Social Media Takes over the world!

It’s official. Social media has taken ecommerce by storm. So if you’re one of the stragglers who isn’t on the bandwagon, it’s time to get on board. As your customers spend more and more time on social sites, it’s imperative for your brand to become part of the conversation.

Even if you already have a social presence, you’re probably wondering how to make more money out of it. In addition to selling your products on Facebook etc one of the easiest ways to drive more revenue is to share your discounts socially. According to an eMarketer survey, the number one reason people follow brands is to receive notifications on discounts and promotions.

BUT HOW YOU ASK>>>>>>>>

Today we’re going to blend two emerging trends in ecommerce: price-conscious consumers looking for discounts and social media, which is becoming more and more popular throughout your entire customer base. So let’s dive in!

First, you’ll want to incorporate your promotions into your social media communications. Quite simply, just tell people on Twitter and Facebook that you’re running a promotion – letting people know is half the battle. You’ll want to layer these messages with other communications so you don’t seem too spammy, but this is a great start.

Next, get into user forums. Now this is a little more time intensive, but the returns are much greater. If you’re offering a promotion on a particular product, perform a Google search on that product to find related user forums. If there’s a question being asked, you can easily jump onto that thread and provide an answer. You can also provide a direct link to your website and feed the coupon code. This is a great way to move the needle and get new people in via acquisition.

Thirdly, integrate your promotion into a blog post. For example, if you’re offering a promotion on a product, write a blog post about the benefits of that product, new developments, etc. By providing the benefit of the product to your customers, they’ll be more educated and more likely to buy.

Next, make deals with influencers. This is most appropriate for channels like Twitter. The goal here is to make a relationship with someone with industry expertise or a large following. Once you’re comfortable, you can provide that promotion to the influencer, and once they “retweet” it, you’ll have exposure to an entirely new customer base and get traffic moving to your site.

And last but not least, always create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This is the truth for any communication avenue you’re using through social media. Letting customers know that they’re getting something special for following you online is huge, especially when it comes to discounts. On the same token, you’ll also want to create a sense of urgency, whether it’s through a countdown or calling out there are only a few hours left. This will get people to act faster and help them purchase when you want them to.

Hopefully this was helpful in integrating your promotions with social media. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help.

From Hypnotic Lashes to you, happy selling!

Staying Clean!!

Staying clean - your tools that is - is a very important issue.

It should always be a stylists top priority to keep all their tools clean and pathogen free.
The easiest way to do this is:
Firstly check within your local council to see exactly what they require you to do.
Always use a fresh set of tweezers on each client.
When cleaning your tools - wash first in warm soapy water then soak in a hospital grade disinfectant for at least 10 mins or as per the bottles instructions.

I always make a point of storing tools in a closed container until they are ready to be used.
Once I take them out to use on a client, I wipe over with an alcohol wipe just to make sure they are fresh.

If you are really serious about cleanliness then a new drop of glue for each new client is also recommended.

Happy Lashing!

Latest Lashes...

Just a little before and after....

Before

After

After Front View

After Side View

Full set application using C & B Curls 0.15 thickness in lengths 8, 12, 14mm

Removing Lashes..

Every once in a while you will need to remove a full set of lashes or maybe just a few. Removal is a very delicate process and at no time do you want to damage the clients lashes.


Clients may wish to have lashes removed for a variety of reasons such as:

• They can no longer afford lashes
• They have been poorly applied by another lash stylist
• Client has a reaction to the lashes
• The client may not like the feel of the lashes
• The client may like to have lashes fully removed and then have another fullset applied 

What ever the case may be, dont be upset when a client comes to you to have their lashes removed. The alternative is usually them pulling the lashes out themselves and this is a definite NO NO!!


Whenever I am removing eyelashes, I always elevate the client up. I also apply pads under the eyes so the solution does not get on the clients skin. I really like to use a microbrush as my tool of choice, other tools that may work well are an eyelash comb, disposable mascara brushes. Just do not use anything with cotton. The best advice I can give you, is to let the product work for you. I believe it takes about 5 minutes with the product on the lashes for them to easily slide off. 


When you are sliding them off, do not be forceful, if they do not come off right away after 5 minutes, apply more solution to that area. Be patient!! After the lashes have all come off, I remove the pads, clean and prep the eyes with protein remover, dry the eyes, reprep and now I am ready to lash.


Be super cautious of using the remover near the eye area. As a general rule you should always use a gel remover as a liquid can easily drip into the wet line and sting the eyes.


If I have time I will clean the clients eyes as above, remove pads and have the client go and wash eyes, this is to ensure any glue residue is completely gone. You will need to make sure the lashes are completely dry before you start your lash application. 


Try our glue be gone Gel here:
Hypnotic Lashes Glue Be Gone Gel Remover

Before & Afters Video!!

Watch out for many more new videos!

Get Educated - Blepharitis the ELE enemy!

A great topic to know about if you are an ELE stylist! 


So to start Im going to refer you to a link:
Images of different Blepharitis


The above link has some great info about Bleph and also shows you visual images to help you identify Bleph in a client. Basically Belpharitis is inflammation of the eyelid(s). It is an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes. 


The start of Blepharitis usually appears to look like dandruff between the lashes and is usually accompanied by itchiness. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.


Some symptoms of Bleph are as follows:

• Redness of the eyelids.
• Flaking of skin on the lids.
• Crusting at the lid margins, this is generally worst on waking.
• Cysts at the lid margin (hordeolum).
• Red eye.
• Debris in the tear film, seen under magnification (improved contrast with use of fluorescein drops).
• Gritty sensation of the eye.
• Reduced vision.

What Bleph means in the ELE industry:

Your clients will usually develop Bleph due to poor eye hygiene. Most clients feel that if they clean the eye area they will cause the ELE to fall off and therefore they dont clean the eyes as well as they should be cleaned!

You should always point out to your clients that they should clean their eyes at least twice a week with mild baby shampoo - as it is less likely to cause any irritation. They should use our foaming bottles (which can be purchased off the website www.hypnoticlashes.com) mix one part shampoo to two parts water. This will assist to remove any make up and oils that have accumulated on the skin. 

If you have a client that you suspect has Bleph, you need to inform her in the gentlest way possible. Be polite, ask questions about her cleaning routine, the best thing YOU as a stylist can do is make sure all your clients are informed. Let your client know that Blepharitis requires medical attention by an eye specialist. The treatment will involve removal of all the ELE, so that the follicle mouth can be washed with hot soapy water followed by the application of an antibiotic cream. Unfortunately it is not possible to cure Blepharitis completely; however the symptoms can be managed. Once the symptoms are managed and hygiene is introduced, ELE can be reapplied.

The one thing you will need to inform your client is that all her eye makeup and possible some of her foundations may be contaminated - your client will need to dispose of her make up and replace it or she will continue to keep getting it back. This is where you as the stylist will need to keep a close eye on her eyes to ensure there is no reoccurrence - if there is then you need to start at the beginning and question her hygiene routine, if she has had treatment and if she has replaced her makeup.

The below instructions have been taken from www.allaboutvision.com

mptoms

Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Rub gently around the edges of your upper and lower eyelids, but do not get cleaning solution in your eye.

Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it is often chronic, meaning that it never goes away completely. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of these steps involving good eyelid hygiene and massage:

• Apply a warm compress such as a washcloth to the outer eyelids.
• Cleanse the eyelids with a commercial lid scrub or other recommended product.
• Gently massage the outer eyelids.

A warm compress loosens the crust on your eyelids and eyelashes before you clean them. The warmth also can loosen any blocked residue in the oil-secreting meibomian glands in your eyelids.

To use a warm compress:

• Wash your hands, then dampen a clean washcloth with warm water.
• Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for several minutes.
• Open your eyes, and then use fingers to rub gently around the outer eyelids in a circular motion. Don't press too hard on the eyeball.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations on how often to use a compress and how long it should be kept in place.

When you first begin treatment, your eye doctor may suggest that you do this several times daily, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you might apply the compress once daily for a few minutes.

Cleaning the eyelids is essential to blepharitis treatment. Your doctor will recommend what cleansing agent to use, such as warm water only, baby shampoo diluted with warm water or a special over-the-counter product made specifically for cleansing the lids.

To clean eyelids:

• Wash your hands, then dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab or gauze pad into your cleaning solution.
• Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Gently wipe across your lashes and lid margin.
• Rinse with cool water.
• Repeat the process for your other eye, but use a different washcloth, swab or pad.

Your eye doctor may have you clean your lids several times daily to start, and then once daily thereafter. — GW

 

Eyelash Extension Safe Product List

So I thought it would be best if I started a product list of all the products that are oil free and eyelash extension safe -


Make up Removers:

• Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make Up remover
• Maybelline Expert Eyes® 100% Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
• Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Make up Remover
• Bioderma Sensibio Make up remover

Make Up:

• Clinique stay true oil free make up foundation
• Proactive mineral and compact foundation
• Chanel Double Perfection Fluid
• Calvin Klein - Infinite Matte Oil Free Foundation
• Dermalogica Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser 
• Chanel Voile Universel

Please feel free to add to this list as you find products that are good for using whilst having eyelash extensions on. Please note I do not work for any of the above brands nor do I sell them - just a friendly list of products that are oil free and therefore eyelash extension friendly.

Please ensure all above products are suitable for your skin type before using :)

What do I need to do to care for my eyelash extensions?

So there are a few rules that you need to follow when getting any eyelash extensions. These are not to make your eyelashes a chore but they will make them last longer and look beautiful... and in the long run save you cash!!

- After you shower don’t wet your eyelashes for 24 hours after your procedure. This will give the glue an appropriate amount of time to cure. This means you should also avoid steam rooms / saunas and swimming during that period.

- Do not use waterproof mascara on your eyelashes. A water soluble mascara or one designed specifically for eyelash extensions is fine to use, although you’ll probably find that you no longer require mascara. Check out the website for products that are safe to use -www.hypnoticlashes.com

- Use cotton swabs to remove makeup by working gently around the eyelashes.

- Do not use cleansers, makeup removers or moisturisers that contain oil or solvents on your eyes, as these will compromise the bonding agent used to adhere your eyelashes.

- Do not rub your eyes, instead you should get used to patting your eyes gently which is in fact much better for the eyelashes and the sensitive skin around the eyes.

- Be careful not to get your eyelashes caught on clothes when you’re dressing and undressing or towels when you’ve showered - I know this sounds silly but it does happen!

- Never pull your eyelash extension off as it will pull out your natural eyelash. If you want them removed contact Hypnotic Lashes.

- Do not perm or tint your eyelash extensions.

- Do not use eyelash curlers on your eyelashes.

- Book your next eyelash refill at Hypnotic Lashes every 2 weeks - a maximum of 4 week intervals in order to maintain your optimum eyelash effect.