40. Let’s Rant: Bad Trends, Bad Habits & Hard Truths

42. The Strange History of Lash Adhesives (This Gets Weird...)

In this episode, Carly and Olivia are diving deep into the history of cyanoacrylate (the main ingredient in lash adhesives) and are asking one big question… How did this chemistry end up being used in the beauty industry… and on the eyes??! We’re going all the way back to the origins of cyanoacrylate, from its accidental discovery to its early uses in medical and industrial settings, and tracing how it eventually made its way into lash extension services. Let’s just say… we put our tin foil hats on for this one! This episode explores the timeline, the gaps, and the “how did we get here?” moments that most people in the industry have never questioned.   💜 Topics Covered: * The discovery of cyanoacrylate * Early uses (medical, industrial, and beyond) * How it transitioned into beauty + lash applications * Why this chemistry became the industry standard * The questions no one is asking about lash adhesive origins   If you’ve ever wondered why we use what we use in lash extensions, this episode is for you!

41. BTS: Opal Free Certification Training

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Carly and Olivia are joined by Mama Apothecary in New Jersey for a real, unfiltered look at our Opal Free Certification classes!! We’re pulling back the curtain on what went right, what didn’t, and the hurdles we faced during our first few trainings—because transparency matters, and growth is part of building something better for this industry. After that, we walk you through exactly what to expect if you sign up for Opal Free Certification. From day one to the final day, we break down the structure, curriculum, and overall experience so you know exactly what you're stepping into. Whether you're already enrolled or just curious about the training, this episode gives you a full inside look at what makes this certification different.   💜 Topics Covered: * Behind the scenes of our first Opal Free classes * Challenges we faced + how we improved * Full breakdown of the Opal Free Certification experience * What each day of training includes * Who this course is for   If you're serious about becoming an allergy-conscious lash artist, this is where it starts! https://www.lashapothecary.com/collections/opal-free-collection/products/in-person-classes

40. Let’s Rant: Bad Trends, Bad Habits & Hard Truths

In this episode, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of diving into a single scientific topic, we’re sitting down for a candid conversation about the things in the lash industry that drive us crazy... from questionable trends and bad habits to the misinformation that keeps circulating online!! The lash industry is constantly evolving, but not every trend is a good one. This episode is an honest conversation about where we think the industry is getting it wrong — and where it can do better.

39. LED UV Lash Lamp Safety: Risk Groups, Testing, and What It Really Means (Part 2)

In Part 2, we go deeper into the science and real-world application of LED UV lash lamp safety. We break down the difference between accredited and non-accredited labs, explain what NIST traceability means in the context of testing, and take a closer look at what each IEC 62471 risk group actually represents outside of a technical report. Why do some lamps require shields, warnings, or black eye pads while others don’t? What would cause a lash lamp to fall into Risk Group 2 and does that automatically make it unsafe? This episode focuses on understanding hazard vs. real-world exposure, helping lash artists interpret classifications without fear or confusion. In Part 2, we discuss: * Accredited labs vs. non-accredited testing * NIST-traceable measurements explained * A deeper breakdown of IEC 62471 risk groups * Real-world examples of exposure scenarios * Why some lamps require additional protections * Are Risk Group 2 lamps risky or just misunderstood? Our goal is to give you the knowledge to evaluate safety claims with confidence and clarity.   https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/ [https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/]  https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076 [https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076]

38. LED UV Lash Lamp Safety: Risk Groups, Testing, and What It Really Means (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-episode deep dive, we’re laying the foundation for understanding LED UV lash lamp safety and what real testing actually looks like behind the scenes! What is IEC 62471, and why does it exist? What are photobiological safety tests measuring, and how do risk groups work? We walk through the basics of how lamps are evaluated, explain the different risk group categories, and share why Lash Apothecary chose to pursue independent third-party testing for the Opal lamp. This episode is all about building context so lash artists can understand the language used around safety claims and certifications. In Part 1, we cover: * What IEC 62471 is and what it evaluates * The purpose of photobiological safety testing * A beginner-friendly overview of risk groups * Why third-party testing matters * How safety standards apply to LED UV lash lamps If you’ve ever wondered what those classifications actually mean, or why some brands talk about testing while others don’t... this is where to start!     https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/ [https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/] https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076 [https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076]