A number of things come to mind when you think of eyelashes, but if you’re reading this article, most likely it’s the thought that you can never have enough. There are so many ways to go about amping up your lash look for prom, so how to figure out which method is right for you? With a little bit of know-how from our favorite makeup experts, of course. Below, we ask a few eyelash experts in the biz to help you decipher whether lash extensions, DIY falsies, or a simple swipe of mascara is your best method to fantastic fringe. Go ahead and bat a thousand (lashes, that is).
Lash Extensions
With this in-salon process, there are several different types of lash extensions you can get: Mink, silk, and synthetic, which all offer different thicknesses and longevity, depending on your end goals. “The best part is that you’ll have the effect not only on just your prom night, but for three to eight weeks afterwards depending on how well you care for them,” says Tirzah Shirai, founder of Blinkbar.
The idea, says Tirzah, isn’t to look like you’re wearing comically fake lashes, but to look like your own hairs, just slightly longer and naturally lush. While prices at different lash salons can be several hundred bucks, the cost for a Blink Bar’s “Kitty Corner,” a look that includes half a set of lashes placed at the outer corners of your eyes is $59, while a full set starts at $120. Totally worth the investment considering how long they last. The process itself? It should take you at least 90 minutes. “Do your research: Call them about their consultation process and take caution if you find out that your salon takes less than an hour, they’re likely using ‘cluster’ lashes, which means they’re applying multiple lashes to one natural lash, which look terribly unnatural,” Tirzah says.
Con: The only annoying part is that you have to avoid any contact with water or sweat to your eye area for the first 24-48 hours to make sure it doesn’t break down the adhesive, so consider getting them done on a weekend where you plan on staying in and watching Netflix.
Falsies and DIY Fake Lashes
Most girls don’t have the time or patience to apply false eyelashes every day, but for prom it makes sense why you’d want to experiment with something new. The most convenient factor about faux lashes is that drugstores offers tons of amazing, affordable brands that you can experiment with in the comfort of your own home well in advance of prom night to see if it’s the right look for you. These days, the hairs are more lightweight, the technology makes them mimic the look of real lashes, and they last all night long.
“If you’re new to the faux lash game, try out individual lashes as opposed to a strip for the most natural look,” says Marni Burton, celebrity makeup artist for Kiss Products. “But even if you’re a novice, strip lashes are super easy to use too, especially if you use a kit like the Lash-101 All-in-One Kit by Kiss that includes a set of lashes, measuring tool, scissors, glue, and a crazy helpful step by step,” she says.
