Eyelash Extensions

Happy Monday friends! We’ve got the first full week of 2017 behind us now and we’re starting to get back into the swing of things over here.  But, I still didn’t finish the project post I was hoping to have ready for you today, so I thought I’d just share some highlights from this last week.
First off, it got COLD here.  We’ve had such a mild winter here that we were begging for cold weather and it finally hit hard! But, just as quickly as it came, it’s supposed to get back up to the 70s soon!
When you don’t get cold weather often, you love to bundle up!  I finally got my Hue wide waistband leggings and now I see what all the fuss is about!  They are awesome!  The wider waistband means they are super comfortable on your middle and you don’t even realize you’re wearing them!  The fabric is nice and weighty and the XS fit me perfectly with extra length at the bottom for you taller ladies.  I can already tell they’ll definitely be a Fashion Fave for 2017!
For Christmas, James picked out this crossbody bag and I have to say, the boy’s got good taste!  This one is handy because it has inner pockets for cards, ID, etc.  And it fits my iPhone 7+.
I can’t even take how cute Jordan is all bundled up in her little ear-covering hat!  And those teeth!  So stinking adorable!  I sure didn’t appreciate having teeth like that as a teenager, but they are too cute on her! It’s wild to look at your baby and see a feature exactly the same as your own!
Baby Sweater on sale | Old Navy Hat (no longer in stock) but this one is similar and super cute!
I have to go find a picture now to show you me before braces, hang on! . . . .
Ok, only because I love y’all so much am I showing you this pic!  I didn’t get braces until I was 15! And those double cowlicks!! #luckygirl
We must never speak of this again. 
If you have an iPhone, did you update it so that when you go to take a photo you have the “PORTRAIT” option now?  As a mom who’s always snapping pics of her kids, I was excited to see the nice bokeh effect it had when I took Jordan to the park the other day.  Both of these pics are iPhone, but see how she pops more in the second one because the background is blurred?  Try it!
I mentioned on my 2016 Fitness Round-Up post that I was going to try hot yoga this weekend and it was great.  It was super challenging, and I’m pretty sure about halfway through I was thinking, “how much longer is this class?!”  I didn’t wear a watch and there wasn’t a clock in the room!
It wasn’t super hot like I thought it would be, but felt warm.  Later, as I continued to hold hard poses, I was sweating like a dog! The heat seems to build- as does the smell of stinky feet! I’m sure my own included!  Even with that, I really enjoyed the challenge and the different way of working out.  I would’ve went back the next day, but my husband was sick so I couldn’t make it.  I bought a 30-day unlimited pass though, so I plan to go at least once a week.  My muscles are already sore from it!
Starting this week, I’ll go three times a week to train with my trainer.  I’m trying to whip myself into as good a shape I can get in before Jordan turns one!
Speaking of, Jordan’s first birthday is February 18 #what?! We’re planning a Garden Party here at the house with just relatives to keep it small and intimate.  I’ve already ordered the invites and went shopping at Michael’s on Friday to get some floral supplies.
She’s got another big milestone coming up too! How cute is this onesie?

Old Navy always has cute baby clothes too at great prices.  This LOVE onesie is only $8!

 

And this top for the mamas!

 

I never posted about my experience with lash extensions, and lots of you asked about it, so here goes.
I’ve been wearing them on and off for just over a year.  When you go get them, you lie back on a table and they tape your eyelids closed and glue individual lashes to your existing lashes.  It doesn’t hurt at all, but is kind of weird to have someone touching your lashes while you can’t see. It takes about an hour, but can be longer for the first time.
I always asked for “natural” style and on the shorter side (size 9-10 and they go up to 15 I think).  The very first time I got them done, afterwards my left eye was burning, so maybe some glue got in there and irritated it.  I had to take out my contacts for a day while it subsided, but I never had a problem after that.
You aren’t supposed to get them wet for the first 24 hours, which is hard to avoid.  They’ll give you a little lash brush so you can brush them and keep them curled up, going the same direction. Sometimes they can get a little unruly.  I go to Amazing Lash in Houston.
Over time, the lashes will become loose and fall out and when they are getting sparse, you can go for a refill.  Last week,  I let them all fall out/pulled them out and now I feel like my real lashes are so much shorter and sparse than before.  My friend said she didn’t think so, just that I got used to them being so full and dark with the extensions.  I’ve heard good things about neuLASH to grow your own lashes, but because it’s so expensive, I’m hesitant to try it.  It’s gotten lots of positive reviews and people swear by it. Have any of you tried anything that works to grow your lashes?
I actually LOVE the look of lash extensions and how you don’t have to wear mascara to look alive.   Mine lasted about a month before I’d need a refill.  The pics below I’m wearing them (from this post), but I don’t want to do it again if it really is damaging my own lashes.
Below is from the last time I got a refill.
And just to give you something to compare, here’s a picture without lash extensions, but wearing makeup and mascara.
I have these before/after pictures from they day before the first time I got them, and right afterward, so maybe my friend has a good point. Maybe my lashes just felt longer before and I got used to having them.
I also don’t have strong eyebrows before I pencil them in!  I use this brow pencil in ‘Fling’ and then DipBrow in ‘Soft Brown’.

What is it with me showing embarrassing pictures of myself today?!  See how much better we can look with some makeup?! I look so mean and tired without mascara!  I’m already missing my lashes . . . . ?  I feel naked without them now!*UPDATE: I found the neuLash at Overstock for only $65 and ordered it- it’s already shipped so I’ll try it and update you after a month! 

Have a great week friends!
__________________

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

62 Comments

  1. Hi Megan-
    I just wanted to take a moment to comment on your lashes. I have always loved the look of the lash extensions and admired them on others. I have not ever had them. From talking with others, including an Esthetician, the consensus does seem to be that, over time, the extensions do weaken your natural lashes (the glue and all the touching? I don't know). I have friends who have them and will never stop and friends who have had them and feel they were damaging. I will also love looking at them! I have found Latisse to work well for me and never experienced any of the side effects listed. That one needs a prescription but if you go to a med spa or dermatologist, this isn't hard to get. The other one I have seen people get results from is the Rodan and Fields Lash Boost and then just this weekend I was told about Rapid Lash which is much cheaper but a friend had great results so I may try that one when my Latisse runs out. Also, you can use on your eyebrows 🙂 Have a great week!
    Leah

  2. I loved this post. It was refreshing, I loved the honesty and normalcy of it. Living in a photoshopped world can make one feel inadequate if we're not careful, so it's nice when bloggers keep it real. You look beautiful even without makeup by the way!

    1. You are so kind! It's embarrassing posting those pics, but that's just the real me without mascara and lashes so I guess I better embrace it!

  3. You're beautiful with or without the lashes but boy do they make your eyes pop! I love mine. I'm blonde like you and my natural lashes are straight and blonde, and they never curl. I've been doing them about 9 months now (I go once a month for fills) and I'm totally addicted haha. I've done both classic and volume lashes and I find the volume last longer and don't damage your natural lashes as much as the classic, which are thicker heavier individual lashes. The volume are thinner and fluffier. I do same as you, not extremely long, I think 10? In fact, my natural lashes have grown so long that she makes comments how she has to trim the tips because they are too long.

  4. Love how you put it out there! I have a pic with the exact same hairstyle (not really sure it should be called a hairstyle!) with huge glasses with blue on top and peach on the bottom of the frames. Be-a-yoo-ti-ful.

  5. While everyone else seems to be commenting on your lashes, I have a completing different question for you. I have an iPhone and cannot find the Portrait option on my camera. Should it be showing up on the bottom where you can pick between pano, video, etc? My phone is telling me that there are no new updates and I have the iPhone 6. Thanks! Love your blog and check it daily.

    1. Dang, I think it might just be 7+ On my phone, it's between Photo and Square. The update should be iOS 10.1 – I searched and found some apps that may do the same effect- FabFocus, Patch: Smart Portrait Editor, AfterFocus, Depth Effects and Honorable Mentions. Hope this helps!

  6. Neulash is amazing! I noticed a difference in my lashes within the first week. The .1 ounce tube lasted about 3.5 months and I used it pretty much every day. My natural lashes are fine, short and refuse to curl. Now they are so much longer, darker and curl on their own even without mascara. I thought about getting lash extensions, but I knew I wouldn't invest the time in upkeep. The neulash is a great alternative.

    1. Hi Megan and BUJESSLAW, I know that you (Megan) chose Neulash after stopping lash extensions (I just found this post firts). I have used Lash Boost with great results for a long time, but my eyes seem to be staying super red 🙁 I’m wondering if you are happy with Neulash and have noticed a difference?? My lashes need help but my red eyes are kinda unacceptable. I’m also wondering if it could perhaps be my Chanel mascara….? Thanks for any help y’all can give me. Candace

      1. Hi Candace, I’m still using Neulash and haven’t had any problems with redness or irritation. I’d try stopping either the mascara or lash product for a few days and see how that affects your eyes. I have noticed longer lashes with Neulash.

  7. I did lash extensions a few times, and I felt like they damage my natural eyelashes… It's just so hard because the extensions are so amazing and looks so good! I am interested to hear your thoughts on extensions seem to be the same as mine…it did feel like they were supershort after I had them taken off but maybe like you said it's just because it's so different

  8. Revitalash Advanced is what I use. I was actually given a (full size) sample from a salon/spa insider and was surprised how much of a difference it makes! I've been using it for about 3 months now and just getting to the point where I need to purchase one. Honestly, if someone had not given me a sample, I probably would be hesitant to spend $100 on it. However, now I am hooked and I'll definitely be buying more.

    1. Revitalash Advanced is what I use too! It WORKS! I have noticed a huge difference and I had lash extensions for 2 years. A few months ago, I decided to stop altogether (with 2 kids, working full time it was just too time consuming). I also got a "lash lift" (like a perm for your lashes) and it made a dramatic difference. The glue that was used during my lash extensions irritated my contacts too). I'm only going every 3 months and it takes 20 minutes. Much easier to maintain! My lashes look amazing and my husband says they are much more natural looking – plus he likes that it's less expensive 😉 Keep us posted!!

  9. I agree on LashBoost by Rodan and Fields. I actually started selling to get this in my kit and it works!! My motherinlaw and sister in law started using it too and they love it just as much!

  10. Love the honesty in this post! I personally have not tried lash extensions. Some of my friends have and have not had good experiences. The way I look at it is, we only get two eyes, why take chances. I've spent enough having lasik! My youngest swears by Almay's Get Up and Grow mascara. People are always asking her if her lashes are real! She got her sister some for Christmas so we'll see how it works for her. And, thanks for the brow tips and the video. So helpful.

  11. I have also been using Lash Boost by R&F. I've used it for about 5 weeks and think I'm able to start telling a difference now. I'm also using it on my thinning brows, and It think they're starting to fill in. The jury is still out on if they continue to grow, but it seems to be working!

  12. This was such a great post. So honest – I love that. Some blogs feel so phony and commercial, but you are so real! Truly beautiful inside and out!

  13. I, like Kim, can't find the portrait feature on my phone. Where is it?

    Also, I'm a natural blind and have started getting my eyebrows dyed dark brown. It makes an amazing difference and lasts about 3 weeks. It's also really inexpensive ($15) and cuts my makeup time waaaay down.

    I love your honest reviews and posts. Keep them coming!

    1. Dang, I think it might just be 7+ On my phone, it's between Photo and Square. The update should be iOS 10.1 – I searched and found some apps that may do the same effect- FabFocus, Patch: Smart Portrait Editor, AfterFocus, Depth Effects and Honorable Mentions. Hope this helps!

      I definitely want to try the last tinting! I think that would help so much!

  14. So glad you brought this subject up! I've had lash extensions for over a year and really want to take them off and take a break – a financial break. But I can't part with them! I ordered Rodan & Fields Lash Boost. This may sound crazy, but I've been using it on my lash extensions, hoping it would grow my lashes and counteract any damage from the extensions. I've seen the before and afters of R&D Lash Boost, and its impressive, but the thing is…you still have to do mascara! And that is what I LOVE about extensions! Mascara is tedious, messy and time consuming! So…I'm trying a new lash place after over a year at Amazing Lash Studios and we shall see if I continue the addiction.

    1. I'm totally with you on mascara being messy! I got so used to the luxury of not having to wear it and now, even with makeup remover, I still have mascara residue under my eyes at night! I'll be curious to hear which lash place you try next.

  15. Great conversation about the eyelashes. I've never tried them, but my co-worker did and she loved them! Her eyes looked amazing, however over time they started to irritate her eyes and she had to take them off after the her eyelids became itchy and puffy. I would love to try them, however my skin is so sensitive and I don't think I'm a great candidate for them, so I just try to find a mascara that will do the trick. Hope you have a great week sweetie! XOXOXOXO

  16. I did have lashes for a few months and I adored them. However, when I took them off my real eyelashes were so short and broken! I would NEVER do it again. They did finally grow back somewhat and I have ordered the Lash boost. I can not wait to try it! I miss the lashes, but I dislike the damage they caused.

  17. I love this post so much. Your comment about looking mean without mascara literally made me laugh out loud! Oh the wonders of makeup. I have been using Lash Boost for about about 8 weeks and can totally tell a difference. Not only in the length of my lashes but in the amount of lashes I have. They are much fuller and feel "stronger" (if that makes sense). Thank for being real!

  18. I've tried NeuLash and it definitely works! I bought it during some sort of Nordstrom sale. However, I'm one of the people who had a reaction and it left my eyelids irritated and still slightly redder along the lash line even months later. There is a chemical-free alternative that I'd like to try next! I always love how eyelash extensions look when other people have them but have read that they do damage your natural eyelashes.

  19. I'm older than you, in my 50's now, which even seems weird to type because I still feel in my forties:), and my eyelashes are getting thinner. It's sad because I always had very long lashes. So the extensions intrigue me. I'll be interested to see where you go from here. Thanks for the info!

    1. I'm sure that's how I'll feel too soon! The extensions are super addictive. And then you have the cost and maintenance, which is a bummer. I already get my nails done every two weeks!

  20. Lash Boost, Lash Boost, Lash Boost!!! It's amazing, your natural lashes, longer and fuller looking in as little as 8 weeks. One tube lasts at least two months. Talk to anyone you know that sells Rodan and Fields and they can hook you up. I've personally seen growth and fullness and I don't even use mine everyday like I'm supposed to.

  21. I've been using NeuLash for about 3 months and my lashes are incredible. I've used Latisse in the past and it's comparable to that, except it doesn't irritate my eyes/eyelids like Latisse did. Nordstroms sometimes has it on sale or as a bundle and it lasts a really long time. Now that I've seen good growth with Neulash I only use it a couple times a week. Hope that helps!

  22. Loved your post! Had a laugh at the photo (the tooth one)- don't we ALL have those pics? Loved that you shared 🙂 Thanks for the info on the lashes! My neighbor just opened up a lash shop in town and I have been so curious to see what it is all about. Thanks Megan!!

  23. Thank you for your honest post regarding lash extensions. I first tried them about a year ago and have been hooked ever since. Recently my eyes started to get irritated after each fill. All that glue and chemicals in the eye can't be good. Now I am trying to break the habit but it is hard because I love the way they look. I am afraid of how damaged my natural lashes may be when the extensions come all the way off. Reading your post and all the encouraging comments has motivated me to give Neulash a try and say good bye to the extensions once and for all.

    1. Well, I would say let them fall off naturally or go get them professionally soaked off. I pulled lots of mine and could see my real lashes coming off with them. I was too impatient and regret it now!

  24. I order the generic version of Latisse (carepost) from the online pharmacy All Day Chemist. I also get my retin A from there as well. It is $36.74 for 3 bottles and the Retin A is around $10. Shipping is $25 and takes a couple weeks but is well worth it. I've never had an issue with Latisse.

  25. Someone might have commented this already but it’s worth knowing….. rosemary essential oil is so nice for hair growth! I’ve been using black castor oil (also good for hair) with rosemary each night before bed on brows and eyelashes. I can definitely see fuller brows and new growth there! Natural, no scary products on eyes and absorping into skin, & inexpensive! Thanks for post, and to everyone chiming in.

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