By ERICA DYMOND
From Kim Kardashian to Gwen Stefani, eyelash extensions are all the rage in Hollywood. But you don’t need to be a celebrity (or have the income of one) to get this sultry look anymore.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t leave the house without mascara. My lashes are fine, fair and barely there. As an active girl, mascara isn’t always the best option. When you hop from work to hot yoga, there’s rarely time in between to wash off that make-up.
Eyelash extensions are convenient, low-maintenance, and refills are roughly the same price as getting a bikini wax. But as they become more available to us commoners there are a few things you should know before glamming it up. I asked my lash-go-to girl Linh Nguyen from Beyond Beauty in Toronto to give us the 411 on what to look out for.
The Scoop
The lash extensions are applied individually with an adhesive by a professionally trained esthetician to your natural lash. Linh suggests applying at least 50 single lashes per eye. They come in various materials such as mink, silk, human hair or synthetic materials such as polyester and are available in different lengths, thicknesses, colours and styles. For the drama queen in you, get them with glitter, feathers or even rhinestones!
Your eyelashes grow and shed just like the hair on your head does so they will naturally fall out over time. They usually last six to eight weeks depending on how fast your hair grows and you typically need refills every four to six weeks to maintain the look.
Linh uses mink or synthetic lashes charging between $60 and $150 for a full set and starting at $30 for refills depending on the style and length of the lash. Some salons use human hair or silk extensions which can run anywhere from $150 - $500 for a full set.
Single vs. Cluster
Cluster lashes combine anywhere from three to six lashes on one extension. They look a little less natural because more glue is needed for the larger lash, making the glue visible. Also, because they are clumped together, when the lash falls out you end up creating a gap in your eyelashes. An esthetician may offer these because they're cheaper and take less time to apply. For a more natural look and flawless transition between refills single lashes are best.
The Sticky Stuff
The glue dries soft to create a flexible lash. Linh warns that the adhesive used should be SGS-approved, a standard in safety certification that ensures there are no harmful ingredients commonly used in cosmetic products such as formaldehyde. The glue only needs a few minutes to dry and after 24 hours it’s fully set (avoid water in the eye area during this time).
Does it hurt?
Not at all. Typically the application is done while lying down, eyes closed on a spa bed with cool aloe pads to cover your lower lashes, much like resting cucumber slices over your eyes. These pads also protect your lower lashes from the glue and are very refreshing. It can be so relaxing that I’ve been known to fall asleep during the process! It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the application depending on the experience of the esthetician, how many lashes are being applied and whether you are getting a full set or a refill.
Before and After
Lasting Lashes and other Do's and Don'ts
1. First time? They take some getting used to. Rub your eyes in the morning? I wouldn’t suggest it. It won't tear them out but you'll make them messy and pull at them.
2. Water: Avoid water to the eye area for the first 24 hours. Feel free to dunk your head in a pool after that. The best part about them is heading to the cottage, beach or poolside and having long, luscious lashes without make-up on.
3. Washing your face: Linh says to use water-based products for your make-up remover or face cleanser. Oil-based products may damage or remove the extensions encouraging more frequent refills. I use a Q-Tip to clean the area around my eyes to limit contact with any potentially damaging products.
4. Using a sealant or coating: Use a coating or sealer specially made for lash extensions. It is optional but it helps limit your refill frequency by protecting the adhesive.
5. Brushing: Doing this daily prevents them from looking messy - just like your hair! Your esthetician should give you a clean unused mascara wand and just curl and brush like you would apply mascara.
Original article
Vibrance Wellness Spa 851 Anders Road West Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 1K2 Tel: (250) 769 - 1985 http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com
