Eyelash extensions – The go to for the girl that wants to look amazing at all hours of the day or simply is over wrestling with false eyelashes. Being a avid false eyelash wearer for many years, I took the plunge five years ago and got eyelash extensions. Needless to say the ease of waking up with flawless lashes and halving my makeup routine was heaven. Now being able to survive with just wearing mascara, the urge to go back to the ease of glamour and making my life easier in the morning was calling. So when I came across Cherise-Maree Beauty located on the Gold Coast, I knew it was time.
For anyone contemplating or unsure, this post will discuss the process and everything you need to know about eyelash extensions.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes made from either silk, mink or synthetic material. Applied by hand one lash at a time with glue, the technician places an individual eyelash extension on each of your natural eyelashes. So what is the difference between false eyelashes and eyelash extensions?
False lashes are glued to your lash line and can be done by you. You will look glam for a day and you will have to remove them before bed. Eyelash extensions on the other hand are glued to your individual eyelashes, they last four to six weeks (depending on care) and you will wake up looking flawless.
Eyelash extension styles
This isn’t a one style fits all situation. As a result, you will be taking into consideration the density, curl and length. Due to these decisions, the look of your eyelashes will be different. In addition to these options, you have the choice of classic, Russian, 2D – 6D options. Personally, I love length and drama. You may be wondering what exactly these terms mean so let me break them down for you.
Classic: Coming in variety of fibres, most common is “Faux Synthetic Mink” as it is the softest and most natural feeling. They also come in different lash curls, lengths and thicknesses. Classic extensions will see one eyelash extension applied to one natural eyelash.
Russian: The Russian eyelash extensions is a process where several synthetic lashes are arranged to create a fan. This is then attached to one of your natural eyelashes. Like the classic style they come in a variety of different curls, lengths and thicknesses. This method will give you greater volume for that thicker, fluffy, darker look.
2D-6D: These are considered volume eyelashes. The D stands for dimension and the number is how many lashes are being applied to your own eyelash. The number chosen is all dependent on the look you are wanting to achieve.
In my case, Cherise suggested options that were appropriate for my eye shape. The eyelash extensions that were chosen are 3D, meaning that there is three lashes being applied to my own eyelash. The three lashes are connected together creating one eyelash extension.
If you are unsure of the density, curl, length or style option make sure you discuss with your technician for the best result.
Preparation
It is best to not wear any mascara or eye makeup to your appointment. The cleaner the lashes the better for your lash technician. When you arrive to the appointment your lash technician will discuss with you the look you are after, as well as giving you suggestions based on your eye shape. Cherise suggested 3D lashes and the length that would suit me best. I am all for the length and fullness, creating a dramatic and glamorous look. So this was the aim. Once the decision has been made it is time to lay down and get comfy.
The application process starts with prepping your lashes by brushing them and placing pads beneath your eyes in order for the glue not to stick. For the process of placing the pads, you will be required to look up and away and personally this step is by far the most difficult stage of the entire process. The pads are a bit damp and cold, with this said it is incredibly refreshing.
Application
The application process requires you to simply lay down with your eyes closed, while the lash technician works their magic. But it is fantastic knowing what is going on while your eyes are closed. Cherise meticulously separates each individual lash in order to place the eyelash extensions. During this time the technician will perfect the eyelashes, making sure that each natural lash has a eyelash extension. Brushing occasionally to critique their work and going back to add and fix if need be. This process will happen over the course of the appointment until both eyes are adorned with stunning lashes.
The application process is crucial to the durability of your eyelash extensions. A great application by your lash technician will see your lashes last far longer. The entire application process can take anywhere from forty minutes to an hour and a half. More importantly a factor to take into consideration is the time a salon schedules a eyelash extension for. The shorter the appointment usually indicates lack of care and detail with perfecting the application of the eyelash extensions. My appointment with Cherise was an hour and a half seeing a high attention to detail and care with applying the lashes.
After Care
After your new eyelash extensions have been revealed, it is time to take care of these beauties. Cherise suggests that you do not get your lashes wet for twenty-four hours in order to allow the glue to set. Brushing your eyelash extensions every morning and night allows for them not be become clumped and keeps them looking gorgeous and fresh. Washing the eyelash extensions once every week by simply giving them a gentle massage. If you wear makeup regularly Cherise suggests using lash cleanser once or twice a week. Something to keep in mind is your eyelash cycle, your eyelash cycle will determine how many eyelashes you will loose. This will effect how long your eyelash extensions will last. Taking good care of them will see them last 4-6 weeks and then it will be time for a refill.
Refills
Refills are necessary with eyelash extensions. It is required that every 3-6 weeks, depending on a variety of factors you book in to see your lash technician for a refill. A refill is simply a step that is needed in order to keep your lashes looking great and not sparse. Your lash technician will brush and possibly cleanse your eyelash extensions, they will then apply new eyelash extensions to lashes that a eyelash extension has fallen off. Depending they may remove older extensions if your natural lashes are growing in a different direction resulting in the lash extension to be sitting upside down etc.
Be sure to book with Cherise for your next eyelash extension appointment. Visit her Facebook page and Instagram to view more examples of her work.