Note: I originally wrote this post about eyelash extension care in January 2019. I updated February 2020.
How to Take Care of your Eyelash Extensions
My first time I got eye lash exertions, I was headed out for a three-night stay in Philadelphia, I spent time with an old high school friend, Stephanie. She’s one of the lash experts at Curly Willow Spa. I was kind of nervous. I’m all about looking natural when it come to beauty products and rituals. I was pleasantly surprised. It has been one of my favorite beauty decisions to date.
I’m a year in, and am still very big fan of my eyelash exertions. Here’s why:
Why do I like my eyelash extensions?
The best benefit, in my opinion, has nothing to do with how they look. I have enjoyed my eye lash extensions because I have not had to wear mascara. This means I don’t have to take it off every day. As a result, me and my eczema are so happy! Whether you struggle with a skin issue or not, not scrubbing the sensitive skin around your eyes is a really vital skincare upgrade.
Secondly, of course, I do love the look and feel of the extensions. Stephanie was precise and we’e played around with different hybrid sets (fans and singles) and even a cat eye shape. I absolutely love that I can wake up and go. I also love the lashes for fitness because I feel made up without having to actually put on makeup.
Watch a time lapse of my getting my lashes placed on. The process takes close to 2 hours.
How do you take care of them?
Eyelash extensions require a bit of TLC to keep your eyes healthy and to keep your new lash extensions from shedding too quickly (meaning the extensions will detach from your lashes and go bye bye.) Stephanie and the team at Curly Willow offered some super helpful tips. I boiled them down to some basic points:
- Don’t get your lashes wet for 24 hours. Get your shower in before your appointment so you don’t have to wash your hair in the next day. No steam from saunas or spas, either.
- Once you’re past this window, wash them daily with the special lash cleaner. I have been using the Beauty Garde Lash Cleanser . I keep it on my sink and use it every night. It’s super soft, delicate, and all in one. Blot them dry when you’re done try lightly. Keep a clean mascara wand hem out when they are dry.
- Avoid oils. That includes make-up removers, eyeliners, moisturizer and mascara. They recommend avoiding mascara all together. I simply apply powder eyeliner with a thin brush to make them look fuller. When it comes to moisturizer, I avoid facial oils when I have extensions. I use a rich moisturizer instead that is easier to control. I slow down when I get close to my lash line to make sure I don’t get any lotion or portions on my lashes.
- Comb out your lashes every day. Curly Willow offered a little mascara wand or “spoolie” to get the job done. You can also buy them online. This helps them stay in place and unstick them from one another.
When do I go back?
Anytime between 2 and 3 weeks. I recommend two from my experience. Your first appointment will be more than two hours long. The second won’t be as long because you’ll still have some extensions remaining from your first round. The idea is that you can fill them in each time instead of replace them all together. I always try to time it right before a big event. They’ll be the most full and photo ready the first few days.
A special deals for Richmond area ladies:
Sweet Sauce fans get 20% off your lash services when you book with Stephanie and mention Sweet Sauce. Give Curly Willow a call. Be sure to follow Stephanie on Instagram to get to know her work.
The Curly Willow ladies offer all kinds of services, including facials, waxing, and brow tinting, all of which I’ve indulged in.
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Some more shots of my lashes the past year:
