This beauty "microsurgery" may bring you one step closer to making your #IWokeUpLikeThis dreams a reality.

The desire for longer, fuller, and more defined lashes has spanned centuries. From ancient Egyptians' reliance on kohl to nearly $950 million in reported multichannel mascara sales in 2014, it appears fluttery lashes are always in style.

If makeup alone does not provide enough drama, however, there are other options available on the market. Luckily, we've moved past sewing individual hairs to our eyelids (as reported in a story from the July 6, 1899, publication of British newspaper The Dundee Courier) and onto far-less-painful lash enhancers like false eyelash strips.

Of course, false eyelashes raise their own set of problems. While they provide fullness and length, false eyelashes require a bit of finesse to apply properly. The whole process may be a hassle, especially if done every day, and can be expensive. False eyelash adhesive may also trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.

Enter eyelash extensions. During application, a lash technician glues an individual synthetic fiber or mink hair to each natural eyelash in a meticulous procedure. The extensions are not adhered to the skin at all, and last for six to eight weeks depending on how long your natural eyelashes take to complete their growth cycle and shed. The finished effect is much more subtle that a full strip of false lashes with a band at the lash line, but provides more definition than unadorned eyelashes would. For as long as the extensions last, the wearer has fluffy, feathery lashes with minimal effort.

While this technique certainly isn't new (Cosmetics and Skin traces practices of eyelash extensions and grafting as far back as the 1930s), lash extensions have recently risen in popularity. As they become more and more mainstream, it's only natural to wonder whether lash extensions would be worth a try. After all, these enhancements eliminate the need for mascara. It's also natural, however, to be wary of the procedure considering how delicate the eye area is.

For those of you who are on the fence, even after doing research, this video might provide you with the information you've been looking for. Jen Chae, the brains and beauty behind blog From Head To Toe, gives a detailed review of her eyelash extensions. Her candid approach and thorough list of pros and cons illustrate the importance of learning as much as possible before booking an eyelash extension appointment. Chae tackles every aspect of having extensions, including the cost (it varies, but you generally get what you pay for), the restrictions (no oil-based products, vigorous eye rubbing, etc.), and the benefits (instant glam).

If you decide you would like a semi-permanent lash enhancement but do not want extensions, there is another option — lash lifts. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge swears by this treatment, and the process sounds much less invasive than eyelash extensions. Nouveau Lashes, the brand that created the LVL (length, volume, and lift) Enhance treatment, describes their lash lift thusly:

"Unlike a traditional lash perm, LVL Enhance straightens your natural lashes at the root, creating the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. Plus the added lash tint creates a mascara-style effect, so you're lash perfect from the moment you wake up."

Rather than adhere additional lashes to your natural hair, this alternative simply shapes and tints the eyelashes you already have. The effects of LVL Enhance last for roughly the same amount of time as extensions but are not as noticeable.

As with any procedure, there are certain risks involved. The adhesives used for false eyelashes and eyelash extensions are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but as of the time this article was written, there are no FDA-approved permanent lash tints or dyes. We recommend doing thorough research before undergoing any sort of procedure, and we urge you to remember that not every product works for every person. Factors like your body chemistry, lifestyle, and desired look all play a role in whether or not lash enhancements are right for you.

What do you think of eyelash extensions: love it or leave it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section. ​