For many women, when we think about standards of beauty, there are a few universally accepted common denominators: glowing skin, healthy hair, long and full eyelashes, and a beautiful, healthy smile. Thankfully we’re living in a time where all body types are celebrated, and there is no longer a set physique that we’re constantly striving for. We can recognize beauty in the individual. But things like achieving the perfect eyebrow, luxurious lashes, and finally splurging on one of our dream designer purses are something we all still yearn for.
The bag you can save for and purchase is a phenomenal feeling and makes us feel like we’ve truly made it. For the eyebrows, you can work patiently with an esthetician to achieve and, in the meantime, use brow growth serums to work on fullness and hair growth. But lashes – there is the temptation to go out and get a complete set of instantly lush, long, and beautiful ones. But, you may have asked yourself – are they worth it? Maybe you’ve heard horror stories of extensions gone wrong. Perhaps you’re wondering if they’re worth the investment because perfect eyelashes don’t come cheaply. Let’s dive in and figure out if eyelash extensions are, in fact, worth it.
Consider The Cost
Getting a complete set of lash extensions is a serious investment. No matter who you ask, $200 to $300 is a lot of money. However, if it’s within your budget, you should consider searching online for a reputable spa, salon, or esthetician that performs the service and at least go in for a consultation. Most providers offer an extension consultation for free, and there you can get the lowdown on what the extensions are made of, how they are applied, and any chemicals used you may be uncomfortable with or not. The esthetician or provider can also look at your lashes and learn about medications or topicals you use that might make you a poor candidate for extensions. If you’re still in the running for a new set of lashes, you can decide to either save up for your new lashes, maybe you already have the money set aside, or you can let friends and loved ones know that for your next gift, you’d like a gift certificate to that salon for extensions.
Enjoy The Application
Just like you want to step up your hair care game, you’ve decided to step up your lash game. Enjoy the application process; while it’s not quick, it’s certainly effortless. And, chances are you’ll be in a spa environment that’s extra relaxing. The provider will have you lay down and place a few gel pads under your eyes to hold your lids in place. With the soothing music and low light levels (don’t worry, they’re using a bright ring light to see what they’re doing) and aromatherapy, if you so desire, the process is over in around 2 hours. You get up, you look in the mirror and, voila! Instant gorgeous, lush lashes, no mascara required.
You’re going to want to connect with your provider before application about wants and expectations. Do you like extreme length, extra volume? Do you want them to look as natural as possible? They will be able to guide you towards a half set, full set, hybrid set, volume set -the options are incredible. So, before application, make sure the two of you are on the same page for the desired outcome.
Live Life Lusciously!
Now you’ve got them on, and you wake up every morning looking like a goddess. Admittedly, you can become addicted to this feeling! To many women, this alone makes lash extensions worth it. But remember to take care of your lashes. You don’t want to get them wet for the first 24 hours after application, and oil is your enemy the entire time you have them on. So, you’ll want to avoid facial oils, oil cleansers and if you have oily skin, invest in a package of blotting papers. Overall, the feeling of having perfect lashes and the time you save getting ready every morning makes them completely worth it – whether long or short term.
Removal or Retention
We shed our natural lashes every two weeks, so you’ll have to maintain getting your lashes filled in every two to three weeks to keep maximum lushness and keep them from getting scraggly. Again, extensions are an investment, but if you want to keep them, make sure you’re getting your fills to keep them looking tip-top. Additionally, growth serums are safe to use alongside extensions (oil-free) that support your natural lashes to remain healthy while wearing the extensions. These serums are a godsend when it’s time to get them removed.
If you decide to get your lashes removed, make sure you invest in a high-quality lash serum. Your lashes will be somewhat shorter than what you started with, not damaged but caught in a growth cycle you wouldn’t usually notice. You’ll also have a bit of a shell shock, and they’ll “seem” shorter because you’re used to your extensions, but they’re likely the usual lashes you had before extensions. So make sure whether you want to keep getting your lashes filled or remove them, you’ve got some growth serum at the ready!
Final Verdict
If lash extensions are within your budget and you have the time to go in for regular fills, they are worth it to most people interested in them. If you take the time to find a reputable extension provider and take care of your lashes per their instructions, you can keep lash extensions for years. They are a confidence booster for many women who wouldn’t consider going a day without them. Make sure you’re using a conditioning serum alongside them, so your natural lashes stay healthy and are in good shape if and when you decide to remove them. Here’s to always being camera-ready!
