Modern women are always in a rush: between juggling work and personal commitments, it’s hard to find time to ourselves. No wonder more and more women are looking at semi-permanent makeup solutions to help cut down the time needed to get ready in the mornings. Just like eyebrow embroidery and a hair perm, eyelash extensions that help to shorten your morning routine so you have a bit more time to snooze in bed or simply to savour your morning cup of tea or coffee.

How Long Can They Last?
If properly taken care of, eyelash extensions can last between four to six weeks, after which you can either opt for complete removal and redo a set of them, or even just touch up sparse spots. As for lash styles, there are many options available in the market that enables you to achieve any look you prefer. From natural-looking lashes, which usually involves applying one or two lashes onto each of your existing lashes, to dramatic, voluminous ones, which can be applying six lashes onto each of your existing lashes, the options are endless.

How Do I Choose The Style?
Moreover, your eyelash artist can also customise the density of eyelash extension applied to enhance the shape of your eyes. If you want your eyes to look bigger and rounder, you can request to have more eyelash extension around the centre of your eyes. Alternatively, if you wish to create a sexy, cat-eye effect, the eyelash extension chose will tend to be longer and thicker towards the outer corners of your eyes.

How Long Does One Session Take?
Most salons estimate that one session requires about 75 to 90 minutes. However, the exact time taken varies on the type and style of eyelash extensions you choose. For example, those who opt for single lash extensions will take a longer time than those who go for cluster lashes, although the former usually give a more natural effect. In addition, first-timers who are not used to the process might require a longer time compared to those who already get eyelash extensions regularly.

Will It Cause Irritation?
Since eyelash extensions are applied very close to your lash line, it’s inevitable that some people might feel some discomfort, especially for first-timers. Again, depending on the material of eyelash extension you choose, this discomfort can be minimised by selecting a softer, and usually higher priced material. That said, irritation shouldn’t occur if the salon you visit has high hygiene standards. Make sure that all tools used are clean and sterilised. And double check that the salon you visit uses hypoallergenic eyelash glue to minimise the chances of developing any irritation.

Can I Still Apply Makeup? 
After getting eyelash extensions, technically you don’t have to wear eye makeup as the increase in eyelash volume and length already serves to accentuate and define your eyes. However, if you wish to, you can still apply your usual eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascaras. The only thing you need to pay attention to is not to use any oil-based makeup removers as those can dislodge your eyelash extensions from your natural lashes. Instead, opt for water-based makeup removers and gently remove makeup without rubbing or tugging to help your eyelash extensions last longer.

Here, six salons to check out for beautiful eyelashes.