Eye Lash Extensions at Lavilash - A YES! for Your Wedding

Last week, I went to Lavilash, located in downtown Kona, to check out what was really involved in lash extensions, and to see if it was a yes or a pass for any bride getting married here in Kona.

I personally had never gotten eye lash extensions before; I have nice lashes, although nearly invisible if I am not wearing mascara, and eye lash extensions weren't really a "thing" when I got married, or I probably would have considered it then...

​I mean, not having to worry about smudging, or mascara smearing from tears shed on wedding day, looking great when waking up in the morning, and always looking like I actually HAVE eyelashes even when in the water, would have been a big plus.

So when I heard that there was an actual lash extension place in town, I knew I just had to go and see for myself, so that I could give you a first hand account of what was involved from the perspective of a lash extension virgin, and to give you a report of the experience and the results, so that if you are thinking of getting lash extensions for your big day, you'll know whether it is worth it, and what to expect.

I will be honest - I was kind of nervous. What if it ended up hurting my lashes? What if I looked WAY too made up or simply ridiculous? What if it hurt?  I put these fears aside and embraced my desire to have lashes that look beautiful from sun-up to sun-down, and to let you know whether this is a procedure and a place you could trust for your big day.

The verdict: YES!! I LOVE THEM!! And so does my husband, who talks about my lashes and how much he loves them still, even a week later.... 

But more on that later. Here is my personal experience, along with a report on what to expect when you go to Lavilash by Janice:

I made an appointment with the owner, Janice, who has been doing lashes for over 8 years, and recently moved from Oahu here to Kona, where she has - lucky for us - just set up shop. There are also apprentices and junior lash stylists to choose from, but I wanted to have the experience from the one who brought this experience to Kona!

Even though the decor of the shop (at the time of this blog) is not even quite finished outside or in in terms of decoration, is still very lovely and welcoming and girly. All of the girls that greet you (apprentice and junior lash stylists as well) are fabulous and make you feel right at home. 

After Janice came out and greeted me, she started by using an amazing app on her eye pad to have me choose the lash look I was going for. It was kind of like SnapChat for eyelashes only. 

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Once I'd chosen the look I wanted (as well as with some guidance and questions answered by Janice) - natural, but with some added volume - we went into her room and I settled down on the table. Before beginning, we selected the best lash color (I choose dark brown), and the work began.

Janice (as is standard practice) cleaned my eye area of any make-up or extraneous lotion or what not before beginning. She then used some gentle tape to pull my eyelids into the correct position (totally painless), and began the procedure.

During the procedure, individual lash bunches are painstakingly glued to your existing lashes, to give fullness, length and volume, depending on what you've selected. The glue does sting a bit, but nothing unbearable, and any slight stinging and redness went away about 15 minutes after we were complete. 

Janice, with her experience, takes significantly less amount of time to complete the job (it took about 2 hours from start to finish) than do her apprentices and junior lash stylists, and the cost reflects this as well. For my first time, as you might for your big day, I wanted to experience the master, although I have seen the work of her apprentices and junior lash stylists on her FB page, and they do a beautiful job as well!

During my treatment, I was also lucky enough to have Rose, a manicurist for over 35 years, who happens to also work at the shop, give me both a gel manicure and a pedicure while I was getting my lashes done. And, despite how it sounds, it was a very comfortable process, and my nails turned out AMAZING.  Rose also does manicures outside of the lash room, and may at some point offer pedicures off the table as well. 

After a couple hours of lash fastening and pampering, I was done. I opened my eyes to find that I now have eye lashes you can SEE without me having to wear mascara.

The effect is amazing, and care is surprisingly easy. You'll get a lash care card, along with two pretty mascara brushes to comb your lashes, when you leave.

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Your lashes will look FABULOUS for at least a month, and any lash extension expert in your home town can give you a "fill" to fill in the natural gaps that occur as your own lashes fall out, the lash extensions with them.

As I said earlier, the verdict from my personal perspective is a HUGE yes! in terms of both Lavilash by Janice and for the lash extension process in general for your big day.

Be sure to read my Bridal Cheat Sheet (either to the side of this column or below it) for tips on booking your appointment and things to consider when getting your lashes done.

Lavilash also offers massages, facials, spray tan, waxing and nails! Be sure to inquire for pricing and availability when you call. ​

DETAILS:
Lavilash by Janice
808-342-5023
75-5729 Alii Drive Suite C-104, Kailua Kona HI
**Be sure to tell them that Becky from Simple Kona Beach Weddings sent you for extra nice treatment!**

Cheat Sheet for Brides on Lash Extensions:

1) If you can, book your appointment at least one month in advance. If not, be sure to tell them that you are a bride from the mainland (or another country), and you are hoping to get your lashes done before your big day. They will do your best to get you in.

2) When choosing your appointment date and time, take into consideration that the appointment takes at least 2 hours, and you cannot get your lashes wet for about 24 hours after you have them done.

3) If you want your nails done at the same time, be sure to ask for Rose to do this when you are making your appointment. 

4) Finally, be sure to let them know that Becky from Simple Kona Beach Weddings sent you (and shoot me an email as well to let me know, so I can give a call over on your behalf as well), and they'll be sure to treat you extra nice!

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Lavilash also offers massages, facials, spray tan, waxing and nails! Be sure to inquire for pricing and availability when you call. ​

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​About Us: 
​At Simple Kona Beach Weddings, we do something a bit different. We offer both small package and custom weddings and vow renewals right on the beach, from planning to officiating all in one swoop, while still allowing you to customize your day, while also offering full wedding planning and coordination for larger parties up to 35 (with occasional exceptions for larger groups).

Our goal is to provide warm, excellent communication from start to finish, and to help you make your day as special as you imagine it to be. I invite you to learn more about us and what we offer by checking out the rest of the website - from the About page, to the Pricing and Packages page, to Photos and Reviews...  

And, of course, if you are interested in booking with us, and/or would like more information, please go to our Contact page to get in touch!