Choosing what type of beauty enhancement a woman would want depends on her personal choice. There are countless choices. One of them is wanting to apply for lash extensions. Who doesn't enjoy long, full eyelashes that are attractive and volumized?

Lashes are the finishing touch to any cosmetic look and enhance and flatter any eye shape. Two popular types of these are magnetic lashes and eyelash extensions. Many women might be confused about which is better between the two. 

Read on and decide for yourself…

Which is better? Magnetic lash or lash extensions?

What are Lash Extensions? 

Eyelash extensions are created by individually applying false lashes to each natural lash (either synthetic, silk, or mink). In essence, they resemble an extension of your natural lashes. Similar to a lash lift, the lash technician will place an eye pad over your bottom lashes. A portion of your upper lid may also be taped to help you separate your lashes. The individual lashes then adhere to your natural lashes.

PROS 

• You don't need mascara to have the appearance of long, thick lashes.

• After applying them, nothing more has to be done.
• With regular maintenance, they can last up to 6 or 8 weeks.
• From natural to glam, you can alter the appearance; there is a lash extension style for everyone.
• Save time by eliminating the need for mascara and eyelash curlers from your makeup routine.

 CONS 

• Every few weeks, as your natural lashes develop and shed, in-fills are needed.
• If they are not applied properly, they can harm/trigger allergies to your natural lashes and eyes.
• It can take a few days (or even weeks) to get used to the feel of lash extensions  
• The initial application of the treatment might take up to 2 hours, and touch-ups can take up to 1 hour.
• Glues used for lash extensions differ in drying time and fume level to obtain maximum flexible use for different people that are more sensitive than others. 

 

MAINTENANCE FOR LASH EXTENSION

To keep lash extensions in the best possible condition, you must always follow specific maintenance guidelines.

For 48 hours after the initial treatment, you should keep your eyelash extensions dry. Water may cause the glue to loosen its hold, resulting in early lash loss.

It is typically advised to avoid or limit getting the lashes wet after the first 48 hours. Once more, the bond may deteriorate and the lashes will fall out earlier than intended.

If you don't take good care of your lashes, you'll require refills more frequently.

What are magnetic lashes? 

Magnets are used instead of glue in magnetic lashes. You apply magnetic eyeliner to your lash line and then snap the magnetic lashes into position to use magnetic lashes. There is no glue needed with magnetic lashes because magnets hold them together. For each eye, you receive a top and bottom lash, and you sandwich your natural lashes between the magnetic strips. For some - simple, fast, and hassle-free.

PROS 

• They may be applied without glue or help from lash artists and are simple to do.
• They are less expensive than lash extensions; you can afford a decent set of magnetic lashes.
• They are washable, so you can reuse your magnetic lashes several times.
• Since they are gentle and won't harm your lashes, they are kind to them.

 Unlike lash extensions, which must be administered by a professional lash artist, magnetic lashes can be applied at your leisure and on your own time in the comfort of your home. 

CONS

• It can take a few tries to get the hang of applying magnetic lashes; they require some skill.
• Magnetic lashes might not be the greatest choice if you're seeking a truly glam look because they're not as dramatic as lash extensions.
• Unlike conventional fake lashes, magnetic lashes cannot be bent or twisted to change their shape.
• Magnetic lashes are not long-lasting; they can only hold up for most probably  one day (or night) before eventually falling off.

MAINTENANCE OF MAGNETIC LASHES

Maintaining magnetic lashes is simple. After a day of use, carefully remove the lash band by slowly peeling it inward from the outside corner.

If some magnetic liner is still visible on the lash band, gently rub it off using cotton swabs or cotton pads with micellar water or an oil-free makeup remover.

After cleaning them, store them in their original box until you're ready to use them once more. The lashes must be kept in a cold, dry location for storage.

In the same way, use micellar water or an oil-free makeup remover to remove the magnetic liner from your top lash line. Use an oil-free makeup remover whenever possible because the oil will harm your lashes if it comes into contact with them.

The comparison: Lash extension vs. Magnetic Lashes

How long do they last?

Lash extensions last as long as your natural lash growth cycle. The lash growth cycle for most people is about six to eight weeks. Most lash specialists recommend a lash retouch at three to four weeks.

As your natural lashes shed through the growth cycle, they take the extension with them. After a few weeks, your lashes will begin to look sparse. For this reason, refills are needed, which is an additional cost.

Magnet Lashes last long as you decide to use them or not; they may be worn all day and taken off effortlessly at night. Choosing either a natural lash or a dramatic look has the same wear time because you can decide when to take it off. Then can be used again with no refill/touch-up needed. 

How long does the application take? 

Lash extensions take time to apply since the lashes are glued individually to each of your natural lashes. It is also important for lash artists to take their time in applying the lashes because they should be careful in doing the application.

Depending on which type of lashes you choose, the application process will take anywhere from one and a half and three hours to complete.

Magnetic lashes are used to apply magnetic lashes in place of glue. Similar to how you would apply ordinary false lashes, you can apply these lashes along the top lash line.

Magnetic lash application has a learning curve, just like standard fake eyelash application. However, practice really does make perfect! Applying your magnetic lashes might take as little as five minutes or less if you get the hang of it.

How much do they cost?

Lash extensions cost ranges depending on which type of material is used for the lashes. The volume and length of the lash set affect the price too.

Classic lash sets, which have a more natural look, usually cost between $150-$200 for a complete set. Lash sets with more volume cost between $200-$300.

Mink lashes cost more, at upwards of $300 per set. Lash refills will set you back between $55-$95 per session. 

Magnetic lashes only cost $29.99 a pair, which is significantly less expensive than lash extensions. With magnetic lashes, the price of touch-ups is avoided, making the entire cost a far more cost-effective choice.

Still undecided? Here are more frequently asked questions about lash extensions and magnetic lashes you should know: 

Can you wear magnetic lashes on top of lash extensions? 

It is not advisable to use magnetic lashes and lash extensions at the same time because both magnetic lashes and magnetic lash strips run the danger of harming both the natural lashes and the extensions during removal, that’s why magnetic lashes should never be used on top of eyelash extensions.

Are magnetic lashes safe for natural lashes?

Yes, magnetic lashes are safe to use and won’t harm your natural lashes. But still, to be sure that you are able to protect your natural lashes, you need to be careful when taking them off. 

Do you apply magnetic lashes before or after makeup?

Before putting your magnetic eyelashes, apply all of your other makeup first. Otherwise, while you're applying your other makeup, the magnetic lashes can smear it. Your natural lashes' inner corners should be covered in mascara. Your outer corner of the eyes is only partially covered by magnetic artificial lashes.

Are magnetic lashes better than extensions?

In general, although lash extensions require more lash salon visits and maintenance, they provide a more dramatic and prominent appearance. While the least expensive choice is magnetic lashes, however, it doesn't appear as natural as lash extension and doesn't speed up your everyday makeup procedure. Still, it really depends on your preference. 

Final Thought 

Each type of lash extension or magnet lashes—has advantages of its own. It basically comes down to what's helpful in your particular situation and other preference reasons.

If you have hectic schedules, the best option is to have lash extensions. There will be no longer eye make-up sessions spent during the morning. 

Extensions are generally unsuitable for you if you don't like to commit to a particular style. Additionally, they are less sensitive to maintenance.

Again, choosing either of these options is based on preference, need, and budget. Both of these have advantages and disadvantages when used. It’s up to you whether you prefer getting one because you wanted to have long-lasting lashes or just a day. As long as you feel comfortable and confident, that’s all that matters.