Ah, yes, eyelash extensions. A thing of beauty that everyone seems to be getting these days. We can’t blame you, though, because honestly, same. It’s such a confidence-booster to wake up in the morning with long, luscious lashes that perfectly frame your eyes and make you look instantly awake. Plus, they save so much time and effort when doing your makeup.
If you’re reading this, then you probably already got eyelash extensions and are looking into ways on how to make them last longer. Or, you probably haven’t gotten them yet and are still deciding whether or not to try out this trending beauty service.
Now we know what you’re thinking: “Don’t they take so much effort to maintain??” The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because there are some things you need to be absolutely mindful of; and no, because as long as you take note of what we like to call the “five cardinal rules of lash care,” then you have nothing to worry about.
How can I make my eyelash extensions last longer?
1. First things first, DON’T get your eyelashes wet for at least 48 hours after application.
You’re going to want to keep your lashes away from water and any sort of moisture within this timeframe to help the glue properly set and cure. Yes, that includes shower steams, humidity, and sweat.
It’s also best to stay away from any sort of heat–direct sunlight, barbecues, saunas, and more–as it could potentially open up the glue and loosen the adhesiveness, causing your lashes to fall off.
Once the first 48 hours are up, remember to regularly clean your lashes with a soft bristle brush (ideally, a spoolie) to remove any dirty residue. And if you’re in the shower, don’t put your face directly under the water because the pressure is too strong. Just let the water gently run down your face.
2. DON’T use eyelash curlers.
Nope, don’t even try to re-curl your lashes. Just put the lash curler away because they’re actually one of the top ways to prematurely damage your extensions. The reason being that they “cut” the lashes and tend to separate them from the glue, which is why people end up with patchy lashes that fall off too soon.
We know it’s tempting to want to give an extra oomph to your lashes, especially when they’ve grown out and the extensions further from the root. But, if you try to re-curl near the lash line, it’s possible to disrupt the pre-curl applied by your lash technician and ruin its shape.
3. DON’T use oil-based products near your eyes.
This goes for makeup, skincare, or any other oil-based serum that could slide down your eyes. Simply put, oil could dissolve the glue on your lashes.
Contrary to popular belief, yes, you can use mascara, but try to avoid waterproof ones because those are generally much more difficult to remove. You’re going to want to be able to gently (and thoroughly!) clean those off with simple water-based removers.
But, do be mindful of the volume of your extensions, as well. Mascara is typically okay for classic extensions; but, if you have the heavier, more voluminous ones, applying mascara on top can add more weight to them and cause them to fall off.
4. DON’T sleep with your face against the pillow.
Trust us, as side and stomach sleepers, we struggle with this a lot, too. Tiis ganda, right? It’s pretty self-explanatory, but you should avoid any sort of heavy pressure on your lash extensions, especially when you’re sleeping. Try to get used to sleeping on your back, so that there’s no friction between your extensions and your pillows that could potentially weaken the hold of the glue.
5. DON’T try to pick or remove your lash extensions by yourself.
Not only could this be extremely damaging to your natural lashes and result in bald spots, but this could also cause eye infections. Your eye is one of the most easy-to-contaminate parts of the body, so always, always go to a lash technician when you feel like having them taken out. Removing the professional-grade lash glue requires specialized tools and expert skills, so don’t try to resort to removing it at home.
How long do eyelash extensions last?
When properly taken care of, eyelash extensions can last from six to eight weeks. It’s only natural for a few strands to fall off, so it’s also generally recommended to get them refilled every two to three weeks.
Do eyelash extensions destroy natural lashes?
Lash extensions should NOT destroy any of your natural lashes. This is why it’s important to find a professional lash technician or salon that knows what they’re doing. Your natural lashes will only get damaged if the extensions aren’t properly applied or if you don’t diligently follow good aftercare.
How much are eyelash extensions?
Here in the Philippines, eyelash extensions can range anywhere from P500 to P4,000 or more. Yes, they can be quite pricey, considering the maintenance required and the frequency of getting them refilled and redone.
But we’ll let you in on a secret: if you get deals from Parlon, you can save up to almost P2,000 for lash extensions! There’s a good variety of lash volumes and kinds to choose from, too.
So, there you go. The next time you get lash extensions or when you decide to get them for the first time, make sure to diligently practice proper aftercare to make them last prettier and longer.