Voluminous lash extensions have been trending, and they don’t seem to be leaving any time soon. In fact, they keep levelling up in length and in fluff. Just scroll down your Instagram timeline or look at the women at your favourite Friday night dance party, you’ll see them paired to perfection with a full face of make-up.
“Lash extensions saves time when doing makeup and it also affords you the look of a full face when you’re wearing little to no makeup,” said 21-year-old Kellisa Waugh, a final year economics major, lash technician and proprietor of Mesmereyes JA.
Some women like a nice natural looking classic set and others, well, they like it when they blink and the whole place gets breezy (hybrid set). Different technicians tend to choose the fibres they work with based on their preference, client’s request and what works best with each client’s lashes; this can be mink, synthetic or silk. While synthetic fibre lashes create a uniformed look with ease, they don’t necessarily leave you with the most natural look. And, mink sets are, yes ma’am, expensive. So let’s jump into the question of the decade: “Are they safe?” Yes, they are; providing that the technician you choose is certified and does not use anything that stings or brings you pain. Be sure to ask your technician about the type of glue that is used. Anything with formaldehyde is absolutely bad for your eyes. “Once the extensions are applied correctly and are not pulled out, they do not damage your natural lashes,” Waugh explained.
BEFORE
THE PROCESS
After setting up her station, Waugh invited me to sit to lay on her portable spa table. I was nervous. I’ve never been comfortable with anyone but myself that close to my eyes. She was super professional, friendly and checked in at each stage to ensure that I was comfortable.
For the first step, she cleansed the lashes to ensure that the area was free of any build-up. Next, she used a pair of white eye gel patches to keep the bottom lashes separate from the top lashes. This was the most uncomfortable part but you quickly get used to it being there. As she worked on individually adhering each extension to a single lash with a semi-permanent glue, I soon fell asleep. Don’t judge me. Imagine laying with your eyes completely closed for approximately two hours. The glue smelled a little like Krazy Glue. I’m not sure if any got into my eyes because it was so painless and my eyes opened with ease when she was done. The process seemed to drag on for an eternity but when I got up, and took note of the difference, I was utterly pleased. My lashes were long, naturally fluffed and evenly distributed. There was a bit of redness after the procedure but Waugh explained that was due to the fumes that entered the eyes because they were so relaxed. It took about an hour for my eyes to go back to its natural white appearance.
AFTER
Upkeep
Since the extension is glued to a single lash, one full set lasts the full growth cycle of your natural eyelashes; that is, six to eight weeks. This then means that they will naturally fall out. If you wish to maintain your full set, go back to your technician every two-three weeks.
Here are some dos and don’ts of lash extensions:
- Do not wash your face or go swimming within the first 24 hours of your fresh set (including light touch-ups) as this will weaken the glue before it is fully set.
- Do not pick at your lashes
- Avoid oil-based cleansers and makeup removers.
- Although discouraged, you can wear mascara but avoid water-proof ones as they are hard to remove from the lashes and will not last as long as they are supposed to.
- Do visit a certified technician.
Ready to get on trend with @mesmereyes_ja by Kellisa Waugh? Call 876-430-2843 and tell her @flairja sent you!
Story by Jessica Harrison
jessica.harrison@gleanerjm.com
