I think it’s safe to say, most of us have lash goals. Unless you are genetically blessed (lucky you!), you have probably spent a significant amount of time trying to find the perfect mascara to make your lashes look amazing. Or spending way too long trying to use an eyelash curler to get that perfect curl. I’ll admit that I have. And since switching to safer beauty products, #thestruggleisreal. It is very challenging to find safer products that still give you the volume and length, which we all so need want.

What are lash extensions?

Enter lash extensions. Lash extensions are a much more reliable way of getting length and/or volume and not having to worry about washing it off at the end of the day. So you can truly wake up each morning and say, “I woke up like this!” Jk, but not really. What exactly are lash extensions? According to Amazing Lash Studio Geneva, they are:

“individual strands of synthetic fibers made to replicate a natural eyelash. When applied, eyelash extensions lengthen and thicken your own natural eyelashes. The single strands are applied to each individual eyelash, one by one. With proper application, lash extensions look and feel completely natural.”

If you’re interested in reading more FAQ’s about lash extensions from a reputable source, read more on Amazing Lash studio’s website. I chose to get my eyelash extensions done by Amazing Lash Studio Geneva because after researching a bit, I concluded that this studio knows what they’re doing; all the estheticians are properly trained. I actually have gotten lash extensions a few other times from different salons, and both of them were not good experiences. I also chose to get my lashes done about 72 hours before my event, so that the lash glue would have adequate time to dry before I added eye makeup.

The process

When you go to get lash extensions at Amazing Lash Studio, you must first fill out a questionnaire for you esthetician – similar to when you get your eyebrows waxed/a facial/etc. Next, you meet with your esthetician in order to decide which kind of lashes you want. These are the most common options offered at Amazing Lash studio:

I decided to go with the “Gorgeous” style, because I was looking to really make my eyes “pop” for my two blogger events that I had that upcoming weekend. After you choose your lashes and make sure that all your makeup is off, you get to sit back and relax. Literally, that all you do while the esthetician works their magic. They even have blankets and pillows so that you can really get comfortable. Also, if you’re lacking in the sleep department – like me – you may be able to squeeze in a short nap! Typically, you don’t need to feel pressured to talk; most estheticians really remain focused while they’re doing your lashes (at least the good ones I’ve worked with).

Before:

The whole process for first time extensions takes about an hour and a half. Remember, the lashes are being glued to each one of your individual lashes. That takes time! So set aside a good chunk of time for your extensions, and then just sit back and relax.

After:

Not a flattering picture of me, but look at that volume!

Refills

Properly applied and well-maintained lash extensions last between 2-4 weeks. 2 weeks may sound short, but since we shed lashes daily you will have naturally lost some lashes by then, even if you care for them properly. I went and got mine filled after three and a half weeks because mine were going strong this time, and I credit my esthetician to that. Laura at Amazing Lash Studio Geneva did an exquisite job! I probably could have gone even longer before my fill, but the lashes on one of my eyes were looking worse than the other. However, I learned from them that this is normal. Each eye is different, including how fast the lashes grow! Isn’t that surprising?! It was very surprising to me.

You can see in this closeup picture that my left lashes are not looking as good as my right, but they still look pretty good considering I had them 3 1/2 weeks!

After refill:

Notice anything a little bit different about these lashes? I went with a slightly different style of lashes for my refill. I chose the “sexy style” because I wanted more volume that follows the natural shape of my eye. That’s the cool thing about lash extensions, you can change them up as your style or look changes.

Common myths about lash extensions (at least ones that I’ve run into, there may be others):

1. Myth 1: “You can’t wear other makeup or mascara when you have lash extensions.” FALSE. You do need to wait 48 hours after getting lash extensions/lash refills before you wear eye makeup, but after that it’s fair game. You do need to be aware that you cannot wear waterproof makeup or use oil on or around your lashes, as this will loosen the glue that holds the extensions on your natural lashes.
2. Myth 2: “They look fake.” FALSE. Yes, I realize this is subjective, but hear me out. Every single person that complimented me about my lashes (which was quite a few – so the hype is real folks!) first asked me: “what mascara are you using?” With the proper length extensions, people do not assume they are fake. They do indeed look natural. I can attest that the two styles I tried from Amazing Lash Studio Geneva looked natural.
3. Myth 3: “They’re too much work”. FALSE. I actually think they take less time than trying to make my lashes look longer with traditional mascara. Cleaning the lashes does take some maintenance, but this is not much different than washing your mascara off daily. You can wear minimal/no makeup and it looks like you are wearing mascara. #winning
4. Myth 4:”They will ruin my natural lashes.” FALSE. Your natural lashes shed daily, just like the hair on your head and your eyebrows. The lash extensions are actually attached to your natural lashes, so they will shed along with them. If you pull a lot at your lashes while the extensions are on, your natural lashes will come out with them. If you really want to get your extensions removed, see a professional. And remember, your natural lashes will look very short to you when you get your extensions taken out. You will have gotten used to super long lashes, and your lashes will then look like you cut them.

Finished products: STUNNING lashes that look like you’re wearing the world’s best mascara! Here are some pictures from my photoshoot (the reason I originally got the lash extensions). I am not wearing any mascara in these pictures, but I am of course wearing other makeup. Don’t they look good?!

I love how full they look in all my pictures!

If you’d like to add some volume or just up your lash game, head over to Amazing Lash Studio to find a studio near you! They have over 200 locations in over 20 states, so chances are there’s one near you. If you’re local to the Chicagoland area, check out their studios in Geneva (where I went) or Naperville. They have special deals for first-time clients!

 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary lash extensions in exchange for a fair review, however all opinions are my own.