Created on 01st August 2008
This issue, beauty editor Sarah Hedley bats her eyes for semi-permanent lash extensions
Eye-tec is a London-based company offering a new breed of semi permanent eyelash extensions. Individual lashes of between two and three different shades (to compliment your skin tone, and hair and eye colour) are adhered to both upper and lower existing lashes to create ‘wow' factor. The results can last up to two weeks with proper aftercare, after which time maintenance treatments are required.
At hairdresser Daniel Galvin's swish London salon, I was introduced to the company's founder Sue Marsh - a beautifully eclectic mix of Vivienne Westwood and 1940s starlet. Sue certainly has an impressive pedigree with a CV that reads like Vogue, listing collaborations with one worldfamous designer after another.
What's involved?
First, Sue evaluated my colouring and decided to go for black lashes with a mix of green and auburn ones to reflect my eye and hair colour. I then lay back in a comfy dentist-style chair for two hours - it's an intricate procedure - while Sue placed tape around my lids and lashes and set to work.
For a few minutes the alien sensation was a little irritating, but then I grew accustomed to it. So accustomed that I actually fell asleep. Sue tells me this happens a lot. When I woke up I had long luscious lashes (and a little dried dribble across the side of my face, but let's not dwell on that).
In the following days, the maintenance was a bit of a drag. Saunas, steam rooms, swimming, oil- and creambased facials and liquid eyeliner - all things I love - can cause premature loss of lash extensions, so some sacrifices had to be made. Nor can you wear mascara. You simply have to cleanse around the lashes and use dampened cotton buds to clean your eyes.
The results
The before and after pictures speak for themselves - Sue gave me truly impressive lashes, but I missed layering on mascara to get a different look between night and day, and I found the maintenance (really, no facials?) a little strict.
I imagine Eye-tec extensions would be ideal if you have short or fair lashes and want your eyes to have more impact around the clock; there's also a subtler style of the treatment that works well on men's eyes, so you and your partner can both benefit from a sexy wink.
CSMUK
Eye-tec costs from £94 to cover a third of the upper lashes, and from £176 for full upper and lower lashes. A further 20 lash extensions can be applied for free within the first week to rebalance lashes as they grow. Consequent maintenance treatments, required approximately once a fortnight, cost from £90.
Treatments are available at Daniel Galvin, 58-60 George Street, London W1U 7ET. Tel: 020 7486 9661. For more info visit www.eye-tec.co.uk
