For as long as I remember, I've always worn the same mascara – Maybelline's "Great Lash" Mascara.
And for the longest time, well...I loved it. I loved that I had a lash-full look and $5 a pop, I was pretty pleased with the results.
A few months ago, I woke up one morning with my eyes super irritated, red, and itchy. I've always had sensitive eyes and even flare ups of eczema every now and again. While I can handle sensitivity, the eczema was downright painful and made me insanely conscious.
So, I stopped putting on that mascara and my eye irritations went away. Whether it was the mascara or anything else, who knows – but one thing for certain is I stopped wearing that type and I was struggling with ways to make my naturally light eyelashes stand out.
Enter Iris + West. Founder Amanda Robinson asked me if I'd be interested in trying out some lashes to help fill the void of mascara. I was a bit hesitant to be honest, but Amanda's mission seemed real, honest and safe – never sacrificing quality and safety for speed.
I went in one Saturday morning, met Amanda (who is a total downright girlboss), and immediately asked a ton of questions. I realllly wanted to keep true to my "less is more" personality and have lashes that felt natural, but gave my eyes some pop.
She did her magic and after an hour and a half, I walked away feeling freakin' fabulous. I got my eyelashes on in early December and legitimately haven't worn mascara since. My eyes are happier (probably healthier), and I love that even when I wake up in the morning, I still look "pretty" put together.
Eyelash extensions aren't for everyone, so here's a few things to know before you make the leap:
- Make sure you look for places that use the best synthetic, silk and mink eyelash extensions. Iris + West does!
- For your first set, it'll probably be around 90 minutes so eat something (and use the bathroom) before!
- Wait 24 hours before you get your face/hair wet! So, shower before. :)
- A full set will, well, set you back around $200. There are a ton of other options (like at a Walgreen's, etc) but I opt for expertise over doing it myself (same mantra with hair, nahm' sayin?)
Hope this helps and if you're looking to experiment, go to Amanda of Iris + West, you'll be so happy you did!!!
Photography via Julia O Test