We’re sure you’ve noticed a trend this summer: wet-look lash extensions. If you don’t know what they are, we’re here to give you the scoop!
This is a trend you don’t want to miss. Wet look lashes look great with the “clean girl look” – clear, glowy skin, minimal makeup, and slicked back hair.
This look has been trending for a while now, and wet look lashes complement it perfectly. What’s not to love? This look is both natural and glamorous, combining two seemingly opposite energies in one stunning package.
So what are wet-look lash extensions? Wet look lash extensions are fake lashes that have a more separated, spiky appearance compared to traditional lash extensions. Imagine a small fan of wispy lashes attached to each individual lash on your eyelid – the look has a “wet” appearance because the lashes form separate little groups instead of one big fan of lashes.
It’s as if you just stepped out of a shower or a roaring ocean wave. The spikiness and separation of the false lashes give it a sultry natural (but still very glamorous) vibe – think Kim K.
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know to jump on this trend, including how you can achieve this look at home!
Wet Look Lashes Vs Other Fake Lashes
If you’re still confused about the difference between wet-look lash extensions and regular lash extensions, think about it this way: regular lash extensions are evenly spaced out and are of a similar length.
Wet look lashes are not evenly spaced out, and feature different lengths all throughout. In fact, the way wet look lashes are created is by using narrow closed fans of lashes and attaching each narrow fan to an individual lash on your eyelid.
This results in a series of closed fans over your lashes, which have a much more natural and spiky appearance compared to traditional lash extensions.
But don’t worry, when we say “spiky” we don’t mean gelled-up hair from the 90s. No, these lashes are soft and wispy – nothing sticky about them!
The reason people are falling in love with the wet lash look is because it’s sexy and natural. Many celebrities are rocking that look, including the Kardashians, Ariana Grande, and many others.
If you want a sexy, sultry, yet realistic appearance to your lashes, this might be a perfect look for you.
Wet Look Lashes Application Process
If you’re thinking about getting wet look lash extensions on your next visit to the salon, you should be aware of how the process works.
You should also check with your lash technician to see if they offer wet-look lashes because not all technicians do.
Once you find a technician that can do it, he or she will begin the application process by cleaning off your lashes and removing any old extensions, if you had any.
Your technician will prep your lashes and lids for the application of extensions, and you will be able to close your eyes while they work.
They will most likely use a type of lash extension called M and LL curls – this simply refers to the degree of curl that the false lashes hold. M and LL curls have a straight base at the bottom and transition into a powerful curved lift at the top. This will give your eyes a more glamorous, open look.
Of course, different technicians have different preferences, so they might use C curls or other types of curls instead. Make sure to discuss their plan with them ahead of time so that you’re both on the same page about the look they are creating.
Your lash tech will then proceed to create a narrow closed fan using several of these lashes. A closed fan means that the lashes will have a slightly triangular arrangement – becoming more narrow at the top. This is what gives them that “spiky” or “wet” look.
The fans will also be constructed to have longer lashes in the center and shorter lashes towards the edges. Then each of these fans will be attached to your natural lashes on the top lid.
Your stylist will assess how strong your natural lashes are to determine how large each fan can be for your lashes to be able to hold them up.
The lash fans will get slightly thicker and longer towards the outside of your eye. The best thing about these lash extensions is that they give your technician the creative freedom to create a look that is uniquely tailored to your eye shape.
Your technician will secure the lash fans to your lashes using a special professional-grade adhesive that can last up to 6 weeks.
Your experience of receiving wet look lashes won’t be all that different from regular lash extensions. You’ll just sit back, close your eyes, and allow your technician to work their magic.
Once they’re done, you’ll have gorgeous wet-look lashes that you can rock for several weeks.
Wet Look Lash Extension Maintenance
Maintaining your wet-look lash extensions is not much different from maintaining any professionally-done lash extensions.
However, due to the large volume of lashes secured by the adhesive in each fan, you should take extra care to make sure your lashes last the full 5-6 weeks!
Here are some things you should do to keep your wet-look lashes in tip-top shape:
- This goes without saying, but avoid rubbing, pulling, or touching your lashes
- Do not put any oil on or around your lashes, this includes oil from your fingers!
- Avoid using any oil-based products near your lashes including oil-based makeup removers, eye creams, sunscreens, etc.
- Keep your lashes dry for 24 hours after your lash appointment to allow the adhesive to set, this means no washing your hair or face
- Avoid extreme heat such as sauna, hot yoga, hot tub, and sticking your head into the oven while baking
- Gently brush your lashes daily (your eyelash technician can provide you with a guide on how to do that properly) – this can get rid of most issues that people run into with false lashes
- If you have oily skin around the eyes, try using blotting cloths or mattifying products to keep your oil production to a minimum
- Do not use waterproof eyeliner or mascara on your new lashes, even better if you can avoid using mascara altogether!
- Do not do eyelash perms while you have wet-look lash extensions on.
Your eyelash technician might have some additional advice about keeping your wet-look lash extension in good shape. Make sure to always follow your tech’s advice because they know what works best with the specific brand of lashes and adhesive that they use.
How To Try The Look At Home
Not sure if wet-look eyelash extensions will look good on you? When done correctly, they look great on everyone, regardless of eye or face shape. But we totally get your hesitation.
The good news is, you can try the look at home! There are some great temporary wet look eyelash kits available for you to purchase and apply on your own.
Although these kits won’t last as long as professional lashes, and they probably won’t look quite as good as professional lashes, they will give you a chance to see the trend on yourself and decide whether you can pull it off (hint: you can!)
Here are our favorite options for glue-on lash extensions that have that wet look:
KISS Lash Drip False Eyelashes
These false lashes come in a full strip that’s already done for you. The strip contains perfectly-arranged eyelash spikes that have the wispy appearance of wet-look lashes.
Although it comes in a strip, we must admit, KISS did a good job of re-creating the look as accurately as possible.
The kit comes with it’s own adhesive glue that dries in about 30 seconds. It’s easy to apply – just squeeze a little bit onto the lash strip, wait 30 seconds for it to get tacky, and press it over your top lashline until it feels secure.
The lashes will last you about 24-48 hours before the glue gives out. However, many reviewers noted that the lashes themselves are pretty durable, so they can be reused over and over.
This is a great kit for you if you just want to try out the look and see how well it goes with your face. Keep in mind though that these lash strips are pretty dramatic. If you wanted something less dramatic, a professional lash technician would be able to take that into account and give you a more natural wet lash look.
Pawotence Manga Lashes Clear Band Spiky Wet Lashes Look
These lash strips have a clear band, which allows them to have the convenience of lash strips with the appearance of individual lash extensions.
What this means for you: a more natural look that accurately shows you what a professional extension set would look like.
The lashes themselves are pretty long, so feel free to trim them if it feels right.
The kit comes with 10 sets of lashes, so you can keep wearing them for a long time if you don’t want to commit to the real deal.
Many reviewers are saying these lashes look exactly like professional wet look lash extensions, so these are worth a try if you want to see what it looks like on you.
As an added benefit, these lashes are super lightweight so you can wear them to school, work, and throughout your daily life to really experience what it’s like to have wet look lash extensions.
Greeneiya False Eyelashes Individual Clusters Extension Lashes
These glue-on lashes are designed to look like individual clusters, or fans of lashes, but they’re actually attached by a clear strip.
These extensions have captured the wet-lash look rather perfectly, with spiky clusters that are spaced out just like real wet look extensions would be.
Compared to some of the other glue-on extensions we mentioned, theses have a wispier, more natural look, so if you’re someone who prefers that, this is a great way for you to try it out at home.
These lashes are easy to attach using glue, and stay on for about 2 days. Each kit comes with 10 pairs, but you could also reuse each lash strip a few times before you have to throw it away.
All in all, this kit is a great and inexpensive way for you to try the wet lash look at home!
Are Wet Look Lash Extensions Right For You?
Wet look lash extensions work well on everyone, especially if you’re getting them done by a professional.
A professional eyelash technician can map out your eyes and plan out what lengths and volumes of lashes to use to achieve a look that complements your individual features.
So if you’re wondering whether wet look lash extensions are right for you, the answer is yes.
Just make sure to find a good salon that does it right. Another question you might want to ask yourself is: can I maintain my wet look lash extensions?
These extensions cost money, so you don’t want to spend the money if you can’t maintain them. Consider your lifestyle. Do you spend a lot of time outside, in heat, or in wet conditions? This could significantly reduce the longevity of your lashes.
Are you willing to become very careful and replace oil-based facial products in order to keep your eyelashes looking good for a long time?
At the end of the day, the question shouldn’t be whether these extensions will look good on you (they will) but rather whether or not they fit your lifestyle.
If you are able to maintain them and create makeup and style looks that match the overall vibe of the lashes, then there should be no reason why you wouldn’t pull them off!
Wet look eyelash extensions can be made to fit every eye shape, face shape, skin tone, and eye color.
This is why it’s so important to go with a technician that has a lot of experience and positive customer reviews!
You should also ask to see photos of previous wet look eyelash extensions that they’ve done to ensure that it matches your vision.
Final Thoughts
Wet look lash extensions are a trend, but we think it’s here to stay for a while. Some trends are such a breath of fresh air that we don’t want to let them go.
Eyelash extensions have gone through many trends over the years, but this is the first time we’ve seen extensions that don’t feel ridiculously unrealistic, while still being oh-so-glamorous.
The wet lash look is as great for glamorous celebrities as it is for small-town moms running errands. It complements the eyes, makes you look more put together, all without making it look like you’re trying too hard.
There’s something wild and primal about wet lashes, maybe because it looks like you’ve been swimming in the ocean all day, or perhaps you just took a quick dip in the pool.
Like wet hair, wet lashes add an air of mystery and attraction to any look.
If you’re not convinced yet, consider trying out one of the glue-on wet lash extensions for a day – it won’t hurt to try the look, and you might realize you’re totally in love!
We hope this article is helpful in understanding what wet look lash extensions are, how that look is achieved, and what you can do to try it out yourself!
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