From the old days of applying charcoal and petroleum jelly to lashes to the modern use of liquid mascara, it’s generally nice that improving the look of your lashes can make a big difference. for your appearance. The act of enhancing eyelashes dates back to ancient Egypt in 3500 BC, where materials like kohl and even malachite were used to make eyelashes more beautiful. People were risking their health and safety just to get their lashes to look gorgeous, but luckily we have safer options in the modern world.
Nowadays, besides eyelash curlers, mascaras and false eyelashes, we have two more interesting options to choose from: eyelash enhancers and eyelash extensions. Both offer a semi-permanent effect that can simplify our daily makeup routines, saving the mess of accidentally smudging mascara onto your lids, but many are still hesitant to choose for themselves. If you’re one of those hesitant people, or just curious about the differences between these two, read on!
What is an eyelash lift?
You’ve probably seen a video on Instagram about how an eyelash lift procedure works. This is done by sculpting your lashes upwards on a silicone mold to create a curl, then setting them by applying to two cream solutions, the first to keep the lashes in shape, and the second applied afterwards to set the shape in place so that it lasts a long time. You can choose to follow this treatment with an additional tinting process that darkens your eyelashes. The results are longer, more visible eyelashes. It’s all naturally made up of your own lashes, just enhanced with a perm and tint process.
How long does it last?
It depends on how fast your eyelashes fall out and grow back, but it usually lasts around 6-12 weeks. Permed lashes do not unroll; they stay like that until it falls. It is good to remember that during the first 48 hours after the treatment, you should avoid getting water or makeup on your eyelashes so that the results can set perfectly, guaranteeing a more lasting result.
Advantages:
- You can always use mascara or false eyelashes.
- Looks perfectly natural.
- Longer time between maintenance/touch-ups (8-12 weeks).
- Very comfortable, because it uses your own eyelashes.
The inconvenients:
- For those who prefer clearly visible lashes, a lash lift may seem too subtle.
- Not everyone can do this. If you naturally have very short and sparse eyelashes, a lash lift may not be possible.
What are eyelash extensions?
A professional artist will apply individual false eyelashes to your real eyelashes using a medical grade adhesive, creating a look similar to normal adhesive false eyelashes. You can choose between many different lengths and thicknesses, and you can even choose hybrid combinations for your eyelashes, where several different lengths of false eyelashes are used to enhance or change the shape of your eyes.
Generally, a natural eyelash extension would mean having 1 individual eyelash extension applied to an isolated eyelash. If 2 or more individual eyelashes are applied to a single real eyelash, it will be called volume extension. 2D eyelashes means there are 2 eyelashes on each real eyelash, same goes for 3D, 4D eyelashes etc. Usually they come in pre-made singular “fans”, where the lashes are already fan-shaped and ready to be placed on the client’s lashes. The style of extensions where the fans are all created by hand is called a Russian volume, a technique created by Olga Dobronravova from Russia.
How long does it last?
They last about six to eight weeks, depending on your eyelash growth cycle. They require frequent touch-ups to maintain a complete appearance.
Advantages:
You get a dramatic effect from false eyelashes. Think of an “insta baddie” or some kind of doll look.
There are many different options to choose from, ranging from lengths, thickness and style of application. You can choose the one that best suits your eye shape.
The inconvenients:
This is very subjective, but eyelash extensions may cause slight discomfort, either due to their weight or the fact that longer extension lengths may slightly obscure your vision.
You can’t use mascara, and it can be more difficult to apply and remove eye makeup with extensions.
They require fairly high maintenance. Once some of your lashes fall out, it can create a noticeably uneven look.
So which one should I take?
It all comes down to personal preference. Adjust your choice to your daily lifestyle and the type of look you are looking for. They are both suitable for those who find it difficult to apply eye makeup or don’t have the time to do so, but these two look and feel very different. If you are very active outdoors, play sports, or need clear, unobstructed vision at all times, a lash lift would be best for you. But if you don’t mind a bit of discomfort and you hate the sticky mess of applying false eyelashes to achieve a dramatic everyday look, you can opt for eyelash extensions.
What about the price?
The price of these services varies greatly depending on where you live. Compare one place to another when looking for a salon or esthetic center that offers eyelash services. Make sure they use high quality materials and hygienic tools because you risk getting infected if they don’t. It is better to pay a little more for a quality service than to settle for a cheap service and have complications later.
Eyelash extensions and eyelash lifts are a breakthrough in the beauty world, simplifying people’s daily beauty routines and providing a hassle-free way to achieve stunningly beautiful eyes. Would you like to get one for yourself? Which do you prefer, extensions or elevators?
