DIY Lash Extensions Vs. False Lashes: Which Is Better?

Whether you’re looking for a natural full lash look or you’re going all out for ‘the bigger the better’ there are now a range of options to get beautiful, long, luscious lashes. Most of us are looking for an option which gets great results, where the lashes are easy to apply, and it doesn’t cost the earth.

So, that then brings us to the decision, eyelash extensions or false eyelashes? Lash extensions had previously been the preserve of beauticians, but new developments mean that these are also now available for home application. False eyelashes are known for being quick and easy, but do they always get the more natural look? 

We answer all your questions for each option to help you decide which is the best solution for you.

DIY Lash Extensions

Salon lash extensions can set you back up to $200 which for many of us just isn’t an option. Thankfully there are now lash extension kits which mean that you can complete the job in the comfort of your own home. But are they really going to get you the results that you’re looking for?

How Easy are Lash Extensions to Apply?

We have to be honest here and say that there is a definite knack to getting get results. So, we suggest that the first time you apply them, that it’s on a quiet night in. This is not the type of thing to try an hour before you get married or go off on vacation!  

If you’re someone who leaps in without reading instructions, you’re going to need to break that habit. That’s because it’s essential that you apply the glue in exactly the way recommended by the manufacturer and that you then follow after care and removal advice. Don’t forget that different brands may need slightly different techniques, so read those instructions first!

How Long Do Lash Extensions Last?

If you take care of them then lash extensions can stay in place for around 10 days. But that does very much depend on your lifestyle, if you have long sessions in the gym every day or skimp on the aftercare then they might start coming off much quicker. 

If you’re after a one-off application for maybe a night on the town or a special event, then you can use a removal fluid to ease the extensions back out. We recommend getting an eyelash extension kit, so that you have right bonding solution and removal fluid for your make of lash extensions.

Can I Get Lash Extensions Wet?

Many makes of lash extensions are water-resistant. So that means that you can do things like taking a shower and go swimming without worrying about them all falling out. If though you’re in a steamy environment for a long time, so something like a long stretch in a sauna, then you‘re likely to find that the bond which holds them in place starts to soften. That means that you’ll either need to apply more bond or risk the lashes falling out.

False Lashes

So, you’ve heard all about eyelash extensions, but what about their competitor, the false eyelashes? When someone is talking about false lashes, then they’re usually talking about the strips of faux lashes which are glued in place.   

Are False Lashes Suitable for Sensitive Eyes?

False lashes can be a good match for sensitive eyes, but you need to select the right style. The big dramatic lashes, which have a thick band to attach them with, will probably not be a comfortable option. Look out for ultra-lights with a flexible band. These are also a good choice for contact lens wearers or if you’re new to wearing false lashes.

Can I Wear False lashes More Than Once?

You sure can! And this is one of the big advantages over lash extensions, particularly if you only want to wear them for nights out and not in the office or at home with the children. With careful removal, you’ll be able to get up to five uses from each set. 

But and this is a big but, it’s essential to look after the lashes by gently removing all the glue and any mascara. If the lashes are in any way damaged or you can’t remove all the residue, then it’s time for a new pair. Your eye health is too important to risk wearing damaged false lashes.

Do I Have to Use Glue to Attach the Lashes?

Well, that used to be the case, but we can understand your reluctance. I’m sure many of us have managed to get glue in our eyes or all over our fingers when trying to get lashes applied. So magnetic lashes could be a perfect alternative.

Now, if the thought of magnets holding your falsies in place sounds a little way out there, let me explain a little more about how these work.  So, there are two main types, those with a magnetic eyeliner and then there’s the version where the lashes attach to each other using two magnetic strips that snap right over your natural lashes. 

While these may sound a little ‘out there,’ they are much easier to apply, and they last longer because there’s no glue to gunk them up.

Can I Wear False Lashes Overnight?

The quick answer to that is ‘no!’ The longer answer is that wearing stick-on falsies overnight can really irritate the delicate skin around your eye. This can then cause dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis, resulting in itchy skin, dryness, and red eyes, not the look that you were aiming for!

However late you get home, it’s essential to carefully remove the false lashes and gently clean the eye area to get rid of any of the left-over glue residues. 

So, which is Best, Lash Extensions or False Lashes?

We think that extensions just edge ahead of falsies in this battle of the lashes. The main reason for this is that once you’ve got those eyelash extensions in place, then you can pretty much forget about them for ten days. No more trying to trim falsies or managing glue before your first coffee of the morning, and that has to be a good thing!