Our lust for lashes has reached an all time high!
From Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj's bold and beautiful lashes to Anika Noni Rose and Holly Robinson Peete's more sweet and subtle sets -- faux lashes are a major trend we're ready to try.
And we're not alone in our quest for lucious lashes. WWD reports that fake eyelash sales are on the rise and beauty blogger for The Daily Beast, Tracy Quan, even called lash extensions "the new breasts" -- giving women the "lift" they need without having to go under the knife. And if you're really adventurous there are LED eyelashes for those looking to literally put a twinkle in their eye! And if eyes are the windows to our souls, then we should definitely make sure our lashes, aka the curtains, look fab!
With that said, The Huffington Post asked lash specialist Gineann Creaney from the Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in New York City about semi-permanent lashes and why it's a must-try trend. Let the eye batting begin!
What are the lashes made of?
The lashes are made of a few different materials, including Synthetic, Silk and Mink. The desired look and the condition of your own lashes is what helps us as the professional decide what to use. Each material offers a different curl and thickness, which varies the look and feel of your lashes.
Do your eyelashes need to be a certain length in order to attach the false lashes?
Your lashes do not need to be a certain length, although you need to have a lash to apply to, since the lash is applied to the hair. If your lash is shorter, thinner or damaged, it will determine how long and thick we'll apply the lashes.
How safe is the bonding glue?
The adhesive glue used is very safe. NovaLash is the leading company for glues in the lash industry. We have numerous adhesives to use depending on your sensitivity level -– all are formaldehyde-free and medical grade.
How long does it take to apply the lashes?
Depending on how thick you'd like your lashes varies the time. It can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half hours.
How long to the lashes last?
The lashes can take up to three months to fall off with no touch ups. Lashes are usually touched up every three to four weeks which is a normal lash growth cycle.
How much does the service cost?
$200 and up
Do you have any celebrity clients?
Yes, many, but I'd prefer not to disclose.
Are there any side effects associated with getting lash extensions?
Everyone's eyes are different in sensitivity level. We use our professional judgment to determine which adhesive to use on each client to prevent any side effects. Taken care of correctly, lash extensions can actually improve the health of ones lashes.
What are your top 5 reasons to try this trend?
1. Effortless
2. You look awake and made up no matter where you are
3. Great for vacations
4. Amazing for weddings
5. They immediately bring a sense of confidence through your eyes!
Check out these lovely-lashed celebs for some inspiration.
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43rd NAACP Image Awards - Arrivals
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 17: Actress Tiffany Hines arrives at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on February 17, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)
Samsung Hope For Children Gala
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 07: Jennifer Lopez attends the Samsung Hope for Children gala at Cipriani Wall Street on June 7, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Valentino Rodeo Drive Flagship Opening
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 27: Television Personality Kim Kardashian arrives at Valentino Rodeo Drive Flagship store opening on March 27, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
42nd NAACP Image Awards - Arrivals
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 04: Actress Holly Robinson Peete arrives at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on March 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Party With Nicki Minaj And Ricky Martin
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 15: Nicki Minaj attends the MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Party at Stage 37 on February 15, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
A Night Of Style & Glamour To Welcome Newlyweds Kim Kardashian And Kris Humphries - Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: La La Anthony attends A Night of Style & Glamour to welcome newlyweds Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries at Capitale on August 31, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
42nd NAACP Image Awards - Red Carpet
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 04: Actress Amber Riley arrives at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on March 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)
Nivea And Rihanna Celebrating 100 Years Of Skincare At Grand Hotel Intercontinental in Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 06: Rihanna attends the 'Nivea And Rihanna Celebrating 100 Years Of Skincare' photocall at Grand Hotel Intercontinental on May 6, 2011 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franck Prevel/Getty Images)
"Safe House" New York Premiere
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 07: Ashanti attends the 'Safe House' premiere at the SVA Theater on February 7, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Vanity Fair And Chrysler Celebration Of The Eva Longoria Foundation Hosted By Eva Longoria
HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 23: Actress Eva Longoria attends the Vanity Fair and Chrysler celebration of The Eva Longoria Foundation hosted by Eva Longoria on Thursday, February 23 at Beso Hollywood. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for VF)
42nd NAACP Image Awards - Press Room
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 04: Actress Anika Noni Rose poses in the press room at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on March 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
21st Annual Glamour Women Of The Year Awards - Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Lala Anthony attends the 21st annual Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall on November 7, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul - Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Marsha Ambrosius attends VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at Hammerstein Ballroom on December 18, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Vh1)
"Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art - Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Actress Ginnifer Goodwin attends the 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty' Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" New York Premiere
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 15: Actress Viola Davis attends the 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' New York premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater on December 15, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gineann Creaney: Lash Specialist, Courtney Akai Lash Boutique
With over 5 years experience in the lash industry, Gineann Creaney was recruited by Courtney Akai to join her team after recognizing her meticulous, customized approach to lashes.
Inspired to enter the beauty industry by her Mother, Gineann began her career as a professional makeup artist before deciding to specialize in lashes. Having watched the beauty world evolve over the past decade, Gineann recognized an uptick in the demand for lush, glamorous lashes.
Gineann prides herself on her unique approach to lashes and her expertise in tailored extensions. With an emphasis on understanding each client's needs and lifestyle, Gineann is able to consistently exceed their expectations.
Huffington Post | By Julee Wilson Posted: 05/21/2012 4:39 pm