It seems as though Korea’s high standards of beauty have many running to the best plastic surgeons money can buy. I’m not one to want to go under the knife, but I’ll admit after years of living in Korea, even I get a little self conscious at times. Luckily, there are many MANY other ways to enhance your physical beauty that don’t require surgery or thousands of dollars. One of those ways is through eyelash extensions.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, there are a few different types of eyelash extensions, but the ones I’m referring to are synthetic lashes (typically made of silk) that are applied over your natural eyelashes one by one. A special adhesive is used that is designed to last until the natural lashes fall off on their own.
This process is incredibly common in Seoul and there are several places that provide this service. You may not notice a first, but many young women get these false lashes as a way to make their eyes pop or look bigger. Also, it’s a great time saver when doing you’re make-up in the morning. Honestly, when they’re done right, you may find that you can get away with wearing little to no makeup. It’s fantastic!
However, as fabulous as they are, they do require a bit of maintenance and attention. First, you mustn’t use any oil based products around your eyes, this includes oil based makeup removers. Second, no rubbing or scrubbing of the eyes. Third, make sure to lightly brush through them with an eyebrow comb to keep them looking nice and full. Finally, take it easy on the eye makeup. These eyelashes don’t require any mascara whatsoever, but if you’re a liquid eyeliner person like me, it will require some GENTLE precision to apply and remove it.
If taken care of properly, these lashes usually last 4~6 weeks and if you go back in after 3 weeks, you can usually get a touchup for half the price. I’ve had the process done twice so far and was lucky enough to have good experiences both times. Most recently I visited a place near 이태원역 (Itaewon Station) called Shu Eyelash.
Shu Eyelash is a small place run by Shu, as she prefers to be called, who has been practicing eyelash extension for around 6 years. She is really friendly and can speak English rather well. Eyelash extensions come in various lengths, colors and thicknesses, from natural-looking, to glamorous, to dramatic. So, we discussed what I wanted and she gave her opinion on what my look best on me. She also has a few examples on display if you have no idea what you want. The first time I had this done, I went for a long, but natural look and I really liked it. Since I’m doing more entertainment work these days, I wanted something that would look better in photos and on TV, without looking too fake in person. A lot to ask for I know, but she said she could do it.
Her office is nice and quiet with soft mellow music playing, so it was very relaxing. The whole process takes around one and a half hours, so I found myself drifting in and out of sleep (something she recommends). When it was done I was really impressed with the results. To be honest, it was a big change so it took some time for me to adjust to them, but I really like them now. My lashes are 9-11-12 because I wanted them a little longer on the ends. It gives my eyes a bit more of a dramatic look, especially with makeup on.
Basic lashes like these will run you ₩55,000, or ₩50,000 with cash. After three weeks, you can go in for a ₩30,000 touch up if you’d like them to last longer. Since she runs her own shop, she only takes in one person at a time and only by appointment. I recommend making an appointment through kakao talk because it’s super easy. You can reach her through her Kakao ID: shu407 or by phone: 010-9188-0506.
If you can think of anywhere else that does eyelash extensions really well or you want some more information about this place, feel free to leave a comment below.
서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 211
