So you just got extensions, and then I told you you had to keep them clean, use a special mascara (if you wanted to) and maybe even use a lash growth serum. You may be thinking, “YIKE$!” - I thought this was going to make my routine easier!
Taking care of your extensions is essential to maintaining them and it’s extremely simple - and most of it is available via amazon.
ABOUT CLEANING
You must! MUST! clean your lashes. I cannot imagine leaving a facial and thinking my face would stay in pristine condition for the next 3-6 weeks until I went in for another service as long as I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Your lashes protect your eyes from environmental debris. Extensions catch even more of it, so let’s clean that off! I think it is so important that my clients all leave with a sample. Additionally, if you experience any irritation, it can often be resolved by cleaning. Just as pollen collects in your hair, it hangs out in your lashes too.
This is my absolute favorite lash cleanser . If you got a full set with me then you also got a sample as well as cleaning instructions (which are basically spray and splash, see below).
I love it because it contains aloe and is gentle on the skin, and it quickly removes oil, dirt, debris, and most non waterproof makeup due to the force of the spray —and a light touch of the fingertip. Rinse with water in the shower or splash over the sink.
A quick word of caution - it may sting the first time if it gets in your eyes, especially if you are wearing other eye makeup, but the sensation will quickly go away after rinsing.
If you need to clean a bit more “aggressively” or feel you aren’t getting your lashes clean enough, use a soft fan brush. (I also have brushes available in house)
Find the xtreme too irritating? (I haven’t met anyone who does) or trying to stay on a budget? Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo is safe for eyes and can be diluted with water to create a gentle lash cleansing foam. use the same technique but be sure to rinse well!
MASCARA
While I hope you don’t need to use this because that is probably a big part of why you got extensions, I understand sometimes you may need to fill in sparse areas in between fills or if you are needing a bit more drama for an event. (Tinting is my favorite way to amp up the drama on a day to day basis!)
Xtreme length and volume (above) is water based so it comes off easily with the xtreme cleanser. Because of that formulation, it may seem drier than your regular mascaras. Be sure to apply only from the middle to the tips of your lashes.
Trying to stay on a budget or you just don’t use it very often? Maybelline’s Great Lash comes off relatively easily with any of the cleansers I mentioned. *If you have oilier skin, it may transfer to your lid.
Just the tips: only applying from middle to tips is gentler on the base where the extension is connected to your natural lashes and makes it easier for removal… especially if you end up using one that isn’t extension friendly - the wax that acts as a preservative is super rough on extensions!
Do NOT buy the Xtreme volumizing mascara unless you plan to use it on your lower lashes only. It is too difficult to remove with the extensions! If you are looking for more volume, let’s talk about it at your next appointment.
Xtreme products are really amazing. The company has been around for as long as lashes have been in the states, and they understand what you care about when you are getting extensions, the products that people who get extensions often are looking for, and what you need to do to continue getting them. Tried and true, they offer amazing products FOR THE PURPOSE of long term maintenance of lash extensions.
EYELINER
Regular eyeliners and some long wear liners have beeswax and other oils that are hard to remove, so I generally recomennd staying away from those. However, in a wide range of colors, Xtreme has perfected a gel-pencil liner that is vibrant and long lasting. You can smudge it within the first 30 seconds, and then it sets for the day. Some sellers will include a sharpener, which I recommend getting with this liner.
Another favorite, which is great for tightlining as well, and which you can pick up from Sephora or Amazon is Marc Jacobs. I recommend the normal size rather than the skinny liner as it stays in place a bit better.
MAC gel liner is another option if you need bold color, but if you are going for more of a natural look, powder smudged along your lash line may suit you just fine.
LASH GROWTH SERUMS
Ok, this is the one that I get the most questions about. I have probably tried as many if not more lash growth serums than any other lash product. I will probably recommend one to you at some point if you aren’t already using one because it is essential to maintaining healthy lashes if you are planning to continue getting extensions as well as once you stop - you may even find you are happier using just a lash growth serum if you find one that makes your lashes long, full, and healthy.
Just like all skincare, there are a lot of options because this is not a one size fits all scenario. Active ingredients may cause irritation to the eye or eyelid, so for some a gel formulation may be best. For those with extremely thin lashes, or who have experienced illness or perhaps their lash loss is a side effect of a medication, a stronger LG serum may be needed.
The most important thing I can stress is that no matter which one you choose, give it a chance before deciding it isn’t working - by which I mean: use it at least 5 days per week for 6 weeks. If we are seeing each other regularly I may see results at 3 weeks, and by 3 months, your lashes should look fabulous IF it is the right lash growth product for you.
Let’s talk about a few of the different options.
Latisse (including generic) - this is the strongest lash growth product on the market, because it contains a drug. The drug is meant for glaucoma but the side effect is long lashes. Though it comes in a tiny dropper bottle - but of course don’t use it in your eyes - it will last FOREVER if you don’t use the included brushes. Most people express concern regarding iris discoloration, but in practice what I generally see is eyeLID discoloration. Keeping application close to the lashline with a very thin liner brush should help, but some clients still experience redness that, while not permanent or necessarily irritating to the skin, does become bothersome as it becomes more visibly apparent. *You will need a prescription from your dermatologist or MD for this but you can find a great price via GoodRx, and using a small liner brush your small bottle that is slated to last 1 month will likely last 3 or longer.
If you are coming to see me at my downtown location, stop in and visit with Dr Ling, one of the best kept secrets in ATX for a drive-by botox injection and get a script for Latisse while you’re there.
Revitalash advanced (& Revitabrow) - After Latisse, Revitalash is the strongest & fastest lash growth product and the most readily available over the counter. The tube has a built in brush, which is much more convenient, and will last 3-6 months.
I have seen incredible results from R+F Lash Boost on many of my clients as well. The tube and applicator are the same as Revitalash. (I know many people have a friend who sells this line, and it is absolutely a quality product, so support your friends! It works.)
For more sensitive clients I will often recommend Neulash as it has more of a gel consistency and therefore is less likely to run into the eye. These gel formulations are harder to find but are just as effective in my experience as long as they are being used at least 5x per week for the first 6 weeks to three months.
And remember, if you don’t see results, there are ALWAYS more options available! If the price is prohibitive, more affordable options that work astonishingly well include GrandeLash MD and Babe Lash. Taking care of your lashes will allow you to continue getting extensions longer, or longer extensions!
*I have linked to the larger sizes of products as these will be the best value, though there are smaller sizes available.
More things to consider or that we may have discussed available here:
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Like all good service providers, I welcome feedback, so if there is something you want to change about your design, you find a product you’d like to try or a service I should add, then let’s talk about it! There is almost always a lively conversation going on in and out of the treatment room. For all comments and questions, send a message.