You look gorgeous; is that a
new outfit? Have you cut your hair? Have you had work done?
These are some of the comments clients receive after undergoing the latest and trendiest in beauty
enhancement treatments. They’re eyelash extensions, and having made their Hollywood debut long ago, they’re
fast becoming a staple for women everywhere looking to add a little va-voom to their lash
lines.
Pretty in the City founder Veronica Tran has been in the business of eyelash extensions since 2005.
With the aid of assistant Julie Phan, who joined Tran in 2007, Pretty in the City provided the first
institution in Toronto to specialize in synthetic eyelash extensions and now boasts a loyal following.
PitC’s substantial clientele consists mostly of 30+ business women who appreciate the ease that lash
extensions add to their morning routines. “They’re extremely successful, and extremely busy,” says Tran of
her clients. “They come here for a two-hour appointment and for the rest of the month they can get up, put on
some concealer, lip gloss and go.”
The benefits of lash extensions go beyond time-saving, however. “[Our] lashes make your eyes look brighter,
more alert, more awake,” says Tran. “Our clients look prettier, but because the lashes are so natural, people
are unable to pinpoint what it is that is different.” Some clients have reported friends asking if they had
had their eyes done, or even such dramatic cosmetic surgeries as facelifts.
The application process itself is simple despite these dramatic results. Individual synthetic lashes are
attached to the top of the natural eyelash with an adhesive. The lashes are placed strategically across the
eyelid at about a 2 mm distance from the base. This small gap allows the pieces to bond away from the skin,
resulting in an extended lash that is completely weightless.
“Many of my clients are nervous and excited the first time they see me,” says Tran. “But as they come more
frequently they usually fall asleep! I have clients who come in, lie down and say ‘okay, time for my morning
nap.’” The procedure itself is indeed relaxing; soft music plays in the background, and cushioned adhesive
strips are placed gently on the lower eyes to protect the bottom lashes and keep the lid comfortably
closed.
The application takes around two hours to complete. Tran prides herself on her work, and as each lash is
individually applied, the result is a seamless blend with the natural lash to create an elongated look
strangers will swear you were born with.
“It’s all about the ‘wow,’” says Tran. “It’s when they first see themselves: You give them the mirror,
there’s that two-second pause, and then: Wow!” •
For more information, or to book yourself an appointment, visit prettylashes.ca
