The Secret to Your Best Retention Isn’t What You Think (And It’s Not Your Fault)

WiNKED
Sep 17
2 min read

Lash artists, let’s be real. We pour our heart and soul into every single set. Perfect fans, clean isolation, spot-on placement… we do everything right.

Then a few days later, the dreaded text pops up: “My lashes are already coming off!”

That instant pang of panic hits. Your confidence dips. You start spiraling: “What did I do wrong?”

Here’s the truth: the problem probably isn’t you.

Most of the time, the real culprit isn’t your technique at all—it’s your adhesive.

The Problem with Most Adhesives

For too long, lash glue has felt like a gamble. Some days it behaves, other days it’s giving full drama-queen energy. It doesn’t care about your speed, your client’s sensitivities, or even the weather in your salon.

Adhesive shouldn’t be moody. It should be reliable. That’s why we decided to stop guessing and start creating.

The WiNKED Adhesive Revolution 💜

We built two core adhesives to solve the exact problems you face behind the chair. They’re not just glues—they’re your new lashing partners.

💜 First Love (Black)
- Fast, bold, and no-nonsense. If you blink, it’s bonded.
- Dry time: ~1 second
- Retention: 6–7 weeks
- Best for: Artists who lash fast and want that jet-black bond that doesn’t quit.
🤍 Lucid (Clear)
- Gentle but never weak. Gives you space to adjust without sacrificing hold.
- Dry time: 1–2 seconds
- Retention: 5–6 weeks
- Best for: Sensitive clients, airy/light sets, or artists who prefer a little wiggle room.

Why Adhesive Choice is Everything 🎯

Your glue isn’t just about keeping lashes on. It’s about:

Matching Your Speed → Too fast? You’ll get stickies. Too slow? Fans collapse.
Building Loyal Clients → Strong retention means happy clients who stop shopping around.
Respecting Your Environment → Both First Love and Lucid thrive best at 64–75°F and 40–70% humidity. (Yes, this is your sign to buy a hygrometer if you don’t already have one 👀).

Ashli’s Tip ✨💡

Don’t blame yourself right away if retention dips. Nine times out of ten, it’s not your technique... it’s your environment and adhesive. Shake before every use, wipe your nozzle, and swap your bottle out every 4–6 weeks once it’s open. Fresh glue = fresh results.

Don’t Just Read About It. Come Try It. 🎉

You can scroll and read about adhesives all day… but nothing beats testing them in person. That’s why we’re putting them front and center at our 3-Year Anniversary + Launch Party on September 27th.

Here’s what you can expect: