The 2026 Lashie Awards at LashCon in San Diego celebrated some incredible talent from across the industry, and we were so excited to see Alyssa Kostenko of Elite Cosmetics LLC take home the title of Lash Lift Artist of the Year.
Based in Woodbury, Connecticut, Alyssa is a licensed esthetician, eyelash technician, makeup artist and educator. She opened Elite Cosmetics in 2021 at just 21 years old and has since grown the salon to offer lash extensions, lash lifts, brow services, facials, sugar waxing, makeup and bridal services.
As Alyssa explains:
“I have always been passionate about creating an experience where clients feel comfortable, confident and cared for. I also love continuing my education and bringing newer techniques and services back to my clients in Connecticut.”
How Alyssa found her passion for lashes
Alyssa first came across lash extensions in 2019 while attending makeup school in New York City, where she was studying makeup for film and television.
“Coming from Connecticut, where certain beauty trends did not always catch on as quickly as they did in larger cities, I had never seen lash extensions in person before. I was completely amazed when I started seeing people wearing them throughout the city.”
That first introduction quickly turned into a passion for lash artistry.
“Once I entered the lash industry, I fell in love with how much artistry and customization went into it. Lashes can completely enhance someone’s features while still being personalized to their eye shape, lifestyle and individual style.”
For Alyssa, one of the most rewarding parts of lash extensions is being able to create something completely individual for every client.
“What I love most is that no two sets, or clients, are exactly alike. Lash extensions allow me to be creative while designing something specifically for the person in front of me.”
She also loves the confidence that can come from a finished set.
“Seeing someone look in the mirror and immediately feel more beautiful and confident is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.”
Returning to lash lifts
Winning Lash Lift Artist of the Year held an even deeper meaning for Alyssa because her award entry was created only three to four months after she returned to performing lash lifts following a break of almost three years.
“I was genuinely shocked. Because of that, winning Lash Lift Artist of the Year meant far more to me than simply receiving an award.”
Earlier in her career, Alyssa performed lash lifts regularly. As her salon grew, she stepped away from the service to help her team build their own clientele.
“I did not realize how much I would miss that part of my artistry.”
After going through a difficult period that required her to restart and rebrand much of her salon, Alyssa decided to return to lash lifts so her existing clients could continue receiving the service at Elite Cosmetics.
“I took that responsibility very seriously and committed myself to relearning, continuing my education, and understanding the newer systems and techniques available.”
For Alyssa, the award became a reminder of what can come from an unexpected change in direction.
“Winning felt like confirmation that the hardship I experienced had redirected me toward something I was meant to rediscover. Without that difficult chapter, I may never have returned to lash lifts, entered the competition, or won this award.”
Her award-winning lash lift with Elleeplex Profusion
For her Lashie Awards submission, Alyssa created a clean, lifted result using a Korean lash lift technique.
“My goal was to enhance the client’s natural lashes while creating a noticeable transformation that still appeared soft, healthy and intentional.”
Alyssa had used Elleebana One Shot since she first began offering lash lifts in 2019, so she was already familiar with the Elleebana brand. When she began working with Elleeplex Profusion, however, she found it suited the newer techniques she was learning.
“When I began working with Elleeplex Profusion, it completely changed my perspective on lash lifts. I found Profusion to be a gentler system that worked beautifully with the Korean techniques I was learning and incorporating into my services.”
Because she had only recently returned to lash lifting, having a system that gave her greater control was especially important.
“Choosing a system that gave me control while supporting the condition of the natural lashes was extremely important. Profusion helped me create the type of precise, healthy-looking result that I wanted represented in my award submission.”
Alyssa also sees Elleeplex Profusion playing an important role as lash lifts become a bigger focus at Elite Cosmetics.
“What I love most about Elleeplex Profusion is how gentle and versatile it is, especially when creating Korean lash lifts.”
“It allows me to create beautiful, customized results while taking a thoughtful approach to the integrity of the natural lashes.”
Alyssa’s advice for other lash artists
For artists who are considering entering an industry competition, Alyssa’s advice is to give yourself the opportunity, even if you do not feel completely ready.
“Put yourself out there, even if you do not feel completely ready. There is no such thing as a perfect lash artist. We should always be learning, growing and challenging ourselves.”
Her own experience is proof of that.
“My winning submission was created only three to four months after I returned to lash lifts. If I had allowed self-doubt or the difficult circumstances surrounding that return to stop me, I never would have entered and I never would have won.”
She also shared a reminder that many artists can relate to:
“Do not beat yourself up when you experience a setback. Use it as motivation to get back up and work even harder. Your greatest competition is not another lash artist, it is the person you were yesterday.”
Looking ahead to 2027
For Alyssa, 2027 will be all about continuing to learn, growing Elite Cosmetics and making lash lifts a larger part of her clientele.
“I never want to reach a point where I believe I know everything. There is always an opportunity to learn, improve and approach your work from a new perspective.”
“This award has given me even more motivation to keep developing that side of my business and to show clients what can be achieved with their natural lashes.”
And there is another exciting chapter ahead for Alyssa outside the salon too. She became engaged during the same LashCon weekend that she received her award.
“My fiancé and I have been together for almost my entire lash career, so having such a meaningful personal milestone happen alongside this professional achievement made the weekend even more unforgettable.”
A huge congratulations to Alyssa on her Lash Lift Artist of the Year win. We loved hearing more about her story, her return to lash lifting and the work behind her award-winning entry.
Want to see more of Alyssa’s work? Follow her on Instagram at @elitecosmeticst.