Bat those lashes!

Located in gorgeous Grey Lynn, nestled amongst a seemingly normal apartment block you will find Cerise Lash Bar, a place to relax, unwind, and leave looking more beautiful than when you arrived.

When I was invited by Elisia, owner and senior lash stylist at Cerise I was very excited - I had heard of these eyelash extensions before, but never seen them on someone or seen the treatment involved. I had also heard mixed opinions about them, so I needed to check this out for myself. Elisia told me to arrive at my appointment without any eye-makeup on, and if I wore contacts to take them out before arriving, seemed easy enough... I was ready!

From the moment you enter this chic lash bar you instantly feel very VIP celebutant. The salon is small and hidden by garden from the street, allowing for the utmost privacy and comfort from any wandering passers-by. The salon features two private 'rooms' separated by a curtain where you lay down, close your eyes and let the magic unfold. Rich warm colours are throughout the lash bar with placement of chic, modern furniture, beautiful mirrors, even a chandelier dangling above you... tres chic!

Before any lash-work took place I was handed a form to fill out expressing the desired look I was after. I was met with so many options! Did I want natural, cat-eye lashes, extra long, thick, extra volume?! Every possible choice lay before me! I settled on a full, long, cat-eye look because I was wanting something bold and glam. However, no matter what look you are after this lash bar can cater to you.

Once my stylist knew what it was I wanted I lay down on my comfy, soft bed which I was soon about to call home for the next few hours! Little did I know that the lashes used as extensions are synthetic, they come in various lengths, and also come in a range of curl. It is the stylist's speciality to match your natural curl to be the same style used as extensions - quite a feat, considering some peoples lashes actually can curl down, or are just completely straight! It is important that the same curl is matched because eyelash extensions are attached to your own eyelashes - one by one. Once Elisia had found the right lashes for me, she set to work.

I was lying there ready and waiting to absorb the probable pain and discomfort that lay before me, I mean someone was going to be gluing lashes to my eyelids, right? Wrong! If you have heard the saying "beauty is pain", then my friend it is time for you to try this treatment. Not only was there absolutely no pain, Elisia placed each lash with such skill and ease using tweezers and I did not feel a thing. Infact, it was possibly one of the most relaxing treatments I have ever had done. Perfect time to bring your ipod, lay back, close your eyes and nod off!

Two hours later it was time for me to sit up for the big reveal. I was handed a mirror and was absolutely speechless! What had felt like nothing had been a whole lotta somethin'! My entire look was transformed. My eyes were beautifully enhanced; the natural almond shape being played up made my whole face open in a very pretty feminine way! I could not have been happier with the results, if I do say so myself, I looked and felt stunning!

My story does not stop there, so far I have had my eyelash extensions for a week and the compliments from people have blown me away. Everyone comments and compliments me on my "beautifully long lashes" and I just lap it up batting my beauties away! I can promise you, this treatment when done by a qualified and talented lash stylist really will enhance and beautify your look further.

Whether you are wanting eyelash extensions for an event, or just for everyday to change up your appearance, get down to Cerise Lash Bar fast - or call one of Elisia's personally trained stylists dotted around the country. You will not regret it one little bit, in fact you will be jumping up and down with joy!

Check out: www.cerise.co.nz for more info if you're based in Auckland, Or: www.celebritylash.co.nz to find a stylist near you girls!

By Melissa Chrisp - Christchurch