I Canceled My Barre Membership and Got Eyelash Extensions Instead!
That’s right… I used to go to a barre class fairly regularly (well, on Zoom during the first year of the pandemic), but then I canceled my membership and started to get eyelash extensions instead! Nothing against the barre studio – my work schedule just didn’t seem to align comfortably with the class times, and I wasn’t feeling any better about the Zoom classes especially the monthly fee was still rather expensive. Anyways, here’s a post re my eyelash extension experience!
The Place / Credit
The header photo is taken from Lashify Studio, the place I’ve been getting my eyelash extensions!
3385 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
How I Found Lashify Studios
I did a search and checked sites that offered booking appointments online, and Lashify was the easiest one that offered that! They were also transparent re their pricing. There was an appointment available so I made an appointment with their junior lash stylist to get some classic lashes.
Types of Eyelash Extensions
They offered classic, volume, or hybrid.
- Classic – the cheapest option. They put individual lashes on each lash, giving it a more natural longer/thicker lash look.
- Volume – they put fans of lashes on each lash (multiple fake lashes on each natural lash), giving an extremely volume look. The more expensive option.
- Hybrid – a mix between the classic and the volume. They say this one can help fill any gaps between your natural lashes.
I was very new to the process, so I picked the classic lashes because I didn’t want to go too extreme with volume the first time around.
First Visit – Eyelash Extension Experience
I filled out all my paperwork online, including all the stuff re COVID – must agree to get temperature checked, must wear a mask during the whole appt, etc. They were being very careful and still required masks even if the county didn’t require them. I rather keep my mask on, so it worked out for me. The place was easy to find and the space was nice. There were several chairs, perhaps each person there comes in on certain days and has their designated stations. The stylist was really nice and gave me instructions for everything. A lot of it was keeping the eyes closed and listening to the music. I sometimes fall asleep and it’s obvious!
Bullet Points of Experience
- Station is wiped down/sanitized, and stylist washes hands.
- Sit on the chair and it leans back.
- Stylist tapes down the lower lashes. She told me when to open and close my eyes for those steps. The tape feels cool, not bad. Sometimes it feels a bit pokey, but that can be adjusted.
- Eyes closed, and the stylist works her magic for the next 1 – 2 hours, depending on how long it takes!
- Painless process, I definitely fell asleep for a bit. I believe tweezers are used along with a lot of precision to attach each false lash to a real one.
- You can feel the lashes being brushed periodically.
- When near completion, a type of liquid gets brushed on and then a fan is turned on to dry the liquid and lashes.
- Open eyes, final brush, and a mirror is handed to you to see if you’re satisfied.
- Ask any questions, and an overview of what to use or not to use to clean the lashes and to keep them dry for 24 hours.
- Pay and tip, and book the next appointment (a fill).
Thoughts on my First Eyelash Extension Experience
- It was really pleasant!
- Procedure took a long time, but that was expected.
- It’s true – once you start this process, it’s difficult to stop cold turkey!
- It’s definitely not cheap as the header photo mentions, but it is cheaper than a fitness studio membership.
- I wished the stylist talked more into the steps she was doing, but I suppose I could have asked. I felt a bit awkward to talk while my eyes were closed, and I didn’t want to distract her of her beautiful work.
Time for Fills
Eyelash extensions fall out, and you can see them falling out in random areas and random times. They are attached to your natural lashes, and natural lashes fall out, so it’s natural that the fake lash attached to the natural lash will fall with it. They recommend you get fills every 2 – 4 weeks. I decided to do 3 weeks, but if my stylist is not available, then I would either do 2 (if I had some event) or 4 weeks (don’t need to show my face as much). Most times it’s every 3 weeks, and each fill session takes around an hour to an hour and a half.
Between Fills – How my Lashes Are
- My left eyelashes have consistently been holding onto the false lashes much longer than my right eye. It’s so obvious when I look in the mirror as my left eyelashes look a lot more full than my right starting from after the first week.
- I’d see lashes fall out on a lot of places – the sink, my face, the yoga mat, shower, etc.
- Sometimes my lashes would obviously grow and the false lash would be dangling in an odd position. I’d try to brush it back so that it looks more normal, or just cut that portion off.
- I think around half of the fake lashes are still intact right before the fill. There are gaping holes (false lashes, clump of natural without false, etc) on my right eyelashes, after a couple weeks, but it doesn’t bother me too much.
Each Fill Experience
- Very similar to my first eyelash extension experience.
- All the steps are the same. The stylist would take out the existing false ones and put in new ones.
- 3 week fills have been working out for me, but I’ve heard other customers going back every 2 weeks. Honestly, if I had more time and money, I’d go every 2 as well, but I’m still happy with how my lashes look after 2 weeks.
- Some fills last longer than others. For example, there are some periods where the lashes on my right eye would fall out very quickly, and other times where both eyes would still look acceptable after 3 weeks.
Cleaning and Care
Care and cleaning after and before each eyelash extension appointment is the same. Your face, especially around the eye area should be very clean, no oil products or make up, etc.
- I usually shower the morning before my appointment to ensure my face is clean.
- Keep your lashes dry for 24 hours after the appt.
- Do not use oil based products, especially around the lashes as that can make them fall off easier.
- Use lash cleanser to clean the areas and brush daily to keep the shape.
- You can do your regular activities after 24 hours.
My Laziness
I admit that I haven’t been cleaning or brushing my lashes as much as I should be. It’s only when some lashes look very misplaced, then I would brush them.
Price and Such
Eyelash extensions are not cheap! They are definitely one of those treat yourself thingys that I do for myself, especially after canceling my barre membership. It was $150 to get my initial set in, and then each 3 week fill is $75. That is cheap compared to other studios that specialize in extensions in the Bay Area though! A bit better than the $140 – $185 each month for barre!
Will I Stop?
I haven’t noticed any negativity to my eyes or lashes from my extensions (knock on wood), so I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The studio is welcoming, though it can feel a bit awkward, but that’s because of my own personality. I’d like to be a bit more social, but I do like what I receive from my stylist there. She’s really sweet and meticulous in her work.
Other Remarks?
Well, there you go… my eyelash extensions experience and fill experience. Let me know if you have any questions!
