Mascara ● Extensions ● Strip & Individual Lashes ● Magnetic Lashes ● Tinting, Perming, Lifting ● Curling ● Serums

I love lashes, they can really make or break a look.  I have tried everything there is to try and make my lashes longer, fuller and thicker.  Below I’ve listed what has worked for me and a few of my favorite products!

Mascara

I used to only believe in waterproof mascara.  I was a lifeguard, taught swimming lessons and had many sweaty dance and volleyball practices.  My lashes are my thing, as in if I were stranded on an island I would bring an eyelash curler and mascara.  So naturally I wanted my mascara on all the time and did not need it running down my face!  Well, it is rather difficult to get waterproof mascara completely off, it usually involves lots of rubbing with remover and there are always little bits left over.  Over time those little bits start to make your lashes get clumpy.  I remember doing  a photoshoot long ago and I was instructed to wear absolutely nothing on my face.  I followed the rules, at least I thought, but then the makeup artist asked me to remove my mascara, oops.  So I went to try and get the waterproof clumps off and did the best I could.  When I returned, she sent me back again to get the remaining bits off my eyes.  Wow, I thought this woman is one tough cookie and must have microscopes for eyes!  I was just so used to having clumps I didn’t even notice.  So from that point on I think I switched to regular mascara, no more waterproof for me!  I still to this day don’t wear waterproof mascara.  If I think I’ll be crying I’ll just wear false eyelashes or get extensions.  I do use the Maybelline Great Lash on my extensions when I really want a stronger look and it washes off easily as it is not waterproof.

These are my current favorites for mascara:

Better Than Sex by Too Faced                          Maybelline Great Lash                                     Stila Huge Extreme Lash

Extensions

What can I say, I love, love, love having eyelash extensions!!  They look great and can actually look quite natural. Think no raccoon eyes during your workout or when you wake up! The only cons for me were when I worked the night shift I used to use a sleeping mask to sleep during the day and they were not recommend because they smash your lashes.  Now I believe you can find masks that give enough space for your lashes, so problem solved, well that and now I work during the day!  I also have a sensitivity to some of the types of glue used.  My eyes get a little puffy and itchy but it usually goes away in a few days, a sacrifice I have made multiple times (update: I just had them done again and this time I had them use the sensitive glue and the puffiness and itching were even worse!  I took Claritin, Benadryl and Zyrtec just to be able to tolerate them.  Of course the logical response would be to have them removed but nope, that’s not going to work for me…beauty is pain, right? Ha!)  With extensions there is no need to wear mascara and I usually skip the eyeliner too.  I do use mascara on them when they start getting a little sparse and are in need of a fill or just want a more dramatic look.

There are different types of extensions, you can get regular lash extensions which are one lash per your lash or you can get volume lashes which are three lashes to every one lash of yours.  I have had both and love both, just depends on what look you are going for at the time.  In my experience, the volume lashes can get somewhat heavy on my end lashes and sometimes tend to fall off sooner than just the regular one to one lash.  The individual lashes also come in different lengths and thicknesses.  Most salons will usually have a book or picture for you to look at the different styles and variance in lengths available.  I used to think I liked more of a flare on my lashes, meaning longer on the outer ends, but after trying out many different arrangements, my eyes actually look better with the longest lashes in the middle of lid and tapering down towards both ends.  If you have any other questions about them or recommendations on where to go just send me a message here or you can DM me on my insta @diamondsinblonde.

Strip Lashes & Individual Lashes

These are my tried and true.  Once you master applying these they are so easy to put on before you go out or for a big event.  I have tried almost every type and style sold and have found a few to look the best and the most natural.  Looks are very deceiving in the package.  Just when you think you picked out the right ones, you put them on and either look like you have caterpillars for eyelashes or you go overboard and get into drag queen territory, which isn’t usually appropriate for everyday or weddings, etc.  Ha!  I have listed my favorite lashes and glue below.  Always measure the lash to your lash line, you may have to trim the ends of the strip lash.  To apply, squirt a drop of glue on the lash packaging, hold the tip of the lashes with tweezers and run the strip side edge through the glue (remember less is more here), let the glue get a little tacky before applying to your lash line.    There are theories on whether you should apply the lashes first or last.  Before I got good at it, I used to apply my foundation and powder and then put my lashes on before my eye make just in case I messed up and got glue all over my lid.  After being able to get them on pretty easily, I left them for last.  Honestly, I think it works both ways, so do what you prefer.  My favorite glue is Duo, it comes in clear and dark, I prefer the dark, it dries black and blends in with your eyeliner and lash line.

Individual lashes are a little more difficult to master.  They can easily turn or fall if you don’t get them on correctly.  You also have to make sure each eye is even.  I’ve shown some of my favorites below! The Demi Wispies and Wispies are my go to!

Magnetic Lashes

I have only tried one brand of magnetic lashes, One Two Cosmetics, which also happened to be one of the first companies to release magnetized lashes.  I did wear them a few times and they looked ok as long as no one was getting up too close to examine them.  The problem I had was that they are pretty stiff and aren’t very flexible to fit along your lash line.  They also may be difficult for some to apply, it takes a little getting used to.  Since I purchased them they have made many improvements and added new sizes so I may try them out again.  Magnetic lashes are more widely available and sold by many different companies now…even one of my favorite strip lash companies makes them and you can get them here.  Let me know if you try them because I have not and am curious how they look!

 I’ve labeled which kind of lashes I’m wearing below!  As a side note, all the photos with extensions are without mascara!!

Tinting, Perming, Lifting

I have blonde hair and therefore the ends of my lashes are blonde and they stick straight out.  To me personally I don’t think tinting is worth it.  Even if I did tint them and they were the blackest black, they would still stick straight out.  Not cute.

A perm?  Really?  Just the word itself should warn you to proceed with caution.   I have never permed my lashes, I have found an eyelash curler works just fine and doesn’t take long to do and since I tend to have a sensitivity to lash glue I can’t imagine I would handle the perming process very well.  I mean if you have full, dark, long lashes and all they need is to be curled, then maybe this is your thing!

Curling

I wasn’t going to add this section because I assumed everyone uses an eyelash curler.  I reevaluated and decided that’s probably not true.  So if you don’t currently curl your eyelashes you should start ASAP!  Trust me, it makes a difference by opening up your eyes.  My favorite eyelash curler of all time used to be sold at Sephora but for some reason they stopped carrying it so I had to order it directly off the Shu Uemura website.  Sephora now sells a similar sounding brand, Shiseido.  I still recommend ordering the Shu Uemura one here.

Serums

I’m sure by this time someone has tried to get you to buy some sort of serum.  The original was Latisse which scared me away because a side effect was changing the color of your eyes.  Yikes!  All of the serums to date are on the more expensive side and they are definitely something you need to keep buying and using to be effective.  I have tried RapidLash and had success, my lashes definitely grew longer and looked a little fuller but the moment I stopped using it, my lashes went back to their original state.  I recently tried buying it again and now it makes my eyes itchy and red.  I am not sure if they have changed the formula or if I have developed a sensitivity, but I have tried a few others and had the same problem.  So as long as they don’t irritate your eyes, I say go for it!  Oh and none of the serums I tried changed the color of my eyes!

Eye Makeup Remover

I have two types of makeup remover I like to use for my eyes.  If I don’t have extensions on, then I use Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup remover.  If I do have extensions and want to avoid any oily products I use Neutrogena Make up remover wipes.  You can easily go around your lashes and get even your eyeliner off easily.  I prefer these wipes because they take off everything and don’t leave your face feeling greasy.  Also if you are ever in a pinch and need to remove mascara from under your eyes and have no makeup remover, use a little bit of lotion under you eye then remove with a q-tip or tissue.

Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup remover            Neutrogena Makeup Remover cleansing towelettes

My philosophy with any type of artificial lash whether it be strip, individual, magnetic or extensions….always have backup.  Meaning if you glued your lashes on, always have glue and tweezers with you!  If you have glued on individual lashes yourself, I also suggest bringing a few extra, you may need a touch up!  If you have magnetic lashes, always bring an eyelash curler and mascara with you just in case they fall off or you lose one!  I hope you found this post helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions about anything here!

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