I don’t get facials (I’ve only had one in my life). I’ve never had my eyebrows waxed. I barely wear makeup (just concealer under my eyes, blush on my cheeks, and Glossier’s boy brow each day). I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to beauty.

EXCEPT for one guilty pleasure: eyelash extensions.

I actually wrote a blog post on eyelash extensions when I first got them in – about why I took them out early and why I’ll get them again, actually. you can read that here.

it’s a guilty pleasure for a few reasons:

• it’s expensive (depending on if I’m getting a 2 week refill or a fresh new set of lashes, it can range from $60-$100)
• it’s addicting! seeing yourself with gorgeous, fluttery eyelashes everyday fills you with confidence and makes you feel glam even when you’re just fresh out of the shower. it’s hard to go without them, you don’t feel your “prettiest” and no amount of mascara will ever compare with eyelash extensions.
• they’re NOT non-toxic. it’s my one beauty regimen that isn’t non-toxic, so I don’t feel so bad about it! plus, it makes me happy 🙂

I actually wish I had known about eyelash extensions before I got married – I wish I had them for the wedding and our honeymoon. unlike false lashes, you can’t FEEL eyelash extensions and you don’t have to worry about them falling out. they’re just there, they’re glued onto your regular lashes. they fall out naturally, within 2-3 weeks, but even as they’re falling out, they still look great! I kind of like them when they’re a week or so old.

I go to a place in New York City for the lashes and it takes 45 minutes for a full set of lashes. it’s the most relaxing part of my month. I literally fall asleep! I started listening to music or podcasts my first few times, but then I realize that it’s rare that you get 45 minutes in the middle of the day to do absolutely nothing and just lay down. it zens me out and I wake up feeling refreshed – and glamorous! it’s a little treat for me.

so how does it work?

basically, you lay down on your back and close your eyes. the technician individually glues lashes on your natural eyelashes. these lashes vary in length and curl. I go for a very natural look, but you can definitely go Kim K if you want – you just need to talk with your technician and tell her what you’re looking for. I personally want it to look like I just have naturally full lashes, not like I’m ready to go to the club, so I opt for something natural.

after about 45 minutes, you’re done! you come back in 2 to 3 weeks to get them refilled and that’s the only maintenance you have to do, except brushing them with a spoolie after the shower.

you can’t get them wet (so no sweaty workouts or showering) for at least 6 hours (they recommend 12 hours), so just keep that in mind when you schedule your appointment!

and I know a lot of people that say “eyelash extensions didn’t work for me” – well, they didn’t work for me at first either, because it was such an adjustment at first (washing your face in general is a task, because you can’t just rub your face/eyes), but once you figure out how to care for them as you wash your face or itch your eyes, it’s like they’re a part of you!

also, if you aren’t satisfied, I’d recommend asking for a different style of lashes OR going to a  new place. just like with a haircut or a mani, it’s not always going to be like you want it to be, but you’re not going to stop getting your haircut or get your nails painted just because of one bad experience?

let me know if you have any questions!