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So we’re coming up on spring. And that can only mean one thing. No, I’m not talking about your eyes readjusting to seeing a bright yellow orb in the sky again, or birds chirping, or people suddenly becoming friendlier, or even the sudden, miraculous disappearance of seasonal depression. I’m talking about EVENTS SZN.
You know what I’m talking about. It’s time for weddings, graduation parties, prom, bridal showers, baby showers, all of the above. For my southern friends, we’re right in the heart of Mardi Gras, too. Humans have seemed to have discovered that there is no better way to celebrate breaking out of yet another winter than any excuse to party. And with any party, you have to look your best, right? There’s no simpler way to spruce up your look than by eyelash extensions.
This summer I got into the habit of getting eyelash extensions (I must have been feeling boujee or something, idk, very unlike me). Now I know what you’re thinking, we’re blogging about LASH EXTENSIONS now?! Seriously? I KNOW, I KNOW – it seems fairly ingenuine. Well I’ll have you know, for a working girl with a ton on her plate, lash extensions became less of a cosmetic decision and more of a time-saving one. It just so happened to be an added bonus that my lashes looked bolder and better than ever before. Don’t believe me? See for yourself:
What started out as a one time splurge became addicting when I realized I could essentially hop out of bed in the morning and be ready to go. I’ve never been one for a lot of makeup, so having a full sat of lashes as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning really made things easy for me. I loved being ready to go at a moment’s notice, and I loved the excuse to go to the spa more often. But at the end of the day, I didn’t love how lashes made my eyes look enough to justify how they made my bank account look. I tried justifying the cost by saying in the end I would be spending “less on mascara,” but let’s face it, this is an expensive habit to pick up. I’ve gotten question after question about how the process works and my thoughts on it so… is it worth it, and is it for you? Let’s talk lashes people.
Before (right) and after (left) lash extension application
I worked with Jessica Pitoniak of Innovations Day Spa to answer some of the most basic questions about extensions:
1. How do eyelash extensions even work? What is the difference between these and strip lashes?
JP: Lash extensions are the new thing. Compared to strip lashes, individual lashes are placed one by one onto your natural lashes.This process begins with taping down your bottom lashes. We do this so we don’t get confused with what are top and what are your bottom lashes. Once that is done we isolate one real lash at a time and dip a fake lash in adhesive then apply it to your real lash. Lash extensions last about 2-3 weeks before a touch up while strip lashes just last that one night.
2. Can you explain the difference between the different types of lashes offered? Classic, whispy, etc.
JP: There are a bunch of kinds of lashes. When I first started doing lashes all that was available was synthetic silk. Now the lash industry has boomed. There is synthetic mink, silk, real mink, and so many more. Lashes also come in different curls, thicknesses, lengths, colors, based on your preference. Once you go in for your first lash appointment, your lash tech will go through what you are looking for and what is best for you.
3. How long do lashes usually last?
JP: Lashes shed, a lot of people don’t realize that. I always compare lashes to acrylics. Once the false lash is applied on your lashes you will begin to see regrowth. Your false lash will typically stay attached till your real lash sheds. Real lashes shed about every 4-6 weeks give or take, so this is why we say touch ups are needed every 2-3 weeks, to stay ahead of the game. We aren’t sure what real lashes are shedding tomorrow or in a week so we apply them on all your lashes.
4. What is the best way to take care of lashes?
JP: I always say the less you touch, the better off you are. Any oil or oil products will break down the lash glue and will make the lashes shed faster. So no oils, no mascara and if you can even stay away from eyeliner that’s great!
^ A side not to this one: as much as you may want to apply mascara as your lashes start to shed, DON’T! Go in for a touchup instead. It won’t turn out the way you think it will, and chances are it’ll mess it up way more than you anticipated. I also found that during the summer months, when I was swimming more my lashes shed way faster than usual. So avoid getting them wet (this means in the shower/ washing your face, too) at all costs! It’s tricky at first, but you start to get the hang of it.
I personally loved getting my lashes done. For reasons I already mentioned, it made my life much easier. They saved me time. They made my lashes fuller and bolder, without the clumping, running or uneven look of mascara. Touch up appointments were also way quicker than getting the initial set put on (the first appointment can take upwards to an hour, hour and a half), and going in once a month was a small price to pay for flawless lashes. However, a few things to keep in mind:
It did begin to get too costly for me. Jess offers great prices and deals, but other places I’ve gone have been upwards of $180-200 per session. Touchups are usually anywhere from $55-70.
While stylists say that lashes shouldn’t ruin your actual lashes, the first week that I had mine removed and didn’t reapply, I almost had a heart attack. I couldn’t remember whether my lashes had always been that short or I was losing my mind. Sure enough, about 2 months later, my lashes have finally regrown back to their normal length, but there definitely was a noticeable difference right after removal. I’m not sure they were actually “damaged,” but they definitely were affected by the adhesion glue.
You’ll want to be careful of what kind of lash length/thickness you get. I personally recommend starting as close to a natural look as you can. If you go from having short, thin lashes one day, to coming in to work all glam, looking like you’re headed to the Grammy’s, it might freak people out. But hey, to each his/her own. You can work your way up, which is what I did, until I eventually found a good length and thickness for what I was looking for.
All in all, lashes are a fun and easy way to feel made up and girly with out the need of eye makeup. It’s a instant eye lift!
To book an appointment directly with Jess, visit: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/951HQ6T5R945K/lashes-by-jessica-pitoniak-liverpool-ny