Today on the blog, I’m sharing my experience getting lash extensions at Bayside Beauty Bar in Portland, Maine!

Today I’m excited to talk about something I’ve received a lot of questions about – lash extensions! I will admit that I don’t know everything there is to know about lash extensions – I can only share my experience with getting them. While they’re on the expensive side, they can truly make your life easier (and feel a bit more glamorous!) since you don’t have to apply mascara everyday.

They’re not for everyone, however, I’ve truly enjoyed having lash extensions and not having to apply mascara for the past month. That feeling of “waking up pretty” is one that can’t be beat! Continue reading to read about my experience with lash extensions, where you should get lash extensions in Portland, Maine, and also some frequently asked questions about lash extensions!

LASH EXTENSIONS: WHERE TO GET THEM IN PORTLAND, MAINE AND FAQ

My friend Sophia who I’ve been following on Instagram for a while now, invited me to her new beauty bar that she recently opened up in Portland, Maine called Bayside Beauty Bar! Bayside Beauty Bar does lash extensions, waxing (I’ve heard amazing things about their waxes), eyelash/eyebrow tinting, and makeup. One of the best things about this place is that you can book online!

First things first, the space is so cute, clean, and inviting! Bayside Beauty Bar has a full parking lot which I loved because if a place doesn’t have easy parking, for me that can often be a deal breaker. There’s a couple different rooms within the space. One of the rooms is for lash extensions, while the other is primarily for waxes.

I decided to get them before my vacation to St. John (see snaps of my vaca here) and I am soooo happy I did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m comfortable in my skin not wearing mascara, especially while on vacation, but the idea of waking up without having to do anything but put on sunscreen while still looking glamorous sold me! Also, not having to worry about anything running or smudging while sweating in the sun and playing in the water all day was a life saver! Even if you’re not a “need to have eyelash extensions” kind of person, I highly recommend getting them for a special occasion like a vacation, your wedding, your honeymoon, or for any other special occasion.

Below I’m highlighting some frequently asked questions about getting lash extensions! My overall experience with getting lash extensions has been night and day on the couple occasions I’ve gotten them. The first time I got them, I went on a recommendation of another local Boston blogger whose lashes looked amazing. I will say that everyone is different and everyone’s eyes are different, but I do not recommend getting lash extensions from a discounted coupon website. As nice as it is to get a deal, your eyes, skin, and your body are nothing to be messed with! It’s not to say that you can’t get a great service from a discounted coupon website, but I just think you should be careful and read tons of reviews and ask questions before going! I don’t want to say any names here, but my first experience getting lash extensions was not a good one. Also, to top it off the girl wouldn’t stop talking about 9/11 conspiracy theories the whole time. Annoying, right?! You absolutely have to research, research, research before going to a place.

Going to Bayside Beauty Bar was seriously a dream. Sophia made sure to ask the kind of look I was going for – natural or more glamorous? I went with the more glamorous style which was the American volume! Sophia highlighted everything it’s okay to do post-lash extensions and what should be avoided after. Whereas the place I went before, they sent you on your way with no information!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do they feel heavy / Can you feel them?
Nope! Lash extensions are completely weightless. They feel nothing like “strip lashes” that you purchase at the store and put on yourself. I find those heavy and that they make my eyes tired. You can’t feel lash extensions whatsoever!

How long do they take to put on?
Depending on the kind of lash extensions you get, you can plan on it taking 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours. At Bayside Beauty Bar, I found the experience completely relaxing! They have a heated blanket or a heating pad where you lay down and it’s so relaxing. I almost fell asleep! Mine took 1 1/2 hours to put on.

Does it hurt to get lash extensions put on?
No, it does not hurt when they’re applied correctly! This is where you 100% need to do FULL research. I’ve had them put on before at another spot outside of Boston where my eyes were burning throughout the entire application process (and after… I had bloodshot eyes for a week). You may feel a little pinch when opening your eyes when you’re done. However, you can let your lash technician know and they can make sure none of your lashes are stuck together. If you feel any burning, stinging, or pain while having your lash extensions put on you should speak up immediately.

What type of lash extensions did you get?
I got the American Volume lash extensions. These are the type that have a “fan” of a few lashes, per natural lash.

Can you wear contacts while getting lash extensions put on?
I have contacts and Sophia assured me that yes, you can keep your contacts in when getting lash extensions applied. I made sure to ask her because a year and a half ago, when getting lash extensions, my eyes burned for a few days after getting them and left my eyes bloodshot for a week. Note: If you feel that you can’t comfortably close your eyes when getting your lash extensions applied, speak up! It’s likely that the eye pad was applied too close to your eye, not allowing your eye to completely close (and then glue is more likely to get in your eye… ouch!). Sophia thought this is probably what happened to me at another place I got them. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels uncomfortable!

These are my eyelashes 2 weeks after getting them! Still almost perfect, right?!

Can you wear mascara with lash extensions?
It’s not recommended to wear mascara with lash extensions, plus, you won’t need it (unless it’s for your bottom lashes)! Removing the mascara from the lash extensions could result in breakage.

Can you get your eyes wet after getting lash extensions?
You should wait about 4 hours to get your eyes wet after getting lash extensions put on. I waited 12+ to be safe since my prior experience with lash extensions wasn’t a great one.

Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?
When applied correctly, no, eyelash extensions will not damage your natural lashes. I will say that it can often come as a shock when your lash extensions have all fallen out. It may seem like your natural lashes have been damaged and are much shorter. However, in my experience, it’s because you’ve spent the last month looking at your insanely long eyelash extensions!

Again, it’s so important to do your research when choosing who will be doing your lash extensions. An experienced lash artist will apply lash extensions that are an appropriate weight for your lashes, depending on the health of your natural lashes.

How long do lash extensions last?
Depending on the person, lash extensions can last 3-5 weeks with no fill needed. It completely depends on the person. The photos for this post are my lashes at 2 weeks post-application. Still amazing right?! I’m now at 4 weeks and they still look great with no mascara needed. Judging on how mine look right now, I would probably get a fill at around 5 weeks.

Are there any products I should avoid?
For the most part, you can use the same face products you always use. Any products with oils should be avoided as they can break down the glue quicker. I’ve been using the same products I always use and haven’t had a problem!

Can you rub your eyes with lash extensions?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Yes, you can rub your eyes, but you should avoid it if possible! I haven’ been rubbing my eyes because I’ve been trying to keep mine as intact as possible. I’m much more careful with wiping my eyes when getting out of the shower, when drying my face on a towel after washing it, and when sleeping. I really try to not be a side sleeper, but I can’t help it!!! It’s funny because you can totally tell I sleep primarily on my left side because my lashes on my right side look better haha!

I hope that helps you get to know a bit about what it’s like to have lash extensions. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments!

You can find Bayside Beauty Bar’s website here and their Instagram here! If you make an appointment, let Sophia know that I sent you!! 😉

Note: I received my set of lash extensions complimentary for reviewing purposes. However, all opinions are my own. I only feature brands and services that I truly love!