I’m sure that when you think about looking glamorous, one of the first images that you probably see in your mind is a set of full, voluminous lashes. There is just something about having dramatic lashes that immediately catches the eye and transforms any makeup look, whether you’re doing a “no makeup”, makeup look or trying out seductively bold black eye makeup. I am eternally grateful for the power of a few layers of volumizing mascara and I am sure you are too. However, there’s nothing like being able to say, “This is my natural look.”
Do you want to wake up with the kind of long lashes that make all the girls you meet look at you with envy? If that is who you are, you’ve likely asked yourself, “Are eyelash extensions worth it?” The good news is that you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out the seven things you need to know about lash extensions, including how much they cost as well as how to clean them.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
If we look to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), defines eyelash extensions as faux lashes that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials (synthetic, silk, and mink). Lash extensions are applied by a qualified technician at a beauty salon using tweezers and semi-permanent glue to give you the appearance of longer, thicker lashes.
Lash extensions typically last for between three and four weeks. In essence, they are similar to individual false lashes, with the exception that they last longer.
7 Key Things To Know About Eyelash Extensions
I know that eyelash extensions sound like an absolute dream come true. Imagine having flawless lashes for a month without the need to apply any makeup. I can almost hear you shouting, “Yes, please!”
However, there are a few key things you should know about eyelash extensions before booking your first appointment for this semi-permanent treatment. Here’s the breakdown:
Eyelash Extension Tip: Do Your Research
Before booking an appointment with any new service, you should do your research and ensure that the service you’re getting is being done in a clean, hygienic environment by someone with the required level of experience and expertise. You are trusting someone to use tweezers very close to your eye so checking out the salon’s reputation is vital.
The AAO states that before you get eyelash extensions, it’s important to research the salon’s reputation, how long they’ve been in business, if they practice good hygiene, and check out their customer before-and-after photos.
They also suggest that you should ideally look into the training, certification, and experience the aesthetician who will be applying your eyelash extensions has.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Be Cautious About Allergies
One of the things that the AAO also notes is that the ingredients in the semi-permanent glue used to adhere eyelash extensions can potentially cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, according to the National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI), artificial eyelashes normally use methacrylate-based adhesives, and these can result in allergic contact dermatitis.
They recommend asking for the glue’s ingredient list prior to getting eyelash extensions so that you can make an informed decision about whether you may be allergic to the formula used. The AAO also recommends checking that the expiration date of the glue has not passed. In addition, you should request that the glue be tested on the inside of your wrist prior to application to double-check whether or not you may experience an allergic reaction. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your eyes.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Save Up
By now I’m sure that you are starting to wonder how much eyelash extensions cost. According to the NCBI, eyelash extensions can potentially cost as much as $500! In other words, this service definitely does not come cheap.
When you take into account that eyelash extensions typically last for around a month, the cost of this beauty trend can add up very quickly. If you’re set on getting yourself eyelash extensions, save, save, save!
Personally, I’d splash out on a set of eyelash extensions if I were booking a cruise on the Mediterranean for my vacation and I want to look glamorous from morning till night for the full 2-week cruise.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Dedicate A Whole Day
I am sure that you’ve probably already guessed that getting eyelash extensions isn’t a quick in-and-out service. According to the AAO, the process can easily take as long as two hours.
If you’ve committed yourself to the idea of getting lash extensions and booking an appointment, you should plan the rest of your day around getting your lashes done. Think of this as the kind of pampering that you won’t want to rush.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Edit Your Makeup Cleansing Routine
As we have said, it’s true that getting eyelash extensions should ideally make your entire beauty routine easier. After all, you won’t have to bother with applying mascara or curling your lashes every day.
However, the flip side of this is that you’ll also need to be prepared to make a few other changes to your beauty routine. I hope that you aren’t totally attached to your current makeup remover, especially if it is oil-based.
Oil-based cleansers and makeup removers can actually break down the eyelash extension adhesive and ruin your fabulous lash look. Imagine spending $500 on lash extensions and having them come off on the first evening because you reached for the wrong makeup remover. To keep your lashes lasting for a month, stick with oil-free products. If you have been wondering how to clean eyelash extensions, the same rule applies.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Adjust Some Of Your Habits
If you are a girl who tends to rub her eyes when she gets tired, you’ll want to drop that habit ASAP. Whenever you rub your eyes, you risk rubbing your extensions off. After what you paid for them, that’s a risk that I won’t be prepared to take.
Eyelash Extension Tip: Time To Play Up Your Brows
You are going to be leaving the salon with a set of dramatic eyelashes. It will be a good idea to pick up a brow gel while you’re out. Sparse brows and lush lashes just don’t work together. I’d recommend the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel (available on Amazon) that I use and fill in your brows until they match the intensity of your eyelash extensions.
If you love the idea of eyelash extensions but want a similar, cheaper, and temporary effect you can try false lashes. The easiest false lashes that I have ever tried are the magnetic lashes that you apply with the help of magnetic eyeliner. You can put them on and remove them in seconds. Here is the article on Pink Femme that I wrote about how to use them. Go and check it out once you have finished reading this.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.