We Tested It: Those Popular Eyelash Extensions

It’s rare to find a running beauty fanatic—high maintenance and half marathons don’t exactly go hand in hand. But just because we work harder on nailing negative splits than mermaid curls doesn’t mean we’re not curious. That’s why Women’s Running set out to test a few interesting beauty treatments of the moment. Here we answer the tough questions like: Will eyelash extensions last through my long run?

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Unlike fake eyelashes, which adhere to the eyelid and fall o after a day (or a few hours), extensions are attached to every single lash with permanent glue.

Jessie’s experience: I have very fair skin and hair, so my eyelashes are basically invisible without mascara. As a runner, I’m constantly removing mascara or watching it bleed down my cheeks as I sweat. I was really excited by the idea of thick dark lashes, but also nervous that they might look too extreme for my face. The staff member at Amazing Lash Studio in Redwood City, Calif., offered three looks—lengths vary from short and simple to long and dramatic. I went with the most natural option. Next, I lay back on the table, covered myself with a blanket to keep warm and closed my eyes as the technician went to work. Warning: A new set of lashes takes a full two hours to apply. I drifted in and out of sleep, trying to keep as still as possible and prevent my lids from fluttering. I wish I had brought some headphones!

The result: Once I (finally!) sat up and opened my eyes, I was able to see my new peeps. It looked like I was wearing very dark, lash-extending mascara. At first, I was amazed at the level of maintenance the lashes require. The first night, you must sleep on your back. For the initial 24 hours, you can’t sweat or allow the eye area to get wet at all. After that, it’s recommended that you brush the lashes out with a special wand each day and use a serum to keep them fresh. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to control my body after I pass out, I had an 8-mile run on the books the next a.m. and I promptly lost the lash wand. Despite my delinquent behavior, the lashes survived! After a week, I began to fall for the new look. It’s shockingly convenient to skip eye makeup—and it was fun to have dark lashes while running or waking up in the morning. I could see how this treatment could become highly addictive.

Details: The first set costs $80–$90 and will last about a month. If you’d like to maintain the look, refills are recommended every 2–4 weeks and cost $50–$80.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? Probably not, but that was fun!