Are Eyelash Extensions Worth It?
What You Should Know Before Getting Eyelash Extensions
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I may have bad hair, but I have halfway decent lashes. I typically do not wear mascara or curl my lashes, but I could not help but be intrigued about what eyelash extensions would look like. I hear really good things from those who have had them or who gets them. My esthetician warned me that they would be a game-changer and that I might now be able to stop. She was right!
One day, I woke up and made the appointment. It was supposed to take 1.5 hours. When I got to the lash studio, my eyelash artist was warm and welcoming. I laid down on a comfy table and she then began my lash work.
I did not google what the process was like prior to my visit. I now know after watching eyelash extension videos that she started by taping down my lower lashes with a lash gel pad. After that, I fell asleep! It was very relaxing.
It may be difficult to tell in my above lash photo, but my natural lashes are not too bad. I recently had my eyebrows microbladed (before and after here!) which was a wonderful decision. My decision to get eyelash extensions stems from the same thought - wanting an effortless look with minimum effort in the morning. I have a fast-paced career and in these video-call and masked times, everyone sees your eyes.
When my eyelashes were complete, Caitlin handed me the mirror. Well, let me tell you - va va voom on the lash front! I could not believe what I was seeing. I felt instantly glamourous. It was one of those procedures where I could not stop checking myself out. Prices will vary depending on where you live, but my first set was $100 and I tipped her on top of that fee.
Before I left the studio, she gave my lashes a brushing and sent me on my way with brushes. She did say I could put mascara on the lashes, but honestly, why?! There were gorgeous as is and I did not want to jeopardize them with mascara and mascara removal. She instructed me to wash them as needed with water and a smidge of tear-free baby shampoo.
Before I left, I scheduled a fill for three weeks later. This would reduce my cost to $80. Anything beyond three weeks is considered a new set and I’d have to pay $100 again. I have since looked up pricing at other lash studios and the prices are comparable. Lashes are certainly a luxury - they are costly no matter where you live!
I monitored my eyelash progress weekly. After two weeks, which is my photo below, my lashes were still looking great. I would not be honest if I did not acknowledge that the lashes did bother my eyes at times at the start. I was not used to them and a few nights I wanted to pull them off. I hung in there. Washing them with the baby shampoo greatly helped to take away any itching.
I went back for my fill three weeks later. Once again, I looked like a million bucks leaving the salon. After three weeks, the lashes still looked pretty good. The fresh set looked even better. I tried by best not to sleep on my stomach, fearing that the extensions would shed faster than if I stayed on my back. I’m a stomach sleeper through and through though so I had to give in. I don’t think stomach sleeping caused them to shed faster than back sleeping.
I’m currently at four weeks from when I last got my lashes filled. As you can see in the photo below, there are only a few lashes hanging on at this point. They still give my eyes a little flare though!
I have not noticed any damage to my natural lashes by the extensions. I think the objective is to place the glue between your natural lashes, which prevents damage. All said and done - are lash extensions worth it? 100% yes. I received SO MANY compliments. People could notice them on video calls and everyone noticed them in person. The downside is that they can be itchy at times and they are expensive. I have my next appointment later this week!
After seeing my lashes after four weeks, I started to think that there must be a way to prolong lash extensions. I purchased the below items to use on top of 3 and 4-week old lash extensions to see if I can prolong their life and reduce my expense a bit. Below are those products.
If you try lash extensions, it will be difficult to go back. They will transform your look. Between my lashes and ombre powder brows, I put on bronzer in the morning and I am out the door. Easy peasy! (but costly wostly).
7 Products To Give You That Lash Extension Look
6) Magnetic Eyelash Kit - 5 pairs!
7) Thrive Tubing Mascara - this stuff is C-O-O-L!
