How it works

The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™

The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™ (RFI) operates through a clear, outcome-led process designed to assess refinement, wearability, and longevity in professional lash and brow services.

This page explains how the process works from first enquiry to ongoing recognition.


Overview of the Process

Accreditation under the RFI follows five core stages:

  1. Readiness & eligibility
  2. Application & evidence submission
  3. Independent assessment
  4. Decision & licensed use
  5. Renewal & ongoing review

Each stage is proportionate, transparent, and governed.


1. Readiness & Eligibility

Before applying, professionals are encouraged to review:

  • the purpose of the RFI
  • who the standard is for (and not for)
  • application requirements

The RFI is designed for professionals who:

  • prioritise wearability and longevity
  • design outcomes intentionally
  • are comfortable with evidence-based review

Accreditation is voluntary and not suitable for every practice.


2. Application & Evidence Submission

Applicants submit:

  • an application form
  • representative outcome evidence for each service applied for

Evidence typically includes:

  • before images
  • immediate after images
  • in-wear images showing how results settle over time

Assessment is outcome-led.
Training certificates, qualifications, or testimonials are not assessed.

Submission of an application does not guarantee accreditation.


3. Independent Assessment

Submitted evidence is reviewed against published RFI criteria, including:

  • structural harmony
  • symmetry and balance
  • softness and flexibility
  • wearability
  • longevity readiness

Assessment considers:

  • consistency across cases
  • appropriateness of decisions
  • how results are designed to wear

Style, trend, and aesthetic preference are not prescribed.


4. Decision & Accreditation Outcome

Following assessment, a governance-led decision is made.

Possible outcomes include:

  • accreditation granted
  • accreditation granted with conditions
  • deferral pending clarification
  • non-grant

Where accreditation is granted, it is awarded at a defined level:

  • RFI Conformant
  • RFI Advanced
  • RFI Signature

Levels reflect degrees of conformity with the standard, not ranking or superiority.


5. Licensed Use

Where accreditation is granted:

  • licensed reference to the RFI may be permitted
  • approved wording and marks may be used
  • scope and validity are clearly defined

Licensed use is:

  • time-limited
  • non-transferable
  • subject to renewal and governance

Use of the RFI outside these terms is not permitted.


6. Renewal & Ongoing Review

Accreditation is not permanent.

Renewal typically requires:

  • a short declaration
  • updated representative evidence

Renewal confirms continued alignment with the standard and correct licensed use.

Failure to renew results in expiry of licensed reference.


7. Governance & Fairness

The RFI is administered by Qelvea Standards under defined governance arrangements.

This includes:

  • separation of assessment and decision-making
  • conflict of interest management
  • proportional enforcement
  • appeals and complaints procedures

These measures protect fairness and consistency.


8. What the RFI Is — and Is Not

The RFI is:

  • a private professional standard
  • evidence-based and outcome-led
  • designed to clarify professional approach

The RFI is not:

  • a regulatory or statutory scheme
  • a certification or endorsement
  • a guarantee of outcomes

Final Note

The Refined Finish Index™ is deliberately focused.

It exists to support professionals who value:

  • restraint
  • intention
  • longevity

Accreditation does not change how you work.
It clarifies how your work is designed to wear.


Optional Next Steps

  • Review Application Requirements
  • Read the Accreditation Overview
  • Explore the Governance Framework

The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™

A clear process for recognising outcome-led refinement.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application is submitted:

  1. Initial review
    Your application and evidence are checked for completeness and relevance.
  2. Assessment
    Submitted outcomes are reviewed against the published Refined Finish Index™ criteria.
  3. Decision
    A governance-led decision is made. Accreditation is not automatic.
  4. Outcome notification
    You are informed of the outcome and any next steps.

Where accreditation is granted, details of scope, level, and licensed use are confirmed.


Important to Know

  • Assessment is evidence-based and outcome-led
  • Decisions reflect conformity with a private professional standard
  • Timeframes vary depending on volume and complexity

Use of Personal Data in Accreditation

Personal data submitted as part of an application is processed solely for the purposes of assessment, governance, licensing, renewal, verification, and enforcement of the Refined Finish Index™.

Data is limited to what is necessary, handled confidentially, and retained only for as long as required to administer the standard.