Why Eyelash Extensions Might Not Be A Good Idea

Getting eyelash extensions seems like an amazing idea in theory. They'll make your lashes look longer without having to apply falsies everyday (or piling on the mascara and risking "spider lashes"), but there are some concerns you have to consider before taking that step, like, can you be allergic to eyelash extensions? Unfortunately, the answer to all your mascara and falsie woes comes with its own set of problems.

Thick, long lashes are definitely desirable, but at what cost? As you may already know if you wear contacts/glasses, putting any type of object near your eye can be dangerous, and yes, that does include eyelash extensions. While there are plenty of obvious risks that you may have already thought about, such as infections or the eyelash extensions falling out and into your eye, what you may not have thought about is an allergic reaction. It seems a strange thing to be allergic to, but you definitely can be allergic to eyelash extensions — or, well, not the extensions themselves, but the glue, especially those glues containing formaldehyde. “The glue, for some people, can cause allergic reactions," Dr. Robert Dorin says.

But don't worry, even if the glue gets in your eye and you're allergic, you are not going to go blind. According to lash expert Courtney Akai, "No matter how bad an allergic reaction may get, you will never go blind. The worse case scenario is that you need to go to the eye doctor to get specific eye drops to treat an allergic reaction."

It's probably a good idea to get allergy tested before getting extensions, but if you want to avoid the risk altogether, here are a few products to try for longer lashes without getting lash extensions.

1. Falsies

AJOY False Eyelashes, $18, Amazon

Yeah, I know they're annoying, but it's better than an allergic reaction.

2. Lengthening Mascara

Maybelline New York Illegal Length, $6, Amazon

Make sure you're using a mascara formulated for length.

3. Volumizing Mascara

Maybelline New York Volum' Express Pumped Up Colossal, $5, Amazon

If you really want to take it to the next-level, go over your lengthening mascara with a volumizing mascara.

4. Growth Serum

ArtNaturals Eyelash Growth Serum, $16, Amazon

Serums are the new hot product to help grow thicker and longer lashes naturally.

5. Heated Eyelash Curler

Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler, $11, Amazon

Eyelash curlers are great, but if you want maximum effect, try a heated one.

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Images: Fotolia; Amazon