Lash Extensions: 10 FAQs

I have gushed about my eyelash extensions before, but even after 3 months of having them, it is true LOVE (makes me think of Princess Bride every time!)! Considering getting extensions for yourself but still not quite sure, read on & let me know if you have any additional questions in the comments :)

1. Will people think I'm a diva for getting eyelash extensions?

Honestly, no. This isn't any different than getting a manicure or blow out. Treat yo' self!

2. Will they feel weird?

At first, the extra weight will feel like you are wearing fake lashes. After the first week, your eyes adjust to the new lashes, & it becomes a new normal.

3. How will my daily routine be negatively affected?

You can't rub your eyes - yup, not even in the shower. And sometimes you can feel the wind blowing through them - this happens to me mostly when I blast the AC in my car.

4. How will my daily routine be improved?

You don't have to wear any eye makeup (I haven't worn eye makeup in 2 months). This also means that you don't have to take off any eye makeup (the worst part about washing your face in my opinion!). Overall, because my lashes look so fabulous, I have been wearing much less makeup as part of my daily routine, & I think this is helping to clear up my skin. The husband even commented the other day that my skin was looking more glow-y than usual - totally out of his typical line of compliments (which include, "you look…uh, pretty…?")

5. How long do they last?

The extensions are glued on to your actual lashes, so they last as long as your normal lashes would, & fall out when you lashes naturally do. Some people have longer/shorter hair growth cycles, but most people will need to get re-fills every 3-4 weeks (I go 4 in-between appointments). 

6. Are they really that great?

Yes, yes & YES! My friends who have also gotten them (because I won't SHUT UP about them) agree!

7. Lash extensions look good on other people, but are they for me?

YASSS girl! If you get a good lash lady she can help you find the right length that will look best for you. I call my length "accentuated natural" - as in, they look like they could actually be my real lashes, but better. My super blonde friend just got hers done, and they look completely natural on her too. This is for everyone!

8. Is it worth it?

Without a doubt. This is my new personal splurge. It is the same as getting gel mani/pedi treatments every month & you will be saving on mascara/eye makeup too!

9. What will people say after I get them?

I have had male co-workers, young children, teenagers in the grocery store & all my friends/family compliment me on my lashes. Not in an "OMG your lashes look CRAZY" way, but more of a "something is slightly different about your face and I really like it way". They truly do frame your face in a perfect way - people will notice!

10. Ok, you've convinced me. So how do I find the right person to do them!

Well, if you are in Nashville, call my lovely lash lady! Shala is the bomb & her prices are super reasonable. Read about her services & schedule an appointment here, & if you have questions, reach her via email. 

Photo: Kate Davis Photography

Date Night Essentials

Let's talk about date night essentials! While I enjoy making special moments out of cooking together at home - vinyl spinning on the record player, wine in hand, admiring my cute husband in his apron - there is something exciting about looking forward to a night out! The essentials for my perfect date night are a dress I feel bomb in, make-up on point, & a new restaurant to explore.

When I first tried on this dress, I was concerned that it was too much - tight/revealing/whatever - but my sweet, sweet husband reminded me that while the top is a bit more exposed, it does have a longer length that gives it more class than flash. I did have to give it to him for his comments about the fit/cut, & the fabric is so stretchy & comfortable, so it was a keeper! When I purchased it, the dress was $55 - which I thought was a GREAT price, but now it is under $35, but I'm sure it will sell out soon!

2 other things on my date night essentials list? My mascara & my cocktail passport - scroll down to get more details on these specific items :)

dress: Nordstrom crochet dress (now 40% off, making it under $35 dollars!)

purse: Clare V leopard clutch

shoes: cognac heels (super old, linking similar below)

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave" (my perfect Summer red shade)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

Date Night Essentials:

Cocktail Passbook: shop it // Available in 8 cities - including Denver, Nashville & D.C. - this bad boy gives you 2-for-1 drinks at more than 60 hot spots (from the Denver version) & after going all the way through the Winter version, and half way through our Summer on, we haven't been to a bad place yet! I love that all the spots are local, so we are getting to check out new spots in Denver, while also enjoying beyond cheap drinks. Whether you have a Summer cocktail bar bucket list with your girlfriends, significant other, or just want to double fist cocktails all around town (no judgement) this is a GREAT buy & where all of our date nights start - where to check out next?!

LashFood: shop it // Billed as lash "extensions in a bottle", this product proves the hype! I gave up lash extensions when I moved to Denver (because no one did it as glam as my girl Shala did - Nashville ladies, hit her up!) - so I am always on a mission to amp up my lashes, & this product fits the bill. I love having the option to use the 2 step system, or just the mascara on its own. The 2 step system first applies "extending fibers", then seals them with a high quality mascara (I adore the application brush). I definitely see the difference when I use both steps, and feel that extra dose of va-va-voom!

{shop these exact pieces}

Lashes by Shala

I indulge in very few personal luxuries - I paint my nails at home, rarely get my hair cut (coming up on a  year since the last snip), stick to the basics with my makeup & can get ready in 15 minutes (time me!)… BUT, I have a new beauty addiction: LASH. EXTENSIONS. 

These puppies are serious game changers. I literally "wake up like this"… well, just about. My face feels "done" with very little other products (concealer, bronzer, brow fill… done!) & I don't have to put on ANY eye makeup.

I have had eyelash extensions before (for our wedding), & it was a pretty meh experience. But this latest set is leagues above, after 2 weeks they still look the same as they did the day they were done & I am super happy with the length (I call it "va va natural", or "natural with a kick").

The initial investment is a little spendy, but the return is totally worth it. I am fully hooked, & getting re-fills for $75 every 3-4 weeks is now completely reasonable to me. If this all sounds like crazy talk, I urge you to try it at least once! Live a little & treat 'yo self!

Nashville ladies, scroll down for an incredible discount on your first set of lashes & how you can enter to win a free set!

Nashvillians, my lash lady is the bomb! And Shala is running some super specials for Here&Now readers! New clients get $100 of a full set of eyelashes, making it only $120! Additionally, follow Shala on Instagram to be entered to win a free full set ($220 value)! 

To set up an appointment with Shala, contact her via email (williams.shala@yahoo.com), call (615-349-5633) or via her website (www.styleseat.com/shalawilliams). 

Enter to win a free set using the Rafflecopter widget below, a random winner will be selected next weekend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Shopping: It Cosmetics

I have blogged about my beauty routine before, & reviewed some favorite makeup lines including Pla beauty, products from my Birchbox subscription & the skin/hair care products that I believe in most.  

This Summer I was introduced to It Cosmetics, & it is currently all I use for makeup products. You can find all of the It Cosmetics products at Ulta, QVC & It Cosmetics online. The thing I like most about It Cosmetics, is how long lasting they are! Using the products below, my makeup stays looking fresh from when I apply it at 5:30 am until I get finished teaching in the afternoon. I also really appreciate how much thought was put into the packaging of the products, everything is easy to use & exactly what I need!

1. Vitality Brightening Anti-Aging Face Disk - my "if you could only have one beauty product for the rest of your life" item is a toss up between concealer & bronzer, & this bronzer disk is certainly an all you need product. The bronzer is the perfect shade for everyday use & the addition of blush + highlighting powder frees up space in my make-up bag.

2. Heavenly Luxe Wand brush - I have never been much of a diva about my brushes, but this one is so dreamy! The softest thing I have ever used, & the perfect pair for the bronzer disk.

3. Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer - The thick past-like consistency of this concealer might appear to be hard to apply at first, but you only need a tiny amount to completely cover your trouble spots. This stuff truly erases any signs of under eye darkness (& sets for all day coverage with the Bye Bye Pores pressed powder, #10 below)

4. Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil - well defined brows are the finishing frame for your face. The brow pencil builds to allow you to fill in a little or a lot, & the combing brush helps to keep everything in place.

5. Hello Light Anti-Aging Luminizing Crème Stick - I like the highlighting powder in the bronzer disk palette, but when I am doing my make up for going out, I like to touch this luminizing stick on my cheekbones, brow bones, & around my eyes for extra pop. The creamy formula goes on smooth & easily blends in for a natural glow.

6. Hello Lashes 5-IN-1 Mascara - Since getting my lash extensions I don't use mascara anymore, however, over the Summer I seriously rocked this mascara. The crazy looking ball on the end helps to get the mascara on every lash, majorly plumping them up!

7. Your Skin But Better CC Cream (with SPF 50+) - I don't wear foundation every day, but when I do want a little extra coverage, this CC Cream is the perfect extra touch. The product actually has a pump top, which helps to keep the mess factor down. I apply it with my fingers & the coverage is medium.

8. No. 50 Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer - One of the keys to all day make up? Primer! This is a collagen packed primer that leaves my skin feeling baby soft! (I guess petting my face all day probably doesn't help the make up last!) 

9. Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain - I love all of my lipsticks, but sometimes I just want moisturized lips with a little hint of color. This product looks clear, but it brings out a natural flush in your lips, subtly accentuating the natural color, while leaving everything nourished! 

10. Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder - My makeup routine goes like this: Primer, CC Cream, under eye concealer, then a finishing layer of this pressed powder. The powder is totally transparent, not adding any additional color, & locking everything in place. 

What makeup products and application tips work best for you? Anyone else struggle to keep make up on your face all day?