With a long girls’ weekend in Marbella for my hen do fast approaching, I jumped at the chance to have semi-permanent eyelash extensions at celeb hotspot Perfect Eyelashes, whose impressive client list includes Lily Allen, Chloe Sims, Pixie Geldof and Lucy Watson.
Perfect Eyelashes have salons in Kensington, Harley Street and Holborn
But I must admit I was a bit dubious about the whole process – I’ve had bad experiences with eyelash extensions in the past. Some have left me with clumpy, spidery lashes than fall off in big chunks and leave a very uncomfortable, itchy and weird-looking effect, and some have actually resulted in my own lashes falling out. Definitely not something I want to happen before the big day!
As soon as I arrived at the lovely salon in Kensington though, my worries evaporated. I had a quick consultation with director Agnes, who, reassuringly, describes herself as an eyelash extension perfectionist. I was definitely in safe hands…
She reassured me that not only are their extensions good for your lashes (another bonus) but that they’d find a lash to perfectly suit my needs. For a long weekend by the pool I wanted a natural look that wouldn’t look too ‘drag queen’ by day, but also one that I wouldn’t have to apply mascara to for my evenings on the town.
Agnes and her talented team will advise you on which extensions to get during a pre-treatment consultation
“I think the diamond lashes would be perfect for you,” nodded Agnes, showing me a board that had individual lashes of different lengths and thicknesses stuck to it to demonstrate what she had planned. A full set of the premier diamond lash – which is lighter and naturally more shiny than the mink option – costs from £110.
Once that was agreed it was over to the (super comfy) bed, where I’d be spending the next hour and a half with my eyes closed while my lashes were expertly applied one by one by senior technician Petra. I’m not entirely sure I didn’t drift off to sleep at one point….
What a transformation! Before and after shots…
Once the process was over, I was absolutely thrilled with the results. Petra handed me a mirror and I couldn’t believe how natural, long and thick my lashes looked. I was given an after care kit and plenty of advice on how best to maintain my lashes. If you’re careful, they can last up to two months. I was told to steer clear of oil-based makeup remover, to try not to get them wet, and not to use eyelash curlers. (Not that I need to anymore!)
Et voila. Thanks, Perfect Eyelashes. Next stop: Marbella!
