Lash Dip is the love child of Jessica Harley and Gina Mondragon, friends and beauty experts in lash extensions, makeup and hair color. They longed to create something better than dye and more natural than extensions. After exhaustive research, development and testing, Lash Dip is market ready and buzz worthy. They believe it is "The Future of Lash Enhancement". Currently, it is only available in 17 salons and spas in the country, as they do require extensive training and certification. (Phew)...countless friends and colleagues tried to talk me into waiting until it was more mainstream, but naturally I was not to be deterred. Listen, if I could get through childbirth and my Latisse trials, Lash Dipping would be a breeze.
I did have some concerns about the procedure and Justine took the time to reassure me. In two years, there have been zero allergic reactions and has even been used on pregnant women. The only way to get Lash Dip is to be certified. Justine was trained in N.Y., by Gina and Jessica personally. I was breathing a little easier. I asked what it was made of and was not surprised to hear it is a "patent pending", proprietary secret...no matter really. Unless Justine said, "tar", I was going ahead anyway.
After I removed my eye makeup, Justine showed me to a spa room, where I relaxed on a comfortable table, while she got to work. She first applied a special adhesive tape, infused with moisturizers, on top of my lower lashes. Than she curled my uppers with a warm metal eyelash curler, and started dipping my lashes one at a time and carefully separating them one by one and blew them dry with a special tool, designed for Lash Dip. There was no smell or real discomfort, other than a slight tug from the tape. I could tell Justine was a perfectionist and really wanted me to love my lashes. It took about an hour and after two coats, Justine asked me to take a look and see if it was thick enough. It had a soft natural look, but I knew I would be happier with another coat and Justine, nicely obliged. Here's how my lashes looked first thing yesterday morning:
\And above, after only shadow and liner.
It was a pleasure to save some time getting ready this morning. I can see why this would be appealing, particularly to busy Mom's or no makeup types. It saved me about ten minutes. If you do the math, that's a 6 hour savings, over the course of 6 weeks! I do feel it is still less mascara than I normally would wear, so I compensated with a little more liner. I am also a fanatic about removing every spec of makeup at night, so I hope I can get used to feeling like I slept with my mascara on.
So how much does it cost to get Lash Dipped? Shine Salon +Spa charges $250, which includes a touch up and fluff cleaning at two weeks and complete removal after 6. (Of course the hope is that you are back for a double dip, and so on every six weeks). Lash Dip lashes are waterproof and low maintenance. Only you can decide if it's worth the splurge...I think Justine was on to something with the Bridal market. I can see it becoming a staple on the "count down list" to the "Big Day".
What's on my wish list from Jessica and Gina? Lash Line. 6 weeks of semi-permanent liner? Puh-leaze,
a total no brainer.
So, what about you...are your ready to take the plunge??? I would love to know...
xox,
DD
I love your results! It looks so much more elegant that false eyelashes - I'm going to give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon! Let me know what you think!!!
ReplyDeletexox,
DD
I've been waiting to see your results and they look just gorgeous. I can't wait to find out how you like it as time goes on. I hope you'll update!!
ReplyDeleteThanks MarciaF!
ReplyDeleteI' m rushing for a meeting this morning and I feel like I already have half my face on!
Will keep y'all posted...
xox
DD
Mmm I think I'll stick with eyelash extensions until the price comes down on this one. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz!
ReplyDeleteI'm if it catches on it will be flat screen T.V.s and then we can all take advantage of it!
How much are extensions and how long do they last???
xo,
DD
Hi Debbi! I get them done at a nail salon - the ones that last 2 weeks are around $20 bucks.
ReplyDeleteHi Liiz!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting! What exactly are they using? Is it lash dye? Is there texture and volume to it? Lash Dip is only in about 17 spas and salons and they requires certification. Yours sounds more palatable and affordable.
xox,
DD
Hey Debbi - They are individual false lashes that are glued on individually. They last as long they don't get wet. They are alot of fun! I linked your article back to my blog as well. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz!
ReplyDeleteI just checked out your Blog...going back to read about Frownies!! I will add you to my Blogroll.
xox,
Debbi
There are better,safe semi permanent mascara applications out there! I just read an Elle article that states Lashdip uses aniline die in there formulation which is toxic for the eye area and can cause blindness. I would not recommend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting Anon!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen that article, but I will check it out. I appreciate the heads up.
xox,
DD
I also read the Elle article and I am very hesitant to have my lashes "dipped", after researching their "proprietary secret". No wonder they tried to hide it for so long. Take a look.. http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Beauty-News-A-New-Semipermanent-Lash-Treatment
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteI contacted the creators of LashDip to ask them about the use of aniline in LashDip. Here is their response:
LashDip does not include aniline in any of it’s products. This was a miscommunication between Gina Mondragon and the editor she spoke with at Elle. LashDip’s pigment is used in many eye cosmetic products. According to our manufacturer, the pigment is “carbon black.” Carbon is the name of a common black pigment, traditionally produced from charring organic materials such as wood or bone. It appears black because it reflects almost no light in the visible part of the spectrum. Please let me know if you need anything further. Elle is planning to post a correction on their page, which will probably be up in the next day or two.
I hope this clears up some confusion. I am personally relieved!!!
xox,
DD
It is really sad that the lashdip team is misleading you and your readers, this is not the first time they have been revealed in this unfortunate lie. Read it yourself the article is quoting a very long answer from "Mondrgon" She was not mis communicating she is now just saving their reputation realizing the formulation mishap. They are liquids mixed together that create a gel? Thats hair color...Which still causes blindness! 1933 Lash lure
ReplyDeleteUltimately Girls, I really did not enjoy this experience. I am neurotic about removing every spec of makeup, every single night, no matter what the hour. After a few days, I just felt like I was walking around with slept in mascara 24/7. I could have had it removed professionally, but I waited till it wore off. Food for thought!!!
ReplyDeletexox,
DD
I hate it!!! My mascara looks better---I am soaking my eyes in oily remover trying to get rid of these hard pokey lashes!
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you go back to the place where you got them put on and have them professionally removed?
I would of, but it was too far away. The inventors recommended I use Olive oil! It was resonably effective. It does eventually wear off.
I hope you had read my last comment before trying!
xox
DD
how much does a touch up appontment cost? because it sems sensible for six weeks of enjoyment, but if they continually slam you with $250 every 6 weeks it seems like a ripoff. do they have to remove a previous coat before adding on a new one?
ReplyDeleteIt was my understanding that it would be $250 every six weeks and would require cleaning, fluffing and basically starting from scratch.
ReplyDeleteThat is some serious high maintenance proposition of both time and $$$!
If anyone wanted this product removed professionally, the owners of LashDip themselves would probably find someone to do it in a flash. There are artists who are certified that charge much less than $250. And I would bet you could work something out with someone for repeat services...
ReplyDeleteI attended the training and am certified, but am not currently applying LashDip due to my schedule. But I can promise the product is not a hair dye - it's more like an uber long-wear, tubing mascara. Admittedly, feedback from people I have applied LashDip to has been mixed. Those who wore no mascara daily loved it! Those who wore a lot of mascara and liner on a regular basis have not been as pleased. I guess the verdict is still out as to continued success with consumers, but I refuse to believe the actual product is toxic in any way, shape or form! And I won't believe it until I hear it from a lab that's broken it down, or until the owners tell me themselves...
I just recently had Lash Dip and I can say if your use to wearing mascara & having your lashes look a certain way then DONT do Lash Dip..
ReplyDelete1) Lashes looked very thin. 2) I couldn't get my eye liner & eye makeup off because you have to be very careful & not rub or wash your eyes. 3) If you don't have perfect lashes to begin with it wont look good. 4) The product feels like the leftover eyelash glue on your lash line. 5) If you don't wear mascara at ALL then I would say it MIGHT work for you...
Sorry but this is my honest opinion, just not worth it..
I was hoping for something more permanent. I don't even do my lashes more than once every 6 weeks!
ReplyDeleteI had it done and would not do it again. I couldn't stand how rigid my lashes were and it always felt like clumpy glue in my lash line. Yves St. Lauren or Chanel waterproof mascaras are a far better alternative.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not worth the money. Although I adjusted to the stiff feel (I wear mascara every day whether I'm working or not), the appearance was flaky and clumpy. I removed the product myself after a week of wear because every time I looked in the mirror, the first thing a saw was those clumps and flakes (and most of my lower lashes weren't even covered).
ReplyDeleteTo those who have removed the lash dip themselves... how did you do it? I had my lashes dipped about 2 weeks ago and they're really clumpy and sticky now, but I'd rather not go all the way back to the salon to have it professionally removed. I tried a little olive oil applied with a q-tip but it didn't work very well.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...
ReplyDeleteOne of my aunts was a Radio City Rockette in the 1950's & said they had a lady that would put a type of black hot wax on their lashes that would last for 2 weeks. I wonder if LashDip is similar/
I have short straight lashes and wear contact lenses so was hoping this would be a perfect solution. I had my lashes dipped but they turned out crimpy and hard. I ended up adding extensions since it was definitely not enough so ended up costing me a fortune! I'll stick to latisse and mascara!
ReplyDeleteDon't do it!!!!!!! This is awful. Feels like old clumpy mascara. Good luck taking it off too!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for saving me the money!
ReplyDeleteI am a licensed esthetician who was foolish enough to take the LashDip certification class which costs upwards of $1400 - inclusive within the class is the LashDip kit. Far more expensive than any other training certification I have ever seen or participated in and undoubtedly not worth the cost!
ReplyDeleteSome of my clients had asked if I would consider providing LashDip as a treatment. My biggest mistake was not getting it applied to myself first because it would have saved a lot of money, wasted time, and knowledge that this is a treatment I would NEVER provide to my worst enemy let alone treasured clients!
What is not told to the attendees before plopping down their hard earned money (in actuality was not told to attendees until the 2nd day of class):
*Before the certificate is given to the practitioner, they must apply LashDip to 10 models and provide pictures of each. These pics are critiqued and if the LashDip people don't like what they see you will be sent an email requesting another 5 or more models.
Class attendees were told they were not allowed to charge for the models and have 30 days from the last day of class to get pics in unless they get approval from LashDip to extend.
I spoke with 3 other attendees from the class - all of us were sent emails requesting we submit 5 additional models and w/photos with no guarantee of receiving the certification! Keep in mind - service time for each model can be anywhere from 1 hour but in most cases much longer as this stuff is not easy to work with.
*Certified technicians are not allowed to set their own price. LashDip sets down the law and monitors what their certified techs are charging. I believe the lowest at the moment is $150 upwards to $300.
If other certified LashDip techs see lower prices offered they are encouraged to advise LashDip and then the certificate can be taken away from the "offending" tech.
That said - let's move on to my experience with surviving LashDip treatment. The first few days were good. I could appreciate a few extra minutes of not having to apply mascara. Worth $200? No way!!
There is also no way this stuff is "carefree"! You are told oil-based products and oil in general breaks the LashDip seal. Great - uh...so let me see, oil on fingers so no touching eyes, not sure I know anyone who doesn't do that at some point let's say during REM cycle??
Most moisturizers have some oil in them so now a different method for daily skin care has be modified - and that's only naming 2 things besides the special lash cleaner and oil-free eye make-up remover. The list continues for this "carefree" treatment!
Ok - so after 3 days, lashes looked ok. Using the special cleaner morning and night and I had plenty of disposable lip gloss wands but that would probably be a problem for most as I know very few ladies who keep these on hand. The lashes don't look as good as they did and they keep sticking together which is really annoying when you can't use your "oily" fingers to detach them!
After the first 7 days I wanted the stuff off! There was no way I was going to make it to the 2nd or 3rd week for lash refreshing. Quite a few of my lashes broke off and even now, 6 months later there are still a few bald spots in my lash line from this horrid product! The worst part is knowing the models that participated experienced the same!
There is no way on earth I would ever provide this service to anyone as it totally goes against the esthetician philosophy of "Do no harm"!
Wow Kolinka!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an ordeal. I'm sorry you had to go through the time and expense, only to realize you didn't like the service to begin with.
I was bonkers to get it off after about a week. I definitely lost lashes in the process.
I am now happily using SmartLash. It is not as effective as Latisse was, but it also doesn't contain prostaglandin.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
xox,
DD
Thank you DD. It is definitely one of those things that was a "learning experience" but at the same time an experience that defines professional ethics as to what one will do - or not do to make a profit.
ReplyDeleteSmartLash or one of the other lash growth enhancers not containing prostaglandin (blue eyed people beware of this stuff) are definitely the way to go. I have also started using a heated, non-crimping lash curler which is awesome for providing perfect, naturally long lashes.
Thanks again for your blog. Love the info you provide!
xox
kolinka
I just had my first (and only) experience with Lashdip last week. As I was receiving the treatment, the esthetician explained the the pics were slightly misleading, the models also had lash extensions also! Once she was done and I looked at my eyes I wasn't impressed, but would give it a day or two. Four days later and I want it off! I have MUCH longer lashes and better results with my mascara and RapidLash growth enhancer. They are now clumped together and look like I have worn the same mascara several days. I can hardly wait till it wears off!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI pretty much felt the same way. I am sooo sorry! Did you see this blog and read all the comments before you went?
Lots and lots of olive oil!
xox
DD
I also just had lashdip applied two days ago. I was intrigued by a special offer through a local salon for $65.00. The salon owner said she was not convinced that the product was a worthwhile investment for her clients and so was offering it at a special rate to get feedback and decide if she wanted to continue providing this service. It was painless to have applied so no complaints there. I should have been suspicious because the esthetician only showed me a quick glimpse in a mirror when she finished and whisked the mirror away faster than I could reach out my hand to grab it for a closer look. I got home and took look in my bathroom mirror and saw that my eyelashes were all clumped together as if I were a preschooler trying to apply mascara. It looks terrible and feels worse. My lashes are hard and brittle to the touch. Even my daughters are asking what happened to my eyelashes! I have an appointment to get it taken off tomorrow and it can't come too soon. Not sure if my results are the norm or I had an inexperienced person apply the product. I have had lash extensions in the past which are much more beautiful and natural looking. I will go back to the extensions again.
ReplyDeleteI tried Lash Dip 2 weeks ago and have been very disappoinhted with the results. I paid $150 for clumpy rock hard lashes that looked awful and felt worse. Save your money and buy a high quality mascara instead.
ReplyDeleteFortunately the stuff is starting to wear off. I will never do this again!
Thanks for the info. Is there a mascara you would recommend for sensitive eyes
ReplyDeleteUghhh!!!! Would never ever do this again. I have naturally long lashes and plenty of them, but they are on the thin side now (aging?). I thought I would get this done as I hate putting on mascara but find that I need it now. Worst mistake ever, the results are equivalent to a very poor quality mascara (but lets not forget the astronomical price of this service!) and it continues to go downhill from there. The clumping starts and in my case I have developed some bald patches, I had 4 lashes from the corner fall out all in one clump. From the reviews here looks like mine is not the only experience like this. The salon I went to is a very reputable, lash only salon and I cannot believe they perform this service - it is just horrible.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had the same experience that I did. Make sure you use a good lash enhancement product to follow up with.
ReplyDeletexo,
DD