How to Care for your Lash Extensions

I love my lash extensions, so it's very important for me to care for them so that they last as long as they can. Here's how I care for my Xtreme Lash Extensions (refer to my last post “All About Eyelash Extensions” about whether or not lash extensions are right for you!)

When I initially get my lashes put on, or get my lashes filled, I don't get them wet for 48 hours (I mentioned this in my last post). This means I don't even get steam near them when I shower. Be sure to not use mascara on them for this period of time as well.

Each morning, I brush my lashes with a disposable mascara wand in order to straighten them out. I received mine from the woman who does my lash extensions, but you can buy a 12-pack of them at SallyBeauty.com here. When brushing, be sure to not brush hard or start too close to the lash line. Remember to start brushing your lashes from the middle of the lashes to the tips. Doing so will ensure that your lashes don’t come out while brushing.

Once a week, I apply the Xtreme Protective Coating to my lashes. This product strengthens the bond between the lash and the extension, which ultimately makes the lash extensions last longer. It also creates a barrier against oil and adds shine.

When doing my makeup, I use LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (read my review here) before applying eyeshadow. This primer is oil-free, which is very important. Remember to use oil-free products around or on your lashes so that your extensions don’t slip off of your natural lash!

If I feel that I want to wear some mascara (which isn’t entirely necessary since the lashes look awesome by themselves), I use the mascara provided by Xtreme Lashes. I use the Xtreme Length Mascara, which is oil-free. Besides being safe for the lashes, it’s an extremely great product! It doesn’t clump or flake, and it comes off very easily with eye makeup remover.

When I take my eye makeup off, I use Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads. Again, it’s extremely important to remember to use oil-free products with your lashes! I feel that these pads are extremely convenient and can be easily disposed of. Remember not to put too much pressure on the lashes when using the pads, since you can tug at them and cause some of your lashes to come off!

Other times, I use Xtreme Eye Makeup Remover and Facial Cleanser to take off my eye makeup. This was formulated by the company that created the extensions, so you know it’s perfectly safe to use around your lashes. It also smells really good – kind of like coconut, and has aloe in it for moisturizing purposes.

Finally, when I go to bed, I remember not to toss and turn (I mentioned this in my last post). It’s important to not sleep on one side or your stomach since you’ll apply pressure to your lashes, so sleeping on your back is ideal.

You can order any of the Xtreme Lashes products I mentioned above on either the Xtreme Lashes website here, or you can purchase them where you get your lashes done.

I hope this post helps you get the most out of your lash extensions! Feel free to ask any questions or post any comments below! Also, if you have Xtreme Lashes and care for them in a different way, be sure to tell me in the comment section! J

All About Lash Extensions!

I got the Xtreme Lash Extensions right before my 21st birthday, and I've had them on for a total of 2 months now. I've decided to compile a list of everything you need to know about extensions in order to help those of you who are contemplating getting them!

This is a picture taken before I received the lash extensions. As you can see, my lashes aren't that short, but they aren't ridiculously long.

This is a picture taken after I got the lash extensions. My lashes look A LOT longer than they were.

Here are some things that I've learned about lash extensions:

1. It takes about an hour and a half to apply the initial set of lashes - It's a big time commitment to get the lashes and maintain them.

2. It's a painless procedure - Your lashes won't feel any different once the extensions are on. You'd think they would feel heavy, but they feel as if nothing is on your lashes.

3. When the lashes get either initially put on or replaced, you can't get them wet for 48 hours - Be sure to wash your hair and shower before getting your lashes put on that day. Using a clear shower cap over your hair and eyes when you shower helps so you don't get your lashes wet by accident! You can also use goggles. This sounds silly, but it really works!

4. It takes about 45 minutes every 2-3 weeks to have the lashes "filled", or replaced - You have to commit to filling the lashes each week, or they'll fall out.

5. It's very EXPENSIVE! - It costs about $250 to get the initial set, which is about 40-60 lashes; and $75-$95 to get the lashes filled every 2-3 weeks. *Remember to check your salon's pricing - every salon is different.*

6. You don't have to use your eyelash curler at all! - I have a lot of lashes, but they're straight and don't have a natural curl to them. I found myself using my eyelash curler a lot during the day in order to ensure that my lashes were curled prior to getting extensions. I would even carry my eyelash curler in my bag when I went out at night with my friends! Needless to say, I am obsessed with my lashes being curled. When you have lash extensions, you should not use an eyelash curler as it can damage the extensions.

7. It doesn't affect your natural lashes or the lash growth - Don't worry, your lashes won't fall out, and nothing bad will happen to them after getting the extensions.

8. You don't have to wear mascara- You don't have to wear regular mascara or waterproof mascara in the pool or ocean, and your lashes will still look good after! You also don't have to worry about your mascara running.

9. You can't use certain mascaras if you feel the need to wear mascara - Most mascaras are oil-based, which means that the lash extensions will slide right off of your eyelash if you apply them. You should purchase the mascara made especially for the lashes, which is water-based.

10. You have to use an oil-free makeup remover - This is a relatively easy practice to get used to. All you have to do is switch to oil-free makeup remover pads.

11. You can't toss and turn in your sleep! - I move a lot when I sleep, so this was hard for me to get used to. You should sleep on your back since the lashes aren't hitting the pillow, which causes them to either bend in a weird direction, or fall off. Usually, my right eyelashes fall off more because I sleep on my right side.

12. They add a ton of length to the lash - As you can see from the pictures above, there's a dramatic difference in my lash length.

I hope this helps you decide whether or not lash extensions are the right choice for you! :)