Eyelash Extensions and My Mascara-Free Summer
What is it really like to get eyelash extensions? (Photo: Arthur Belebeau/Trunk Archive)
I’ve always been envious of people with naturally long lashes — like my sister, who has freakish (in the best way) doll-like lashes even when she hasn’t curled them or applied a single coat of mascara. For a long time I’ve considered getting eyelash extensions. I’ve spoken to makeup artists who swear by them and friends who have raved about them, so when the opportunity came up a few weeks ago, I went for it. But I did have two big concerns: First, what if all of my eyelashes fall out afterwards? And second, what if the extensions just made me look like an American Girl Doll meets Kardashian circa 2009?
I wanted lash extensions that weren’t totally noticeable. Something natural that would add volume and length to my own lashes, but that you wouldn’t be able to see from a mile a way. Thankfully, natural, full lashes are something that Morgan Hawes, the owner of Primp Daddy in New York City, specializes in. “When we’re doing extensions ideally we want eyes to look more bright, open, draw more attention when people are looking at you right to your eyes,” he says. As soon as I talked to Hawes about what I wanted, I knew I was in good hands — he uses SugarLash Eyelash Extensions for a realistic look. He took the time to map out my eye, figure out where my lashes should be placed at their longest length and exactly where I needed more volume. In the end, he placed over 200 extensions on each of my eyes, a process that took a little over two hours.
When you’re thinking about lash extensions, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that they aren’t the same as false lashes. “False lashes are attached to the skin and can therefore be angled a little bit differently as well as being put up a little bit higher than the lash line on the outside,” says Hawes. “Extensions being attached to your natural lashes need to follow a different plane and follow your natural lashes.” If you want a super natural look, lash extensions are going to be the best option. For something a little bit more dramatic, maybe for an event or special occasion, false lashes are likely a better fit.
If you’re concerned about your lashes falling out, go to a reputable salon. “When they are done improperly, they do damage your lashes, but when done properly, they don’t at all and you can wear them indefinitely,” says Hawes. With that in mind, it’s important to do your homework. Find a salon that offers proper training plus artists with experience.
It’s been over three weeks since I had my appointment, and I’m still getting compliments on my lashes. They’ve survived a friend’s tearful wedding ceremony in Vermont, a few trips down the Slip’N Slide at home over the Fourth of July, and many hot, steamy mornings (and nights) waiting on the subway platform. But the best part might be that I haven’t opened a tube of mascara in weeks. I haven’t had to worry about running or flaking or that dreaded evening eye makeup removal. That alone is worth it. If you’re thinking about getting lash extensions or if you’ve already booked your appointment, keep in mind the tips below and check out the video to see a hyper-speed version of what the SugarLash process is like — big thanks to Hawes for strapping on the GoPro camera for our session.
Prep for your appointment
The day of your visit, avoid caffeine, which can make your lashes flutter more throughout the application. Hawes also recommends avoiding any eye makeup or using your lash curler. For contact lens wearers, take them out before your procedure as a safety precaution — you’re eyes will be closed for a solid two hours.
Keep your extensions clean
The day of your appointment, Hawes suggest keeping your lashes dry for the rest of the day but moving forward, you want to cleanse your lashes daily with an oil-free cleanser. “The big enemy of extensions is oil, not water,” he says. “By washing them, you remove the oil and allow the bond to stay intact longer.” SugarLash makes their own wash called LashPure Eyelid Cleanser — it is gentle enough to keep your extensions in place but also removes grime and makeup easily. You can also use a baby shampoo diluted in water.
Avoid mascara and waterproof eyeliner
Waterproof products usually require an oil-based cleanser to remove, so Hawes recommends you avoid them while you have your extensions. As for mascara, it can cause your lashes to clump together and will reduce the lifespan of your extensions, not to mention takes away from the work of your artist.
Get your refills
You’ll likely need a “refill” on your lashes every three weeks. “They’re going to come off as your natural lashes fall out, which is anywhere from every 50 to 120 days,” says Hawes. That means that within 120 days, your lash extensions will be gone, with just your natural lashes remaining. “If you were just going to let them go, you’ll likely still have a few stragglers, a few extensions left after six to eight weeks.”
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