Lash Extensions — Why You Should Opt For Sustainable
We care deeply about the earth. As an advocate of ethical and sustainable beauty, Avari is devoted to giving back to the community and engaging in beauty practices that protect our planet.
Terms used to advertise beauty products such as "sustainable" and "non-toxic" are not regulated in the U.S., so it can be difficult to make an informed decision by simply relying on marketing alone. This is why Avari only uses brands that align with our holistic beauty philosophies and promote love of ourselves and our planet.
How PBT Lashes Affect Our Environment
When we think of single-use plastics and their effect on the environment, we rarely consider beauty products and their impact. In her mission to leave the planet better than how she found it, Avari's founder Kari saw a need in the market for sustainable, cruelty-free eyelash extensions. As a lash extension professional, Kari knew there was a better way than the status quo, and started on her journey to source beautiful lashes that would make women feel confident while also being kinder to the planet.
As Kari explains, "When I first became a lash artist, I would buy eyelash extensions in plastic tray after plastic tray. This was all that was available on the market at the time. It made me question, what happens to all of these lashes when they fall off into the sink or on to the ground?"
Concerned about the impact that these lashes might be having on the environment, Kari began to research and learn more about polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) lashes. What she learned troubled her.
"As I researched, I discovered that these lashes that fall would eventually end up in water systems, lakes, soil, garbage facilities, etc."
PBT is a type of polyester that's used to manufacture eyelash extensions, and like other kinds of plastic, PBT is not biodegradable — in our lifetime, at least. Basically, PBT takes hundreds, if not thousands of years to biodegrade. Microplastic pollution is a profoundly concerning problem in our oceans and other bodies of water. Because these plastics are so tiny, they can easily be consumed by aquatic wildlife such as fish and shellfish, working their way up the food chain into larger animals — including humans. Even more alarmingly, these plastics can also concentrate chemicals in the water and affect the health of any organism that consumes the plastic. This is clearly problematic and inspired Kari to develop an alternative.
Sustainable Lash Extensions
As Kari explains, " I was already concerned about microplastics, and I wanted to figure out a better way to make eyelash extensions more sustainable for the environment. It took me a while, but I eventually found a manufacturer who was able to source HDPE materials and fibers to help me create beautiful, lightweight lash extensions. HDPE is a material made from recycled fibers and has a much faster degradation period in soil and water."
Avari's HDPE lash extensions are the first sustainable eyelash extensions available in the beauty industry today. Not only are they made from entirely recycled HDPE fibers, but they are also entirely eco-friendly. Plus, they're so lightweight and comfortable, Kari's clients often feel like they're wearing no eyelash extensions at all.
But Kari didn't simply create beautiful earth-friendly lashes and call it a day — she also insisted on eco-friendly packaging too, by making the boxes out of plant fibers to replace the plastic packages commonly used in the industry.
"This is the first step toward the direction I am taking to provide more sustainable options. I have plans to improve this process even more."
How Do I Take Care Of My Sustainable Lashes?
Avari's sustainable lashes can be treated exactly like you would any other lash extensions. Here are some tips from Kari to help keep yours fluttery and gorgeous until your infill.
Go Oil-free
If you want to keep your lashes for as long as possible, keep oil-based products at bay. This is because oil weakens the glue bond that binds the extension to your natural eyelash. In addition, cream-based eyeliners and other cosmetics can also contain oil and could be problematic for your lashes. If you're planning to put any products near your eyes, read the ingredient list carefully.
Cleanse Twice A Day
Just like you would your face, you should cleanse your eyelashes twice a day, morning and night. Although you may be concerned that washing your lashes could cause them to fall off sooner, this is untrue — in fact, it's actually the opposite that happens. Each day your eyelids attract dirt from the environment and are left with residue from cosmetics, as well as producing oil. All of these things can leach onto your eyelashes and weaken the glue bonds. By not cleaning your lashes, you increase your chances of them falling off prematurely.
For the most effective clean, use a good quality eyelash extension cleanser like Avari's Eyelash Foam Cleanser. Because it's been specially designed to effectively and gently remove sebum, germs, and debris from your eyelashes, you can be sure your lashes stay clean and healthy.
Brush Your Lashes
Yes, just like your hair, you need to brush your lashes too! Brushing is essential because it helps to remove debris and other build-ups from your extensions. Simply take a mascara wand, and gently brush your lashes from root to tip. Do it each morning and repeat in the evening. It's also a good tip to do this after you wash them, to ensure they're in place and looking their fluttery best!
Get A Touch-Up Every 2-3 Weeks
Our eyelashes have a natural cycle of around three months, but it's important to remember that each lash is at a different phase at any one time. The fallout and growth cycle is so subtle that it's unlikely you'll notice; however, it's essential to visit your lash artist every 2-3 weeks for an infill. Your aesthetician will be able to identify which lashes need replacing and can replace them so that your peepers stay looking their best.
