Mom Review: Lash Extensions Versus Lash Lift

04/05/2024

Disclaimer: The author paid for the treatments reviewed below.

Today’s social media beauty trends see women sharing the “high maintenance” treatment they avail of to stay “low maintenance” daily. The latter has been a mom’s concern before the viral trends because for most of us, we just don’t have the time to primp ourselves just like we used to. But the desire to look beautiful and presentable never dwindles—if anything, there may be a greater desire to appear fresh, well-rested, and just as if motherhood has not ravaged our physical appearance.

Moms must no longer be apologetic about our desire to look good in our birthing or travel photos. Heck, even a desire to look like one got a full eight hours of sleep every night sans the factor of photos is nothing to be ashamed of. So if you’re considering getting eyelash extensions or a lash lift but can’t seem to decide which suits you best, read our honest review below.

What are lash extensions?

Eyelash extensions add eyelash-like fibers to your own. This is a semi-permanent procedure that can last four to six weeks depending on how well you take care of it. Depending on what you avail and where, eyelash extensions can go from a notch above natural to full-on glam, just as if you were wearing false eyelashes daily.

Why choose lash extensions

I often received reviews that lash extensions caused them to lose their natural lashes–but as I suspected this outcome has everything to do with lash care. Since the extensions are glued to your actual lashes and not your eyelids, too much rubbing and friction may cause you to lose your eyelashes and with it, your newly-applied lash extensions.

In my experience, I did not experience thinning out of my natural lashes probably because I avoid touching my eyes. I wear minimal eye makeup daily and this requires me to not touch my eyes. I always say that if you rub your eyes often, you will not be able to maximize the lash extensions. And you may experience adverse effects of your natural lashes thinning out due to your natural habit. You may also find it cumbersome to have to constantly avoid touching your eyes.

For moms with sparse, thin, or short lashes, lash extensions are worth considering. If you want an “I woke up like this” look, go for the natural options. It may also be worth considering if you want to “look awake” or “naturally pretty” during labor, delivery, and postpartum! Yes, we know how important it is to look good in your photos with your newborn.

Other moms like to avail of lash extensions before traveling. This way, you can look good in your family photos even if you have less time to prepare for your day because of a jam-packed itinerary. It is also a favorite for beach vacations: you can look pretty even when you’re just wading in the pool or hanging out by the beach. Remember to book your appointments accordingly! For best results, avoid getting your eyelashes wet 48 hours after application.

Another detail worth noting: Eyelash extensions may not be for you if you prefer sleeping face down on your pillow.

What is a lash lift?

A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that curls one’s lashes. It does not add hair or fiber to your natural lashes, it only curls what you already have. If you want to amp up your curl, you can use mascaras with a lash lift. However, you cannot add to the curl with a lash curler: using a lash curler on permed lashes will cause breakage.

After a round with lash extensions, I decided to try a lash lift in anticipation of a family vacation. I intended to cut my prep time since I knew we would be on the go every day. I brought a tube of mascara in my travel kit but left my lash curler back home.

The procedure is much quicker than getting a lash extension. All you need is thirty minutes. It’s also lighter on the pocket (I paid around PHP 500), and it lasts about the same amount of time as lash extensions. A four-week interval between lash lift treatments is usually recommended.

Why choose a lash lift

If you are happy with your lashes but just want them to be curled 24/7, a lash lift may be for you. You can amplify it with your choice of mascara, something that cannot be done with lash extensions. Similar to lash extensions, it is recommended to avoid rubbing your eyes and it is best not wet your eye area 24 hours after the procedure.

What I loved about the lash lift is how natural it looked. I looked all glammed up even if I had just woken up with lash extensions, but with a lash lift I felt I achieved the much-coveted “I woke up like this” look better. Compared to lash extensions, a lash lift was not an obvious beauty treatment. This is the treatment to consider if you don’t usually do too much in the beauty department but want a change that isn’t too in-your-face.

You will like a lash lift if:

You are content with your eyelashes and just want a semi-permanent curl
You want to be able to amp up your eyelashes with a mascara
You prefer the most natural look
You tend to touch or rub your eyes

I have availed of a lash lift twice now, and I think I will continue to prefer this procedure, especially for travels that inevitably allow for the slew of family photos we take during these precious moments.

Tips for getting your lash procedure done from a mom

As someone who jumps from one task to another and is challenged to slow down, I will be honest and admit that an hour-long or even thirty-minute procedure that requires me to lie down and close my eyes makes me antsy. My tip is to prepare a playlist or a podcast if you feel the same.

Make sure to schedule your appointment earlier in the day to observe the 24-hour rule of avoiding water on your eyes. Best to check with your salon of choice regarding their after-care and rules before making and going to your beauty appointment.

Conclusion

Think of the lash lift as a procedure that makes the most of what you’ve got while lash extensions add to your natural beauty. I would consider the aftercare of both procedures when deciding which treatment to go for, and the finished product as a secondary factor.