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With two weddings and New York Fashion Week right around the corner, I got lash extensions after six months of detoxing from them. I'd had lash extensions applied about seven times previous to my appointment last night, and am basically an addict. Yes, the process can be tedious (my appointments last a little over two hours—sometimes I nap!), but the end result is worth it: My lashes are longer and much fuller, plus my makeup routine is cut in half—there's no need to curl my lashes or coat mascara on them. And because they're dramatic, I don't need to wear any other eye makeup. (Sold yet?) Here, the five tips I've learned over the years that help me keep my extensions intact and looking good for a long time (I'm talking two to three months):
This might sound like a crazy request (unless you already sleep on your back), but it's really important directly following your application, since the glue takes a while to dry fully and you'll otherwise get weird kinks. After a night or two, resume your normal sleeping position.
When removing your eye makeup (liner, shadow, etc.), gently go over the area with a cleansing wipe instead of placing cotton pads or puffs over your lids — not only could you eventually weaken the extensions and mess them up, the cotton fibers get stuck on lashes (not cute). Try Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes.
You might think keeping your lash extensions dry is smart, but they actually stay nicer, longer, when they're oiled up (this helps keep them flexible). Just rub a drop of baby oil on them with your fingers, as Courtney Akai of Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in New York City recommended to me.
To prevent any criss-crossing or wonky-looking lashes, use a spoolie wand. Close one eye, place the spoolie on top of your lashes, then roll the brush over lashes to keep them defined.
Your eyelashes shed naturally, so when you have extensions, this will help push them off. If an extension looks out of place, avoid playing with it or twisting or pulling it off — you'll risk losing your natural lashes. Let them come out on their own, and use a spoolie to brush them back into place in the meantime.
If you prefer false lashes instead:
