Lash Out!

After too many glasses of champagne, eggnog, and fat-filled foods, the odds of waking up doe-eyed for the next grand gathering are about as good as hitting a 21 at the blackjack tables on the Strip. I think I have found the answer for those tired stressed out looking peepers – eyelash extensions are the new trend in spas all over LA.

I went to a medi-spa on the Westside to try them out. The esthetician had me lay down on a quilted massage table. She taped my bottom lashes – sounds scary, I know. Yet, it didn’t feel awkward, and removal was a breeze – no band-aid ripping agony (ouch!). She then had me close my eyes, and for the next 45 minutes, she applied the extensions lash by lash. Just relaxing there on the table was treat enough, but when I opened my eyes and checked myself out in the mirror, my lashes seemed to go on forever! Was I channeling Twiggy?

For a couple of days, I loved receiving comments on the length of my lashes, and always looking so wide-eyed. Post weekend, though, it all went south. The lashes became hardened and intertwined, my eyes were itchy, and what I thought was mascara was actually clumps of glue. I wanted them off, but figured I would just follow the instructions I was given and let them fall out with my regular lashes.

A few days later, I visited my personal esthetician for a facial, and when she saw my eyes, she was shocked. She was so worried about the health of my lashes that she removed the extensions for me. She said that people have often come to her to get lash extensions removed after a poor job has been done. De-lashified, I felt liberated and quite happy to have my average length lashes back.

If you are in the market for lash extensions, I offer you the following advice: be sure to do your research! Check to see who the esthetician is, and how much experience she has. Ask what products she uses, including lashes and glue. Know yourself and what you might be allergic to. Most glue is made with latex, which is highly allergenic. Although you may be told that lashes last for a month and come out naturally as your real lashes fall out, I suggest only leaving them on for about a week and having them professionally removed. Finally if anything feels wrong or uncomfortable do not hesitate to contact your esthetician immediately and have your extensions taken off!