Latisse vs. Eyelash Extensions

I would like to consider myself an expert when it comes to eyelashes.  Even my nickname is “Lashes”.  Ever since I discovered the wonders of makeup during my curious adolescent years, my one true love has always been mascara.  I love a full, voluminous, insanely long set of lashes.  By the good graces of God and genetics somewhere down the line, I was blessed with long eyelashes.  Sure, you can wear false lashes everyday, but nothing ever compares to the real thing.  We all have good and bad hair days, but I like to say I have good and bad eyelash days.  Some days when my “eyelash game isn’t strong” (as the teens call it these days), I really wish I had a set of false lashes to put on and just be done with it.  A few years ago, I discovered Latisse, and I have been a dedicated consumer ever since.  No more bad eyelash days, ladies!

I have tried all sorts of tricks and products to “keep my game strong” in the eyelash department.  But for me, applying mascara is a process and can be very time-consuming.  I know this is not the case with the average girl, but I really take the time to make them look good.  As a nurse, you don’t necessarily have the time to get ready in the early mornings before work.  I was tired of reapplying mascara everyday, and wasting so much of my precious morning hours.  So I decided to try eyelash extensions.  I was instantly hooked from the moment I got them.  Now if you aren’t familiar with professional eyelash extensions, allow me to explain.

An aesthetician applies a lash to each individual eyelash, and they generally last 2-3 weeks.  Sometimes they can last longer than that.  As you would maintain upkeep of highlights for your hair, you must maintain upkeep for your lashes.  You can get them wet, and you can wear mascara with them as well.  In my opinion, I didn’t need any mascara at all since they were already flawless.  I would go back for a touch-up every three weeks or so.  Extensions are not harmful to your natural lashes, and they do not cause premature shedding of them either.  You don’t notice how frequently your eyelashes naturally shed until you have a super thick black eyelash resting on your cheek.  I continued to do extensions for almost two years until I decided it was time for a break.  I will go over the pros and cons in a minute.

It was around the time I started getting extensions when I was first introduced to Latisse.  Latisse is a prescription serum that is applied daily to the base of your lashes to enhance the growth of your natural lashes.  You can generally purchase this product at a MedSpa or skincare office without asking the doctor for a prescription.  I started using this along with my extensions, just to keep my lashes strong and consistently growing between fills.  If you have seen the commercials, they list off all kinds of side effects that can occur while using the product.  Don’t let that turn you off from trying the product.  Just like any other advertised prescription medication, any side effect that has ever been reported is required to be listed.  In my experience, the only small thing I have noticed is a thin pink-ish color on my eyelid at the base of my lashes where the medication is directly applied.  It will go away when you are not using Latisse.  Otherwise, I have not experienced any burning, swelling, brown pigmentation of the iris of my eye, or any other side effect the commercial reports.  I noticed amazing results after my first week of using it, and they continue to get better.  All you do is take the sterile brushes provided in the kit, add a drop of the medication, and apply to the base of your lashes before bed.  It is so simple, and I am extremely pleased with the results.  It is definitely a cheaper alternative to eyelash extensions if you have the patience to see results.  I will list some pros and cons of the product shortly.

Pros of Eyelash Extensions: 
-No makeup required!
-Significantly reduces time to get ready
-Does not harm your natural lashes
-They can get wet (but you need to wait 24-48 hours after lashes have been applied for the glue to dry)
-They look natural and flawless as the lash is applied 1 mm away from the root of each lash
-You wake up looking fabulous without any makeup at all!

Cons of Eyelash Extensions: 
-Cost: For me it was $250 for initial application of the lashes, and $100 per fill-in
-You need to do your research for who is qualified to apply extensions.  Look for certified aestheticians, and not a cheap Groupon you found online.  I have heard HORROR stories of people who ruined their lashes from going to a cheap, inexperienced “professional”.
-Right before you need to get them filled again, they can start to look scrappy and bare due to the shedding of your natural lashes, so you will be anxious for your next appointment.
-It takes about 90-120 minutes for initial application of a full-set of lashes.
-It takes about 45-60 minutes for fill-ins.

Pros of Latisse:
-Simple and easy to apply
-It grows your OWN lashes
-Your lashes become fuller, longer, and darker
-You can apply before putting on your makeup, or right before bedtime
-Amazing results after repetitive use!
-Although the product says it is a 2 or 3 month supply, it will generally last you much longer than that.

Cons of Latisse: 
-Cost: $120-$180 for 2 or 3 month supply (3 ml and 5 ml)
-Prescription may be required
-Side effects (not generally a big deal, but the ones that were reported came from about 4% of the participants in a clinical trial…so nothing to worry about)
-Patience is required to notice dramatic results, not a “quick fix”
-Be careful where you put Latisse, because HAIR WILL GROW wherever it touches on your skin!

After my experiences with both of these options, I prefer Latisse.  Although it is relatively expensive upfront, it lasts a very long time, and it is your own natural lashes.  Extensions are gorgeous and I will always love them, but with refills every 3 weeks along with the cost of upkeep, I think I will stick to Latisse for now!  Before I finish up here, I will attach some pictures of my eyelashes with extensions, and after just using Latisse.  Have a great rest of your day, and thanks for reading! Enjoy a few embarrassing photos of myself below…

This is the best picture I could find of myself with eyelash extensions. This was about a week before I needed a re-fill.

These are my natural lashes after using Latisse. This was originally just a goofy picture I had sent to my husband. I had no idea I would be posting this embarrassing selfie to a blog about my eyelashes, haha!