“If eyes are the windows to the soul, then the lashes are the curtains,” or so said the press packet I picked up on Xtreme Lashes at the Pierce Mattie Holiday Market event yesterday.
“Sure” I thought, eyelash extensions sound pretty cool. I had a vague recollection of Vogue socialite Marina Rust getting hers done and it sounded pretty cool. Every time her “Upper East Sideness” gets something superfluous and silly done for her Vogue column like researching underarm fat I usually chuckle and move on. But perfect eyelashes that last for weeks and weeks? I wasn’t quite so ready to dismiss it as a subject; at least in theory anyway.
So when I was told that complimentary eyelash extensions were part of the event I immediately RSVP’ed for a slot. I want to be like the society girls!
It turns out that eyelash extensions are actually pretty interesting as a segment of the already cluttered beauty industry. The professional that did my eyelashes Eva Zacharias worked quickly and efficiently, sizing up my eyes and deciding on brown and green for me. You see Xtreme Lashes offers lashes in traditional colors like blonde and auburn but also has complementary colors like purple, green, blue and pink if you want to bring out certain colors in your eyes. Since I have hazel eyes green sounded just right to me.
Eva’s tools of the trade for applying my set were pretty impressive too with adhesive, tape (for keeping my skin out of the way) scissors, magnifying glasses, two different tweezers, and a jade stone on which to rest the lashes. You see jade doesn’t conduct heat so it doesn’t dry the adhesive while the lash is waiting to be applied.
And the lashes are all applied individually so this turns out to be a pretty good thing as you wouldn’t want lashes drying up on you as you painstakingly applied each one by hand. I got so relaxed during the 30-40 minute process that I nearly fell asleep so at I can at least assure you it is pretty comfortable. This means a lot to me because I am terrified of having anything near my eyes and even I can handle the extension process. All I had to do was sit back, relax, and enjoy the under eye treatment while Eva took care of my eyelashes.
The result? I look AMAZING! Completely natural but just a teeny tiny bit better than real Julie. I only got a quarter set just to add some perspective here. If you wanted to go all out there is a lot more you can do.
The only downside? The price ranges from $250 to $600 depending on location. But on the bright side they last for around 6 weeks and you don’t have to worry about applying mascara that whole time. I feel so much more put together somehow with my new lashes and everyone comments on them. So yeah, I guess you could say that in this New Yorker’s highly unrelatable life eyelash extensions seem like a pretty good treat. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up. They are so choice!
Wow! So I am definitely going out to get eyelash extensions ASAP. They look great!
Check out xtremelashes.com. They have an entire list of people who were traioned to apply the lashes. I don’t know how I WOULD FEEL ABOUT SOMEBODY INEXPERIENCED thaT CLOSE TO MY EYE. Look to the company for advise on where to go.
Right on Nikki, as a fellow I am nervous about my eyes sort of girl I feel your pain
I was told that they don’t sell the kits to people that haven’t taken the official training so I feel pretty confident that you would be in good hands.
Eva was really fantastic and a real pro.
I read that Vogue article, but I don’t think it mentioned that you could get colored lash extensions. Tres bien! I’d love to do this some time. I am cursed with sparse lashes that only Diorshow has been able to thicken up until now.
hi
I would like to know more can you please send me more info about xtreme lashes regarding training, suppliers, cost and more.
Thank you and enjoy your day.
Youla
If you are interested in becoming a certified eyelash extension professional, we would love to help you. We respect Xtreme but our pricing is $100 less than theirs and other competitors. The quality of E’lan Lashes products, service, and training are excellent and we would be happy to provide references at your request. You can find us at http://www.elanlash.com
Youla,
Check out our website: http://www.xtremelashes.com. We have training nationwide and I’m sure you’ll find a certification workshop near you. Call our customer service department at 1-877-BIG-LASH and a rep will be more than happy to answer any questons you have.
-Matt Daoudi
Xtreme Lashes V.P.
NovaLash has sunk to a new low. Their web site now proclaims at the top of their home page that “NovaLash is the ONLY lash extension product that is AEWCA-approved�. One is left wondering who is AEWCA? I did some checking on this. It is the “American Extended-Wear Cosmetics Association�. Their web site is http://www.ae-wca.org. Their web site “looks official� and “sounds official�. It “warns� against using any eyelash extension product that is not made by NovaLash.
To understand first hand, the deceptive nature of NovaLash, please visit http://www.DNSstuff.com. This is a public website that provides information about who registers and owns the domain name for websites. On the DNSstuff.com website, go to the third box down on the left column where it says, “WHOIS lookup�.
In this box, type in the domain name for NovaLash, which is: http://www.lashextensions.com Repeat this with the domain name for this official looking site: http://www.ae-wca.org
You will quickly see that the President of NovaLash, Sophy Merszei, registered and owns BOTH websites.
Imagine the mentality of someone, like Ms. Merszei, who would conceive of the idea of creating an official looking web site, call it something that sounds impartial like the “American Extended-Wear Cosmetics Association� – and then pretend that it is meaningful that NovaLash is the only lash extension product that is approved by this organization.
Come on, Ms. Merszei. You should be ashamed of your deception.
Please visit http://www.DNSstuff.com soon. Ms. Merszei is obviously unaware that the entire planet can easily find proof of her deceptive practices with a few keystrokes. I am sure that she will soon figure out how to remove her name as the domain owner of http://www.as-wca.org . Please see this for yourself quickly.
On a side note, I have witnessed first hand the tremendous quality problems that NovaLash has had with their products. Furthermore, it is difficult to get NovaLash customer service to answer the phone to make a complaint. But don’t take my word for it. If you want to understand the general level of disgust with this company, please go to their website, click on “Find Us� then select “NovaLash Professionals�. You will find over 200 names listed of actual NovaLash customers. I invite you to randomly call any 5 or 10 of those listed on Nova’s own site and simply ask them what they think about the company. You will probably be shocked at what you hear.
NovaLash has used scare tactics about the safety of competitor’s products in order to market themselves. Can you trust anything that Ms. Merszei might say given the deception that she is willing to stoop to? If NovaLash was really concerned about safety, I believe they would raise their standards and REQUIRE, not just recommend, hands-on training to buy their product. NovaLash only recently began to sell only to licensed salons, probably in response to a lawsuit. Prior to this, anyone with a credit card could buy NovaLash products. I believe it is irresponsible to sell to untrained, unlicensed people and suggests that NovaLash is more interested in making a quick buck than in safety or the long term health of the eyelash extension industry.
In response to a recent blog posting regarding the integrity of NovaLash and its products, let me say that thousands of satisfied customers can tell you our company produces and sells only the highest-quality eyelash extension products. NovaLash is the only company offering formaldehyde-free adhesives, keeping consumers safe from potential allergic reactions and any associated cancer risk. Formaldehyde is not something you want to put in your eyes. As the only American-made lash extension product on the market using U.S. pharmaceutical grade (USP-Class VI) ingredients for greater purity, NovaLash extensions are only distributed to licensed professionals, guaranteed.
I started NovaLash in 2004 because, as a molecular biologist and a cosmetic chemist, I saw a need to create a formaldehyde-free eyelash adhesive. NovaLash has continued to grow its business exponentially year over year, due to the high quality and safe nature of its products.
Professionals using NovaLash are encouraged to attend hands-on training on the application of the lash extensions. NovaLash offers an eyelash extension training and certification workshop, as well as a training video for those unable to attend the workshop.
Regarding the American Extended-Wear Cosmetics Association (AEWCA), I am one of seven proud and active board members. Part of my duty as a board member was to locate and contract a web designer. Hence why my name is affiliated with the URL. Membership in AEWCA is restricted to doctors and scientists with a minimum education level of three years of postgraduate work and/or 10 years experience in cosmetic safety testing. The consumer safety restrictions and testing regulations are under the direction of Dr. Max Plikus, President of the AEWCA, not me. His primary goal is to review the safety, quality and performance of products such as cosmetic tattoo pigments, lash extension adhesives and removers, and sunless tanning products for the benefit of consumers.
Currently, NovaLash is the only A.E.W.C.A.-approved lash extension product, although the A.E.W.C.A. encourages other lash extension companies to undergo the independent testing necessary to receive certification. Why haven’t other manufactures applied for certification? Is it because they would not meet the stringent qualifications that protect your health? All lash extension manufacturers with ISO-9000 facility inspection certifications and test data are eligible to apply for membership in this organization.
I encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to contact me at NovaLash, 713-520-5848 or Sophy.Merszei@yahoo.com or the A.E.W.C.A. at 323-821-0182.
On lashsecrets.com you can buy a kit and do the lashes yourself for much less than you would pay at the salon. I have been using them and it’s really easy to do. You get the same look.
Ms. Merszei,
Thank you for replying to the blog posting regarding the integrity of NovaLash and its products. While I appreciate your reply, some of your statements raise questions that I, and other beauty professionals have, that need to be answered objectively.
I am a Registered Nurse, and an eyelash extension professional. I love providing eyelash extensions as a service and my clients love them. In fact, I have tried several eyelash extension companies including yours in my effort to provide the best.
The intention if this blog entry is not to bash your company or any other. The intention of this entry is to ask you objective (factual) questions in an effort to understand more.
Ms. Merszei, in your blog entry you state:
“NovaLash is the only company offering formaldehyde-free adhesives, keeping consumers safe from potential allergic reactions and any associated cancer risk.“
Ms Merszei, please provide us (via this blog) scientific evidence that your adhesive is the only formaldehyde-free adhesive.
And, please provide us with scientific evidence that your adhesive is in fact formaldehyde free. From my research into cyanoacrylate medical adhesives, I find that a small amount of formaldehyde is found in all cyanoacrylate adhesives. In fact, higher concentrations of formaldehyde may be found in many cosmetic and household items that we use everyday, such as nail polish, shampoo, dishwashing liquid and cosmetic powders.
Ms. Merszei, on your website you state the following: “We’re happy to provide all prospective distributors and beauty therapists with independent laboratory results verifying the safety of our ingredients.�
Ms Merszei, please provide us with the independent laboratory results verifying the safety of your ingredients. Please include the lab results that verify that your adhesives are 100% formaldehyde free.
On your website, you claim that your glue is patented. Ms Merszei, please provide us with the patent number of your glue. I searched the US patent office at http://www.uspto.gov and could not locate any patents or patents pending for your adhesives or any other adhesives for eyelash extensions. Is your glue really patented and, if so, is it patented for some use OTHER THAN eyelash extensions?
Ms. Merszei, on your blog entry you state: “I started NovaLash in 2004 because, as a molecular biologist and a cosmetic chemist, I saw a need to create a formaldehyde-free eyelash adhesive.�
Ms Merszei, I and many others who first purchased your kit in 2005 received the PURPLE-BOTTLE Asian-manufactured adhesive. This purple-bottle adhesive was included in other eyelash extension kits readily available online from multiple sources at that time. Many eyelash extension professionals reading this blog remember this adhesive. As you know, this adhesive had strong fumes and caused tearing and burning and was probably not formaldehyde-free.
Ms. Merszei, if in fact you “started NovaLash in 2004� because you “saw a need to create a formaldehyde-free eyelash adhesive�, why did you start out selling the inferior and irritating Asian made purple-bottle adhesive in 2004 and most of 2005?
Ms. Merszei, on your blog entry you state: “Professionals using NovaLash are encouraged to attend hands-on training on the application of the lash extensions. NovaLash offers an eyelash extension training and certification workshop, as well as a training video for those unable to attend the workshop.�
Ms. Merszei, I set out to ask objective questions, however, I do want to give my opinion about the following: why do you continue to seriously attempt to portray your interest in safety but yet do NOT require hands-on training in order to purchase your product? Certainly you will make fewer sales if you required hands on training. However, because safety is so important around the eye area, I believe that you should require training. Only with proper hands-on training can a professional truly understand how to apply semi-permanent lash extensions safely and beautifully. I’m sure that many Lash extension professionals can testify about the clients that have come to us for repair of a lash application that was performed by an untrained technician. This hurts our industry and gives lash extensions a bad name. Everyone should make the sacrifice necessary to attend a Training Workshop.
Ms. Merszei, on your blog entry you state: “Regarding the American Extended-Wear Cosmetics Association (AEWCA), I am one of seven proud and active board members.�
Ms Merszei, why are the names and credentials of the seven proud and active board members not listed? Who are they and what are their professional degrees, licenses, and other credentials? http://www.ae-wca.org ? It is customary for reputable professional organizations to list the members and the board of directors along with their credentials (college earned degrees, etc.). Reputable professional organizations are not owned by a company nor are they biased in favor of a certain company.
Ms. Merszei, as the original website domain owner of ae-wca.com, why did you recently remove your name as the owner only after your ownership of the domain was exposed?
Ms. Merszei, you state on your blog entry: that “Membership in AEWCA is restricted to doctors and scientists with a minimum education level of three years of postgraduate work and/or 10 years experience in cosmetic safety testing.�
Ms. Merszei, since membership is restricted to doctors and scientist, please include your specific credentials. Do you hold a college degree? If so, what degree do you hold and from what university? You claim to be a molecular biologist and a cosmetic chemist. What college degree qualifies you to claim this credential? Ms Merszei, attending a one-day seminar in cosmetic chemistry and getting a certificate does not qualify most people to call themselves a “cosmetic chemist�. Please be specific about your credentials, stating when and where you received your formal education.
You also state on your blog entry the following: “Currently, NovaLash is the only A.E.W.C.A.-approved lash extension product, although the A.E.W.C.A. encourages other lash extension companies to undergo the independent testing necessary to receive certification. Why haven’t other manufactures applied for certification? Is it because they would not meet the stringent qualifications that protect your health?�
Ms. Merszei, could it be that other eyelash extension companies do not believe that it is necessary to be affiliated with an organization that is owned by a competitor and/or is favorably biased toward a certain company that is on its board?
Ms. Merszei, you state on your website that “All competing brands of lash extension adhesives tested by the AEWCA were found to contain toxic and carcinogenic irritants�. Ms. Merszei, what brands are you referring to? I didn’t find any credible data to support any of these claims on the AEWCA website. In fact, there are no scientific studies anywhere on the AEWCA website that are related to eyelash extensions or eyelash extension adhesives. The few articles on the site are all related to permanent cosmetics that are simply copied from other sources. This is a real cheap shot, Ms. Merszei, if you are not willing to name the names of the competing brands that you have supposedly tested.
Ms. Merszei, please respond to the objective questions that are directly related to comments that you made on the blog and / or your NovaLash website.
Many professionals like me are concerned that the use of scare tactics surrounding eyelash extension adhesives will destroy the industry. Professionals and consumers alike that read these scare tactics may be afraid to provide or try the service at all. Ms. Merszei, if you can not answer the questions contained herein, please stop using scare tactics that are not based on facts, as this can bring long term harm to our industry.
Ms. Merszei, I am anxiously waiting for your specific replies.
Lorianne
I completely agree regarding NovaLash! I started doing some checking myself after reading the postings about deception and here’s what I found and what I think.
I believe that NovaLash and its President, Sophy Merszei, continue to use scare tactics to deceive the industry. She obviously does not plan to stop doing so. Her deceptive scare tactics are harming our industry. Here is just an example:
• On the front page of the NovaLash website, they boldly state “NovaLash is the ONLY lash extension product that is … made in the USA in accordance with FDA recommendations for formaldehyde content�. Then, on NovaLash’s “Health and Safety� tab on their website, they state, “Most lash adhesives produced from Asia are … not FDA approved for cosmetic or medical purposes.
This is pure DECEPTION. Ms. Merszei boldly states that NovaLash is the ONLY lash extension product made in accordance with FDA recommendations for formaldehyde content. Ms. Merszei obviously wants you to believe that all the other lash extension products are NOT made according to FDA recommendations and therefore must be unsafe. The facts are that the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) does NOT regulate cosmetics. I have done a comprehensive search and found only one case where the FDA actually had anything to say about the formaldehyde content in a cosmetic product and the cosmetic product was “nail hardeners� – not eyelash extensions. The only recommendation from the FDA concerning formaldehyde in any cosmetic product is as follows, quote, “Nail hardeners often contain formaldehyde as the active ingredient. Although formaldehyde may be irritating to the skin or cause allergic reactions, the FDA does not object to its use as an ingredient of nail hardeners provided the product contains no more than 5% formaldehyde …� This quote may be found on the following link to the FDA website: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-hdb3.html .
The FDA says absolutely nothing about standards for eyelash extensions. The FDA states that “nail hardeners� should contain no more than 5% formaldehyde. I can tell you that the eyelash extension glues provided by the major suppliers in the USA generally contain negligible levels of formaldehyde, less than 10 PPM. That is 10 PARTS PER MILLION. For comparison, the FDA’s 5% formaldehyde spec for nail hardeners is equal to 50,000 PPM. Yes, 5% is equivalent to 50,000 PPM.
Since the major eyelash extension providers in the US supply adhesives well below 10 PPM formaldehyde, this is certainly “in accordance� with the only FDA recommendations for formaldehyde content – which only recommends no more than 50,000 ppm. However, the other major eyelash extension providers do not invoke this because the specific FDA recommendations are not addressing eyelash extensions specifically. Obviously, NovaLash has no such restraint.
Imagine the deception of Ms. Merszei: 1) to invoke FDA recommendations on formaldehyde content, when the FDA does not even address recommendations for eyelash extensions; and 2) to invoke FDA recommendations on formaldehyde content when she is referencing a product with less than 10 PPM when the FDA recommends no more than 50,000 PPM in another cosmetic product. Ms. Merszei, give me a break.
Ms. Merszei even takes it a step further on her “Health and Safety� tab on her website, where she states, “Most lash adhesives produced from Asia are … not FDA approved for cosmetic or medical purposes.� While this statement is technically true, it implies that the NovaLash glue is approved by the FDA. Again, she is being deceptive. The FDA has not approved any lash adhesive for cosmetic purposes. Ms. Merszei, when are you going to stop trying to deceive us?
Why am I so upset about this? Well, Ms Merszei’s scare tactics are harming our industry. I have a thriving business in eyelash extensions and I want to keep it that way. Even though most of us know that NovaLash’s scare tactics are empty, they can still harm our industry. I am very happy with the products that I currently use. I previously used NovaLash’s products and found their quality to be inferior. I would prefer to get out of this business than be forced to use their product again.
I am addressing only one piece of NovaLash deception in this blog. Other blogs have addressed many other examples of NovaLash deceptions. I am sure many others are to follow – as NovaLash is rather blatant. When will we stop? Only when NovaLash stops using scare tactics and deception to sell product.
Why are the other major eyelash extension providers not addressing this issue? Hello, Lavish? Hello, Xtreme? Hello, 3D? I suspect that the major providers know that NovaLash has a horrible reputation in terms of product quality and credibility and that NovaLash’s scare mongering is not worthy of a response. Well, I can tell you that NovaLash is probably not going to change anytime soon their scare tactics are beginning to have an effect. Lavish, Xtreme, 3D – I understand that you do not want to dignify NovaLash with a response, but you should address this issue head on. NovaLash’s scare tactics are harming the entire industry – and it is time to stop it. With facts.
There have been a number of potentially helpful and interesting points made regarding the subject of formaldehyde. I have sources in the Xtreme Lashes company and know, for a fact, that their product is both safe and professional. There is no need for concerns when you have Xtreme on your side! Xtreme is the product for society girls. When you want a look of true beauty and class, go with Xtreme every time. I happen to know Eva Zacharias personally and have had my eyelashes done by her. She is sooo choice! I have researched NovaLash and am very disturbed to hear the allegations against the company’s name and integrity that lash queen has brought to light. I am so thankful that someone has found the truth amidst all the lies of Sophy Merszei. I endorse the product that Xtreme Lash provides and I hope that everyone will be able to experience the professional and talented work that I have so heartily enjoyed.
-Sierra
I agree with the comments about Xtreme Lashes. Xtreme and Eva completely rock!
Necesito comprar las extensiones de pestañas y quiero saber como puedo hacer. Soy de Argentina y me gustaria que me manden precio y forma de pago y envio. Gracias
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to introduce you to PremierLash (www.premierlash.com). PremierLash offers eyelash extension products, refills and starter kits to Licensed Cosmetologist’s, Aesthetician’s, Certified Extensionist’s, Training Academy’s and Professional Salon’s.
We are NOT a training academy but a provider of name brand designer products to trained professionals.
We offer a complete product line of designer lashes (synthetic, silk, mink and feather), adhesives/removers/coatings, anti-aging prodcuts, combination / starter kits, accessories, tweezers/tool, lash crystals, eyepads, cases, combination/starter kits, make-up brush sets, retail products, apparel ect.
Beyond providing you with a trusted name brands, we also hope to introduce you to something new.
Thanks,
PremierLash – designer lashes
info@premierrlash.com
http://www.premierlash.com
(p) +1 801 201 7712