Thursday, April 5, 2012

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

Too Faced has a new product, Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System ($35), designed to give you the length and volume of false lashes with three simple steps. The three-step lash extension system includes two products: an activating mascara base and top coat and the Flexistretch nylon lash fibers. Does it work? Kinda sorta.

The look of false lashes has never been easier or more affordable with this do-it-yourself system that's an alternative to messy false lashes and expensive lash extensions. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers into long, thick, dramatic lashes without the risk, mess, or commitment of other false lash alternatives. Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Better Than False Lashes allows you to dial up the lengthening fibers so you easily get better, longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes instantly.

Too Faced kindly sent me Better Than False Lashes to test. I may be dense, but I was a little confused when I read the directions. Step 1 is a priming step, which actually turns out to be a full-fledged mascara application. Step 2 is a build step in which you apply nylon fibers to your lashes over the mascara (base and top coat). More on that below. Step 3 is a sealing step; you finish by sealing the fibers to the lashes with the same mascara you used in Step 1. I had to try it to understand how it worked - and that there were two products for three steps - obvious from the box, but not intuitive.

I am blessed with long lashes, and all it takes is a nice lengthening mascara to make them pop. I am very impressed with the Too Faced "Activating Mascara" I use in Step 1. My lashes look fabulous after the first step. Step 2 gets a little weird. When I use the mascara wand to apply the nylon fibers, I feel like something's wrong with my technique. I have a hard time getting the fibers to stick to the mascara (they are dry), and occasionally I get what looks like a little cotton ball on my lashes. The cotton ball will flick away easily with another pass of the wand. The lesson here? Apply Step 2 as fast as possible before the mascara applied in Step 1 dries (and it dries very quickly). Otherwise, the little fibers have nothing to grab them. Step 3 is basically a second coat of mascara, and that ought to make your lashes look more full and potentially longer, with or without the fibers.

I don't plan to show you photos of my lashes (hate close-ups), but you can see a great review with before and after shots, published by my sweet blogger friend Musings of a Muse. Unfortunately, you can see the little white fibers on her lashes. I don't know whether she was unable to cover them completely with Step 3 (mascara) before she took her photos, but she loves Better Than False Lashes.

Even though Too Faced says that the product was ophthalmologist-tested and approved for use by those who wear contact lenses, I'm skeptical. I can feel the extra coating on my lashes for about an hour after application. My lashes feel heavy. I'm sure I'd get used to that eventually, but I don't like the feeling of having something with weight on my lashes. The little fibers have fallen into my contacts on occasion. My eyes are extremely sensitive to foreign bodies. The tiniest speck can feel like a rock to me. If you try this product and wear contacts, make sure to apply the product before you put in your contacts. Also seal the fibers into your lashes by coating them extremely well. If you can see white fuzz, you haven't finished sealing.

I have mixed feelings about Better Than False Lashes. It does work in the sense that it adds length and volume. Too Faced claims a 98% increase in volume and a 42% increase in length. I see small increases on my own lashes. I suspect the results you get will depend on the length and thickness of your lashes. Another plus is that the product can be removed easily with water - no heavy-duty eye makeup remover is required. I do not think Better Than False Lashes is ideal for contact lens wearers, based on my personal experience. Tread carefully if you have sensitive eyes.

For now, Better Than False Lashes is available only at Sephora. The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. I seldom read customer reviews because...well, I'll keep the snarky reason to myself. I read them this time because I wanted to know what others thought of this unique lash product. Think you'll try it?

Photo courtesy of Sephora

16 comments:

grlnxdor said...

Thanks for the heads up on this. Just the term "fibers" make my contact lens wearing eyes want to run the other way. Like you, I can always feel the tiniest speck in my eyes. This product would drive me nuts! I'll be happy to avoid these types of mascaras.

Anonymous said...

I love mascara and have tried everything, but for some reason this holds no appeal to me. Think I am going to pass.

בגדי ים said...

Look absloutely beautiful, thanks for the post!

Evelyn said...

Sounds like it would be a comedy of errors for me to try to use this. I'm sure I'd get a fiber in my eye and end up with flat lashes and red eyes after I'd gotten it out.

I'm not so keen on Sephora reviews...especially when a 20 yr old reviews a product for lines and wrinkles and says it didn't do anything. No kidding, it can't help with imaginary wrinkles.

Wendy said...

But... but... I LOVE snark! lol I often think reviews say more about the person than the product.

I have long lashes that lack the volume they once had primarily due to age. I think my sensitive eyes and brittle lashes would prevent me from experimenting with the nylon extensions. My eyes water just thinking about applying regular mascara. I have to be careful with experimenting with regular mascara. Some mascaras will cause my lashes to fall out if I rub my eyes. (Smashbox, I'm looking at you.) Thank goodness for Latisse!!!

Wendy said...

LOL Evelyn! I pretty much disregard reviews for skincare written by people 20 years younger than me. I once bought a skirt because it had poor reviews. Everyone complained that the waist was too small and not in proportion with the hips. The skirt fit perfectly.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi all, just got time after work to respond. Grlnxdor, fibers can be tough for us contact wearers. I won't say don't try it, but try to get a sample if they exist.

Charlestongirl said...

I understand, Anonymous. We can't have everything. :)

Charlestongirl said...

בגדי ים

That was impossible to type, so I copied your name. Sephora is your source. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Yes, Evelyn, that's a thought that has crossed my mind more than once. Tee hee.

Charlestongirl said...

Wendy, if your eyes are sensitive like mine, you won't like this lovely product - EXCEPT, the mascara is fabulous. Truly fabulous. It can stand alone without those white fibers.

Charlestongirl said...

Yep, Wendy, I even get annoyed when every company on earth now asks me to review something I just bought. Hello? Did I sign a contract to write a review when I handed over my money?

sunnyItaly said...

hi there! no , I won't be trying this. I hate the idea of mascara flaking and getting in my eyes. I carefully avoid any mascara that claims "extension" virtues or adds real fibre to the lashes. I also dread the idea of having to use base and top. No patience for that!
Thanks for the review. I know now it's not my cup of tea.
Rachel

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Rachel!

I'll bet Italy is beautiful right now. Enjoy spring!

Michelle MaBelle said...

Did you get this from Too Faced directly or somewhere else? I can't find it on their website.

Anonymous said...

As a 54 year old woman with thinning lashes I am sold on this product! I also found that repeating the process makes for even longer thicker lashes. This customer is very pleased!!