I’m sure you’ve heard of lash extensions by now. Maybe you’ve tried them. Or maybe you know someone who has tried them. Let me run through the pros and cons of lash extensions so you can figure out if they’re right for you.
Pros
- They look AMAZING!
- You wake up looking like you’ve curled your lashes and put on mascara
- They really open up your eyes and make them look bigger and lifted (almost like an eye lift without surgery)
- You won’t need mascara anymore
Cons
- You can’t rub your eyes – you have to be careful when washing your face, etc.
- Makeup becomes a bit more tricky to remove
- They aren’t cheap and need to be replaced every 4-6 weeks
Important Tips
- If you DO want to use mascara, you can. Just be sure to use a formula without oils.
- You must be careful to avoid makeup, eye makeup remover and skincare products with oils
- Avoid steam – this may mean going to the spa or getting that facial right before you get your lashes put on (or touched up)
- Be sure you’re getting cruelty free lashes. There are TONS of lashes that are called “mink.” Most are synthetic, but if you aren’t sure, just ask. The real mink lashes are NOT cruelty free and they are much thinner/softer, so they may not look as good as synthetic lashes anyway.
- You get what you pay for. Don’t cheap out on lashes. My friends and I have learned this the hard way. Applying lashes is not easy and you want someone who can do it properly (and use quality materials).
The first time I had lash extensions put in, I LOVED the way they looked, but they were so uncomfortable. I felt like I was always wearing fake lashes.
Recently, I went to Kelly Lash in Los Angeles, and I am so impressed with the results. Kelly has a professional lash studio in her Santa Monica apartment.
She had me lie down and then she put tape under my eyes (I asked her not to use the hydrating lash shields, because I’m allergic to some ingredients) and then applied the lashes with a fast, but gentle hand. The room was very cozy and she had soothing music playing. I think I fell asleep at one point. It took about an hour and a half to apply the full set. When she was done, I was very happy to find the lashes were very comfortable – I didn’t feel like I was wearing false lashes and my eyes weren’t irritated (like the last time I had them done at another err…cheaper place). The outcome looks very natural, but I could have gone for a more glam look if I wanted it. She can customize to your preference. She even has colored lash extensions and Swarovski crystals!
Kelly also gave me a bottle of her cruelty free Lash Cleanse to take home. It’s easy to use – just apply with a cotton swab or q-tip (q-tips work best because they don’t stick to the lashes) and then use a wet swab to remove.
To make an appointment, go to KellyLash.com and tell her Jen from My Beauty Bunny sent you! She’ll take great care of you!
I was thinking to get my eyelashes done…
Thank you so much for your information..
Best
Ginger
Ginger – do it! It’s so worth it! 🙂
I do lash extensions nd I just have to add my two cents. The lashes will last 4-6 weeks if you don’t want to keep them but if you get them ,you should be planning to keep them ,(if not just do strip lashes for a special occasion!) you need to do the maintenance and get them filled -every 2-3 weeks.
Awesome post !!! Thanks for spending the time to discuss this..Thanks for sharing this post…
I used some extensions but preferred growth serums more.
I never tried them just because I can’t do it, every time it comes close to my eyes, I would closed them.
You look great
Nice before and after pictures! You really look great after eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions are very much preferred by the people. The Pros and Cons you have discussed I will really take care of them during my eyelash extension. Yes, I am getting eyelash extension done very soon and will follow the tips in your post. Thanks for the amazing post!
There are so many people get worried about using eye lashes. Your post is beautiful and useful information. Thank you for sharing
Are you able to tell us which brands are cruelty free!!?? Thanks!
Please see my cruelty free brands page – there’s a banner in the sidebar and a link at the top of the page.
I am a licensed cosmetologist looking to get into eyelash extensions. A class that I’m considering taking at a salon in Scottsdale, AZ uses a kit with Blink products. I looked at your cruelty free list, and I don’t see the brand listed. Since I’m not familiar with any of the lash extension brands, can you tell me which ones are cruelty free so I can inquire about providing my own kit for the class if this brand is not? Not only am I concerned about the use on animals, but also what products can I trust will be safe for the clients, and for my use – if there are any fumes involved with the glue?
Thank you for time and guidance!
Colette
As long as you stay away from actual Mink lashes, you should be fine. As for glues, I’m not familiar with all of them since they are salon-only. But I believe Novalash is cruelty free (that’s what they’ve stated anyway).
I live in a resort area where we have spas and specialty locations (lash bars) which do these. I used the lash bar when they first opened as I had a Groupon worth 90 dollars but still had out of pocket expenses. I was thrilled by the results but I could not justify spending $1000 a year, on eyelashes. Since that time, I have been past foreign-operated strip mall places offering lashes in the same fashion as $30 nails. Despite being warned off of the nail salons, I have used them for 25 years without one problem with fungus or “dirty” conditions.
My son is getting married in the fall. I am considering lash extensions again, at least for the wedding. What should these cost? I have no idea what a proper range is!
Hi Barbara – I would advise being VERY careful where you go for lash extensions. There’s a possibility of getting an eye infection, losing all your lashes, or even perhaps blindness! Don’t skimp on something like this. Look on Yelp and read reviews. Find someone you trust. The cost depends on where you live. I pay $500 for a set of 6 (and I usually buy a $400 set of touch ups as well). That’s a really great price – some places charge upwards of $350 for ONE set. But I’ve been going to my local LA place for years and I trust them.
The eyelash extensions look really high-end.
what I like is that you searched for a professional beauty studio you trust.
Its very important to get a set of lashes with best eyelash extension products otherwise the look wont last long.
Did you clean your lashes daily with a special cleanser?
xoxo