We recently caught up with The Eyelash Emporium Educator Mel O'Reilly who is judging in Lash Games at Olympia Beauty this year.

What will you be looking for when you’re judging at this year’s Lash Games?

I was overjoyed to be asked to join the judging panel at the London Lash Games. As an educator, I will be looking for an excellent application technique with a creative flare along with thorough attention to health and safety. As part of the education team at The Eyelash Emporium and as a full time technician myself. Each day I strive to deliver high standards and and I will be looking for the same in any of the Lash Games contestants.

Why are lash competitions so important?

Putting your skills to test in a lash competition is no small undertaking, but it’s one of the fastest ways to push your technique, artistry and professionalism to the next level. 

Tell us about your beauty career and how you got into lashing.

I started in the beauty industry with OPI in London in the late 90's and fell in love with all things beauty after working at The London Beauty Show held at Olympia. 

I was lucky enough to have trained with the founder of The Eyelash Emporium and was immediately hooked.

After years of successful freelance work I knew it was time to up my game and qualify as an educator to share my passion and pass it on to others. I am now the owner of my own salon and training academy in the South West of England.

What do you enjoy most about being a lash educator?

I  live and breathe lashes and I'm able to enrich others through teaching a fantastic skill which is something I love.

The art of lashes is a wonderfully creative skill that allows each technician to give their client a new look and an instant boost. I love making  a real difference in people beauty experiences. 

Tell us more about you salon and training academy…

Blush Beauty Bar and Training Academy is based in Stratton, Bude in Cornwall. Our ten beautiful treatment rooms, hair salon and training academy provides all our clients with the very best of beauty, holistic & hair treatments. Our training facility offers education with top brands. For courses from complete beginners to already qualified therapists looking to gain new skills or improve existing techniques. 

We love what we do and we love sharing our passion and knowledge with others. 

What’s your best lash treatment to perform? 

I love to mix up styles with classic and volume techniques, lengths and curls. I'm super excited excited about the new product launch of GDL... a must have treatment for any lash tech to offer. 

What’s your stand-out The Eyelash Emporium product?

Our Off Camera Lash Cleansing Foam. It's a real go to item, a sure fire way of removing all unwanted makeup residue, oils and protein. It creates the perfect prepared natural lash for the beginning of your lash extension treatments.