Everything you need to know about eyelash extensions

I recently got eyelash extensions and I must admit, I had no idea they would make such a big difference. As someone who has always relied on mascara to add volume and length to my lashes, the world of lash extensions seemed like unchartered territory. Little did I know that this seemingly small beauty enhancement would completely transform my eyes and elevate my overall appearance to a whole new level. From the moment I applied them, I was stunned by the impact they had on my eyes, leaving me feeling confident and beautiful in ways I had never experienced. 

The eyelash application process took about 45 minutes (though it felt like an eternity as I sat in the salon chair). While I was excited about the final result, I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable having someone meticulously fidgeting with my delicate eye area. However, I reminded myself that this brief discomfort would hopefully lead to the beautiful extensions I desired.

The lash technician presented a wide array of choices ranging from dramatic and voluminous, to more subtle and natural. In the end, I settled for the latter, and picked the natural feathery extension as I wanted to enhance my lashes while maintaining an elegant look that complemented my everyday style. 

My first day with the lash extensions proved to be quite an adjustment. Following the technician's advice, I was extra cautious not to let water touch them. Their presence felt quite pronounced, and I was acutely aware of the delicate new additions to my eyes. However, as the day progressed, I gradually grew accustomed to them. And by the time I lay down for a good night's sleep, it was as if they had always been a part of me.

Waking up the next morning was a pleasant surprise. The sensation of a foreign object weighing on my lashes was gone and I was greeted by a set of beautifully enhanced eyes that looked naturally captivating. The feathery lash extensions blended seamlessly with my lashes, creating a fuller and more fluttery appearance that brightened up my face. Perhaps one of the most delightful outcomes of getting lash extensions was that it added a subtle and defined line along my lash line, negating the need for additional eye make-up including eye liner. It felt liberating to have a natural yet elegant look that required minimal effort on my part.

I must admit, the longevity of my lash extensions surprised me—they lasted an impressive 20 days before I started noticing some natural shedding, which is normal due to the natural growth cycle of eyelashes. However, with proper care and maintenance, I believe they could have lasted even longer. 

To ensure the longevity of my lash extensions and make them last as long as possible, I followed some essential aftercare tips:

Avoid water for the first 24 hours: This will allow the adhesive to fully bond with the natural lashes, ensuring a more extended wear time.

No oil-based products: I steered clear of oil-based make-up removers, cleansers, and skincare products, as oil can weaken the lash extension bond and lead to premature shedding.

Gentle touch: I made a conscious effort to be gentle with my lash extensions. Avoiding rubbing or pulling on them helped preserve their integrity and prevented any accidental damage.

Regular brushing: I gently brushed my lash extensions daily with a clean spoolie brush to keep them neat and separated. This prevented them from tangling and helped maintain their natural feathery appearance.

No mascara: Since lash extensions already provided the desired volume and length, I refrained from using mascara. Mascara can clump the extensions together and decrease their lifespan.

Avoid excessive heat and steam: I stayed away from hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms, as excessive heat and steam can weaken the lash extension bond.

Regular touch-Ups: To maintain the full and lush look of the lashes, I scheduled regular touch-up appointments with the lash technician. These touch-ups are typically recommended every two to three weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle.