We’re pretty sure all women will attest when we say nothing completes a glam look than long, full eyelashes. Luscious lashes can easily add definition to your eyes. Unfortunately, many of us were not blessed with lengthy, thick eye-defining lashes. However, thankfully there are lash extensions that will amplify our eyelashes instantly.

Before you book your lash extension services, we spoke with Simone Webb, Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge Lash Specialist, as well as Umbreen Sheikh, founder of the Wink Brow Bar. Both Sheikh and Webb dished on the ins and outs of eyelash extensions to help you on your way to have the most envious lashes of the summer.

HL: What are the best luxury eyelash extension brands?
Sheikh: To be honest, the best brands are those that are of a medium strength. Not too hard, not too soft to the touch. They can be matte or glossy depending on the look you are trying to achieve. I am not really a fan of the real animal lash extensions, for example 100 percent real mink, as I do not believe in using animal products. The other reason is that these lashes have very little curl so you need to perm them as an extra step.

There are a lot of cheap, poorly made lashes on the market and we are very lucky to be using our own Wink Brand in our store, which will be available for sale soon through our website this fall! (inquiries to office@winkbrowbar.com) .

Webb: The best lash extensions are Bella Lash. They are cruelty free synthetic lashes that give the most natural lash look.

HL: How long does it take to apply?
Sheikah: We use individual Silk and Faux Mink lashes that are applied one lash to one hair. These as a full set can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1.5 hours and extra full sets can go up to 1 hour 40 mins, depending on how many existing lashes the artisan is attaching to.

HL: How long do they last?
Sheikh: Lash extensions last anywhere from 4­6 weeks, but you need to add refills in between. They fall off gradually with your normal hair cycle. People who are very interested in maintaining a complete set all the time will get refills twice a month.

HL: What are the pros and cons of lash extensions vs. treatments to grow your lashes?
Sheikh: I am a believer in keeping things healthy but not depriving ourselves of the things that make us feel happy and confident. You can have your lashes and use a great lash treatment everyday to keep your lashes nourished and strong. However, here are some Pros and Cons:

Lash
Pros: Great for everybody
You look awake and your eyes pop! Deepset eyes can look larger and more open. Less little time required to get ready in the morning. Great for those with large eyes and short lashes
Can customize lashes to create different looks, ie: cat eye.

Lash Cons: Cannot apply if you have no lashes
Requires maintenance
You get addicted and miss them when you don’t have them!

Treatments
Pros: Grows lashes that are yours, can keep your lashes nourished and strong

Cons: Need to apply every day.
Not all work.
Lash treatments can be pricey and take a while. This is why we have been toiling to launch our own product that we believe will not only work, work very fast, but will be at a price point that all can afford. We are about giving self-esteem and confidence to all so stay tuned! (inquiries to office@winkbrowbar.com).

Webb chimed in: There are scary stories about extensions; the most common of which is thinking they may break your natural lashes. This can happen without proper care. For example, if you have a lot of makeup buildup and put on mascara or things of that nature, the lashes become heavy and that’s where breakage can occur. Washing your lashes is essential to avoid this and if someone is especially concerned, there is the Bella Lash vegan mink option. Bella Lash vegan mink extensions are the thinnest lash available and are feather light. In case someone is concerned about skin sensitivity, there are great gentle lash extension adhesives for girls with sensitive skin.

HL: What are the most common types of lash extensions?

Sheikh: The most common types of lash extensions are Mink (comes in Siberian mink, which is considered the best and Chinese mink), Faux mink and Silk. Sable lashes are also around­ these are thin lashes and pretty much feel like real mink, but these sets go up to $400!

Mink/Sable lashes give you an extremely light fluffy, natural look but remember what I said about when they get wet! They also do not come naturally that curls so you have to perm them if you want them curled more.

Faux mink (which we use) are great. They appear slightly glossier and can be varied by size, length and curls for each and every client. They are the most popular from a cost perspective and the final look.

Silk lashes are acrylic and have a very dark pigment, so it gives you a mascara look. Good for people who have very lightweight lashes.

Webb added: Lash extensions are broken down by length, thickness, and curl.  The most common curl is the  “C” Curl.  The most common thickness is a .15mm, and the length is really determined by the lash technician based on the consultation.  Using this combination will give the lashes a full, yet natural appearance.

HL: Can you shower or swim right away? Are there products you should absolutely avoid?
Webb: Aftercare is imperative to the longevity of the lash application. I recommend waiting at lease 24 hours before getting the lashes wet.  Products that should be avoided are oil based makeup removers, and skincare near the eye area.  Steam can also break down the adhesive.  Mascara is unnecessary, and can actually clump the lashes together, which can be uncomfortable, as well as shorten the life of the lash application.

HL: What are the pros and cons of wearing mink lashes like the celebs?
Webb: The mink lashes are a softer lash, so they will most closely resemble the natural lash.  They are however a little more expensive.

HL: What are the best lash products?
Sheikh: The best lash products are those that are not harmful to you. I like mascaras but l remind everyone to remove makeup every night to give your body time to breathe and do it as gently as possible. I think its the action of removing it that drags and pulls skin around the eye area more repetitively so I urge people to use soft eye cleaners.
I also love lash brushes! I think you should brush your lashes every day, it stimulates growth in my opinion!