to prepare for the frenzy of fashion week, pierre michel salon gifted me with an extra-special beauty treatment which i've been curious to try for years: mink eyelash extensions!!
the process was so easy and relaxing. i showed up, kicked off my shoes and got cozy on a massage bed, while makeup artist monika crouch set to work on my eyes. using a surgical-grade glue, she attached 40-60 extensions (made from cruelty-free mink) on each eye, adhering them to my existing lashes. a little over an hour later, i woke up to substantially longer, fuller, glossier eyelashes ~ and a genuine confidence injection!
the extensions last about three months (with occasional touch-ups in between). they eliminate the need to wear mascara, and i wake up in the morning feeling fresher (and more decadently doe-eyed) than ever before. i couldn't be happier with the result, and suspect i'll be making a habit of this indulgence!
have you ever tried eyelash extensions before? have any questions about the experience? let me know in the comments and i'll do my best to answer them all!!
79 comments:
Kelly, they're amazing! Must invest in that immediately! Up to this point I wasn't even aware of their existence, and overjoyed that they are cruelty-free! Verklempt, to say the least!
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I'm so glad you made this post! I read about eyelash extensions on Garance Doré's blog, and I was interested in learning more but didn't know where I could find a trusted source on the procedure/etcetera! Thanks so much for your review~
Do you know how much these procedures run? I guess it would depend on the salon, so maybe that's an impossible question to answer!
i've never tried lashes before but i think i'll give it a go!
http://fashionablenotebook.blogspot.com/
They look fantastic!!! I really need to get my eyelashes tinted at least.. makes such a difference when you wake up feeling somewhat 'done up' :)
I have a question.... Seriously, what part of the mink do they get the hair from? I'm thinking it's eyes is a little crazy lol?!
Wow, these are beautiful and totally wearable. A girl I knew got these and they were too long, too crazy, too everything.
I didn't get eyelash extensions because I have long lashes but to just try something new last year I got and eyelash perm and dyeing. It looked like my eyelashes were curled for a month and a half and the tinting just made them a bit darker and heavier looking.
I really liked the perm, you should try it! It always made me feel like my face was done a little without any makeup!
Your mink extensions look gorgeous and make me want to try them :)
Can you curl with an eyelash curler?,I can't live without mine. Also were you put under anesthesia during the procedure?
Those do indeed look amazing! Must've been a fun treat. I'd be curious to know how much that particular experience costs, as well as the touch-ups...
I want to see a proper picture of you and your new lashes! Also... what happens after three months? Do you take them off?
Andrea x
andreareh.blogspot.com
I actually have used them before! Don't they make you feel like a new woman??!! I have been pondering squeezing them into the budget somewhere, so it's funny I read this post tonight... a sign?? :) I'll be checking back to see a photo of your face with them!
wow Kelly, they really look amazing! i have always been so weary of trying this out but after seeing how beautiful yours look i think i may just go for this!
http://missmollyfashions.blogspot.com/
Amazing!
X
Start dreaming on www.dreamingthedayawaywithluca.blogspot.com
Gorgeous! Most girls love to get it done in Shanghai so I decided to give it a try. I definitely look a lot more rested. Yours turned out beautifully, no spider clumps. Do you know what glue was used on your lashes? I want to see if any spas carry it over here. Thanks!
I've tried semi-permanent eyelash extensions that stick to you for a month, but it was the worse experience ever because after that month, half of my natural eyelashes were gone :((( I looked like a fish for 2 months. Never ever gone try that again :)
That's crazy. Were they expensive? I'd imagine they weren't cheap, but still wowza. I will say they look amazing at the end don't they.
whoa, that's crazy. i was glad to hear the lashes are from cruelty-free mink...
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Wow what a difference! I do love mascara though- can you still wear mascara if you wanted? and what about using an eyelash curler? Im so curious!!! :)
http://theartofstylesf.blogspot.com/
Kelly they look amazing! I usually just get mine permed but WOW this looks good.
♥ www.blahblahbecky.co.uk
I had eyelashes extensions for some time (2 months actually) but all that time I was afraid to do certain things. I was terrified to move during my sleep in order not to accidentally pull the lashes off, I couldn't clean/wash my face in full as when wearing extensions you can't touch them with anything oily, since if the glue gets affected by oils it dissolves and lashes fall off. Every single lost eyelash seemed like a big deal (since they are so thick and dark as opposed to my natural ones and even a single one seems to change my eyelashes quantity a lot).
Before getting extensions I had really long eyelashes and make up artist were always complimenting me on that. And after the extensions (they fall off with your natural ones) my lashes are almost two times shorter than before.
Of course, maybe it's only me and your lashes'll stay perfect all the time and make no trouble for you ;)
AMAziig..... ;)))
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WOW!! THATS AMAZING!
Do they have colored mink lashes? lol :D
I have never tried eyelash extensions, or false lashes
To eb honest I've never even heard of this before!!! Sounds intriguing...
xxx
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
wow, the result is great!!
I've always wanted to try these out. I love how natural these look.
I've tried it and honestly it isnt worth it. It looks fantastic but the most mundane things (sleeping, showering) become a real nail biting experience. I rather get a great pair of lashes when I need a boost.
t
nursingafashionhabit.onsugar.com
They look amazing, but I'm afraid to start using them, cause I heard they totally ruin your natural lashes. :(
xoxo
http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/
these look beautiful. I want, my lashes are crooked they grow in whatever direction they feel like :(
Style by Stylifiq
These are the one thing I miss about living in LA, my aunt used to do them for free! They are so beautiful! Enjoy not having to wear mascara :)
Wow! They look amazing on you:)
I didn't even know about mink eyelash extensions, they look so beautiful and luscious on you! (Them being cruelty free is a plus of course). And it's so neat that they last long.
www.TheFancyTeacup.com
much love.
my mom gets these and i will admit they look fabulous. unfortunately kind of annoying to keep up because you need to get them fixed every two weeks, but i think it's worth it.
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xxjj
Omg they look SO good !
www.style-fiesta.blogspot.com
I was going to get this done but was worried about the clue irritating my eyes - I'm allergic to most drugstore make up. Do you know the ingredients in the glue?
I LOVE eyelash extensions. I get the NovaLash extentions and it is completely addicting. I feel naked without them.
http://www.thedailycakeblog.com/2010/08/little-luxuries.html
I've always been interested in eyelash extensions...those look so amazing!!!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Of COURSE they are going to say cruelty free. But do you think plucking out fur is painless? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Try plucking ONE out of Bunny, see if she minds. THEN IMAGINE PLUCKING 40-60 from her.
Leave the animals alone. I'm so disappointed in you Kelly. Lost a fan here.
Great effect! How much is it?
http://carriesfashiondiary.blogspot.com/
I did, was allergic to the adhesive, and lost most of my eyelashes. However, I found that the eyelash growth product by Jan Marini gave me almost the same results. Can't remember the name.
How you always manage to be a step ahead of me, I will never know! I have an appointment for this Saturday at noon - was going to blog about it before I leave for my trip on Monday! Yeesh! They look gorgeous though! I can't wait!
These look amazing! I've had eyelash extensions before, but only the kind that last a week or so. I'm a little nervous about these damaging my natural lashes, so I look forward to your review once you've removed these.
Also, to the commenter who was upset about "plucking minks", I did a little research and it seems that the hairs "have been harvested by gently brushing live minks." Not sure if that makes a difference to you, but just thought I'd share.
Kendra
Closet Confections - A Personal Style Blog
I've had eyelash extensions that last for up to 1 month, but you really need to get touch ups every few weeks because they start to fall out... along with your natural ones. It seems like if you do it once in a while it could be okay, but letting you know that I did it for 3 months in a row leading up to my wedding and almost all of my natural lashes were gone after. They do start to grow back, but it takes a while for them to get as long/thick as they were before.
Yes, I am obsessed!! Just started getting them about 2 month2 ago and now I'm going every 2 weeks for a refill.
They are fabulous!! You are going to LOVE them!!
xo
Just curious...what constitutes "cruelty free mink?"
Not only do your eyelashes look great, but it's nice to see a close up of your eye shadow too. Your makeup and eyelashes look amazing. Well done. Now I'm just dying to see a straight on headshot!
Hello everybody! A few of you have asked the same/similar questions, so I'm going to try to address them all now. Please let me know if I missed yours!
---
A few of you were curious about the definition of 'cruelty-free mink'. Monica sources her mink hairs from a couple in Ohio, who keep a small mink farm. They 'harvest' the hairs simply by brushing the animals out, and collecting what falls off naturally. It doesn't get any more gentle than that!! Learning this made me feel 100% better about the experience!
---
I don't have a close-up shot of my face straight-on, but I was wearing the extensions already when both of these posts were shot (and personally, I can see the difference!):
http://www.theglamourai.com/2011/02/stylish-staycation.html
http://www.theglamourai.com/2011/02/money-shot.html
---
The procedure averages about $500, which seemed a little steep to me BEFORE I'd done it ~ but now that I've seen the results (and the work that goes into it) I'm totally sold!
Touch ups are about $100.
---
I don't know anything about the ingredients of the glue, but I will say the fumes irritated my eyes a little DURING the procedure (and gave me a slight headache) ~ but any discomfort had dissipated by the end of that day.
I was not given any sort of local anesthetic (totally not necessary), but the experience was so relaxing that I did doze off a little while it was being done.
---
You're not able to curl your lashes or use mascara while the extensions are in ~ but frankly, both are unnecessary.
---
Hope that helps clear some things up! Please do let me know if I missed your question!
XOKelly
They look great! I think I may try them myself as I was not blessed with long eyelashes. Would you mind posting a close-up pic from straight on?
they look amazing, i'd love to see them front on too. So glad they don't have to pluck the fur, like you said, its painless for the animals :) I would love to get eyelash extensions, maybe ill look into this sometime
great post and pretty pictures
xxx M
Bathbombs and Sequins
They look amazing! I've always wanted to try it, my eye lashes are so sparse.
I've been dying to try this!! Gosh.. yours look sooo good. I'm convinced!
inlovewithsandiego.blogspot.com
I have been wanting to try this for a while too! I have the tiniest blondest lashes ever and it's such a pain in the butt! these look fantastic on you! Do they feel heavy at all, like fake eyelashes do, or does it feel rather seamless?
xo
i wander, i wonder
beautiful ! I've never tried it actually, but it looks very nice.
@ mun2: I ALWAYS do false lashes for big events, and was surprised that the extensions are SO MUCH lighter than falsies. Monika attributes this to the fact that the mink hair is simply much, much lighter than any of the synthetic or silk materials that false lashes are made with.
Also, as a light-haired gal, you'll be happy to know they come in a variety of shades, so you can achieve an impressively natural look!
XOKelly
Super long lashes girl! Lovely!
xo thefashionguitar
nice, it's looking very natural too :)
i LOVE getting eyelash extensions. They really make a difference, especially when you have short, straight Asian lashes like I do, haha.
As an FYI for other readers who can't shell out the $500 for mink lashes, there are many salons that use synthetic lashes, and these procedures average at $175-250 for the first application, and $80 for touch-up. =)
I tried lash extensions about 18 months ago but they fell out within the month :(
However, for the month I had them, I LOVED THEM. Felt very brigitte bardot!
WOW those are so pretty! I would love to try them!
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I've never does falsies (or such a procedure) but I have to say...I'm impressed! I'd love to see a straight forward shot of the before and after; maybe half your face before, half after?
Anyway, I'm sure you look lovely :)
Yasmeen
Castle Fashion
OMG!AMAZING!
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love the makeup beautiful
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I've had eyelash extensions before, but they didn't look as nearly as nice as yours! My eyelash extensions were really prickly, and I only served to yank out half of my real lashes. I hope to hear your review! Being asian, I really have sparse lashes, and would love to have fuller lashes.
I tried extensions before, though not mink. When I was in South Korea I got some. It took about 20 minutes to apply them and they lasted about two weeks for about $30. Good price!
Kat Skull
www.dreamsdispersed.com
Hi Kelly! I tried lash extensions before and was a tad bit thicker than what you're donning now. Yes, the results are amazing! Mine would last an average of 3-4 weeks. I got addicted to them for quite some time since it took me just 5 minutes to wear make-up everyday. I think your post is a sign since my local lash extensions store is offering me 20% discount this weekend!
They look fabulous! I would love to try something like this.
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You can believe what you want to, but it's a safe bet the mink come from a fur farm. They might get brushed a couple times for fake eye lashes, but eventually they will be skinned alive and end up someone's coat. Mink are not domesticated animals, you think they just curl up in someone's lap and get brushed like a little dog? They wouldn't sell them if they weren't labeled as "cruelty free". You are being naive, and it doesn't justify a trend. Cruelty is not fashionable. You just lost another loyal reader.
wow
I know a few people who've tried them and when they were about time to take them out, they pulled on their real lashes (pain!) and developed rashes around their eyelash line because of the irritation. Maybe it's different with mink...I think the idea of false lashes are fun for like, a night out, but I'd have to draw the line at extensions. When it comes to beauty, I tend to opt for au naturale.
These look fantastic!! I've had a few eyelashes done in the outer corners of my eyes and I liked the look but they came out really quickly, so I hope that they really do last three months!! *fingers crossed* It's making me reconsider getting a full set done :)
L. from www.missionfashionable.com
they look FAB on you! can't wait to see more pics!
i tried them a couple of years ago (not to mink though) and i found that towards the end, they would fall out and take my natural lashes with them...or they would partially fall out and then point in odd directions, which wasn't a cute look. i'm curious if they've gotten better in the last couple of years...and perhaps the mink ones avoid these issues? please do keep us posted...i would love to give them another try!
xo,
joAnn
I have never used eyelash extensions before because I was afraid they would harm my real lashes and never felt the need for them because I felt my lashes were long enough. But I love the result of your mink lash extensions. They look realistic versus when you can tell when some has lash extensions or falsies.
loved this post so much
i always wanted to try mink extension one because i heard that it's so light and lasts longer than the other extension ones
i just have a hard time removing my eye makeup (the eyeliner) worried that some lashes will fall out? did that happen to you?
other than that i love the fact that it's cruelty free mink procedure :)
-Michelle
http://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com
Uch, I couldn't handle the glue, I really would love them too
Wowsa such a cool procedure! I would love to wake up to already fuller longer lashes! I must look into this :-)
dearest,
http://fashionnostalgia.blogspot.com/
that's amazing! i want i want i want.
Wow they look amazing, I'd love to try :).
amazing! i would love to try this one day!!!! they look soo great!
Oooh! I have had eyelash extensions a couple of times. I believe mine were synthetic though. They were amazing I loved them for about 2 weeks, and then ended up pulling out a lot of my own eyelashes. I was left with stubs for a month or so until they fully grew back. The same thing happened to other friends who have had them. So be careful and gentle with them and DON'T PICK!
I had eyelash extensions for about 3 mos. While I loved going mascara-less, the lashes never felt natural--especially on windy days when it seemed they were waving about madly. Ordinarily, I never notice my eyelashes as I go about my day. With extensions, I noticed them everyday. They did not damage my natural lashes, though, so they may be worth it for a special occasion, but I lived in constant fear that a few might fall off & leave me "snaggle-lashed."
Your eyelashes look fabulous! I have always wanted to try this, but I was never sure if it was worth it. I think you have convinced me! Thanks for the post!
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