September 10, 2021

Eyelash Extensions Pros and Cons

Beauty + Skincare, Featured, Style + Beauty, Wedding 10

Read all about eyelash extensions pros and cons to help you decide if they’re a good choice for you!

woman preparing and showing the eyelash extensions pros and cons

I usually don’t feel the need to try a lot of beauty trends, but this one is different for me. Because my lashes aren’t naturally long/curly and I hate glue-on strip lashes, I’ve always been curious about trying out eyelash extensions. And my curiosity only grew every time one of you would ask me if I’ve tried them! I remember thinking “maybe I should just do it so I can talk about it with them from experience.“

So, I tried them a few years ago and enjoyed them, but didn’t love them enough to keep up with the financial and time commitment. That being said, I always knew that I’d get them again for my wedding. This time, I went to Penny (she works out of Prery Collective) and I am completely in love. Even Adam, who wasn’t a huge fan the first time, LOVED the way Penny did them. And now I want them all the time! I’m still not sure it’s something I will keep up with all the time, but you betchya I will get them before our honeymoon to Italy, before giving birth, and any other big events/trips when I want to feel extra special with minimal effort.

Now before diving into my personal eyelash extensions pros and cons, let’s go through all of the questions you guys submitted!

Lash Extensions FAQ: Everything You Need To Know About False Eyelashes

What is the false eyelash application process like?

Obviously, my eyes were closed the whole time, so I can’t speak to how they are technically applied. But my experience was very simple. I laid down on a massage table type situation and she started by taping down my bottom lashes so they wouldn’t get tangled with my upper lashes at all. Then I closed my eyes for about 2 hours and let her do her thing. That’s it!

How did your eyes react to fake eyelashes? Is it okay if you have sensitive eyes?

I didn’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to them at all, even with contacts in. That being said, it’s a good idea to try them out before any big event to make sure you don’t have any sensitivities or reactions. The last thing you want is puffiness or itchiness around your eyes on your wedding day!

Can you feel your lash extensions? Do they feel heavy?

They didn’t feel heavy to me at all! A lot of you were also very curious about how they would feel with contacts and glasses. I wear contacts or glasses every single day (I have very bad vision!), and they never bothered me with either. This is the biggest reason why I wanted these for my wedding, because glue-on strip lashes always feel funny and irritate my eyes!

How often do you need to get your false eyelashes refilled?

I think this depends on who you go to and how well you can maintain them. That being said, I got mine done on July 26th followed by a fill on August 19th. They still looked really great before my fill, too – I was so impressed!

How long do fake lashes last if you don’t want to get them refilled?

When I first got them done a few years ago, I had them on for a full month without any fills. I made it work, but I’ll admit that they were on a little too long. If you know you only want them for one or two sessions, you can either schedule a time to get them taken off, or take them off yourself.

That first time I tried them, I decided to take my lash extensions off myself – in the name of research! To be fair, most of them had fallen out by the end of the month, but all I did was use a warm washcloth and then rub a little bit of coconut oil on my eyelashes until they released. I lost a few on my natural lashes in the process, but it wasn’t anything catastrophic.

WARNING: Do this at your own risk! Please do not take them off at home and then get mad at me because something went wrong. If you are worried about it at all, go get them taken off by a professional!

Did lash extensions wear off around the same time or did you have an awkward phase when the lashes were different?

They pretty much wore off around the same time, except for that last week. Moral of the story – pay attention to your lashes and try not to go more than 3-4 weeks in between fills at the longest and you shouldn’t have any issues.

How do you wash your face? Can you still get your eyes wet with fake eyelashes?

They say you should avoid products that contain oil near your lashes, including makeup, cleansers, moisturizers and makeup removers.

I have continued to use my Tula cleanser (use code LAKESHORELADY for 15% off!) even though it’s not oil free. I just avoid scrubbing around my eyes. If I wear eye makeup, I’ll use a wipe or pad to gently target that area. I also recommend brushing them after getting them wet to prevent them from sticking together.

Can you still wear eye makeup with eyelash extensions?

Honestly, one of the major perks of getting lash extensions is the fact that I didn’t feel the need to put eye makeup on! Most of the days I had them, I’d put a little concealer under my eyes, swipe some blush on, and that’s it. It was SO NICE.

When I was dressing up a little bit more, and then also when they started to fall out, I would put a little bit of eyeshadow and eyeliner on right at the lash line. I never felt the need to wear mascara on the top lashes though. They didn’t need it!!

Does working out/sweating a lot affect your lashes?

I was definitely worried about this because I work out multiple times a week. Luckily, I didn’t have any issues! I was just more careful wiping sweat off of my face than I normally would be, but that doesn’t take that much effort.

Do eyelash extensions get matted or do they stay curly after you sleep?

A few of you asked about the sleep situation! As long as you avoid burying your face in your pillow, you should be fine. There were a few mornings when they looked a little wonky, but a quick brush with a spoolie brush made them look fine again. I also got a silk pillowcase to help avoid any pulling on the lashes in the middle of the night.

How did people react to your false lash extensions?

Someone asked this because they were worried about people judging them at their conservative office. In that case, I would just be really clear with your technician that you don’t want them TOO over the top.

Although this isn’t the same at all, Adam didn’t love mine the first time I got them – but he loves them now because these are just a little more natural looking. I think if you are worried about the reactions, start with a more subtle volume/length, and work your way up from there.

How were your real lashes affected by fake eyelashes?

So many people were worried about the damage to your natural lashes! To be honest, I was too – so much so that I asked my lash technician about it at my appointment. She explained that your natural eyelashes shed anyway as a part of their growth cycle, so freaking out about a lash falling out with an extension really isn’t the end of the world.

The longest I’ve ever had them on is a month and a half, so I obviously can’t speak to the long term affects on your lashes. That being said, I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with getting lash extensions for special occasions or a super busy time in your life. I mean, last time I took what was left of my extensions off myself with coconut oil and my natural lashes are perfectly fine. They’re still there!

Where did you go and how much did it cost?

I went to Penny at Prery Collective, and she charged me $200 for the initial set and $100 for the fills. If she is ever out of town when I need lashes, I think I’ll probably try Legendary Lash and Nail since I had such a great experience with their nail services.

Prices really vary though, so I’d definitely shop around and read reviews. Envious Lashes, a major lash salon in NYC, costs between $175-245 for a set!