Lash lift vs lash extensions: which is right for you?
Believe in Beautiful Blog
Fuller, curlier lashes without the daily mascara routine sounds pretty good. But should you go for a lash lift or lash extensions? Both can look beautiful. The best choice depends on your natural lashes, the look you love and how much upkeep suits your lifestyle.
Lash lift and lash extensions at a glance
| Lash Lift & Tint | Lash Extensions | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Curls and darkens your own natural lashes | Individual extensions are applied to your natural lashes for extra length, curl and fullness |
| Price | $155 (50 min) | $199 full set |
| How long it lasts | Around 6 to 8 weeks | Refills every 2 to 3 weeks keep them full |
| Upkeep | An Eyelash Tint ($55) about 4 weeks after makes lashes pop again | Refill up to 2 weeks $125, up to 3 weeks $149 |
| The look | Natural, lifted and defined | From natural to full and dramatic |
What is a lash lift?
A Lash Lift & Tint works with the lashes you already have. Your lash artist lifts and curls your natural lashes from the base, then tints them so they look darker and more defined. It’s like waking up with freshly curled lashes and a coat of mascara, every day.
Your results last around 6 to 8 weeks as your lashes naturally grow and shed. Booking an Eyelash Tint ($55) about 4 weeks after your lift and tint is an easy way to make your lashes pop again.
A lash lift suits you if:
- you have reasonable length in your natural lashes but they’re straight or point downwards
- you prefer a natural look
- you’d like very little maintenance between appointments
What are lash extensions?
Lash extensions are individual lashes applied one at a time to your natural lashes. Because they add length and fullness rather than just curl, they can give you a bolder result than your own lashes can on their own. Your lash artist can tailor the style, from soft and natural to full and dramatic.
As your natural lashes shed, extensions fall out with them, so refills every 2 to 3 weeks keep your set looking full. If you’re new to extensions, our guide to your first lash extension appointment walks you through what to expect.
Lash extensions suit you if:
- your natural lashes are short, fine or sparse
- you want more length, volume or drama
- you’re happy to book regular refills
- you have a wedding, holiday or special event coming up
Still deciding? Ask yourself these questions
- How do your natural lashes look right now? If they’re a decent length but straight, a lift will make the most of them. If they’re short or sparse, extensions add what a lift can’t.
- How much upkeep do you want? A lift needs an appointment roughly every 6 to 8 weeks, plus an optional tint in between. Extensions need refills every 2 to 3 weeks.
- What look do you love? A lift gives you your own lashes at their best. Extensions can go further, with more length and fullness.
- Are your lashes fair at the tips? Even an Eyelash Tint ($55) on its own can give you more definition without mascara.
You don’t have to choose forever, either. You could book extensions for a holiday or special event and a lash lift for everyday life.
Comparing the cost
As a rough guide, over about two months a Lash Lift & Tint plus an Eyelash Tint 4 weeks later comes to $210. A full set of extensions with two 3-week refills comes to $497. Extensions cost more to maintain, but they also give you the most length and fullness.
Aftercare basics for both
Whichever you choose, the first 24 hours matter most:
- Keep your lashes dry for 24 hours.
- Avoid steam and saunas for 24 hours.
- Use an oil-free cleanser that’s suitable for the eye area, and keep oily products away from your lashes.
- Brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie.
Lash V pre-care and aftercare products are available to buy in clinic, and your lash artist can recommend what suits your lashes. With extensions, never pull or pick them off. Book an Eyelash Extension Removal ($60) instead, so your natural lashes stay healthy. For the full routine, read our lash extension aftercare guide.
Prices and ways to save
New clients receive 20% off their first lash or brow treatment. That makes your first Lash Lift & Tint $124, or your first full set of extensions $159.20. See all current offers, and explore every treatment on our lashes and brows page.
To keep your lashes looking their best all year, a Beauty Pass gives you extra credit every month to spend on lashes and brows, waxing, IPL, spray tanning or massage:
- Maintenance: $99 a month for $125 credit. Enough for an extension refill booked within 2 weeks ($125).
- Complete: $149 a month for $200 credit. Covers a Lash Lift & Tint ($155) with $45 credit left over, enough to add a Brow Sculpt ($35).
You choose your treatments each month, with a 6-month minimum commitment.
Ready to book? Your lash artist can help you decide on the day. Book online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.
