Post-Lash Extension Care, Conditioners & Alternatives

So here we sit just about a month into our mandated stay-at home situation. For me, that means all of my eyelash extensions have now fallen out. To play it safe, I let them all fall out and grow out on their own with just a little bit of help.

When wearing eyelash extensions, it is important not to use any oil based products, so to nudge along the process, I started to use oil-based eye makeup remover. I would ever so gently apply this to my lash line, being careful to never pull, rub or tug at the lashes, but rather let the oils naturally break down the lash adhesive bond.

After a week of doing the above, all of my lash extensions were gone and I was looking like I had NO lashes. My lashes were not necessarily damaged or very thin, but my lashes are so light in color and I am very used to have long, lush black extensions. It was going to take some getting use to, so I set out to come up with some sure fire alternatives. I want to make sure that I not only properly care for my “new” natural lashes, but I want to condition them as best I can to encourage growth and strengthening, and I also was on the search for alternatives for those times I want that temporary all-on full lash look once again.

Lash Conditioners

First thing is first — conditioning and strengthening my natural lashes. The best way to do this is by using lash conditioners every day. I should say using a lash conditioner, single. I have tried my share of lash conditioners over the years and I have found that a lot of them work. The trick is that you need to it consistently and be patient to see results.

My recommendations include:

Talika Lipocils Expert
This is an eyelash enhancing and pigmentation gel that encourages lashes to grow longer, curlier and darker. It is made up of rich botanicals and peptides that has been around for over 70 years. “Concentrated in Talika Mythical Botanical Complex, a combination of plants that has been stimulating eyelash growth in women for more than 70 years, Lipocils Expert is rich in anti-aging Peptide Expert, Coleus forskohlii, a natural pigmentation booster, and curling silk proteins.”

I like the applicator on this one; it has a mascara like wand with a sponge on the top to really work the formula into the lash line. I never have experience any irritation with this formula and like how much darker my lashes get when using Talika Lipocils Expert.

GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum
I’ve used this lash enhancing serum on and off for years, even when I wear lash extensions. I like that it is non-irritating and how it helps to keep my lashes longer and thicker. When I am not wearing extensions, I really notice the results of the formula. “This award-winning lash enhancing serum infused with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids to promote naturally longer, thicker-looking lashes in just four to six weeks, with full results in three months. It’s a favorite for helping to enhance short or thinning lashes, and it’s also ideal for restoring the appearance of brittle or damaged lashes.”

I couple the serum with the GrandeREPAIR Leave-in Lash Conditioner to boost my results even more. This is as it says, a leave-in lash conditioner, that I swipe into my lashes with it’s mascara-like wand.

RevitaLash ADVANCED Eyelash Conditioner
This is the very first eyelash conditioner I ever used and I still like rotating into my lash conditioner routine. When I use up a tube of one of the others, I will go back to RevitaLash. “Revitalash's Advanced Eyelash Conditioner - 3 Month Supply promotes thicker and fuller-looking lashes. Specially crafted with a proprietary blend of scientifically-advanced technology and natural botanicals, this lash conditioner works to prevent breakage and brittleness while improving flexibility, moisture and shine.“

I notice a significant difference in lash length with this one, but I usually do experience a bit of redness when I begin using it, and I also get a bit of itching with this one. I am a bit sensitive to a lot of eye products, but it doesn’t stop me from using it.

Lash Extension Alternatives

Certainly, there are temporary false lash lash options for when you want to head out with a lush lash look. False lashes are great for a day or night out. I am the first to admit that I completely suck when it comes to applying and wearing false lashes. I have tried many brands, magnetic lashes (all types) and I just can’t make them work for me. However, I found a false lash system that I believe is a true lash extension alternative. It is called Lashify, and it is truly the DIY lash extension alternative.

I must say, that if I can master the Lashify system after one try, that anyone can master the Lashify system with ease. I am obsessed! I have been ordering many different Lashify lash styles and lengths, and I will share what works best for me below. But first, I want to share more about Lashify and the system itself.

The Lashify system essentially makes you your very own lash tech… really. You start by purchasing a control kit which included everything you need to begin your Lashify experience: the Gossamer lashes, the application tool and fuse wand, dual sides bond and lash sealer. Then once you become obsessed like me, you will start buying the additional sets of Gossamer lashes and longer lasting bonds. And I am talking bonds that keep the lashes on eyes for up to ten days. I told you that this was truly a lash extension alternative — all from the comfort of your own home.

When you first start out with Lashify, you can choose from a few different styles (Amplify, Bold or Curl) and after trying both the Amplify and Curl versions, I can speak to the differences.

The Amplify lashes are like a a light, natural lash. They come in two lengths, 12 mm and 14 mm and you will come to learn that you might put the longer length in the middle with the shorter length in the inner and outer corners. The Curl lashes take the natural lash up a notch, but just a bit; they are a bit more dramatic with a bit of curl and added volume. Looking at the Bold version, and it looks like more of a false lash look.

In the below photo, I am wearing the Gossamer Curl style, in the 14 mm length, with 12mm in the inner corner.

There are countless tutorials online, and live videos on the Lashify social media to help you get started, filled with tips and tricks. They have been super helpful to me. Again, I cannot believe how simple it is to apply Lashify lashes.