Product Review: Eyelash Extensions

Ok, I admit it, I’m envious of Kim Kardashian. Not because of her new $2M engagement ring or the “asset” that made her famous. I long for her lashes.
So, for the past year, I’ve been on a personal quest to make my lashes longer and fuller. I’ve tried Latisse, but you have to get it through a doctor, it’s about $120 a bottle (which lasts a month), and the warnings about “possible brown spots” appearing (and permanently staying) on my eyes scared me. also, you have to apply it daily for it to work right, and of course, I always forgot.
Then I tried Beauty Society’s knock-off version of Latisse called Enormous Lash, and it worked pretty well. you can get at Nordstrom and it’s about $100 a bottle (month’s supply). But it stung a little when I applied it (which scared me), and again, I kept forgetting to apply it every day.
I eventually decided chemically altering my lashes wasn’t for me. so, I sought out the best mascara (ended up being DiorShow) to wear everyday. And, for fancy affairs, I go to Nancy at Brideface/FACEing for her to apply individual false lashes, which look dramatic but natural.
But then, Nancy made a new friend, Tracey Wells, who does permanent makeup and eyelash extensions. they now share space at the Bridal Studio in Mainstrasse. I had heard of eyelash extensions before, but didn’t know that anyone offered them here locally. so, as part of the quest for Kim’s luscious lashes, I gave it a whirl.
She asked me how I normally wear my makeup and which lashes I wanted. I could do just the long lashes on the outer edge, a dome effect so the longer lashes are on the inside, shorter lashes overall just to add some thickness or long dramatic lashes with a natural curl overall. Guess what this drama mama chose? Go big or go home! Give me long dramatic lashes, baby!
She laid me down, turned on the tunes, had me close my eyes and she went to work! it took about 90 minutes for her to put a full set on (it’s only about 30min for a refill), but I have to tell you it was the most relaxing 90 minutes of my life! it didn’t hurt at all… I was comfortable… enjoying the music… clearing my mind… and then she was done and voila I was the blonde Kim! Seriously, so amazing.
I’m so thrilled with the result. And I didn’t realize this before I got them done, but you don’t have to wear mascara (they actually suggest you don’t wear mascara because it breaks down the glue) when you have these lash extensions in. so, it’s great for vacations when you’ll be swimming, or if you’re a bride-to-be and you don’t want mascara smearing when the water works start on your happy tears.
How does it work? Well, Tracey told me she put a special polymer-based “super glue” on individual fake lashes to adhere to my individual real lashes. the life of a real lash is about 30 days, so when a lash falls out, so does the fake lash. so, she recommends coming in every three weeks for a refill. Your initial set is about $200, and refills are about $50. FYI – I’m definitely going back for a refill before my 4th of July beach getaway! Yay for not looking like a drowned raccoon when I get out of the ocean this year! haha! : )
A friend of mine, Alison Wenstrup, told me her initial set lasted 5 weeks. Tracey said that’s possible, and it’s all in how well you take care of the lashes. Rubbing/touching the lashes, or using products with oils/emollients will break down the glue. so stay away from that and they’ll last longer. also, she recommended using baby shampoo to wash around the eye, and not using eye makeup remover.
I was super happy with the experience and with my new lovely long lashes. I think the buck stopped at Tracey on my quest for Kim’s lashes!
Here’s her info:Tracey Wells
advancedpmu@gmail.com513-720-3296
Check out the webcast below where I chat with Tracey about lash extensions and also Cry Baby mascara, which she’s now doing to enhance the extensions!