The Experience: What Is It Like to Get Lash Extensions?

Lashes, lashes, lashes, we all want them but how does getting lash extensions work? This is for anyone considering getting eyelash extensions or even if you’re just curious about them.

For first timers at The Beauty Collective we ask you to come in a few minutes before your appointment so we can get all the boring stuff out the way. We have you sign a simple intake sheet where we ask a few questions about you and if/when you’ve had lashes before. We want to make sure you don’t have any allergies and give you information about how our pricing works for touch ups. Most places that do lash extensions in Portland, Oregon will require the same in some fashion. Once we have you signed in, your lash technical awaits..now the fun begins.

One of our lovely ladies will greet you and bring you back to their lash room where a consultation will begin. This is where you want to tell your lash artist the look you’re hoping for. Do you want Cat eyes? Do you want a more modest mascara look? Would you prefer enjoy a fluffy feathery look or maybe you just want us to make your lashes more fabulous than Kim K’s… It’s really up to you! The best part is that you’re not committed to that look, on your next visit for a lash fill…we can always change it up.

Sometimes we have people ask us to make sure they look natural… if applied correctly your lashes should always present as natural, even if they’re an extreme difference. The Beauty Collective really prides itself in making sure your eyelash extensions look natural and like an extension of your own lashes, pun intended.

After your consultation, you’ll lay down on an esthetician's bed where the process will begin. Your technician will assure that you’re comfortable and will begin to prepare your eye area. We cleanse the area, removing any make up or oils and will put a protective layer under your eye. 

For my first time, I remember being a little uncomfortable for a couple minutes because I wasn't used to having someone touch my eye area. I mean besides your Optometrist, who really gets up in there? Once you get used to that initial anxiety most people find it to be so relaxing they fall asleep while others say it’s their therapy session, we don’t mind…tell us all your goodies.

Your lash technician will examine your lashes and take in to consideration your desired look when they pick out which types of lashes to apply and where. You might have heard there are different lash curls, Js, Ls, Cs and D’s but choosing which one is right for you is part of your lash technician's job. They will decide what will achieve the look you want with your existing eyelashes.

Just like any part of your body, your lashes are unique. Some people have crossed hairs, blonde hairs, tons of lashes or not very many and it all depends on genetics, ethnicity and age. For some people a set of 50 lashes is a lot because they have little light hairs for lashes while others have naturally dark and thick hair so a set of 90 lashes in a long length might be necessary to achieve a noticeable difference. Man will book a set of 50 or 70 to see what it looks like and then add more on your next visit if they desire a more dramatic look.

For your first time it will take about one hour to two hours depending on set of eyelash extensions you’re receiving, more lashes takes more time. Applying lash extensions is a very delicate and persist job. During the application we use a very small amount of medical grade adhesive similar to ones used in a dentist office, it’s completely safe to have close to your eyes and to breath in…so not to worry! The process involves placing one artificial lash to one of your existing lashes with a very small amount of adhesive, this is what makes them look and feel so natural.

Once she is done, your lash artist will reveal the new you which is the most exciting part for everyone. We get to see how much love them and you’re also able to let us know if theres something you don’t like, which is the rarity but we guarantee our work so you can rest easy. After checking them out, we’ll go over aftercare with you. This step is  pretty important because with proper care, you’re lashes will last longer.

Main things… no oils around the eyes and no excessive rubbing. We also show you all of our favorite aftercare products, no sales gimmicks but we do find that most cleansers, eyeliners and mascaras have some form of oils in them so we offer great alternative options. 

So you're lashed up and ready to go! You’ve joined the club of eyelash extension haver….Welcome! We’ll ask if you’d like to rebook but feel free to schedule online, we recommend coming in every 2-4 weeks to have them filled in.  Your first time getting them, takes a couple of days to get use to  since you have to be a little more delicate with your eye area than you might be used to…but we’ll teach you the best ways to handle them. 

Eyelash extensions are completely okay for the health of your natural lashes. They are one with your natural lash so if applied properly, no harm is done. I’ve had mine consistently for several years and we have clients that have had them for a decade with no damage.

At The Beauty Collective we price our fills depending on the week you come in but we will always fill your lashes to the original look unless you’d prefer something different. Once you’ve paid for a set of 70 lashes, you’ll always receive that. A lot of places who do eyelash extensions in Portland, Oregon will ask you what intervals of time you’d like…a half an hour or a full hour fill your lashes but we don’t do it like that. It’s important to us to make sure no matter who you see, you’re guaranteed a complete and full look. Every technician goes at a different speed so we feel its more fair to you, ensuring you have consistency with each visit. Here at The Beauty Collective we keep detailed notes on each one of our clients to ensure that whomever you see will create the look you loved. Want to try something different? Just let us know! We want to make sure you’re happy and your lashes are fabulous, thats our mission.

After your visit, we’re available for any questions or concerns…don’t hesitate! Lashes are exciting for any event but also perfect for a day to day look. Whether you’re a new Mother who doesn't have time for make up or glam queen that is sick of wearing strip lashes, whoever you are…lashes are addictive and sometimes life changing and in opinion, SO worth it.