When it comes to makeup, it’s no secret lashes take centre stage.

Makeup can mean a lot of things. It can mean fun to some, and it can mean stagnant routine to others. Regardless of what it means to you, there’s one simple truth in the beauty world:

Boldly painted or bare-to-the-world, putting your best face forward is easier with lush lashes.

It just is.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I’ve been getting my lashes done for about three years now, and to me, the minor upkeep necessary to maintain them is far easier than than using mascara every day. And not only are they longer, fuller, and arguably more natural-looking than mascara’d lashes, but they don’t leave me worried about ugly smears or smudges throughout the day.

For me, summer or winter, professionally-applied lash extensions are a big win.

It was interesting; when I was in Saskatoon this Summer, everyone had lash extensions. It seemed like it was a much bigger thing than here in Winnipeg, but I do suspect it will continue to move here in a bigger way.

As usual, I got my lashes filled every three weeks or so, but being out of town meant I had to find a new place to go. Although I felt as though I was cheating on my lash girl, Olivia at The Lash Addiction, the girls at Londin Lash Studio in Saskatoon made me feel right at home in their chic little place on Broadway. Admittingly, I initially chose Londin Lash Studio to treat myself to the swanky experience their salon is known for, but they always did such an amazing job.

I’m definitely going to go back this winter.

But lash extensions aren’t the only way to go. I won’t get into prices here because each of these three options vary on an extreme level, but let’s touch on two other ways to create a lush lash look.

Latisse 

Interestingly enough, Latisse is actually a version of a glaucoma drug in eye drop form called bimatoprost (brand name Lumigan, manufacturer Allergan, Inc.), in use since FDA approval in 2001. Coincidentally, eye doctors and their glaucoma patients noticed the hair growth side effect, with longer, fuller eyelashes appearing over time. This happy accident is what started the Latisse phenomenon. I tried Lumina a few years ago and as a result, noticed monster lashes that didn’t quit. But, for whatever reason, I did, and my lashes returned to their normal, average-lengthed state.

Nat from Black Blouse Winnipeg, pictured below, loves using Latisse and has been doing so for a few weeks now. Although you will still most likely need to use mascara, your lashes will look enormously longer and fuller.

And of course, there’s strip lashes. While strip lashes can look quite natural, they’re a one-time-use kind of deal. For application of these babies, I love Duo glue, and won’t use anything else.

The key to natural application is to apply a very thin layer of glue to the strip of the lashes and then letting it dry for about 10 seconds so the glue becomes tacky and adhesive.

Claire, below, is wearing a bold pair of strip lashes, but you can go as natural as you’d like. You can also cut the lashes in half for a winged, demi style, or trim the base for a perfect fit.

Strip lashes are usually reserved for special parties or nights out, so they’re definitely the best way to go if you’re looking to help make your eyes pop for a special occasion.

What is your lash love?

T XO