3 Must Have Products for Eyelash Extension Lovers
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The Lash Extension Impact
With looming work deadlines and “household chores” falling by the wayside, it inevitably means that my dry shampoo is putting in some overtime and my zombie-like dark circles are on full display. As much as I want to hide my bags and add some colour to my face, my need for 20 extra minutes of sleep often takes precedence. Before I started getting lash extensions, this tradeoff meant startling myself every. single. time. I accidentally glanced in the mirror. This may seem like hyperbole but if wearing makeup is part of your daily routine, I think you can empathize.
Eyelash extensions have cut my “getting ready” time in half since I no longer have to apply eyeshadow or eyeliner daily (the eyeliner does come out when I’m due for a refill and can’t seem to find the time to go...) My typical daily makeup/skin routine now “just” consists of applying a CC cream, eyebrow gel, lipstick or gloss, and some combination of blush, highlighter and/or bronzer/contour.
Even if I have to skip makeup altogether, I still look somewhat put together because lash extensions add instant glamour. Since I go for the full and “wide eye” extension style, it makes it look like I’m wearing eyeliner and gives the appearance of a more open eye. In fact, since I started wearing lash extensions, colleagues have commented that I surprisingly look well-rested after pulling an all-nighter.
3 Non-Gimmicky Lash Extension Products
If you get your lashes done, you’ve probably heard the sales pitch for some sort of lash routine that involves a lash protector, conditioner, revitalizer, etc. In my experience, not only did these expensive products not extend the life of my lashes, they expedited their fall out. I find the real difference maker to be the type of glue the lash technician uses. Glues that dry in 4-6 hours have worked best for me (plus waiting 24 hours before getting your lashes wet seems like an impossible task).
After a lot of trial and error, I found the following 3 products actually work to accentuate and extend the life of lash extensions. With good glue, skilled application, and 3 products, my lashes tend to look pretty full even after 4 weeks.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara - #01 black, 0.07oz
Even though I just extolled the virtues of lash extensions, there are some occasions when I feel the need for a little extra oomph - date night, parties, weddings, etc. Although I could get lower lash extensions, I personally find the look to be too dramatic (especially for my office). So, in these instances, I apply Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (C$15 or US$10) to my lower lashes.
Until I tried Clinique's product, I always struggled to apply mascara to my lower lashes without ending up with mascara everywhere and looking like a raccoon by the end of the day! But the Bottom Lash Mascara wand is so tiny and precise, it is easy to apply and every single little lower lash is separated, lengthened and fluffed (sans clumps!) Plus, the formula has excellent staying power so there are no black smudges under my eyes at the end of the night.
2. Oil-free Makeup Remover Pads
Pre-lash extensions, I would use whatever round cotton pads were on sale and Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water to clean my eyelids. With lash extensions, I find fluffy round cotton pads to be too fibrous and textured which results in lashes getting caught between the cotton fibres and ultimately falling or being pulled out.
Alternatively, pre-moistened eye pads tend to be thinner and less textured. My favourite eye makeup remover is from the Canadian brand Annabelle. The Annabelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads are thin, gentle on the eyes and don’t cause any eyelash pulling.
When I was living in NYC, I could not find Annabelle products but Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads proved to be an excellent substitute. Regardless of what brand you choose, you should only use oil-free products on your lash extensions as oil breaks down the bonds of the lash glue.
3. Bucky Eye Mask
Since I’m sensitive to light, I often wear an eye mask to bed. The blackout shade in our bedroom lets the tiniest bit of light in at the cracks which prevent me from sleeping in on weekends. When I first got my lash extensions, my eye mask would smoosh my lashes into my face. Not only was it uncomfortable, it also resulted in tangled lashes.
Even if light doesn't bother you, the Bucky eye mask is perfect for lash extensions because the deep contoured foam prevents light pressure from being applied to your eyes and lashes. You can also blink freely, and the mask won’t touch your extensions (unless you’re getting really long extensions).
Some lash places sell the Bucky sleep mask for over C$20, but you can order it from Amazon.ca or Amazon.com for less in different colours. I've had my sleep mask for over three years and except for a little fraying around the edges, it has held up quite well with regular hand washing.
What’s your favourite place to get eyelash extensions? In Manhattan, I love going to Kyle at KS Lash. In Toronto, Bella at Ahoy Lashes is my go-to! Let me know in the comments below if you have any other lash tips.
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