The realisation that eyes truly are the window of the soul and taking care of what your eyes look like has an impact is not new. There is a lot of history behind enhancing the beauty and appeal of your eyes and their lashes. It will surprise most people to know that methods of elongating lashes were much sought after and written about as far back as the 1800’s. False eye lashes got a huge boost in the 1930’s when the influential Vogue magazine featured them, thus giving them fashions official seal of approval.
Materials science has come a long way since the early resin based false eyelashes of the 1960’s which, by today’s standards, were extremely limited in the options they gave for different looks. Standard practice was to always add one false or extension lash for each single original lash. Nowadays, of course, you have more options available. Many of the styles and designs focus on giving more volume to the lash, sometimes fanning out in different shapes and configurations. The application of lash extensions has become much more of an artform.
As the industry has developed and become more complex and demanding it has needed much more specialised skills and training to really do justice to an extension. Many technicians and practitioners are now members of various guilds such as the Guild of Beauty Therapists and the activities are overseen by regulatory bodies making sure that standards are met. There is intense competition as well with the top skilled in the industry vying for recognition and prestigious awards. Designer Lashes of London has been recognised at the Lash Festival and is a former winner of Eyelash Technician of the Year.
Before getting their first lash extensions there are several common questions and misunderstandings people have that are easily cleared up.
Firstly, getting your extensions applied does not hurt. In fact, it can even be a soothing and therapeutic experience being gently pampered.
Modern eyelash extensions correctly applied do not damage your original lashes. They are usually gently, semi-permanently glued on top of your own eyelashes one by one. They usually last for several weeks before starting to fall off and requiring a retouch. There are some standard tips and suggestions for looking after them to help the effect last.
Although you can shower with your new lashes it is best to wait till 24 hours after the application. Also avoid mascara that is waterproof, or oil based as the chemicals used can dissolve the glue that bonds the lashes on. You can even swim with your lashes on should you so desire.
Do not pick at your lashes or rub them overly. This is never a good idea. Do take extra care and be gentle when removing eye make up in the evening.
Your beauty therapist will have more care tips for you to help maintain the look that you have chosen. When it comes to that look as mentioned there are a whole host of styles but it is generally best to have a talk with the professionals about what would look best for you since there is a dizzying range of choices, you can even go for a completely custom look that is all just you. Whatever style you do wind up for the first one eyelash extensions add another powerful option to your repertoire.