Eyelash extensions last longer than you think. With proper care, I can make my extensions last up to a month and a half. Most sites recommend that you come back every 2 to 3 weeks for a touch-up, but if you want to save a little money, you can extend its lifespan. The good news is that if you follow the technician's advice for aftercare, you'll have long, full eyelashes for four to six weeks.
The only way to remove your eyelashes is with a serious professional. You'll end up tearing out or breaking your eyelashes if you try it yourself, and it's not worth it. They usually last between three and four weeks, but don't be surprised if you replace them again before then. According to Clementina Richardson, founder of the Envious Lashes salons, properly applied eyelash extensions can last up to six weeks.
When an eyelash falls out, so will the false eyelash attached to it. It also warns against exposure to steam, rubbing my eyes or sleeping on my stomach as factors that can damage my eyelashes; I once got too close to an open oven and noticed that the heat had caused my eyelashes to scorch and curl. The cost of eyelash extensions can vary widely depending on your location, your eyelash technician, the type of eyelashes being used, and the style you want. While it may be tempting to order the longest, curliest extensions available, these could cause the most damage if your own eyelashes can't hold them.
A consultation will also help you determine which material to choose (the most common are silk and synthetic mink; silk is a little shinier and stands out more, while mink is more wavy and natural), the length and type of curl (J is the lightest curve but ends up looking longer; C and D are the most inverted), since this is how like how many eyelashes should be applied. Sabah Feroz, an expert in eyebrow and eyelash extensions at Blink Brow Bar, tells customers to wash the area around their eyes when they clean their face and to use an oil-free makeup remover if they need to remove their makeup. Stay away from eyeliner and waterproof mascara that may build up on the lash line, compromising the effectiveness of the adhesive and interfering with the application of extensions. For anyone considering them for the first time, knowing how long eyelash extensions last is an important factor in deciding if they're really worth it.
Then, use a contoured 3D foam sleep mask to help protect your eyelashes while you sleep, especially if you sleep on your stomach. If your eyelashes are sparse, some salons may recommend three-dimensional eyelashes or clusters, which are three hairs glued together, to give your eyes a fuller look. And if you're going to apply eye cream, Shin recommends using it in the morning instead of at night so it doesn't get on your eyelashes (avoid fats that contain mineral oil, Shirai says). To begin with, I'm hopeless with eye shadow, but ever since I started doing eyelash extensions, I've rarely worried about it.
As tempting as it may seem, Feroz encourages customers to resist that urge to play with their eyelashes all day long or while they are being cleaned. He never emphasized this word: “use a mechanical eyelash curler,” he added, nor does he recommend using mascara on eyelashes. Because everyone's eyes are different, you'll want an outfit that complements your eye shape, eyelash length, and lifestyle.
