If you want lashes that look good the moment you wake up, you've probably narrowed it down to two options: a lash lift or lash extensions. Both are popular, both can look beautiful, and they are not the same thing at all. The right choice comes down to the look you want and how much upkeep you're willing to take on.
What is a lash lift?
A lash lift curls and lifts your own natural lashes from the root. Your esthetician places a small silicone shield on your eyelid, sets your lashes against it, and applies a lifting solution followed by a setting solution. Nothing is added to your lashes. They're simply reshaped so they curve upward instead of straight out or down.
The result looks like you just used an excellent eyelash curler and a coat of mascara, except it lasts for weeks. Add a tint and your lashes look darker and more defined too, which is especially noticeable if you have light or fine lashes.
What are lash extensions?
Lash extensions are individual synthetic fibers glued one at a time to your natural lashes. They add length and volume that your own lashes don't have, and they can be styled anywhere from subtle to dramatic.
Because your natural lashes shed and regrow on a constant cycle, extensions fall out along with them. Most people need a "fill" appointment every two to three weeks to keep them looking full.
How they compare
| Lash lift | Lash extensions | |
|---|---|---|
| The look | Your own lashes, lifted and curled | Added length and volume |
| Lasts | About 6 to 8 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks between fills |
| Appointment | About an hour | Often 1.5 to 2+ hours for a full set |
| Daily upkeep | Almost none | Gentle cleansing, brushing, avoiding oil-based products |
| Cost over time | Lower: one visit every couple of months | Higher: a full set plus regular fills |
Choose a lash lift if…
- You like your natural lashes and just want them to show more
- You want to stop using a lash curler, or cut back on mascara
- You don't want to book appointments every few weeks
- You work out, swim, or rub your eyes, and don't want to worry about losing extensions
- You prefer a clean, polished look over a dramatic one
Choose extensions if…
- Your natural lashes are very short or sparse and you want added length
- You want a noticeably fuller, more glamorous look
- You're happy to keep a regular fill schedule
Can you get a lash lift if your lashes are short?
Usually, yes. A lift makes short lashes look longer because it shows their full length instead of letting them point straight out. Very short lashes have less to work with, so the change is subtler, and your esthetician can tell you what to expect before you book.
The bottom line
If you want effortless, natural-looking lashes with almost no maintenance, a lash lift is hard to beat. At Bare Honey in Conroe, the Bare Lift is $75, and the Signature Honey Lift + Tint is $85 for lifted lashes with added definition. Both take about an hour. See the full menu on our services and pricing page.