I don’t usually get an opportunity to go to salons, but when I do, I really look forward to it. Vanity Studio (of Vanity Cosmetics) is located on a trendy stretch of Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, CA surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops and stores. The studio is a super cute hair and makeup salon that is headed by Makeup Artist, Christine Turner. I was offered a complimentary Eye Lash Tint and Eyebrow Clean up service–both of which I have never done before in my life, so I grabbed my purse and hit the road to see what this was really all about.
It was a Saturday afternoon, and I arrived at the Salon….. twenty minutes late. Yup. I know, I cringe thinking about it. I was totally late. Driving my boyfriend’s car and not mine— and its only about a thousand degrees outside on a random day in April. Thank you traffic, you fooled me! I couldn’t believe it. I hate being late, and worse not being able to call, so I was mad at myself and hot and sweaty. Man, I totally needed this primp time. Thank God Christine graciously welcomed me without even batting an eye about my tardiness and had Denise sit me down and immediately get started on my treatment.
The first thing that was done was removing all eye makeup for a clean canvas. I totally forgot that if anyone comes at my eyes with anything at all, a makeup brush, a q-tip, or mascara wand, my eyes water. Of course, my eyes started up which alerted the artist to ask if my eyes get sensitive. No. Not really. Its just my brain seeing someone else’s hand that close. I know. Weird. Anyways, She cleaned all my eye makeup and applied a thin layer of Vaseline underneath my eye and above. Then applied a thin paper-cloth like shield underneath my eyes and held in place by the Vaseline. She went on to explain that she would paint the tint first on the lower lashes, then the uppers,and I would have to close my eyes for 20 minutes while it set. Hmm. I think I can handle that. So she paints my lower lashes and I close my eyes for the next twenty minutes while she paints a careful coat over the rest of my lashes. I was relieved to find no stinging or burning. I figured I would just relax and make sure I kept my eyes closed. As long as I remembered to keep my eyes closed I would be fine. After twenty minutes, the tint was then wiped off with water and a cotton pad, and I couldn’t believe the difference.
No eye makeup at all! Look how my lashes form a deep black lash “line”! Awesome!
I wasn’t really sure what a lash tint could do but it actually turned my brown lashes pitch black and made it look like I had
eyeliner on, deep in the lashline. It looked awesome. You could totally go without mascara for a while with a lash tint. I was told it could last weeks, and so far its been about a week and they still look great!. After tinting my lashes, Christine, the owner personally cleaned and shaped up my brows.
I’ve always been nervous of going to someone to have my brows done, because I think so many people have a different idea of what looks nice. I’m used to shaping my own brows at home and never got the courage to try anywhere really. Thank God, I have been schooled in the art of a professional brow shaping. Christine kept my brows—-still,my brows, but totally cleaned up the shape so that it was more precise. I think the difference is when they actually trim the brows down so even if their out of whack they still lie down in shape. That, I’m definitely afraid to do on my own. I will never take a pair of scissors near my browns in fear I’ll slip and give myself a bald spot. Nope. We’ll save that for the pro’s like Christine and her team at the Vanity (Cosmetics) Studio.
Eyebrow treatments aren’t the only thing the Vanity (Cosmetics) Studio offers. They are a full service makeup and hair salon as well. Airbrush Tanning, Makeup Lessons and Custom Facials are also on the menu, as well as Bridal Party On Site Services. Christine has also made her own line of cosmetics, Vanity Cosmetics, such as custom blended foundations, blushes, lipsticks, lip stains, which sounds totally awesome. And if you like more of a variety, you can scan the back wall of the studio for the other brands she carries such Bare Minerals, Jan Marini, and Buxom Lips. If you live in the San Fernando Valley and I highly suggest you check this place out. It isn’t your grandma’s salon. It’s somewhere you can bring a friend with, and then walk down the block to get something to eat or drink afterwards.
I’m still admiring the brow shaping that Christine did and would love to go back again to keep it up! There is now way I could do this on my own and glad I finally got to see it on myself.
As as special treat, Christine is offering my local readers a special offer:
First time customers will get $5.00 off with any Eye lash or Brow Treatment with the mention of the iliketotalkalot blog!
I know we all love discounts, so don’t pass this one up. Just don’t forget to mention this when booking your appointment so you don’t get a confused look at the counter,tee hee. Let’s make it easy for everyone all around, right? 😉
Expiration date: November 30th, 2012
13547 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818.385.0214
A special thanks to Christine for doing such a wonderful job with my lashes and brows, and to my friend Carolyn for introducing me to this little gem. I’m already planning on going back for more…..this time, I’m thinking I’m way overdue for a hair cut. After looking at the services they have, which service would you like to do? Share in the comments below.
**The services provided to me on my visit were complimentary**
P.S want to see what my eyelashes looked like before? Check out this old article I wrote with up close pics of my eyes/lashes : here
