties.  I've also become much more skeptical about what products claim to do.  When I find something good I tend to stick to it, unless someone I know convinces me that there is something better.  Today I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite beauty products that I've been using for several years now.  My loyalty to these products has not waned in the slightest, and I use most of them on a daily basis.