Lashes--Extensions or Strip Lashes?

I'm an eyelash novice too so I feel your pain. However, you will likely get a split response here as is usually the case (works great for some, nightmare for others). You're best bet is to take a test run with both types and see what works for you.

P.S. I'm doing strip lashes.

Strip lashes are easier to apply if you cut them into short sections.

You can have an allergic reaction to the adhesive used with either strip or lash extensions. I had to use strip lashes when I was on dance team there are a lot of different types to play with. I would go to walmart and buy some cheap ones first and practice and see how you look in them. There are tons of youtube tutorials on how to apply them.

IMO, strip lashes are uncomfortable. I have extensions and love the way they look. But they do require maintenance. And you have to be 100% sure you don't pull on them or you'll pull your own lashes out.

I understand your concern about a reaction, I was terrified about that also but so far so good. My eyes do water when she puts that plastic thing on them but she said she'd try tape next time. Once they are done, you don't feel a thing. Both strips and extensions use adhesive so if you're allergic, you'll have issues with both.

I am a novice too but for the hair/makeup demo they strongly suggested I try the fake lashes. It was strip lases and everyone loved them. The only change I made was that I am getting slightly smaller ones than at the trial, they were BIG and a bit too much for me.

Just try them out and see what you think.

I have never wore falsies until my wedding. At first I wasn't going to, but i changed my mind when I was getting my make up done. Loved them.

I have done strip lashes plenty of times and individuals at Benefit Brow Bar, and I've never had any issues.

Right before I left for my HM, I went and got extensions. I LOVE THEM. I didn't realize they don't actually get glued to your skin like strips and individuals do. I've had them for over two weeks now and I'm due for a touch-up this weekend. It's very expensive though to maintain.

Since you've never had falsies before, I suggest going with strips/individuals first to see if you even like the way they look on you. There's so many different lengths and levels of fullness.

You run the same risk for both in the sense that both use adhesive that you might react to. That being said, strip lashes are generally very cheap, and you can try it out well in advance pretty easily to see how your eyelids will react. If they react, you can just take them off and clean your eyelids and wait for the reaction to subside.

Extensions are a little more complicated. If you have a reaction, I'm pretty sure the technician will still charge you and they are definitely pricey. You could also try these out in advance, but that means shelling out twice for them.

I opted to go extensions for my wedding, and took the risk of getting them for the first time two days before the wedding. Nothing happened and I ended up loving them, but I feel like that was probably a dumb move that was motivated by the fact that I didn't want to waste the money twice.

Extensions pros:

They look more natural, especially close up (depending on what lashes you choose, of course)

They feel weightless if applied properly

They last for weeks instead of days

cons:

expensive

high maintenance (you have to use oil-free make up, watch how you sleep, comb them after showers)

must have them removed by a professional

strip lashes pros:

easy to apply

cheap

easy to remove

cons:

look less natural

may feel uncomfortable if you aren't used to them

Lash extensions damage your real lashes. If you want lashes for just one day, stick to strip lashes. Super easy. Extensions are not worth it unless you are going to keep them for a very long time

Check out the fake lashes that come in little clusters! Like the strips they're made to only wear for that one event, but I think they look more natural!

I'm team strip lashes.

Extensions ARE beautiful- and are more comfortable.

They are significantly more high maintenance and expensive to maintain. And they can/are very damaging to your natural lashes.

Falsies are great b/c they just pop on- then pop off.

You have to wear them a couple times before you really get used to them- I wear them almost every weekend- and you just sort of forget about them after a while.

Great thing about falsies you can try different styles- and then just take them off.

I would start playing with strips to see how you do with those as well as visiting the benefit brow bar. Personally, I have BLONDE eyelashes that cannot be seen without mascara. I plan on getting extensions so I don't have to worry as much about mascara on our HM & still look like i have lashes. They are more expensive to keep up with but for me its worth it!

Thanks y'all! I think I'm gonna make an appointment and try out the extensions (my bday is coming up next week, so I'll have em for the party I guess). I think I like the idea that I'll feel them less...I find having things on my face verrrrry distracting (if I even have makeup that's too thick, it drives me nuts). I was concerned about the damage aspect of it as well, but I think as long as I'm only doing it these two times and making sure I get it done well, then hopefully that minimizes it?

Fingers crossed!

I have pretty long lashes anyways, but I was thinking of wearing the smaller sets of lashes just to help with the fullness of my lashes. I was a BM last year and the bride did extensions for a while leading up to the wedding and then quit maintaining them (bc of the cost) shortly after and they did not look cute. If you choose to go that route, be prepared for the ugly unless you are going to stick with the upkeep.

I had eyelash extensions and I still felt like they were heavy. They aren't as noticeable as strip lashes but you can definitely still tell that something is on your eyelash. They look fabulous and I loved them but honestly they are an absolute pain in the ass. You have you be very aware of what products you use around your eyes (nothing with oil), brush them out, and you can never get the satisfaction of rubbing your eye without risking lash loss. Pros and cons for sure.

I wouldn't be worried about damage as long as you take care of them. I only had them once for the wedding, my eyelashes looked the same (undamaged) once they were removed. I trimmed the extensions after a few weeks before removal bc they got super long but that's about it. They never looked bad or unkempt. Definitely go somewhere reputable, my lady chose a custom length, curl, and thickness for my eye shape and I ended up not feeling them once on.

Lash extensions will be the best thing that ever happened to you (as long as they are certified and or licensed)