Your Everything Guide to Eyelash Extensions

Irrespective of the fact I love beauty products, I’m not a make-up woman; that is the reason I never thought I would be an eyelash extensions one.

While I appreciate all of things complexion-enhancing--such as absolute foundations, dewy highlighters, and fairly peach blushes--I only break out mascara on my birthday, when I have a huge meeting, or if I’m going to a wedding.

Even then, it’s the very subtle Babor AGE ID Perfect Shine Lip Gloss or my trusty tube of Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope- Private Party.

Therefore, ahead of my own wedding, it had been very out of character for me to make an appointment to get lash extensions.

It had been even more out of character I totally freaking loved them.

My appointment was 3 months before to “try them out. ” Within four months, I moved back two more times: The day before my flight (about a week from my wedding), and right before I left for my honeymoon. Obsession is an understatement.

Here’s the thing I found about eyelash extensions: They make you feel more glamorous than you thought possible. It’s addicting.

Once I got home from my second appointment with my most striking set, I looked in the mirror and felt just like Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (note I don't resemble her in the slightest).

They realize what mascara may never and will never accomplish, however thick and voluminous the formulation is: You look as though you had been born with the thickest, flutteriest, most perfectly curled lashes.

There are no clumps, and they ’re tapered from root to tips. And you look that way hours each day!

The other thing I learned: They're a high maintenance, time not exactly inexpensive, and extensive habit.

Here’s what to know before you try them. Show up to your appointment completely bare-faced

Which comprises not curling your lashes either. “Should they’re curled, there’s a crease right by the origin and it’s tough for the lash artist to apply the extensions--it won't be a smooth-finish job," says Jessica Shin, founder of Flair Beauty & Lash Studio in New York, at which I’ve been going for extensions.

Other stuff to prevent: mascara, water-proof eye make-up, oily skin care, and eye cream.

You basically don’t want anything which’ll interfere with the adhesive. “Should you need to work out, go to the fitness center and take a shower in advance,” Shin advises. “You can’t get them moist for twenty five hours post session since the adhesive has to dry. ” Tirzah Shirai out of LA’s Blinkbar even urges preventing water-proof eye make-up up to a week before your appointment. “It leaves an invisible film which will keep the lashes from adhering fully,” she says.

It is not an Sort of appointment. Eyelash extensions take a very long time (up to 2 hours!) , particularly if you’re going for a refill since they ’ll have to remove many present extensions and clean your lashes prior to applying a brand new set.

I also discovered this tip from personal experience: Maybe consider passing on this second latte because you’ll have to lie still. I didn't before my appointment and had twitchy eye congestion the whole time, much to the dismay of my lash artist.

The best extensions are custom

Which means the best lash extensions are somewhat costly and will require a consultation. (Prices vary wildly from salon to salon, but expect a starting point around $120 for the principles and upwards to $300.) Since everyone’s eyes are very distinct, you’ll want a pair that complements your eye contour, lash length, and lifestyle. “One curl and span could look totally different on one person versus another,” Shirai explains.

Most eyelashes studios have a menu to help get the conversation started and direct the look you’re afterwards (from subtle and round to the boldest cat-eyes).

Since my eyes are round and flip down somewhat at the outer corners, Shin recommended the longest lashes move in the middle of my eyes ( between a two and a 3 on her “Glam Scale”-RRB-, as compared to the ever-popular cat-eye contour, to start them up further.

A consultation will help you determine what material you want (most common are silk and faux mink; lace is bit more shiny and pops, whereas mink is most fluttery and natural), span, curl type (J is the slightest curve, but ends up looking longer, and C and D are the most flipped up), and the number of lashes should be applied. A great lash artist will also mix lengths to give lashes a naturally wispy vibe, Shirai says. “At Blinkbar we use a minimum of four lengths. ”

Avoid cluster lashes

In case your lashes are sparse, some salons may suggest 3D lashes, or clusters, which are 3 hairs glued together to give your eyes a more voluminous look.

Prevent them they ’ll only weigh down your lashes and lead to breakage. “You should always have one extension applied to one natural lash, there should be no visible adhesive, and the extensions should not be touching your lid in whatever way,” Shirai says. If they look like falsies, they'll be way too thick.

They WILL feel weird at first

It may take a few days to get accustomed to the feeling of wearing extensions, but I discovered them to be a lot much much much more comfortable than strip lashes.

They'll also mess with the way you typically sleep (unless you're already a back sleeper). “If you sleep on your side and stomach you’re going to crush them and they won’t last as long,” Shin says. “Attempt utilizing a travel cushion or something that can help to elevate and keep you on your back. ”

You Might Need to adjust your skincare routine…

The general guideline is to prevent anything too oily. I love nothing more than face oils, but had to give them up while I'd extensions.

And if you’re going to apply eye lotion, Shin suggests using it in the daytime instead of during the night so that it doesn’t travel into your lashes (skip greasy ones who are packed with vitamin oil, Shirai says).

Stick to non-oily make-up removers as well: Shin suggests using micellar water with a cotton swab to remove make-up around your eyes (cotton pad fibers will adhere to your lashes), whereas Shirai prefers pre-soaked, oil-free make-up removing pads.

…And the way you do your makeup

While there are several “extension-safe mascaras” out there, Shin recommends preventing mascara completely. You just splurged on lashes--don’t even jeopardize them!

In addition stay far from water-proof eye makeup--the removal will take a toll on your eyes and may soften the adhesive.

Shin urges preventing powder or glittery eye shadows, which may develop on the origins of your lashes, eventually weakening them and leading to breakage.

And if you’re devoted to lining (even though you might discover you no longer desire it), adhere to gel and liquid formulas that won’t tug at your roots.

You’ll Need to re-learn how to wash your face

There's nothing as jarring as leaning into a sink, washing your face, and accidentally bumping your extensions.

It seems unbelievably strange and I’t lost more than a few lashes this way (RIP lashes!)) .

Here’therefore the method that worked for me Get as low as possible to the sinkI basically stick my head into the bowland gently splash water on the bottom of your head and forehead.

Then, carefully suds up the bottom 50 percent of your own face and forehead, rinsing it clean by dabbing and doing a pulling motion.

After that, I use my ring fingers to wet around my eyes with any leftover cleanser, following with plain water. No scrubbing.

And give your eyes attention

This is gross, but because you’re not washing your eye area as thoroughly as usual, you can and will get residue buildup, especially at the lash line. “Even when you don’t place eye make-up on, there’s still out dust and impurities , ” Shin says. “I mix water with a bit of tear-free baby shampoo and use the mix to thoroughly clean my top lids and the bottom of my eyes. ”

Like your own hair, lashes need to be brushed. My lashes would get a little wacky when I awakened or after showering.

That’therefore every appointment is ended by Shin by handing you a soft pink spoolie and demonstrating how to comb your lashes daily.

Here’s how she does it. Looking down, encourage beneath your lashes with your pointer finger. Then, gently twirl the spoolie on the top side of your lashes (the reverse of how you’d apply mascara; brushing that way will tug at the hair). “it may take five seconds from your day and it goes a considerable way,” Shin says.

Never! --pick them

The only way to remove eyelashes is with a professional--seriously.

You’ll wind up tearing out or breaking your lashes if you try it yourself, and it’s not worthwhile. “That doesn't mean you've to remove them, you may also just wear them till they cycle away,” Shirai says.

Although they last around 3 to per month, but don't be shocked if you find yourself back for refills before then. I told you, they're addicting.