Long Lush Lashes

The eyelash extension service isn’t that new, but I have kind of avoided researching it because I figured I would end up wanting it and it is pretty expensive.  Well, Salon Lashe on Oak Street had an event this week (they advertised that they would be serving champagne – count me in!) so I thought it would be a good idea to finally see what eyelash extensions are all about.

For starters, Salon Lashe has an awesome location on the always glamorous Oak Street, in the same building as Piazza Sempione.

Salon Lashe Storefront – they’re in the same building as Piazza Sempione!

I walked into the lobby of the building, and there was a guy checking guests in (we had to RSVP).  I thought that seemed a little official, but he was nice about it.  The salon itself is really nice – sleek and clean.  When I arrived, the event was packed! I had called ahead and found the manager to ask her a few questions.  She was very knowledgeable and answered my many questions. I actually couldn’t stop staring at her lashes, which were gorgeous!  She brought a model over so I could take a look and snap some pics.  She had one eye with lash extensions and one without to show the effect.

The model showed off 1 eye with lash extensions

The model’s lash extensions – closeup of 1 eye

The model’s eyelash extensions – side view

According to the manager, the lashes are applied individually to your lashes.  The glue only touches the lash, not the skin. This is a concern for me since I have allergies to the glue used for strip lashes.  They last 4-6 weeks and can last indefinitely with re-lash appointments.  Some of the lash stylists were applying complimentary false lashes as a little teaser.  I have to admit, thinking about those little teaser lashes lasting indefinitely was very tempting.

A partygoer about to get her “teaser” lash extension

In a nutshell, I think that lash extensions are absolutely gorgeous and amazing, but also high maintenance and expensive.  It is really unbelievable how much they open the eyes!  If you have the budget for it (including all the maintenance), it has to be worth every penny.  The manager, owner, and model looked really, really good.  I have had hair extensions a few times, and it is kind of the same concept.  They look really amazing, but they don’t last that long and unless you can afford all the upkeep, it isn’t necessarily worth it – except for special events.

After perusing their website, I am a little bothered by one thing.  At the event they told me that the pricing for synthetic lashes is $300-$500 (real mink lashes will cost you another $150), but I didn’t really understand the reason for the range. Turns out $300 gets you a “lashe stylist,” $375 gets you a “senior lashe stylist,” and $500 gets you a “master lashe stylist.”  I guess it makes me a little nervous, like even at $300 I’m not getting the best of the best?  And exactly how different can the different levels be?

So, I decided to think about it over the next few days.  Low and behold, the next day I got an email from a “deal” website that had an offer from a competitor!  The deal was $135 for real Siberian mink lash extensions!  Honestly, it sounded too good to be true, but I had to check it out.  I was disappointed because all of the reviews for the place were bad.  Salon Lashe is definitely the best of the best in Chicago, and in this case I do think you get what you pay for.

So now the million dollar question is: Do I try it??  I want them sooo bad but I don’t want to blow my budget either.  I’m taking a special trip this fall and I am debating whether or not I should get them, but I think I will just give it a go.  After all my research, I would definitely choose Salon Lashe.  The lashes I saw speak for themselves!

Salon Lashe is offering a free lash sealant for readers who mention nubry.com!