Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
LASH Extension FAQ
story by Cherie Ward photo courtesy of Janice Thompson
Mascara and falsies can only go so far in giving you that trendy winged look or the bright-eyed Bambi gaze. These days to achieve fuller, longer, darker, and more dramatic peepers, you need a beauty game changer – eyelash extensions.
Extensions are made of quality materials and look more authentic than drugstore strip lashes which can look cheap or fake at best. Extensions can last up to six weeks, whereas most people who use strip lashes are lucky if they stay on through one late night. Lash extensions also mean no sticky mascara to apply and then promptly scrub off a few hours later.
So that’s where Janice Thompson and her wispy world of extensions come in with a product that promises to create thickness, length, and curl. Thompson is an expert NovaLash Classic Certified Lash Stylist and owner of the Beauty Spot Studio at 1064 Thorn Ave. in Ocean Springs.
“Helping clients see the beauty in themselves that others see, is a very profound and uniquely special experience,” she said. “It’s an honor really. I have always enjoyed helping others see the best in themselves and watching them shine.”
She first became a NovaLash Classic Certified Lash Stylist
in October of 2010 and has steadily advanced in professional techniques over the years, including studying to be a lash trainer and is currently part of a very small, select group of global advanced trainers.
“I have always been drawn to detailed work,” she said. “I enjoy the minute details that make a huge impact. Lashing is a very rhythmic and peaceful task to perform. When I sit with a client and as she or he falls asleep, the peace is incredible and I get to
spend the next couple of hours in that environment.”
NovaLash isn’t like other lash brands, according to Thompson.
“There are lots of really good brands out there,” Thompson said. “But NovaLash is my favorite.”
Her clients usually have the same two questions: Will lash extensions ruin my natural lashes? How long will they last? Thompson said extensions are safe as long as they are done properly and the longevity is different for each client, depending on their natural lashes growth cycle, but usually four to six weeks.
“I always take before and after pics for my clients so they can look back and remember as well as see the giant difference lash extensions make,” she said.
And her passion for lashing has at times led her to make a deeper impact on certain clients. “I love working with ladies and men who have lost their lashes due to chemo or other health issues,” she said. “As long as there is something there. Some little bit of natural lashes, I can usually work with that and give back some of what they lost.”
The studio also offers traditional lash lifts, keratin lash lifts,
lash and brow tinting, brow waxing, Henna brows, and airbrush spray tanning. Plans are currently in the works to add permanent makeup, brow shading, ombré brows, and lip shading.
58 | February 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
3 Dos & 1 Don’t
DO clean your lashes daily with a mild lash shampoo. DO fluff your lashes daily with a clean mascara wand.
DO use NovaLash Clean Lash Conditioning Pads a few nights a week. DO NOT ever use mascara on them.