Eyelash Extensions vs Mascara: Which is Better for You?
Our eyes are often said to be the windows to the soul, and framing them with bold, beautiful lashes or mascara can dramatically transform your look. Whether you long for that extra oomph on special occasions or want a low-maintenance, everyday option, both eyelash extensions and mascara promise to make your eyes pop.
However, the decision between them isn’t just about how you look - though that is the ultimate goal. It also needs to consider other factors like your skill, convenience, maintenance, cost, and even your overall health. Let’s break down these two popular choices.
Lash Extensions vs Mascara: The Difference
We’ll quickly go over the two to give you the basics. We’re sure many of you already know what they are, so let’s just make it so that beginners can easily differentiate them.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibres that are carefully applied to your natural lashes by a professional or by yourself. Made from synthetic materials, silk, or even mink, these extensions are designed to give your lashes length, volume, and curl that last anywhere from two to six weeks!
If you want to put a face to the name (in a manner of speaking), you can head over here to see what false lashes look like.
What Is Mascara?
Mascara is a staple in countless makeup bags around the world. This cosmetic product comes in a tube and is applied with a wand to add volume, length, and colour to your natural lashes. With endless formulas available - from waterproof and volumising to lengthening and curling, mascara has continuously evolved to meet every beauty need. Mascara can also be applied to your falsies. They are not limited to your natural lashes.
For a closer look at mascara, check this out!
Lashes vs Mascara: What To Consider
Skill
Putting on lash extensions can be a little tricky, especially if you have shaky hands. That’s why many people opt to get theirs done professionally. Putting on mascara is an easier task since you’re just following the upward flow of your lashes.
Those used to putting on mascara can even lay theirs on thicker for a bolder lash. If you’re using falsies, you kind of have to commit to the lashes you had done unless you want to go through all that work again.
Convenience
With certain lashes, once they’re on, they can last for a week or even two. This saves so much time when getting ready in the morning or when you’re just heading out for a quick shopping trip and don’t want to bother with putting on your makeup.
On the other hand, mascara can be washed off when your eyes are feeling a little too heavy after a long day. For those with fuller natural lashes, mascara can be skipped altogether.
Maintenance
Lash extension maintenance does require some extra care. Though yes, face washing is still recommended, there are times you need to go in with a swab to get debris off your beautiful lashes. If they become a little crooked, you have to go in there and fix the lashes yourself. If you don’t know how, that’ll only be a hassle.
For mascara, the only maintenance we can see, realistically, is keeping your product from drying up. Many treat mascara as a special occasion application only, so their tubes end up hidden somewhere until they’re needed - only to find them unusable. Such a waste!
Cost
Depending on where and how you get yours done, lash extensions can admittedly be expensive. If you’re like us and prefer the personal touch, then it shouldn’t worry you as much. But do know there are items outside of the lashes themselves you may need like lash glues, adhesive remover, and tweezers. Those can add to the cost!
Like eyelash extensions, mascara can come in varying price points. It’s all up to preference and how often one might think they need them.
Health
Health? Really? Yes. Health can play a role in whether eyelash extensions are meant for you or not. There are some of us with more sensitive skin and irritable eyes, so simply grabbing any one isn’t a good idea. For some that don’t really have a full natural lash or have had health problems causing their natural lashes to thin, lash extensions may be the only way to get a full lash look.
The same can also be said for mascara. Of course, some companies tailor their formulas for people with sensitive skin. People can get as picky as they want to when it comes to products coming near their eyes. We listen and we don’t judge!
Also Read - Pros & Cons of Eyelash Extension
Eyelash Extensions vs Mascara: Which is Better for You?
The simplest answer would be that it depends! We hope we shed some light on why one may be better than the other. But, ultimately, it’s up to the person getting the product to decide. If you do choose to try either one, head on over to Method Lash to get your products delivered straight to you!