The Quest for Perfect Lashes: My Journey with DIY Lash Extensions
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of having long, luscious eyelashes that frame my eyes with the kind of fluttery elegance you only see on the red carpet or in beauty magazines. I’ve always believed that beautiful lashes can truly transform a face, adding a touch of glamour to even the simplest makeup looks. However, achieving the perfect lashes has always been a bit of a struggle. Mascara alone doesn’t cut it, and traditional strip lashes feel too heavy and often look unnatural on me. Then there’s the option of professional lash extensions, but the thought of spending a fortune every few weeks, along with the time commitment, made that an unrealistic option for my lifestyle.
Recently, I stumbled upon a more affordable and convenient alternative that seemed almost too good to be true: DIY eyelash extensions for at-home application. DIY cluster lashes allow you to apply lash extensions at home with minimal effort and cost, and promise to give you the same luxurious look that professional lash extensions provide. What intrigued me the most is that these lash clusters are applied underneath your natural lashes, which not only creates a seamless and natural look but also puts less stress on your natural lashes, ensuring they can grow healthy. After researching and testing several of these lash-styling kits, I found that while they all offer a similar concept, but the execution varies greatly from one kit to another. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences with five of the most popular DIY eyelash extension kits on the market, ranking them from best to worst.
Ranking: The 5 Best DIY Lash Extensions Kits
1. Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit
When it comes to DIY eyelash extension kits, the Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit is, without a doubt, my top choice. This kit truly stands out, providing everything you need to achieve professional-looking lash extensions at home.
The kit contains 36 cluster lashes available in three lengths: 10, 12, and 14 mm. What’s impressive is that these cluster lashes come in eight different styles and two colors – black and brown, giving you the flexibility to customize your look to perfection. Whether you want a more dramatic look for a night out or something subtle for daytime, this kit has got everything.
Beyond the cluster lashes themselves, the kit includes a bonder, a sealer, and a remover – essential products for ensuring that your lashes stay in place and are easy to remove when needed. The included applicator is well-designed and makes the process of applying the lashes straightforward and efficient. What I particularly loved about this kit is how soft and lightweight the lashes feel. They are incredibly easy to apply, and the finished lash look is as close to professional extensions as you can get without stepping into a salon. The price point is also very reasonable, especially considering the quality and quantity of the products you get. This kit is not only affordable but also professional-grade and complete, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to try at-home DIY lash extensions.
2. Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System Kit
Next up in my ranking is the Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System Kit, which provides a decent alternative to Nanolash, though it doesn’t quite reach the same level of excellence.
The Ardell kit includes cluster lashes, a bonder to ensure the durability of your lash styling, an applicator, and a remover – everything you need for a complete at-home lash extension experience. Applying these lashes took me between 10 and 15 minutes, which is relatively quick. However, if you’re new to lash extensions, the process might take longer as you get used to it. I remember my first attempt taking quite some time, but with each subsequent application, I became more proficient and faster.
While this kit does have its positives, there are a few drawbacks that are worth mentioning. The most significant issue I encountered was with the lash clusters themselves. They all look almost identical, with only the length difference between them. This uniform look can be a downside if you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different lash looks or if you’re looking for a more natural and diverse cluster lashes. Despite this, the Ardell X-tended Wear Lash System KIT remains a solid option, particularly for those who are just starting out with DIY lash extensions.
3. Amor Lashes QuickLash Starter Kit
The Amor Lashes QuickLash Starter Kit is a product from a British brand that promises a quick and easy lash extension process, even for those with no prior experience. The kit includes cluster lashes available in three lengths: 10, 12, and 14 mm, and the manufacturer offers various curl types and lash styles to suit different preferences.
On the surface, this sounds like a fantastic kit. However, when I put it to the test, I found a few significant downsides. First, the application process took considerably more time than the manufacturer suggested. While they claim it should only take 10-15 minutes, I found that it took me much longer to apply the lashes properly. This could be a dealbreaker for those who are short on time or patience. Additionally, the durability of these lashes left much to be desired. I was disappointed to find that the styling didn’t last as long as I had hoped. The cluster lashes also tended to deform after being removed, making it difficult to reuse them effectively. While the variety of styles and curl types is a plus, the overall performance of this kit just doesn’t measure up to others on this list.
4. Lilac St Intro Starter Kit
The Lilac St Intro Starter Kit is another popular choice in the DIY lash extension market, known for its fast and hassle-free application. The kit includes 30 cluster lashes in lengths ranging from 8 mm to 18 mm, which provides a nice variety for creating different lash looks, from extra volume to more delicate looks suitable for everyday wear.
However, the major drawback of this kit is the lack of clarity on how long the lashes will last once applied. The wear time seems to vary greatly depending on individual factors such as your skin type and how well you care for the lashes post-application. For me, the cluster lashes didn’t last as long as I had hoped, which was disappointing. While the application process itself is relatively easy, the uncertainty about durability keeps this kit from ranking higher on my list. It’s a decent option, especially if you’re looking for a quick lash fix, but it’s not the most reliable in terms of lasting power.
5. Lashify Starter Kit
Last but not least, we have the Lashify Starter Kit, which is perhaps the most well-known and certainly the most expensive lash extension kit on the market. Lashify has made a name for itself by offering high-quality, silky cluster lashes that are lightweight, feathery, and designed specifically for sensitive eyes. The kit includes everything you need, from the lashes to the application tools and even formulas that are ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free of common irritants like formaldehydes and latex.
While the quality of the lashes and the attention to sensitive skin are commendable, I found the Lashify Starter Kit to be somewhat underwhelming for a few reasons. First, the kit only includes 10 lash clusters, which is just enough for a single application. Given the high price point, I expected more product for the money. Additionally, while the lashes are beautifully made, the system can be a bit tricky to master, especially if you’re new to DIY lash extensions. I found myself frustrated at times, trying to get the lashes to adhere properly. Overall, while Lashify offers a luxury experience, it’s not the most practical option for those looking for an easy, cost-effective solution.
Ranking Summary: Which kit for at-home lash extensions wins the lash game?
DIY lash extensions have opened up a new world of possibilities for those of us who want beautiful and long lashes without the cost and time commitment of professional extensions. While each kit I tested has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, yet the Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit stands out as the best overall option. Its combination of quality, variety, and ease of use makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to achieve professional-looking lashes at home. The fact that it comes at an affordable price point, yet feels like a luxury product, is just the cherry on top.
One of the biggest benefits of DIY cluster lashes is the ability to apply them underneath your natural lashes, which not only creates a more natural look but also helps protect the health of your natural lashes. With the right kit, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting results that rival those of beauty salon extensions, all from the comfort of your own home.
In conclusion, while there are several good DIY lash extension kits on the market, none quite compare to the all-around excellence of the Nanolash DIY Eyelash Extensions Starter Kit. Whether you’re a lash extension veteran or a complete beginner, this kit has everything you need to get the lashes of your dreams.
