Lash Science

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 h...

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...

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 i...

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 p...

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 shar...

In Part 2, we go deeper into what those “formaldehyde fumes” actually mean for your body — and why this conversation is occupational health literacy, not fear marketing. We cover: the full list of common symptoms artists and clients experience how repeated exposure can sensitize the body, leading to stronger reactions over time does exposure cause allergic contact dermatitis, respiratory sensitiza...

Are the “formaldehyde fumes” from lash adhesive actually harmless… or are we closer to the danger zone than the industry wants to admit? In Part 1, we break down: the difference between fumes, gases, and vapors (and which one formaldehyde actually is) how formaldehyde behaves in the lash room (does it linger? dissolve into skin?) the World Health Organization’s indoor air guideline for formaldehyd...

Lash artists use tape every single day… but how many of us actually know what it’s made of? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of lash tapes— micropore tape, silicone tape, medical tapes, and yes… the wildly popular foam tape. We break down what these products are truly composed of and why the marketing doesn’t always tell the full story. We also review a surprising PubMed clinica...

In this episode, we explore the question: is there a real connection between cold weather and lash allergies? We walk through a peer-reviewed PubMed study together (reading and interpreting the abstract in real time) and break down what it reveals about how cold, dry environments impact the skin barrier — especially the delicate eyelid area. We then connect that science to what lash artists see in...

In this episode, we reflect on our 2025, share our intentions and goals for 2026, and let the conversation wander into a few unexpected (and spicy) places along the way. It’s a casual check-in on growth, direction, and what’s next for us — both personally and professionally.     If you have any questions, you can email us at carly@lashapothecary.com or olivia@lashapothecary.com . For in-person tra...

Go behind the booth with the Lash Apothecary team as we share the real, unfiltered story of what it was like being a small brand stepping onto a big stage as a Diamond Sponsor at LashCon — from the chaos to the breakthroughs, and the unforgettable moments we introduced Opal Free to the world!

In this episode, we’re officially introducing Opal Free — the world’s first acrylate-free, plant-based lash adhesive. We’re taking you behind the scenes of our journey creating this groundbreaking formula: from the inspiration and research to the testing, certifications, and what makes this adhesive so revolutionary for lash artists and clients alike. You’ll learn: What makes Opal Free different f...

LashCon 2025 is almost here — and Lash Apothecary is coming in BIG this year. In this episode, Carly and Olivia give you the full breakdown of what to expect from Lash Apothecary at this year’s event. We’re talking booth details, class times, product launches, and everything happening inside our sponsor suite. Whether you’re attending LashCon for the first time or you’re a returning pro, this epis...

In this special episode, the full Lash Apothecary team—Curtis, Olivia, Anne, and Carly—come together to share the untold story of how Lash Apothecary began and how the Opal LED UV Lash System came to life. We dive into: The personal journeys that led each of us together to make Lash Apothecary what it is now The series of events that led to the idea for the Opal system The challenges of creating s...

The EU (European Union) has officially banned TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in all cosmetic products starting September 1, 2025. This includes gel nail polish and LED UV lash adhesives — but why did this happen, what does it mean for beauty professionals, and should you be worried? In this episode, we break down: What TPO is and how it’s used as a photo initiator in beauty product...

Is LED UV lash glue the same as gel nail polish? A lot of lash artists wonder if light-cured adhesives are just like UV resin or gel polish — and today we’re breaking it all down.   In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What resin really means in chemistry ✨ The big ingredient differences between gel nail polishes and LED lash adhesives ✨ How safety and biocompatibility set lash adhesives apart   Wh...

Are oils really ruining your retention — or have we all been lied to? In this episode of Lash Science, Carly and Olivia are joined by cosmetic chemist, Michael Becker, to finally get to the bottom of one of the most misunderstood topics in lash care: OIL. We cover everything from: How oils actually interact with lash adhesives (traditional and light-cured) Which oils are actually a problem… and wh...

In this episode of Lash Science, we’re diving deep into the Opal LED UV Lash System from Lash Apothecary — the game-changing technology that’s rewriting the rules of lash extensions. We break down how the Opal light is built, the rigorous safety measures behind it, and why Lash Apothecary goes above and beyond to ensure it’s not just safe... but the safest option on the market!!! Then we get into...

Is UV light a public health threat… or have we been scared into sunlight phobia? In this episode, we dive into the "Great Solar Debate", breaking down how sunburns, tanning, and skin cancer actually happen, and whether the lash industry (and the world) have misunderstood UV exposure altogether. We cover what UVA and UVB really do to your skin, how the electromagnetic spectrum plays a role, and the...

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked but essential tools in lash artistry: saline solution!! We break down the differences between saline, contact solution, and multi-purpose solution, and explain why only saline belongs in your lash services. From protecting the delicate tear film to reducing irritation, preventing sensitivities, and boosting retention, we cover it all. W...

In this special episode, Carly and Olivia are joined by optometrists Dr. Gurleen Dhanoa and Dr. Aysha Chaudhry from @eyestheticsofficial for an in-depth conversation about ocular health, lash extensions, and why hypochlorous acid (HOCl) deserves a place in every lash artist’s routine! We discuss how they became involved in the lash industry, what healthy lash extensions and proper ocular hygiene l...

We’re back with Part 2 of our LED UV Lash Extensions Q&A! In this episode of Lash Science, Carly and Olivia break down the most searched—and most misunderstood—questions about light-cured lash systems: * Are LED UV adhesives better for sensitive or allergic clients? * Does light curing really lower irritation? * Is the light safe for eyes or does it cause damage over time? * Should lash artist...

In this episode of Lash Science, Carly and Olivia tackle your most Googled, TikTok’d, Reddit’d questions about LED UV lash extensions. This is Part 1 of our deep-dive Q&A series—and we’re covering the basics and the juicy stuff: How do LED/UV lash systems actually work? What's the difference between LED and UV light? Do they really improve retention? Can you get them wet right away? What’s the...

The lash industry is facing a growing problem: more and more clients are developing sensitivities, and it's not just bad luck—it's a full-blown epidemic... In this episode, we dive into the rising rates of irritation and allergic reactions, why this issue is being brushed under the rug, and what it means for the future of our services (and our income). We also introduce the BioComfort™ Method—a st...

Think you know how to patch test for lash extensions? Think again. In this episode, we're breaking down the correct way to perform a patch test — using one eye only, applying 10–15 lashes in a single section, and replicating your full service exactly — whether you’re using traditional or light-cured adhesive. We explain why this method matters, what subtle symptoms to watch for, and how even the s...