Wedding Wednesday: Eyelash Extensions FAQ

Today's Wedding Wednesday is all about eyelash extensions. I have been getting them for years now and absolutely love them. I couldn't recommend them more, but I also totally realize that they are not for everyone.

However, for anyone getting married, in my opinion, this is a MUST. You can read why below!

Where do you get them done?

 I used to go to Fluhme in Warrendale, but they are closed now so I go to Salon Blanca and the only reason I go there is because Brittany is there. She is the only one who has ever done my lashes and she does them SO well. The salon is really far away from my house but worth it because Brittany is the best. 

My suggestion is to only go to a reputable salon and don't go somewhere 'cheap' that you found on Groupon. Do your research on the person doing it and the salon- these are your eyes, you need to make sure that the salon and the person are very legitimate. I'd also suggest calling the salon to find out what products they use and do your research on the products, too.

How much does it cost?

Since I am going to a new salon, I'm not positive on the pricing from the get-go, it differs from salon-to-salon. But, a fill, costs me $60 (plus tip). This is not cheap- there is nothing inexpensive about eyelash extensions. Cost is definitely something to factor in before you decide to commit to them. 

Is the cost worth it?

I am always asked if things are 'worth it' and I find that question to be so subjective. For me, the cost is 100% worth it. Do I wish it was cheaper? Of course. However, I am taking photos of myself all of the time and I find that the extensions make my eyes pop in photos (I have somewhat small eyes) and that is primarily why I get them done. It definitely boosts my confidence.

I think if you are not having photos taken all of the time, that you do not need to be getting these done on a regular basis. If I weren't in photos every week, I would only get them done for special occasions. 

But, if you are a bride, I highly recommend eyelash extensions. They define your eyes so much in photos and will really make them pop. Plus, you're likely to cry on your wedding day and this will keep you from making a mess of your mascara. You'll also then have them for your honeymoon and if you are going someplace where you'll be swimming, etc. you won't have to worry about mascara! 

My mom and sister are getting them done for my wedding and I can't wait to see them with the lashes! My mom has sparse lashes and I think it will be a game changer for her! 

How long do they last?

They last about a month. This differs from person to person and depends on how rough they are with their lashes. It also depends on how well the technician applies the lashes and what glue they use. I find that mine look really good for about 2 weeks and if I wait for the 3rd week, they start to look really sparse. 

The first few days after you get them filled are when they look the fakest (in my opinion). But, you want them to be really full and fake looking for the first few days because that's when they look the best in photos. Once a few fall out here and there (on day 3 and 4), they look much more natural and so much less fake looking.

If you are a bride, I would get them refilled on Thursday if you have a Friday rehearsal and Saturday wedding and are going on your honeymoon the following week.

How often do you get them filled?

I get them filled every 2-3 weeks. 

Do they look natural? 

In my opinion, I can tell when someone has eyelash extensions. You can get eyelash extensions that look really natural, but with that, they aren't going to give you the oomph that you want for photos and I am honestly not sure I would pay for that because they look too much like your own lashes. If you want that look, I would suggest neulash or a lash tint/lift.

I am all for looking natural- I don't like fake looking things so when I first got eyelash extensions, I was worried about looking fake/tacky and 'plastic'. To be honest, the eyelashes are a little fake looking but I am willing to accept that because of how good they look in photos. I do think they look much better/more natural than strip lashes, though. 

When you first get them, you will think they are too much. I did. They totally define your eyes and make them pop. But, you get used to them quickly and then seeing your eyes without them is so weird. It's kind of like getting your braces off, you think your teeth look so big at first and then you get used to your smile without braces, ha! 

In photos, for the most part, you can't tell that they are eyelash extensions and they look natural. I grew up as a dancer and cheerleader and one of the things that you are taught when you are dancing is to exaggerate your motions because you are on a stage and people won't see your moves unless they are exaggerated. Same with facial expressions! While cheerleading we were always told to make big facial expressions (we were literally told to say the vowels with our mouths, ha!!). And, also with our makeup, we put on more than we would normally so your features can be seen from far away. 

This is my mindset with the eyelashes, they are exaggerated if you are up close, but in photos, they look normal. 

Do they damage your eyelashes? Do your lashes stop growing?

Sooooo many people think this and I am sure there are some legitimate horror stories out there. But no, your lashes do not get damaged and they never stop growing. Your eyelashes actually regenerate quite often. I think people who have gotten extensions think they fall out more often just because when your eyelash falls out, it's more noticeable because the lash is so much longer and thicker. Whereas, you don't really notice if a natural lash falls out. 

Your lashes don't stop growing either. I think people think their lashes are 'ruined' afterward because they get so used to seeing such long, thick, curled lashes that once they come off, your real lashes are just not bold like that. 

So no, as long as you find someone reputable that used good products, your eyelashes will be totally fine. And, if you have a problem afterward, use neulash and in about 2 weeks, you'll have your lashes back to where you want them. Neulash truly works, it's amazing. 

Is it painful/uncomfortable?

It is not at all painful or uncomfortable. It is annoying because it is time-consuming. The first time you go, it can take around an hour and a half, maybe even longer. Laying down with your eyes shut for that long is frustrating. When I get them filled, it's around 45 minutes to an hour, which is still annoying, but honestly, my hair appointments take way longer than that. 

I love chatting with Brittany during my appointments. She is so great and we usually chat the entire appointment which makes it fly by. If you don't want to chat, you can easily pop in headphones to listen to a podcast or music or an audiobook. You could even use it as a time to meditate and reflect or even take a nap! 

Do you use normal skincare products while you have your lashes on? Can you wash your face?

Yes! I don't really wear eye makeup, so it's not really an issue in terms of removing eye makeup, but instead of getting my entire face wet when washing, I use the Olay Daily Facials which is truly the best product ever. They are dry cloths that you can wet and then they not only remove your makeup but also cleanse and exfoliate your skin. They make it so easy to avoid my eye area. I use these every night. They are one of my holy-grail products. 

I honestly think that the lashes will help me with preventing wrinkles, which sounds kind of crazy, but I never touch my eyes/eye area anymore! 

As for skincare, I use all of my regular products.

Do you wear mascara?

I never wear mascara on my top lashes. Day-to-day I don't wear much makeup and I don't put anything on my bottom lashes. But, if I am getting dressed up, I put mascara on my bottom lashes. I almost never wear eyeliner because the lashes define my eyes plenty. 

How do you shower with them on?

You can shower normally and just try not to get your entire face wet. I do this and yes, my lashes do get wet, but it's really not a big deal. You don't have to be as careful with them as it seems. 

Can you workout and get sweaty?

Yes! It's recommended that you don't get super sweaty or get them wet for 24 hours to let the glue fully dry. I usually shower right before my appointment and then wait to shower again after the 24 hour period is over. 

Can you swim underwater?

Yep. I notice when I am on vacation, they do not last as long, but they'll easily last you your entire vacation. If you swim every day, though, I would not recommend eyelash extensions, they just won't last long enough to be worth the cost. 

Have you ever had an allergic reaction?

Nope, but this can happen, which is why I would suggest finding someone who uses great products, is good at what he/she does, and the salon is nice and clean.

My biggest tip for brides is to go in at least a few sessions before your actual wedding because you want to make sure you love them (they can be removed if you don't) and you want to make sure your application goes smoothly! 

Never, never, never get them done for the first time the week of your wedding. 

Do they work for very straight lashes?

Yes! I have nice long lashes, but they are so straight. I find that the extensions add a curl and make me look so much more awake! 

Why did you choose extensions over a lash serum, lash lift, etc?

I think lash serums and a lash lift/tint are more natural options. If I wasn't a blogger and not always in photos, I would probably just use neulash. There is no denying it.  Eyelash extensions are high maintenance and costly. But, like I said, they make a huge difference in photos!!!