Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference and if you’ve never tried eyelash extensions before, get ready to fall head over heels in love. From va va voom Saturday night glam every day of the week, to gorgeously natural ‘oh my god you’ve got great lashes’ compliments, you can pick exactly the look and feel you want and they’ll transform your face in a matter of hours. Lash extensions have come a long way in the last few years and now there’s a whole host of options on the market, each with their own benefits and considerations. We spoke to winner of best lash technician 2016, Stacy Nathaniel of Lash Magnifique, who counts Mel B, Little Mix and blogger Jayde Piece among her clients, about how to choose the perfect ones for you.
By Jo Hoare
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1 Mink lashes for a soft, natural looking flutter
Pro's: If you want a really natural look, then mink is for you. “Mink gives a really fluttery feel, a real eye opening effect, and is so natural looking, although if you prefer a more glamorous finish, you can build it up too”, admits Stacy. She explains that this is the best option for brides because it’s so soft and pretty looking and won’t look too ‘done’. It's the most lightweight and realistic, “You won’t be aware you’re wearing them, they’re so soft to the touch you’ll forget you’ve got extensions at all” she reveals.
Con's: The price – at Stacy’s salon, prices for mink extensions start at around £125 and although they are cruelty free, some people don’t like the idea of fur. Also, if you play with your eyes a lot you might bend them as they are so delicate. It’s also easy to forget you’ve got them, and if you’re not conscious of them you might treat them a little harsher than if you were more aware which could lead to some shedding.
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2 Silk lashes for dramatic length and definition
Pro's: The best value choice, coming in at around £85 at Lash Magnifique, silk lashes are thicker than mink, so great if it’s a more glamorous look you’re after. “Silk lashes are much denser than mink so they give more of that mascaraed lash effect and they also hold the curl well and stay put, so that glam look is easy to achieve at a good price”, Stacy explains. Silk lashes can also end up lasting well as you’re more aware of them so will be more careful with them.
Con's: As with the pro’s you’ll definitely be more aware of them and realise you’re wearing them which some people might not like. They’re also harder to make look totally natural, so if you’re trying to convince everyone you were just born with fab lashes, they might not be for you.
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3 Russian Volume for a va va voom effect
Pro's: Russian volume is a technique that can put anything from 2-6 lashes on just one of your own, also known as 2-6d, it’s growing hugely in popularity. “You can choose from mink or silk so pick which is best for you and you can really get a dramatic effect with this. If you always choose a volumising mascara and that’s the look you like, then these are for you”, reveals Stacy. It’s a really fluttery, three dimensional effect, not a flat look and it also lasts the longest of the three options. Stacy says it’s the option that has clients coming back the least frequently for refills.
Con's: It’s pricey,the more lashes, the more cashes. And with the potential to go up to 600 applications per eye (depending on the level of volume you want to achieve) you can be looking around the £200 mark. This treatment also takes the longest, think around 2.5 hours so it’s not for the time poor either.
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4 Lash extension need to knows:
Don’t wear eye make up to your lash application appointment.
You won’t be able to keep your contact lenses in for application so make sure you take your case with you.
Don’t use a steam room, go swimming or wash your face with hot water for 48 hours after the treatment.
Don’t use eyelash curlers on your new lashes (you won’t need to!).
Always use an oil free make up remover on your lashes.