Jenny B. Davis

Despite what the gossip rags would have you believe, movie stars are not like us. Sure, they may feed parking meters, schlep down grocery aisles in oversized Uggs and nose pick at stoplights. But when it comes to beauty routines, Hollywood types were all Urban Decay and Touche Eclat back when we were just impressed by the free gift at Clinique.

But we're catching on. And one of the neatest tricks to come around in a while is the eyelash extension, which lets you flash long, thick lashes without succumbing to the dreaded time-release raccoon effect.

One of the most popular spots for this star treatment is Exhale Mindbodyspa at 945 North State, (312)753-6500. Resident eye expert Alessandra Rosa is perhaps best known for brow shaping--she earned her stripes working for Beverly Hills-based star plucker Anastasia--but it's her Hollywood Lashes that have made her a favorite among the city's lashluster set.

Hollywood Lashes aren't cheap (at $150, or roughly thirty bottles of Great Lash) but they last about four weeks, and Rosa replaces any lashes lost during that month for free. Here's how it works: First, arrive without eye makeup. That way, Rosa can launch directly into the lash-application process. Then, with a concentration worthy of the most serious game of Operation, she begins.

While you look up, she secures your bottom lashes to your under-eye area with a gently applied slip of tape. Now it's time to lower your gaze and natter away while Rosa um-hmms and gets busy with her tweezers. She applies the synthetic lashes individually, sweeping each one across a dollop of black-tinted medical-grade adhesive before laying them atop a single natural lash. She repeats this motion for about an hour, using around thirty miniature digits, in three different sizes, to create a lash line more lush than nature intended--for you, at least.

Finally, the moment of truth: She removes the tape, brushes your cheeks clear of fallen lashes and holds out a mirror. You look, smile, bat, flutter and wink. Just like the star you knew you were meant to be.

(2006-02-28)

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