Getting a Lash Lift in South Korea! (Foreigner Friendly/Non-Korean Speaking Friendly)

"Shu Lashes": Good Experience or Cheap rip-off?

Earlier this month, on April 10, 2022, I went to Itaewon, located in Seoul, on the recommendation of my two friends to get my first ever lash lift. Located in Itaewon off exit 2, “Shu Lashes” could be described as a “small business” and most definitely “foreigner-friendly” (a term that is vital for non-Korean speaking people when going to businesses). The place I went to not only did lash lifts but also tinting, touch-ups, removal, eyelash serum, and many different styles of lash extensions. 

When one of my friends first brought me to the building I was honestly shocked at how simple it looked. I only heard of people getting their beauty care done in office buildings or professional companies in the states but this place was the opposite of what I was expecting. 

When I arrived for my appointment, the place was a small 1 bedroom apartment and the living room was where her station was set up. My friend told me of this setup so I expected to not be surprised but I was and for anyone who wasn’t aware I would assume it’d be a shock to them as well. The place is easy to find since she gives detailed instructions with pictures.

My first Impression of her:

The woman who did my lashes, I never got her name so we’ll call her “Ms. Shu”, was extremely sweet and spoke pretty good English. As per usual for Asian customs, I was asked to take off my shoes and then put my belongings near the door. Once I laid down and she started on my lashes everything went smoothly. The room was at a comfortable warm temperature and the radio station (which played K-Pop) was set at a soft low level. As I was laying there, extremely comfortable, I could tell how much effort she put into making her customers feel safe and welcome. In the beginning, she told me to let her know if I was ever uncomfortable or in pain and throughout the process, she was extremely kind and gentle. She told me the whole process would take around 1.5/2 hours and my friends who got lash lifts also got their procedure done within the same amount of time. I was so comfortable that I fell asleep multiple times and she was so gentle that I didn’t feel a thing (I probably was awake for 45 minutes out of the whole 2 hours).

Is it worth the trip?

I highly recommend going to her for a lash lift. If I’m honest I was a little disappointed with the result. In the beginning, I told her I was considering a lash lift and tint or extensions but she told me my lashes were long enough for a lift only and since I had dark brown/black hair she advised me against the tint. I honestly respect Ms. Shu for not trying to convince me to do the more expensive procedure but the one that would best suit my face. 

After I left she Kakao’ed me very specific instructions about how to care for my lashes and even gave me a sweet little bag with something to care for my lashes as well as two pieces of candy inside it. I recommend going to her for a lift but my friends said they didn’t have great experiences with their lash extensions (instead of lasting the standard 6 weeks it only lasted 2). 

Some general rules she gave me before I went to my appointment to take note of:

• Her business has reservation system so coming on time or a couple minutes early is vital
• Let her know no more than 3 hours in advance if you wish to change or cancel your reservation
• If you are more than 15 minutes late “without prior communication” your reservation will be automatically canceled
• If you arrive 10 minutes early contact her to see if you can be taken early

If you’re interested in booking an appointment her instagram is @shu407.

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