When thinking of who to partner with for our 448 MEGA.matte launch, one of our favorite creative artists @eyesby.op immediately came to mind. With a color so unique, we knew the lash set to represent it had to be equally as one-of-a-kind. As longtime fans of Olivia's work, we knew she would absolutely bring our 448 vision to life.
Below is our behind the artist interview for you to learn more about Olivia. If you're not following her yet, be sure to immediately hit the follow button at @eyesby.op on Instagram.
Below is our behind the artist interview for you to learn more about Olivia. If you're not following her yet, be sure to immediately hit the follow button at @eyesby.op on Instagram.
First, the basics.
Name: Olivia Pougary
Location: Paris, France
How long you've been lashing: 4 and half years
Favorite Lash Style: Anime Lashes and everything around it
How would you describe your outlook on lash artistry?:
"I believe that lash artistry, and the beauty industry as a whole, needs to make space for creative people. The idea of beauty as society wants to define it doesn’t resonate with me. My goal has always been to create a safe space for people who have never felt they belonged in “classic” salons. I aspire to see the lash extension industry open itself up to endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Lash extensions aren’t only “natural,” “simple,” or “elegant.” They can be extravagant, different, unusual, even disruptive. One of the first things I teach my Anime Lashes students is to forget what they think they know and start creating."
"I believe that lash artistry, and the beauty industry as a whole, needs to make space for creative people. The idea of beauty as society wants to define it doesn’t resonate with me. My goal has always been to create a safe space for people who have never felt they belonged in “classic” salons. I aspire to see the lash extension industry open itself up to endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Lash extensions aren’t only “natural,” “simple,” or “elegant.” They can be extravagant, different, unusual, even disruptive. One of the first things I teach my Anime Lashes students is to forget what they think they know and start creating."
Why do you lean towards creative styles and colors rather than “normal” black lashes on your clients?:
"Before becoming a lash artist, I studied art history and archaeology. I’ve always had a precious connection with art, and I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere if I couldn’t express my creativity or continue to be amazed by art, no matter what form it takes. I had never found a beauty salon where I could feel accepted and at home. I never found girls like me in this industry. So I told myself that I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way. Right after my classic lash training, I immediately ordered colored lashes, without even knowing whether I would have clients. I often say that we attract clients who are like us. And I found mine: girls who love change, color, and everything that’s different. A clientele from the shadows, patiently waiting for a lash artist who looked like them to appear."
"Before becoming a lash artist, I studied art history and archaeology. I’ve always had a precious connection with art, and I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere if I couldn’t express my creativity or continue to be amazed by art, no matter what form it takes. I had never found a beauty salon where I could feel accepted and at home. I never found girls like me in this industry. So I told myself that I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way. Right after my classic lash training, I immediately ordered colored lashes, without even knowing whether I would have clients. I often say that we attract clients who are like us. And I found mine: girls who love change, color, and everything that’s different. A clientele from the shadows, patiently waiting for a lash artist who looked like them to appear."
What lash style did you choose for your 448 model and why?:
"I decided to sketch on my iPad the lash set I was going to create for The Lash Ritual, and the hardest part was really figuring out “How do I create a lash set that’s ugly, but not too ugly, grotesque, and unsettling?”. I immediately thought of creating a picturesque version of Medusa Lashes, placing lengths where they shouldn’t be, using textures like wavy lashes, and creating different directions with extensions that cross over each other. By incorporating four different curls, using one tweezer technique from Asia and working with layering techniques, I managed to achieve a perfect kind of chaos, which to me perfectly matches this 448 shade, aka the ugliest color in the world."
"I decided to sketch on my iPad the lash set I was going to create for The Lash Ritual, and the hardest part was really figuring out “How do I create a lash set that’s ugly, but not too ugly, grotesque, and unsettling?”. I immediately thought of creating a picturesque version of Medusa Lashes, placing lengths where they shouldn’t be, using textures like wavy lashes, and creating different directions with extensions that cross over each other. By incorporating four different curls, using one tweezer technique from Asia and working with layering techniques, I managed to achieve a perfect kind of chaos, which to me perfectly matches this 448 shade, aka the ugliest color in the world."
Tell us about photoshoot day. What time did you start, how many people involved in creating the look?:
"It was a very intense day! Our goal was to do the shoot in a bathtub, something my model had, but I didn’t. So I took an Uber for an hour with all my lash extension supplies to get to her place. I arrived at 9:30 a.m., and the appointment lasted until 2 p.m., right in the middle of her bedroom. The most difficult part was that I did it all with only a headlamp, I think that’s why it took sooo long. Then the photographer arrived, my model, who is also a makeup artist, got dressed and did her makeup, and we started the shoot on her balcony during a cigarette break. We were completely in theme."
"It was a very intense day! Our goal was to do the shoot in a bathtub, something my model had, but I didn’t. So I took an Uber for an hour with all my lash extension supplies to get to her place. I arrived at 9:30 a.m., and the appointment lasted until 2 p.m., right in the middle of her bedroom. The most difficult part was that I did it all with only a headlamp, I think that’s why it took sooo long. Then the photographer arrived, my model, who is also a makeup artist, got dressed and did her makeup, and we started the shoot on her balcony during a cigarette break. We were completely in theme."
What was your favorite part about the photoshoot for 448?:
"My favorite part was the photographer’s test shots while he calibrated the flash. Seeing the first photos and watching the project come to life gave me chills and a kind of excitement I only feel when I’m fully immersed in a creative project that speaks to my soul. It was the most stressful moment, but also the most exciting one!"
What do you think of the color 448 as a lash color?:
It’s the most complex color I’ve ever seen in my career as a lash artist. When I first saw it, it looked brown, so I thought it might seem a little ordinary. But then, in the sunlight, it looked gray, and finally, on my model, it appeared khaki… A true chameleon. You never know how it will reveal itself to your eyes! It almost feels like witchcraft.
It’s the most complex color I’ve ever seen in my career as a lash artist. When I first saw it, it looked brown, so I thought it might seem a little ordinary. But then, in the sunlight, it looked gray, and finally, on my model, it appeared khaki… A true chameleon. You never know how it will reveal itself to your eyes! It almost feels like witchcraft.
Where do you gain your inspiration for sets:
I spend a lot of time on Pinterest, not to look at lash extensions, but to look at artwork, flowers, drawings, tattoos and photography. You can find so much inspiration there for shapes and color combinations. I also love stalking makeup artists, they always have the perfect color combinations!
What music do you like to listen to while you create lash sets?:
It can be anything and everything. I have a soft spot for Zelda video game music and Ghibli music, classical, but it can also be Stevie Nicks, The Smiths or listening to Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Joji, or Lana Del Rey albums on repeat.
Are there many creative lash artists in France, or do you see more creativity coming from other countries?:
I think France is desperately lacking creative lash artists. Even though it’s slowly becoming more common, I believe many lash artists don’t think they’ll find the right clientele.. when in fact, those clients are everywhere! There’s this stereotype of “French beauty,” meaning “simple, natural, elegant.” Personally, I drew a lot of inspiration from American lash artists when I first started working with color.
I think France is desperately lacking creative lash artists. Even though it’s slowly becoming more common, I believe many lash artists don’t think they’ll find the right clientele.. when in fact, those clients are everywhere! There’s this stereotype of “French beauty,” meaning “simple, natural, elegant.” Personally, I drew a lot of inspiration from American lash artists when I first started working with color.
Do you have any exciting projects in the works?:
My goal is to develop my Anime Lashes Designer training in English so it can be accessible to everyone, both in person and online. I’d love to create an eyelash extension brand specialized in Anime Lashes, to break the codes and help lash artists awaken their creativity.