Lash Extensions
Are lash extensions worth every strand? Beautylish's Christina checks them out.
I headed to Lash-Lab in San Francisco, the eyelash extension boutique located in a secret bungalow, for my first-ever lash extensions. The receptionist walked me through the procedure, asked questions about my lash length preferences, and consulted with my esthetician, Kaitlin, on the best style for my eyes. After I lay down on the bed, Kaitlin removed all makeup residue on my lids and lashes and applied a micro tape on my lower lashes to prevent them from sticking. Before applying individual lashes, she compared a few pieces on my lash line to see which one would be most suitable for me.
The lash extension process can take 1.5-2 hours but since you need to have your eyes closed during the whole time, you can take a peaceful nap to pass the time—which is what I did. My full set took two hours, as Kaitlin applied glue on each individual synthetic lash and carefully adhered each hair to one of my natural lashes (not the skin). The only discomfort I felt was when the adhesive glue fumes lingered near my eyes and stung them, and at the very end when Kaitlin separated a few lashes that were stuck together (it felt like she was ripping my lashes out). Overall, it was a painless process and by the time I would have finished watching a movie, I had full and luscious lashes!
I was warned not to get the lashes wet for 24 hours after I had the lash extensions applied. That meant I couldn't shower, wash my face, sweat, swim, or apply makeup. I had to wait a whole day to let the adhesive set in, and afterwards Kaitlin told me I should only use non-oil based makeup and makeup removers. You want to make sure you avoid using oils in your skin care and makeup because oils break down the adhesive glue, making the lashes fall out quicker. I'll need to head back in about 2-3 weeks to get some lashes touched up but if I take good care of them, the full set can last up to 6 weeks. My lashes will fall out naturally over time (growth cycle of lashes is different for everyone but tend to be within 60-100 days), so touch ups will be needed if I want to maintain them.
The total bill came out to $200 and each additional touch-up can range from $75-$100—definitely an expensive procedure that can add up after a few sessions. Do your research and make sure you go to a credible and certified salon to have lash extensions done. You're putting your eyes in a technician hands so you don't want to skimp on this type of procedure. If you're looking for an inexpensive alternative, check out our semi-permanent fake lashes article for our experience and tips.
I must admit, when I first saw myself with my lashes, I was a bit shocked. But by the time I got into my car and looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help batting my lashes. When I wake up in the morning, my face instantly looks fresh and well, quite glamourous. I don't even feel like wearing eye liner, and I'm the type of girl that usually feels naked without it!
Image courtesy of nymag.com
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3 weeks ago
Kate W.
Has anyone else had trouble sleeping with these on? Or did my tech do a bad job?
Nov 04, 2011
EVOKE E.
Most high-end salons use products from a company named NovaLash. On NovaLash's website they advertise, "Award-winning, long-lasting, medical-grade lash extension adhesives have earned NovaLash its reputation as 'the healthiest' professional eyelash extension system."
In reviewing their Material Safety Data Sheet for their Fume-Free Adhesive, I noticed their Hazards Identification section which reads as follows:
2- Composition/Information on Ingredients:
Hazadous Component (relative %)
Ester Proprietary 95-100% TWA 0.2 ppm
Urethane Rubber Trade Secret 5-10%
3- Hazards Identification:
Toxicity: Skin contact may cause burns. Bonds rapidly and strongly to skin.
Skin and eye irritant. Estimated oral LD50 more than 5000mg/kg.
Primary routes of Entry: Inhalation
Signs of exposure: Vapor is irritating to eyes and mucous membranes above TLV. Prolonged and / or repeated overexposure to vapors may produce symptoms of non-
allergic asthma in sensitive individuals.
Doesn't seem anywhere near fume free to me LOL.
On to their next available adhesive, Platinum Bond:
2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients:
Hazardous Component (relative %)
Ethyl-2 Cyanoacrylate (90) *. *below those levels specified by the FDA and OSHA as significant or hazardous) Exposure Limits (TWA) ACGIH (TLV)
3 - Hazards Identification:
Toxicity: Skin contact may cause burns. Bonds rapidly and strongly to skin. Skin and eye irritant. Estimated oral LD50 more than 5000mg/kg.
Primary routes of Entry: Inhalation
Signs of exposure: Vapor is irritating to eyes and mucous membranes above TLV. Prolonged and / or repeated overexposure to vapors may produce symptoms of non-allergic asthma in sensitive individuals.
Poly Methyl Methacrylate (5)
Elastimer Agent (5)
Chemical composition testing has confirmed that this adhesive is essentially formaldehyde free
(Ethyl2 Cyanoacrylate 0.2 ppm)
The active ingredient (which makes up 90% of the formula), Ethyl-2 Cyanoacrylate, in their Platinum Adhesive rates a "5" on EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database as a moderate hazard due to it being a known human immune system toxicant and has been classified by the European Union as an irritant.
Please do not interpret NovaLash's clever claim of being "the healthiest" extension system as being safe. Most other adhesives score an 8-10 (very high hazard warning) on the database because they contain formaldehyde and fragrances. One such super toxic, top rated, over-the-counter eyelash adhesive is Duo Eyelash Adhesive (a makeup artist favorite). But NovaLash's "essentially formaldehyde free" statement doesn't sound quite convincing enough and their rating of 5 is in no way HEALTHY!
If you decide to go to your local salon looking for a bargain, I can guarantee they will be using some other cheap adhesive formulated overseas that contains formaldehyde, which has been linked to Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) and Occupational hazards. Also, please note a recall in October of Locks Eyelash Extension Glue due to large amounts of formaldehyde present. Some salons could still be using this product.
If you read this post and still decide to get your lashes extended, you might also want to note that they cost a small fortune to maintain. The initial procedure costs about $200 and refills are $75 each and are to be done every four weeks. So you’re looking at over $1,000 per year ( a little pricier than really good mascara, wouldn’t you say?).
Don't be afraid to ASK what adhesive is used at your chosen salon and certainly don't be afraid to WALK OUT if they don't volunteer the label for your inspection!
Full Article: http://blog.evokeelegance.com/2011/...
Jun 15, 2011
Mika K.
Lash extensions are super popular in Japan. I'm going to have to say, probably more than half the women in Japan does them! I've done them myself too! I put 60 lashes on each eye, a total of 120 lashes. And I think mine was only about 40USD. (Eyelash extensions are cheaper in Japan, because it's so common).
It lasted a long time, and I was confident enough to not have to wear eye makeup!
I defiantly recommend anyone who are able to try them :)
Jun 10, 2011
Althea N.
Wow those look awesome!!!! I see why you keep batting your eyes!
Jun 10, 2011
Korie S.
They look so gorgeous on you Christina! And I'm glad this article is posted.
But I don't think they're worth the money. It seems like such a pain to take care/maintain them that its not worth the time and money for. Don't get me wrong though, they end up looking great. I've considered getting these before because I am obsessed with having long lashes but I'm just going to stick with falsies and lengthening mascaras ;)
Jun 10, 2011
Kristina H.
I have been debating on these for awhile. It would be a complete splurge and then maintenance from that point out... but I cannot help but love huge lush lashes! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Jun 10, 2011
Cassie J.
+ your eyes do look glamourous and mine did too!
Jun 10, 2011
Cassie J.
iv had lash extensions and i didnt really have a great experience, the were painful to close my eyes, when i slept and layed on them, the hairs were quite course and thich and really irritated my eyes, and when i tried to remove them they removed most of my natural lashes, they have grown back now but grow out straight, not curled. But i have friends that get them all the time and have no problem, but thats just my experience!
Jun 10, 2011
Krystal C.
This is such a great article because a lot of people wonder about lash extensions, but there's not many experiences posted online. I'm so excited for your eyes!! LOL I think they look so beautiful on you and they look very natural too. I have decent lashes, but if I had the money for these, I'd greedily get them! hahaha :)
Jun 09, 2011
Rachael Y.
I have always wanted to do this but I think its just to much money. It does look great and I wish that I had the $$$ to do it. Maybe when I am done nursing school and working this will be an option. Love it!
Jun 09, 2011
Christina T.