Product Review: Xtreme Lashes Eyelash Extensions

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:59:48 PDT

If you think false eyelashes are glamorous, wait until you see eyelash extensions. Just as their name implies, they're a lot like hair extensions-but for the eyes, natch. At first, I thought the concept was a little goofy, and that mascara was doing a perfectly good job of making me look doe-eyed and lovely. But then I was offered the chance to try a set for free, and, well, now I feel naked without them. For a step-by-step account of the in-spa procedure,

read more I headed to The Lashe Spot in Chicago, where estheticians use semi-permanent Xtreme Lashes brand. While I reclined in a comfy spa chair, Ignacia, my esthetician, started by applying an anti-wrinkle pad to isolate my bottom eyelashes. From there, I had to keep my eyes closed, but Ignacia walked me through the process. She swabbed each eyelash with a bonding agent, then used tweezers to affix the extensions individually. As you can imagine, this process takes time. A lot of time. But about 90 minutes later, I could barely believe my eyes. My lashes were full, thick, and long-and best of all, they looked completely natural, too. Over the next few weeks, strangers commented on what beautiful eyelashes I had (when does that happen?!) and I never got accustomed to waking up and looking bright-eyed. My lovely look lasted about two months (since the extensions are attached to single eyelashes, they fall out when the eyelashes do). The only thing holding me back from getting extensions again (and again and again) is the price. The Lashe Spot charges $350 for first-time clients, then $100/hour for refills; prices vary from $200 to $600 in spas across the US. So while the end result is genuinely amazing, it's expensive. But for a big occasion such as a wedding, it's worth the splurge.

The 411 on Eyelash Extensions

FabSugar — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 10:08:43 PDT

Eyelash extensions are all the rage. Everyone in Hollywood is getting them, and NYC's most fabulous socialites swear by them. They take the fuss out of applying false eyelash with messy glue, and they save tons of time getting ready if you're a fabulous gal with a busy schedule. With so many brands advertised on the market now, here's some helpful information to read up on before you invest in a pair of your own.

Eyelash extensions are applied to your natural eyelashes with a bonding agent, such as an adhesive or permanent glue. Having a full set applied takes about two hours. They are safe to wear with contact lenses; you can sleep, swim, and spa in them; and they're not so long that you'll be batting into your sunglasses every time you blink. You don't have to wear mascara with them, and they last for about two months. Also, the glue doesn't touch your skin, so you won't have any weird remnants when you're finished. Eyelash extensions come in a myriad of colors and lengths. To learn about the different types of extensions,

read more Extensions can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on whether they are made from synthetic or human hair. If you don't want to pay this kind of a price, you can always get semi-permanent lashes applied for about $50 and they last up to 10 days. Synthetic Eyelashes lengthen and thicken your lashes using single strands of synthetic fibers that are shaped to look like real eyelashes. Synthetic lashes are good because they are less susceptible to oxidation and they won't take to dye if you are getting your hair or eyebrows colored. Xtreme Lashes come highly recommended. Human Hair Eyelashes are a little bit more expensive, but lots of beauticians believe that there is nothing better than the real thing. They won't frizz, and they can sustain heat and wear and tear a little bit better. A great brand to try are Lavish Lashes, like those offered at La Petite Day Spa's in Los Angeles. Ultimately, you aren't going to be wearing these lashes forever, so the choice is yours.