Faux Lashes, Real Beauty with Eye Candy Lash Extensions

By Nicci Jordan Hubert

Falsies have almost always played a prominent role in designer beauty—think Falsies have almost always played a prominent role in designer beauty—think Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Kim Kardashian. And access to falsies is relatively easy: go to the drug store, pick up a set, glue ’em on, and voila. A transformed pair of eyes. It’s simple, if you’re willing to settle for a one-night only affair with your lashes. Because those babies fall off as soon as the clock strikes midnight. (Or, as soon as you wake up and find them all over your pillow…).

So you can imagine that as I was preparing to go on a week-long vacation, I started considering my options. The thought of applying falsies every day was more than a little irritating, and add the fact that there would be tropical temperatures—which meant swimming and perspiring, two mortal enemies of drug store lashes—I knew I had to find an alternative. And that’s when I came across Eye Candy Lash Extensions and Skin Care Boutique, owned and operated by Kristen Balyeat, who I later learned is a veteran NY esthetician; she’s worked at Ajune on the Upper East Side and Spa Merge in Midtown. Balyeat’s method is to apply individual false lashes to each natural lash with surgical-grade adhesive. She offers different packages, anything from the natural look to a dramatic one. The idea is that these babies should stay put, rain or shine, sweat or swim, for about 2-3 weeks.

After reading rave reviews online, I made an appointment with Kristin and was more than pleased when I arrived at her adorable studio, adjacent to the Flatiron building (and next door to the delicious Hill Country Chicken and Eataly). The studio’s design itself had won me over even before I laid down on her treatment bed. With stylish photography donning the walls (which I later learned was her husband’s, who is a professional NY photographer) and light-hearted hot-pink accents, I knew I had found the right place. Plus, I have to say, Kristin herself is gorgeous. Her skin looks like a 9-year-old’s, and her lashes are perfectly lush. All in all, I trusted her.

So here’s what went down. Before we began any treatments, Kristin did a quick study of my eye shape and lash length, and then made her suggestions. I wear glasses, so she suggested a slight cat-eye look–longer on the end, and slightly shorter in the middle where my glasses are closest to my eye. Then she began the process, which took about an hour, during which I was a polite and friendly client fell asleep.

I awoke to what can only be described as life-changing. My lashes are by nature short little buggers, but after the session my lashes looked so beautiful I almost cried. The picture does not do them justice–basically, I felt like the best version of myself possible. I will never go without them again. Ever. That’s how strongly I feel about this.

Because she did such a beautiful job, I asked for a peel too. Why not? Kristen uses Sanitas products, which from what I can tell, are really high quality. The peel made my skin glow. So when I get my lash refill, I’ll ask for a full facial to boot.

Visit Eye Candy Lash Extensions and Skin Care Boutique’s website for more info! Has anyone else ever tried lash extensions? What did you think?