InkBlog

One of the best things at being allowed back out-out, is we have a reason to get glam and make ourselves feel glossy again. The downside? A lot of us enjoyed being a bit lazier with our beauty routine in the morning. What a pickle.

However, there is a way to wake up with beautiful long, dark lashes every morning which requires precisely zero effort on our part – and that's with eyelash extensions.

We've put together everything you need to know about them below.

What are eyelash extensions?

They're semi-permanent synthetic lashes that are glued to your own lashes to make them look fuller and more defined.

What are the different types of eyelash extensions?

Not all lash extensions are made equal and there are different types of lashes you can choose. Two of the main types are classic (nice for everyday, they tend to be more affordable but a little thicker), and Russian (they're ultra fine, so several of the synthetic lashes can be added to each natural lash to create a super full but natural look, however they tend to be more expensive). You can also choose how curled or straight you like them, and you can chat to your technician about the look you want to achieve. More feline means lashes will be concentrated more at the outer corner. Generally full means they'll be distributed more evenly.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

They typically last for between 3-6 weeks depending on how well you take care of them.

How much do eyelash extensions cost?

They can cost from as little as £15 or as much as £300 depending on where you go. Just remember, this is a treatment that's up close and personal with your eyeballs, so you want to make sure you go to someone reputable with stringent hygiene standards and quality glue and lashes. In general, a good set will cost around £150, then you can get refills or half-sets for about £85.

Where to go to get them done?

Lash Perfect and Blink Brow Bar are very well regarded and have outlets nationwide, while in London we recommend Boudoir Lashes, Nails & Brows Mayfair, Brow Bar London and Daxita Vaghela.

How eyelash extension treatments are being made Covid safe

"Strict health and safety measures remain in place at our boutique since and these measures will also be implemented for our brow and lash studio," says Sherrille Riley, top expert and founder of Nails & Brows Mayfair. Anyone with symptoms will have to stay home, but Brows & Nails Mayfair have gone one step further: "Our client facing team has been Covid-19 tested for the safety and peace of mind of both clients and team," says Sherrille. So it's worth checking in with your lash technician to see what similar measures they have in place.

All therapists carrying out close contact treatments will be wearing PPE. "Our lash experts will be wearing face masks and visors at all times, in line with the government’s guidelines," says Sherrille. "They will also wear disposable gloves to carry out the treatments and have been through training to ensure they are comfortable performing the treatment wearing gloves."

Strict hygiene standards will be in place, with more frequent cleaning of tools, work surfaces and hands. "All tools will be pre-sterilised and pre-packed for each appointment. The whole area where the treatments are performed will be meticulously sanitised before and after each client," says Sherrille.

As for prep – "an allergy test 48 hours prior to appointments will be mandatory for anyone booking eyelash extensions and lash lift treatments," says Sherrille. "We have been made aware that those who have previously had Covid-19 can be extra sensitive to some of the products used in these treatments. We will therefore be even more cautious with patch tests than we were before the outbreak."

With the safety measures in place, you can get back to the beauty routines that give you a boost.

What you need to know before you get eyelash extensions

In terms of how to maximise your favourite treatment, take it from our Fashion Editor, Charlie, who had her first eyelash extensions applied almost five years ago, and has been going for infills ever since. Here, she shares the dos and don'ts she's learnt over the years for keeping her lash extensions in tip-top condition...

DON'T get them wet for 24 hours

To ensure the glue has proper time to set, and will give your extensions the best chance at lasting, you should avoid getting them wet for the first 24 hours. This including hitting the gym (sweat) or going for a steam or sauna. Moisture of any kind should be avoided.

DO brush them once a day

When you go for your first appointment, you should be given a special brush to use to comb your extensions. This should be done once a day to avoid them from becoming tangled and keep them looking as lush as possible.

DON'T use oil-based products

The biggest warning you'll be given for taking care of your extensions is to avoid oil-based products, as they can break down the glue and cause them to fall out. This not only means skincare, but makeup as well. You can use mascara on your extensions if you wish, but it should definitely NOT be oil-based.

DO clean them with a 'special' eyelash cleaner

If you're unsure if your current skincare products are oil-based, it's better to be safe and switch to a specific eyelash shampoo. You don't have to use it every day (if you're not wearing mascara - and with extensions you'll probably find you don't need to), but 2-3 times a week will help keep your lashes cleansed and moisturised, without compromising the adhesive bonds.

DON'T go in with eye makeup on

When going for your eyelash extension appointments, go without eye makeup on to save time. They'll only have to remove it anyway, so it's better to go in prepared.

DO get them refreshed every 2-3 weeks

Eyelash extensions do need maintenance, so to keep them looking fluffy and natural it's best to go every 2-3 weeks. You can usually book in for 15 minutes slots (depending on how many you need to be replaced). The longer you leave it between appointments, the longer you'll likely need for a refill.

DON'T pull them out

Your lash extensions will naturally fall out as they wear and, as tempting as it can be, do not pull them out yourself because this can do damage to your natural lash and eyelid. Either head in for a refill, or to have them professionally removed.

DON'T just go to the first place you find

Eyelash extensions applied correctly are amazing, but applied wrong they can compromise your natural lash greatly. Do your research when choosing a place and don't be afraid to head in for a consultation. Boudoir Lashes is Charlie's top recommendation.

DO have a break

If you're planning to commit to lash extensions long term, it's a good idea to give your natural lashes a break every now and then. Just one month off in a year should suffice.

DON'T forget your sunglasses on holiday

I've noticed that whenever I'm on a summer holiday, my extensions tend to fall out quicker. I believe this is due to the hotter temperature making the glue more malleable. So make sure you wear sunglasses if you're spending loads of time in the sun to keep them protected.

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