Beauty Review: Eyelash Extensions
Early last month, I had a life-changing experience in the beauty realm with The Babe Spa in Timonium, MD. I had always been fascinated with eyelash extensions but, I had a lot of doubts about them in regards to maintenance and cost. For upscale blog shoots, I had gotten used to applying the traditional drugstore lash strips, which can sometimes get a little messy (and, depending on the brand, look a bit cheap). I have always fan-girled over people with long, thick eyelashes; I think that they can make a person look absolutely gorgeous without a single stitch of actual eye makeup applied.
When The Babe Spa reached out to me awhile back, I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant to try lash extensions myself. As I've mentioned before, my beauty routine is pretty low-key (aka: lazy). I was convinced that if they spent 2 hours attaching lash extensions, their hard work would be gone within days. I had also heard a few horror stories about lash extensions causing infections, damaging your real lashes, looking crrrazy while growing out, and just being super difficult to care for (ALL of these are not true, by the way - if you go to a quality salon).
After considering the pro's and con's, I figured I would give it a go - if only to report back on my experience for those of you who were on the edge like me. I had 2 big shoots coming up for the blog and scheduled the lash extensions for a Saturday morning, thinking that at the very least they would look good until Sunday evening when we were done. Upon arrival at The Babe Spa, I was greeted by the most beautiful salon and gracious staff - they even had a PINK FLOWER WALL. Clearly, I felt that I was in the right place.
My lash technician explained the process to me, had me fill out some quick paperwork, answered some questions about her experience and background in the beauty industry, and handed me a list of 'tips' for maintenance/getting the most bang for my buck. I then laid back in a comfy, spa chair, and fell into a zen-like trace while getting a back massage for 2 hours. The lashes were applied one at a time using a specially formulated, semi-permanent glue. The entire process was relaxing and painless.
After 2 hours, I was shown my beautiful new set of mink eyelashes. I was seriously stunned. I swear my confidence went from a solid 6 to BEYOOONCE. I could not stop staring at them. I honestly didn't anticipate them turning out so good; I had never seen anyone with eyelash extensions before. They looked so natural but, at the same time, so glamorous. Not even the fanciest of lash strips could compete with this length and volume. I think I took like 15 Insta-story videos of me talking that day, which is 15 more than I usually would. Also, they weren't heavy at all like I thought they would be; after a few hours, without looking in the mirror, I totally forgot they were in place.
"LAST POSTCARE: Do not get lashes wet the first 24 hours and avoid swimming, saunas, and steam rooms for the first 48 hours as this will affect your adhesive bond. Do not pull, rub or sleep on lashes. Avoid waterproof eye makeup and mascara. Avoid all oil based products and makeup removed around your eye area. Brush your lashes daily with a clean mascara wand. Do not use an eyelash curler, perm, or tint your lash extensions. Washing your lashes will make them last longer! Be sure to gently cleanse daily to remove oils. Book your fill every 2-3 weeks to keep your lashes looking full."
What followed in the weeks was even more shocking than looking in the mirror that day. Like I said, I was convinced that mine couldn't possibly last 6-8 weeks (a full growth cycle of natural eyelashes) like the spa explained. True story: I slept upright on our couch Saturday night so that I wouldn't crush my lashes into my pillow before our 2nd shoot on Sunday (#realbts). If I had it my way that night, I probably wouldn't have slept at all; I thought they were that delicate.
I never would have guessed that I would still have them in tact, beautiful, and long as I write this review 4 and a half weeks later. And no, I haven't been sleeping standing up for the past month (LOL). My lashes are more natural looking now, as they have thinned out a bit since I originally got the full set and have yet to get a touch up but, they look just as gorgeous as ever. They "shed" very naturally alongside your real eyelashes so, there's really nothing that you need to do for the "removal" phase if you choose not to get a refill. And the only way that they could damage your real eyelashes is if you yank the extensions out for some odd reason (please don't do that).
I have gotten compliment after compliment on my "makeup" even if I'm literally not wearing anything but these lashes and a simple lip gloss. Like I said, these babies are real life changers in the beauty world. And I have to confess... I didn't even follow all of the rules I was provided. I have missed days brushing them with my clean mascara wand, I have slept HARD on my face, I have rubbed my eyes (out of tired habit mostly), I have used makeup removing wipes to get eye makeup off, etc. My point is, I did not treat my lashes "perfectly". Getting lash extensions is not as high maintenance as I once had guessed.
And now, you know who's begging to get a touch up before vacation in 2 weeks? THIS GIRL. I'm officially obsessed. Waking up and walking out of the house without any eye makeup on and still feeling fabulous as hell? I'll take that any day.
For a full set of eyelash extensions for $75 (that's 50% off!) at The Babe Spa in Timonium, MD use my code "LIFESTYLEBYANNA" when you call to make your appointment! Valid now through 6/21/17*
The Babe Spa also provides other beauty services such as Lash Lifts with Tint, Microblading, 3D Brow Building, Eyebrow Extensions, Waxing, Eyebrow Custom Shape and Tint, Facials, and Makeup Application. Check out their website for the full list of services.
Have you tried eyelash extensions? What was your experience with them? Let me know below!
xo Anna Elizabeth