Ditch your mascara! Eyelash extensions give you superstar glam and last for weeks

Writer Gillian Maffeo wearing eyelash extensions

When I first heard the beautiful words “eyelash extensions,” the skies parted above and the heavens shone down on me. Literally. I was pumping gas on a rainy day and my iPhone buzzed with an email from Groupon. As I opened the email, the rain stopped and the sky opened up with beautiful rays of light. The Groupon was for Eyelash Extensions.

I had always wanted to try eyelash extensions and have always admired celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, who sport these gorgeous, lengthy, luscious eyelashes and yet appear to have minimal, if any, mascara on.

Every woman’s dream is to leave her house looking flawless without putting any effort into looking good. But for most of us, that’s just a dream. It takes me almost two hours to get ready each morning. Applying my makeup is very time consuming; it takes me 30 to 45 minutes. Having eyelash extensions helps cut some of that time, and gives an “au naturale” look.

The most important aspect of the process is to make sure you are going to a reputable salon or boutique salon that specializes in eyelash extensions (I go to The Lash Room). Make sure that wherever you go to has great reviews and is highly recommended by customers. Word of mouth is also a good tool. Maybe you know of a friend who got them done and she raves about this one salon. Try it out. Also, ask your eyelash extension expert which type of lashes they use. For example, I will only go to salons that use NovaLash and Lash FX. The type of lash is very important.

(Media Credit/The Lash Room)

The process of eyelash extensions is simple to understand, but is a complicated job for your eyelash extension expert. The application of eyelash extensions is a highly technical and meticulous process requiring well trained estheticians and cosmetologists to perform the procedure. Unlike traditional false eyelashes, which are applied as a single strip and last only a couple of days, eyelash extensions are individual, synthetic extensions singularly bonded to each natural lash to create a longer, thicker, more glamorous lash look. A full set takes about two hours to put on. During the eyelash extension application, you do not feel a thing. After the first time, I was hooked!

With proper application, eyelash extensions look and feel completely real. Each application is customized to suit the individual. A variety of lengths are chosen to replicate the shape and frame of a natural lash line. The state of your natural lashes determines the thickness of your eyelash extensions. My eyelash extensions lasted about four weeks before I had to get them touched up. Usually, they will last from three to four weeks before you will need to get a touch-up.

(Media Credit/The Lash Room)

And, of course, there are specific kinds of “looks” you can go for with eyelash extensions. The popular ones are the Basic eyelash extensions that create length, dimension and volume; Eyelash Clusters, in which lashes are knotted at the base and are placed in between the natural lashes (Note: These extensions are bonded to several natural lashes at a time and can be very uncomfortable for long-term use.  This technique is for short-term use only); and Express or Party Lashes, which is a technique where the extensions are placed on top of your natural lashes and are bonded to several natural lashes. This last technique, while gorgeous, creates a risk of prematurely pulling out your own lashes as they grow, so it is wise to remove these extensions after two weeks.  I went for the Basic look.

I love my eyelash extensions and the extra length they give my lashes. When I wear them, I feel much more confident; I wear no makeup on my eyes and no mascara. Taking care of them, though, can be a hassle. I have spent time meticulously combing through my lashes to make sure they are perfectly aligned, and I blow dry them after I shower. Putting the blow dryer (on a low, cool setting) under my eyes helps to make a natural curve.

(Media Credit/The Lash Room)

There are, of course, a few things to keep in mind when you have eyelash extensions. If you are wearing any makeup, you must never use oil-based eye makeup remover. It is the devil. It will automatically un-bond your eyelash extensions. Also, be careful of sleeping on your stomach and rubbing your eyes, as doing so may rip and pull the extensions out.

Additionally, do not freak out when one or two of your natural lashes fall out. Your natural lashes run a course, falling out typically every three to four weeks. However, if clumps of them start to fall out, then call your salon ASAP.

If you are interested in extensions, be prepared for the cost, which typically ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the salon, for the first full set. But it’s worth it; you will feel like a superstar. I wish all of you glamour queens the best of luck. And please, before you set on this journey, research, research, research, salons.