From the time I got my first Maybelline Great Lash mascara roughly 15 years ago, I was a mascara addict. Rarely do I leave my home without two coats, and I’ve since upgraded to a few favorites – Tarte’s Lights, Camera Lashes, Benefit’s They’re Real, and even debating a purchase of Glossier’s Lash Slick. This summer, however, I embarked in a slight challenge – wearing less makeup. It came out of necessity – the humidity that comes with a NYC summer this year was stifling and nothing seems to stick. So when Red and White Spa contacted me to experience their lash extensions, I didn’t walk… I ran.
The Experience
I arrived at Red and White Midtown early on a Sunday morning. The receptionist was refreshingly friendly – it’s a respite from a NYC weekend commute – directing me to the wait room while my lash specialist got ready. It was very spa-like – soft music with the occasional flute that makes some New Yorkers roll their eyes. When I finally met with my lash specialist, she was so complementary of my natural lashes. Was getting lash extensions the right call?
Although I had many questions in my head, the biggest one was how I was going to survive a 90 minute procedure without peeking at my phone. The quintessential spa music was playing in the background, and quickly put me in a trance-like state (no eye rolling needed). The process seemed simple enough – eye patches were used to hold my lower lashes in place. Lashes were then delicately placed on each lash. My specialist’s hands were so delicate I almost thought I was going to leave with 5 lashes and be done. The minutes ended up minutes flying by, and my lashes were ready no time. A quick look in the mirror and my 90 new lashes in a c-curve astounded me. They were so defined, so curled, so full!
Maintenance
Here’s the thing – you MUST care for your lashes, and the first 12-24 hours are crucial. No water, lest you degrade the glue and they all fall out. Also, no sleeping on your lashes. I’m a side sleeper so this was difficult. I read online that using a travel pillow could help prop my head up and my lashes away from hitting the pillow. I woke up with a stiff neck the next morning, ready to pull out each and every lash (DON’T do that… also a no-no and you could pull out all your natural lashes). After the first day, life can return to a better semblance of normal. Here are the big rules:
- You can wash your face: And please do. Natural oils from your eyelids that are not regularly cleaned and cause itchiness and infection. No, thank you! If you choose to wear eye makeup, use a cotton swab with eye makeup remover to gently remove makeup.
- Sleeping beauty: No need for a travel pillow or stiff neck. I have been sleeping on my side with no drastic change to my lashes
- To mascara or not: Side with not. Although you can wash your face, be delicate with your new lashes. You don’t want to tug on them too hard and mascara, especially if it’s waterproof, can complicate this.
- Brush, brush, brush: Brush your new lashes lightly with a spoolie brush. I found that my lashes were often
- Some lash fallout is normal: After seeing 2-3 lashes fall out, I was instantly worried. A quick Google search however confirmed that this was a completely normal part of the lash growth process. Any more than about 4-5 lashes falling out daily may be more of a concern.
Overall, I’m happy I gave this a try. I feel fabulous coming out of bed with my pretty lashes and I’ve gotten accustomed to the daily maintenance. Would I try it again? Yes! Much like a gel mani, I may take breaks between lash extensions. I have always loved my lashes, even with mascara piled on them, so this may be a way to splurge and treat myself from time to time.
In collaboration with the Red and White Midtown Spa, I’m sharing a discount for your lash extensions! When you visit the spa and mention my name (Gisel, or Mint and Thrift) you can get 40% off your booking!! This is a great deal and an awesome starter price, especially if you’re still nervous about getting lash extensions.