rick lesser wrote:
OK, stupid question:  What is the difference between applying individual lashes and lash extensions?  Am I missing something here?  R-

Not a stupid question, it can be very confusing,

There are strip lashes-  applied with strip glue that is a flexible adhesive (comes in transparent and dark) and isn't recommended for more than a days wear (great for photo shoots, weddings, some people even wear them daily) - difficult to apply to yourself at first but practice makes perfect! A lot of MUA's can apply them on clients with ease getting as close to lashline as possible. (I use a toothpick as my secret weapon!) Lining with liquid liner on top can help ensure no gap between which can make them look super obvious. MUA's can get a discount on bulk quantities through companies like lash in a box and naimes and many others.  You can use strip lash glue for cluster lashes, but not the other way around, only strip glue can be used for strip lashes.

Fan lashes, AKA clusters, sometimes referred to as individuals - are little fan lashes (multiple lashes in a v shape)OR single thick lashes  that are applied with a transparent glue (in small round glass bottle) sold in most pharmacies and beauty supplies, I have only used the transparent one and its perfect for clients wanting just the flirty look with fan lashes and can get a few days wear out of them. You can use a couple of clusters trimmed to blend well with their natural lash line, or straight across and then trim them to blend as you get closer to the nose. (for a wide eyed look, you can have the longest in the middle rather than a cat eye, and line waterline with a nude or white liner, love this look with lashes, very clean and naturally stunning imo)  It is important to know that the single lashes sold in most pharmacies are not light enough or meant for long term wear, or use with the semi permanent individual eyelash EXTENSION glue, they are too heavy and can damage the natural eyelash.  I actually know a few people who have gone to nail salons looking for "eyelash extensions" that they advertised in blinking lights in the windows, only to have fan lashes globbed in glue set onto their own eyelashes, which ended up being waaaaay too heavy for their natural lashes and eyelids to hold on a daily basis and in turn their lashes were ripped out.  Thank god hair grows MOST OF the time...  beware of this same misunderstanding. 
I know it is soo confusing, I'd be happy to help with any questions.

Individual Eyelash extensions-  Individual eyelashes are one-by-one attached about 2 mm up away from the lid directly onto each individual eyelash making sure NONE of the lashes are glued together.  They do require a special adhesive and they do require a commitment from the client but are virtually undetectable and can be swam in, slept on, worn through a tsunami, you name it.   They should only be done by an MUA, esthetician, cosmetologist, who has been through a specialized training course and is certified in how apply these, a certified lash technician or stylist.  The glue is a medical grade surgical glue, the type used to suture wounds. I have used quite a few glues and know which ones seeeem great, but ended up being sh**t and have a couple personal fave's through wasting lots of money and time. Anyhow,  The tech will have a consult with the client and evaluate the condition of their lashes and determine a safe weight of lash. (there are many lengths, weights, diameters, colors, shapes to choose from) so based of the clients desired outcome and the condition of their current lashes, you can custom design the perfect lashes for them.  The glue holds a bond from 4-6 weeks and based on the lifestyle of the client can be worn indefinitely with regular fills (like when acrylic nails grow out)
I think they only look their best for the first 3 weeks but after that, the growth of the natural eyelashes can make the extensions look a little gypsy like... Anyhow I hope this helps you!