Hazel eyes. Blue eyes. Green eyes. Brown eyes. We all have that specific eye color that we find most attractive. However, while the preferred eye color may vary from one individual to the other, we can all agree on one thing; big and sparkling eyes are the most beautiful.

Most females use different mechanisms to make their eyes appear bigger and give them more sparkle. For instance, some use mascara on the eyelashes, others put on eyelash extensions while others install false/fake lashes. In fact, most people agree that any makeup that lacks one of these eyelash components is no good at all!
But, if both mascara and eyelash extensions serve the same purpose (making the eyes sparkle and appear bigger), does it really matter which one you go for? In this article, we discuss both of these makeup components in details. Read on to find out which one is best for you, whether eyelash extensions or mascara.

What is Mascara

Mascara is a type of eye makeup product that makes the eyelashes appear longer, thicker and more voluminous. A while back, most mascara brands were water-soluble and could be easily smudged and flaked. However, makeup brands are now producing perfected mascaras that are waterproof, hence last longer and do not smudge.
Each type of mascara has its own specific mascara wand that it uses. And these different wands have a different effect on the eyelashes. The table below highlights the most common types of mascara wands and the corresponding effects that these have on the eye lashes:

Advantages of Mascara

Mascaras have two major advantages:

They are Convenient
Mascaras usually go for affordable prices. Also, you can easily carry them in your makeup bag and use them whenever you want.
They are Easy to Remove
Mascara can be easily removed using regular makeup removers, or oil-based makeup removers in case of waterproof type of mascaras.

Disadvantages of Mascara

The following are the three main disadvantages of mascaras:

They Can Cause Brittle Lashes
Brittle lashes usually happen when one uses an eyelash curler regularly. Also, the texture of your mascara can also cause brittle lashes, especially if you use it daily. Therefore, it is recommended to let your eyelashes breathe from time to time.
They Can Cause Eye Infections
Most mascaras expire after approximately 3 months of use. However, according to a research conducted by Women’s Health, about 86% of ladies still continue using their mascara even after the expiration date. These could lead to staph infections, pink eye and other inflammatory conditions.
They Can Cause Wrinkles
Removing mascara requires one to rub and tug the area around the eyes. This can result to sagging of the thin, sensitive skin, eventually causing wrinkles.

Eyelash Extensions

When talking about eyelash extensions, you most probably have heard of the terms 3D lashes, Russian volume lashes and 3D volume lashes.
All these terms refer to the same style and design of eyelash extensions.
Eyelash extensions are the best eye makeup component that you can go for. Compared with false lashes and mascara, these 3D lashes have a more natural and realistic look. In addition, they make the eyes appear longer, thicker and more voluminous than any other eye makeup components.

Unlike with false lashes which involve attaching and gluing whole strips of neat, machine-made lashes, eyelash extensions are usually installed by applying individual new faux lashes to the natural eyelashes. This installation technique is what gives them a more natural look that mascara and false lashes cannot beat.
In fact, most people who use mascara usually switch to 3D volume lashes after a while. And once they try out these extensions, they get hooked and attached to the added dramatic effect that these 3D lashes offer. It is no wonder that these Russian volume lashes are very popular amongst senior executives and most celebrities.

Advantages of 3D Volume Lash Extensions

3D lashes have very many advantages. Consider the three key pros of installing these Russian volume lashes:

They are Highly Durable
With time, false lashes tend to fall out, leaving a thin look behind them. On the contrary, since they are made of individual lashes, eyelash extensions do not leave behind a think look when natural eyelashes eventually fall out. More so, since 3D lashes are applied fuller, they last longer than other similar classic sets.
They are Light
Both false lashes and applied mascara tend to feel heavy on the eyes. On the contrary, eyelash extensions are usually very lightweight, such that they feel just like natural lashes. This is especially true if the 3D volume lashes are not made of synthetic.

Disadvantages of Eyelash Extension

Despite all their advantages, eyelash extensions also have their demerits. The following are the two major disadvantages of these types of lashes:

They may cause allergic reactions – A special type of glue is used to attach the 3D volume lashes. This glue could cause allergic reactions to clients with sensitive eyes.
Oil-based products used around the eyes can loosen the glue and cause the eyelash extensions to fall off.
They can be quite costly.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, your eyelashes can either make or break your makeup look. Therefore, while it might seem like a subtle thing, it is very crucial that you pay keen attention to your eyelashes. You could either choose to regularly apply mascara or install false lashes.

However, the best choice to go for would be to attach eyelash extensions. With these Russian volume lashes, you will never have to worry about waking up early just to make more time for applying eye make-up!