I got eyelash extensions from an AI robot and it was so much faster than traditional lashes | Marie Claire

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With rush hour traffic coming from the SFO airport, I was running late and had less than an hour to get a full set of eyelash extensions before heading to my dinner reservation at San Francisco’s coveted two-Michelin-starred restaurant Californios. Just across the bridge in Oakland at LUUM Lash, a custom-built robot was ready and waiting. This cutting-edge lash salon is built on a proprietary technology that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to help a robot swiftly apply eyelash extensions.

The beginning of the process at LUUM felt familiar, it began just like my previous traditional eyelash extension appointments. Upon arriving at the salon, I had a consultation with a lash artist who recommended the shape (cateye) and length (natural) of extensions that would suit me best. Then, after I laid down on the spa table, she prepped my lashes by gently washing them and then applying two pads on each eye, one across the lid and one underneath my eye. While it felt similar to traditional eyelash prep, there was one important difference – the eye pads have a barcode on them that helps the robot find the lash area. This helps guide the computer vision of LUUM’s LashTechnology through the markers.

After the prep work was done, the chair was adjusted and the robot, named Farrah, was lowered over my face to begin its work. At first, I felt apprehensive, but a few whisper light swishes of the machine applying lashes later, I began to find the process surprisingly soothing. LUUM describes the sensation as “butterfly kisses” and it's an apt description, the robot was delicately gliding along my lashes. I was told that one arm of the robot was isolating a natural lash while another arm picked up a lash extension, dotted it with adhesive, and applied it to my eyelash.

During the application, the lash artist explained that these extensions were being cured with blue light which helps them dry much faster and stay on longer. After the robot applied the bulk of my lashes, the lash artist came in for final lash placements, customized based on her trained aesthetic and also touching up spots that the robot had a tough time with, like the inside corner of my eye.

The lash artist stays in the room to oversee the robot and switch the machine to your second eye once it's done with the first. LUUM is working on a next-generation robot that can do both eyes at the same time, cutting the treatment time in half. Currently, the LUUM process is significantly faster than getting traditional lash extensions, taking just under an hour for the entire process of getting a full set of lashes.

The best part about getting lash extensions is that you get semi-permanent, glammed-up lashes that last about three weeks. This particular beauty treatment is ideal for a technology overhaul because it's typically a long, repetitive process that takes a human lash artist up to two or even three hours to apply a full set. Lash artists require an intense amount of concentration and precise dexterity; they also often have to bend over in a posture that is tough on the body. With the LUUM lash technology, the lash artist can leverage the robot to do the bulk of the lashes while they offer aesthetic consultation and artistic final touches. LUUM estimates that a salon can do three times as many customers with the robot and, with the greatly reduced time to lay still, more clients will turn to lash extensions as a regular part of their beauty routine.

Most of my friends got wide-eyed when I told them I was getting robot lash extensions – the big question was “it it safe?” But, after being assured by the company that the technology had been tested and approved by a fleet of doctors, lawyers, investors, and risk-assessors, I realized this tech was likely much more safe than human-applied lash extensions. The key is a magnetic release feature that stops the machine if you sneeze, twitch, or any other fast movement. While it is a new technology for the industry, the development and testing of LUUM’s robots have been in the works for several years.

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One to two percent of people have a negative reaction to cyanoacrylate, the adhesive that LUUM and most traditional lash artists use to apply the eyelash extensions. And, with all eyelash extensions, if you don’t take proper care of them, you risk breaking your natural lashes.

A full set of lashes costs $170 and refills start at $80.

If you decide to get eyelash extensions, it’s important to take good care of them. You should avoid rubbing or tugging at your lashes, and you should use a gentle cleanser to clean them. You should also avoid using oil-based products, as these can break down the adhesive. To be extra safe, look for skin care products that have been proven safe on lash extensions. For example, K-beauty brand Vitabrid C12 has a cleansing balm that has undergone the Matsukaze Eyelash Extension Oil Cleansing Evaluation Test that proved the balm wouldn’t compromise eyelash extensions.

Overall, I was impressed with my experience at LUUM Lash. The robot did a great job of applying my eyelash extensions and I love the way they look. I was thrilled with how fast the appointment was, I was out the door in under an hour compared to the usual multi-hour treatment. The time savings kept piling up as the weeks went on; eyelash extensions completely transformed my morning routine. Instead of a full face of makeup I simply swipe on some Cheekbone lip oil and apply a tinted moisturizer to my skin – leaving my eyes bare except for my dark, long lashes, which stole the show.

Michelle Stansbury is a San Diego-based freelance writer who writes about travel, food, and relationships. Misuse of the word "literally" drives her figuratively insane.

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