Have you ever wanted to wake up looking fresh and gorgeous with no effort? Are 5AM wake ups for work leaving you with minimal time for makeup, especially when you’d rather be spending that time with an extra cup of coffee? Honestly, for a lot of us the coffee is the priority and rushing to put on as many coats of mascara as you can manage on your commute is the norm.
What if we told you that you could wake up with Kardashian level gorgeousness by getting eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions wake up your face and even if all you’ve managed to do that morning is swipe on some lip gloss, you’ll look like you spent actual time getting ready for the day. There’s an old saying that the eyes are the window to the soul but they’re also the first thing people notice when they look at your face and by having beautiful, full, long lashes your eyes will be even more striking!
Of course, you’re here because you have questions about extensions. They’re not nearly as cheap as picking up a pair of falsies at Walmart and applying a strip but they’re way less time consuming, messy and frustrating. We’re going to cover all of your burning questions about extensions today so you can make the perfect choice for you in this eyelash extension crash course. Welcome to Eyelash Extensions 101!
Is this even going to be worth it?
So, eyelash extensions are applied using a special semi permanent glue on top of your natural lashes and each lash is individually placed for maximum drama and effect. They’re completely customizable and there’s a full range of colours and materials to choose from and the right technician will guide you to pick the best options for you. Make sure you look at before and after photos from any technician before choosing one to make sure you’re satisfied with the possible end result! The lashes last anywhere from six to eight weeks before you need to get a refill.
Will they hurt my natural lashes?
As of right now, no long term issues have appeared with eyelash extensions. There is a possibility that you could develop traction alopecia due to long term use because of the weight of the lashes pulling out your natural ones. This is super unlikely however and is really only down to incorrect placement of the lashes and continually having them. Another thing that could be an issue is if you have an allergy to the glue used to adhere the lashes. Be very cautious to make sure the glue your technician is using doesn’t have formaldehyde as it’s very common to have a reaction. If this does happen, a doctor can prescribe medicated drops.
What’s the damage to my bank account?
A basic set of lashes (80-120 lashes) could set you back between $100-400, depending on the salon and what kind of city you live in. A fill in, which you would need to go for once the lashes start falling out, will cost between $50-165. Now, this depends entirely on how long you wait to go get your lashes refilled. The longer you wait, the more expensive it’s likely to be because more lashes will need to be filled in. It’s better to go as soon as you notice eyelashes dropping to save yourself a hefty bill!
What size of lashes should I get?
Lashes can be synthetic, silk or mink and range from 6mm to 17mm, depending on the volume and drama you’re looking for from your extensions. A great technician will work with you to determine the best lashes to get based on what you’re looking for, the strength and thickness of your natural lashes and your face shape and bone structure. Your technician will also be able to help you decide on the density and curl as well so you have the perfect lashes that you’ve been dreaming of.
Can I rock a smoky eye to my appointment?
Please don’t. Eye makeup can interfere with the lash application process and may cause a result that you’re not entirely pleased with. Bare eyes only! It’s also a good idea to have clean skin so skip the foundation.
It’s summer and I want to go to the beach. Can I swim or shower with my extensions?
It’s best if you avoid the beach for anything other than a tan within the first 24 hours of getting your extensions since that’s how long it takes the glue to set. Showering is also a no go, although if you’ve been putting off having a relaxing bath with a glass of wine, that’s totally okay. Just be sure not to get your lashes wet at all. Make sure it’s not too hot, as excess steam can compromise the glue and cause your gorgeous new lashes to shed quicker than normal.
I got my extensions. NOW can I wear that smoky eye?
Eyeshadow is fine, but avoid mascara. First off, you won’t need it. Secondly, it can get clumpy and removing it can cause you to lose some of your lashes. It’s better to just go without. Also, be cautious of cream type eyeliners because the oils that give them that consistency can break down the glue.
Can I wash my eyes? How do I remove my makeup?
Make sure when you’re cleansing your eyes to only use extension safe cleansers. There’s a few on the market that won’t cause damage to your extensions. When you’re removing that amazing smoky eye, make sure to use an oil free makeup remover and clean down towards the lashes instead of rubbing the pad side to side. Also, no matter how late the all nighter you pulled was, don’t rub your eyes. It can cause breakage.
My lashes keep tangling. What do I do?
Make sure you grab a clean spoolie and brush them gently after you sleep, before you go to bed and after you shower to keep them looking fresh. Also, try to sleep on your side or your back and not your stomach and invest in a silk pillowcase. Not only are they luxurious, but they’re way better for extensions than the cotton pillowcase that came in your bed set. Tangled lashes are not a cute look!
Now that you know everything there is to know about eyelash extensions, it’s time for you to book an appointment with us today so you can get the amazing lashes you’ve been dreaming of. We’re the best place for eyelash extensions in Vancouver so come on in and let us show you what we can do for you!