MADONNA is hooked.
Oprah is, too.
So are many style-savvy New Yorkers, whether they’re “college kids, socialites or celebrities,” says makeup artist Mary Schook, a power player in the latest cosmetic craze starting to sweep the city: voluminous, flirty fake eyelashes.
“It’s addictive because the effect is so dramatic and glamorous,” says Schook, who has created a cult-like following for the semipermanent, $450 eyelash extension process she started performing at the downtown salon Orlo last spring.
“Lash extensions are one of those fast-spreading word-of-mouth trends,” reports Jean Godfrey-June, beauty director at Lucky magazine, who discovered the procedure when she recently spied the richly plumped lashes of a
girlfriend.
The process of applying lash extensions is very similar to hair extensions.
After uncurling, unknotting and conditioning the natural lashes, a technician uses a tweezer to glue a faux silk lash to each individual natural lash – painstakingly, one by one.
“It’s an extreme version of wearing false lashes,” says jean Godfrey-June (beauty director at Lucky, “and the results are amazing – thicker, lush lashes that really open up your face. It’s so effective, it can banish under-eye circles and eliminate that horrible haggard stress look from your face.”
Unlike the ’60s-style, Liz Taylor foxy faux lashes – or the exaggerated drag or disco queen lashes of the ’70s and ’80s – the aesthetic behind this new breed of lash extensions and eye-popping falsies is that they should “look and feel much more natural,” says Shu Uemura lash technician Gina Brooke.
Brooke, who applied the attention-grabbing mink and diamond-encrusted lashes Madonna wore last week, says the Material Mom is now as lash-obsessed as Oprah, who ordered 200 pairs of the company’s mink lashes – which she often wears two sets at a time.
While false lashes only stay on a day or two – compared to extensions, which can last for four to six weeks with 100-a-month touch-ups – Brooke says they are fast becoming a popular way for women who want to radically change their appearance without investing a month’s rent.
And unlike the tricky-toapply lumpy lashes of lore, today’s high-tech silicone version (and non-fuming glues) eliminate the need for a master’s in application.
“When a customer buys a pair of lashes at the salon, a salesperson will advise her on which style will work best with her face shape and complexion and give her a lesson in application,” says Brooke, adding that Shu Uemura’s SoHo salon (121 Greene St.) is planning to add lash extensions to their list of services next month.
Kristin Perrotta, deputy editor of Allure magazine, admits she was skeptical about whether undergoing the pricey, labor-intensive lashextension procedure would be worth the time – or money.
“My eyes are quite small, and while my lashes are dark, they are straight and not that long,” Perrotta says. “But the lash extensions made me look like Bambi. I loved it, but I also love all the new products and kits that allow you do this yourself.”
Whether you choose selfapplication or go for extensions, everyone agrees that this painless procedure is far from low-maintenance.
Reports of devotees sleeping in sunglasses so they don’t inadvertently rub their eyes – and lose their precious lashes – are common.
“You have to be careful,” warns makeup artist Schook, who says one of her regular clients recently came up with a solution to threatening humid situations, such as taking a shower or having a steamy facial.
“She wears swimming goggles,” Schook laughs, before adding, “It’s not a bad idea.”
e-mail: orla.healy @24hbongdda.site
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SIX STEPS TO LUSCIOUS LASHES
1. Nice brows
2. Eye shadow base
3. Eyeliner
4. Curled eyelashes
5. Apply lashes
6. Mascara
In the hope of finding middle ground between the lengthy, extravagant $450 lash extension and the $9 fake eyelash sets available at MAC counters, we searched the city for a lash extension that was fast, effective and affordable. Here is the result:
Lash technician: Julie Tussey, the Laura Mercier makeup artist at the Warren-Tricomi Salon
Cost: $50
Length of time for procedure: 15-30 minutes
How long lash extensions last: “I use two different types of glue. For short-term applications, which will last two or three days, I use a soft glue called Duo and for longerlasting lashes, I use semi-permanent glue from Ardell, which should keep the lashes in place for up to a week.”
Method: “I apply Duralash lashes by Ardell one-by-one, making sure the neck of the fake lash comes as close to the lid of the eye as possible. This prevents any unslightly cracks appearing between the real and false lash, which would, of course, not look natural.”
Inside tip: “To get the most from the full effect of the lashes, I’d recommend getting brows shaped as well. (Eyelash application plus brow shaping costs $61.)
Hair: Edward Tricomi Naté Vova. Makeup: Julie Tussey for Laura Mercier. Both at the Warren-Tricomi Salon: 16 W. 57th St., fourth floor. ( 212) 262-8899
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A how-to from the expert
Senior Mac makeup artist Victor Cembellin serves up the skinny on all you need to know to apply false eyelashes yourself. Yes, even if it is your first time.
* If you are a false-lash virgin, select a style of lash that is not too extreme. The more natural the lash the easier the strip is to glue down.
* Don’t be afraid to CHOP! The lash length in the package is a standard length. Customize the lash to your own natural lash line – this will simplify application.
* Bond ’em together! After initially placing the false lash on your own lash line, follow these steps: With your index finger on top of the false lash, and your thumb underneath your own lashes – press your fingers together to glue down the lashes as close as possible to your own natural lash line.
* Get up to the mirror at the sink. It takes two hands to glue down lashes properly, so toss the compact mirror and go for the stationary mirror over the sink. This enables you to use both hands and allows you close-up view of what you’re doing.
* One new trend is to cut small segments off a full lash strip to create individual lashes that are worn as “extensions” for the lash’s outer corner.
* Allow the glue to get tacky. Applying the false lash too quickly after applying glue will lead to lifting and inevitably a gluey mess.
* A nice thick or smoky black eyeliner to disguise the lash is advisable because it allows for subtle misapplications without attention being brought to the oopsies! If you’re a “one time use only” girl, apply a coat of mascara on your own natural lashes and the false lash to make then look even more realistic.
* If you intend on using your lashes repeatedly, know this: Mascara, eye makeup and liner should all be applied BEFORE the false lash. This allows you to remove the false strip – peel off the excess glue and return them to their original package until next use.
Like an increasing number of cosmetic stores, technicians at MAC SoHo (113 Spring St.) will teach you how
to apply false eyelashes with product purchase. The “Lash Wardrobe,” at MAC includes 15 types of lashes at $9
a pair. The recommended Duo Adhesive costs $8.50.
‘The results are amazing – thicker, lush lashes that really open up your face. It’s so effective, it can banish under-eye circles and eliminate that horrible haggard stress look from your face.’ – Jean Godfrey-June, beauty director, Lucky magazine