EYELASH EXTENSIONS! I debated this decision forever. Like honestly, for months. I did so much research and read so many reviews and was so hesitant to actually get them done because I had heard so many differing opinions on them! BUT back in November I decided to just go for it! I had tried several different lash boosts (R&F, Plume, Younique) and bought a ton of different falsies – all of which were great! But… I still had the “eyelash extension itch” and I wanted to give it a shot!
The most valuable thing I’ve learned though is finding someone CREDIBLE! Do your research. This definitely isn’t the type of thing you want to “find the cheapest price for” and go with them. Remember, this is your eyes! I did a ton of research before choosing the person I was going to use and she’s fantastic! I’ll link her information at the bottom of this post if you’re local to me! Not all lashes are created equal either! There are different types and different ranges of quality (same with the glue being used) make sure to ask these questions when you’re looking for a company to go with!
I decided to do this blog post Q&A style with some of the most commonly asked questions that I get! If you have one that I didn’t touch on, just let me know and I’ll definitely edit this post to add + answer it!
Are there different choices as far as thickness and length?
Yes there are! Depending on what look you’re going for you can choose longer, more dramatic lashes or you can go with more subtle, natural ones.
How long do they stay on?
The lashes shed like your normal lashes do so after about 2 weeks I notice my lashes are looking a lot “thinner” as lot of the lash extensions have “shed” and fallen out. I do know some people go 3 weeks in-between fills but I definitely prefer to keep it right at two weeks.
What is a fill? How often do you do this?
A fill is basically a lash touch-up! You go back in and your lash stylist will add new lashes to the places that are looking a little sparse. I go every 2 weeks, although you could probably push back to 3 if you aren’t as worried about them looking “perfect.”
Do you wear mascara? If no, can you?
Nope, no mascara! You don’t need to! But you actually don’t want to… The oils in the mascara can cause the lashes to drop off prematurely.
What about eyeliner? Can you wear that?
For the same reason you don’t want to wear mascara the same applies for the eyeliner. The oils in the liner can cause the lashes to drop off prematurely. I do line my lower lid sometimes though, just not on top.
Do you keep your eyes closed or open when they put them on?
Eyes are closed! My lash stylist plays music so you can just close your eyes and relax.
How long does it take to put on?
The initial session putting them on was about 2 hours! The fills are about an hour!
Average cost?
I paid $175 for my initial set to be put on and then my fills are $45. From the research I’ve done this is about average!
Do you feel them? Are they heavy?
From my understanding if they’re done right you won’t feel them and they won’t feel heavy! They feel much different than falsies lashes which definitely feel a tad heavier.
Will they damage your actual eyelashes?
The answer to this is yes and no. If done incorrectly with poor quality products – yes, they will. If done correctly with good products by a skilled technician, no they won’t. The lash extension is applied to your actual eyelash with a glue (the quality of the glue is so important) so if done correctly you won’t have damage to your eyelash!
Can you use a lash boost or serum with your extensions on?
You’ll want to make sure it’s not oil based which, like the mascara, can cause the lashes to shed prematurely. I actually am using Latisse with my extensions on, per the recommendation of my lash stylist, so that my actual lashes will continue to grow even with the extensions on.
Does the glue smell?
There are fumes involved with the priming and the application of the lashes which is why proper ventilation while the lashes are being applied is so important. The lash stylist I go to uses a fan ventilations system that pushes all of the fumes away from me (and from her) so they aren’t being inhaled during application.
How long do you keep them on before taking a break?
Some people keep them on 3 months, some 6 months, some people keep them on on-going for a year or more! Totally up to you. My plan is to keep them on 6 months and then take a break for a few months before putting them on again. I’ll also be on the hunt for someone awesome in Tampa to replace my amazing girl here!
How do you keep them clean?
Baby shampoo! I know, sounds funny but it’s perfect to clean your lashes. I rub a little baby shampoo onto my eyelids / lashes when I’m in the shower at night and rinse them that way. It’s really important to keep them clean so even though you may not want to touch them at the risk of them shedding, cleanliness should always win here!
Can you get them wet?
Yep! I was actually really cautious and delicate with them at first… Barely letting the water in the shower touch my face… BUT, you get over that kind of quickly and go back to your normal routine. It’s been a couple of months now and I wash my face like normal (with my Clarasonic) and gently wash my eyelids/lashes with baby shampoo and I have zero issues!
What about sleeping on your side? Will my lashes fall out?
If you’re a side sleeper like me you’ll definitely notice one side of your face will lose lashes quicker than the other. For me, its the right side! Not much you can do it about it other than try and prop up your pillow a tad more than usual to keep your face from totally leaning on the pillow when you sleep.
How do you keep them looking fresh?
After getting them out of the shower I use my little lash brush and brush them down and then curl them up and let them dry! Super easy! You can bring your little lash brush with you if you’re going out in case the wind was blowing or there was some surprise rain and you need to do a quick touch-up. I like to bring mine right along with my lipgloss just in case.
Overall, do you think it’s worth it?
110%! I’m so glad I did them and absolutely love them! I can go out wearing just tinted moisturizer and still feel completely put together. It’s crazy how much your lashes effect the overall look of your entire face!
And now… SOME PICTURES!
These are my before and afters and I’m just blown away at how much they transform your face and make you feel so glam!
I hope this review was helpful! If you still have questions I didn’t touch on feel free to ask!
PS if you’re in the Brevard County area and looking for someone amazing I can’t recommend Kristina Thompson enough! She is absolutely fabulous and you’re in good hands with her! CLICK HERE to contact her!
