Lash Lab is the beauty bar equivalent of a speakeasy, a secret lounge with a clandestine entrance, bestowing I'll-never-tell lashes with a wink. But shhh: I can get you in to this secret lash society. When you step off the busy San Francisco streets and into this hidden beauty bungalow (you'll get directions when you book your appointment), Lash Lab will lavish you with more choices than you thought possible. The lounge specializes in eyelash extensions, including luxurious mink versions, that last up to three weeks and also offers cutting-edge semipermanent mascara, which relieves you of mascara duties for at least two weeks. With complimentary wine and a soundtrack spanning Lily Allen to MGMT to the Rolling Stones, the vibe is a far cry from the local nail salon and more like getting a makeover at your best friend's apartment. Overwhelmed by your options? The staff at Lash Lab will help you choose. "We have makeup artists that really look at the shape of the eye and figure out what’s right for you," says owner Judy Anderson. We focus on the longevity and care of your natural lashes."
I recently stopped in for semipermanent mascara by lash artist Deborah Duong — that's me in the pics, with "before" (right) and "after" eyes (left) — and a prettying up by makeup artist Alifa Wong, and I'm still blinking in amazement. Make a girls' night of it and bring a friend, so you can stretch out on the adorably outfitted treatment tables and enjoy a pair of semipermanent mascara applications. Or you can both get mink strip lashes, which are perfect for a night out and can be used up to 10 more times. Want all the lash luxury for yourself? Try mink strip lashes on the upper lashes and semipermanent mascara on the bottom or use your offer to upgrade to any lash extension service. I promise, it will be our little secret.
Charles Philip