I consider myself a pretty low-maintenance girl.  I’ve gotten one facial in my life, rarely blowout or style my hair, prefer sneakers to heels, and I can give myself a great manicure!  I’m proud of the fact that I can feel put-together without spending a ton of money on products or beauty treatments.

That being said, I’ve written before about how I look like a hairless cat (ew) when I don’t wear mascara.  Even though they’re pretty long and thick, my lashes are almost-translucent blonde, so they require a thick coating of mascara every day.  On the rare occasion that I’ve forgotten to put on mascara, people ask me if I’m sick, assume I’m very young, or tell me that I look different.  So now I keep a travel size of my beloved Benefit’s Roller Lash in my purse at all times.

When I’m on vacation, however, I don’t like to wear makeup.  Most of my travel (Israel, Greece, Cape Cod) is warm climates, beaches, sunning and swimming, and I like to give my skin a break!  As a result, I spend my vacation looking like a thirteen-year-old girl.  Or I did until I discovered eyelash extensions.

Eyelash extensions are false lashes that are semi-permanently glued onto the base of your real lashes.  A full set can last for around three weeks without needing a refill if you take good care of them.  I love how they make my eyes pop, and I save so much time and effort getting ready in the mornings.  I got them done for my birthday this year, and I felt like a mermaid goddess at the beach.  I’ve finally made an appointment to get them redone; I always get so excited before a lash appointment!

If you’re in the Boston area, Robin Erb Skincare on Newbury Street is the only place to go for quality lashes.  They’re fast, efficient, and extremely gentle – a major bonus for someone who doesn’t like their face being touched.  I also love that I always end up having a great conversation with the ladies while they work!

Have you tried eyelash extensions?  If you go to Robin, tell her I sent you!  XX, Gabrielle

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Shop some of my favorite lash products:

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum – I use this every night to keep my lashes healthy while I have extensions in.  As the extensions fall out, so will some of your real lashes, so it’s important to use this serum so you don’t have sparse, patchy lashes.

 

Disposable Spool Brushes – It is important to gently brush your extensions every day to keep them from tangling and looking messy.

Castor Oil – Nature’s lash conditioner.  Use a Q-tip to dab along your upper lash line every night before bed.

If you want long lashes without extensions, my two favorite mascaras are COVERGIRL Super Sizer by LashBlast Mascara and Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara.  I use the Benefit one to curl and lengthen my lashes, and then follow with the CoverGirl for volume.  I get so many compliments!