Individually applied eyelash extensions do what mascara can only dream of: visibly lengthen lashes. Best of all, the effect lasts for weeks after just one application. But even if you’re sold on the benefits of eyelash extensions, you still have an important decision to make: what kind should I get? With help from Olivia Black at Chicago Lash Lounge, we profiled the three most popular styles, and found out that lashes are like Oregon Trail supplies—what you end up with depends largely on what you’re willing to spend.

Mink

Price ranking: Most expensive

The look: Ultra-natural. These blend seamlessly into your real lashes—and you can always vamp them up with oil-free mascara.

Pros: They’re cruelty-free. Minks aren’t harmed in any way when these get made; their coats just get brushed. Maybe one day, getting your hair brushed will also be a job for humans!

Cons: These are most expensive, and they need to be applied the most slowly and painstakingly. A technician who picks up a mink extension improperly will snap it with her tweezers. If you’re strapped for time, go for the hardier styles below.

Synthetic mink

Price ranking: Medium

The look: Blacker and shinier than any other style. These are perceptibly fake, but viewers have to get close to notice anything.

Pros: Their silky texture makes them especially comfortable against your face (though you can still make other people uncomfortable by pressing your lashes against their faces).

Cons: If you want your lashes to be undetectable, this isn’t the style for you. Splurge on mink.

Acrylic

Price ranking: Least expensive

The look: Thick, black lashes, à la Katy Perry or Bambi. These are the most obviously fake, but that’s not necessarily bad—lipstick and professional wrestling are obviously fake, too.

Pros: This style is the most dramatic, and very widely available. It was the first style to cross over from the fashion world to the mainstream, so it’s had the most time to catch on.

Cons: Of the three styles, these lashes are made of the coarsest fiber, which can make them feel itchy on the face.They’re also the heaviest—weak natural lashes often can’t support acrylic extensions.

Read our answers to eyelash extensions FAQs, including aftercare instructions.

Photo: Tim Burkhart, Groupon