BEFORE

1. YOU MAY NEED A CONSULTATION FIRST

We are just as excited about your lash extension as you are and we want you to have a wonderful experience during your appointment. Which also means the best lash extensions are pricey and will require a consultation. (Costs vary wildly from salon to salon, but expect a starting point around $120 for the basics and up to $300.) Because everyone’s eyes are different, you’ll want a set that complements your eye shape, lash length, and lifestyle. “One curl and length will look completely different on one person versus another,” Shirai explains. Most eyelashes studios have a menu to help get the conversation started and guide the look you’re after (from subtle and round to the boldest cat-eyes). Since my eyes are round and turn down a bit at the outer corners, Shin recommended the longest lashes go in the center of my eyes (in between a two and a three on her “Glam Scale”), as opposed to the ever-popular cat-eye shape, to open them up further.

2. SHOW UP BARE FACED

That includes not curling your lashes either. “If they’re curled, there’s a crease right by the root and it’s hard for the lash artist to apply the extensions—it won't be a smooth-finish job," says Jessica Shin, founder of Flair Beauty & Lash Studio in New York City, where I’ve been going for extensions. Other things to avoid: mascara, waterproof eye makeup, oily skin care, and eye cream. You basically don’t want anything that’ll interfere with the glue.

3. BEAUTY TAKES TIME

Eyelash extensions take a long time (up to two hours!), especially if you’re going for a refill since they’ll need to remove many existing extensions and clean your lashes before applying a new set. I also learned this tip from personal experience: Maybe consider passing on that second latte because you’ll need to lie very still. I did not before my first appointment and had twitchy eye syndrome the whole time, much to the dismay of my lash artist.

4. NO WATER ON THE LASHES FOR 24 HOURS

“If you need to work out, go to the gym and take a shower in advance,” Shin advises. “You can’t get them wet for 24 hours post session because the adhesive has to dry completely.” Tirzah Shirai from LA’s Blinkbar even recommends avoiding waterproof eye makeup for up to a week before your appointment. “It leaves an invisible film that will keep the lashes from adhering fully,” she says.

5. cat naps are in order

AFTER

5. you can get used to this

It takes a day or two to get used to the feeling of wearing extensions, but I found them to be much more comfortable than strip lashes. They'll also mess with the way you normally sleep (unless you're already a back sleeper). “If you sleep on your side and stomach you’re going to crush them and they won’t last as long,” Shin says. “Try using a travel pillow or something that helps to elevate and keep you on your back.”

6. be careful with mascara and eyeshadow

Who needs mascara your lashes will be gorgeous without mascara - we recommend you skip that step during your makeup routine. absolutely While there are some “extension-safe mascaras” out there, Shin recommends avoiding mascara completely. You just splurged on lashes—don’t jeopardize them! Also stay away from waterproof eye makeup—the removal will take a toll on your eyes and can soften the glue. Shin also recommends avoiding loose powder or glittery eye shadows, which can build up on the roots of your lashes, eventually weakening them and leading to breakage. And if you’re devoted to liner (though you may find you no longer want it), stick to gel and liquid formulas that won’t tug at your roots.

7. You might need to adjust your skin care routine

The general rule of thumb is to avoid anything too oily. I love nothing more than rich face oils, but had to give them up while I had extensions. And if you’re going to apply eye cream, Shin recommends using it in the morning instead of at night so it doesn’t travel into your lashes (skip greasy ones that are packed with mineral oil, Shirai says). Stick to non-oily makeup removers as well: Shin recommends using micellar water with a cotton swab to remove makeup around your eyes (cotton pad fibers will stick to your lashes), whereas Shirai prefers pre-soaked, oil-free makeup removing pads.

8. You’ll have to re-learn how to wash your face

There is nothing as jarring as leaning into a sink, washing your face, and accidentally bumping your extensions. It feels incredibly strange and I’ve lost more than a few lashes this way (RIP lashes!). Here’s the technique that worked for me: Get as low as possible to the sink—I basically stick my head into the bowl—and gently splash water on the bottom of your face and forehead. Then, carefully suds up the lower half of your face and forehead, rinsing it clean by lightly dabbing and doing a light, outward pulling motion. After that, I use my ring fingers to wet around my eyes with any leftover cleanser, following with water. No scrubbing.

9. LASHES need LOVE too

My lashes would get a little wacky when I woke up or after showering. That’s why Shin ends every appointment by handing you a soft pink spoolie and demonstrating how to comb your lashes daily. Here’s how she does it: Looking down, support underneath your lashes with your pointer finger. Then, gently twirl the spoolie on the top side of your lashes (the opposite of how you’d apply mascara; brushing that way will tug at the hair). “It takes five seconds out of your day and it goes a long way,” Shin says.

10. DONT TRY IT!

The only way to remove eyelashes is with a pro—seriously. You’ll end up tearing out or breaking your lashes if you try it yourself, and it’s not worth it. “That doesn't mean you have to remove them, you can also just wear them until they all cycle off,” Shirai says. Typically they last around three to four weeks, but don't be surprised if you find yourself back for refills before then. I told you, they're addicting.