These days, well-shaped eyebrows get a lot of hype, but we can’t forget about the impact eyelashes have on your entire look. Long, defined eyelashes and eyelash extensions brighten and widen your eyes. Looking refreshed and wide awake can make a world of a difference!
Eyelashes are hard to avoid! In every cool eyeliner look or eye makeup inspiration photo, there are always fluttery lashes at the center. Most of us aren’t blessed with naturally long and dark eyelashes, so that’s where eyelash extensions come in.
I used to swear by my extensions, and never went too long in between fills. But over time, I found the cons of getting them done to outweigh the pros. Keep reading for more on what eyelash extensions are, the benefits, and the reasons why I stopped getting them.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semipermanent lashes that are hand-glued on top of your natural lashes. They can transform your look to dramatically enhance the length, thickness, and fullness of natural eyelashes.
When applied correctly by a licensed technician, eyelash extensions can give you a customizable, painless, and beautiful look. Cue that Beyonce song that goes, I woke up like this.
The Benefits
I’m all about saving time while getting ready in the morning. I admit I tend to hit the snooze button one too many times and find myself rushing out the door most days. One of the biggest benefits I experienced with eyelash extensions was I saved a ton of time getting ready.
Eyelash extensions will definitely make you feel put together, even when you’re rolling out of bed. I didn’t even feel the need to put on any other eye makeup at all, because my lashes alone made my eyes defined and bright.
That’s a little bit about what I liked about eyelash extensions. Now let’s get into what eventually prompted me to stop getting them altogether.
Top Reasons I No Longer Get Eyelash Extensions
Cost
Just like other beauty services such as hair, nails, and waxing, the cost of eyelash extensions depends on the area you live in. Beauty salons tend to be more expensive in larger cities, so if you live in New York City, Los Angeles, or New York, prepare to shell out more cash for flawless lashes.
Overall, full sets could cost you anywhere between $100 and $400 plus tip depending on if you’re going for a more natural or glam look. Then, because lashes will eventually fall out, you have to go back for in-fills every few weeks, which can cost anywhere from you $50 and $165, depending on volume and how long you wait between touch-ups. If you wait too long, your lash technician may say you need a new set.
The lash material will also greatly impact the cost.
- Silk lashes are widely offered, and can last you a while while they not likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
- Mink lashes are a bit more expensive but lighter, fluffier and more susceptible to damage.
- Synthetic lashes are a more affordable option over silk or mink, plus are vegan and cruelty free.
Maintenance
Although I saved precious minutes in the morning with my eyelash extensions, the time I spent taking care of them quickly started to add up. There’s a learning curve if you’re a lash extension newbie. Proper care will keep your lashes intact longer, so it’s worth learning how to care for them.
Experts recommend using cleansers specifically formulated to be safe for lash extensions, and an eyelash conditioner or growth serum to ensure your lashes stay in tact. This maintenance, on top of needing to be very careful with my eyelashes, greatly extended my nighttime beauty routine.
If you’re a makeup junkie or avid swimmer, eyelash extensions are probably not for you. With eyelash extensions, you have to be really careful not to wear eyeliner, mascara, or use anything oily near your eyes. You also should avoid rubbing or tugging at your eyes. Plus, with a new set or fill, you need to wait until 24 hours after your appointment to shower because of the eyelash adhesive.
Just like your hair, lashes can get tangled when you’re sleeping or showering. It may sound like an unnecessary task to people who haven’t had eyelash extensions, but I started brushing my lashes as often as I brushed my teeth! Each morning and night, I had to remember to brush through them to help remove gunk and buildup. I stocked up on spoolie brushes, which are those little mascara wands.
Similar Solutions at a Fraction of the Price
There are many solutions out there these days that help me achieve what I loved most about my eyelash extensions: a bright-eyed, lifted look.
Mascara
Source: cosmeticslist.com
Although I can’t snooze as long as I’d like to these days, swiping on a couple coats of this Lash Extension Mascara by Essence comes pretty close. At a fraction of the cost of what I used to pay for just a fill, this covers my everyday lash needs.
False Lashes
Source: cosmeticslist.com
When I’m feeling like I need a little extra volume, I’ll opt for some false lashes. Once you put falsies on regularly for a few weeks, you’re basically a pro.
This Falscara Eyelash Starter Kit from KISS looks nearly identical to the eyelash extensions I used to get. Seriously, when I wear these, I look like I just left the salon and out $200. But I didn’t.
Lash Lift and Tint
Even though I stopped getting extensions, I haven’t ditched my salon appointments entirely. My new favorite service to splurge on when I want to wear less makeup is a lash lift and tint. It gives you that lifted and curled mascara look but is still super natural.
Lash lifts and tints are a low-maintenance alternative to lash extensions for people who are looking to save time and money on their lashes.
These appointments are typically shorter than ones for extensions and cost around $85-$100 depending on where you live. I forego my lash curler and mascara for up to eight weeks!
Final Thoughts
While there are many benefits such as looking more natural, less maintenance in getting ready, and of course, feeling super glam, there are a lot of cons that eventually prompted me to stop getting eyelash extensions. Aside from the steep cost, the maintenance of cleaning and getting regular fills turned me off to the service altogether. Plus, with so many really great options out there these days, I don’t miss them at all.
Even in your everyday makeup, there are certain eye looks that you can do to give the appearance of wider, more alert eyes. Fox eyeliner lengthens the eyes using liner instead of a lash product. For more tips on how to give the illusion of bigger eyes, we have a whole guide to hooded eye makeup that anyone can use!
If you think the cost and maintenance are worth it and decide to try eyelash extensions, make sure you find a specialist and have a consultation. Also, be sure to use oil-free eyeliner with your extensions to extend their lifetime!
Ashley Yang is a retailer marketer by day and a freelance writer by night. She loves beauty, health, and wellness but has a particular affinity for skincare. In addition to keeping up with all things skin, she enjoys painting and knitting!