The Pros and Cons of Eyelash Extensions vs. False Eyelashes
There are so many beauty trends these days to fluff-up your style and save you a lot of time! If you’re considering getting some fake eyelashes, read on for the pros and cons of eyelash extensions vs false eyelashes, and whether or not they’re truly worth it for lusher lashes.
Lash extensions pros and cons
The average price for a full set of eyelash extensions | $100-$300+ 😱
What are eyelash extensions?
“Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent false lashes that are individually glued to your natural lashes by a professional to add lash volume.”
Pros of eyelash extensions:
-
- Lashes last about 4-6 weeks
- You have control over the fullness and length
- Length can range between 6mm to 17mm
- Cuts down makeup application time
- They stay on until they fall off
- Make your beautiful eyes pop
- They can get wet (after 12-24 hours of application)
- Choose between different types of hair to achieve different looks
- Synthetic
- Silk
- Mink (most expensive)
- You don’t need to deal with mascara
Cons of eyelash extensions:
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- Requires professional application
- They’re expensive to apply and maintain
- Habits of plucking or rubbing eyes can damage the lashes
- Requires proper daily cleaning and fluffing to prolong their lifespan
- Refills are needed every 2-4 weeks
- The length of time will depend on your own lash growth cycle
- Appointments to get them on can be time-consuming
- 2-3.5 hours for a full set
- 1-2 hours for a refill
- Going to an unlicensed person can be very harmful to your eyes
- You can get pink eye if tools aren’t sanitary
- Temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes
- Infection of eyelid or cornea
- Improper glue application can cause injury
- Possibility of allergy to the adhesive
- Eye irritation
- Burning
- Itching
- Bloodshot eyes
False eyelashes (strip eyelashes) pros and cons
The average price of strip lashes | $10-$40+
What are false eyelashes?
“Strip lashes, or otherwise referred to as ‘falsies’, are non-permanent, false hairs attached to a stip which are then glued to your eyelid slightly above the lashes to add volume.”
Pros of strip false eyelashes:
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- Can give you a natural or full glam look based on preference
- Can be reused
- Reduces impact on natural lashes (if applied correctly)
- Make your beautiful eyes pop
- Choose between different types of hair to achieve different looks
- Synthetic
- Silk
- Mink (most expensive)
- More noticeable in photos
Cons of strip false eyelashes:
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- They have to be taken off before you sleep
- Difficult to put on
- They cannot get wet
- Can be very time consuming
- Requires cleaning after each use
- Some can look very fake
- Requires separate purchase of adhesive glue
- Some glues can cause eye irritation and even vision loss
- Glue can easily get stuck on eyelashes or in your eye
- Natural lashes can be ripped off if not applied correctly
So which type of lashes do I prefer?
Overall Winner: Strip Lashes “Falsies” 🎉
I’ve had years of experience using both types of false lashes. To me, some fluffy eyelashes make your whole face pop. They make this momma of three look less tired, and they make me feel put together.
I loved getting lash extensions before vacations, so I wouldn’t spend a lot of time getting ready or worrying about mascara running down my face if they got wet. Sadly, I had an awful experience recently where a piece of dried adhesive got into my eye and scratched it (this is rare). Not only did I end up in the emergency room two days before our big trip, but my eye was bloodshot and in a significant amount of pain.
While everything worked out for the best, this experience will make me think twice about ever getting them again. There are much more serious consequences of getting lash extensions that I never paid any mind to. To me, it’s just not worth the risk.
That said, I know strip lashes can be a hassle to put on, but after some practice and finding a glue that works, they are pretty easy to use and will definitely transform your look!
My top recommendations for great-looking false lashes:
1. Natural volume lashes
These natural volume lashes are perfect for your day to day wear or for those who don’t want too much drama in their makeup routine.
2. Medium to full volume lashes
Medium to full lash volume is great for when you want to really glam things up. They’ll look best for a night on the town or if you really enjoy putting on a full face of make-up.
3. The best glue to apply your lashes
DUO Strip Eyelash Adhesive $3.50-$5.50
Whether you want a glue that dries black like your eyeliner, clear to blend with your skin, or is packed with vitamins, I find DUO glue to be the best adhesive for strip lashes. It doesn’t dry hard, so if you end up getting a little on your eye your first go around, you won’t have to worry about scratching.
Read what Hip team member Alana thinks of her false lashes from Lash & Crown!
Eyelash extensions will destroy your natural eyelashes. They are beautiful for a special occasion but that’s it.
I’ve had extensions on for 7+ years and all my natural lashes are perfect. You were probably going to someone inexperienced.
Great post! Thanks for sharing that knowledge with us! I can’t use eyelash extension yet, so I take advantage of this time and improve my eyelashes. I loved Latisse, but it is very pricey. So I decided to purchase the generic version of Latisse which is the Careprost. So happy ❤️ I finally found ‘HOTLASH247’ in Google and got careprost (same as Latisse, but it’s a way cheaper, thanks girls 😊). There is no difference to me. Latisse and Careprost are the same thing. I could never go back to my normal lashes now. I have had phenomenal results with it. It is well worth the money for me. After trying it, I will never be without it! My lashes are twice as long and thick and I am already being asked if they’re natural, to which I can happily respond ”Yes”!
Do you sleep with your lashes on? Every post I read says no. So I am a bit concerned
Loving the magnetic lashes. I have tried all from extensions, strips, Lashify but have the best results with the magnetic.
Do you have a brand you prefer, and do they hold up in water? I am considering some for an upcoming cruise.
I had last extensions for 4 years then all of a sudden had an allergic reaction. So once I found Tori Belle magnetic lashes it has been a game changer and I have shaved off 20 minutes of my get ready time.! Today for national lash day they have a sale! Hit me up if you want more info! ( crystalweldon aol.com )
Lash extensions are the best!! I put on some foundation and blush and I’m ready to go, no eye makeup to put on. Do your homework and don’t go to the cheapest person around and you won’t end up with a bad experience.
I started using Tori Belle magnetic lashes with their magnetic liner. Love how easy they are to apply. Haven’t tried them swimming, so not sure how they will hold up but the magnets are pretty strong.
You can get individual lashes glued on at benefit bar (at ulta) for $10-20 for application (+$6 for lashes and tip). Lasts 2 weeks. Way cheaper than extensions and looks good without daily maintenance. My fave!
I have used false lashes every day for 15 years. I too love the duo adhesive (I like black because it blends so well with my liquid eyeliner). The best tip I have received is to trim the lashes (I usually trim the outside). This helps you to apply them much easier and they stay stuck until adhesive dries. I can usually wear the same pair for 1-2 weeks! I have never tried lash extensions.
There was a piece in the LA Times about fake eyelashes the other day. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-02-12/column-false-eyelashes-are-out-of-control-blame-fox-news-and-the-kardashian-sisters
I would not recommend getting eyelash extensions unless they are the natural mink ones. The synthetic lashes are sort of rigid and are prone to popping off and damaging your natural lashes (after wasting over $200 thinking these would save me money vs my normal natural mink ones, I was MAD… like they lasted only 4 days not 4 weeks). The mink ones are more flexible, last until your natural lash sheds, and tend to looks a little less fake-y.
Everyone has their own thing so to each their own. But has anyone read in Isaiah where he describes women in our day…we are ridiculous..hahaha. We should start spending our money on helping the poor, hungry and the people who just had the rug pulled out from under them but instead we are more worried about ourselves and what we look like. Just food for thought. Believe me I am guilty too. Just something I have been thinking about this last month.
I think Rachel Hollis said it really well in “Girl Stop Apologizing” (and I am paraphrasing here) when she said that every woman is more confident when they like how they look, and when a woman is confident she has the power to do more.
If eyelashes give you the confidence to get up and go do things – volunteer/work towards you goals/ etc. – then they’re money well spent.
Well said Emily!
If a woman needs to feel confident in how she looks in order to help others, then the problem isn’t her appearance, it’s her mixed up priorities.
It’s nice that you’re confident without worrying about how you look – I don’t have that super power. 🙂 To each their own, though.
I am of the thought that you should care for yourself before you care for others. How can you do your best for others if you can’t even do the best for yourself? You know that old addage about “filling your bucket”? And depending who you are, that can look like a lot of different things… eyelashes are one example, but so is exercising, eating the right foods, having a hobby, etc.
Would you say the same to someone who says they cannot function without a cup of coffee in the morning? Is that a mixed up priority?
So right about this. At first I was thinking oh I would like to try this it would be so pretty but realistically the amount of time and money it would take away from more important things, and people. For me… It just isn’t worth it. Maybe someday on a special occasion.
I volunteer doing pro bono legal work for homeless veterans and indigent seniors (among others), donate money, AND buy makeup because I like it. Enjoying frivolous fun and doing things to improve the world are not mutually exclusive.
🤣
Can we get a similar post for wrinkle cream vs botox lol?
There is nothing that compares to the magic of Botox LOL
I want Botox but my husband says I don’t need it😩
Is it pretty expensive?
I’ve also been thinking of that strivectin cream🤔
My vote is for magnetic eyelashes! I got some for Christmas and have been using them ever since. So much easier without glue, and you can take them off and readjust easily. I don’t have three hours to sit in the appointment for extensions, and the magnetic eyeliner and lashes take less time than mascara. I have never tried them swimming, but they stayed in place during a strong wind storm and a blizzard. 😊
What brand of the magnetic do you like?
I agree100%. Looking good makes you feel good. The extra 10 minutes spent putting on foundation and mascara “just to go grocery shopping” is 10 minutes well spent!!
I saw a post about Botox…LOVE Sculptra!!!
Ladies! Use organic castor oil (amazon) on your lashes. Brush it on with a Virgin mascara brush (one cleaned or never used with mascara) & brush it on your lashes & or eyebrows before bed. This will make your lashes & eyebrows grow thicker & longer. All natural is better & healthier 😉
I want to try the magnetic ones. I tried strip lashes and they felt heavy on my eyes. By the end of the day they were already starting to come off on their own and I’m sure someone had a good laugh at the sight of that. Castor oil does work wonders!
If you have longish eyelashes but don’t want to wear mascara, go to a spa and have them tinted. Tinting works for me because mine are fairly long but blonde at the tips. It is $20-$25 typically and lasts me about 6 weeks. I tried fake lashes once and felt like I had glued spiders to my eyes, heh.
awsome
100$-mf300$!! for 4-6 weeks uhhhh imma say no. they are pretty but omg i dont think thats worth it
I have been getting eyelash extensions for 3 years now. $75 for a refill every two weeks. $175 for a new set of eyelashes every 2 months. It’s a LOT of money over time. I’ve noticed in the last few months my natural lashes are getting more sparse and my (same lady who I started with) asked me to start using lash serum to make my lashes grow more. Hence, it caused the eyelash extensions to fall out faster! I can honestly say the extensions look nice but fall out too fast, cost too much, and damage your natural eyelashes.
I have bought some magnetic false eyelashes to try. Wish me luck!
Why does it have to be organic? Will the regular kind not work? Thanks!!!!
Hey there! You might scroll up to the original comment and click “reply” to ask this question so they might receive an email notification that you’ve responded to their comment. ❤️🤗