If you're looking to achieve long, voluminous, fluttery lashes from the moment you wake up, eyelash extensions are one of the ultimate ways to do it. But while they provide noticeable results and are widely available, we understand if you can't justify the cost or you find regular appointments to be tedious. Enter DIY lash extensions: an at-home solution that uses a permanent adhesive to attach false lashes, so they can last for weeks if done well. One day, I noticed that my friend had long, fluttery lashes that she didn't have before, and when I asked if they were extensions, she told me they were the DIY variety. As a beauty editor, I was shocked that I didn't know DIY lash extensions existed, but I decided to try them out myself—and spoiler alert, I loved them. Ahead, learn all about DIY lash extensions and how to apply them, complete with tips from a celebrity MUA and a lash expert.
Meet the Expert
- Ramy Gafni is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Naomi Campbell, and Lindsay Lohan. His eponymous beauty line offers innovative skincare and makeup products designed to offer never-before-seen solutions and help everyone achieve wearable glamour.
- Mae Manalo is a lash expert, makeup artist, and Ardell educator based in Los Angeles.
Watch Now: How to Apply DIY Eyelash Extensions
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Lash extensions are individual lash fibers bonded by medical-grade adhesive to provide length, fullness, curl, and thickness to natural lashes. The biggest difference between them and false lashes is ultra-strength glue and special remover. "Eyelash extensions are when false lashes are glued to your existing lash to extend the lash’s length," explains celebrity makeup artist Ramy Gafni.
Apparently, the adhesive used to glue the lashes is so sturdy that you can gently wash your face and get them wet without having to worry about rogue lashes falling off in clumps. The best part: They last for weeks. I've been dying to get lash extensions, but I haven't wanted to cough up the money, so DIY lash extensions sounded like the perfect alternative. While the DIY route will never be quite as strong and precise as going professional, it is a more effective and longer-lasting solution than regular false lashes, so I was intrigued to see if this technique would give me the results I wanted.
Benefits of DIY Eyelash Extensions
There are several reasons you might try DIY lash extensions instead of false lashes or a professional application, ranging from personal preference to convenience to cost. A few of the main benefits are as follows:
- Low-cost alternative to professional eyelash extensions
- Long, defined lashes
- No need to wear as much makeup
