Naked Beauty Podcast: "Beauty Rant/Beauty Rave: The Eyelash Extension Addiction Cycle" Summary

Host: Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli
Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction to the “Rant Rave” Format

In this episode of the Naked Beauty Podcast, Brooke DeVard delves into her personal journey with eyelash extensions, blending her frustrations and praises into what she terms a “nuanced rant that becomes a rave.” This format allows her to explore beauty and wellness topics that evoke strong emotions and require in-depth analysis, ideal for beauty enthusiasts who share her passion.

Brooke’s Journey into Lash Extensions

Starting the Addiction Cycle

Brooke begins by recounting how her eyelash extension journey began during her birthday week in August while she was in New York City before embarking on a trip to Zambia. After years without extensions due to the addictive cycle of needing to continuously fill them, she decided to reinstate her lash routine with a new trend called cat eyelashes or eyeliner lashes.

Brooke (00:05): “I am in the grips of an eyelash addiction cycle. Lying flat on a table for two hours, sometimes more, with my eyes taped shut, having individual lashes applied to my own.”

Understanding the Addiction

Brooke explains that lash extensions create a visual enhancement that mascara cannot replicate, leading to a dependency where one feels incomplete without them. This cycle mirrors similar dependencies seen with hair extensions and other beauty enhancements.

Brooke (00:15): “You start to get used to how your face looks with added lashes...and suddenly, before you know it, you feel ugly without the lashes.”

First Lash Appointment Experience in New York City

Booking Challenges

Brooke details her frustration when the salon informed her that the technician assigned to her appointment lacked experience with the specific cat eyelash style she desired, despite her clear communication and uploaded inspiration images.

Brooke (10:30): “I am not willing to be someone that she experiments with. I don't want to be the first person she's tried to do this lash style with.”

Discomfort During Application

Upon rescheduling, Brooke describes the physical discomfort and sensory overload during her appointment. From excessive tape securing her eyelids to irritation from the glue and the lingering smell of cigarettes, the two-hour process was far from pleasant.

Brooke (20:45): “Having my eyes taped shut... my eyes were just a flittering and a fluttering.”

Aftermath and Concerns

Post-appointment, Brooke was alarmed by the extreme redness and bloodshot appearance of her eyes, leading her to fear she might have experienced an allergic reaction.

Brooke (30:10): “I was like, have I done the stupidest thing I could have done right before my birthday?”

Continuing the Lash Extension Journey in Los Angeles

Finding a Better Salon

Driven by her initial negative experience, Brooke sought a more reputable salon in Beverly Hills recommended by her friend. Although the booking was challenging and expensive, the meticulous and health-focused approach of the new salon significantly improved her experience.

Brooke (40:30): “This experience was ten times better than my experience in New York.”

Balancing Subtlety and Satisfaction

Despite the improved process, Brooke struggled with achieving the desired visibility of her lashes. Initial dark brown lashes seemed too subtle against her skin, prompting her to opt for additional black lashes to enhance the effect.

Brooke (50:20): “The dark brown just didn't contrast with my skin enough for the lashes to really pop.”

The Psychological Aspect of Lash Extensions

Chasing Perfection

Brooke reflects on the psychological tendency to seek ever-more dramatic enhancements, likening it to cosmetic surgery addictions where initial satisfaction leads to a continual hunt for perfection.

Brooke (55:50): “It's like any drug that your body takes. Like you need a higher dosage to feel the effects.”

Embracing the Routine

Despite the challenges, Brooke appreciates how lash extensions simplify her beauty routine, especially during pregnancy when she feels too fatigued for extensive makeup routines.

Brooke (60:00): “Having the lashes just gives me that extra little bit that just... makes me feel like I'm just, like, a little bit more done.”

Expert Tips and Recommendations

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients in Lash Serums

Brooke warns listeners about lash serums containing prostaglandins, which can cause severe side effects like skin hyperpigmentation and periorbital fat loss. She recommends serums without prostaglandins and highlights safe alternatives.

Brooke (70:15): “You want to make sure any lash serum you buy does not have prostaglandin in it. They can cause sunken in eyes...you don't want that.”

Product Recommendations

• Corner Lashes: Modern Glow Lashes for a fresh, reusable option.

  Brooke (80:25): “I love having a corner lash... they're much easier to apply.”

• Strip Lashes: Love Scene Lashes by Jenna Lyons and Lily Lashes for various styles.

  Brooke (85:40): “My favorite strip lashes are from Love Scene, which is actually Jenna Lyons' company.”

• Mascara: Thrive Cosmetics’ tubing mascara and Rare Beauty’s mascara for natural enhancement without flaking.

  Brooke (90:10): “The Rare Beauty mascara... it really lengthens and thickens your lashes without flaking.”

Application Tips

Brooke emphasizes the importance of using the right tools, such as lash applicators and specific tweezers, to ease the application process.

Brooke (95:30): “Get a lash applicator. Applying them with your hands is so hard.”

Conclusion and Future Directions

Brooke acknowledges that her journey with lash extensions is ongoing, recognizing the addictive cycle she’s entrenched in but also appreciating the benefits. She hints at future episodes where she will explore alternative methods for achieving beautiful lashes without the extensive application process.

Brooke (100:45): “I am in the depths of this addiction cycle. I'm chasing perfection... but I will keep updating you all.”

She encourages listeners to stay tuned for upcoming interviews and beauty discussions, reinforcing the community aspect of the Naked Beauty Podcast.

Key Takeaways:

• Addiction Cycle: Lash extensions can create a dependency similar to other beauty enhancements, driven by the desire for continuous improvement.
• Health Considerations: It’s crucial to choose reputable salons and avoid harmful ingredients in lash products.
• Simplified Beauty Routine: Despite the challenges, lash extensions can streamline daily beauty routines, especially for those with busy or demanding lifestyles.
• Product Knowledge: Understanding the variety of lash types and recommended products can enhance the overall experience and satisfaction with lash extensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Brooke (00:05): “I am in the grips of an eyelash addiction cycle.”
• Brooke (20:45): “Having my eyes taped shut... my eyes were just a flittering and a fluttering.”
• Brooke (55:50): “It's like any drug that your body takes. Like you need a higher dosage to feel the effects.”
• Brooke (70:15): “You want to make sure any lash serum you buy does not have prostaglandin in it.”

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