Lash of Luxury
A look inside a growing beauty trend
STORY BY TAYLOR THETFORD | PHOTOS BY BAILEY BARNARD
A woman is lying on a bed with her eyes closed. A bright spotlight points toward her face. Another woman hovers above, meticulously examining the upper part of her eye.
Karlene Winchester, 38, is an artist at work. Tweezers in hand, she strategically decides where to glue miniscule, slightly curled fibers to the natural eyelashes for perfect shape and length.
Fourteen salons and spas offer eyelash extensions in Bellingham. Winchester provides clients with new pairs of lashes and was recognized as International Novalash Lash Artist of the Year in 2014.
Winchester exclusively uses NovaLash’s Minx Extensions line. While the lashes contain no animal products, they are created to imitate real mink fur and cost $220 a set. These lashes last longer and are easier on natural lashes, Winchester says.
Winchester has always had an eye for detail and passion for perfection. The lash connoisseur originally was, and still is, a certified electrician and takes credit for the electrical work and wiring done in her Ferndale, Washington spa, 3Sixty. Winchester provides facials, chemical peels and massages. Though these treatments are popular, lash extensions account for 95 percent of her business.
THE ARTIST
Winchester speaks passionately about her profession. One may imagine her to be something of a cosmetic goddess, covered head to toe in every supply she offers — but her face is free of the faux fibers. Winchester sports a natural complexion.
“I have seen the work being done around here. I don’t want someone else damaging my eyes and unfortunately I can’t do them myself,” Winchester says.
Since the 1960s, false lashes have become increasingly popular, though they may cause negative consequences such as allergic reactions to the adhesives or fungal and bacterial infections, according to a 2013 Consumer Reports review.
Winchester’s mission is to educate and better the beauty industry in Whatcom County with her knowledge and concern for the health of those seeking extravagant lashes.
THE TREND
It’s no secret that beauty is put on a high pedestal. From extreme surgical measures to manicuring fingertips, many are on a quest for perfection to be what they see on TV screens and glossy magazine covers.
For some, lashes may seem like a minute detail. They may not be at the top of an asset list, but Winchester couldn’t feel more differently.
Tricia Fender, 39, one of Winchester’s clients, has come to ThreeSixty for her lash extensions for six months.
Fender enjoys a simplified morning routine with her extensions, waking up looking refreshed and ready to go as opposed to the raccoon eyes that come as a side effect of using mascara.
Fender is hooked on lash extensions and says they are one of the best beauty splurges she’s ever gotten.
“It’s a major feature. It’s something that you first see,” Winchester says. “Your eyelashes and your eyebrows are something that, if you take them away, you’ve got no characteristics. It’s part of our character and who we are.”
Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled the full names of the spa, lash line and award recipient title. These have been corrected. Also, percentage of lash extension clients has been corrected for accuracy.
