Beauty: Lush lashes

Eyelash Extensions from Lash Noir Salon. Photo / Supplied

If you've always wanted thick, lush lashes - the kind that create a pleasant breeze every time you blink - but are not so fond of constantly applying and diligently removing mascara - you may want to consider the new weapon in the eyelash armoury, extensions.

Rebecca Hutchinson is so confident lash extensions are the new big beauty thing that she's opened a salon in Ponsonby, Lash Noir, offering only lash extensions. Thank goodness she has, because falsies can very easily go terribly wrong for the amateur - one misstep and you end up looking a little like you've had one too many before you've even put your frock on. And too much mascara often results in alarming panda eyes.

Once you've had a chat about how much length and fullness you want, Hutchinson will take a look at your eye shape and natural lash colour.

The options are endless - just a few touch-ups here and there to fill gaps or go the full drag queen, with lashes like eagle's wings. You can even add colour, although Hutchinson advises it's best to add just a few colour lashes - much as you would highlights in your hair.

First, your lower lashes are gently held down with anti-wrinkle eye treatment pads to keep them out of the way. For the lash-ee it's a surprisingly meditative process - you're required only to lie down and keep your eyes closed. Hutchinson's had more than one client nod off on the treatment table, waking in time to bat their perfect new lashes. Very Sleeping Beauty.

For the lash expert it requires a lot more focus - applying individual lashes to the ends of your natural ones, lash by lash.

The end result is remarkable - natural-looking lashes that curl beautifully, and flare delicately at the outside edge of your lid. They're pretty robust, too, and should last about eight weeks.

The crucial care step is keeping them dry for the first 48 hours. After that you need just to steer clear of oil-based eye makeup removers. A full top set costs from about $120 to $240, and if you're keen on keeping them up it's best to go back for cheaper treatments about every four weeks.

Treatments can take anything from 20 minutes to three hours, depending on what you're after. www.lashnoir.co.nz