I have been holding out all week for this day and it’s finally here, words can not describe how excited I am about getting my fabulous new semi permanent lashes.

So I arrive at The Marr Lab which is located in the uber cool The Department Store, brainchild of Karen Walker, Stephen Marr and Dan Gosling. The Marr Lab promotes clean, non-toxic, active skin care in a spacious environment, curated by Lucy Vincent-Marr it appeals to ‘the new beauty tribe’, The Lab harks back to the days of the town corner store, with its expert advice and a fine selection of hand-picked products.

I was greeted by Lizzy, the resident expert at The Marr Lab and she is every bit as lovely as I imagined from her emails. We set about deciding what look I want to go for, aka sex kitten lashes or a look that’s just a bit better than au naturale – needless to say it was sex kitten all the way.

Next Lizzy got me settled in on the white fluffy recliner chair and taped my lower lashes down, not as scary as it sounds I promise. Then she proceeded to work her magic as I rattled off question after question.

How long do the lashes last? 
The lashes last 3-4 weeks, at that time most clients need to pop in for a refill.

What’s the difference between semi permanent false lashes and a set of falsies you would just buy from your favourite makeup store? 
With lash extensions they are glued to each individual lash and fall out with your own natural lash (The hair cycle for an individual lash is 60 to 90 days). False lashes purchased from a store are applied in one single application; they are glued to the eyelid not the actual eyelashes. They only last for one day/night. Eyelash extensions look more natural than false lashes.

Can you get different types of semi permanent lashes or do they just come in your stock standard black? Eyelash extensions come in various thicknesses, sizes and colours.

What’s the process in applying them?
The client rests comfortably on a recliner chair. We cover the lower lashes and then ask the client to relax and close their eyes. We then start with the application of applying the individual lash extensions to each eyelash. This can take from 30 – 60 mins and is completely pain free and very relaxing.

What are the lashes made from?
The lash extensions that we use are made from synthetic fibers.

What tips do you have to help keep your new lashes in tip top condition and to make sure they last?
For the first 12 hours after application keep the eyes dry and try not to rub them. This allows the bond to set. Use water based eye makeup remover and mascara (Oil based products will break down the glue). Remove eye make up gently and do not rub eyes. Try to limit mascara use.

Will I really be able to say goodbye to my mascara after getting a set?
Yes! I no longer wear mascara as the extensions give the look of beautiful long, thick, black lashes; it looks like your wearing mascara 24/7. Even when you have just got up in the morning!

What’s the cost?
Half set $80 and Full set $120

So 60 minutes and 51 lashes later I’m all done, Lizzy takes me over to the mirror and (not to toot my horn or anything) but I looked fabulous! Even though the lashes we decided to use are super long and curly they still look amazingly natural – I love them! I honestly can say I will be visiting Lizzy every four weeks probably for the rest of my life!

For anyone who has ever dabbled with false lashes or even thought about giving lash extensions a go, I reccomend you book in at The Marr Lab right now, trust me, you won't regret it.

The Marr Lab
10 Northcroft Street
Takapuna
Auckland
(09) 488 0686