Recently celebrities in Hollywood have been dawning luxurious, full, long lash extensions to events. But now, even you can get the look and be super glam. Falsies are so 2010 and we haven’t quite gotten into fiber mascara as a common practice just yet. Although lash extensions are stunning, it’s usually a long and pricey procedure making upkeep virtually unrealistic. And with so many lash bars popping up, how is a girl to choose the right salon for her?

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Blinkbar is a new affordable and fabulous lash salon with an extensive clientele that includes Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner. I recently had my own rendezvous at their newest location in Santa Monica, CA. I’m no stranger to lash extensions, so I was ready to see what BlinkBar had to offer.

While other salons boast hefty price tags, Blinkbar has something for everyone. Just take a gander at the lash menu and order up! You can choose from more than 300 types of lashes and styles, or consult the brand’s lash stylists for a completely customized result. From the simple “Kitty Corner” ($59) which just adds a hint of feminine, feline length to the outer corners, to “Vamp Up the Volume” ($200), a dramatically intense, fuller than full look. Or you can go bold with the 100% Siberian “Tickled Mink” lashes ($350). All are light, luxurious and cruelty free! Blinkbar even has ombre lashes for a burst of color.

The atmosphere is nothing short of relaxing —I nearly fell asleep. A clean inviting, modern space. There are private rooms in the back, and goodies such as candles and delicate jewels in the front. The staff is friendly and professional.

I got the “Black Velvet Vera,” a versatile set of lashes made from a silk/mink blend. They are carbon black and sumptuously soft with a sleek silky finish. The process took about 90 minutes. I relaxed, chatted with my stylist Britini, and dozed off for part of the session. When I woke up, the results were astounding! The lashes are luxurious, long, but very natural. They look like I am naturally blessed with goddess-like lashes — just beautiful separated lashes that frame and open the eyes so beautifully. With these, the need for makeup becomes infrequent. There is no pain or itching involved, so throw those common fears away!

What sets Blinkbar apart from its competitors is technique and precision, paying attention to eye shape, catering to what will look best on you. Maybe that’s why Blinkbar has been named Los Angeles’ #1 lash destination. After discovering a European method that is not available in the U.S, founder/CEO Tirzah Briscoe developed a European/Hollywood hybrid approach that provides her customers with the highest quality lashes available. Furthermore, Blinkbar became the only U.S. salon offering 100% Siberian mink lashes and the only brand with a satisfaction guarantee. Lashes are lush, but natural looking — no more spider eyes… just your lashes but longer, separated, and curled. Each stylist undergoes an extensive ‘lash bootcamp’ of 100+ training hours.

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The Low Down

These lashes can last 2 months if you take great care of them. When you first get them done, do not get lashes wet for 24 hours and avoid saunas, swimming or intense workouts for 48. The adhesive is waterproof but in the first 24 hours everything is still delicate.

• To keep them at their most fabulous Blinkbar suggests you come in about once a month (every 2-3 weeks for maximum results!). They offer Membership and Fill Packages that make it extra easy for you to plan repeat visits. That way you’ll never be without 75% of your lashes, and you’ll get them filled where needed, which takes less time than initial application.
• Blinkbar uses their own brand of glue: surgical grade, formaldehyde free, made in the USA.
• You can still use makeup just ditch the mascara, and avoid oil-based products such as eye makeup removers or eye creams as they can break down the glue.
• To take off makeup, just use oil-free makeup remover, apply to a q-tip and gently use around the eye.

And boy do these lashes last — after almost two and a half weeks I have had minimal shedding and lashes still look good as new! Most importantly, when they do fall out, they aren’t taking my natural lashes with them, which is an often common problem when getting extensions. These haven’t been tugging, and when they do fall out, the real lash remains!

It is best to brush them out with a lash wand every day to avoid tangling. Be weary of how you sleep at night. Try to sleep on your back and avoid facial contact with your pillow as you may end up pulling or tangling your lashes.

Blink Bar is located in various locations in CA and Texas.

And don’t worry New Yorkers, they will be opening a pop-up soon — so keep a look-out!