We’ve all heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Therefore, it makes sense we want our eyes to look as beautiful and perfect as possible. One of the best ways to amplify your signature eye look is to tend to your eyelashes. You’ve seen the dramatic effect a really good mascara can have. Imagine if you could have the same beautiful and bold look without applying goopy mascara every day. Sounds tempting, right? Well, you may be interested in eyelash extensions, an eyelash lift, or Latisse® Lash Serum. But first, let’s break down the basics.
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Lash extensions are exactly what they sound like—added lashes to your existing lashes to create a fuller, longer look. Each individual lash extension is set with an adhesive to your existing lashes a few millimeters from the base of your eyelid. The result adds both length and volume to your existing lashes. Eyelash extensions can also make your lashes look darker due to filling in any lash gaps you may have. They come in a variety of thickness, curl, length, and color for a fully customizable look.
There are different types of eyelash extensions to choose from. The most common eyelash extensions used are silk extensions and faux mink. If you choose silk eyelash extensions, you will notice a shinier luster to them. Faux mink extensions appear natural and, well, fluttery. You can also get synthetic lashes, which look a lot like false lashes designed for temporary wear.
Next, you choose your curl type. They range from a slight curve that looks long to completely flipped upward as if you used an eyelash curler. Finally, you will choose how many lash extensions you want to be applied. This doesn’t necessarily mean choosing an exact number, but whether you want a complete set of extensions or every other (or several) lashes to receive an extension.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes grow and fall out naturally over time. Eyelash extensions can last up to four weeks, but you may need a maintenance appointment every 2-4 weeks depending on your eyelash growth cycle.
You must be careful when washing your face once your extensions are applied, but eyelash extensions can get wet. Just make sure you’re gentle with them.
Pros of Eyelash Extensions
- Comes in various lengths and curl styles
- Eliminates the need to wear false eyelashes
- Can be as dramatic or as subtle as you wish
- Great for special occasions
- Great for those with thin lashes
Cons of Eyelash Extensions
- Monthly maintenance is required to keep the style
- Takes up to 2 hours for application
- Requires “extension safe” mascara if you choose to wear mascara
- Lashes need to be washed gently and brushed
- Lashes may fall out if manipulated or pulled when applying makeup or washing your face
What is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift may be for you if you’re looking for more natural yet bold, eye-opening results. A lash lift is basically a perm for your eyelashes. You’ll apply a soothing conditioning serum a week before treatment to your lashes. This prevents them from drying out during the chemical process of the lash lift. You may want to use a conditioning serum on your lashes to optimize eyelash health.
On the day of treatment, your practitioner will thoroughly clean and separate your lashes so the solution can be applied to every lash. Then they will place a silicon mold (sometimes called a silicon rod) onto your closed eye, gently resting the top lashes on top of the silicon.
From there, the eyelash lift solution is applied to each eyelash. Then, a setting solution is applied to lock in the curling effect. The first serum will break down the protein in the lashes. Then the keratin solution conditions the lashes. If you choose eyelash lift with tint, a dark, safe semi-permanent dye is applied to the lashes before a final layer of pure keratin completes the treatment.
Once set, your lashes hold the curl and appear as if you applied good mascara. You can also opt for a lash lift with tint. This will dye your eyelashes in addition to lifting them, giving you a darker, bolder look.
Lash lifts require a 24 – 48 setting period where you cannot apply products to your lashes or get them wet.
How Long Do Results Last?
An eyelash lift can last 4-6 weeks, with tint lasting about four weeks. Once the eyelash lift fades, your lashes will return to their normal, settled state. This means you can go weeks without touching your mascara if you want, saving time and money in your overall beauty routine.
Pros of an Eyelash Lift
- Works with your natural eyelashes
- Noticeable but natural-looking results
- May last up to a month and a half
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Eliminates the need for mascara
Cons of an Eyelash Lift
- Takes up to an hour for the application
- Does not work for short eyelashes
- Requires a 24-hour aftercare setting period
- Requires a chemical solution for application
What is Latisse® Lash Serum?
If you’re on the fence about both treatments, there is another option you may be interested in exploring. Or if you don’t want eyelash extensions but your lashes are too short for a lift, you won’t want to miss this.
Latisse® is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA and Health Canada for lengthening and thickening your eyelashes. It is a once-a-day treatment, applied topically to the base of your upper eyelashes every evening with a sterile applicator. Once you blink, the Latisse® serum spreads to your lower lash line. Applying Latisse® is a breeze. The treatment comes with sterile applicators for easy administration.
You can apply the treatment to your eyes an hour before bedtime, and it will work while you sleep! Results begin to show in about two months, with full results appearing between 12 and 16 weeks. Basically, Latisse® prolongs the growing phase of your existing lashes to encourage more and longer eyelash growth.
If you suffer from hypotrichosis (inadequate eyelashes), are frustrated with the volume and length of your eyelashes, or are searching for a solution that works, Latisse® lash serum may be the perfect treatment for you. While the treatment will not replace mascara, it certainly reduces the need to oversaturate your eyelashes with the cosmetic for a fuller and fluffy look. So, while you’ll still want to keep your mascara handy, this treatment can get you the longer, lusher eyelashes you desire without too many trips to the salon.
How Long Do Results Last?
Latisse® Lash Serum results last for as long as you use the serum, so you are in control.
Pros of Latisse® Lash Serum
- Works for all eyelash types and lengths
- Apply at home–No need to go to a clinic every 2-4 weeks for additional applications
- Developed by a pharmaceutical leader with 60 years of expertise in prescription eye care products
- Easy application
- Works for those who suffer from inadequate eyelashes (hypotrichosis)
- Consistent, lush lashes without the need for touch-ups
- Side effects and adverse reactions are rare
- Approved safe and effective by the FDA and Health Canada
Cons of Latisse® Lash Serum
- Typically takes 8 weeks to start seeing results
Choosing Between Eyelash Extensions, an Eyelash Lift, Latisse® Lash Serum
When choosing between eyelash extensions, an eyelash lift, or Latisse®, you will want to consider your desired look, the maintenance required, and aftercare needs.
Consider how much maintenance you are willing to commit to. After all, all three treatments can reduce the need for mascara, but eyelash extensions need a little extra TLC to stay clean and happy. Whereas an eyelash lift, once it sets, is good to go until your next appointment. But if you’re looking for glamorous lashes without the hassle of bi-weekly salon appointments (and the cost that goes with them), Latisse® is a fantastic option.
Ultimately the choice is yours.
Get the Look You Desire
With all the pros and cons on the table, are you ready to get eyelash extensions, an eyelash lift, or ask about Latisse®? If so, you can always book a consultation with First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic. The practitioners at First Impressions welcome any questions you may have. They can also help you choose which treatment is right for you. Simply share your eyelash goals and maintenance expectations, and you will be well on your way to an eye-catching look that reflects your signature style.
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