The Beginner’s Complete Guide To Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions has been a staple in makeup routine for some time. Simply because as the old adage says “eyes are window to the soul”. Looking through the magazine or even talking to someone in front of you, the eyes are the first that you’ll notice and look for a few seconds here and there. Now, imagine eyes that look healthy and come with a set of long, lush lashes. Surely nobody couldn’t help but stare a few moments too long and for us, we probably ask “how did you get your lashes so beautiful?”. The answer is, getting an eyelash extension.

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Just as the name implies, eyelash extension is a way to extend your natural lashes to make your eyes look fuller, healthier, and more ‘wide awake’. Consider it as an upgraded solution than just using eyelash curler with volume-enhancing mascara. These extensions are meant to stay on your natural lash line and there’s no really a need to do anything with them except letting the lashes do their job as it’s supposed to do – making your eyes look more beautiful.

And surprisingly using additional eyelashes on top of your natural ones is not a new practice: ancient Egyptians have been doing it by combining fur and ointments applied to the lash line to add more volume to the natural lashes. A painstaking process and thankfully we don’t have to do that anymore. As technology gets better so do the eyelashes. Nowadays the options are endless ranging from strip lashes and DIY eyelash extensions to a specialized treatment that offers more convenience and are customizable for every need.

Eyelash Extension Beauty Treatment

The beauty treatment offers a better way to approach your natural lashes and it’s done by skillful professionals. The materials used for the extensions are made from either synthetic, silk, or even from real fur (usually mink fur). These materials are then made in varied types of clusters, curls, and shapes that you can choose to achieve the look that you’re going for. 

Each lash at the lash line is handled with care and attached with a medical-grade strong adhesive that will ensure the extensions will lash longer compared to other types of extensions. Because they’re done one at a time, the process can be quite long. Hence you need the pros to get it done for you, as opposed to strip lashes that you can just tap on the natural lashes and be done with it.

The Benefits Of Getting Eyelash Extensions Done

The main feature of the procedure is the lashes are customizable with plenty of options to choose from to suit what you need. Whether you’re going for something minimal just to enhance your natural lashes, adding more volume to a sparse-looking one, or perhaps daring with dramatic flutters, there’s bound to be a look that’s created just for you.

Thanks to the latest technology eyelash extensions are made from various materials, you can utilize it for the look that you want. Varied shades as natural eyelashes, varied curls, lengths, and overall effects that can be confusing. And that’s where a professional will be glad to help you choose the right one (or two!) for the look that you’re going for. 

Compared to other types to extend your natural lashes, eyelash extension treatment offers a longer shelf-life (around four to six weeks and can last longer if you do regular touch-ups) to enjoy the new, beautiful lashes. And with these extensions on, there’s no need to apply mascara every day. Plus the extensions are not really permanent; it will fall out naturally with your natural lashes, so you can opt for a different look if needed. 

And yes, the time saved from donning mascara on a daily basis which we know it’s a painstaking process. The need to use an eyelash curler and then apply a few coats of mascara and double-check to ensure it doesn’t bleed or mess with your eye makeup it’s a nightmare in itself. Why not give yourself a break and just focus on the eye makeup and have the extensions look as lush and beautiful as you want them to, every day?

The Step-By-Step Procedure

As with other beauty treatments done by an esthetician, before scheduling an appointment for the procedure, a consultation is done so you can discuss the kind of look you’re going for and choose the right material for the extensions, which the esthetician will gladly discuss and share everything you need to know about the procedure so you can make an informed decision. 

Because the wide variety of options in choosing eyelash extensions can differ based on individual needs and the natural lashes they have, it’s important to let the esthetician analyze your eye shape and natural lashes before recommending a number of choices, aligned with the look that you want to achieve. If you have any allergies or taking certain medications this will be discussed as well and your esthetician will make adjustments as necessary.

Not only the material of the eyelash extensions, but also choosing the length, volume, clusters, or even type of curl will be determined before scheduling the appointment for the procedure. Trust us, you don’t want to have the extensions weighing down the eyelids so that it’s hard for you to blink. 

During the day, your esthetician will have everything she needs to apply the extensions to your natural lashes and all you need to do is to lay down comfortably while she gets the job done. Depending on the number and cluster of the extensions used, the process can take somewhere between two to four hours so it’s advisable for you to wear comfortable clothing and no eye makeup before the big day. 

After The Procedure

For the first 48 hours, you need to allow the eyes and lashes to rest after the treatment and allow the adhesive to cure thoroughly well. Avoid touching the eyes and protect the area from any water, and keep an eye (pun intended) for any sensitivity, irritation, or even allergic reaction for the first 24 hours if you do, contact your esthetician immediately.

After the critical hours’ pass, you can continue the routine as usual but it’s advisable to be extra gentle for the eyes and lashes by using gentle wiping motions to remove makeup or itchiness to ensure the extensions stay in place. If there’s a chance that the extensions may get tangled (especially the lengthy, dramatic ones), it’s best for you to get a spoolie brush (the ones used in mascara) to brush and detangle the extensions instead of using your fingers.