My experience with eyelash extensions. Pros and cons that I have identified for myself

Issues discussed in the material:

• What is the difference between classic eyelash extensions and other types?
• What types of classic eyelash extensions are there?
• What effect can be achieved with different types of classic eyelash extensions?
• How you can correct the shape of your eyes and even your face using different types of classic eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions in the classic way are a popular salon service, the choice of which is due to the stunningly bright, but at the same time natural result. During the procedure, one synthetic hair is glued to each natural eyelash in turn. Despite the apparent simplicity of the method, the result can be quite varied. Using various types of classic eyelash extensions, a specialist can professionally hide existing eye imperfections and achieve different effects. More about this in the article.

Types of classic eyelash extensions (+ photos)

Masters of the lash industry adhere to certain rules when performing the procedure: each artificial eyelash is attached at a distance of 1 mm from the growth line of natural hairs (this gap is necessary to avoid discomfort during wear). It is necessary that each eyelash be autonomous in relation to the others; gluing, which complicates the normal growth of native hairs, should not be allowed.

There are several types of classic eyelash extensions. The name of each reflects the result of the procedure.

• European
  (or natural)

Using from three to five length options for artificial eyelashes, the master reproduces the natural growth line, but the parameters of the eyelash row become noticeably better.

• Puppet.

How to restore eyelashes after extensions

Usually, after the eyelash extension procedure, eyelashes don’t look very good, to put it mildly. So you need to do everything to help them. Here are some useful tips:

1. Not three eyes. In general, try to touch your eyelashes as little as possible. This way they will recover and rest faster.
2. In the first 1-2 weeks after extensions, do not apply mascara to your eyelashes.
3. The next extension procedure should be carried out no earlier than after 1 month. This time will be enough for the eyelashes to recover and rest.
4. Be sure to remove makeup at night, preferably with soft, natural-based products.

For even more tips, see the article How to restore eyelashes after extensions.

Materials and other nuances of classic eyelash extensions

• Length.

Length refers to the distance from the base of the eyelash to its tip. It can range from four to twenty-one millimeters. Conventionally, eyelashes are divided into four groups based on their length. Hairs up to eight millimeters are considered short, eyelashes from nine to twelve millimeters are considered medium, eyelashes from thirteen to fourteen millimeters are long, and eyelashes above fifteen millimeters are very long. The average length is optimal when choosing hairs for classic extensions.

• Thickness.

The thickness parameter is calculated at the base of the cilium and has a value of 0.05–0.3 mm. Optimal hairs for classic hair extensions have a thickness of 0.15 mm. The exception is when the natural hairs are thinned and weakened. In order not to overload them, the lash maker selects thinner material.

• Bend.

It is designated by a letter and is an indicator of the degree of curl of the eyelash.

J (A) - identical to the curve of natural eyelashes. Hairs with this bend are short.

B - Same as the J-bend, it is natural, but the hairs are slightly longer.

C is the most commonly used bend in the classical extension technique, much more noticeable than the previous two.

D - strong bend. Gives a bright effect, gives expressiveness to the look.

L - cilia are straight at the base, with a slight curl at the tip.

My experience with eyelash extensions. Pros and cons that I have identified for myself

I have already told my eleven-year story of searching for myself, and a quarter of this time I have resorted to eyelash extensions

. The procedure is controversial and finds different responses from everyone, but I still decided to devote a separate post to this topic.

In 2020, I decided to give myself a birthday present and went to the salon for eyelash extensions. Since then, I have been returning to this procedure for three years, going from a small volume to a fan and back. In my post, I want to talk about my experience using this procedure and tell you what pros and cons I have identified for myself.

The first thing I want to note is that I will not provide information about the choice of length, bend, effect - after all, I am not a professional and trusted my masters in this matter. I will tell you my experience from the perspective of an ordinary user.

So, 2020. I clearly decided - I want eyelashes and that’s it! But having already learned from mocking memes on the Internet about eyelash brushes, I didn’t want to be known as the owner of whiskers on my eyes. Although, to be honest, now I approach this differently and believe that if someone wants the volume of 5000D, then let them increase it - this does not concern me. But that's not the point.

Then I signed up for the salon at random, purely based on reviews, and was very worried that I would leave there with Viy’s words “Lift my eyelids.” But they reassured me there - it turned out that they were making classics, only classics and nothing but classics. Classic extensions were considered to be the practice of attaching one extension to one of your own eyelashes. Accordingly, with double volume - two, with triple volume - three, and so on. I think everyone is already aware of this information.

I really liked the result. And the first plus that I can highlight is that long eyelash extensions perfectly open up my eyes and simply visually correct my drooping eyelid.

(All close angles are the experience of the second extension (not classic), at first I somehow didn’t think about what I would write on Cosmetist and didn’t take such photos)))

Shortly before the correction, the eyelashes are not in the best condition, but here the eyelid is as relaxed as possible and you can clearly see how the eyelashes behave

The eyelashes were absolutely not felt on the eyelids, they did not weigh me down, so that every now and then I forgot about them and could start rubbing my eyes. And here is the first disadvantage - when increasing natural volume, each eyelash that falls out forms a noticeable gap in the total volume of eyelashes, which looks very strange. And after it there is another minus, the reason for the first minus is that you need to control yourself. Don’t scratch your eyes to the fullest, sleep carefully with your face in the pillow (although I never got out of the habit of this).

In addition, it became difficult to reproduce my usual makeup in the form of arrows and everyday application of shadows.

By the way, cream and liquid shadows are a very convenient option for eyelash extensions - an excellent option, since they do not fall off on these same eyelashes))

When you want something brighter, the lower eyelid is a whole space for creativity

But sometimes I still couldn’t be stopped))

Firstly, it was inconvenient to apply the products themselves: the eyelashes interfered with the tip of the liner, and the shadows could spill onto the eyelashes themselves. Secondly, it’s not enough to put on makeup—it was also necessary to remove makeup very carefully. All oil-based removers are contraindicated with eyelash extensions, so every evening I tried to wash my eyes as thoroughly and carefully as possible using cotton swabs and micellar water.

The remnants of shadows are just visible if you do not pay due attention to makeup remover

But then I gave up on the whole thing and changed my preferences in makeup. And here is the next plus - even just applying the tone, slightly defining the lower eyelashes and styling the eyebrows, I got a completely fresh and decent look.

In total, for the first time I wore eyelashes for almost a year, but then I decided to take a break from them. Having removed my eyelashes, I was shocked - firstly, my face became unrecognizable and somehow rough, and secondly, my eyelashes! My eyelashes! These were thin, sparse stumps! I was shocked... And I was just as shocked by how quickly and without outside help they returned to their previous state - less than a month passed, and my eyelashes were with me in full again.

After removal. It's very unusual to see such a reflection in the mirror.

Six months passed, and I began to miss the effect that eyelashes gave and decided to re-extend them. According to tradition, the rooster pecking in a soft place made it so that I needed to do this right now before the imminent departure, despite the fact that, of course, there were no free windows in the cabins. And at my own peril and risk, I decided to go to an unfamiliar private master, focusing only on the close location of her office to my home. Surprisingly, in the end, because of such a chance acquaintance, I became a regular client of this girl. She selected the length and curve for me herself, but she recommended that I try a double volume. This tip actually made my life a lot easier. Yes, the eyelashes didn’t look as natural, but I didn’t have to worry about every eyelash that fell out, since it wasn’t as noticeable as before.

In addition, I don’t know what exactly is the matter - the increased volume or the magic glue, but if previously I went to have my classics corrected once every two weeks - no less often - now my eyelashes could easily last a month and remain in decent condition . I even floundered with them in the seas and pools, diving headlong and constantly rubbing my eyes - they survived the two weeks of vacation and the subsequent week of New Year holidays perfectly.

But after a little over a year, I again decided to give myself and my eyelashes a rest, so right before self-isolation (as I knew!), I decided to take them off. By the way, this time after removal, I was shocked again! My eyelashes looked exactly like they did before extensions! There was no sign at all that they had been carrying an additional burden all year. Nothing in common with those stumps that were there the first time.

Now I don't do eyelash extensions. For now. But over these three years I can draw conclusions about the pros and cons of this procedure, which I personally noted for myself.

Pros:

• Visual correction of the looming eyelid - eyelashes greatly open up the eyes.
• I woke up and was already beautiful. Honestly, I really liked my reflection in the mirror in the morning - no matter how unkind it was. But at the same time, such bright eyelashes put forward certain requirements: on an unpainted face they can look foreign.
• The time it takes to get ready in the morning has been significantly reduced. Firstly, I stopped drawing complex makeup, and secondly, the longest procedure for me - tinting my eyelashes - was no longer necessary.
• My eyelashes do not give me a feeling of discomfort; they are not felt on my eyes.
• If you find your extension in terms of artist, volume, glue, then you can attend the correction procedure once a month.

Minuses:

• The very first minus for me is time. It constantly needs to be highlighted and adjusted. At the end of the year it starts to tire me - even once a month.
• You can’t scratch your eyes, you can’t rub them, you need to sleep carefully so as not to wake up with eyelashes on the pillow, you also need to be careful when swimming in the sea/pool/shower, because if water gets on your eyes, I start rubbing them, which is not advisable to do.
• The scope for creativity in makeup is a little limited.
• Difficulties in removing makeup if your hands still reach the eyeliner and shadows.

Another plus is that at work it’s much more convenient for me to endure any bad weather with eyelash extensions.
I know that this procedure finds a different response for everyone, and many “stomp” for naturalness, but I take it calmly, I’m not embarrassed by eyelashes that “visible from a kilometer away”))). Personally, I only got eyelash extensions because I liked the way they made me look and they gave me a little extra time in the morning. Over time, I got used to the disadvantages and learned to draw arrows and carefully do makeup remover. But this is just my experience.

By the way, regarding makeup remover and eyelash cleansing in general. I found a more or less suitable and convenient way for myself. To do this, after I have washed off the main part of the makeup from my eyelids and I need to more thoroughly clean the eyelash area, I take two cotton swabs, moisten them in micellar water, place one above the eyelashes, one under and begin to work with them on small areas of the eyelashes, moving from the roots - I pay special attention to them, since it is between the lashes that the remnants of cosmetics are hidden. After the micellar, I take new cotton swabs, but I already moisten them with water and go through the same process again. If there are still traces of dirt on the sticks, then I repeat the micellar step again. The main thing is to do everything carefully.

One more thing - eyelashes may look sloppy in the morning and as if a little disheveled - ordinary brushes will help to put them in order. I bought disposable brushes and used them to comb my eyelashes if necessary.

Will I go back to extensions? Definitely yes, but later, when the whole situation calms down. For me the experience was quite positive.

Increase

How does the classic eyelash extension procedure work?

Before classic extensions, the master selects the material based on the client’s appearance, the condition of natural eyelashes and the desired result. As a result of the procedure, artificial hairs should not be longer than natural hairs by more than two millimeters.

1. To avoid sticking of the lower eyelashes, it is necessary to protect them with silicone pads.
2. For a long-lasting effect and good adhesion of the glue to the surface of the hairs, you need to apply a degreaser to the upper eyelashes and skin of the eyelids.
3. The lash maker straightens the eyelashes with straight tweezers, grabs the artificial hair with tweezers with curved tips, dips it in the adhesive and attaches it to the natural one. The distance from the eyelid line should be about one millimeter.
4. Next, excess glue is removed with a toothpick or a cotton swab, and a fixing compound is applied to the attachment points.

What should be the composition of mascara to speed up the growth process?

Buy decorative eyelashes only after familiarizing yourself with the composition of the product.

Here are the components that must be present in the mascara:

1. Proteins. This component is added to help hair grow faster. Most often, manufacturers of high-quality carcasses use wheat germ proteins in their products.
2. Panthenol. Prevents eyelash fragility and strengthens their structure.
3. Melanin. Provides protection from external influences.
4. Keratin. Strengthens hairs, covering each of them with a protective film.
5. UV blockers. Protects eyelashes from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
6. Vitamins. A, E, F, B5 are considered the most useful for eyelashes. These vitamins provide hair with nutrition, strengthening from the roots, stimulate growth, and make it elastic.
7. Castor oil. Strengthens eyelashes, eliminates inflammation. Read more in the article about the properties of castor oil and how to use it.
8. Lanolin. Resists fragility and dryness of eyelashes.
9. Preservatives. That dangerous word you're afraid to see on food packaging actually doesn't mean anything bad for your eyelashes. Typically, manufacturers of high-quality cosmetics add glycerin and benzalkonium chloride to their products. These components prevent foreign microorganisms from multiplying in the carcass.

It doesn’t matter if some of these substances are not found in your favorite eyelash product. You can always add them yourself. Buy oil-based retinol, or vitamin A, vitamin E at the pharmacy and add 1-2 drops to your mascara. You can do the same with castor oil.

Never buy eyelash cosmetics that contain petroleum, parabens, or thimerosol. They can cause eye irritation and are very hazardous to health. Give up cosmetics that contain such terrible words in their composition: bronidox, hidantoin, bronopol.

Ways to recover quickly?

Additionally, stimulate hair growth (in addition to pharmaceutical products) :

1. Herbal decoctions. Treatment of eyelashes and the edge of the eyelid with decoctions based on cornflower or chamomile helps accelerate eyelash growth. A tablespoon of any of these herbs should be brewed in a glass of boiling water and left for a day in a dry, dark place to infuse. Soak a cotton pad in the prepared product and apply the product to your eyelids once a day.
2. Eyelid massage. Moisten your fingertips in almond or burdock oil and massage your closed eyelids for five minutes. This massage must be done carefully to prevent oil from getting into your eyes. The point of the procedure is to stimulate the hair follicles from the inside. Therefore, to avoid irritation of the conjunctiva, it is not necessary to massage the eyelids in close proximity to the edge of the eyelid.
3. Compresses. These products can be based on various essential cosmetic oils, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and aloe extract. The principle of compresses is to dip a sponge or cotton pad into the prepared product and hold them on the eyelids for a certain time.
4. Masks. Such products are mainly made on the basis of essential oils with the addition of liquid vitamin complexes. It is enough to use such products every other day. And after a certain time (it differs for each recipe), the composition must be washed off from the eyelids.