Photo credit: lipglossandlashes
When it comes to beauty, many people like to say that it comes from the inside. And while I do not disagree that your inner goodies may be beautiful, I proclaim to you – other than the technician at my Mammogram a few months ago, nobody can see “on my inside”. So let’s talk about the fun stuff on the outside and all of the ways we can beautify it and show people, starting with one of my favorites – LASHES!!
“Beauty comes from the inside; INSIDE the Salon” – EL
The fluttery extensions that sometimes resemble long-legged centipedes with their legs curled up toward the sky are an amazing way to immediately enhance the eyes.
Lash enhancement has had on, and off again popularity, since the beginning of time, but it was the 1920s when flappers got creative and added little balls of glue and stars to their lashes and the 1960s when a girl could pop over to her nearest drug or department store and purchase lashes like the iconic waif sized fashion model Twiggy – that solidified the lashes as a beauty staple.
Fast Forward to 2024 and you will see that the False Eyelashes Market size is expected to grow from USD 1.34 billion USD to 1.85 billion by 2028. Those numbers tell us that lashes are not just popular, they are a Big Business worth exploring.
When it comes to false lashes you have a few options: Strip or Magnetic lashes, cluster/ fan lashes or individual lash extensions. All of these look best when applied by a professional, but you can pick up the cluster and strip lashes at Beauty Supply stores, drugstores like CVS or online boutique sellers like LipglossNLashes by EL or Lilly Lashes and apply them yourself in the privacy of your own home. With a little practice and these effortless tips, I’ll share below, they can look just as good as if applied in a salon.
– Measure the strip against your lash line and trim lashes by cutting the band to fit the length of your natural eye.
– Curve your strip lashes around a clean round handle of a medium beauty brush or mascara tube and leave it for 15 min or more to set a curve in the lashes or cut the strip into 3 or 4 pieces and apply each piece along the natural curve of your lash line.
– Apply lash glue thinly across the lash strip and even thinner across the lash line and allow the glue to get slightly tacky (about 1-2 minutes). The lashes will adhere faster when tacky and not slide around as much.
Over-the-counter lashes DIY lashes will cost $5 to $20.00 for budget-friendly lashes and $15 to $69 for designer or specialized lashes. Lashes are usually made of synthetic or mink hair. Handle them carefully and you can use them a couple of times before throwing them away.
If you are ready to get professional lashes be prepared to do some research to find a technician with positive reviews and room in their appointment books. You will also need to have some extra cash. Eyelash extensions can cost between $90 and $300, depending on the type of eyelashes, eye shape, and other factors. The professional technician will use lashes of varying lengths, widths, and curl patterns to create a set of custom lashes that flatter your eye and face shape. Eyelash extensions can last a long time with regular maintenance, including:
- Refills: A fill can cost $75–$150. Lash techs recommend getting refills every two to three weeks to keep the look fresh. If you wear the extensions long-term, you should have the full set replaced every three months.
- Avoid rubbing or pulling: You should avoid rubbing or pulling at your lashes throughout the day.
- Take a break: To ensure natural lashes recover, you should remove eyelash extensions every six to eight months. This allows the eyelid line to be cleansed and for the natural lashes to grow and thicken.
Eyelash extensions have become popular because they can add length and volume and make eyes appear younger and more alert. Natural looks are the most popular, though exaggerated long lashes have become very popular in recent years. Whether you decide to try lashes for a special occasion or add them to your everyday routine – you will find lots of choices out there so just remember whatever choice you make to have fun. You can always take them off and try something different.
El Gray is a designer & artist who loves creating beautiful things, Share your ideas for future articles you would like to see on our pages and your decorating, craft & art projects with her at elzary@gmail.com
