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What to Use to Do Your Own Eyelash Extensions
It isn’t easy to do your own eyelash extensions. It takes a steady hand, a lot of practice, and definitely the right tools and supplies. Doing your own eyelash extensions takes time to master. However, having the right tools and supplies will make it a bit easier to do. Tools and supplies to do your own eyelash extensions include the lashes, glue, tweezers, and more. This post will go through all the tools and supplies that I use to do my own eyelash extensions.
First, let’s do a quick run-down on what I mean by doing your own eyelash extensions.
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What are eyelash extensions?
Applying eyelash extensions is the method by which an individual synthetic eyelash is applied to each of your own individual natural lashes, one at a time, to create longer lashes, more volume and a thicker and darker look. The synthetic lash is glued to your individual natural lash one-by-one. It’s semi-permanent and lasts about 2-4 weeks depending on how you take care of them and the natural growth cycle of your own lashes.
What kind of looks can you achieve?
Eyelash extensions come in many different looks. There’s different curl types, commonly J, B, C and D with J being the least curly and D the most curly. You can also get lashes in different thicknesses and lengths. Thicknesses are most commonly 0.10 to 0.20mm. The thicker the lash, the more weight it will have. Therefore, you have to be sure your natural lashes are strong enough for the thickness as to not have droopy lashes. Eyelashes also come in different lengths, usually from 8mm to 15mm. A variety of lengths will be used on a person to achieve different shapes from a round eye to a cat eye.
What is the cost to do your own eyelash extensions?
Doing eyelash extensions by a trained technician is probably the best way for a person to get them done. It will usually cost about $160-240 the very first time for a full set (usually an individual eyelash extension on each natural lash, probably about 120 lashes). You can also do a partial set for about 50% to 75% off the full price for about 80 lashes. You will need to get your eyelashes touched up every 3-4 weeks which is called a fill and will usually cost about $60-80 depending on where you live. As you can see, the time and cost to maintain your eyelash extensions quickly adds up, and you can find yourself spending thousands of dollars each year on eyelash extensions.
Why did I start to do my own lash extensions?
I love getting eyelash extensions, as I can easily wake-up and instantly look put-together. It saves a ton of time getting ready in the morning, and I feel pretty all the time, even with no make up on! However, the cost was quickly adding up, especially since I was having retention issues. I use a lot of face oils to moisturize my skin which are not great for the glues used to hold the eyelash extensions. I ended up having to get a fill about every 2.5 weeks to keep them from having too many gaps from eyelashes falling out. As a result, it was getting way too expensive to maintain, so I decided to try doing them myself.
I have always been very good at DIY, including styling my hair, painting my nails, and threading my eyebrows. I figured this was one more thing I could add to the list. It’s been about a year now that I have been doing my own eyelash extensions. The cost is so minimal that it’s totally worth it to do my own eyelash extensions. I only spend about $30 every couple of months to do my own eyelash extensions as often as I like.
Can you do your own eyelash extensions?
Yes, you can do your own eyelash extensions…but I would only recommend it if you are used to doing DIY beauty regimens, and you have a steady hand. With the right tools and supplies, it’s not as hard as you think. I am going to go through the tools and supplies I use to do my own eyelash extensions. These tools are must-haves to achieve that professional look that you would get in a salon.
I also share how to make your eyelash extensions last longer for better retention and more time between fills.
Do Your Own Eyelash Extensions with these Products
Here are my top picks for the products and supplies you need to get started. It starts with the right tools and supplies. Here is a comprehensive list of everything that I use that you will also need:
- Magnifying Mirror with a Light
- Precision Tweezers and Angled Tweezers
- Eyelash extension glue
Related Post: My Favorite Eyelash Extension Glues
- Eyelash extensions in the length, thickness and curl desired
- Jade Stone
- Disposable Eyelash Glue Stickers
- Disposable Eyelash Brushes
Let’s go into each in more detail on why you need these to do your own eyelash extensions.
1. Magnifying Mirror with a Light – A magnifying mirror is crucial to be able to see your natural eyelashes up close. You want to choose a mirror with it’s own light so that you can clearly see your lashes. You will be working with one lash at a time. Here are a few mirrors that I recommend. The one that I have is rechargeable with a detachable cord. Cordless is perfect because sometimes I do my lashes in the bathroom. Other times I am in front of the TV, so I don’t have to deal with any annoying cords. A magnifying mirror is a must-have to do your own eyelash extensions. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive.
2. Precision Tweezers and Angled Tweezers – I use two different types of tweezers to do my own eyelash extensions. A precision or pointed pair of tweezers is used to isolate each lash. An angled pair of tweezers is used to place each individual lash extension onto my own natural lash. Most tweezers come in a set with additional types of tweezers for a minimal additional cost. Therefore, I would recommend buying a set to find the tweezers you are feel comfortable using.
3. Eyelash extension glue – Finding a good eyelash extension glue is not easy. As a result, I had to try a few different ones before I found a brand and formula that I liked. It may vary on where you live, depending on the humidity. My top pick is the extension glue by Stacy Lash for Sensitive Eyes. It gives me about 2-4 weeks of retention, and I like to replace it every 3 months.
Check out my post My Favorite Eyelash Extension Glues to find the eyelash adhesive that is right for you that you can buy directly on Amazon.
4. Individual Eyelash Extensions – This is another item that you will have try a few different types. You will find the right one that suits your own eyelashes and the look you want to achieve. I prefer a voluminous and dark look, and as curly as possible. I personally use 0.15 or 0.20mm with a curl D. For a cat eye mapping, I go from size 9mm to 12mm from inner to outer eye. The great thing is that once you find the thickness and curl you prefer, most eyelash extensions are sold in a set. The sets range from about 8mm to 15mm so you can try different lengths to achieve the look you are going for.
I like this variety kit by Quewel. These are also a flat shape so the lashes will usually last longer. You can also try pre-made fans for added volume. I will use pre-made fans if I don’t have time to do every individual lash.
5. Jade Stone – This tool might seem a bit random, but you will find that the glue will dry or harden as you are working. A jade stone will keep this from happening by keeping the glue at a cool temperature. It’s only a few dollars so definitely don’t skip buying this one.
6. Disposable Eyelash Glue Stickers – I made a mistake the first time I did my own eyelash extensions and put the glue right on the jade stone. Big mistake! It dried and was impossible to remove from my jade stone. With the disposable eyelash glue stickers, I can easily dispose of the glue each time I do my own lash extensions. Again, these are so cheap to buy, so pick up a few.
7. Disposable Eyelash Brushes – I love to brush my natural lashes before I apply each eyelash extension. Also, I brush them while I’m applying my lashes to keep them from sticking to each other. It’s advisable to also brush your eyelash extensions everyday in the morning to keep them from looking clumpy. You can buy a back for really cheap. You can have several at home, in your purse, and in your car. It’s convenient to keep these handy whenever and wherever you need them. They are also super cheap so pick up a pack while you’re buying the rest of your products and supplies!
Most of the above tools are a one-time purchase. After you experiment with a few different eyelash types and glues, and find the right one, a set of individual eyelashes can last more than a year. The only thing that needs to be replaced regularly is the eyelash extension glue so it ends up being about $30 every few months for beautiful lashes 24/7!
You many also enjoy reading:
My Favorite Eyelash Extension Glues
How To Make Your Eyelash Extensions Last Longer
Now You’re Ready to Do Your Own Eyelash Extensions
As I said before, if you want to do your own eyelash extensions is not an easy thing to do. It should only be attempted by someone that feels confident in doing their own beauty regimens. It does take practice to learn how to hold the tweezers correctly, and patience as you apply one lash at a time. But the more you practice, the better you will get. The best part is that you no longer have to rely on making an appointment, or paying hundreds to thousands of dollars for beautiful eyelash extensions.
I love that I can do my own lash extensions anytime I want. So if I have a special last-minute event, no problem! I can fill in my eyelashes the night before all by myself. Also, maintaining my lashes when a few fall out because it only takes a few minutes to quickly add a few more eyelash extensions myself! I love having long and thick eyelashes all year-round, and waking up fresh eyed without feeling a hit to my wallet!
Now that you have a guide to all the right tools and supplies, you are one step closer to doing your own lash extensions too!
Please let me know what questions you have in the comments! Do you feel ready to do your own eyelash extensions?
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