The three major types of eyelash extensions are mink, synthetic, and silk. Mink lashes are made from the fur of Chinese Minks. These lashes are luxuriously soft and light as a feather with a subtle curl. The only gripe is its hefty price tag, but rest assured you can trick anyone to believe that you were born with gorgeous eyelashes.

Synthetic lashes, on the other hand, are bold and thick with a uniformed curve. These lashes weren't designed to appear realistic, but rather make your eyes pop and mesmerizing, which is perfect for the diva at heart.

Lastly, we have the silk lashes that sit in the gray area between mink and synthetic lashes. Silk lashes have a thick base that thins and curls out towards the end, creating a dramatic touch.

Lash Extensions Don't Last Forever

I'm pretty sure you're dying to ask, "How long do eyelash extensions last?" Of course, lash extensions cost an arm and a leg, so it's understandable that you want to know before you make a splurge. The good news is that your investment can last up to four weeks, depending on how you take care of your lashes.

Lash Loft, New York city's top eyelash extension salon, recommend in between touch-ups every two weeks after you get them to ensure your lashes remain prim and pretty. It's worth noting that the cost for these in-between touch ups are excluded from your initial payment.

But regardless how well you take care of your extensions, know they won't last through a full growth cycle of your natural eyelashes. Your real lashes turn over every few months as they are continuously growing and falling out naturally. Therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise to lose a couple of extensions every now and then, as well.

Dos and Don'ts of Lash Extensions

Getting lash extensions means commitment. Lash extensions are fragile and can be ruined in a blink of an eye. In order for them to last, you need to meticulously observe a long list of dos and don'ts.

1. Dos

• Brush lash extensions daily

Brush your lashes with a mascara wand, using slow, gentle strokes. This will keep your lashes from looking like a tangled mess. Do this every morning and night. Also, make sure your spoolie is always squeaky clean.

• Cleanse your lashes regularly

Your lash line accumulates oil, dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells very quickly. This build-up eats away your extensions' adhesive, breaking it down over time. Worst case scenario, mites will take residence on your dirty lashes.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance to cleanse your extensions using a lash shampoo, such as the Ocusoft Lid Scrub Foaming Eyelid Cleanser or the Lashgame Foaming Lash Cleanser, both of which are best-sellers. But if you're in a pinch, you can use baby shampoo, instead.

• Sleep on your back

This is going to be difficult, especially if you're used to sleeping with your face pressed against your pillow. But if you really want your extensions to last, then make it a habit to sleep on your back. Otherwise, the pressure on your lashes will cause your extensions to fall out more quickly.

• Wear a headband

To protect your eyes from sweat, wear a headband when doing physical exercises. Sweat contains salt and oil, both of which are a big no-no for lash extensions.

• Have a bi-weekly top up

You need to visit your salon every two weeks to get an infill to keep your lash extensions looking their best. You want them always full and neat.

2. Don'ts

• Avoid water and steam

This is inarguably the most crucial thing to do in order to preserve your lash extensions. The glue that holds your extensions is still set for the first 48 hours. So, don't expose them to water and steam during this period. However, it doesn't mean you shouldn't bathe. Just make sure not to dunk your head under the water. Likewise, use wet wipes to cleanse your face.

• Don't rub your eyes

Ever wonder why actresses don't rub their eyes when they cry? If you don't want your expensive extensions to just fall off, don't rub your eyes. The next time you cry, just dab at your eyes with tissues like they do.

• Don't use oil-based products

Shy away from oil-based cosmetics use around your eyes such as soaps, creams, sunscreens, and facial lotions. Oil-based products cause lash loss as it breaks down your extensions' adhesive.

• Skip the mascara

Now that you have lash extensions, what do you need the mascara for? It's already a challenge to remove eye makeup, particularly heavy eye makeup such as smokey eyes with your natural lashes. How much more with lash extensions with several coats of long-lasting mascara? Avoid mascara at all cost.

So, how long do eyelash extensions last if you strictly adhere to these after-care rules? Eyelash extension salons may not be too happy about it, but if you are committed to your lash extensions, then it could last for up to six to eight weeks.