Before my wedding two years ago, I was dying for eyelash extensions. Unfortunately, living in New York City, the costs of extensions ranged around $500, with refills being a couple hundred dollars. I have always admired the eyelashes of the Kardashians as well as Jennifer Lopez; I just love the look of dramatic eyelashes and now living in Chicago I went on the search of great quality extensions at a more affordable price. About a month ago I found Chicago Lashes and my lash queen Kristin King! I so wish I had taken a before photo, but I went in this week to get a refill, so I do have a before refill shot.
Before refill
You can see on the right side I only have 10 or so eyelash extensions left after 5 weeks. Kristin delicately puts each individual eyelash extension on and the process takes around 2 hours the first time and about 1 hour for a refill. Although tedious, it’s actually quite relaxing, you lie on a table and their is no pain, just someone glueing each lash on your own lash.
I chose Chicago Lashes for their reviews (which is very important to look at), their price for $135 for a full set, and the fact that they used quality mink lashes. What brought me back? My love of the final look and Kristin King! In addition, I had previously heard that extensions can pull out your own eyelashes and I didn’t experience that. If you look at the pic, you can see my own eyelashes within the extensions.
After a 1 hour refill, the total look is amazing!
I love the fact that I don’t have to wear mascara anymore! I can wake up and go pretty quickly. When I went into Kristin, she asked what look I wanted. They have photos, which help you decide how dramatic you would like your lashes. They have a range of lengths, silk or mink eyelashes, and even colored lashes if you want to go crazy. I went for glamorous but not over the top and told her I didn’t want to look like I was doing a “show” but wearable everyday. She added between 70-80 lashes on each eye and voila! A good eyelash artist decides how many lashes look good on your eye, so don’t worry if you get more or less, it’s the overall look that matters.
Things to be aware of though, rubbing your eye excessively or roughly will make your extensions come out. They recommend being careful when washing your face at night and not using oil based eye makeup remover. I didn’t have problems and overall found the extensions easy to take care of. I elected not to use mascara, which honestly you don’t need, to prevent rubbing and using makeup remover. Natural shedding of lashes is normal, which is why you go in for refills, and the glue they used was not rough on my real eyelashes. The amount of time between filling your lashes depends on the individual. I waited a bit long at 5 weeks, but it all depends on how quickly your extensions fall out and your budget.
My sister, who got eyelash extensions earlier last year, did her own review on her blog I am Style-ish and she has a great girl near Seattle.
Loving my eyelashes and Chicago Lashes! I’ll definitely be back in another month.
What do you think about them? Feel free to ask me any questions!
Looks great, Jen! And an hour lying down sounds like heaven. 🙂
Wow! What a great job! I had them done once and they were all wonky by two weeks. And not nearly as long or full (though I do remember the glue pulling on my bottom lashes so I don't think the lady did a good job to begin with). 5 weeks is amazing! And the price in Chicago seems pretty good! Where I live they run about $300. I'm so tempted to hunt for another artist to get them done because yours look incredible!xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
@JillThanks Jill! I'm sure with your busy schedule and the kids, 1 hour of free time would be nice 🙂 Hope you guys are enjoying this weather!
@DiamondsandTulleIf I find any near you I will definitely let you know! I looked at your blog and following you! Love your images and inspiration. I'll have to ask you advice on how you find pics and etc. And by the way, I am a scorpio too! We have many similar likes of hobbies 🙂
Love em! I'm addicted–and in Seattle they're about $50/fill so not too shabby. Do you have any wedding pics you're willing to share? Love your style! 🙂
@erin♥Hi Erin! Wish my refills were that inexpensive, mine are around $65. Would love to share some wedding pics, will do so on our anniversary which is coming up July 4th. Will probably do a post the first week of July!
I got lash extensions recently and I hated them! I found them to be too stiff and pokey, and I didn't realize how much I tend to touch/rub my eyes. Also because I wear a lot of make up (although I didn't use mascara) I found them to be difficult to clean so I pulled them out after a week. I wonder now if maybe silk or mink lashes would feel softer/more natural. The lady who did mine did not ask what kind I wanted. Anyways, they look really lovely on you and the price sounds great as well!
Be careful with the length and thickness of the extensions, if the false lashes are either too long or too thick compared to your natural lashes this may cause damage to your natural lashes. When they're too thick or too long there's excess weight on the natural lash causing your natural lash to shed earlier then it should. Make sure your stylist choose the appropriate length and thickness that can be applied safely without any damage 🙂
Lash extensions is a good solution for immediate result, but be aware that no matter what type of extension you get they will thin out your natural eyelashes. Other thing to keep in mind is the maintenance and restriction of having eyelash extension.
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