Today I am sharing my experiences with eyelash extensions, LashBoost and my favorite mascara! I have actually never used fake eyelashes before so that will not be included in this post but if I try them in the future I will be sure to share that experience with you all.
Eyelash Extensions
I decided to go all out and get eyelash extensions over the summer. I saw someone that was recommended to me so it wasn’t a complete stranger. I had no issues at first and the experience at the salon was actually pretty good. I thought my lashes looked amazing after, but it did take some getting used to and I didn’t feel completely comfortable going to work at the hospital with them. It was really nice though not to have to put on mascara every day and I got so many compliments.
The maintenance is also A LOT: I got the classics, which is the most natural and inexpensive option at $150. Salons could vary in price and there are more elaborate and expensive options ranging up to $300. You also need to go every 2-4 weeks to get fill-ins which is another $55-85. The at-home maintenance includes washing your lashes at least once per day with baby shampoo and you have to avoid putting oils around your eyes. You also need to brush them multiple times per day with a lash brush, like the one you would find at Sephora to sample mascara.
After a week and a half, my lashes really started falling out and causing me pain to my left eye. It hurt so bad that I ended up removing them myself with coconut oil. A lot of my natural lashes came out when I did this, but that’s probably because I did not go to the salon like you’re supposed to.
BOTTOM LINE: they looked super pretty but it hurt too much and the maintenance was very heavy. I would recommend eyelash extensions if you have a big event planned (like your own wedding), have very short or little amount of lashes, can afford the maintenance, and don’t work in a hospital or somewhere else it could be considered unprofessional. I think they look amazing but they are definitely not for everyone!
LashBoost by Rodan and Fields
I started using LashBoost to help grow my lashes after taking off the extensions. If you don’t know what LashBoost is, it is an eyelash growth serum like latisse. I had heard conflicting reviews – that it works amazingly but that it can also cause eye redness/irritation etc. I decided to try it out but cautiously and immediately stop if I experience any side effects. I have been using LashBoost for about 6 weeks and started off by using it every other day the first 1-2 weeks. You apply it to your upper lids only like you are applying eyeliner. According to the Rodan and Fields website, the bottle should be replaced every 3 months but my consultant says hers lasts about year. Each bottle costs $150 but if you may be able to get a discount if you purchase through a consultant. So far the only side effect I have experienced was some very slight burning immediately after applying the serum the first couple days. The burning did not last more than a few seconds and went away after those first few times.
Since I started using LashBoost right after I took off my extensions, it is difficult to determine if my lashes have grown because of the serum or just because they have had time to recover from the extensions. However, I still believe my lashes look longer than they did before I got extensions. I do not notice much of a difference in my bare lashes but when I apply mascara they look really long!
BOTTOM LINE: I would recommend using LashBoost! I think it has really helped my lashes recover after the extensions and I will continue using it unless I experience any negative effects. I would also recommend taking caution like I did due to the potential adverse reactions. I think starting with a small area at first and infrequently would be a good idea.
My Mascara
I have been using this mascara for about 6-7 years now! I have tried a bunch of other brands in between but I keep going back to this one. It is a miracle worker! I have the black waterproof one but it also comes in brown. There is a mini version available but for some reason it never works as well as the full size version.
You can shop it at:
- Nordstrom (ON SALE 2 for $32!) or just 1 bottle for $21 here
- Macy’s (on sale for $21.25 with code FRIEND)
- Sephora (retail price $25)
- Ulta ($25, free gift with purchase)
- Bloomingdale’s ($25)
- Benefit Cosmetics ($25)
BOTTOM LINE: this mascara is AMAZING and I love it so much!
My Recommendations
If I could only give one piece of advice it would be to start with the most inexpensive and least invasive out of all the above! Like I said before I started using the mascara first but I wish I would have given LashBoost some consideration before I got the extensions. I hope this answered some of you questions about my eyelash experiences and if not feel free to DM me on instagram!
