Alright y’all, this post has been a long time coming but I’m finally getting around to sharing my experience with eyelash extensions with you guys. The popularity of lash extensions is on the rise and of course I was curious. I wanted to know what it felt like to have super long lashes every day while saving time getting ready. Today I’m sharing 10 things you should know before getting lash extensions and also how mine turned out over the course of a month.
I had a lot of events at the end of summer (blog conference, wedding, Miami) so I figured it would be a great time to try out lash extensions. Let me first say that I LOVED how they looked and you couldn’t “feel” them like you would normal adhesive lashes. The salon I went to offers mink lashes, which are the most natural looking. But on the flip side, I also wish I knew a little more about this process before I took it on. Here are 10 things that anyone thinking about getting extensions should know:
1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR MASCARA
This is hands down the best thing about having lash extensions. I loved having the “I woke up like this” look because long eyelashes just make you look so much more awake! I also felt like I didn’t really need any eye makeup at all because they just look that good. Removing mascara was always the least favorite part of my nighttime routine and it felt so good to just skip this step.
If you want to get and maintain lashes, be ready to drop some serious $$$. Prices vary at each salon, but my full-set was $150 and fill-ins are $50. The price also depends on what type of lashes you get- mink, synthetic, or silk. As far as time goes, it takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to get a full set and about an hour for fill-ins.
Speaking of fill-ins, you’ll have to hit the salon about every 3 weeks (4 if you’re lucky) to get your lashes filled in. You also have to wash & blow dry your lashes to keep them free of oils and maintain their curl. Johnson’s baby wash daily/ every other day will do the trick! Your lash technician will also give you a spooly brush to use.
This is definitely something to keep in mind, especially if you work out a lot. Moisture affects the glue used on the lashes and won’t let it cure as well. Avoid any heavy exercise, crying, eye makeup, and face wash.
You have to be pretty gentle with these babies and if you love to rub your eyes or have allergies where they get really itchy, these may not be for you. If you vigorously rub your eyes, you risk the lashes falling out AND also risk damaging your natural lashes. Just don’t do it!
6. BE AWARE OF HOW YOU SLEEP
During my first month with the lashes, a few more fell out than normal and I was told that the way you sleep can definitely affect this. Try your best to sleep on your back (easier said than done, I know) and if you sleep on your stomach you may wake up to flattened lashes. After sleeping, some of my lashes would sometimes point in the wrong directions (drove me crazy!) but a good wash & blow dry would usually fix this.
7. YOU CAN’T USE CERTAIN MAKEUP PRODUCTS
When removing eye makeup, make sure to only use oil-free makeup remover because oil can weekend the glue and cause your lashes to slide off. Also, liquid liner is recommended over cream/pencil because they contain oils as well.
8. PUTTING ON EYELINER CAN BE TRICKY
Speaking of eye makeup, I found it kind of a pain to put on. Yes, it was nice to to need eye makeup but when I actually wanted to put it on, I found the lashes to get in the way. And taking it off was a pain because you have to be so gentle- I never felt like I got all of my liquid liner completely off.
9. YOU’LL NOTICE WHEN THEY FALL OUT
I found that more of my lashes fell out the first month (shown in these photos) than the second month but I think that was due to me getting used to the lashes. So don’t lose hope if things don’t go as well the first month! Since these are so much longer and darker than natural lashes, expect to find these little guys on you pillow, on the couch, and in random places all over the house.
10. YOU WON’T LIKE HOW YOUR LASHES LOOK WHEN THEY’RE REMOVED
Y’all. This was the saddest part. I got mine removed last week (super quick and only $10) and was quite sad to see my little stubby lashes underneath. Lash extensions are “supposedly” safe and shouldn’t damage your lashes, but some have say that it makes your lashes weaker due to constantly supporting the weight of the extension. You have to be prepared that your eyelashes will look wayyyy smaller because you have been so used to having long extensions. I’m guessing this is why people get addicted!
Whew, that was a lot of info! I know a lot of these things may sound negative, but I really did love having lash extensions and they really make your eyes looks fabulous. I got them removed because of cost and I also just wanted to get back in my normal routine for a while.
I figured I would get them again but after seeing how small my lashes appear now, I’m totally rethinking that. But then again, I miss them! And remember, everyone has a different experience but I just thought I’d share some things I wish I would’ve known before trying them out. Hope this gave y’all a little insight into the extension process and if you have any other questions, feel free to email me at medicineandmanicures@gmail.com.
kerri @ cheshire kat says
what a great review and tips! my gf has been on the lash train and cannot stop. she's addicted! i'm on the microblading eyebrow train and can't stop – we all have our vices haha.
xoxo cheshire kat
Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes} says
This is such a great post! I had been going back and forth between wanting lash extensions and not, mainly due to the upkeep. I had no idea you couldn't use certain beauty products too, makes sense! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Cassidy C. says
I got extensions for my wedding 2 years ago and LOVED them. Like you said, no mascara and your eyes look amazing with little to no effort! But also as you mentioned, they're expensive to keep up with and you have to be super careful about the products that you use. I don't remember having any damage to my natural lashes, but I also didn't have my extensions removed, I just let them all fall out. So maybe doing it that way, I didn't notice a big difference all at once, if that makes sense? Hair extensions are another story though. ugh. I'll never do that one again!
Laura B @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
Good post! I've had mine for 4 months now and love them! They save me over 4 hours a month from not having to curl and apply mascara, and it only takes me 1 hour a month for extensions. And they only cost $45 a month which is about the same as one pedicure a month. I just love not wearing mascara and being able to swim or sweat and not have streaks running down my face. = )
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting} says
I've been wanting to try extensions for awhile now but just haven't made the investment. The thought of it taking so long to apply them definitely is keeping me away for now too.
Fizz and Frosting
] says
This local brand offered my free eyelash extensions recently but I've been hesitant to try them. (I don't want them to affect my normal eyelash length). But your post is making me want to give them a try now!! 🙂
xO – Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
rachel - pinteresting plans says
wow i really appreciate your honest feedback. you definitely highlighted things i had never thought of. like how hard it is for me to sleep on my back and i use a sleep mask. thanks for the tips.
rachel http://www.pinterestingplans.com
Chesson | Magnolia+Main says
You definitely rocked those long lashes! I bet it was extremely nice not having to deal with putting on / taking off mascara for a month… hands down, least favorite part of the day is taking it off at night.
Owen Davis @ Davis Duo says
I have been blessed with pretty long lashes naturally. However, I have a TERRIBLEEEE habit of rubbing my eyes/pulling at my lashes. These extensions sound so tedious, probably not for me but they are beautiful for sure!
Zelle B. says
I've been maintaining mine consistently since early spring and it's a doozy for sure – but I love them! I will probably stop once I get married but I absolutely love not wearing eye-makeup during the work-week!
Zelle
Southern Style
Taylor Elise says
I was talking to a specialist the other day! I don't know if I would do it but yours look fabulous!
http://stopdropandvogue.com
shaheen khan says
I've been debating them for a while and this was super helpful! They look amazing on you!
Nicole Kestenbaum says
I used to get lash extension but I love rubbing my face at night and massaging it with oils so I don't wear them anymore. How sad my lashes looked after taking them off just made me not want to get them anymore. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Head to Toe Chic says
These are such great tips! I've been wondering a lot about eyelash extensions.
xo,
Angela
Jessica Sheppard says
#10 is the kicker for me!!! I KNOW I'd be addicted real quick if I ever try them and since they are such an investment, I'm holding off as long as possible. 🙂 Thanks for the helpful info to consider!
Morgan Flinchum says
Sounds like the vicious ((or wonderful – depending on how you look at it haha)) cycle I have put myself in with getting mani's. I know once I start I wouldn't want to stop!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Maggie Zemanek says
I got my first pair a few months ago and wish I had read this!! Honestly I wasn't a fan of them and it was just too much upkeep for me.
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Lauren Powers says
These look so pretty on you! I've always been curious about eyelash extensions – thanks for the info!
Lauren
http://www.anexplorersheart.com
Emily says
Thx for sharing all of this info 🙂
-Emily
https://baublesandthreads.wordpress.com
Meghan I'm Fixin' To says
These are great tips! I really did want them after seeing your eyelashes at the Blog Conference, but couldn't commit to the maintenance! xx, I'm Fixin' To
Alexandra Stacey says
This is an awesome post! Your lashes look so good!! I've wanted lash extensions for a while, but I don't know if I can justify the $ plus upkeep.
Lawren Bagley says
Such great results! Love some good & long lashes!
Lawren
http://www.saltwaterandstilettos.com
Stephanie|AStyleofHerOwn says
This post is so helpful. I have always wondered how they held up after a week or two. They are beautiful, no doubt, but I think they might be more trouble than they are worth! Thanks for the honesty 🙂
xo,
Stephanie
http://www.astyleofherownblog.com
Hillary @ styleinasmalltown says
This is such a great post and so timely! I was just thinking about getting them, myself. You provided a lot of great information and now I'm reconsidering getting them. Thanks lady!
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com