Prior to working for MODERN, I had never really heard of eyelash extensions before. My lash extension IQ extended to the immediate gratification of strip lashes I’d see for sale at a drugstore or the ones offered to me when getting my makeup done, never using anything on my own lashes besides mascara. But as an editor of all things face and body at MODERN now, it is my job to understand the service and its impact on the professional beauty world (and those who work in it). Thus, the story of how NovaLash took my lash-extension virginity.

To better understand lash extensions and the application process, specifically NovaLash, I knew I had to try first-hand the service for myself.

Before the holiday season, I made an appointment with certified lash artist Lindsey Rae Joslyn-Rohner, NovaLash artist, educator and ambassador, at her private studio in Chicago, because what better time to look I-woke-up-like-this glam than for holiday parties and New Years?

THE CONSULTATION
Upon arrival, Lindsey gave me a full consultation, asked what questions I had (hint: a lot), analyzed my existing lashes, and asked me about my expectations. I told her I wanted long-lasting, noticeable lashes, that opened up my small eyes a bit, but nothing too Kardashian-Jenner crazy and nothing that was going to interfere with the glasses I wear for work. After analyzing my lashes, Lindsey used NovaLash’s D curl NovaMinx lashes in 8, 10 and 12mm length in .15mm diameter.

Lindsey explained to me all about the NovaLash eyelash technique that would give me the results I was seeking, with a natural-looking finish. It's called the NovaLash Triple-Length Bonding Technique: A way of using a minimum of three different lash lengths to not only mimic the natural lash growth pattern, but also as a way of supporting the extensions.

THE EXPERIENCE
The service was a very zen-like experience. With Lana Del Ray in the background, minimal talking (to avoid eyes moving around, as they do naturally in conversation), warm blankets and a comfy neck pillow, this felt more like a spa treatment than a cosmetic service. 

Wrapped in blankets, neck cushioned by a pillow and towel over my forehead for Lindsey to rest her hand and wrist on, this was my position for about two hours.

To prep, Lindsey used NovaLash’s gel patches to put under my eyes and hold down my lower lashes so they wouldn’t get stuck to the upper ones. The patches felt similar to cool, hydrogel sheet masks, further adding to the element of relaxation the service has.

One-by-one, Lindsey picked up a lash she had set down on her “hand palette,” shown in the video below, and applied.

When selecting lash extensions, here are some NovaLash extension selection to-dos:

• Select a minimum of 3 lengths of extensions to work with.

• For short, natural lashes, use 6mm, 8mm and 10mm lashes.

• For medium length natural lashes, use 8mm, 10mm and 12mm lashes.

• For longer, natural lashes or for a dramatic look on medium length natural lashes, choose 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm lashes.

• Mix all sizes across the length of the lash line with the exception of the inner 10-15% closest to the nose. This area should only have the shortest lashes.

• If a Cat Eye look in desired, a few extra-long extensions can be concentrated on the outer corner, but always mix some medium and shorter extensions between the long ones for support and thickness.

The glue, NovaLash’s Platinum Bond adhesive, says to have the strongest hold available for eyelash extensions on the market. So while the average lash extensions need touch-ups every two weeks, NovaLash’s can stretch up to four weeks between fills.

It is important to make sure that the lashes stay separated during the process so they don’t clump together, look as natural as possible and give clients the longest-possible wear.

After all the lash extensions were applied, Lindsey blowdried on a low, cool temperature and brushed them with a lash spoolie to ensure my lashes boasted maximum curl and fluffiness.

THE RESULTS
After the service was over and I was able to open my eyes and look in the mirror, I was in awe. I never knew my eyes were capable of looking SO GOOD! My lashes were perfectly curled, natural-looking and made a statement (see before-and-after photos below). I felt beautiful and confident walking away from my appointment.

THE MAINTENANCE
To make sure they stayed this way as long as possible, I purchased an aftercare kit. The kit includes cleanLASH 3-in-1 conditioner, cleanser and makeup remover pads, cotton pads saturated with pomegranate seed extract to detangle lashes and nourish the eye area;  mascara, a water-soluble and vitamin-rich formula, specially formulated to use on my lower lashes (and on my extensions if I wanted to, although this wasn’t necessary until I started seeing extension-free lashes when I was due for my touch-up); and an extra lash spoolie, as well as a list of aftercare instructions.

As with hair extensions, there is added maintenance of brushing out my lashes every morning and evening to make sure they don’t get tangled, and wiping with a cleanLASH pomegranate oil-concentrated cotton pad every couple of days to hydrate the lashes and glue.

Lindsey (right) and I after my appointment at her private studio. 

Fast-forward a couple weeks and my lash extensions are still in-tact. As with hair that grows on the head, lashes also shed naturally. According to Lindsey, new lashes grow in cycles; we all have a new set of lashes every 60 to 90 days. The lash extensions are designed to shed with natural lashes, that being said, the oldest and longest natural lashes (and the extension that’s adhered to it) will shed first, followed by the others.

I am now NovaLash-obsessed. And dreading the day the last lash sheds.

NovaLash training courses are offered in all 50 states and in 40 countries worldwide. For more information about the NovaLash Certification Course click here.