People who know me know that I tend to go a bit overboard for Carnival, I believe in the "go big or stay home" approach to playing mas; if I am not in full pageantry mindset with hair, boots, makeup and costume the experience is not the same for me. This is a personal choice, we all play mas the way we enjoy, and as a consequence I try lots of different things to enhance my overall Carnival look each year.
Lashes to me are a necessity for Carnival especially when you are doing professional makeup. I usually get individual lashes done a few days before the big day however this year I have decided to try Xtreme Lashes which are individual lash extensions that can last you up to 4 weeks. After the initial four week period because the lashes are attached to your own lashes which naturally fall out, you can refill the lashes and continue wearing them for as long as you desire.
Now these lashes are VERY different to your regular flare individual eyelashes that are attached along your lash line. First off it takes TWO hours to apply as each one is meticulously adhered to every single eye lash. Post application care for 48 hrs means no water goes on the lashes and you cannot rub your eyes. So far I have been good with not getting it wet for the first two days, but rubbing your eyes is a challenge. I have lost ONE lash on each eye since having them done which according to the eyelash expert is normal.
Having worn the lashes now for some days I can tell you right away I LOVE them! They look NATURAL (key word here for me) and feel as if I have nothing on my eyes. I wear contact lens and I have had lashes done before that were so heavy and uncomfortable I had to remove them right away. These lash extensions need more care than your regular individual lashes but the bonus is you do not lose your eyelashes when they fall off as they are not attached to your eyelash from the base of your eyelid! The glue is also clear, so you do not see clumps of black glue when looking at your eye and the lash itself looks realistic, not like spider legs glued to your lids. They literally look like your lashes, just longer and fuller.
Top right : my natural lashes
Top left: Eyelash extension in progress
Bottom: Xtreme Lash Extensions
The caveat is that the Xtreme lash does not come cheap, my previous lashes cost around $120.00TT and lasted a week. Xtreme lashes will cost you $800.00TT with refills at $400.00TT and should last up to four weeks. My partner in crime Carnival Jumbie has been wearing Xtreme lashes since 2008, you can read her review HERE. I would also strongly suggest you have these applied by ONLY a CERTIFIED technician and yes, ask to see the certificate. If you are interested in getting it done by my lash expert Earlyne check out her flyer below with all the contact details:
click to enlarge
To learn more about Xtreme lashes visit the website: http://www.xtremelashes.com/
