Fabrication PCB

Originating out of Korea approximately 3 years ago, Eyelash Extensions have become an enormous hit with women of all ages across Asia, Europe, and now North America. The reason? The eyes are the first thing people see when looking at you, as well it’s what you see first in the mirror. With the extensions, your eyes appear bigger, brighter, more accentuated, and even downright sexy. Fans report looking already made up with just the lashes first thing in the morning, and feel no need for much makeup other than a little lip gloss.

The process involves bonding lashes, synthetic or human hair, to your own with a special adhesive. Depending on the type of application, the lashes stay on for the life of your natural lash. Like the hair on your scalp, eyelashes all grow and shed at different stages. In general, a human lash will shed approximately every two months. Because of this, some lashes will shed sooner than others, which is why refill appointments are necessary to replace the lashes that have fallen out.

There are three different types of lash applications currently available in salons. The price range for the different types range anywhere from $25 to $500, lasting anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Because many places offer one type but not the others, consumers are a bit puzzled by the different claims in longevity and price. Here are the three different types simplified:

1. Flare or Cluster Lash

These are bundles of approximately 6-8 human hair lashes, knotted at one end, fanning out towards the opposite end. These lashes create the most dramatic effect, the fullest, most luscious lashes in the shortest amount of time. However, beware: you may not be taken seriously if you work in a corporate environment with these lashes, they do tend to look a bit fake. Because of their density, ideally they should only stay on for a week or two and be applied with a less potent, vegetable based glue. It is not advisable to keep these lashes on longer than two weeks as there may be some damage to the natural lash because too much glue is trapped between the cluster of lashes. It normally takes about half an hour to apply, the price ranging from $25 to $75 for an application.

2. Single Human Hair Lash

This lash is actually 4-6 lashes all sitting straight in one direction to mimic one single, thick lash. The results are a bit more natural looking than the Flare application, with a look of a thick coat of mascara applied. This type of application is great for weddings and special events as it gives you a fairly dramatic look without going over the top. Human hair tends to frizz after a while, especially with frequent showers and heat. Because of this, these lashes generally last about 3-4 weeks, and up to 6 weeks with a refill. Application usually takes an hour long, price ranges from $75 - $150.

3. Synthetic Single Lash

This type is the gold standard for lash applications. It is also the same type all the Hollywood celebrities are sporting. Looks can vary to fairy-like long & wispy, to full and thick, or it can be so natural looking that one cannot tell from two feet away. These lashes are painstakingly applied one by one. When done properly, there should be no clumping visible; lashes can be combed through with pointed tweezers, and will stay on until your own lash sheds. A quick application consisting of 20 lashes per eye will still take an hour, a normal application two, and three hours for a really full look. In Canada, the price range is between $135 - $350, however, in the U.S., expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $500.

Which type of application is best for you? It would depend on whether you’re putting on these fun, flirty additions for an event or to wear long term. It is important that you discuss this with your technician prior to beginning the procedure. A good technician will explain to you the different types and give you a recommendation based on your needs. Beware of those who tell you that the flare applications can last you a month. It certainly can, but your lashes will not be in the same condition as before you had them on. If you are planning on wearing them on an on-going basis, then the synthetic lashes are the only type you should consider.

When choosing a technician for your lashes, ask them how many applications or how long they’ve been preforming this procedure. Eyelash Extensions is a relatively new service, so expect to hear no more than 2-3 years. Go to a reputable salon, where the environment is clean and sanitary, and beware of any place advertising Synthetics for less than $100 or that it takes less than an hour. In these cases, lashes are just randomly placed on with a large amount of glue. This creates a messy nest that will prevent your lashes from falling off naturally and ultimately ruin your own. Always remember that a single lash application should be just that - one on one, and that you should be able to comb through them with pointed tweezers. Other than the cluster applications, if you see a thick band of glue along the base of your lash line, you should have them professionally removed within two weeks or risk damage to your own lashes.

Veronica Tran is the founder of Pretty Lashes, located in Toronto, Canada. Pretty Lashes is one of the first in Canada to specialize in Eyelash Extensions. For more information on Eyelash Extensions, please visit http://www.prettylashes.ca or send an email to info@prettylashes.ca

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Scrapbooking takes time. It sometimes can last all night if you’re in the mood! But what if you don’t have all night to devote to your hobby? Here are some timesaving tips so that you can get the most out of your time:

Gather all photos for one layout. Pick out coordinating papers, embellishments, etc. Also jot down a layout idea for the page. Place all in a storage size zip lock bag. When you’re ready to scrap, just pull a bag out and you don’t have to think at all about what to do. You just cut and paste!

Another idea is to use a transparency for your journaling. This way you don’t have to print on your paper before you adhere it to your page. A transparency is just that, transparent, so it will look like it’s not even there when you place it on your page. I use Mono Adhesive for it because it is clear and hardly shows up. But you can uses brads, vellum adhesive, or other clear adhesives for it.

Do a little at a time. If you find that you have a spare ten minutes, cut the photo mats and adhere the pictures to them. Make embellishments, write the journaling, anything that will make the piecing together faster and less stressful.

Have all of your supplies in one area so you’re not running around everywhere looking for things. To make it easier too, try storing your supplies in portable drawers. That way you can move them to wherever you can work on them.

Scrapbooking takes a lot of time and devotion. But with a few imaginative steps, it can all come together in no time!

I have been scrapbooking for over 7 years now. I have made several scrapbooks for different clients. I enjoyed doing that. I am more focused on getting my work published on websites and magazines. I have been on 2 different design teams, the most recent being for ScrapbookPal.com, They carry

Tombow,
Fiskars, and
Discount Scrapbook Supplies and more.

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There has been some research on the subject of CD and DVD Labeling, done by enthusiasts who burn their own discs. I have heard that some trouble with the disc’s performance has occured after applying a label, and one has to wonder why!

I have a friend, who labeled some of my CDs, and they played fine. Using a labeling kit, it was simply done, and the CD played with no problems at all.
However, further research has led me to understand that when choosing a label for your disc, it should be considered whether to cover the full face of the disc, or, more traditionally cover only the media area. Most problems with the disc’s performance occured when the full face of the CD or DVD was covered.

My friend’s preference is to cover only the media area and briefly identify the disc’s contents. There is no need to decorate or customize a label for your own personal use. However, those of you who customize or will design your labels for others to see, or use, should take the precautions necessary, and purchase your labels with the proper specifications in mind. Considering the hub size of the label is most important, as well as the format compatibility of the label with the manufacturer. (i.e. Avery, Memorex, Neato)

Also, use a good label applicator, and a good labeling kit. There is some Labeling Software on the market that is very unique and easy to use.

Tom Watson is owner of the Adhesive Label Store. For more information, please visit http://www.topamarketing.com

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