lash loving ft. winq lash bar

I just wanted to share a lovely lash bar I have been recently in love with. Eyelash extensions have become one of the most popular beauty services people are getting done. I never thought I would get them done regularly but it has saved me such a great chunk of time in the mornings and I have been much more comfortable going makeup-less now of days!

I generally wear makeup on a daily basis, but when I go to work, I usually just slap on foundation, concealer, and mascara. On the days I go out with friends or just out I need my eyes to stand out (yes because they're small and round shaped) so I add on some eyeshadow and some cat eye winged eyeliner + maybe double stacked falsies. I love makeup, especially lashes because it makes you feel + look more alive. 

Alright, let's get down to business.

Where did I go? 

Winq Lash Bar based in Boston, Massachusetts (in the Allston/Brighton area also T accessable). 

Who was your stylist? 

The amazing Katherine Toker. She is incredibly kind and patient and will work with you every step of the way to achieve the look you desire. 

Why did I decide to go for it?

I wore false lashes so often on top of my mascara regularly because of how thin my lashes were so why not just wake up with some fluffy and curled lashes?! With a little bit of budgeting, I was sold. I'm just so busy with work and school this is a great way to make me look more alive and spend less time trying to get ready. Also, have you seen the studio?! It is drop-dead gorgeous.

How much is it? 

Full set lashes start at roughly $200 and fills start at $49. Just an FYI Winq always has a ton of promos so if you're interested, subscribe to their mailing list to receive goodies!

How long did it take? 

A full volume set took roughly 2.5 hours. Be prepared to take a long nap. 

How long do they last? 

They honestly last around 2-4 weeks (some people 5 weeks). But I love getting my fills at the 2-week mark to keep them fluffy and voluminous.

What style did you get?

I got the Yas Queen! Volume set. I am not 100% positive about what length she has me in but I got cat-eye D curl. Cat eye is essential for me because it creates the illusion of a winged eyeliner without actually wearing eyeliner.

Are they easy to take care of? 

I am someone who has a bad habit of rubbing my eyes so having these babies made me more conscious of that. Don't rub your eyes, don't sleep on your face, don't get them wet within the first 24 hours, and brush them often! So easy and worth saving time in the morning getting ready.

Overall experience? 

WORTH IT. Me being someone with naturally boring small, narrow eyes and straight lashes, these babies give me so much life and confidence. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is like me and is lazy but needs lashes, or if you are going on vacation and don't want to deal with worrying about lashes, or if you just want that extra lash fluff. Also, the store's vibe is like you're treating yourself to a vacation. Palm trees everywhere and long naps. 

If you have any questions about lash extensions, my experiences, or the store in general feel free to reach out and ask away!

Thanks so much, Winq Lash Bar for my amazing boss b lashes! ♡

sessions with lesley.

I just wanted to share with you guys a few of my favorite photos with Lesley Anderson.

This series is inspired by just wandering the city and exploring new places. It was lightly slowing this day which I love because cloudy skies mean beautiful soft photos.

All taken in South End Boston. Thank you Cynthia for inspiring me with photography.  

my first facial experience ft. derosa clinic

I have always been an advocate for skincare and did my fair share of research but something I have never done is go see a professional about my skin and putting the care of my skin in someone else's hands. Growing up (anyone who knew me in high school) I had awful cystic acne. I was young and didn't understand how hormones or skincare worked so I bought whatever sounded promising. From age 13-18 I kept trying different brands and nothing ever really helped. Growing up I did more research, took care of my health, and drank more water. I can honestly say that my skin is better than before! However, why not take the extra initiative and go to a professional? 

Where did I go? Derosa Clinic on Newbury street in Boston, Massachusetts.

Who was my specialist? Master Aesthetician Steven Giannetta

A WALK THOUGH OF MY FACIAL

First off can I just say how stunning this clinic is? When you enter the clinic is so modern, clean and beautiful. The staff is amazing and everyone is so kind. My wait was short and upon checking in you are asked to fill out a brief informational survey so that they can better assist your skin needs.

PREPPING THE SKIN:

Steven started off with a gentle cleansing and topical exfoliant of my skin in order to prepare it for the actual treatment. He then used a device called a high frequency "zapping" in order to kill any sort of bacteria on the skin surface and to speed up the healing of any small breakouts I previously had. He then prepared my skin with a "degreasing" solution to prep the skin for dermaplaning so that he could have a smooth dry surface to work on.

+ THE MAGIC BEGINS

He then used a small tool that allowed for the removal of any dead, dehydrated skin cells, vellus hair or "peach fuzz" this can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria on the skin surface. This gentle means of exfoliation allows skin care products to work more effectively and allows makeup to glide onto the skin surface for a flawless finish.

He proceeded to use a chemical exfoliant which removed any residual dead skin, tightens pores, lightens hyperpigmentation, heals acne, provides a brighter and more glowing skin. Finally finishing the treatment with a hydrating serum, day moisturizer and of course a physical based sunscreen.

Products used are from EltaMD: Barrier Renewal Complex (Ceramide and Enzyme Therapy), AM/PM Therapy Facial Moisterizer, and UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Oil Free SunScreen (tinted).

END RESULTS + DEWY GLOWING SKIN

Photo taken under natural light.

 I naturally have those freckly like spots on my face from sun damage as a kid for not ever wearing sunscreen on my face. I also have my eyebrows microbladed (2 years ago) and eyelash extensions. Other than that I have zero make-up on! I just have a thick layer of moisterizer and sunscreen on. Also my photos are somewhat dark because I took these photos when I got home from work. I wanted to make sure I got photos the same day as my facial to show you all the immediate results. 

Photo taken with beauty light.

Can I just say I love how naturally glowing my skin feels and looks? I had incredibly dark circles and dry cracking skin prior to my appointment (I didn't think to take a before photo I am so sorry) I am so happy with my experience. This location is incredibly convenient (train accessible), appointment times are very accommodating, punctual, relaxing atmosphere, modern ambience, and a knowledgable staff.

Thanks again Derosa Clinic for my amazing facial! xx