The Truth About Eyelash Extensions

They make me feel more feminine.  My eyes immediately opened up and now that I have them, I don't know how I ever lived without them.  I'm talking about my new lashes.  Last week I went to the Courtney Akai Lash Boutique for eyelash extensions and like when I had hair extensions, it may be the best thing I've ever done in the sake of beauty.  However, after receiving compliments on them, I find myself constantly explaining why they won't ruin my lashes, which is why I'm writing this post.  Yes, lash extensions can harm your real lashes if not done right.  Here's the deal.

"Just like with any beauty service or procedure if it's done correctly, there shouldn't be any damage," my lash specialist, Tamara explained.

When you get lash extensions, the specialist actually glues individual lashes onto each of your natural lashes.  To make it appear natural and prevent damage, different sized lashes are used.  It's a very strategic process.  If lashes are applied incorrectly, meaning the lash size in diameter and weight, isn't right for the individual natural lash it's being glued to, then you're in trouble.  Your lashes will break off and overtime, it can stress the folicle, which will lead to that lash not growing back.

This is why you need to find a credible salon.  Lash extensions aren't cheap, so some try to make a quick buck offering the service and sure, they can apply them, but do they really know the ins and outs of proper application?  Do your research.  Look at testimonials online or better yet, go somewhere a friend has gone.  My friend Amber has been going to Courtney for years, which is why I went.  Her lashes are amazing.

Courtney Akai Lash Boutique is located at 594 Broadway in NYC.

Lashing Out: Serums, Mascaras and Treatments, Oh My!

Last week The New York Times reported on the craze in eye lash enhancement.  It's a booming market and each month the beauty industry and consumers find out about a brand new potion, wand or treatment that promises to make you batters fuller, longer and all around more luscious. What girl doesn't want that? But with so many on the market how's a girl supposed to choose? Let me break it down for you: Serums: Full of peptides, if you swipe on a serum once a day at the lash line you're guaranteed longer, fuller lashes in 6-8 weeks.  Latisse is a prescription only serum that costs $120 a pop, but RapidLash can be found at drugstores for $50 and offers the same results.  I've tried and tested, RapidLash and got great results.  Patience and consistency are key.

2-in-1's: Some cosmetic companies are creating double ended wands that have mascara on one end and the serum on the other.  Two examples, L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara, $10.95 and Sue Devitt Lash Intensifer Treatment & Lengthening Mascara, $49.  These are convenient because they're two products in one, but if you love your mascara (and when many of us find a mascara that works wonders we don't tend to part) then this isn't for you.

LashDip: This is the latest lash boosting treatment on the market that acts as semi-permenant mascara and stays put on your real lashes for up to six weeks.  A gel is painted onto your batters so you can wake up in the morning looking enhanced with out having to take the extra step of the wand.

Eyelash Extensions: Individual lashes that are attached to your own individual lashes with glue by using tweezers.  The process takes about an hour and a half to two hours, but the lashes are luscious!  The cost of the treatment is lessening, which is great for the lashionistas out there, but is an average of $300 and they last about four to six weeks.  I've had them before and loved them!  As soon as they all fell off I felt naked.

You can always boost your batters with classic mascara.  Knowing which is right for you, can make a world of a difference.  Personally, I love using RapidLash with mascara.  Mascara's my finishing touch!