8 Things I Learned About Eyelash Extensions

My lashes are probably one of my best features. I always get complimented on how long they are. However, they have a tendency to stick straight out. With no shape, I’ve got to curl those suckers and whip on a couple of coats of mascara before I’m out the door. I thought about getting lash extensions before, but never really knew much about the process. Trang Le, a licensed esthetician and owner of Glow Studio St. Louis, reached out to me about getting lash extensions or even a lash lift. She shared her pro tips about the process. Here are some things I learned about eyelash extensions. And keep reading for my before and after reveal (plus a special discount offer*)!

All About Eyelash Extensions with Trang Le

One: Here are the differences between extensions and lash lifts.

Eyelash extensions are for those who want longer, fuller and darker lashes. Individual lashes are applied directly on top of your own lashes with a medical grade adhesive. The process can take two to three hours, depending on the number of lashes applied. The average shedding cycle is 4 – 6 weeks so refills are recommended every 2 – 3 weeks for a fuller look.

Lash lifts are great for clients who already have long lashes, but want a long-lasting alternative to help enhance their natural lashes. Rather than adding a synthetic eyelash to your natural lash, a lash lift alters the shape of your existing eyelashes. I call it a push-up bra for your lashes. The service takes about an hour. To maintain the look, a monthly appointment is recommended.

Two: Choose between three sets of lashes: demi, full or glam.

Glow Studio St. Louis offers Xtreme Lashes Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions.

Demi Set: Extensions are applied to about half of your natural eyelashes. This is for those who want a boost, but still want a very natural look.

Full Set: Extensions are applied to all of your natural eyelashes strong enough to hold an extension. The most popular set, many see it as a replacement for mascara and eyeliner.

Glam Set: Provides maximum fullness using the volume technique. This is a popular service for brides, guests of special events, and girls that love super voluminous lashes.

Three: For extensions, you have many options to tailor your look.

Based on the look desired, you can choose from the following lash types, curls, lengths, and widths.

Types: Classic cylindrical, flat, ellipse, silk, and mink

Curls: J / B / C / CC / D / DD / L / L+

Lengths: From 16mm all the way down to 6mm

Widths: From 25mm all the way down to 3mm

Four: While the initial application can be pricey, maintenance costs are less.

At Glow Studio, a Demi Set costs $150, a Full Set costs $250, and a Glam Set costs $350. ReLash eyelash refills start at $75 and are recommended every 2 – 3 weeks to maintain a full look. (Read on for discounts at Glow Studio through this blog.)*

A Lash Lift is priced at only $85.

Five: With extensions, many people forgo everyday makeup.

Because lash extensions and lash lifts create a dramatic effect, many people skip their everyday eye makeup. The base of the extension creates the illusion of eyeliner. Mascara is discouraged for use on extensions, as it may break down the eyelash extension adhesive. However, it’s perfectly fine to keep wearing mascara with a lash lift, as those are your natural lashes.

Six: Wait 24 hours after application before getting your eyes wet or applying eye makeup. And stay away from oil-based eye makeup or remover.

A lash lift only affects your natural lashes. Therefore, you can resume all normal activities after the designated 24 hours.

Oil and friction are the two worst things for your eyelash extensions. With eyelash extensions, skip the waterproof eyeliner and use oil-free eyeliner. Or use a wet eyeliner brush to apply eye shadow as eyeliner.

I also recommend an oil-free eye makeup remover such as the Xtreme Eye Makeup Remover and Facial Cleanser or Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water & Makeup Remover. To remove proteins and oil from the eyelids and lash line, I recommend an ophthalmologic lid scrub such as Ocusoft or Thera Tears.

After showering or washing your face you should brush your extensions with a clean mascara wand and gently pat your lashes dry.

Seven: Don’t rub your eyes!

If you have a tendency to rub your eyes, lash extensions may not be for you. The friction from rubbing will cause the extensions to come off your natural eyelashes. By rubbing your lashes you are also transferring oils from your fingers/hands onto your eyelashes.

A lash lift is applied to your natural eyelashes so rubbing is not an issue. I do advise against constantly rubbing your eyes due to the thin skin around the eyes (only as thick as a Post-It note).

Eight: If you are a chronic strip lash wearer, proper eyelash extensions application can actually improve the condition of your lashes.

Poor isolation, lack of proper home care, and cheap products can lead to lash damage. You are with your lash stylist for a limited amount of time and then you go home. Make sure you understand how to care for your lashes, as proper home care will be vital in the condition of your lash extensions.

Lash Lift Before & After

With my long lashes, I chose to go with the lash lift as opposed to the extensions. It wasn’t until I had this done that I realized how long my lashes really were. My first reaction was that I looked refreshed. The dark circles under my eyes became an afterthought. My next reaction was that I looked like a Disney princess with my long fluttery lashes, definitely in a good way. Who doesn’t want their eyes to look wider and more doe like?

It has been over a week since I had my lashes lifted and I have had no adverse reactions. My lashes are still as perky as when Trang permed them 10 days ago. I can apply and remove eye makeup easily. But on most days I don’t apply any eye makeup, as my lashes create enough glamorous drama on their own.

Make an Appointment

Trang is a board licensed esthetician in Missouri and has been applying lash extensions for two years. She has a certification with Xtreme Lashes, a well established lash extension company in Texas.

She takes proper precautions to ensure procedures are clean and safe. All of the products she uses to cleanse, prep, and apply lashes are disposable single-use items. She throws away the sponges, applicators, gauze, tape, and eye pads after each client. The only items that are reusable are her tweezers, which she cleans between clients with Barbicide.

If you’d like to book an appointment, please visit https://www.styleseat.com/v/glowstudiostl and go to www.glowstudiostl.com for more information about her practice.

Special Discount*

Mention Bangles & Bungalows to receive $50 off a Full Set of extensions (originally $250) or $15 off a Lash Lift (originally $85) if you are a new client.

Disclosure: I was provided a free lash lift in exchange for a review of my experience. All opinions are my own.