I am a huge fan of lash extensions. And lash lengtheners. And really good mascara. Basically, I’m addicted to long, dark, thick lashes and, while I’ll do just about anything that promises to make my lashes more lush, I come back to lash extensions over and over because they look so d*mn good.

I’ve had my lashes done at dozens of spas and salons in several cities. There are certainly many, many talented estheticians or lash technicians offering lash extension but, when the itch for uber-long lashes hits, and I just have to scratch, I frequently go to Hair Base Salon in Chicago.

For the holidays, I decided to lash up and I’m so thrilled that I did. I thought I’d share a quick guide to what it’s really like to get lashes, how they feel, and how long they really last.

The Appointment

Don’t go to just any salon that offers lash extensions. Make sure the person you go to knows what they are doing. You can search the PrettyCity salon and spa database to find a lash extension expert near you or tweet me a @mrsbrundage with your city – I’ll help you find someone reputable.

Lash Levels

They aren’t really “levels” per say but you’ll find that the look, price, volume and even the heaviness of lashes varies depending on the type you get.

Synthetic lashes are the heaviest and least natural looking but most affordable. For example, Hair Base charges $150 for a full set of synthetic lashes.  Yes, they look less natural than other types of lashes but I don’t mind that. I’m not getting false lashes so that I can look like a natural beauty; I’m getting them to look like a bombshell.

Faux Minx: These lashes are imitation mink lashes. They are mid-priced and they are the type I am wearing in these photos. They cost a bit more than synthetic, less than real mink, but they are a little more natural looking, a little less heavy on the lashes and tend not to weigh down the lids as much as, IMO, the synthetic lashes do. I paid $200 for the set you see here.

Mink lashes: These are made of real mink, they are very light and natural looking. They cost more as well; a set like mine would run upwards of $250 at Hair Base.
I’ve tried all of the above. I like the faux mink because they look really noticeable yet natural and stay on longer, with proper care. The synthetic are a bit too fake for me and the mink doesn’t give me the va-va-voom I’m looking for, but all have pros and cons, and you should pick a type based on what you are trying to achieve.

With proper care, my lashes last 4 to 6 weeks or a bit more depending on my lifestyle.  For example, summer sun and fun tends to be harder on lashes.

The Procedure

One of the reasons that I go to Hair Base is because they are fast and meticulous. Applying a brand new full set normally takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Lower lashes are taped down (to avoid gluing upper lashes to lower lashes), eyes are closed and the technician goes to work individually bonding faux lashes to my own lashes. Of course, the application can be customized and I always ask for mine to be medium length and extra thick. (If you request more lashes than normal, expect to pay more.)

The Care

Care for lashes by absolutely not showering, bathing , steaming etc. for 24 hours post application. Don’t tug on your lashes or rub your eyes… ever. I love to apply mascara to my falsies even though the experts recommend not doing so. I am not wearing mascara in these pictures but it is very normal for me to do so.  Just be careful because the mascara you apply will likely be stuck on those lashes until they fall out so use mascara that is gentle and non-clumping, or even opt for clear mascara. I also use Latisse or a similar lash boosting product in conjunction with my extensions. I don’t know if this is technically a no-no, but I’ve never heard it encouraged. I’ve not had any problems doing both, and I feel that using a lash lengthener with faux lashes keeps my real lashes strong and full underneath.

Thanks to these faux lashes, I can swipe on a coat of red lipstick, powder my nose and go!

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If you’re one of those women who never wears a stitch of makeup and looks stunning regardless, no need to read on.

But if, like many of us, you’ve been known to wear lip gloss to the beach and mascara to the gym, I’ve rounded up the top tips and products to keep you looking oh-so-pretty even as temperatures heat up.

For Face

Intense heat calls for makeup that provides coverage, SPF and an uncanny ability not to run. All hail the tinted moisturizer, a fabulous beauty invention that’s especially essential as the weather heats up.

I swear by Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer because it serves up generous coverage and smooth application. Available at Ulta for $14.99  for 1 oz., this tinted moisturizer offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection paired with breathable coverage that conceals imperfections effortlessly.

Should you find yourself in a really hot spot, beware of powder touch-ups this season. Instead, opt for powder-coated blotting papers that reduce excess sebum and stamp out shine. I like Girlfriends BFF Blotting Papers ($6 at girlfriendsbff.com) which I discovered at  last year’s Beauty Sample Sale and Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers, $20 at Nordstrom.

For Eyes

During summer months, a smokey eye is bound to become a hot mess, so apply eye makeup with a light hand. Opt for a Waterproof Mascara and, if you must wear eyeliner, it should also be water proof. I prefer a natural eye during the hottest months of the year, think cream-based shadow in near nude shades of pink, peach and tan.

One of the best waterproof mascaras I’ve come across is BadGal Waterproof Mascara; get it for $19 at benefitcosmetics.com. In the drugstore, opt for Maybelline XXL Pro by EyeStudio Waterproof Volume Microfiber Mascara for about $7 at Walgreens.

Most importantly, you absolutely must protect those pretty peepers form the sun’s harsh rays. You’re never too young (or old) to get religious about using an eye cream with SPF. I use Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF 30 from Clarins ($28 at Sephora). Promising to prevent lines and wrinkles, Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care is an oil-free eye treatment that protects the sensitive eye skin against UVA/UVB without irritating.

For Lips

While some experts recommend gloss on hot summer days, I say skip it in favor of a lip stain that is sure to last. Smashbox makes a legendary stain called Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm ($23 at Sephora) that’s available in a range of hues from berry, a raspberry, to guava, a bright orange, and beyond.  Limitless imparts a tint of color that lasts for hours, doesn’t feather and hydrates lips to boot.

With the right products, you’ll never have to let ‘em see your makeup feather, run, transfer or melt, no matter how hot the weather, or your workout, gets.

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