www.womanthismonth.com November 2017 showcase 37 We’ve all seen those seemingly impossible 'make-up free' images of fair haired, pale-skinned models who allegedly 'woke up like this' with their long, lush dark lashes appearing perfectly groomed – are you detecting a hint of jealousy here? As one for whom the prospect of leaving the house without mascara means spending the day looking like a startled albino rabbit, you can probably get my point. And, yes, I have tried eyelash extensions. It was several years ago when they first became the 'thing' and all went swimmingly until a stiff gust of wind sent my eyelids shooting towards my hairline in a move reminiscent of the Trump comb-over, but for the eyes! So the prospect of trying Dessange’s Yumi Lashes treatment, which claims to lift and enhance natural lashes giving a fuller and thicker look without the addition of extensions or falsies, had me rather excited. And, since it’s the product of choice at swish London store Harrods, I figured I’d be in good company. First off, therapist Rosie gave my lashes a very thorough clean removing every trace of make-up as she explained that the hairs need to be bare to allow the products to do their job. Then, after applying protective pads to my lower lids, she got to work applying the curling and lifting solution to each individual hair along my upper eye line. I must admit, it wasn’t a hugely comfortable experience. If you’ve ever used eyelash curlers, it felt a bit like having them applied quite tightly for several minutes. But, then, one must bear in mind that I’m the girl who had to be held down [no, I’m really not joking] when I tried eye tattoos some years ago. The artist was horrified at my intention to give up half way through. I am, in short, a wimp! In fact, such is the relaxing nature of this treatment – carried out on a comfortable bed to a background of soothing jazz – that the lady photographer present reckoned she would probably sleep through it! Once the lifting solution had been neutralised and removed, Rosie next applied a highly pigmented tint and, after a few minutes, I was finished and ready for a look in the mirror. I could notice the difference straight away, as could several of my colleagues on my return to work – armed with a keratine lash-lifting mascara to keep my plumped and coloured cilia in good condition. But the proof of the pudding was surely waking up the next morning, after two evening functions and a bottle of good red, looking exceptionally bright eyed [if not feeling in the least bushy tailed]. No, I don’t have Kardashianesque spiders crawling across my face. What I do have is a better version of my own lashes; darker, thicker, upward curling for that lovely antiageing, wide-eyed looked and permanent – well, at least for the next eight weeks or so. Falsies are great for parties and special occasions but, trust me girls, for everyday wear, Yumi Lashes are my new go to. No panda eyes, despite the ridiculous levels of humidity. Just hop out of the shower and off you go, looking like you’ve made an effort when you really only left your bed 15 minutes ago – if that’s not worth a return visit, I don’t know what is. Call 17 713-999. Liz O’Reilly tries the latest lash lifting technique to give your peepers a natural-looking boost. DESSANGE PARIS EYES RIGHT BEFORE AFTER
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