Water Proof Mascara Out; Lash Extensions In!

Brides have no fear, these lashes will never smear!

For those of us who hate the clumped and un-natural look of mascara, lash extensions are the cure! During the big wedding day tears (of happiness) and honeymoon dips (with said new husband or dolphins), maintaining beautiful long lashes is no longer a problem.

Celebrities, socialites, brides and busy women are all flocking to Denise Grant at Leaf & Rusher Medical Skin Care Clinic in Beverly Hills to have their lashes done. Although lash extensions are not new””they originated in Asia in the 60′s””this natural looking beauty trick has just recently made its way to Los Angeles.

“This is a great treatment for brides because they don’t have to worry about crying and smearing their mascara on their wedding day,” says Grant. “And they are great throughout the honeymoon.”

Grant knows what brides want and need. She has been a personal makeup artist for 15 years and a licensed esthetician for over four years during which she has worked on brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the brides.

“Brides should come in a minimum of 48 hours before their big day,” advises Grant. “The semi permanent glue takes a full 48 hours to set and they need to be treated carefully during this period of time.” However, after the 48 hour set-up time period, these lashes will last through water, swimming, sweating and of course, tears of joy. During the set up, Grant advises that women should avoid steamy showers, sweating, and should not wear contacts as the contact solution can inhibit the glue from hardening.

The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes and involves no pain or discomfort. If the client has blonde or red eye lashes, Grant will first use a vegetable dye to dye the natural lashes a dark color. If the lashes are already a dark shade or after the dying is complete, Grant begins by talking to the client to find out what look she wants. “Most women want a really natural look, not too long,” says Grant.

She decides on the length of lashes based on the desired look and the length of the client’s natural lashes, typically using more than one length to create a more natural look. With tiny drops of black glue, Grant connects the synthetic lash to the natural lash. The results last up to two months, however they require touch-ups about two weeks following the initial application.

Grant’s bridal and celebrity clients’ lash extensions have received rave reviews. “One bride was a red head and a “˜no makeup’ girl. Her fiancé was very natural and didn’t want her to look different,” says Grant. “He was very pleased with how beautiful she looked with the lashes. All she needed after getting the procedure was a little lip-gloss and eye shadow. That’s all the makeup she wore on her wedding day.”

Grant has quite the celebrity black book of clientele, but does not reveal any names. Even if you have yet to make your tabloid debut, she offers the royal treatment to all. “Most of the women who have the lash extensions done for their wedding come back and get them again and again, even after the wedding and honeymoon, because they love them so much.”

Denise Grant, Leaf & Rusher Medical Skincare Clinic, Beverly Hills, can be contacted at 310.276.5558 or by email denise@leafandrusher.com.