It is Sunday evening, and you’re prepping for your big job interview the following day. You’ve waited for this opportunity for a long time, and you don’t want anything to screw it up. It is then that you take a look in the mirror and notice that your eyelash extensions are looking a bit messy.
Since it’s Sunday, and the interview is in less than 12 hours, you can’t go anywhere to get them touched up. Getting an appointment isn’t even possible. What can you do? You notice a box of false eyelashes mixed in with your various cosmetics. Can those be the ticket to great-looking lashes? Can you wear false eyelashes with eyelash extensions?
Although it is better to use magnetic lashes or additional mascara in this situation, you can wear false eyelashes with eyelash extensions. This process shouldn’t occur routinely due to the damage that can happen during placement and removal. However, in dire circumstances, you can use this technique to remedy thinning lashes if mascara or magnetic options do not pan out.
To avoid significant damage to your existing extensions and natural lashes, taking steps to minimize any issues that can occur is essential. Although layering falsies onto extensions is often damaging, it doesn’t have to be. These steps will help you to retain the quality of your natural lashes and extensions.
Applying Adhesive For False Eyelashes
When you are securing falsies, you have to use an adhesive. The trick to attaching the fake lashes correctly is not using too much of the bonding agent. It is common for people to put more than what is necessary on their eyelash area. When too much is placed and dries, it creates a stronghold that is difficult to remove.
Removing this extra product can cause additional damage to your extensions and natural lashes.
Less is more when it comes to adhesive for falsies. Lash adhesive becomes tacky as it dries. Once you place it on your lash line, you need to allow it to become tacky before applying the falsie. This stage is the time when people get impatient and start to add more adhesive. Not only is that unnecessary, but it also makes the lashes more difficult to remove later on.
Additionally, make sure you line the fake lash strip as close to your lash line as you can. If the strip is noticeable after it is placed, you can use a safe extension liner to cover it up.
Strategic False Eyelash Placement
When you attach the set of fake eyelashes to your extensions, you need to pay careful attention to the placement. This need is additional to lining the strip close to the lash line, as mentioned above, but just as important.
If the lashes move too much during placement, you risk intermixing with the adhesive. When this mixing happens, the lashes can become stuck together. This look is often referred to as “spider legs” because they are thick, and the spacing is more than what it naturally appears. This look is not one that most people desire to have.
One way to do this correctly is to practice before you make the actual application. Although it will not be the same look or effect that you will have on your eyelid, practicing the exact placement will be less distressing to your skin and lashes. Taking the time to practice will also leave less margin for error in the result.
One strategy that stylists use to practice before performing on clients is with a sponge. By taking a slightly damp sponge and a pair of tweezers, you can take the time to place the false lashes in a symmetrical fan pattern. This method will also allow you to know when the adhesive has set enough where you can remove the tweezers. Doing this several times before placing the falsies on yourself will allow for more accurate placement. Learn more about how storing lash tweezers can make these steps easier
Choose High-Quality Falsies
There are many different brands of fake eyelashes on the market. The materials that make up the various brands vary. The best types of eyelashes to purchase are the ones made of mink fur, human hair, or silk. For those who want a non-cruelty option outside of silk, horse hair is also available. These materials look more natural and are less harmful to your existing extensions and natural lashes.
Some brands that stylists prefer include:
- Bad Gal Lash
- Lithe Lashes
- Kiss Falscara
- Velour Collection
- Glamnetic Lush Lash
- LoveSeen Axel
- Lashify Control Kit
- Eylure Luxe Silk
- Dark Swan of Denmark
Aim For Lightweight Falsies
False eyelashes are pretty heavy compared to natural lashes and extensions. The weight of the lashes can strain your existing extensions. It is best to search out the lightest option that is available to avoid any damage.
A choice that fits both the high-quality material option and the lightweight one is mink. Mink is a top choice for fake lashes, and the lightweight that they have reduces the impact on your extension, allowing them to retain their quality.
Some lightweight brands that stylists prefer include:
- Ardell Lash Wispies
- Timeless Beauty Mink Lashes
- Velour Mink Lashes
- Muse Beauty Lashes
Carefully Remove The Falsies After Use
To properly care for your existing lashes, as well as your extensions, you need to remove falsies carefully. If you do not, you risk losing lashes or causing damage. The best way to remove your falsies is to use eye makeup remover with an oil-free base. Applying this before peeling away the lash will make the removal more manageable and help preserve your extensions.
It is essential not to use false eyelashes frequently, even if you don’t have extensions. Removing falsies often takes several natural lashes with them.
Although losing 1-3 natural lashes doesn’t seem like a huge deal, it can be if it happens several times a week or daily. At that frequency, you will lose all of your natural lashes in a short period with application and removal.
Some false lashes can be used up to 50 times. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to be in a row. Taking a break between applications is best for the overall health of your natural lashes.
Consider Makeup Instead Of False Lashes
As stated earlier, it is safer and easier to use mascara and eyeliner to brush up the look of your eyelash extensions. You can also use magnetic lashes. Taking this route also leaves fewer opportunities for error. If you find yourself less than impressed with the status of your extensions and have minimal time to rectify it, it is in your best interest to turn to makeup instead of falsies.
Unless you have a great deal of experience applying fake lashes on top of extensions, the margin of error is relatively high. If you require high-quality lashes for an event, like an important interview, you don’t want to put all of your eggs in a basket with a falsie application. It is more feasible to choose a less intrusive method and come out with an acceptable result instead of a risky one that may have an unfortunate outcome.
It is important to use makeup that is safe for extensions. The varieties that are appropriate for use on extensions are typically oil-free and not alcohol-based. As far as mascara is concerned, water-based solutions are best for keeping up the quality of your extensions.
Pre-Schedule Routine Fills
Lash extensions are high maintenance and require a lot of upkeep. It is often necessary to visit the salon every two weeks to have the extensions touched up and filled. Like manicure maintenance, specific techniques need to be adhered to in order to have the gorgeous effect you desire on your lashes.
To avoid emergent situations in which your extensions are at a subpar quality, take the time to pre-schedule routine eyelash fills with your preferred salon. The price of a fill will vary by salon and location but is necessary for lash upkeep.
The Dos & Do Not
Do’s:
- Practice applying fake lash strips before securing them to your eyelid
- Use minimal adhesive
- Use oil and alcohol-free makeup products
- Strategically place the false eyelashes on your eyelid
- Carefully remove false lashes after use
- Select high quality and lightweight lashes
- Try applying makeup to boost your lash look
Do Not’s:
- Use oil and alcohol-based products
- Apply too much adhesive
- Use overly heavy false lashes
- Rush the application process
- Use cheap, low-quality materials
These suggestions are bound to help you maintain your gorgeous lashes and look stunning for your important event.
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions are widely popular for creating a dramatic and lush look that can’t always be achieved naturally. Although the result is beautiful, the upkeep is high maintenance. To keep your extensions in tip-top shape, you need to take the time to get them filled on a routine basis, which is typically every two weeks.
However, life happens. Sometimes you can’t make your appointment, or your finances don’t allow for maintenance that frequently. In that event, you want to find ways to enhance the appearance of your extensions, but you also want to protect your natural assets.
