Eyelash extensions are the newest craze in the beauty world. The demand for this service has rapidly increased in the past three years.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a new set of lashes as much as the next girl but I can’t help and wonder; what is the highest price you’d pay for the perfect set?

Although eyelash extensions are pretty darn expensive, (they can run anywhere between $100 and $400 a set) I am not speaking in monetary terms. This “price” I’m referring to is more complex than money. My question is, Should beauty come at the expense of an animal’s life? That’s a hefty price, if you ask me.

Picture by @LashedByCaren

There are two types of eyelash extensions out there, mink and faux-mink (also known as synthetic lashes). Mink lashes are real ferret hairs. The hairs are obtained by capturing wild ferrets, stuffing them in a cage and then killing them to skin them of their fur. These techniques are the same one’s used in the fur-trade business.

Many non-profit organizations, like PETA oppose the use of mink hairs for cosmetic use. The unethical treatment of ferrets for vanity purposes is hard to stand behind and frankly, it is downright wrong.Mink lashes are beautiful and make for the perfect beauty accessory but the price is just too high. The same look can be achieved by using synthetic lashes.

My sister is a lash technician based in Los Angeles (@lashedbycaren) she only uses vegan/ cruelty free products providing synthetic lashes for her customers because “[she] is an ethical professional who cannot stand behind animal cruelty”. On top of not being responsible for an animal’s death, choosing the synthetic route will benefit your pocket. Faux-mink lashes are about $150 cheaper than mink eyelash extensions.

Picture by @LashedByCaren

A pro to using faux-mink lashes is their lasting effect. Because these lashes are man-made, they will hold their shape better when wet; unlike real mink lashes that would require you to re-curl them every time they get wet. Another advantage of synthetic lashes is that they are so lightweight and comfortable, it is almost as if you didn’t have extensions on.

Next time you are on the hunt for the perfect set of lashes remember the truth behind mink; choose synthetic instead. Our vanity is simply not worth the torture of another living creature. And your wallet will thank you.

“The question is not can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, Can they suffer?” – Jeremy Bentham

Feature image by GuilleNeT