Monostudio review: I visited a cosy beauty salon in the CBD for a lash refresh and here’s why I’ll be back

I’m all for a low-maintenance beauty routine, and here’s a confession: I’ve been hooked on eyelash extensions lately. All I need to do is lie in a salon for two hours or so, and I’ll wake up with meticulously curled lashes that last me up to three good weeks – well, if I’m lucky. The only issue? I’m still searching for that go-to eyelash extension salon in Singapore that delivers on both comfort and results. For my most recent beauty refresh, I visited Monostudio, a cosy beauty salon in the CBD, and decided to give it a try. Scroll on to see if this studio hit the mark for me.

Monostudio review: Details at a glance

Best for: Semi-permanent beauty treatments to look effortlessly polished
Price: Lash lift from $80; lash extensions from $88; eyeliner embroidery from $370; brow embroidery from $400; lip embroidery from $570
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm (by appointment only)
Address: Monostudio, #03-01, 67 Boat Quay, Singapore 049855

The rise of semi-permanent beauty treatments

Minimum effort, maximum glow is my current beauty mantra – and semi-permanent beauty treatments do exactly that. Think lash extensions, brow and lip embroidery, and anything that requires little maintenance but delivers a polished appearance.

According to Monostudio’s founder, Yoyo, I’m not alone in this. The studio’s lip blush, brows, eyeliner and lash treatments are all popular, thanks to their ability to enhance a key facial feature while saving time in one’s daily beauty routine.

“The demand comes from Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle. Many women are juggling work, family, fitness and social commitments, so they want to simplify their daily beauty routine. Instead of spending time drawing their brows, applying eyeliner or lipstick every day, they can wake up looking fresh and put together,” shares Yoyo.

She adds that rather than dramatic transformations, more women are gunning for subtle, natural enhancements: “Semi-permanent make-up fits perfectly with that mindset because it enhances their features while still looking effortless.”

A convenient beauty pitstop in the CBD

With numerous studios in Singapore offering semi-permanent make-up and beauty treatments, I was curious about what sets Monostudio apart from the rest. One thing that comes straight to mind is its location, especially if you work or live near the CBD. I arranged my session on an office day, and it took me a mere 15-minute leisurely walk to reach the studio.

The studio is warmly lit with ample natural light spilling through, and an instant reprieve from the busyness of the street below. I particularly like the cosy and minimalist aesthetics that are reminiscent of Korean beauty salons. My assigned artist welcomed me with a glass of water before we kicked off my lash extension treatment.

My lash transformation

During my consultation, my lash artist asked about my experiences with lash extensions and my preferred styles. While I’ve done lash extensions a couple of times and experimented with different styles, I have yet to find one that I truly gravitate towards.

Based on her recommendations, I decided to try the YY lash style ($98) with a length range of 10mm to 12mm. Sitting between classic and volume lashes, YY lash extensions give a fluffy appearance without being over-dramatic. I also opted for longer lashes in the middle of my eye to create a more ‘doll-eyed’ look.

I settled into the cushy lash bed and let my lash artist work her magic. As someone with sensitive eyes, I always brace myself for minor discomfort during my lash extension sessions. So, I genuinely appreciated how proactive my artist was in ensuring I was comfortable from start to finish. She meticulously adjusted the tapes that held my eyelids in place when they felt ‘off’, and constantly checked in on me throughout the session.

I’m happy to report that this was easily one of the most comfortable eyelash extension experiences I’ve had – and I woke up without any signs of bloodshot and watery eyes! I was also prepared to lie for at least two hours, so I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the 1.5-hour session flew by.

As for aftercare, I was advised not to let my lashes touch water for at least 24 hours and was given a teeny brush to comb them out. Monostudio’s lash extensions are said to last for about three to four weeks, and mine still looked presentable after the three-week mark.

Did Monostudio hit the mark for me?

My final thoughts? Yes, I’ll definitely be adding Monostudio to my rotation. The beauty salon delivered a comfy experience for my sensitive eyes and the results from my first session surpassed my expectations. Prices for its lash extension services (from $88) are also on par with other salons – and I hear first-time customers get an additional 10% off.

If you work or live near the CBD, Monostudio might be worth checking out for your next beauty refresh!