by If you’re dealing with fake flutter, you probably have an eyelash extension expert on speed dial. (The Bazaar beauty team is forever loyal to Edyta Kurowska, if you’re based in London and have received a compliment.) The best can put together a team so beautifully and naturally, no one will believe that they are God’s own. given lashes.
But while the salon offering has progressed in recent years, many options sitting in the at-home false eyelash market still appear in spidery strands and voluminous strips that make for a rather unattractive proposition (iShimmer has minimal falsies at buck the trend here).
Lashify hopes to finally update the false eyelash market: the at-home kit that bridges the gap between a professional semi-permanent set and a youthful stick-on strip.
Founded by Sahara Lotti, who designed, produced and trademarked all the components herself, Lashify is the first brand on the market to offer ‘DIY lash extensions’. With 280 patents currently under their belt, their mission is to offer something that looks as seamless as a set of professionally applied, at-home lash extensions.
The brand is already a mainstay on the red carpet, with the likes of Emma Stone, Sandra Oh and Selena Gomez all wearing the blaze at this year’s awards ceremonies, from the Critics Choice Awards to the Emmys.
The trick is the ‘underlash’ application method. Where traditional false lash strips are placed over the top of your natural lashes, often leaving a clear line on top of your eyelid, Lashify’s spindly lash clusters are placed under your lash line, meaning they blend beautifully, and allow your eyeshadow to seamless implementation, if you so desire.
Sure to be welcomed by anyone who has tried trimming strips to fit the curves of their own eyelid, the Lashify system is designed to be completely customizable: you can add as few, or as many, lash clusters in effect as you wish, and Choose from a range of styles and sizes, from the most discrete minis, ‘your lash but better’ to full dramatic styles worthy of the biggest nights out.
How does Lashify work?
So here’s where it gets a little tricky: with so many first-to-market components involved, Lashify’s system can take a minute to make yours. If you’re brand new, your first purchase should be the Control Kit, which has everything you need to get going.
First, apply a thin coat of Whisper Light bonding solution to clean the lashes (don’t use a balmy cleanser or eye cream beforehand). This is basically your lash glue, and the tube is double-ended: use the black formula to lightly brush through your lashes, and the clear one in your lash line to mark the base of each lash cluster. Once the band has turned clear, you are ready to apply your lashes using the Fuse Control Wand. This smart, ergonomically designed tool is basically a tweezer, designed to clip your locks without bending or damaging them, and to allow even the most delicate of hands to apply them precisely.
Place each cluster under your natural lashes, just above the root, avoiding the skin of the waterline. Once you have them all in place, use the ruler to gently push them into place. For extra longevity, apply a coat of Glass sealant with a glossy effect.
Lashify: The Bazaar review
I should preface this by saying that I’m not exactly the target market for Lashify: the last time I wore false eyelashes was during my first year at university, and I’m not someone who wears regular extensions but as much (although I made a pilgrimage). to the aforementioned Edy for my wedding, quickly to see why she loves so).
As an inveterate faux-lash fanatic, I had no desire to road test the Lashify kit. I’m wary of using beauty tools that seem fiddly or frustrating, and have never seen a DIY lash strip that didn’t look a little, well, naff.
But an initial glance at the brand’s Control Kit put my concerns to rest: the quality of the design is clear to see, and it’s clear that every detail has been considered. The lashes themselves (I used the entry-level A 10) are slim and discreet enough to look completely realistic, even at close range, and the bands at the base are impressively fine. Stick to the more natural options, and you’ll get a flattering, eye-opening result that any newcomer will love.
Yes, the clusters are squishy and feather-light – I lost a few on the floorboards – but the delicate nature is all part of the plan. Anyone who has experienced heavy-duty lash extensions will know the damage they can do to your natural lashes, but Lashify is designed to protect your natural lashes. When you’re ready to remove them, the brand’s dual-step Melt Away cleanser will sweep them away with no rubbing or tugging required.
Admittedly, my first attempt was a bit of a mess: I ended up with uneven matches and one that fell off before we ordered dessert. But by try number two, it seemed to start to make sense, and in 30 minutes (this is not something to try after ordering the Uber) I had a set of very natural lashes. Within two weeks, my results lasted for an entire weekend and I even had one friend assume I would be in a salon.
There were a few clever hacks that helped me master the art. The magnifying mirror in the Control Kit is designed to lie completely flat: try placing it on a table, then look down at it when you apply: you’ll be able to see what you’re doing much easier. Secondly, make sure you’re not placing your lashes too close to your waterline: about 1-2mm up along each lash is the ideal placement. If you have any hands, I recommend purchasing the brand’s thoughtful practice pack to ensure you don’t waste any precious lashes while getting used to the technique.
There are also lots of additional tools and products to explore on the site, including a menu of different bonding solutions of varying strengths – but I’d see how you got on with the original Whisper Light formula (included in the Control Kit) before investing in anything else. Probably all you need.
It is also important to consider your daily make-up when deciding if this is the right product for you: removing make-up for those who are into dark smoky eyes or precise eyeliner may prove to be very successful to remove make-up (and that it despises the glue holding. your lashes on).
Plus, if you’re looking for something to stick with in a hurry, Lashify’s stalwarts aren’t for you: a trusty lengthening mascara stick. But when time is on your side, this unique beauty innovation is quite revolutionary: with a little practice and persistence (and watching the slick how-to videos on the brand’s site) I’m sure you’ll be converted as quickly as possible . I was.
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