Caught yourself coveting the seriously lush lashes of your favourite celeb/socialite on social media or that girl at the gym who is always wearing mascara yet it NEVER seems to run? Let us let you in on a (not so secret) little secret… there’s a high chance those lashes aren’t really their lashes and that these doe-eyed beauties have embraced eyelash extensions.
Ask any eyelash extension devotee and they’ll tell you to never get lash extensions as you’ll likely become addicted from your very first appointment. Eyelash extensions involve applying a single lash extension atop each of your natural lashes, close to the lash line with a special semi-permanent adhesive. A full set of eyelash extensions typically takes between one to two hours and require refills or touch-ups every two to six weeks (note to self, double espressos are NOT a good idea pre-appointment). But waking up looking like Beyoncé combined with never having to scrub off waterproof mascara again?! Sign us up!
And here in Tāmaki Makaurau we have some stellar people in the business of making local lashes beautiful. Here’s where to get the best eyelash extensions in Auckland.
Ashley Allen Beauty
St. Lukes
Ashley Allen is one of the OG's of the lash zhuzh-ing scene. Many lash extensions are made from mink, but Ashley Allen’s services are 100% cruelty-free with no animal or mink products used. Choose The Natural Set for an everyday look or from the designer sets range, including a Custom Blend option.
If synthetic is not your thing, Ashley Allen also offers silk lashes for some unbelievably soft and, well, silky lashes. Ashley Allen also provides training courses for anyone interested in becoming a lash specialist: an intensive two-day course which includes a starter kit and one-day refresher for technicians wanting to upskill or update. With a variety of prices and packs, Ashley Allen is a great option for those new to lash extensions.
Lash Noir
City Works Depot
This one’s for you inner-city lads and ladies. Propped up in the City Works Depot, Lash Noir uses synthetic mink and Soho silk extensions to give flexible and durable lash treatments. Lash Noir has a solid team of trained lash technicians providing both good banter and great lashes to make your extension procedure an enjoyable experience.
With a range of options to complement your individual eye shape and desired look, Lash Noir will have you looking fly in no time. The experts here use Russian volume techniques to give you maximum intensity with minimum weight. If you’re a bit wary of extensions, try Lash Noir’s famous Yumi Lashes, which gives a lift and a tint to provide a similar wide-eyed effect.
Lashury
Takapuna
Top-notch class beaches, boutiques and lash & brow bars: Takapuna really does have it all. Case in point, Lashury: a hidden gem in the centre of Takapuna where some of Auckland’s best eyelash extensions come to light. Once you’ve been warmly welcomed into the space and are settled on their treatment beds, the nimble-finger-tipped team will apply strand upon strand of high-quality silk-only extensions to your natural lashes, with a bespoke approach to enhance your eye’s unique shape. The result? Perfectly manicured, long-lasting full lashes that are so light on the lash line, you won’t even notice that they’re there.
That is, of course, until you look in the mirror: where your va-va-voom lashes will frame your peeps to perfection. Choose between a range of styles, from the ‘Classic’ extension for a sweet little something right through ultra-statement Mega Russian Volume Extensions.
The Lash Room
Ponsonby & Albany
Step inside The Lash Room's sleek Ponsonby and Albany salons and prepare to have your lashes totally transformed. Having someone literally glue individual lashes onto your own eyelashes can seem a bit daunting, so the experienced team at The Lash Room have a strong focus on service and making your procedure as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Pick from the Natural Set, where up to 60 lashes are applied per eye, or the Glam Set with twice that, and everything in between. The Lash Room also offers tints, lifts and removals for all your lash-related needs.
Sydney Beauty Auckland
Remuera
Sydney Beauty (nee Sydney Lashes) offers some of Auckland’s most extensive range of lash treatments—choose from lash tints, keratin lash lifts and a variety of lash extensions. If their menu is a bit overwhelming, give the salon a call and the pros will be happy to talk you through what’s best for you and your lashes.
Choose from their Espresso (half set), Classic or Glamour Sets, with all lashes coming in both individual or volume applications. As if picture-perfect lashes weren’t enough, Sydney Lashes also has an add-on treats menu, where you can choose to get your nails done or have hand, feet or scalp reflexology while your lash procedure takes place for the pinnacle of pampering.
Lashes By Hayley
Takapuna
Lashes by Hayley offer silk eyelash extensions in a variety of different lengths, thickness and shapes to ensure they achieve exactly the look you’re after. Patience and attention to detail are two major strengths of Hayley’s so she’ll take the time to give you your dream result.
Lashes by Hayley also provide lash lifts and tints as well as products to help maintain and extend the life of your lashes. Lashes by Hayley are open late on Thursdays and Fridays so you can get your fix before your big night out.
The Beauty Merchant
Herne Bay
Think of Herne Bay's The Beauty Merchant beauty bar like the beauty-obsessed little sister of Frenchie and Co. From the same team behind the best haircuts and styles in Auckland, this pretty little pastel post is dedicated to looking at all parts of preening, especially lashes.
If you’re after length and definition but still want a natural look, the Natural Girl Set adds 50-60 lashes per eye and takes only 45 minutes. If you’re after something with a little more punch, the Lashed Babe and Super Glam Sets are fuller and thicker. For you budget-conscious babes, choose to have an apprentice artist do your procedure for a discount.
Auckland Lash & Brows
Westgate
Auckland Lash & Brows pride themselves on their consultative approach by matching your wishes to your wallet, without ever comprising on quality or end result. They design their lash styles to suit your individual eye shape and facial features to make sure you leave feeling fantastic.
If you’re after some seriously glam lashes, Auckland Lash & Brows might be the place for you as they offer a Dramatic Volume set with five to six extensions per natural lash or a Mega Volume set with even more. This salon also offers classes so if you want to enter the industry or upskill, Auckland Lash & Brows is your one-stop shop.
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Image credit: Jose Castillo, Lash Noir, The Lash Room, The Beauty Merchant.