Lashes are my thing, and as you know, I go where the lashes go. In 100-degree weather, mascara’s not an option–it’s halfway down my cheek before NOON. You gotta get tough, but that ain’t enough. So because my usual lash guru Courtney Akai‘s been on maternity break, I took a little vaca from my regularly scheduled lash programming to jaunt over to Kiehl’s Spa 1851 to try out a “soul sesh,” That is, a lash extensions session with the eye-conic Soul Lee, formerly of Shu Uemua (a name all but synonymous with cils) to test out her talents. And I am impressed. I also learned a few things. Read on for some tips from Soul!

First, it’s a nice change to get lash extensions in the comfort of a spa, as opposed to a lash boutique or a salon. Not that those aren’t lovely, but if patrons are really looking for a luxe experience, you get all the bells and whistles here. The Enya-esque tunes, the chilled San Pelligrino, the private room decorated in one of Kiehl’s glamazing themes like the Apothecary Room pictured above.

Soul applied thin, feathery lengthy lashes to each of my own and gave me some pretty boss tips that are life-changing for this extension-obsessed fiend. First, she told me to invest in Microbrushes (pictured above) to use instead of Q-tips to remove my eye makeup. They’e smaller and boast a brush-tip to really get in there and remove my liner. Genius. If you do use a Q-tip, Soul advised that you make sure it’s completely saturated, lest the “fro” of the Q derail your lashes.

As for eye makeup removers, check the ingredients says Soul, “Stick to oil-free formulas and glycol’s okay as long as it’s lower on the ingredients list.” She also said not to get the lashes wet for at least 24 hours and to actually wash the lash area every few weeks, if you keep getting ’em redone.

My lash extensions, courtesy of Soul Lee.

Though it’s spendy, Soul’s expertise is worth the investment. A customized full eyelash extensions set with Soul lasts 2 hours and costs $400 and will last about 3-4 weeks. A half eyelash extension is 1 hour at $250. For interim maintenance, an hour’s $120. Additional 15 minutes costs $30. She still believes in [lash] miracles while others cry in vain. You’ll see, it’s all about Soul.

Soul Lee is at Kiehl’s Spa 1851, 157 East 64th St., NYC. To make an appointment, call 888-SPA-1851 or visit kiehls.com.

Are you into lash extensions? Tell me your makeup-removal tricks in the comments.