I tried eyelash extensions!

I really hate applying mascara and falsies, but love the look of long, curly lashes. Eyelash extensions sounded like a dream come true! If you’re curious, read on for my experience with lash extensions.

What are eyelash extensions?

They’re individual false lashes, either made from synthetic fibers or mink, that are glued onto the base of your real lashes. You can customize the length and volume of the lash extensions. I asked for a “natural” look.

What was getting them like?

It was one of the most relaxing experiences of my life. You lie on a reclined chair with your eyes closed as the lash technician applies each lash. It took about an hour for the full set and I think I fell asleep at one point. I mean, the chair was heated and there was a really soft blanket on it…anyway, the point is that the actual experience is very relaxing.

How do you take care of them?

The lash technician told me to not get them wet for 24 hours and to not get oil on them. That means no oil-based makeup remover or skincare, so I used micellular water to remove makeup. You should also avoid doing anything that would cause eyelashes to come off, like rubbing your eyes or sleeping weirdly on your face (totally guilty of this).

How long do they last?

The extensions fall off when the natural lashes that they’re glued to fall off. I got a fill after the 3rd week and while my lashes were still noticeably thicker and longer, most of the extensions had fallen out.

How much do they cost?

Prices range from around $100 to $200 for a full set and get more expensive for more dramatic lashes. I got a Groupon, so a full set plus a fill was $99. And then I applied a $15 off Groupon discount on top of that, so it ended up being $84! (Plus tip. It’s recommended to tip at least 20% of the total cost.)

Do they damage your natural lashes?

No, lash extensions do not damage your natural lashes if they’re applied correctly. Your technician should customize the weight of the lashes to your natural lashes because if the fake lashes are too heavy it can damage your natural lashes. In addition, each lash should be applied individually and not in a cluster.

Make sure your technician has at least a couple years of experience and read the reviews of the salon you go to beforehand!

Was it worth it?

You can see the results in the photo at the beginning of this post. I’m not wearing any eye makeup in either picture. I do like how they look, but sometimes find them odd-looking when I’m not wearing any makeup maybe just because I’m not used to them.

I decided to get extensions before my trip to Spain because I wanted my vacation beauty routine to be very low maintenance…but I also wanted to look cute 24/7. It was much faster to do my makeup and I could even skip eye makeup altogether. When I did wear eye makeup, I found it pretty difficult to apply precise eyeliner. Oh well, skipping eyeliner saves even more time!

It was worth trying and I would consider doing this again before another vacation or just for fun, but not regularly. Groupon also made it so much cheaper than it normally would be, but I think next time I’d want to try a higher price point and see if that gets me prettier lashes and a more customized experience.

What is this Groupon you’re talking about and how can I get in on that?

Groupon sells deals on everything from salons to restaurants to skydiving. I’ve used it for restaurants and a sensory deprivation tank/float tank session (lol why not). Groupon also offers great discounts on top of their deals! Join Groupon here and search “eyelash extensions” for deals near you.

Have you tried lash extensions? What do you think?

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