The TL;DR: Lilac St. Lash Extensions are DIY, at-home lash extensions that deliver what they promise: Simple to apply, safe to use, professional quality lash extensions at an amazing price that last from one to two weeks.
Pros:
- DIY means no long salon appointments.
- Affordable price point.
- Last much longer than lash strips.
- Easy to customize for your preferred look.
- There are extensive online application tutorials available.
Cons:
- There is a learning curve for applying the lashes.
- You may have to change your face washing routine (no oil-based cleansers on your eyes).
Lilac St. Lashes Specs:
- Pricing: Simple Starter Kit, $25; Set of lashes, $7
- Sizing: Lash lengths range from 8mm to 18mm
- Curl: Between a ‘C’ and ‘D’ curl in lash extensions
- Options: 10 lash varieties, each available in various lengths
- Materials: Vegan, cruelty-free Korean silk fibers
Lash extensions are much more than just makeup. For me –– and many other people I’ve spoken to –– they also serve as a pretty amazing mood booster. There is just something about waking up and looking fixed and ready for the day that feels amazing. It turns out I love being the living embodiment of #iwokeuplikethis!
But for all the moments of walking past the mirror and thinking, “Wow! I look good!,” and all the time saved in the morning not having to apply mascara and eyeliner, there is an inevitable down side to life with lash extensions, too.
First, there’s the time commitment. When you first get a set of lash extensions put on, it takes roughly 90 to 120 minutes (depending on how full you want your lashes to look). Then, you have to get extension fill-ins every two to three weeks (depending on your body’s natural lash cycle), and each of those fill-in appointments take 30 to 60 minutes. That’s an average of eight hours (a full work day!) spent laying on a table in a six-month period.
Now let’s talk cost: Professional lash extensions are pricey at roughly $200 for an initial full set and $75 per fill in, totaling to an average of $800 spent on lash extensions during a six-month period. (PS: If you find a lash tech or studio charging budget prices for extensions, run! This is not a service you want to skimp on.)
The time commitment and budgetary concerns coupled with an irritation I developed to the lash glue (more on this later), had me firmly in the ‘thank you, next’ camp with lash extensions for the past few years, but I never stopped loving the look of extensions or thinking wistfully about when I used to have them.
Enter Lilac St.: A female-founded brand of DIY lash extensions that are affordable, easy to apply and last roughly 10 days. Created during the pandemic when lash studios were closed, Lilac St. was born from necessity (and desperation) and became a solution to problems many of us have experienced with lash extensions.
When I first discovered the brand, I loved the fact that it was a female-founded small business. The more I learned about the brand, the more I had to love.
Why Lilac St. Lashes Are an Editors’ Choice
They’re Cruelty-Free and Safe to Use
Lilac St. lashes are vegan, cruelty-free and hand made with 100% premium korean silk. The glue is formulated to be as safe as mascara, and therefore gentle even on sensitive eyes. Since my personal lash extension experience included developing an allergy to the lash glue and my eyelids swelling to double their usual size and itching like crazy, having such high quality products that were developed for sensitive skin was a huge plus for me.
They’re User-Friendly
Now let’s get to brass tacks. My first time trying Lilac St., I used a set of Originals lashes in the 14mm length. Although I regularly apply faux eyelash strips, I still took the time to watch some of the tutorials found on the Lilac St. website, and I’m so glad I did. These videos offer tons of guidance and made me feel well-equipped for my first time using DIY extensions. The primary difference between applying Lilac St. lashes and a lash strip is that you apply the glue and lashes under your eyelashes vs. on top of them.
And the process is pretty simple: Swipe the lash glue through your lashes like you would mascara (a small section at a time), allow it to set for a few seconds; then simply lay a segment of lashes onto your natural lashes. Squeeze down with your tweezers, and move on to the next section. Once you’ve applied all the segments, simply swipe the brand’s Crystal Coat sealant over the top, and you’re done. Check out this step-by-step video:
They Look Great
I was seriously amazed at how good my lashes looked and that I had been able to put them on so simply. Once again, a huge shout out to the extensive library of tutorials found on the brand’s site, as well as to the MVP, Crystal Coat. The sealant seals the lashes and glue for longer wear, but it also takes away the stickiness that can come along with novice lash extension application, so your lashes feel soft and natural. It’s also amazing for a refresh every few days.
Caption: L: natural lashes; R: with a set of Lilac St. Originals lashes
They’re Quite Long-Lasting
I was appropriately impressed with how long my Lilac St. lashes lasted –– a full seven days –– and I easily could have worn them longer, but I needed to test another product (#beautyexpertlife), so I had to take them off. The removal process was simple, albeit a little time consuming, but that only showed how firmly in place the lashes and glue still were. The Lilac St. Ciao For Now Lash Remover is extremely gentle, and none of my natural lashes came out during the process.
Bottom line? If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to professional lash extensions, Lilac St. lashes are the answer. If you’re looking for a way to amp up your look for a weekend away or your summer vacation without having to apply makeup or a lash strip each day, Lilac St. lashes are the answer. If you love lash extensions, but can’t invest the time or upkeep, Lilac St. lashes are the answer. See where I’m going here?
The post Editors’ Choice: These Budget-Friendly, DIY Lash Extensions Will Change Everything You Thought You Knew About Lash Extensions appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
