Let’s talk lash extensions

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I have a ton of lashes but they are short and basically all the same length. I have tried every lengthening mascara, but let’s face it, they do help but don’t perform miracles. So, if you are on Instagram you know the Kylie LipKit filter, which gives you amazing under eye fillers, amazing bold lips, and more importantly, amazing lashes. I wanted to wake up with those amazing lashes everyday but without having to put on 5 coats of mascara or apply daily falsies. So, after doing some research, I found a lash studio in my area that had the style I wanted and I booked an appointment. If you are thinking about getting lash extensions, I have gathered below five things you should know before getting them:

#1:  There is a difference between eyelash extensions and temporary lashes (falsies)

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent and are applied by a technician who hand-glues the extensions on top of your natural lashes. Since they are glued to your lashes, not your lash line, they can last for six to eight weeks. They fall out when your natural lash falls and since your natural lashes shed at different rates, so will your extensions, which means that in a few weeks, you'll be left with a sparse lash line. That is why you must get refills every two to three weeks (my esthetician recommended me to get refills every three weeks).

#2:  Know that lash extension are expensive and time consuming

Don’t think lash extensions will save you money on makeup in the long run. They might save you a couple of bucks in mascara but you will be spending hundreds in lash extensions instead. Also, don’t think they are installed quickly. A session can last between 90 minutes to 2 hours and yes, you are going to have your eyes closed during that long period of time. I’ll be honest and say that after having my eyes closed for 2 hours, my lids began to twitch out of control.

#3:  Lash extensions are high maintenance

You need to avoid cream make-up around your eyes, rubbing your eyes, crying, steam, and wetting your lashes for the first 48 hours after getting lash extensions.

To continue taking good care of your lashes after the 48 hours, you’ll need to avoid using oil-based products and heavy creams around your eyes (oils and cream will loosen the lash glue, causing your extensions to fall off). Also, you should not apply any waterproof makeup nor mascara to the lashes (mascara will add weight causing breakage). 

Also, lashes can get tousled when you sleep (I recommend getting a silk pillow cover) and pick up debris for anywhere. You must gently brush your lashes with a clean, disposable mascara wand when you wake up, after you shower, and at the end of the day (always carry a disposable mascara wand with you, one in your purse, at work, in your car, and so on). It’s very important that you clean your lashes daily with a gentle oil free cleanser (I use a lash foam cleanser, half a pump on each side). Lastly, I recommend getting a hand held battery-operated fan so you can dry your lashes with a spoolie every time you get them wet, that way they maintain their form.

#4:  Eyelash extension can be addictive

At the beginning it might be a while before you start getting used to your lashes, but it’s so worth it. Like I said above, it’s only been 3 days, but I cannot picture myself going back to my tiny little lashes. I even scheduled my refill in three weeks right after my first appointment and became a member at the lash studio with a monthly subscription, which allows you to get your lashes for a much lower price. So let’s be honest, I’m not planning to go back to my natural lashes for a while. I’m addicted to my new lashes. 

#5:  Eyelash extensions come in all sizes and styles

Lastly and most importantly, not all sizes or all styles of eyelash extensions are suited for every eye size or shape. It’s important to go with pictures of the eyelash style you want to try and show them to you esthetician. From the pictures and by evaluating your eye shape and size, she advises which style suits you and which length of lash extension works better for you. 

I went for the natural style because I didn’t want to have overly long ones, so my lash stylist recommended me to do the 12 mm. So I currently have 10 mm in the inner part of my eye, 11 mm in the middle, and then 12 mm in the outer part of my eye. I’m still getting used to receiving compliments on my lashes and also getting used to having lashes, period, but it’s only been 3 days.

Another point I want to make is that eyelash extensions are not for everyone, especially if you are highly sensitive around your eye. The lash extensions are glued to your lashes, a glue which has chemicals that can irritate your lash line and eye area. Many lash studios offer a patch test before you do your eyelash extension appointment. Also it’s very important that you go to a certified lash studio since eyelashes installed poorly can cause severe eye problems. Make sure your lash stylist has clean utensils and clean hands since they can’t work with gloves because they get stuck to everything making it a challenge to apply each individual lash (you don’t want to get conjunctivitis).

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I hope you find this helpful. If you get your lashes done, tell me about your experience in the comments down below. Also, send me a pic on how you rock your falsies or lash extensions via Instagram, or tag me in your post.

 Until next time, 

 Katia María