Eyelash Extensions 101

We've all been there - a wand to the eye, black streaks down our cheeks, looking like a raccoon if it gets too humid...mascara can be a real pain! But when you don't wear it, there's the onslaught of "are you feeling ok?" ...no I'm not ill. I'm sans makeup today. If you're sick of the same old makeup routine snafus day in and day out, I've got a solution. Eyelash extensions!

I went to Lindsey at Graced Faced Beauty Studio in Menomonee Falls for my first ever extensions experience. I was in such good hands! She assured me of the quality of the products used and explained the process to me since I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

What are they? They're not quite like false eyelashes, they're so much more convenient! Each eyelash gets its own extension. They add length, volume, and curl to define your eyes and make them look so much more open!

How long does it take? Since the lashes are applied one by one, it depends on how many lashes you have naturally. My first set took a little over two hours - I have quite a few follicles. On average, itll take 1.5-2.5 hours. It was actually a very relaxing experience. You just get to lay back with your eyes closed. How often are you asked to do that as an adult?!

How long do they last? Again, it depends. A person loses 2-3 lashes a day by shedding naturally, but if you're rubbing your eyes, using oily beauty products, or exposing your lashes to steam or water regularly, all of that can take a toll on the adhesive. Personally, it took me a little getting used to. After two weeks, my left eye had lost about half the lashes and was still looking pretty even. My right eye, however, was looking pretty sparse. You can tell I'm a side sleeper. Now that I've gotten a fill and have gotten used to living with my lashes, I'm at the two week mark again, but this time with much more uniform amounts left. It's definitely a learning curve! Typically people will go in for a fill every 2-3 weeks.

Talk to me about fills. Much like fake nails, after time and growth, you'll need to fill in your lashes. This just means that any naked lash will get a new extension applied.

And what is touching my eyes?! Nothin'! The lashes are high quality silk and synthetic materials to hold shape, and are applied about half a millimeter from your eyelid - no contact! Lindsey also uses professional strength, medical grade adhesive for the process.

Can they be removed? They are not permanent, so if you decide they aren't for you, you can have them professionally removed without doing any damage to your natural lashes. 

My lash extensions have been my saving grace. Not having to apply eye makeup has saved me so much time in the mornings - especially on work days when I'm not really wearing much else on my face. I can just do my skincare and go, and that's priceless. I've gotten so many compliments since I've gotten them, especially about how natural they look. You be the judge! I think the pictures say it all.

Got it!