My Journey: From Hating False Lashes to Finding My Perfect Volume
Hello everyone!
I've always been super skeptical about eyelash extensions.
I thought they were the ultimate beauty cliché – a total nightmare and a complete waste of time.
Watching people with huge, fake lashes used to make me feel both sympathetic and confused. All I could think was: 'Why on earth would they do that?'
But over the years, the trend started to pick up steam, and more and more salons and technicians began offering the service. I started seeing some pretty impressive profiles on social media, where people were getting their lashes done in a really elegant way – not those clunky, 4D monstrosities, but delicate, natural-looking lashes that blended in seamlessly with their own.
I remember it was December 2022, and I was feeling the urge to make some changes, to spruce myself up for the new year. I thought, 'You know what? I'll try this eyelash extension thing. If I hate it, I'll never do it again.'
So I called the salon that had the best reviews and ratings, and I was in for a surprise. They were fully booked for the holidays, and even if they had some openings, they were reserved for their loyal clients who had forgotten to book in advance. Okay, I thought.
Then I called the second salon, and the situation was the same. After calling a few more places, everything repeated itself, and I realized that getting natural-looking lashes wasn't in the cards for me. So, I booked the first available date in January, which was lucky since there were hardly any takers.
I ended up going to the appointment in January 2023 at the scheduled time.
I arrived at the studio, where I was greeted by a friendly receptionist and my chosen technician. The studio itself ('Colibri, Barnaul') was pretty big, modern, and nice-looking.
I was then invited to go to the recliner, which was super comfy and soft. I lay down and got settled.
When they asked me what kind of lashes I wanted, I said '1.5 D.' That was it – I didn't know anything else about the shape, length, thickness, or style. I just left it up to the technician to decide.
I was getting lashes for the very first time in my life, and the technician was a bit surprised. She had really long, beautifully done lashes herself, and she suggested doing a cat eye with black lashes and some other style that I unfortunately didn't catch.
They asked me to put on a disposable cap, gave me a blanket, turned on some soothing music, did a makeup removal, applied patches, and then asked me to close my eyes and not open them until further notice. Then, a bright light came on (I guess that was the ¥), and I got used to it pretty quickly. The procedure started after that.
It took me around 2.5 hours to get my lashes done, and I was pleasantly surprised – I even dozed off a few times. I had expected it to be painful, uncomfortable, and nerve-wracking, but it was nothing like that.
The only uncomfortable moment for me was when my eyes started to itch towards the end, so I let the stylist know. She told me we were almost done.
At the end, they gave me a small handheld fan to gently blow air onto my lashes, then asked me to slowly open my eyes and handed me a mirror.
I didn't take any photos right after, but here's a collage showing the 'before' and 'after' on the next day:
My reaction and first words when I saw myself in the mirror were: 'Wow, they're huge!! ¥ Not like lash laminating at all!!'
The first few hours and even days of wearing my new lashes felt really awkward. When I left the studio, which is right next to a big shopping mall, I felt like everyone was staring at me because of my lashes.
I have to admit, when I first saw the results, I wasn't exactly blown away, but I was curious. You know that feeling when you've just gotten a cosmetic treatment, like Botox or lip fillers, and it looks totally weird and you just want to hide from everyone?
So, my initial reaction was, yeah, I need to get used to it, but it does look nice.
RIGHT TO THE NEGATIVES
For me, the only major downside of lash extensions is the eye irritation after the procedure, which is usually a reaction to the glue. Not always, though.
It really depends on the technician! Some just can't get it right, like not sealing your eyes properly or leaving one eye slightly open. I've heard horror stories about that.
My experience with this technician was my first and last, just like my first visit to Colibri, where I left with one eye looking like a tomato, so red it needed a 'corner gel' to fix it.
But once, I had a total nightmare:
And again, a new technician, with great reviews, not cheap - 1700r. That was 1.5 years ago. Needless to say, I never went back, even though she did a great job with the actual lash extensions:
I was lucky to find a lash technician who really knows her stuff! She works from her own studio in a business center, and she's got a super comfy recliner chair – not all places have those. She did my lashes in just over an hour, and they lasted for over a month with minimal shedding. I've been to her a few times, and my mom has too, and we've both had great experiences.
Of course, there are some amazing lash technicians out there who can do the job safely and beautifully, but then there are some who are still learning the ropes, and some who are just plain bad.
And, as an added bonus, any redness or irritation usually clears up within 3-4 days. Sometimes I use eye drops, but other times I don't.
Comparison to Lash Lamination
I'm a big fan of lash lamination – I've even had it done a few times. For my sparse and short lashes, it's a total non-issue.
This collage says it all:
Lash lamination is perfect for people with really long and thick lashes, where you can see the curl and it looks amazing.
But for my lashes, lash extension is the way to go.
My go-to lash technician, whom I've been seeing since last December, told me that I wouldn't get a wow-effect with my natural lashes.
THE TRUTH
Lashes fall out over time, taking their own lashes with them:
But if the job is done well, my lashes look amazing even three weeks after the lash extension:
Volume 1.5 D curl M 'Natural', 0.7 mm thickness, up to 11 mm length, after three weeks:
I've learned from experience, and now I know what to look for when it comes to lash volume, shape, length, thickness, and curl.
Plus, you can choose the color you like, and I've tried chocolate brown lashes – they look more natural than black but still make a statement.
THE VERDICT
I've come to realize that it's up to each individual to decide whether they need false lashes or not.
If you're into the 'black spades,' go for it and rock them. If you prefer your own lashes, that's perfectly fine, too.
I've found my perfect false lashes that I want to wear all the time:
And this:
1.5D Lisa in a C curve up to 13mm, 0.7mm thickness
Honestly, I'm not even sure why I was getting 2D lashes for so long. It seemed really dense right after, but it wasn't until around 7-10 days later, when some of them had fallen out, that it became comfortable.
And only this fall, I asked to get 1.5D lashes, and something new:
'My own lashes' and 1.5D Lisa in a C curve:
I have to say, it looks super natural:
And if people usually say that with fake lashes you don't need to wear much makeup (which is true), I've got the opposite effect since autumn. I want to do a good makeup look, and I definitely want to use eyeshadow.
I do it not just to look better, but because it's pure enjoyment for me
I should mention that as my lashes start to fall out, I feel comfortable and great.
And that continues even when I'm left with just 3-5 fake lashes. There's still some small effect from them, even if it's just a tiny pop of color.
But when they're all gone, and all I've got are my natural lashes, I really need to get them re-done.
I guess I've just gotten used to having fake lashes, though.
TIPS for beginners
1.) If you're getting the procedure for the first time, make sure to carefully choose your technician.
I'd love it if the product could work independently and train other professionals to use it. I wouldn't recommend going to a big studio.
2) Look for a master who can do the procedure faster, they're likely more experienced.
If the listed time for the procedure is 3 hours, that's not an experienced master.
3) Start with a lash volume of 1.5 D.
It'll be noticeable, and if it seems too little, you can increase the volume next time – it's better than wearing too much volume and feeling uncomfortable.
4) Start with the minimum lash thickness of 0.7 mm.
They really feel like your own lashes.
5) Don't skimp.
HOW I FOUND MY MASTER
In a black market, I chose a very charismatic girl, I liked her profile, her work, her presentation, and the price.
I decided to book an appointment with her in November, and then I got a surprise – she's not taking new clients, but there's an option to book with her students, who are very diligent, so I did that.
I ended up booking with Veronica, and the first time she did my lashes took around 2.5 hours, my eyes weren't red, and I was happy with the result, so I started going back to her regularly.
Now she does my lashes in 1 hour 20 minutes.
My lashes last perfectly for 3 weeks, and then they start to thin out.
The cost also played a role – the first time I paid 1600 rubles for 2D lashes, now I pay 1900 rubles for 1.5 D, but it's worth it.
So, I'd say it's totally worth signing up with a beginner – you'll get the hang of it in no time!
THE VERDICT
I'm so glad I discovered lash extensions!
I think they really make me look brighter and more radiant.
Nothing beats the effect of a good lash extension procedure – not even the best mascara or lash laminating.
If you're thinking of trying lash extensions, I'd say go for it at least once in your life – it's a game-changer!