I have been looking at having a lash extension for the past few weeks and was almost.... going.... to brave myself to get it done in HK.
Finally, I did it... nope not in HK... I just didn't know where to go.
So where did I had it done? Lucky enough I was in Taiwan for work over the weekend. So I went online, read up some reviews (quite a lot in fact) and found out that prices, techniques, material come in wide range of selection.
Now how do I determine which to go? Well, I decided to look at end results, I believe the more pictures you posted the more confident you must be with your creation. And I found this - Lash Labo Tokyo - WARNING: Once you've looked at it, there's no turning back... you just want to get those lovely wings on your lids.
I have done lashes in the past with very limited experience and normally turn to using fake lashes when I need to. Is this worth recommending? Certainly!!
My lashes, they are terrible. They are not short but they are just incapable of defying gravity. So I wanted to look at least a little, just tiny bit, perhaps a pinch of extra cuteness to my little eyes.
Almost every business in Taiwan has a Line account, so I made an appointment through their contact. I'm not sure how they fair in English because I texted them in Chinese but I'm sure no harm trying. Afterall Google Master is there for help. If you book through Line, you get a lash comb and some reusable cotton swab to clean your lashes. From time to time there are also promos for Line user and you get 5% off on selected services.
Here we begin, you arrived in the boutique they offer you a pair of comfy slippers to change. Then you are given a form to declare if you have any allergies or have sensitive skin. It does state that if you feel discomfort during the process you can choose to stop the service but you will not get a refund. But this won't usually happen unless you knew that you are sensitive and did not tell them upfront.
Then they show you a series of different lash shape and volume at different prices. You may ask them to suggest and tell them your desired look. Because I was so eager, I had my choices picked from their extensive FB albums. 🤣
They are professional... why did I say so? Because the choices I have selected was using a less curvy extension but due to my downward pointing lashes, the designer said that it may not be able to create the look I aim for hence suggested me to use a different curviness and length that suit me better.
I chose a more natural look - "bare makeup look". This look uses a mix of individual lash (comes in single strand) and feather lash (comes in a bunch of 3 lashes). To achieve the look, it takes a total of 180 set of lashes for both eyes at the price of TWD 1980. The lashes are attached to your natural lash at 1.5mm away from the roots. The entire process will take about 2 hours, mine was done in the exact amount of time.
So all I did was lying in a comfortable chair with a blanket and shamelessly dozing off. They first clean my lashes with a cotton swab and blow dry with cold air. Then they will tape the eyelids to have a good view of the natural lash angle and determine which extension goes on top of which lash.
Then they will begin attaching them for the next 2 hours. I didn't get to see how it was done because my eyes were shut and I can't see anything. But once it's completed, they clean the lashes again test the firmness but gentle pulling on the lashes (very gentle) and you are done.
There are several things you can't do one the first 3 days:-
- Do not use oil-based makeup remover over the lids
- Do not aim your shower directly over your lashes when in shower
- Do not go for sauna or hot spring
How long will it last? It depends on your metabolism - how frequent your lashes fall just like your hair does and how you take care of them. It ranges from 3 weeks to 3 months according to the designer, sounds like how we treat our Barbie dolls when we were young.
Verdict - very much satisfied and definitely will revisit. It's very lightweight and you feel almost nothing on your lashes, even better than the regular fake lashes.
One thing to remember, there are extra charges if you would like to book your preferred designer at TWD 300.
Lash Labo Tokyo
大安區忠孝東路四段59號6樓之6 Taipei, Taiwan
Call +886 2 2721 8183
MTR: Zhongxiao Fuxing Station
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 12.00pm - 9.00pm
Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 7.00pm
