One of the questions we’re asked regularly about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk and mink eyelash extensions. Having used these materials for years, we’re very familiar with the features of each material and why you might choose one over the other. You don’t have to worry about choosing which material at your appointment – your lash stylist will be more than happy to assess your lashes and recommend a material for you. All of our lashes are vegan and cruelty-free!

Here’s a little rundown on each type:

Silk eyelash extensions: A man-made fibre with a matte/natural black finish. We use silk lashes in all of our volume sets because due to their texture as they fan out better than faux-mink.

Faux-mink lash extensions: At Lady Lash, we’re against animal cruelty, which is why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions. Not only this, real mink will not hold it’s curl once wet. We use faux-mink man-made fibres designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very glossy and black in colour and slightly finer.

Flat eyelash extensions: These are a relatively new innovation in lashes – with flat lashes, the cross section of the extension is flatter or more oval in shape than traditional eyelash extensions. This means they provide a thicker, more made-up look without any extra weight (each fibre appears wider, but doesn’t weigh more than a regular extension). Flat lashes are better for those who like a glamourous, darker look. Flat just refers to the cross section of the lash fibre, not the curl. They come in all the same curl types as other lashes.

Almost everybody can use eyelash extensions to increase the appeal and look of their eyes. The difference will be instant – your eyes will look sparkly and refreshed immediately! As the glue is applied directly to the eyelash and does not touch the skin, there is very rarely any issue with allergic reactions.

Yes, you can – as long as it oil-free and very low in glycol/glycerin. These ingredients attack the glue, eventually loosening the lash bond and causing extensions to fall. The worse thing about oily products though, is that the oils soak into the follicle, and make the lashes more repellant towards adhesives, which can cause issues at infills.

We’d recommend:

Eyeliner: Liquid/pen style eyeliner (oil-free/not waterproof, of course) is fine. Gel liner/crayon type eyeliner (usually containing carnuba wax) tends to stick in the roots of the lashes and is tough to remove – even if used on the just bottom lid. We stock a suitable eyeliner, but most non-waterproof liquid liners are also fine

Eyeshadow: Powder-type eyeshadows are fine. These can also be used with water to create an eyeliner effect.

Primers: It’s best not to use these on the lids if you can avoid, unless they are oil-free and you are taking special care to remove them daily

Mascara: This product causes the extensions to clump together, and often contains oils to weaken the glue bond on your lashes. Especially waterproof mascara! If you are intent on wearing mascara, Lash Lady stocks Max2 Volume Up mascara made specifically for use on eyelash extensions (which is quite easy to remove). To get the best out of your extensions and mascara, just apply the product to the very tips of your lashes and avoid the roots. Mascara on the bottom lashes is fine, as long as not waterproof

Please don’t use mascara on volume lashes – regardless of which brand you use, mascara makes volume fans snap shut/stick together – and sort of pointless getting volume lashes! . We will not usually be able to infill volume lashes that have had mascara applied to them as cleaning them takes up most of the time.

Lash Serums: Whilst not makeup, we do often get asked if these are ok. Most are, but please check with the retailer that they are lash-safe (and not actually banned in Australia – some are as they contain questionable ingredients). We recommend and stock LashGame Growth Serum which is safe for use with lash extensions, contains safe/approved ingredients, and is effective.