My post last week kicked up a lot of questions so I thought I’d share some info on other options. I have become somewhat of a pro on lashes. There’s few things I love more than a set of gorgeous lashes on my face – or anyone’s face for that matter. When I posted last week about lash extensions I had several people say they weren’t available in their area, out of their budget, too permanent or any number of other issues.. however most of us can agree we wouldn’t complain about having thick, black lashes that reached our eyebrows. So today I’m telling you all the different ways I know to have long lashes – and all the pros and cons to go with it (from experience!)

1. Lash Conditioner –
Pros: This stuff is seriously a miracle potion. It REALLY works. I have used Li Lash with great success. My sisters use this exclusively and it has done wonders for their lashes. Lash conditioner is a great option for people that fake lashes are just too over the top for. At around $70 a bottle for Li Lash (and I think similar for Latisse and other brands) which will last you a good chunk of the year, this is one great way to have long, NATURAL lashes.
Cons: Your lashes are natural, so you’ll still have to curl and mascara to be able to really let those lashes stand out, so you’re not saving a lot on time. You also have to remember to use it pretty much every single night and for me (a person who would forget my own head if it wasn’t attached), that’s a bit of a challenge. But, if you like things natural and you’re super on the ball – this is the stuff for you.

2. Falsies –
Pros: If you haven’t gotten yourself familiar with false lash strips, I’m just going to go ahead and break it to you that you’ve been missing out. Lash strips are the funnest way to really snaz up a look. If I’m going out with the girls, out on a hot date, want to take my look up a notch, lash strips are my automatic go-to. When applied right and with duo glue, these will not ruin your lashes. And believe me, because I used to have to wear these suckers every day for work. (and no, I wasn’t a stripper… I worked at a very themed and fashionable restaurant) 😉 Fake lashes are like the ultimate dress-up tool for grown ups. I wash mine with a bit of shampoo to keep them lasting for many uses. When picking out the perfect fake lashes, I follow this little rule of thumb – the faker in the case, the better on your face. You’ll thank me for that one later. 😉
Cons: These are not the most comfortable lashes. A few hours with these babies attached to your lids will make you want to claw your eyes out pretty much. You’ll get used to it, but for the most part they’re best in small doses. They’re also kind of tricky to put on and get them to stay. Definitely watch this tutorial if you’re a lover of the falsies like I am. These lashes are not permanent, so when you’re not wearing them, you may feel like my hairless dog. All in all, they’re great for jazzing up a look every once in a while.

3. Semi-Permanent Falsies –
Pros: When you fall in love enough with your strip lashes, you may be interested in taking it up a notch. These babies are like the holy grail of falsies. At about $4 a case which will last you at least a month, they’re super budget friendly. These lashes are quite possibly my favorite of them all. They’re semi-permanent and they’ll stay on pretty much forever. You’ll need to touch them up every few days adding a new lash here or there, but other than that, they’re pretty low maintenance. They look very natural – not as bold as extensions or falsies, but more noticeable than just using lash conditioner. With just a slight coat of mascara on the tips, you’ve got yourself a full-on glam status. For the most natural look, I attach these at the base of my lashes on the under side – opposite from extensions or strip falsies. I also wear the Flare Long Black. I seriously LOVE these lashes.
Cons: The cons of these is really something to consider. These lashes are not for the faint of heart. They are fairly permanent and WILL damage your natural lashes. There’s not a great way to remove these bad boys. With a few weeks of lash conditioner, you can bring your natural lashes back, but it’s not the ideal process. These lashes are great for someone with naturally very thin or short lashes (who wont notice as much in the re-growth process), someone who is absolutely committed to falsies (my mother has worn these for 30+ years!), someone who is dying for lash extensions but they are seriously out of the budget (I’ve been there, sister!).

4. Lash Extensions –
Pros: I talked about my love of these last week. Lash extensions are what dreams are made of, in my opinion. When they’re done right, they wont damage your lashes, they require very little care other than your 3-6 week appointments for fills, mascara is not necessary so you look fabulous 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I especially love these lashes in the summer time when I like to wear little to no make-up, but still feel put together. Lash extensions are the ultimate cheat for beauty. I take really good care of my lashes and help them last super long. I get a fill about every 4-6 weeks, but some people need them a lot more than that.
Cons: Probably the one and only con about extensions is that they can be pricey. Full sets ranging from $75-$135 (depending on your area) and fills between $35-$65 every few weeks, these lashes take up a little room in your monthly budget. You can also count on your appointment lasting at least an hour, which for me is kind of a pro because I get almost zero “me time”, but I do have to find a sitter and take time from my busy day to get these done. All things to consider before you take the plunge. When I had a nursing baby, it was much harder for me to take an hour off every few weeks. Here is also some great info on lash extensions and care tips.

So that is pretty much everything I know about lashes. Hopefully that will help in finding the perfect solution for you. I will also add that more frequently than not, I rock my natural lashes. Sometimes I like to take a break from it all and just work what my mama gave me. All of these remedies are just for fun (and possibly to save some time) but if fake lashes are just not your thing, I say – more power to ya, girl!

xoxo – Cass