Thinking about getting lash extensions in Burnaby but still have questions?
Whether you're considering your first set of classic, hybrid or volume lash extensions, wondering how long lash extensions last, or trying to decide between lash extensions and a lash lift and tint, we've got you covered.
At Wink Ink Studios, we believe beautiful lashes should look amazing and work with your natural lashes, lifestyle and desired look.
Eyelash extensions are lightweight fibers individually applied to your natural eyelashes using professional lash adhesive.
Your lash artist can customize the length, curl, density and style to create anything from soft and natural-looking lashes to full, dramatic volume lashes.
Unlike strip lashes, professional lash extensions are customized to your individual natural lashes and maintained with regular lash fills.
Wink Ink Studios offers several lash extension styles:
Classic lash extensions — A clean, defined look using a one-to-one application technique.
Hybrid lash extensions — A combination of classic and volume techniques for added fullness and texture.
Volume lash extensions — Lightweight fans create a fuller, fluffier and more dramatic lash look.
Not sure which one is right for you? We can help you choose based on your natural lashes, eye shape and the look you want.
Your ideal lash set depends on more than a picture you found online.
We consider:
• Your natural lash length and density
• Natural lash strength
• Eye shape
• Desired level of drama
• Lifestyle
• Makeup preferences
• How often you want to maintain your lashes
We can create a natural, wispy, textured, cat-eye, doll-eye or dramatic lash look, depending on what your natural lashes can safely support.
Are lash extensions or a lash lift better?
Neither is automatically better. They are designed for different goals.
Lash extensions are best if you want:
• Added length
• Added fullness
• A more noticeable lash look
• Customized lash mapping
• Dramatic or glamorous lashes
• Less need for mascara
• A consistently "done" appearance
A lash lift is best if you want:
• To enhance your natural lashes
• A lifted, curled appearance
• A more natural result
• Lower-maintenance lashes
• The option to continue wearing mascara
• A simpler beauty routine
A lash lift does not add length or density. It enhances the lashes you already have.
If you already have naturally long, healthy lashes and want a low-maintenance enhancement, a lash lift and tint may be perfect.
If you want fuller, longer or more dramatic lashes, extensions are usually the better choice.
Is a lash lift damaging?
A professionally performed lash lift should be performed according to the manufacturer's directions and appropriate for the client's natural lashes.
Because a lash lift chemically reshapes your natural lashes, proper processing and timing matter.
If your lashes are already compromised, your lash artist may recommend waiting or choosing another service.
How long do eyelash extensions last?
Lash extensions don't simply "expire" after a certain number of weeks.
They naturally shed as your natural eyelashes complete their individual growth cycles.
Most clients return for lash fills approximately every 2–3 weeks to maintain fullness.
Your actual retention can vary depending on:
• Your natural lash growth cycle
• Skin type
• Hormonal changes
• Skincare and makeup products
• Cleansing habits
• Picking or rubbing
• Environmental conditions
• The application itself
That's why we don't promise an exact number of days of retention.
Why are my lash extensions falling out?
Some lash shedding is completely normal.
When your natural lash reaches the end of its growth cycle, it naturally sheds—and the extension attached to it sheds with it.
If you're losing multiple extensions without natural lashes attached, however, there may be another factor involved.
Possible causes include:
• Oil or product buildup
• Inadequate cleansing
• Excessive rubbing
• Picking or pulling
• Heavy sweating
• Hormonal changes
• Natural lash cycle
• Application or adhesive-related factors
Good lash extension retention is a combination of professional application and proper home care.
How can I get better lash retention?
Want your lash extensions to last as long as possible?
The basics matter:
Clean them regularly. Dirty lashes don't equal better retention.
Avoid excessive rubbing. Your eyes are not a place to pick or pull.
Be mindful of oil-heavy products around your lash line.
Brush gently. A clean spoolie helps keep your lashes looking neat.
Keep up with regular lash fills. Waiting until almost every extension is gone can make maintaining your desired look more difficult.
And most importantly, don't compare your retention to someone else's. Everyone's natural lash cycle is different.
How do I clean my lash extensions?
Cleaning your lash extensions is one of the most important parts of proper aftercare.
Use a lash-safe cleanser and gently cleanse your lashes and lash line regularly.
Avoid aggressively scrubbing or rubbing.
After cleansing:
1. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Gently pat dry.
3. Allow your lashes to dry.
4. Brush them into place with a clean spoolie.
Regular cleansing helps remove makeup, oils, sweat and debris that can accumulate around the lash line.
Can I get my lash extensions wet?
Yes.
You don't need to be afraid of water.
Once your adhesive has appropriately cured according to your lash artist's instructions, normal washing and showering are part of regular lash care.
In fact, avoiding cleansing can allow oil and debris to build up around your lash line.
Can I shower with lash extensions?
Yes.
You can shower normally with lash extensions.
Try to avoid aggressively rubbing your eyes or directing extremely hot water directly at your face for prolonged periods.
Can I swim with lash extensions?
Yes, but swimming can contribute to faster wear depending on frequency, chlorine, salt water and how much you rub your eyes afterward.
Gently cleanse your lashes after swimming and avoid rubbing them dry with a towel.
Can I exercise with lash extensions?
Absolutely.
You don't have to give up your workouts.
Sweat, frequent rubbing and buildup around the lash line can affect retention, so regular cleansing is especially important if you're active.
Can I wear makeup with lash extensions?
Yes, although you may find that you need much less eye makeup.
When using makeup around extensions, choose products that are compatible with lash extensions and avoid heavy oil-based products around the lash line.
Can I wear mascara with lash extensions?
You generally won't need mascara with extensions.
If you choose to wear it, use a formula designed to be compatible with lash extensions.
Waterproof mascara can be especially difficult to remove thoroughly and may contribute to buildup.
Can I use an eyelash curler with extensions?
No.
Mechanical eyelash curlers can crush, bend or damage extensions and place unnecessary stress on your natural lashes.
Your extensions should already have the appropriate curl for your desired look.
How should I prepare for lash extensions?
For the best possible application:
• Arrive with clean lashes
• Remove eye makeup before your appointment
• Avoid heavy eye creams and oil-based products around the eyes
• Don't apply mascara immediately before your appointment
• Remove contact lenses if they make your eyes uncomfortable while closed
• Allow enough time for your appointment rather than rushing
Clean lashes give your lash artist the best possible starting point.
Can I wear makeup to my lash appointment?
It's best to arrive without eye makeup.
Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow and oily residue can make the lashes more difficult to properly cleanse and prepare.
Additional cleansing may be required if you arrive with significant eye makeup.
Can I drink coffee before getting lash extensions?
You can, but if caffeine causes your eyes to flutter or twitch, consider reducing or skipping it before your appointment.
Small eye movements can make detailed lash application more difficult.
How long does a lash extension appointment take?
Appointment time depends on the service, your natural lash density and the desired result.
A full set generally takes longer than a fill because your natural lashes need to be assessed and prepared individually.
Don't choose a lash artist based solely on who is fastest.
Detailed lash work takes time.
Do lash extensions damage your natural lashes?
Properly applied lash extensions should not damage healthy natural lashes.
The key factors are appropriate extension weight and length, proper isolation, correct application and proper aftercare.
Damage can occur when extensions are too heavy, poorly isolated, improperly applied or repeatedly pulled out.
At Wink Ink Studios, natural lash health comes before maximum drama.
Can I get lash extensions if I have short or thin lashes?
Often, yes.
However, extensions cannot create natural lash density that isn't there.
If your lashes are particularly fine, sparse or damaged, we may recommend a lighter style or a lash lift instead.
Our goal isn't simply to make your lashes as large as possible.
It's to create the best-looking lashes your natural lashes can safely support.
Can I get volume lashes if my natural
lashes are thin?
Possibly.
Volume lashes use lightweight fans rather than one heavy extension per natural lash.
However, your natural lash strength and density still determine what is appropriate.
Your lash artist may adjust the fan size, length or overall density to protect your natural lashes.
Are lash extensions suitable for sensitive eyes?
Some clients with sensitive eyes can successfully wear lash extensions, while others may experience irritation.
Tell your lash artist about any previous sensitivity or reactions before your appointment.
No professional can guarantee that a client will never develop irritation or an allergic reaction.
Can I get lash extensions if my eyes are irritated?
No.
If your eyes are experiencing unusual redness, swelling, pain, discharge, infection or significant irritation, postpone your appointment until the issue has resolved.
Your eye health comes first.
How often should I get a lash fill?
Most clients schedule a lash fill every 2–3 weeks.
Your ideal schedule depends on your natural lash cycle and how full you want your lashes to remain.
If you wait too long and most of your extensions have shed, you may need a new full set rather than a fill.
What happens during a lash fill?
During a fill, your lash artist:
• Cleanses your natural lashes
• Assesses the existing extensions
• Removes extensions that have grown out or are no longer suitable
• Applies new extensions to appropriate natural lashes
• Restores fullness and balance
A fill is designed to maintain your existing lash set—not completely recreate it from scratch.
Can I get a lash fill after going to another lash artist?
Possibly.
We need to assess the existing work first.
If the extensions are excessively heavy, poorly isolated, significantly grown out or incompatible with the look you want, a removal and fresh set may be recommended.
This isn't about criticizing another lash artist.
It's about starting with a healthy foundation.
What if I don't like my lashes after my appointment?
Tell us.
Lashes are personal, and sometimes the finished look doesn't match what you had pictured.
If you have concerns about your length, fullness, curl, mapping or overall style, contact Wink Ink Studios promptly so we can discuss your options.
Please don't pull or remove the extensions yourself.
Can you make my lashes more dramatic?
If your natural lashes can safely support additional density or length, we can discuss increasing the drama at your next appointment.
However, more isn't always better.
Trying to force a very heavy style onto delicate natural lashes can cause unnecessary stress.
Healthy lashes come first.
Can you recreate a picture from Instagram or Pinterest?
We can use your inspiration photo to understand the look you're going for.
However, your final result will depend on your own:
• Eye shape
• Natural lash density
• Natural lash length
• Lash strength
• Curl
• Growth pattern
Think of an inspiration photo as a reference, not a guarantee.
How do I remove lash extensions?
Professional removal is always recommended.
Never pull, pick, cut or peel your extensions off yourself.
Attempting to remove extensions at home can pull out or damage your natural lashes.
Can I remove lash extensions at home?
We strongly recommend against DIY removal.
Professional lash extension remover is designed to break down the adhesive bond without unnecessarily pulling on your natural lashes.
Lash extensions aren't completely maintenance-free.
To keep them looking their best, you'll need to:
Clean them regularly
• Avoid picking or rubbing
• Brush them gently
• Be mindful of products around your eyes
• Schedule regular fills
• Replace grown-out extensions through proper maintenance
If you want a lower-maintenance lash enhancement, consider a lash lift.
If you want maximum fullness and customization, extensions may be the better choice.
For many clients, yes.
Lash extensions can save time getting ready, reduce the need for mascara and give you a polished look from the moment you wake up.
But they aren't for everyone.
If you don't want regular maintenance or appointments, a lash lift may suit your lifestyle better.
If you love having full, styled, customized lashes every day, extensions may be worth the investment.
There's no universal "best" lash set.
The best lash extensions for you depend on your natural lashes, eye shape, lifestyle and desired look.
At Wink Ink Studios in Burnaby, we don't believe in forcing every client into the same lash map.
Whether you're looking for classic lashes, hybrid lashes, volume lashes, wispy lashes or a lash lift, we'll help you choose an option that complements you while respecting the health of your natural lashes.
If you're looking for lash extensions in Burnaby or the Metro Vancouver area, we'd love to help you find your perfect style.
Not sure whether you need Classic, Hybrid, Volume or a Lash Lift?
Don't guess.
We'll help you choose.
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