Strip lashes vs. lash extensions – which is best?
Not blessed in the lash department?
Yep, us too.
We’re guessing you’ve tried everything.
From spoolie tricks and heated lash curlers to fancy serums, DIY concoctions and eye-wateringly expensive mascaras, nothing has successfully achieved the fluttery lashes you so desperately want.
So babe, why fight nature any longer? It's time to go fake.
False lashes are by far the easiest way to make your lashes look fuller, longer and curlier.
The real question is, should you go for individual lash extensions or just stick to strip lashes? Both are synthetic, both are applied with adhesive, and both are (by their very definition) false. But they’re definitely not the same thing. Here we’ve weighed up the pros and cons to help you choose.
(disclaimer: as the UK’s highest-rated strip lash brand, our opinion may be a little biased!)
Are you team strip lashes or team extensions?
Price
First things first, let’s talk money – because nobody wants to be sliding into their overdraft RN.
The fact is, strip eyelashes are the spend-savvy option.
The exact price will depend on the style, technique and lash tech chosen. But on average, lash extensions typically cost £60+ for a new set – with further refills starting from around £35.
By contrast, here at Dose of Lashes, our falsies are priced at just £10-11 each. Considering most styles can be worn 30+ times, that works out at approximately 36p per wear. 36p! Which means, you can replicate the same voluminous fan-like look of extensions, without a full-blown dose of buyer’s remorse.
Application
Arguably, this is the biggest way in which strip lashes and lash extensions differ.
To get extensions, you’ll need an appointment with a lash tech. Extensions are applied individually to your natural lashes – either in a one-to-one or many-to-one ratio – and it can certainly be a long process. Usually, it takes 90-120 mins to do a full set.
Strip falsies, on the other hand, are the DIY option.
They come pre-made on a strip, ready for you to apply yourself.
As a newbie, putting them on for the first time can seem a bit fiddly and intimidating. But we promise, with a few super-simple hacks and our 2in1 Dream Liner adhesive, it’s actually pretty easy. You can have them stuck down securely and fluffed to perfection in just a few minutes!
Appearance
There’s no denying, lash extensions can (and usually do) look amazing.
Due to the professional way in which they’re applied, they blend perfectly with your real lashes. And can often be personalised in terms of their length, shape, volume and curl to create your ideal look.
But you can also achieve the same amazing results with strips.
False eyelashes have a bit of a bad rep for looking wildly false. But the truth is, they’ve come a long way since the OTT stick-ons of the 00s! Today, they’re available in a variety of materials, lengths and styles – and many (including those by DOL) are actually designed to replicate the look of extensions.
They’re long, full and fluttery and can transform your look in a matter of seconds.
Durability
Lash extensions are a semi-permanent solution.
Essentially, they just fall off with your own lashes as they naturally shed, and typically last for about 6 weeks before you’ll start to need a refill. However, they do need a little TLC and often come with a few ‘aftercare rules’ – such as avoiding the use of oil-based face serums.
False lashes, by contrast, aren’t semi-permanent; but they’re also not disposable.
Most people don’t realise, but generally speaking, strip lashes are designed to be re-used. In fact, this is one area in which our strip lashes shine, here at DOL. Made using exclusive UNYQTM technology, they boast premium lightweight fibres that are designed to last 50% longer. Which means, they can be worn 15-30 times, with very little maintenance required between each use.
Comfort
Think strip eyelashes will be heavy and itchy? Think again.
When it comes to how they feel, individual lash extensions and strip lashes are on a level pegging.
A good lash tech will add extensions with your ultimate comfort in mind. But guess what? We’ve also developed our false eyelashes with the same priority. Correct placement and application are, of course, important. But all of our strips are made from premium, innovative lash fibres – which are super soft and lightweight – and can be used time after time without causing any irritation or damage.
In fact, falsies have been found to strengthen natural lashes, making them thicker and longer.
Versatility
For those who like to regularly switch up their style, lash extensions may not be the best option.
You pick a style, density and length and – whether you like them or not – you just have to wait for your natural lashes to grow out. The only alternative is to pay more to have them removed!
With strip eyelashes, this is a non-issue.
There are so many different styles to choose from. Dramatic. Glamorous. Natural styles for when mascara isn’t quite enough. Russian strips. Lashes made from faux mink and luxury mink. Half lashes. Lashes that are perfect for a wedding, a hot date, the office, your Saturday night going ‘out out’ etc. And you’re not married to any of them!
You can wear a different pair every single day depending on what you have planned. And thanks to our ‘build your own bundles’, it’s easy to try out different styles and decide on your favourites.
You’re joining team strip eyelashes, right?
After all that logic, it’s a no-brainer.
If you’ve decided fake is the way forward, forget about dialling up a lash tech. Save your time and money, and just scroll our collection of strip eyelashes instead. We promise you won’t regret it.
Once you’ve tried our falsies, we’re betting you’ll never look back (with those lush fan-framed eyes!).
If you’re still unsure or have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us at any time. We’re a friendly team and – although we’re a tad biased when it comes to the benefits of strip lashes – we’ll give you honest answers and try to help in any way that we can.
Just fill out our online contact form and we’ll respond to your message ASAP.
