Back in December 5th of 2006 on Lifescript.com, author Emily Battaglia wrote a fantastic article about eyelash extensions and whether or not they are right for you. Here’s what she wrote:

Five bucks for a tube of mascara or $500 for eyelash extensions – how far would you go for dramatic lashes? Eyelash extensions are becoming a staple in salons from Asia to America. But do you really need them, or will your trusty eyelash curler and mascara do the trick? Find out if you should lash out. Plus: Are you a makeup mishap?

Luscious lashes have long been the standard of beauty for women. We go to great lengths to achieve them, using mascara, eyelash curlers and even the go-to for special occasions – false lashes. And who can blame us for our obsession? After all, our lashes frame the most expressive feature on our face – our eyes.

Mascara has always been the weapon of choice for luxurious lashes. But with eyelash extensions, you can throw out the hard-to-fulfill promises of lengthening, strengthening, thickening, clump-free mascaras.

Eyelash extensions create more drama than mascara, but still look fresh and natural – no spider lashes here. You’ll look doe-eyed first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Sound too good to be true? Before you rush to the nearest salon, here is what you need to know:

Lash cost: Eyelash extensions will run you anywhere from $250 to $500. In addition, the touch-ups you usually require every two weeks will set you back $50 to $100. It can be pricey up-keep, with new sets needed every four to six weeks, unless you’re just springing for extensions for a special occasion

Lash length: Eyelash extensions come in 6-, 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-millimeter lengths. A full set of extensions can lengthen your lashes up to 50%, and will thicken them by 30 to 50%. You can also choose different colors, from blacks and browns to purples and tints of red, depending on your coloring and the effect you crave.

How it works: The entire procedure usually takes about two hours. First, you’ll lie down while an eyelash extension specialist uses surgical tape to hold down your bottom lashes, which aren’t used in the procedure. Then, between 25 and 40 individual silk lashes are dipped one by one into a bonding agent and applied to your existing individual lashes. The procedure is painless, even relaxing.

Lash care: It’s critical to avoid getting your lashes wet with water, oils or creams in the first 24 to 48 hours. Your new lashes will last about 4 to 6 weeks, but for maximum results, touch-ups are usually recommended every two weeks to replace any strays that have fallen out.

Lash TLC
Avoid pulling and rubbing lashes when washing your face. Toss out your eyelash curler and mascara too. Curlers can break or crease your new lashes, and since most mascara is petroleum-based, it’ll break down the adhesive and ruin the lashes. Mascara isn’t necessary when you have extensions. Do not use waxy or creamy eyeliner pencils either. To take off your eye makeup, use a non-oily makeup remover instead of a cleanser.

Safety: Eyelash extensions are safe to use because the glue does not touch the eyelid. And there’s no rule against wearing them with contact lenses. Remember – if you’re fond of playing up your eyes with heavy eye-shadows and liners, keep your lips looking understated and natural, using a lip gloss with just a hint of color. Once you have eyelash extensions, you’ll be able to pull off bold lips in shades of red or berry quite nicely while keeping your eye makeup minimal.

If you can’t afford extensions or don’t have the patience for the care they demand, work with what you’ve got. For more dramatic lashes, take a metal curler, clamp lashes near the roots, hold for five seconds, and repeat in the middle. Next, remove the mascara wand in one pull from the tube, and sweep the underside of the lashes from the roots while holding the wand parallel to the eyelid. Use an eyelash brush for any clumps, and let dry before applying a second coat.