Lash Extension: Need To Knows

DON’T SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT THE DAY BEFORE ANYTHING OF CONSEQUENCE.
This includes, but is not limited to: a pool party, long weekend, job interview, or wedding (for details on when to book an appointment before that, go here). The first cardinal rule of lash extensions: You are forbidden to wet your new lashes for at least 24 hours (48 to be really safe) at the risk of deactivating the lash-adhesive. Seriously, that means no swimming, hot tubs, saunas, impromptu water fights with attractive strangers on the beach, and yes, even showers.

My advice? Book your appointment on a Friday evening and spend the weekend color coding your closet, watching Game Of Thrones, or just staring at your pores in a magnifying mirror.

2. BAN CAFFEINE (AND MAKE SURE YOU VISIT THE RESTROOM PRE-APPOINTMENT.
A full set of lashes (anywhere between 80-100 lashes per eye) can take up to two hours, and if you go for the OTT, some may say Kardashian-level lashes (110-1130 lashes per eye) your appointment can take over three hours. During this time, you must lay perfectly still while a steady-handed Esthetician painstakingly glues each faux-lash to the base of your own lash line.

Having caffeine jitters, also what I call eyelid jitters… will make this time seem like an eternity, not to mention shuffling to the ladies room with your eyes covered in tape and glue is not an easy task. Trust me.

STOCKPILE CLEANSING WIPES
Lash extensions are a perfect excuse to become lazy, at least when it comes to your nightly beauty routine. Scrubbing your face (seriously, think about how your rub off your eye makeup now) shortens the life of your lashes.

Try to wash your face with a stash of makeup removing towelettes, it will make your life much easier, trust me.

4.FIND THE RIGHT LASH CLEANSER
Excessive rubbing, tugging, pulling or scrubbing will shorten the life of your lashes. Eye makeup remover is therefore key. But when it comes to lash extensions, not all makeup removers are created equal. Avoid oil-free formulas—anything with PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), Hexalene Glycol, Butylene or Propylene Glycol—can break down the lash adhesive and cause you to lose lashes more quickly. To cleanse your eye area soak a pad with makeup remover and gently press it over your eye. Hold it for five seconds then gently wipe off your eye makeup.
Since eyeliners sit right at the lash line, opt for an oil-free formula so your makeup doesn’t breakdown the adhesive either. Get a small makeup brush to dip in your cleanser and gentle cleanse the lashes. NEVER use cotton on the lash extensions. Ouch!

Lucky for you I have Bloomflora Beauty Lash Cleanser that will extend the life of your extensions and gently cleanse the eye area. 😉

5. GET A LASH BRUSH
It may sound excessive, but stock up on mascara wand testers to keep your lash extensions from clumping or getting tangled. Make sure to brush from the middle of the lash outwards (don’t start at the base of your lashes, since that’s where the adhesive is) to keep your extensions curl and fullness.

I have special brush cases for sale that include a mascara wand and a cute bling top! Great for your purse, pocket, or drawer! Or in my case center console of my car for red light and drive thru brushing! 🙂