A glamorous sweep of long, elegant lashes is a sight as inspirational as it is enviable – but how do you get that fullness when your lashes aren’t exactly thick and luxurious?

Fusion eyelash extensions are a simple, long-lasting way to achieve the Beyoncé-level fierce eyelashes that we know you secretly want. Worry not, the fab force has got your back.

We sat down with expert lash stylist Tev’ye ‘Mani’ Thompson, proprietor of Lavish Lashes, to hash out the facts about lash extensions. It’s time to put the mascara down and go Under the Dryer.

The man

Eyelash extensions weren’t always his passion; this professionally trained accountant used to handle the marketing and financial aspects of the operation he managed with his fiancée Denise. Though he had learned a few things from watching her work, Mani had never done any lashes professionally until her tragic death in 2013. After struggling through his grief, Mani decided to keep Denise’s memory alive for himself and their daughter by devoting himself to the craft she loved – styling eyelashes. Three years on, he now has quite the list of clients who all rave about his skill and the fact that their lashes have never looked better.

Lash facts

There are a few things you should know while you consider lash extensions:

Types of lashes

Mink

• Made from genuine mink fur.

• Lightest and most natural-looking extensions.

• Longest-lasting due to their similarity in weight to real lashes.

• Need to be curled after getting wet.

• Create a fluffier, fuller look.

• Most requested by customers.

Silk

• Flexible.

• More natural-looking than synthetic lashes.

• Curls look closer to real lashes than synthetic.

Synthetic

• Made from polished acrylic material.

• Firmest and sturdiest of the three.

• Very glossy.

• Hold curls well, creating a more dramatic effect.

• Preferred by persons with thicker, healthier lashes due to their weight.

Adhesives

It’s best to talk to your stylist about options when it comes to adhesives. Some may contain formaldehyde which may, in rare cases, cause allergic reactions.

The process

1. Your stylist preps the equipment.

2. Lashes are prepared by combing them.

3. The adhesive is brought to the correct temperature for use.

4. Lower lashes are secured by micropore tape below your lower lid.

5. The extensions are then selected, adhesive is applied individually before being attached to an eyelash. Lashes are separated during this step, which is repeated until the desired fullness is achieved. When all the extensions are attached, a handheld electronic fan is used to help dry or cure the adhesive.

What to expect

The process is far from invasive and you probably won’t even feel your stylist at work. Mani informed us more than a few of his clients spend their time in the chair taking a nap. A full set of classic lashes, top and bottom for both eyes, takes between thirty minutes to an hour to complete. Volume lashes, which require more lash extensions to create a more volumious 3D effect, require more time, taking between forty-five minutes to an hour-and-a-half for a full set.

Lavish Lashes is located at 41 Stillwell Road, Stony Hill, Kingston 8.

For additional information or consultations contact Mani at 458-4497 834-0382 or at lavishlashes@yahoo.com.

To see more of his work check out the Lavish Lashes Instagram page @manilashes.