Let me start by saying, I’m not an expert on these or really any beauty treatments/services. But I’ve tried eyelash extensions and recently got a solid review from a trusted friend and beauty resource.

What are eyelash extensions? 

• Extensions are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. They provide length and thickness to your own lashes and are available in varying lengths and thickness. They are applied to your individual eyelashes, one lash at a time. There is no need for mascara even though a water based mascara is fine to use. The result is thicker, longer, eye-opening eyelashes that are safe in the shower, while swimming, sleeping or exercising. (courtesy of lashoutpro.com)

I first tried eyelash extensions a few months ago. I went to a salon on Newbury St. (in Boston) and was offered ‘weekend’ lash extensions for $50. Weekend lashes are a few lashes placed on the outer corner of the eyes. Normally, the cost for weekend lashes is $100. A full set at this salon, which is considered a more ‘dramatic’ enhancement is $350, yowza. Half set lashes are also available for $250. Touch-up applications are offered for full/half sets for $50. I was offered the discount as one of the aestheticians was recently trained and wanted to show me how they work/would look. Application took about 45 minutes. For a full set it takes ~180 mins. It’s a tedious process, definitely takes skill! They are supposed to last 3-4 weeks.

The application was completely painless and quite relaxing as I laid on one of the massage tables with tranquil music playing in the background. I was so excited to see the results. I have thicker lashes naturally, so I was hoping this would be an added bonus, making me look more awake or detract from my dark circles. To be honest, I was not astounded with the results. The lashes were pretty, and I noticed them slightly, as a few were longer and stood taller than my natural lashes. After leaving the salon I was kind of bummed but I realized I didn’t get the full set, and I got to try them for pretty cheap (considering). Within the next few days I lost a couple lashes. I ended up going back to the salon because I felt like, discount or not, these babies were not lasting. The aesthetician gladly re-did the lashes. She was super nice and apologetic and she said she used a stronger adhesive this time around. The re-done lashes stayed on longer (~1.5 weeks). But after this experience, it didn’t feel like something I could keep up with or justify as an expense.

Now, that was my experience. I recently talked to my friend Kaitlyn about her experience, and I got to see the handy work. She loves her ‘new’ lashes…and I must say, they look amazing. They were done by Blink out of Hanover MA. Her application took 2 hours – she got a full set. The cost is $195 which includes a one week touch up. Kaitlyn has really long lashes naturally, so she wasn’t sure how they’d look. But…see for yourself:

She loves them because she doesn’t have to wear mascara. In the pictures she literally had one stroke of mascara on.

So gorgeous! Thank you, Kaitlyn for glamming up my blog! sorry boys, she’s spoken for 😉

So, the end scoop:

• Eyelash extensions are definitely a splurge
• Make sure you go to someone who’s well experienced, a referral from a friend is a good idea (holler @ Blink)!
• If possible, give lash extensions a test drive before using them for a big event (i.e. wedding, honeymoon, trip to Vegas!), to make sure you like them first
• Lash extensions can be a pretty enhancement! When done right, they have a natural yet flirtatious look
• Be ready to kick back and relax, as the application takes some time
• Lashes should last a couple of weeks, at least
• Some people pay to get the full set put on, and then go back and get ‘touch up’ applications regularly to keep the lash extensions as a long term staple in their beauty routine
• For me, I’d probably try lash extensions again. BUT, I’d save them (and my money) for a big event, and I’d go with a full set, to get the full effect. I’d also go with Blink, or someplace off of Newbury St. knowing that you can get a full set for a more reasonable price, and they do a great job

I’ll be reporting back on a less expensive (and more temporary) approach to lash extensions…’steal: fake eyelashes done by YOU’ stay tuned!

Have you had eyelash extensions? If so, please share your experience / referrals here!

CREDITS:

• Eyelashes: Blink
• www.blinklashextensions.com
• Make up by: Kelly O’Keefe of Blush: www.blushweddingday.com
• Like on Facebook:
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/BlushWeddingDay
• Photographer: Stephanie of Stephanie C. Olsen Photography: http://www.stephanieolsen.com/
• Like on Facebook:
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/stephaniecolsenphotography
• Model: Kaitlyn Litchfield
• Contact me directly if you want Kaitlyn’s contact info!