It was even more out of character that I absolutely freaking loved them.
My first appointment was three weeks before to try them out.
Obsession is an understatement.
Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
Heres the thing I discovered about eyelash extensions: They make you feel more glamorous than you thought possible.
There are no clumps, and theyre perfectly tapered from root to tips.
And you look that way 24 hours a day!
The other thing I learned: They’re a high-maintenance, time-intensive, and not exactly cheap habit.
(For a lower-effort solution, try aneyelash seruminstead.)
Heres what to know before you try them.
Show up to your eyelash extensions appointment bare-faced.
That includes not curling your lashes either.
Other things to avoid: mascara, waterproof eye makeup, oily skincare, and eye cream.
You basically dont want anything thatll interfere with the glue.
If you better work out, go to the gym and take a shower in advance, Shin advises.
You cant get them wet for 24 hours post-session because the adhesive has to dry completely.
Tirzah Shirai from L.A.s Blinkbar even recommends avoiding waterproof eye makeup for up to a week before your appointment.
It leaves an invisible film that will keep the lashes from adhering fully, she says.
Its not an in-and-out kind of appointment.
Eyelash extensions take a long time (up to two hours!
The best eyelash extensions are customand pricey.
One curl and length will look completely different on one person versus another, Shirai explains.
A great lash artist will also mix lengths to give lashes a naturally wispy vibe, Shirai says.
At Blinkbar we use a minimum of four different lengths for every style we offer.
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Stay away from cluster lashes.
Avoid themtheyll only weigh down your natural lashes and lead to breakage.
Basically, if they look like falsies, they’ll be way too heavy.
Consider colors other than black.
The possibilities are endless.
Theywillfeel weird at first.
They’ll also mess with the way you normally sleep (unless you’re already a back sleeper).
Try using a travel pillow or something that helps to elevate and keep you on your back.
You might need to adjust your skin care routine…
The general rule of thumb is to avoid anything too oily.
I love nothing more than rich face oils, but had to give them up while I had extensions.
…and the way you do your makeup.
While there are some extension-safe mascaras out there, Shin recommends avoiding mascara completely.
You just splurged on lashesdont jeopardize them!
Youll have to relearn how to wash your face.
And give your eyes extra attention.
Like your hair, eyelash extensions need to be brushed.
My lashes would get a little wacky when I woke up or after showering.
Heres how she does it: Looking down, support underneath your lashes with your pointer finger.
It takes five seconds out of your day and it goes a long way, Shin says.
Neverever!pick at them.
The only way to remove eyelash extensions is with a proseriously.
I told you, they’re addicting.
