Law #1: KEEP YOUR LASHES ALIVE, GORGEOUS, AND HEALTHY
A good eyelash extension job holds the key to confidence, commanding a room, and grabbing your SO’s and friends’ attention, sometimes without them even noticing what you’ve done. Whether you want your eyelashes to look effortless and natural or you want them a mile high knocking on the gates of heaven, get your lash game on.
The gold standard—customized, individual eyelash extensions. We love a beautiful, professionally extended set of lashes. When you’re peeking at those beautiful runway models and celebs at the award shows and soaking in your favorite Real Housewives season, you see faces adorned with beautiful eyelash extension jobs. The best part—while this type of lash extension job requires a trained, licensed professional, the service is accessible worldwide in an industry estimated to grow by more than 5% by 2025. Professional extensions start with a full set of lashes that get attached to your own individual, natural lashes and require a “touchup” or “fill-in” every 2-3 weeks to keep your lash game tight. Prices come in two parts. (1) The initial set of lashes will cost about $150-$300, depending on the volume you want. Then (2) your touchups every 2-3 weeks will cost about $50-$100, depending on the volume and style you’ve chosen.
The old strip falsies. Since the early 1900s, strip eyelashes have been a rage. Financially accessible and available at just about any department store, beauty store, and even many pharmacies, a set of falsies can be an easy go-to solution for temporary volume to your lash line. You glue these lashes on at home on your own for a fun night out, and then remove them when you’re done. Having trouble putting on falsies? Check out this tip from famed drag icon, RuPaul. Prices range from as little as $5 for a pair up to $150 for a kit.
The fad—magnetic eyelashes. It’s a fad right now, and we’re not sure where it’s going, but we’ll admit it’s interesting. Most falsies need to be glued on, but this new concept of lashes comes with a magnetic strip. The lash kit comes with magnet-infused eyeliner that attracts the magnets in the lash strip, which are supposed to help you to get them on quicker. Then, go have your fun, and remove them when you remove your makeup. Prices for magnetic lashes are typically a little higher than traditional glue-strip falsies, coming in at about $25 for a set up to about $150 or more for a kit.
Natural lash enhancements, no falsies required. Not a falsies kind of girl? You STILL have options. If you already have a good set of natural lashes, a professional lash lift creates the look of lashes lifted from the base to give your own natural lashes a look that will get noticed. Prefer to curl your lashes at home? Invest in a good eyelash curler and follow the instructions for a beautiful curl. A professional lash lift will cost you about $80 in most areas and will last 4-6 weeks, while an eyelash curler can cost as little as $5.
Mascara. A tried and true staple, a girl’s secret weapon can be her mascara. They come in many options, from waterproof to sensitive eyes, vegan and more. You can choose from volumizing, lengthening, and even nourishing mascaras - or keep an entire arsenal. It’s up to you.
Know the occasion, and don’t overdo it. Just like with makeup, different lifestyles require different lash jobs. A boardroom girl vs. a stage performer vs. a video blogger, different looks make different impacts. This is why we love a professional set of extensions—if you’re chosen the right studio, you’ll get a consultation with a trained artist who will guide you.
If asked, never lie—be proud of a well-done set of extensions. Just like good makeup and hair, good extensions can look effortless and natural when done right. But just like with hair—if you show up with hair touching your butt the day after having barely shoulder-length hair—everyone will know something is different. If asked, be honest and be proud. There may be someone in the room who just needed to hear you own your power before she feels comfortable stepping into her own vanity.
Know what you’re paying for. We aren’t a “you get what you pay for” type of team at VGW. We believe that there are great options at each level of purchasing power, and we want you to know how to own your vanity, no matter what you’re purchasing level is at the time. If you’re going for a full set of lashes at a professional studio and you’re being charged $40, you probably need to run. These lashes START at about $150 as an industry standard and can go up to as much as $300 for the first set, followed by a touchup that can be as low as $50. Just as you wouldn’t price shop to find the cheapest dentist to do major work in your mouth, be just as careful with your eyes. Look at more than price. If one type of extension is outside of your price range, THAT’S OKAY—go for a lower-cost option for now and work your way up. Remember, the options we listed start from a $5 eyelash curler that you pay for once and curl your lashes at home as often as you like.
Consider the lower lash line, too. Honey, if you’re really ready to step out like a queen, consider the lower lash line! Ask your professional lash artist about this look, and get ready to wow.
Keep it healthy. At the top of our priorities is always your health and safety. If you’re concerned about your lashes, eyes, or any part of the area surrounding your eyes, STOP and contact an ophthalmologist—an eye doctor. Tell them what you want to achieve and let them take a look at your eyes if anything has gone wrong or to address your concerns. And as always, make sure you’re following proper protocols for cleaning your eyes and eyelashes depending on the type of lashes you’ve chosen.
“Don't save bold lashes…for nighttime - do it in the day!”
- Tyra Banks
“A good set of lashes can fix anything...even a mugshot.”
- Tinsley Mortimer
“Everyone knows I'm a lash girl by now. When I don't have my lashes, I feel naked.”
- Nicki Minaj
“I get my eyelashes done. I get my top lashes done, and then I use waterproof mascara for my bottom lashes. It's an easy regimen.”
- Julia Fox
“I have to have my lashes. For me, it all sets the tone: I'm getting ready to go to work.” “I can’t do without my lashes!”
- Michelle Carter, (athlete American shot putter)
We’re totally partial to professionally extended lashes. Just as much as we love the glitz, glamour, and relaxation of getting our hair done, manis and pedis, and massages, we love dropping into a gorgeously decorated, beautifully lit, comfortably glam eyelash studio for a lashing session. It’s something about knowing that someone knows my face, eyes, and lifestyle so well that they can customize my look, all while I sink into a comfy bed and take a nap. Sure, it’s an investment, and it’s not the only way to get the job done, so if you’re not starting here, work your way up to it in time, just like we did!
There can be no reversal to this law of beauty. With options starting from a one-time commitment of as little as $5 for an eyelash curler that’ll last a decade, don’t let finances get in the way of keeping your lash game on point. Of course, we never recommend putting vanity above other basic needs like financial security, so don’t live above your means with this (i.e., don’t end up in debt chasing $200 sets of lashes that require an $80 touchup every couple of weeks). If you can afford that, then by all means, it’s a worthwhile investment; but if you can’t, there are adequate do-it-yourself options that keep your lashes looking on point. We’d also never recommend doing something that is harmful to you, so if you’re dealing with certain eye conditions or if you have extreme sensitivity to some of the tools or products used for professional lash extensions, opt for a lash lift, a do-it-yourself extension option, or curl your lashes at home.