Eyelash Extensions vs. Tinting: Which One’s for You?

FYI: There are so many great (and semi-permanent) alternatives to strip lashes.

Everything from having each of your individual lashes extended a.k.a. eyelash extensions—like Kylie Jenner showcased on her IG—to giving your very own lashes a perm a.k.a. eyelash lifting exists.

Kailey, our graphic designer, and Raleigh, our style editor, both kissed eyelash curlers and mascara goodbye while openly embracing their new 15-minute morning routines (insert person-raising-both-hands-in-celebration emoji). All of this in the name of helping you discover which, if any, are a better fit for you.

If you’re considering taking your lashes to the next level, keep reading to learn more about eyelash extensions vs. tinting and lifting and what to expect. 

Eyelash Extensions 

Price: $ 175
Appointment Timing: 45 min – 1 hr
Lasts: 2 – 3 weeks

Aesthetician: Madison DeClercq   
Location: Skin Worship 
Celeb Clients: Olivia Culpo, Caroline Vreeland and Shea Marie

The Procedure: The process is pretty quick and absolutely painless. You’re in and out within 45 minutes to an hour, and the whole time you’re lying down with your eyes closed (you might fall asleep, it’s that peaceful). Basically, one by one the aesthetician attaches a silk extension to each and every one of your own lashes with adhesive. After the allotted time, some light air is blown on your lashes to aid the drying process and you’re good to go! You’re advised to avoid water for the next 24 hours, but once that time period is up, you can shower and swim as much as you want. One thing to stay away from for as long as your lashes are on is oil, so forget about using your oil-based makeup remover any time soon.

The Outcome: If you’re looking for a natural-looking enhancement, extensions are amazing for that. They bring serious drama (thick, bold lashes that could absolutely pass for your own) and they also, somewhat, change your overall face. “Extensions effortlessly make you look more awake,” commented Madison. On top of all that, you really don’t need makeup. If you’re headed to work, maybe some face makeup, but the thickness of the extensions not only eliminate the need for mascara, but they also eliminate the need for eyeliner. If you’re headed to any music festivals, this is ideal if you’re wanting to go sans makeup.

Eyelash Tinting (+ Lift)

Price: $ 125 ($ 90 lift, $ 35 tinting)
Appointment Timing: 1 hr 15 min
Lasts: 6 – 8 weeks

Aesthetician: Stina Dyment Eriksen
Location: Beverly Hills Lashes 
Celeb Clients: Gigi Hadid, Ashley Tisdale and Florence Welch

The Procedure: Similar to that of eyelash extensions, you’re peacefully lying on a comfy table while the aesthetician works. However, the actual process is quite different. A curved silicon pad is secured onto your eye lid with water soluble glue (much like the glue you use to put strip lashes on with). Your lashes are then curved back onto the pad, attached with the same glue, then let set for 15 minutes. Next your lashes are coated with a perm lotion, then a setting lotion, then tinted and lastly a nourishing agent (which is an oil)—and voila! Avoid water for 24 hours, but after that there really aren’t any restrictions.

The Outcome: If you’re looking for some definition without the commitment to continually update your extensions, these are the perfect solution. You also don’t have to worry about oil products and can use mascara if you’re not ready to give it up. Your face does look brighter and fresher with curled lashes, but they don’t have the same drama as extensions. That said, it gives you the opportunity to choose. On their own, you have natural, curled lashes (because they’re your own), but if you’re looking for added drama, strip lashes won’t damage them. You can add falsies to your eyes without worrying your current ones might fall off.

Note: Because they’re your own lashes, long natural lashes are almost a must. If you have short natural lashes, the lift will work they just won’t be as prominent as Kailey’s are.

Titles