In her Meet The Team profile, Glossier’s Digital Designer Nadine Head-Gordon had this nugget of wisdom to share: “I used to get eyelash extensions, when you essentially get synthetic eyelashes semi-permanently glued onto your real eyelashes. I wanted to look like Bambi. I was on a date with a guy and one of them fell onto my cheek, and he told me make a wish. So I made a wish on a fake eyelash. That was when I decided to get them removed.” In our book, this makes her the office expert on the topic. So we coerced her to write us all a guide to share with the world. Because who doesn’t want to have semi-permanent Bambi lashes, too?
Even though I work for a beauty company, I’m honestly not the most motivated person when it comes to getting ready in the morning. In a perfect world, I’d wake up looking just like I did the day before. That’s actually why, back in ninth grade, I used to sleep with my makeup on. That didn’t turn out well, and I definitely don’t recommend it.
Then, in 2012, I found something that really helped: eyelash extensions. Like hair extensions, lash extensions are individual lashes made from silk, mink, or synthetic materials that are attached to your natural lashes and last for weeks. If you’ve ever wanted to wake up with long lashes but without the leftover mascara under your eyes, this might be exactly what you need. Interested? Good. Here’s what you should know before getting eyelash extensions:
- The process feels relaxing and pampering.
Yes, really—it’s actually quite calming. You lie on a bed with your eyes closed for about an hour and a half while soft music plays in the background. During that time, a technician carefully applies the lashes one by one. It almost feels like a nap that you’re allowed to take in the middle of the day. Some salons even include a free massage while you’re lying there. - You can choose the look you want.
Don’t worry—you won’t leave the salon looking like you glued on a fake strip lash. First, you can choose the length you want. Most salons offer lengths from 9 to 15 millimeters. Most people prefer something in the middle, like 10 to 12 millimeters.
Next, you can choose the curl. A “J” curl gives a softer, more natural look, while a “C” curl is more bold and gives the effect of already curled lashes. If you want a more styled look, you can even mix both—use “J” curls on the inner corners and “C” curls on the outer edges for a cat-eye shape.
You also get to choose the material. The options include Faux Mink, Faux Fox, Silk, Real Mink, and even Real Human Hair. These materials all look pretty similar once applied, so many people go with Faux Mink, which is usually the most affordable choice.
- They last longer than you might expect.
With good care, eyelash extensions can last up to six weeks. Most salons recommend getting touch-ups every two to three weeks, but if you’re trying to save money, you can make them last longer. Avoid getting them wet and stay away from oil-based products around your eyes. - You can still wear makeup with them.
If you love your makeup routine, you don’t have to give it up. Just be careful. Liquid-based eye makeup can damage the glue used for the extensions. Still, a small winged eyeliner is usually fine as long as you don’t apply it right against the lash line. When it comes to removing makeup, use oil-free makeup remover and Q-tips for better control. Stay away from mascara completely—it can dry out and break the extensions. The only time to use it is right before you plan to get a new set. - They can damage your natural lashes—but only if you’re not careful.
This usually happens when people pull out the extensions themselves. I’ve done it before, and it was painful—and it left me with barely any natural lashes. But after about six weeks of applying Vaseline to my eyelids every night, my natural lashes grew back. So if you take care of them and avoid pulling them out, your lashes will stay healthy. - You can either have them removed by a professional or wait for them to fall out.
Getting eyelash extensions removed is simple, quick, and not painful. Most salons offer this service. But if you don’t want to pay extra, you can just let them fall out over time as your natural lashes shed. It takes longer, but it won’t cost you anything.
