Beauty is Pain: These custom lash extensions took forever, but they look amazing
We often talk about “painful” beauty treatments but there’s another aspect of pain that no one really tackles: long wait times! I consider myself a Patient Patty when it comes to waiting during treatments (my parents are doctors and I’m used to waiting around the clinics), especially since I frequently have my hair bleached and colored and that takes aaaaalllll damn day.
Still, I was surprised to hear that Browhaus’ Lash in Bloom service, which customizes the lash layout for your eyes, takes up! To! Two! Hours! (If there was no time pressure, the therapists even said it could last up to three hours but I don’t want to think about that right now.)
Sad, bare straight lashes
Customization begins the type of extensions: Bold & Dramatic (Cluster, 45 mins), Defined (Single, 75 mins), or Lush (Multi, 120 mins). Afterwards, select from Natural, Cat Eyes, or Doll for your desired effect. The therapist will then mix and match styles and lengths to lid capacity (as in, will your lids be able to carry a whole buncha hair for a month or two?). A touch up is included within 7 days, and upkeep is the same as services from other salons: no wetting within the day, no oil-based makeup removers, avoid mascara, and no pulling out. Ask the salon to schedule removal.
Since I’ve been to maybe 4 or 5 other salons before, I decided to asked for the most dramatic transformation. “Make me look like I have makeup on” is what I specifically said, to see what they can really do. My specifications given, I settled in for the most painful part: the 2+ hour wait with my eyes closed while the therapist meticulously glued on “bouquets” of lashes.
Right after the procedure
I’ve been to salons that also offer customized styles (C or J curls, cat eye or natural, and what have you) and most take a little over an hour. But this is the first time that I’ve been offered bouquets (literally clusters of lashes for one natural hair). The result? Dramatic lashes that are lightweight but impactful. They’re carefully and neatly placed, and the difference between having none and having extensions is night and day.
My previous experience with Browhaus lash extensions was honestly terrible, with lashes that lasted just 7 days before falling off (a fluke according to fellow PV girls whose extensions lasted for more than 3 weeks), but this one was consistent with expectations of a higher end service. It has been more than a month since I got them, and while they aren’t perfect anymore, they’re still great for photos! If you have glasses on, you can also ask for the kind that don’t touch the lenses, which is not something other salons offer. My boyfriend doesn’t love that he couldn’t see my eyes as much, but who cares what he thinks?
Remember to take the time to avail of the free touch up within 7 days, since you’ll need it. Here is what it looks like before the touchup. Not horrible but you can really see some gaps. I was also happy to learn that you can also still use eyeshadows with these extensions; other salons will not recommend it, but it worked just fine with these.
Another pain note: try not to cry (or shower or anything) within the same day because it stings. Really, truly stings. I made the mistake of crying and had to stop driving. Also useful: keep tissues on hand.
By the next day, it’s all quite pleasant and I found that it’s easier to shower with these on than in my previous experiences. With other lash extensions, my lashes can’t filter through the water and I’d have to constantly manually wipe away water from my eyes with a towel.
Days after the touch up: extensions are convenient for traveling since you don’t need to pack eye makeup!
Would I recommend Browhaus’ custom lashes? Only if you’re comfortable with their prices. They’ve always been clear with their premium branding, and this is no exception. I can confidently say that these are very comfortable, and last for more than three weeks. No irritation also means less chances of picking at it and accidentally pulling out your own hair. If you have sensitive eyes, proceed with caution.
Prices: Cluster Extensions, P3,800 | Strand by Strand Extensions, P5,800 | Multi Lash Extensions, P8,550
