Mascara vs False Lashes vs Lash Extension

June 13, 2007

I have been getting a lot of e-mails and requests regarding this topic so here is a comparison of the three. Hope you guys find it useful!

Pros Cons
Mascara * widely available
* a tube can last up to 3 months
* cheapest
* easiest to use
* problem of smudging/flaking/clumping
* needs to be removed at the end of the day
* constant use can cause lashes to become dry and brittle
Fake Lashes * can provide a subtle to really dramatic effect
* can be customized for different styles and lengths
* no smudging/flaking/clumping
* minimal damage to lashes
* a pair can last up to 2 weeks
* relatively cheap
* application requires practice and time
* needs to be moved at the end of the day
* risk of falling off if not glued on properly
Lash Extension * looks most natural
* can last up to 4 weeeks
* can be customized
* no smudging/flaking/clumping
* most expensive
* needs to be done professionally at a salon
* results can be uneven
* cannot be used with oil-based removers



So what’s my favorite you ask? If you look at the list of pros and cons, you probably would have guessed it – yes false lashes! I used to use mascara every day (L’oreal’s Voluminous was my HG) but it made my lashes really brittle and they kept falling out. So I gave fake eyelashes a shot and all I can say is I will never go back to mascara. I wear Ardell falsies on a daily basis and I have never been happier. I also tried Ardell’s lash extension kit. I totally loved the results but it is just too high maintenance. Read my review here.

8 Comments

  • Reply bec June 20, 2007 at 2:53 am

    do you have short, straight lashes?
    because if you do, wouldn’t you have to curl your lashes prior to attaching false eyelashes?
    wouldn’t that cause your lashes to become brittle and eventually fall out =/

  • Reply Phyllis June 20, 2007 at 1:34 pm

    I personally don’t think curling your lashes will make them brittle unless you press too hard or you use an electric curler.

  • Reply linda June 20, 2007 at 4:28 pm

    hi phyllis. i also want to wear false lashes on a regular basis. which number do you use? and which one do you recommend for a subtle effect.

  • Reply Phyllis June 25, 2007 at 11:01 am

    hey Linda, I use #110 every day but also check out #109 – it’s slightly denser and longer.

  • Reply liz June 29, 2007 at 10:37 pm

    What’s your take on vegan mascara? I didn’t even know there was a danger to wearing mascara until you said something. But I figure if I use a vegan mascara it won’t have the damaging synthetic drying ingredients. What are your thoughts?

  • Reply Anonymous July 4, 2008 at 10:27 am

    hey phyllis
    this is my first time on your site
    i tried fake eyelashes before
    but my natural eyelashes are dead straight so it looked wierd
    i curl my nature eyelashes but they don’t stay curled! any tips?
    thanks and i love your site!

  • Reply Phyllis July 7, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    Are you using the right curler? Are you curling your lashes properly? Check out these two entries:

    http://www.makeupforlife.net/2006/10/how-to-curl-your-eyelashes.html

    http://www.makeupforlife.net/2007/04/eyelash-curler-reviews.html

  • Reply Kim August 1, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    hi phyllis, I love your blog!

    Have you tried eyelash perming? I don’t know whether it’s popular in the states but I’m in Singapore atm and a few salons offer it.

    so, yes, what’s your take?

  • Leave a Reply to bec Cancel Reply