In the world of cosmetics, the search for the perfect mascara is nearly impossible. In Oxford, the search for the perfect mascara has become unnecessary. The recent opening of Blink Boutique gives women of all ages a sigh of relief and saves time with their make-up routines.

“There’s nothing like this in Oxford. It definitely isn’t a traditional boutique,” said Amy Young, the owner of Blink Boutique.

The Blink Boutique offers eyelash extensions — a practice that is gaining popularity in the community. Since its opening in June, the boutique has introduced an entirely different approach to a beauty routine for roughly 300 clients. As Young said, “it’s all in the eyes.”

Verda Johnson, an Oxford resident and teacher at the Christian Co-Op Nursery School, is a regular at the Blink Boutique. Through the influence of her daughter, she always makes a point to set aside enough of her budget to treat herself to the therapeutic experience.

“I love my lashes, they’re amazing. I was so afraid it wouldn’t look natural, but nobody has ever noticed they’re fake,” Johnson said. “In fact, I get so many comments on how good they look. I never even have to use mascara.”

The Blink Boutique is located on Walnut Street and nestled on the second floor of a historic home. From the wooden floors and ornate crown molding to the modern portraits of beautiful women hanging on the white walls, the personality of the boutique is nothing but charming.

“Being in a house makes for a more personal feel and much less clinical … I wanted to create a girly-girl time,” Young said. “A time to de-stress and pamper yourself a bit.”

After being greeted by smiling faces, the client’s attention may avert to jewelry, purses, gifts and numerous products to enhance lash growth and strength. The boutique not only caters to the cosmetic needs of the client, but it dually feeds the retail aspect.

Before lying back in the smooth, leather chair, Young gets a feel for the look the client has in mind. The atmosphere has become so relaxing, Young said, that one client fell asleep as her lashes were being placed.

The process is simple and painless, and the results are virtually undetectable from real lashes, Young said. Synthetic lashes are applied directly to the individual eyelash instead of the eyelid, which produces a natural and less painful result. Lash extensions don’t damage lashes; they extend the existing lashes.

The length, thickness and amount of curl all depend on the client’s preference. Regardless of how minimal or drastic the lashes are, they stay attached for 60 to 90 days, according to Young. Most women schedule a fill-in to retouch the lashes they’ve grown attached to.

Jessica Furnish, an employee at the boutique, trained for about two months to become a certified lash applicator. Young and Furnish call themselves “lashionistas” and work together not only to provide a unique service, but also to educate all clients on the ins and outs of lash care.

“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a little tedious,” Furnish said. “It takes a lot of practice. It’s not something that anyone can just pick up.”

The new business has affirmed their place in Oxford by the loyalty of its customers. Blink Boutique reaches out to the community by visiting Miami University’s sororities, giving free demos and offering a rentable room for special events.