The Lash Loft - Amazing Lashes!

With and without lash extensions

I got to visit The Lash Loft a couple of weeks ago to get some lash extensions and you guys - it was awesome!  My lash technician was Krystal Michel who is the Lead Lash & Brow Tech at The Lash Loft.  She is AMAZING!  Krystal trained in Singapore to learn how to do lash extensions and eyebrow shaping (she's also a permanent makeup queen!).  She asked me what type of lashes I wanted, walked me through the difference between the two types of Silk Lashes - Naturals and Glamours.  Naturals look like your lashes but longer and Glamours look thicker and darker as well as longer.  I voted for Glamour :).  Krystal asked me how long I wanted them to be and I told her to do whatever she wanted so she used four different lengths to create what you see below.

Before and After - you can see that wearing makeup is pointless as it all gets rubbed off but who cares - your lashes look amazing!

They use little silicone pads to tape down your lower lashes (the tape is not on your lashes!) to make it easier for them on multiple levels.  It takes about 1.5-2 hours for them to apply them and on paper they last 3-6 weeks.  My experience is that after 2-3 you'll need a "refill".  The Glamour lashes are also heavier so they need refills more quickly than the Naturals.  The Lash Loft uses Silk or Mink lashes.

The beds you lay on during the service.

Here are some common eyelash extension questions:

*How does it work?

They paint each lash with black glue and attach a "false" lash - single hair - on top and gauge the length depending on what's most flattering for you.

*Will it damage my lashes?

I feel like in the wrong hands there is potential for damage.  If you don't live in NYC and can't go to The Lash Loft then check reviews on Yelp or get a rec from a friend who has awesome lash extensions.  

*Will I need mascara and/or eyeliner?  

With Naturals (I've had them before) I did use mascara, with Glamours you don't need mascara at all.  I did wear eyeliner with Naturals but didn't with Glamours - it's not as necessary and it's harder to remove because they're thicker.  

*Can they look natural on blondes?

Yes, especially if you do Naturals.  The Glamours just look more dramatic but if you look at the picture below - no one can see where they stop and start so in that regard they do look natural.

Not the best quality pic, but you can see that they really do look natural on me even though they're Glamours.

*If you get sweaty working out or walking around in the summer will the slide off?

My experience is no, this will not affect how well they stay as long as if you need to wipe your eyes you don't touch your lashes.

*How does water affect them - swimming/showers/crying?

This is where they get tricky - you can't have running water on them (it obviously happens in the shower but you do your best to avoid it).  If you're wearing goggles to swim laps you'd be fine but if you're going to swim and get your head wet it's not awesome for them.  Crying doesn't seem to affect them if you, again, pat and don't wipe.  

*How do you keep them in place?

They do move, especially after you sleep, and an empty mascara wand if perfect for straightening them up.  The Lash Loft sends you home with one :).  

*Will they get crumpled/bent?

I'm sure that they technically could but you'd have to be a creative sleeper.  If you sleep on your stomach this could happen more easily I would assume.  Otherwise, not really.

*Are they good for honeymoons/vacations/camping trips?

They're awesome for them!  Your lashes look great with zero effort.

*Is it better than mascara and a curler?

If your lashes are crazy long and thick then no.  Otherwise, yes.  It takes 20 seconds to get them in place and they look amazing and they're yours.  I got asked all the time what mascara I was wearing (none!) and if I used a lash enhancing serum.  

I also did a brow shaping and dye job which was great to cover the little white hairs that are creeping into my brows - you can see them in the top pic on the brow on the right and they're gone in the bottom pic!  The excess dye on my skin came off when I got home and washed my face.

So if you're thinking about doing lash extensions feel totally safe doing it at The Lash Loft - every woman that walked out of their doors looked phenomenal - perfect lashes on each one!

The Lash Loft is located at 34 East 20th Street.  212.353.2517

Lash Extensions run $150-200.  Brow Shaping and Tinting is $45.