Lash Out: My Journey from Falsies to Fabulous

From budget-friendly strip lashes to the world of lash extensions—because who has time for mascara anymore?

Lash Extensions: A Love Affair

Alright, folks, I’ve been eyeing lash extensions for years. YEARS. But let’s be real—I kept putting it off because of a combo of uncertainty and the cost. I mean, who wants to drop a fortune on fake lashes? Not me. So, I stuck with strip lashes to get that dramatic, falsie look for a fraction of the price. However, over the last year, my skin has turned into a battlefield thanks to my body’s attempt at healing, and makeup became a no-go. Cue the panic: I felt naked and insecure without my trusty makeup routine. As someone who’s dealt with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), confidence boosters like this are a game changer. After some deep dives into research, hours of chatting with anyone who would listen, and a consultation with a lash pro, I finally decided to bite the bullet. So, here’s the rundown on what went down, and whether or not I think it was worth the leap.

Before Your Appointment: Prepare for Glamour

Here’s the drill: find some pics of lashes you love (or just pull up Pinterest and pray something catches your eye). Bring them to your lash tech, and they’ll help you build the perfect set for your eye shape. If you have no clue what you want, no worries—your lash professional’s got your back. Just prepare for at least 1-2 hours of lying down, super relaxed (you know, the way you feel when you’re finally doing something just for you). Also, make sure you show up with a clean face. No makeup, no serums, no oils, no “I just came from the spa” vibes. Clean skin is key to ensuring those lashes actually stick. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time and your money.

The Process: You Can’t Blink, but It’s Worth It

Alright, now we get to the fun part: the application. Expect this to take a while—around 1 to 2 hours for your first set. (After that, fills will be a much quicker affair—30 to 60 minutes.) Here’s a pro tip: bring earbuds. Your lash tech might try to make conversation (or not), but either way, it’s a lot of time spent lying there in complete stillness. Might as well tune into your favorite podcast, or maybe catch up on your fave Spotify playlist while you’re at it.

Once you’re comfy and settled in, they’ll tape down your lower lashes (sounds a little frightening, but trust me, it’s normal). If you’ve got sensitive skin, let your tech know, so they can use the right tape. The taping keeps your lower lashes free from accidental glue bombs. Then you close your eyes and get to chill while your technician applies the extensions. It’s like a spa day, but for your lashes.

The tech will bounce back and forth between eyes, applying extensions to each natural lash, starting from the outer corner and working inward (because symmetry, duh). This is the slowest part of the process, but the results? Worth it. Once all the extensions are on, they’ll apply a sealer and brush them out so they’re nice and fluffy. A quick tape removal, a little eye watering from the chemicals (it’s fine, no one panic), and voila—you’re ready to bat those lashes for weeks.