4.2 Disposables and consumables
As you learned earlier, where possible, we should always try and minimise waste and where there is an alternative to disposables, you should opt for that. However, in the interest of hygiene, there are certain products that will have to be single-use. In this lesson, we will look at the full range of disposables and consumables that you will use on a daily basis as a lash artist.
Lash lift kits
Lash lift kits with all the steps (lifting cream, neutraliser and moisturising serum) will be your most frequently used consumable when doing lash lifts. Just like lash lift tools, there are loads of kits available on the market. While purchasing kits from overseas can sometimes be a bit cheaper, always be sure to read the ingredients lists as different countries have different regulations. Buying lash lift kits in Australia gives you a bit of extra peace of mind that they comply with Australian regulations. Here are some examples of lash lift kits on the market:
Tint and developer
When tinting lashes, you will always have your tint dye solution and a developer. There are loads of tint suppliers, and at a minimum, you should always have a dark brown, a black and a blue/black in your kit. Examples of lash tint kits are shown:
When buying lash tints, it is important to note that some stain the skin, whereas others do not. If you are using a tint that doesn’t stain, you can apply it all over the lash area without any worries. For lash tints that do stain the skin, you need to apply the tint carefully. If, for some reason, you do stain the skin, you can use a tint remover to clean up any mistakes.
Tint remover
Tint remover does what the bottle says – it removes tint! Of course, the best way to avoid having to use tint remover is to do a neat job in the first place, but we are all human, and accidents do happen! Having a quality tint remover on hand will help to ensure your clients leave your treatment area satisfied.
Eye pads
Eye pads are essential for ensuring your client is comfortable throughout the service, and they will help to ensure those bottom lashes are safely tucked away! Because the skin under the eye is so delicate, you need to make sure that the eye pads you use are sticky enough to attach but not so sticky they will pull on the client’s skin. Any eye pads and patches you use should have a lint-free coating to prevent any fibres from transferring onto the lashes. If you have a bit more to spend, you can get gel eye pads which also provide a hydrating treatment for the client.
Micropore tape
As we have already covered, lash artists seem to love a bit of micropore tape! While not essential, it can be a good addition to your kit if you do have trouble placing eye pads or need a bit of extra lift to the client’s eyelid. Micropore tape is a type of surgical tape, and a good quality tape will not be super sticky; it needs to be easily removed without damaging your client’s skin or lashes. If you have tape that is very sticky, try to find a tape that is suitable for sensitive skin types.
Scissors
Scissors are a must-have as a lash artist as they are handy to trim eye pads, shields/rods and open sachets and products. There are loads of different types of scissors available, but you probably only need little nail trimming scissors as they are small yet effective.
Training lashes and lash extensions
Training lashes, or practice lashes, are used for exactly what their name suggests – training! When you purchase your mannequins, suppliers will usually throw in some training lashes, and you can also purchase them separately. Practice lashes come in strip form, and they are designed to mimic a client’s natural lash. They come in all shapes and sizes and are made of various fibres, and they will be your best friend when you are starting out. Self-adhesive training lashes are the best type to get, so you can quickly pop them on your mannequin. In addition to training lashes, having some lash extensions in your kit can be great for determining the length of a client’s natural lash.
Mascara wands
Disposable mascara wands are excellent to include in your aftercare kits for clients and can also be used in your treatments for brushing out clients’ lashes. Even though there are reusable mascara wands available for purchase from any makeup brush supplier, for hygiene reasons, it is best practice to use single-use wands on your clients.
Because eye infections can be highly contagious, using reusable mascara wands (even if sanitised correctly) increases the chances of spreading infections between clients. Mascara wands are inexpensive, and you will usually purchase them in bulk packs.
Lip brushes
Lip brushes that are usually used by makeup artists can actually be excellent applicators for all lash products. They are relatively inexpensive and come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Oil-free cleanser and makeup remover
Any oil on the lashes can prevent lashes from sticking correctly to the rods/shields. As such, when you are purchasing cleansers to use in your lash services, you must ensure that they are oil-free. There are lots of cleansers on the market, including foam, cream and gel. It is important when you are giving your aftercare advice that you also explain the impact of oils on the lashes and why oil-free cleansers are a must! As you learned earlier in this course, it is always best for you to stock cleansers that your clients can purchase so that you know they are using a reputable cleanser.
To apply a cleanser, it is a good idea to get yourself brushes that are made for cleansing/shampooing. When using brushes of any kind, always check the bristles regularly to ensure that none of them have become scratchy over time.
A common misconception when it comes to cleansers is micellar water. Many lash artists recommend micellar water to their clients, but we suggest that you steer clear. Some micellar water formulations actually contain oil, and if your client uses such products, it will compromise their lash extensions.
Spatulas
You will definitely need spatulas in your kit to help you decant the product onto your mixing plate or palette. Spatulas come in all shapes, sizes and materials.
Cotton tips
Cotton tips or Q-tips will literally be your best friend as a lash artist. These are an absolute must in your kit as they work like little magic erasers and applicators. If you make a mistake with tint, you can use some tint remover and a Q-tip to remove the dye and then bam – the mistake is gone!
Fun fact: Inventor Leo Gerstenzang (1892-1973), a Polish immigrant to the US, invented the Q-tip in 1923 – although the product was originally called Baby Gays. Some say he got the idea while watching his wife applying wads of cotton to toothpicks while cleaning their baby.
Cotton rounds
Cotton rounds are a no-brainer – they help you to remove tint from the eye area and can also be great when you need to wipe off the product when removing lash lift lotion and the neutraliser. Lint-free cotton rounds tend to be better quality, but cheaper alternatives will work just as well!
Towels and paper towels
All lash artists should have plenty of towels and paper towels on hand. Not only is it best practice to have towels on hand to dry the skin, but it also enhances your professional image. Where possible, it is great to use actual towels rather than paper towels to save our environment! However, having a small sheet of paper towel to wipe off any excess product is handy and hygienic.
To learn more about equipment and products other lash artists could not live without, watch the videos linked: