Okay, it’s time for true confessions: I’m obsessed with lashes. Everything lashes really. Mascaras, waterproof mascaras, false eyelashes, lash lifts, and lashes that make you look younger. J. Lo is pretty much my hero not because of the rocks that she’s got – but because of the lashes she flashes (boom tish!).
So when I was invited to visit Sydney’s new The Lash Room, there wasn’t a whole lot of hesitation. Jini Han has been a lash technician for six years, and her salon is tucked away in a discreet corner of Double Bay. I lie back and zone out in the sweet-smelling room as she fastidiously applies individual lashes to my own. Okay, so I fell asleep but that’s all credit to her gentleness.
My lashes look utterly luscious when I sit up and my eyes look brighter and more awake. I’m soon fluttering them at anyone I can lock eyes with. They even look flirty fresh first thing in the morning.
Naturally I wanted to know more about them and more importantly how to make their loveliness last. Jini happily explained:
What are lash extensions commonly made from?
Eyelashes typically are either synthetic, silk or faux-mink. At Lash Room, we use faux-mink which are man-made fibres designed to imitate real mink fur. They look the most natural because they are very fine, soft and silky just like real eyelashes.
What’s the best way to make the lashes last as long as possible?
Lash extensions are super easy to take care of and maintain. Within 8 hours of your lash extension application, you can swim and shower safely. You will need to use oil-free products if they come into contact with your lashes but just like your brows, a quick brush after showering will keep them looking great.
How often do lash extensions need to be redone?
Lash extensions last as long as the normal life of each of your eyelashes. Your extensions will grow out and fall off with your natural lash cycle.
Do lash extensions damage your own lashes?
No, when applied correctly and expertly, they will not damage your natural lashes. This is because only a minimal amount of glue is applied to your eyelash so as not to limit its natural growth.
Will lash extensions look fake?
When correctly applied, it will be impossible to tell that your new long, luscious lashes aren’t your own as they look completely natural. Best of all, you will look glamorous from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed – you probably won’t need to apply eyeliner or mascara anymore. Even without make-up, you will still look super glam!
If you can’t get to The Lash Room, what’s the best way to find a good lash technician?
Ask your friends or trusted beauty professionals that you see for other beauty services. There are a lot of places currently offering lash extensions but there are vast differences in the level of skill. Don’t risk damaging your lashes just for a good deal – make sure you see someone who has been recommended to you.
So clearly I’m totally won over by lash extensions and I could see why they could soon turn into a beauty essential. But for those who want almost all the goodness without committing, the closest solution is tube mascara (yes, another obsession).
These very clever mascaras coat the lashes rather than colouring them, they last for ages and come off cleanly, so there’s no smudging or dark shadows late into the night or the next day. My favourites are:
ModelCo LashXtend Lengthening Mascara, $20, from ModelCoCosmetics.com
Clinique Lash Power Mascara, $38, from department stores
Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara, $48, from department stores
Kevyn Aucoin, The Mascara (Volume), $40, from Mecca Cosmetica
Maybelline Volum’Express Illegal Length Mascara, $18.50, from pharmacies
What do you think Primpers – would you try lash extensions? What about tube mascara?