FIRST IMPRESSIONS
On Saturday I got eyelash extensions and so far, I am obsessed! I have smaller almond shaped eyes (that are also heavily lidded) and I think the lash extensions really make my eyes look so much bigger. I think the difference is subtle (in a good way). The people that see me all the time are like, “hey your eyelashes look great, did you do something different?” Whereas people who haven’t seen me for a while can’t quite put their finger on it. I’m worried that I’m not going to want to ever go back to natural lashes!
WHAT WAS THE APPOINTMENT LIKE? HOW LONG DID IT TAKE?
Honestly, it was so much better than I anticipated. It wasn’t scary or painful, and it was actually very relaxing. The only thing that bothered me was that it felt very claustrophobic. Your eyelids are taped shut (because you don’t want them to move at all) and the experience of not being able to open my eyes made me feel claustrophobic. I don’t know if that’s the right word to describe it? Other than that, I was super relaxed. I got a nice warm blanket and peaceful music, and I just tried to relax. The whole process took about 2.5 hours. That sounds like a long time but honestly it was super relaxing and it went by really quickly. A lot of people take a nap during the appointment (which I would highly recommend). I have a hard time relaxing in general (lol) so I couldn’t fall asleep, but she said a lot of people do!
WHO DID YOUR LASHES?
Her name is Christine and she is available for appointments through DM on Instagram. I highly recommend Christine and I had a great experience!
ARE THERE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR LASHES?
Yes! I had no idea there were going to be choices until I got there!
Fullness
The first thing we discussed was the fullness. You can either get 1, 2, or 3 lashes onto each one of your lashes. Just 1 lash will be very natural, whereas 3 lashes is a very glam evening look. I opted for the 2 lash option. Because I work in an office, I wanted something that would be a noticeable change, but still ‘Accounting Alissa’ appropriate.
Shape
I literally had no idea there were going to be different shapes to choose from. Christine recommended the ‘open eyes’ shape because I have almond shaped eyes and this style would make my eyes look a lot bigger. The ‘open eyes’ lashes are slightly longer on the top (compared to the sides). My friend Sam got the cat eye shape (which is perfect for her!)
Length
You also get to choose how long the lashes are. I trusted Christine’s judgment on how long to go. I went slightly shorter than Sam. If you wear glasses or are worried about the lashes touching your eyes when you blink, I would go shorter.
Color
Christine offered either brown or black lashes. I did the black lashes because I wear black mascara and I wanted it to look like I was always wearing mascara. If you want a more natural look, get the brown.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
They are supposed to last about 3-4 weeks before you need to get them filled. The better you take care of them, the less frequently you have to get them filled.
HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM?
Here are a few tips for taking care of your lashes:
- Try not to touch them! I had no idea how much I touch my eyes until I had these extensions. I didn’t realize I rub my eyes in the shower, etc. It’s hard not to touch, but the less you mess with them the longer they will last.
- Try to not to spend a lot of time in hot steam. You need to shower and stuff (obviously), but I would avoid sitting in like a hot spa for a great length of time every day. Christine also suggested not cooking over a hot stove all the time. Hey, she said it!
- Use oil-free makeup and skin products. Anything with oil is going to cause the lashes to fall out quicker. For me this meant getting oil free makeup remover. If you want to use mascara, use an oil-free mascara or eyeliner.
- Clean them periodically. Christine recommended gently cleaning them with baby shampoo.
- Try not to sleep on your face. This is in the same spirit as trying not to touch them. This is difficult for me (as I usually sleep on my stomach). I’ve been trying very hard to sleep on my back (or at least side) to avoid touching the lashes.
ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT RUINING YOUR EYELASHES?
This is the most common question I have gotten since Saturday. From what I have gathered from Christine and other research, it doesn’t seem like there is really any truth to eye lash extensions damaging your natural lashes. That being said, there are plenty of people out there who say their lashes are brittle and shorter immediately following their extensions. However, after those kind of fell out, what grew back was totally normal. Honestly, I am prepared for my natural lashes to not be as great as they were before, but am going to follow the tips and make sure I take good care of them!
DO THE LASH EXTENSIONS BOTHER YOU? CAN YOU FEEL THEM?
Yes, I can feel them but it really doesn’t bother me. I think I am less sensitive to the feeling because growing up in competitive dance I wore fake eyelashes like it was my job. If you are not used to what it feels like, it will take some getting used to. I can also see the lashes in my peripheral all the time. I don’t know if other people have this experience, but I definitely notice them.
WHAT IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN OR EYES?
I have very sensitive skin and before Christine applied the lashes I told her about my various skin irritations. Since getting the lash extensions, I have not had any redness, itching, irritation, etc. I was not worried as I have never had a reaction to eyelash glue in the past. If you have had a reaction to fake eyelashes, I would be skeptical of doing the lash extensions. I do not have very sensitive eyes, so I’m not sure about that. I do wear contacts and my eyes can be a little dry. The only thing that is difficult with that is trying not to rub them!
DO YOU STILL WEAR EYE MAKEUP?
This is the best part! The short answer is no! For work, I put on just face makeup and eyebrows and I am good to go. I haven’t been wearing eye makeup or mascara. It is so easy to get ready! I also just love that right when I get out of bed I look kind of put together. If I have a bigger event I may add some eye shadow or eyeliner maybe? But mascara is absolutely not needed anymore. So great! If you do choose to wear eye makeup, you will need oil free makeup remover (as I mentioned above).
WHAT DO YOU NOT LIKE ABOUT LASH EXTENSIONS?
There are a few things that I am struggling with when it comes to wearing these lash extensions. First, it is difficult for me to not touch my eyes. I didn’t realize how much I touch them (especially rub them). I also have a hard time not sleeping on them. Second, it’s nearly impossible to wash your face, use creams, etc. in the same way that you used to. Anything with oil can’t go on your eyes, and you also just can’t rub your face.
BEFORE AND AFTER
*The lash extensions were provided free of cost. All opinions are my own.
You look great!!!