New Mum and the lash artist

Almost by default, I seem to be the most glamorous spa spy. Not that my fellow spa spies don’t do glamour (you should see us all getting ready for the awards), but pre-baby my wardrobe was full of vintage from The Girl Can’t Help it and London’s finest emporiums. I loved the silks and waistlines but hated the fur. I picked up the habit of regular blow-dries when I lived in New York and painting my nails gave me enforced downtime where I couldn’t touch or do anything while they dried.

So, when asked to test out a premium lash brand the invite came to me. I’ve had my lashes done a few times in the past but have been on a break, trying to give myself time to replenish my own lashes. Novalash is a lash brand with a difference; due to the technology in their adhesive you can have your lashes put on and jump straight into the hydro pool without worrying about them coming unstuck. Could this be the perfect solution to dramatic lashes without ruining your spa vibe?

I was booked in with lash artist extraordinaire Sarah-Anne Barham. Sarah-Anne trained as a beauty therapist and was ‘lashing’ for several years before she decided that the lashes she used just weren’t good enough. Her research into better lashes took her to American brand, Novalash. She trained and developed her technique and within five months was flown out to Texas to compete in their Lash Artist of the Year competition. After a series of ‘lash offs’ she was crowned the winner. I was in the best of hands to discover the Novalash brand.

I visited Sarah-Anne’s beauty salon in Felixstowe, full of soft grey décor, comfortable yet stylish seating and just a little touch of sparkle. While working on my lashes Sarah-Anne explained what makes Novalash lashes different.

Novalash was set up by a molecular biologist, Sophy Merszei, so all the formulations are kept in- house. Their adhesive is water- and oil-proof so not only can you get straight in the shower, pool or steam room after they are set but you can also use make up, cleansers and moisturisers without damaging the bond (there’s one ingredient you need to be careful of, glycol will break down the glue). The lashes are also vegan and cruelty free, although the company has not yet got the leaping bunny seal of approval.

Sarah-Anne also explained that from an aesthetic point of view, the Novalash technique uses lashes of three or four different lengths to give a more natural look. Traditional Russian-style lashes are made to be one consistent length which makes the look symmetrical, but using multiple lengths allows the drama but without an unnatural look.

For me, Sarah-Anne used three lengths, 8, 10 and 12mm lashes in a mixture of C and D curls. She spent two hours applying the different lashes, attaching them to each of my natural lashes with minimal glue – the lashes felt light compared to others. When I opened my eyes, I could see that the lashes were defined without being blocky.

I really liked the fact that I could use cleanser, moisturisers, even make up without having to worry about the lashes. And as a busy mum, having Novalash infills every three to four weeks is easier than the standard two to three weeks.

Would I have them again? Absolutely, they’d fit in with my lifestyle and allow me to still follow the skincare routine I enjoy without worrying about wasted time and money. Would I have them as part of my spa day? Yes. I love ending my spa day with a blow dry and this gives that beauty finishing touch but with a longer lasting effect too.

To book your lash treatment go to: sarahannesbeauty.com. Lash extensions begin at £30 for a half set.