Totally different to the glue-on strip lashes you wore as a teen, depending on what look you’re going for, from natural, glamorous to dramatic, eyelash extensions can give the illusion of longer, fuller lashes without having to apply any mascara. Like brows, eyelashes have the power to transform your face even when makeup is minimal. Made up of either synthetic or natural fibres, eyelash extensions typically last for the entire natural growth cycle of your eyelashes (approximately 2-3 months), but to keep them at full capacity you may need to have touch-ups to compensate for shedding every 2-3 weeks. There are various techniques to cater to your wishes. The one-by-one technique is the most popular and it will give you a subtle, yet chique look. If you fancy a glamorous look, then 3D (with 3 eyelash extensions applied per natural eyelash) or Russian volume lashes are worth looking into.
Eyelash extensions can give the illusion of longer, fuller lashes without having to apply any mascara.
What to expect from eyelash extensions?
At the start of your appointment, you will have a consultation with your beauty therapist to determine what kind of look you’re going for and what you want to gain from the treatment. Next you will sit down on a reclining chair or massage table, and your therapist will remove all makeup and residual oils from your lashes. After a quick comb through, they will start selecting individual fibres of varying lengths and apply them one by one to your natural lashes using a light waterproof adhesive. The different lengths are chosen to enhance and flatter your natural eye shape without making your lid feel heavy or weighed down. In the case of Russian lashes, one fibre can hold up to 5 individual lashes, so be sure to do your research ahead of time so you can make the right decision.
Good to know
Though completely painless, the application process can be quite lengthy, from anywhere between one to two hours, so bare this in mind when you’re booking in! In one single session anywhere between 50 to 150 individual lashes are applied to each eye, so you may even feel yourself drifting off during your appointment. In the first 24 hours following your treatment, you must avoid getting your new lashes wet in order for the adhesive to set correctly. After this period is up, you’ll be able to swim, shower and wash your face and eye area as normal without damaging the glue. Though to keep them in place for as long as possible, avoid eyelash curlers, oil-based makeup and cleansers as they can weaken the bonds and shorten the life of your extensions. An eyelash refill every 2 to 3 weeks will have your eyelashes looking perfect at all times. But the warned though, once you try eyelash extensions, you'll never want to go back!
