Lash salons are a dime a dozen in Hong Kong with varying degrees of quality — from premium 4D Japanese lashes to you-don’t-want-to-know where all those little hairs came from (not to mention what kind of glue is being used). And when those little hairs are being attached, one-by-one directly onto your peepers, you can never be too safe.
Enter Xtreme Lashes with their first styling studio in Hong Kong, conveniently located in Central on Wellington Street near Pottinger.
Originally from the US, the luxurious lash studio founded by registered nurse Jo Mousselli is well known for being a celebrity favourite (including the Kardashians) and exclusive provider of eyelash extensions to the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmy’s and Cannes Film Festival in France.
Trusting Jo Mouselli’s army of 20,000 trained stylists across 30 countries worldwide, I put my eyes in the hands of a newly trained stylist in Hong Kong at Xtreme Lashes for my first-ever trial of lash extensions.
Ambience
Hidden behind a glossy black lacquer door, the Xtreme Lashes Hong Kong studio is dimly lit in grey and gold tones with a reception desk, Jo Mousseli product corner and cushy lounge area with two sofas. There, I met with my lash stylist who took me through a comprehensive client consultation to determine my lifestyle and needs.
After telling her about my eyeliner addiction, we decided on a dramatic look with a built-in cat-eye, so that I could potentially do without eye makeup once the lashes were applied. The stylist was extremely thorough with her questionnaire, asking about my exercise habits, skincare routine and what side I slept on so that she could apply extra lashes to account for breakage.
Interestingly, Xtreme Lashes did not have any pre-defined shapes or styles of lashes to choose from. Instead, each treatment is personally designed to suit the client’s unique eye shape, needs and lifestyle.
Treatment
After thoroughly removing my existing eye makeup, the lash stylist taped my lower lashes down and started the tedious job of applying each lash, one-by-one, onto my existing top lashes.
We made small talk for a while, discussing how many lashes (around 70-120 on average per eye) and how long (around 90 minutes) it would take, while she applied the synthetic eyelash strands with a medical-grade FlexFusion adhesive that’s much gentler on the eyes than the industry average.
Soon, with the only audible sounds being her soft breaths and the occasional tinkling of tiny tweezers, I found myself quickly drifting away into a snooze.
Two hours later, I was awoken by the stylist who handed me a mirror, and it was then that I understood why so many lash addicts claimed that “lash naps are the new beauty sleep.”
Although this was no facelift or facial treatment, I woke up to a full set of long, thick, dark and full lashes, which instantly brightened up my otherwise tired face.
Verdict
I freshened up at the beauty corner, a mirrored lounge between the treatment rooms and marveled at how long and lightweight my new lashes were, despite how full they looked. I could definitely see this becoming a new addiction.
“No rubbing the eyes, no oil-based eye makeup remover, blow-dry the lashes after each shower, and use this mascara brush to comb the lashes back into place everyday,” the stylist instructed on my way out.
I can’t say I followed her instructions religiously, but one month later, many of the lashes are still in place. In fact, they look even more natural now that many of the longer lashes have fallen out (most with the natural life cycle of the original lashes).
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Unlike stick-on one-piece lashes that risk peeling off throughout the day, Xtreme Lashes are definitely a must for any important events coming up (like a wedding). Whether you’ve never tried lash extensions before or are a bonafide lash veteran, Xtreme Lashes is a safe and luxurious spot to give your eyes the VIP treatment.
Lifestyle Asia exclusive
A treatment at Xtreme Lashes is normally priced at HK$1,388, but the first three Lifestyle Asia readers who book a treatment in February can enjoy a special price of HK$960. Simply quote “Lifestyle Asia” with your booking to redeem the offer (first come, first serve; offer ends 29 February 2016).
Xtreme Lashes, 3/F, V Plus, 68-70 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3708 8961, www.xtremelashes.com.hk
Erica Fong
Contributor
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Erica gave up clean air and closet space to live in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong. In between cookie binges, she enjoys living a green and healthy lifestyle with plenty of running, yoga and tofu. Follow her on Instagram @wafflerica or on Twitter.
