If there is any one thing that makes me feel FLAWLESS, like Beyonce I woke up like this vibes, it is eyelash extensions! Ever since the first time I tried them a couple years ago, I have been a huge fan of eyelash extensions. I could tell you a million reasons why I love lash extensions, but let’s just say my favorite thing about them is that I feel like I can go virtually makeup free because they just wake my face up in the best way!

In case you have absolutely no clue what eyelash extensions are, let me get you up to speed. Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent false lashes that have to be applied by a technician who glues each individual lash onto your lashes by hand. They can be fully customized for whatever look you’re going for, from super natural to very dramatic, and look super natural. I usually only get lash extensions for special occasions, like my wedding or a big trip, but many people choose to keep them up regularly by going in for fills every 3 weeks or so. Fills are when the technician replaces the lashes that fall out naturally over time.

Eyelash Extensions: The Pros and Cons

Ok, so let’s start with the cons of lash extensions:

• The cost: Lash extensions are not exactly cheap. A full set can cost you about $150-$200 a set, and fills can run you anywhere between $65-$100. Of course this all depends on the materials used and where you are located.
• Upkeep: Lash extensions definitely require some upkeep. For me, it is hard to get used to not rubbing my eyes, but after the first couple days, I’ve broken the habit. Additionally, any products with oils have to be avoided if you want to maintain your lashes.
• Getting lash extensions regularly can lead to loss of your own lashes. Some say it is better to only get them sporadically for special events.
• Side effects can include swelling and infections: Some salons use lash glue that contains formaldehyde and other chemicals, and some people have reported having a negative reaction to the chemicals.

Ok, now that we started with the bad news, here’s the pros:

• Wake up every morning with amazing lashes…you’ll find you don’t need to wear makeup as much because those lashes speak for themselves.
• They look more natural than strip lashes: Because lash extensions are fully customizable and applied by hand, they look so much more like your own eyelashes, something that you can’t exactly say about strip lashes. This makes lash extensions ideal for those times when you want to look your absolute best, like your wedding, prom, vacation….you get the point!
• Confidence: I don’t know about you, but every time I get I get lash extensions I am feelin myself every time I look in the mirror and I am not even ashamed to admit it!
  

Eyelash Extensions: What to know before your appointment

Before getting eyelash extensions, the first step is to find a salon/lash tech who is reputable and knows what they are doing! Let me give you a little story time really fast: last fall, right before my wedding, I was broke from paying for my wedding but knew I still wanted to get lash extensions. I happened to have a Groupon credit, so I figured I’d save some $$ and use that credit for my lash extensions, but that meant I was confined to finding someone on Groupon. After a preliminary search, I found a girl who had good reviews on Yelp, so I went for it. Maybe it was a miscommunication on my part, but I opened my eyes after she applied my set of lashes and was instantly horrified at what I saw in the mirror. My lashes were super thick and unnatural looking…I looked like one of those creepy dolls whose eyes open and close with gravity. Long story short, after a lot of tears, this lash tech fixed it the next day by pulling out some of the lashes and thinning them out….but y’all that was a hella stressful sitch right before my big day!

All that to say, don’t do this to yourself. Do not go for a cheaper tech just to save money. DO find a reputable place to get your lashes!!! It really does matter! I got my last set done by Sugarlash Pro and I couldn’t have been happier with the entire experience and end result. My technician was knowledgeable about how to choose the right lashes and placement of the lashes for my own eye shape for the best look for me!

Speaking of Sugarlash Pro, I also created a video on this topic and included clips of the process of eyelash extension application. I would HIGHLY encourage you to also check that out because there’s info in that video that I didn’t include here. You can watch that video right this way, if so please!

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my easy straight and curly hair style post! Check it out here!

eyelash extensions eyelash extentions 101