The desire for lush lashes is nothing new, but thanks to our city’s latest crop of eyelash lounges, lash envy can be remedied in the blink of an eye.
They develop in utero sometime between the 22nd and 26th week of pregnancy. A lucky few are born with longer, thicker ones. However, there’s no need to feel insecure if you’re not genetically endowed; augmentation is available. No, we’re not talking about a boob job or penis enlargement. We’re talking about something much, much smaller.
Eyelashes are only a few millimetres long, but like so many of our body parts, they have fallen prey to the bigger-is-better mentality. There’s an entire industry devoted to curling, colouring, thickening and lengthening the dainty hairs.
It’s no wonder, given that spectacular eyelashes have long been considered a sign of femininity in many cultures. In Ancient Egypt women darkened the fringe around their eyes in black and green tones using kohl. Given that one of its key ingredients was lead sulfide, kohl was somewhat harsh. But things didn’t improve very quickly—throughout history, women have smeared their lashes with fireplace soot, crushed berries, burnt cork and lampblack mixed with elderberry juice. Compared to these cosmetics, mascara is positively cutting-edge.
Of course, women can also resort to false eyelashes, which were popularized in the ’60s by the British model Twiggy. These are still in use, but are not kind to a gal because the adhesive they require tends to rip out the very hairs she is trying to enhance.
Now, however, there are some new options for supersized cilia that build on false-eyelash technology. Eyelash bars are popping up everywhere, offering a gentler alternative in the way of eyelash extensions. These establishments appear to be the answer to short lashes, and offer a glamorous touch for those who prefer to wear little makeup but who want a super-sexy look.
In the initial two- to three-hour appointment, a client lies in a heated bed with her eyes closed while a technician attaches synthetic lashes with a medical-grade adhesive to each of her natural lashes (Inglewood Beauty Bar’s Xtreme Lashes, $295; Lola Lash Bar, $90; Noir Lash Lounge, $75). We’re talking glue around the eye, so be sure your technician is certified. Much depends on the length and strength of the existing lashes, but the choices are dizzying: clients can choose the C curl or the J curl, a variety of colours, extensions made of polyester, silk or synthetic mink and lengths ranging from six to 17 millimetres.
But be forewarned, girlfriend: This is a high-maintenance relationship. Refills, which take up to 90 minutes and cost extra (Inglewood Beauty Bar, $85; Lola Lash Bar, $45; Noir Lash Lounge, $35), are required about every three weeks because the extensions shed with the natural growth cycle of the lashes. After the procedure, clients must also take great care when washing off eye makeup. They must also avoid sleeping face plant-style or they’ll wake up to find many wishes- in-waiting on the pillow.
Long eyelashes now also come in a bottle. In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Latisse for eyelash growth, and Health Canada followed suit just over a year ago. Latisse arrived on the scene almost by accident. A surprising and welcome side-effect of Lumigan, a medication used to treat of glaucoma, was the significant growth of eyelashes. Realizing an opportunity, the pharmaceutical company Allergan essentially developed, repackaged and renamed Lumigan for the treatment of hypotrichosis—abnormal hair loss—and human vanity.
Available only by prescription through a medical esthetic clinic, Latisse is applied daily to the base of the upper eyelashes with a wand applicator (Britannia Dermedics, $150 for 30 days). Eyelashes will begin to grow in about eight weeks and fully bloom in 16. The effect will last only as long as you use the product.
Side effects can include dry, itchy and red eyes, darkening of the eyelid skin (reversible when use of the product is discontinued), and permanent eye discoloration if the solution gets in the eye. “If applied correctly, there are very minimal side effects and it works really well for growing fuller, thicker, longer lashes,” says Dr. Jonathan Wong, a Calgary ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist. Wong strongly recommends people with eye conditions (past or present) consult an eye doctor before using Latisse.
Of course once a person has achieved longer lashes, she has to consider how to present them. Bev Kuran, an eyelash technician at Inglewood Beauty Bar, recommends highlighting lashes to complement eye colour, and even adding a couple of gems at the end of the row of lashes.
If you’re gasping at the cost and time needed to primp a body part that is shorter than the word “esthetics,” consider Kuran’s logic. “Yes, there’s a big chunk of time upfront, but now I don’t wear as much makeup,” she says. “I don’t worry about putting my face on in the morning. I just put some blush on and I’m done.
Saving time in the morning? Now that’s something to bat your eyelashes at.
Lash Out
Looking to enhance your fringe? Three local lash bars have everything you need to perk up your peepers sans mascara.
Inglewood Beauty Bar
1417 9th Ave. S.E., 403-287-9781, calgarylashes.ca.
Lola Lash Bar
1317 1st St. S.W., 403-264-5274, lolalashbar.com.
Noir Lash Lounge
100A, 2303 4th St. S.W., 403-228-1164, noirlashlounge.com.
