Whether you want to eliminate mascara from your daily routine, or you want to put a little
more glam into your life, lash extensions are the way to go.
Because who wouldn't want to receive this compliment?
"Frankly, you have the most beautiful eyelashes."
Music to a gal — or guy's — ears, right?
Lush, long lashes are one of the most desired traits and are difficult to come by naturally.
If this eye-enhancing trend has piqued your curiosity, you've come to the right place.
What are eyelash extensions?
Defined as semi-permanent extensions adhered to your natural lash, lash extensions come
in many shapes and sizes — from real mink fur to silk, and from long and curled to short
and thick.
If you're confused about what you want, no worries.
Your lash technician will determine which are the best ones for you.
Meredith Borodina of Lash L'Amour in Boston explains that not everyone's natural lashes
can handle the weight of really heavy or long extensions, so it's best to listen to your
technician's recommendations.
How do they work?
Your eyelashes are each on their own growth cycle.
That's why they don't all fall out at the same time.
So when you have extensions, you get them filled regularly as the extensions will fall
out with your lashes that are already shedding.
Most people get fill-ins every three weeks, though Borodina says she has clients who come
in every week because they desire a very full look.
It's up to you, but if you go past four weeks, you'll likely have to pay for a new full set.
Natural or Sultry?
In addition to various types of extensions, there are also different styles.
You can get a natural, more modest look.
You can get a sultry cat-eye, where your lashes fan out on the ends.
There are also volume sets, which Borodina loves.
She told The List,
"Volumes are the best.
It's basically two or three extensions adhered to one lash.
They actually last longer, too, because the extensions are so light, since you have to
put multiple on one lash."
Talk to your technician beforehand to determine what style you want.
It's totally up to you.
Take good care
If you do get extensions, it's important to care for them properly.
Borodina recommends cleaning them with baby shampoo — it's gentle and won't ruin the
adhesive.
It's also important to clean your lashes to avoid any buildup, which can lead to irritations
and even infections like conjunctivitis.
If you wear eye makeup, make sure you don't use an oil-based makeup remover.
Doing so will destroy the bond and make your extensions fall out.
Borodina also warns against touching or messing with them too much.
Avoid pulling them off yourself.
If you want your lashes removed, go to your salon and have them removed properly.
Pulling off your extensions can actually pull out your own lashes, which is not good.
Not only that, but it's painful.
No mascara allowed
Borodina recommends that you don't wear mascara for 24-hours before you get extensions.
It's one of her pet peeves, since it can be so hard to remove before extension application.
There's also no reason to wear mascara when you have extensions anyway.
If you do wear mascara before an appointment, Borodina says your technician should clean
them as thoroughly as possible.
Otherwise, she says,
"Mascara residue can weaken the bond of the adhesive."
Translation: your extensions won't last as long.
Lash cash
Eyelash extensions aren't cheap.
Your first appointment for a full set will be the most expensive.
But many salons run specials for new clients, and you can often find coupons on deal sites
like Groupon.
Full sets can range anywhere from $100 to $350, depending on the style and type of lash.
As you'd expect, real fur lashes are the most expensive.
Fill-ins are typically priced by the week, ranging from $40 to $50 at two weeks, $50
to $75 at three weeks, $75 to $90 at four weeks, and so on.
Each salon is different, though, so do your research in your own area to find a place
that fits into your budget.
Are you allergic?
Unfortunately, some people are allergic to eyelash extensions or adhesives.
If you're thinking about getting them, but you're concerned you might be allergic, ask
the salon to see if they'll let you do a patch test first.
It's difficult to know until they're applied, but if both eyes swell and get red, you probably
have an allergy.
So get those things off!
Longtime extension wearers can also develop contact dermatitis.
Borodina recommends taking a break from extensions if you notice flaking, redness, or swelling
to prevent developing an allergy.
Why Extend?
There are plenty of reasons to get extensions.
For one, extensions can also make you appear more awake and alert.
And since long flirty lashes are often associated with youth, one application can instantly
take years of your face.
To top it all off, they're the ultimate convenience.
Wake up, splash your face, and look like a million bucks — no makeup required.
No need to spend time or money on mascara, eye shadows, and eyeliner when you have long,
luscious lashes.
An eye for beauty
While no one needs eyelash extensions to look gorgeous, they're a great and convenient way
to feel good about yourself.
If you're wanting to add a little oomph to your look, give extensions a try!
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