Hello, friends! I thought I'd wrap up my lash experience blog posts with a comparison of lash extensions and lash lifts. I've been on the lash lift train for the last year or so but before that, I was a regular lash extension-er for 2 years. If you're curious about the process for each - check out my full review of each ( Lash Extension Review, Lash Lift Review. ) but if you're debating between the two and curious about how they compare - today, I'm going to break it down for you, so let's dive in! 🙂
The Application Process
Lash Lifts: Lifts tend to be a lot shorter than lash extensions and usually last anywhere from 20-45 minutes depending on how fast-acting the perm solution is.
While the whole process is faster, the experience of getting a lash lift is a little less pleasant than getting extensions. Generally, lash lifts meant to be painless and as comfortable as possible, but there is more room for error that might cause discomfort.
To get your lashes lift, the lash technician has to essentially glue your lashes onto a template and then apply perm solution to get your lashes to stay in place. Gluing the lashes is generally fine - maybe a little tugging here and there - but the perming part can sting a lot if the solution gets too close your eye (or god forbid - IN your eye).
Lash Extensions: Usually takes somewhere between an hour and two hours for a full set. Yep. You read that correctly. TWO hours. In order to give you a full set of lash extensions, the lash technician has to carefully place an extension on each of your natural lashes - it's a meticulous, time-consuming process.
If you're getting a fill where some of your lashes have fallen out and only part of your set needs to be refilled, then the process is shorter depending on how many extensions need to be replaced.
The good news is that the process is generally pretty comfortable. It generally just feels like someone is moving your eyelashes around and you get to close your eyes and relax for a couple hours. I maaaay have fallen asleep during several of my lash extension fills in the past 😅
with Lash Extensions
with Lash Extensions
The Lashes
Lash Lifts: A more subtle, but buildable look. Since lash lifts work with your natural lashes, it's essentially just allowing you to skip the lash curling step of your routine.
Lash Extensions: A lot more dramatic! You can get lash extensions that are less dramatic but generally, lash extensions tend to be a lot more obvious than lash lifts.
Comfort
Lash Lifts: Hands down, lash lifts are much more comfortable than lash extensions because they're essentially your own lashes - just curled! In my experience, I haven't had to alter any of my everyday activities in order to accommodate my lifted lashes.
Lash Extensions: I've had really up and down experiences with uncomfortable extensions. Some would start to weigh down my lashes and get stuck on my eyeball (ack - sorry!) and I'd have to pull them out before they started stabbing my eye! My understanding now is that lash extensions aren't supposed to do that - but it's certainly still a risk you run.
with a Lash Lift
with a Lash Lift
Longevity
Lash Lifts: Similar to lash extensions, most lash places recommend that you avoid getting your lashes wet for at least 24-48 hours. Outside of that though, there aren't any direct guidelines for taking care of your lash lift because once the perm sets, the shape of your lashes is good to go.
Most lash places also say that lash lifts last between 6-8 weeks. For lash lifts, however, there's no filling process, so you simply get a lift and as the weeks go by, your lashes slowly go back to being straight or fall out naturally.
In my experience, most of my lashes are usually straight again by week 5 but for lash health reasons, I'll usually wait until the 6 week mark to get them lifted again.
Lash Extensions: Most lash places recommend that you do not get your extensions wet for 24-48 hours and that you avoid picking or pulling at them too much. Generally, you should also avoid wearing too much eye makeup around the area because taking off that makeup usually involve a lot of swiping and tugging that might affect the longevity of the lashes.
While most lash places say that a full set lasts somewhere between 6-8 weeks and recommend a lash fill once you hit the 2-3 week mark - in my experience, by the time I hit week 2, usually about half of my lashes are already gone and by week 4 there are really only a couple of lashes hanging on by a thread. I tend to sleep on my side and will wear a little bit of eye makeup with my lash extensions so both of these factors probably contribute to my lashes falling apart more easily.
Cost
Lash Lifts: Lash lifts are a bit more affordable than lash extensions and usually go for $50-$100 per lift where you only need to get them re-lifted every 6-8 weeks. Some places do offer a lash tint that can add to your cost but might be worth it if you can't be bothered to wear mascara and want an easy one and done process.
Lash Extensions: Varies a lot based on the lash place but can range from $75 to $200-$300 for a full set. Fills are usually prorated (could be anywhere for $40-$150) based on when you get them and how many of the lashes you're missing.
with Lash Extensions
with a Lash Lift
Choose Lash Extensions if:
You don't use a ton of make-up and want no-fuss situation where you can just wake up and run out the door.
You sleep on your back! (I'm told that if you sleep on your side or your stomach you lose a lot more extensions - I am a chronic side sleeper)
You have a highly photographed or one-time big event [vacation, wedding, etc] where you want a more dramatic look for a shorter period of time 🙂
Choose Lash Lifts if:
You want to save a bit of money
You rub your eyes a lot!
You want to be able to wear eye makeup regularly (especially mascara)
You have stick straight lashes that are long! (e.g., if you use a lash serum)
If you want a more in-depth review of both the lash lift and lash extension process check out my previous reviews below. Drop me a comment if you have any other questions about the lash extension or lash lift process and thanks so much for stopping by! ♥️
My Monolid Lash Extension Experience
My Lash Lift Experience
