All About Natural-Looking Eyelash Extensions
Last updated on April 1st, 2024 at 12:23 pm
I’ve been a lash artist since 2013. For the past decade, I’ve paid close attention to the evolution of eyelash extension styles. Classic lashes were EVERYWHERE when I first started and every year since then lashes have gotten bigger and bolder. From volume eyelash extensions to mega volume, big lashes have run their course. Now, makeup (and even skincare) trends are leaning more toward natural looks. People want a no makeup, makeup look–and eyelash extensions with a natural look are back.
I personally love classics–they’re my fav sets to do! And while I don’t think volume lashes are going anywhere, I do think that more people are going to appreciate classic lashes for their beauty and simplicity.
My friend and fellow lash artist Sarah Fox also loves classic eyelash extensions, and just natural looking lash extensions overall. In this interview, we are going to go over all things natural lash extensions, and much more. Enjoy!
Meet Sarah Fox, Licensed Esthetician and Lash Artist
My name is Sarah Fox and I’ve been an esthetician and lash artist since 2014. I was born and raised in Camarillo, CA, and started my small business (LashFox) there in 2015 at the age of 21. I eventually moved to Ventura, by the beach, and relocated my business here as well. I’m an introvert at heart, I love being out in nature, and I’m always striving to pursue different avenues to use my creativity.
What Do You Like Most About Doing Lash Extensions?
I love being able to get creative. I use different types of curls, and create soft shapes and subtle sets to draw attention to the eyes. Lashing is an art form and my clients’ eyes/natural lashes are my canvas! Although, my favorite part of lashing is making women feel beautiful and building relationships with my clients.
Can Eyelash Extensions Look Natural?
Yes, eyelash extensions can absolutely look natural! Using short and fine eyelash extensions can create an overall natural-looking shape.
What Is a Natural Set of Eyelash Extensions?
A natural set of eyelash extensions are comfortable, soft, subtle, and healthier for your natural lashes. Oftentimes, lash extensions get a bad reputation for being overly dramatic, long, and thick. And sometimes they’re so bold you can see them from a good distance away. But this isn’t the case with a natural set that’s tailored to suit different eye shapes.
What Are the Most Natural Looking Eyelash Extensions?
Extensions come in a variety of diameters; diameters indicate how thick each lash extension is. Using extensions with a thinner diameter, along with short lengths and soft bended curls is key to ensuring a natural look.
How To Get Natural Looking Eyelash Extensions
Classic extensions are a ratio of one extension per natural lash. They’re a great place to start if you’ve never had extensions before and are looking for an understated style. It’s important to communicate to your lash artist that you want a natural style before you start any service.
What Products Do You Use for Doing Lashes?
My product line up is extensive! A lot goes into the application process. I use eye pads to separate the top lashes from the bottom, two sets of tweezers, lash cleanser, lash extensions, adhesive, and tape to maneuver the lash line. I also use primer and microfiber swabs to prep the lashes before application.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Eyelash extensions last about two to three weeks before they start to grow out, pop off, detach, and shed. You should maintain at least 40% of your extensions from your previous fill or full set. That way you aren’t starting from bare bones every time you go in for an appointment.
After about four weeks, if you haven’t received a fill, you should barely have any extensions left. I don’t recommend going past three weeks without getting a fill because grown-out extensions can cause damage and stress to the natural lash. It’s important to schedule a removal if you’re ready for a break from your extensions. Using a lash-friendly cleanser and brush is the best way to ensure you’re getting the most retention.
Do Eyelash Extensions Ruin Your Lashes?
Ah the common misconception! With proper maintenance and aftercare, the answer in most cases is no. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to lash damage from extensions.
The first and most important factor in avoiding damage is to see an experienced and licensed beauty professional. Handling products improperly can cause a multitude of issues but the most common is poor isolation. Isolation in lashing means getting one natural lash all on its own so I can attach an extension to it–without other natural lashes sticking to it. Poor isolation causes lashes to stick together. When lashes stick together they cannot grow out individually, the way they’re supposed to.
Another factor that is relatively common to see among those with damage is extensions that are too heavy for a client’s natural lashes. Lighter is better! Extensions that are too thick and long can cause the natural lash to shed prematurely and affect the growth cycle. Waiting too long to come in for fill appointments can also increase your risk of damage.
It’s important to maintain appointments. Regular lash fills ensure that all extensions that are too grown out or not attached correctly are removed. This will decrease a client wanting to touch, twist or mess with their extensions after application.
How To Take Care of Eyelash Extensions
Clean Your Lashes Twice a Day
Taking care of extensions isn’t as hard as you might think. Maintaining your fill in appointments every two to three weeks is critical to aftercare. During a fill, I remove all grown-out lash extensions and replace them with fresh extensions. In addition to regular fills, you should also clean them properly, twice a day.
Brush Your Lashes Twice a Day
Brush your extensions to keep them in place. And when you brush your lashes, you encourage natural oils to shed off the extension as well as stimulate growth. I recommend you brush twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Don’t Touch or Pick Your Lashes
Resist the urge to touch, fiddle or pull at your extensions. This is also extremely important to maintain their integrity.
It might take some time for you to get used to your extensions. But once you get your routine down they are relatively low maintenance.
Can You Put Mascara on Eyelash Extensions?
I don’t recommend you wear mascara or any other makeup around the eye area while wearing extensions.
Makeup will collect around the base of the natural lash and extension. It will break down the bond between the natural lash and extension, causing extensions to fall off much faster than they should.
It is extremely hard to clean makeup off extensions since most mascara and liner is made out of wax and oil. This is the leading cause of bacteria and a source of infection.
How Long Does It Take To Get Eyelash Extensions?
It can take anywhere from 2-3+ hours to have a full set done, depending on what technique and style an artist is applying. A consultation is recommended prior to service along with a rundown of aftercare maintenance.
Fill appointments take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half depending on the artist. All grown out lashes will be removed carefully and replaced with fresh lashes during this appointment.
How To Prepare for a Lash Extension Appointment
Make Yourself Comfortable
Comfortable clothes and headphones can help you to stay free from distractions.
Refrain From Caffeine Prior to Every Full Set or Fill Service
This will help to keep your eyes calm, closed, and relaxed, reducing the risk of potential irritation.
Come to Your Appointment With Freshly Cleaned Lashes
If there is any residue on your lashes, the adhesive will adhere to the residue and not the natural lash. This could result in your lashes falling off sooner than they should.
Do Your Research
I recommend you have an overall idea about what you’re looking for from your appointment. Do some research into style, shape, curl and length. Sharing photos of your artist’s previous work is a great way to communicate what you’re looking for.
What Should You Look for in a Lash Professional?
Make Sure They’re Licensed
Choose a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. Holding lash certifications is different than having an esthetician or cosmetology license. Licensed professionals are equipped to properly handle tools, implements, and sterilization techniques.
Transparency Is Important
Photos of the artist’s work space, cleanliness, and organization are important. Ensure before and after photos are consistent.
Price Within Your Budget
It’s important to remember that there are a lot of factors that go into pricing services. Higher service prices typically reflect how experienced an artist is. Time, quality, education, demographics, and products are examples of what goes into the total cost per service.
What’s the Best Way To Reach You for Appointments?
My website is the easiest way to book. Since I’m a one-woman show, I rely heavily on my online booking site to make, change or cancel any appointments.
Final Thoughts From Adriana
If you want natural-looking eyelash extensions and are in the Ventura County area, I highly recommend Sarah. She does clean, beautiful work, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed–so ditch the DIY lash extensions and lash clusters for a beautiful set with Sarah, today!
I hope you’ve found this interview helpful, and if you have additional questions feel free to reach out and ask. And if you’re interested in other types of lash enhancements, check out my blog post on keratin lash lifts.
Adriana Perez-Nakamura
Adriana Perez-Nakamura has been a CA-licensed esthetician since 2010. She owned a skincare studio in Ventura, CA for 9 years where she performed various treatments like facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, and spray tanning. Now, Adriana is a marketer within the beauty industry focusing on education and copywriting with a special interest in SEO writing.
