Eyelash extensions are such a commitment, or so I thought before jumping right on the bandwagon and barely getting off it. Four months of eyelash extensions later, my eyelashes are back to au naturel, and I’ve got four months of information to share. From perks to problems, we’ve got you covered on tips, tricks, and some personal experiences of eyelash extensions.
What They Are
Eyelash extensions are an amazing way to make your eyes pop with a semi-permanent finish. The lowdown on this beauty trend is that single strands of synthetic eyelashes are applied individually to your own real lashes, one by one. And they stick to said lashes for the natural growth cycle of your lash, falling out with your eyelash when it would have fallen out naturally. As a result, they don’t fall out all at once, and they last a significant amount of time. This being said, it is always important to follow the instructions your aesthetician gives you and take good care of them to ensure their longevity.
Extensions are different from falsies in the application process and longevity. Falsies are great for daily re-application of dramatic lashes, and they are applied as a set (or individually, if you’re a real go-getter). However they must be taken off daily. Eyelash extensions cannot be taken of daily. You live, breathe and sleep with them on until they naturally fall off, but you always have the option to go to a professional and get them taken off.
Before You Go
It’s always good to do some research before you decide to revamp your eyelashes. Eyelash extensions can come in many different looks, so first, choose your style. Length, thickness, as well as how many individual lashes you would like on each eye can vary, as well as the type of lash used. This gives you room to be creative, which is always a perk!
Next, the aesthetician you go to is important. It is crucial to do research on the place you choose to go to, and reviews are always a great tool to utilize. Good aestheticians use a safe, medical glue and high quality lashes. My biggest tip is to browse the website of the beauty bar you’re interested in (if they have one), do some serious scrolling in the review section, and message the aestheticians. They’re professionals who know their stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
The Process
This part is is a real treat. Different salons may have a different process, but generally speaking, most will place you in a comfy bed-like chair, have you close your eyes, and tape your bottom lashes with safe, medical tape to keep them from getting involved in the procedure. Some may even put relaxing eye-pads under your eyes for added pampering. Then, lashes are applied quickly and carefully, and the procedure takes around an hour and a half to two hours to complete. This also gives you two hours to catch up on some zzz’s, so no complaints there! Then you wake up, open your eyes, and look even more fabulous than you did before.
The results
Your eyes pop. The moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, your eyelashes are full and make you look more awake. As soon as you open your eyes, you’re addicted to eyelash extensions.
Pros
Not only do eyelash extensions shave some time off your daily makeup routine, they really are a great confidence booster. The style you choose depending on your eye shape and personal preference can really change your look and give you that added oomph you want. And trust me, it’s noticeable!
Cons
Eyelash extensions are a commitment. Once a substantial amount start to fall out or grow out in a less than fabulous way, it’s time to go back in and get them retouched. Despite touch-ups being cheaper than putting on a new full set, eyelash extensions are not the cheapest thing to indulge in. A good comparison is for manicure lovers: this would be your monthly nail salon visit. Just as it is expensive to get your nails redone every month (varying with your nail-preferences), eyelash extensions follow approximately the same style.
Tips
- Don’t rub your eyes and don’t pull on your eyelashes. This is to ensure that your eyelashes are lasting as long as they possibly can and to avoid damage to your natural lashes.
- Do brush your eyelashes with the spooly your aesthetician gives you. This helps shape them back into a nice and neat place. Bed-head for your lashes is not a cute look.
- Don’t let them soak excessively, but do invest in oil-free baby shampoo. Every now and then, rub a little bit of baby shampoo into your hand with some lukewarm water, and apply gently to your eyelashes. Pat dry, don’t rub. This makes sure that no bacteria sits and festers on those suckers, but this shouldn’t be done daily.
- Do shower, swim, and exercise just like you usually do. The glue used in the process is waterproof and good quality lashes shouldn’t be slipping off after a few squats or your cleansing ritual.
- Don’t use an oil-based makeup remover on your eyelashes. This slowly breaks down the glue and shortens the lifespan of your extensions.
- DO feel absolutely fabulous, because girl, you did wake up like this.
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