It’s not just celebrities who are wearing eyelash extensions anymore – these days, you’re likely to spot them just about anywhere you go. They’re becoming more popular by the day, and let’s face it, why wouldn’t they? Any product that offers long, thick, voluminous lashes for 24 hours a day is set to be a winner. Which brought our editors to the question: What is it really like to have eyelash extensions?
We put them to the test, and here’s what happened:
Anien, Online Editor:
The procedure: The initial procedure takes extremely long. A good therapist will talk you through the different styles and lengths, as well as how to care for them. My first appointment lasted about two and a half hours – each lash had an extension glued to it, and after about an hour, I actually fell asleep. It wasn’t painful at all, but I did feel a slight pinch once or twice when the therapist was a bit too fast with her tweezers.
How does it feel: When I first opened my eyes after the lashes had been applied, my eyelids felt slightly heavy, but this feeling disappeared after a couple of hours. They felt extremely soft and natural, but I struggled to master the perfect sleeping position for the first few nights, as I like to sleep on my side and it felt like they were being squashed. I brushed mine every morning as some of the hairs started to go a bit skew (I assume it is from sleeping on my side), and sometimes had to brush them during the day as well to keep them tame.
How long did they last: A “fill” can be done every two to three weeks, but it was only after three weeks that I found I’d had noticeable lash losses.
The pros: You literally don’t have to wear any make-up – you can slap on a tinted moisturiser and look your best. The lashes lifted my eyes, making me look more awake, plus, it always looks like you have a perfect black eyeliner line on your top eyelid. They’re a major time-saver and really do achieve what no mascara can.
The cons: They’re pricey. And the better the quality, the more you’ll pay. For the initial appointment you’re looking at anything from R550 to R800, and about R250 for a fill thereafter.
Would you do it again? Yes, definitely. They were such a pleasure to wear and saved me loads of time in the mornings. Plus, I got loads of compliments from family and friends who said I looked bright eyed and rested. The only thing preventing me from continuing with them would be the price!
Our Beauty Editor, Zoe couldn’t resist them either and she has been doing them for about two months already. “They really make getting ready so easy and simple,” she says.
Zoe says the best thing about lashes is that after a gym workout you don’t have to worry about mascara running down your face. “Even when you cry and wake up in the morning you look good! I am addicted!”
If you are in Cape Town and would like to give lash extensions a go, we have been going to a wonderful artist that we cannot highly recommend enough. Nicola-Belle Tyson is located in the Strand Street Hotel.
For bookings and more info contact 061 760 6984.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Treatment of the month: Luscious Lashes Eyelash Extensions
How not to wear fake eyelashes
Mascara cheats worth knowing
How to: Use an eyelash curler
How to: Apply false lashes for the party season
22 Responses
i definitely need to try this
I feel like I should get eye lash extensions instead of wearing a band of lashes
I still prefer natural lashes.
Would love to try the extensions but I will stick to my mascara.
I have had lash extensions about 4 times and its absolutely to die for! When I have them I hardly wear any makeup because it draws away all the attention and everyone cannot stop staring at your eyes. LOVE!
I have been dying to get lash extensions, what always kept me from doing it was the price, but I know that I will definitely get it done one day even if its just to try it out!
I had a pair on my wedding day and they were great! Really adds fullness to your lashes, especially when you do not have a full set of lashes.
Exciting for the perfect eyelashes. I will stick to my natural one though. Expensive!!
I agree Lash extensions can really give you an instant beauty fix. You eyes will look amazing. Also, if you are going to have them done opt for either mink and if you are vegetarian or vegan choose the harder/thicker types of synthetic lashes. Silk lashes feel much softer but they do not last as long and they will bend into unsightly shapes with sleep. Also you can reshape the lashes with the application of heat or by gently heating up your eyelash curler with a blow dryer and just using it for a few seconds on each eye. The real downside of lash extensions is that by using them frequently you are increasing your risk of eye infections. Your natural lashes are a particular size that match the width of your eye. Smaller eyes have shorter lashes for a reason. bigger wider eyes have longer lashes. It is a balance that ensures the optimum health of your eyes. When you change that balance you are offsetting the optimum functioning of your eyes. You may experience more irritation since the longer wider lashes are collecting more dust and environmental debris. While the function of your eye is sort of set for your own lash size. So, do be aware of this. Lashes are great for a stunning look say if you have a big event. I would say limit the use of lashes to a few times a year when you want to look just completely made up. Never ever try to remove the lashes yourself. Unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are doing. You need a particular glue remover to safely remove lashes. Most removers found at retailers will not work. Removing lashes so close to your eye can cause serious harm if you are a novice. Never pull on lashes that are out of place as they can pull your lashes off.
I have “okay” lashes but I would love to try extensions the only thing that puts me off is the price and you have to go back for fills. I will stick to mascara until I win the lotto. LOL