IMO when i wear fake hair it doesn't quite fall or look the same as my 100% real hair. I'm sure your natural density at that length would still flatter you. That is why the first pic looks a little better.
My head is small, so long hair drowns my look. I usually wear my hair away from my face whether it means my hair is going back or pinned up in the front/top and hanging long in the back. I also cut bangs and I love it. It was best thing I have ever done since I started wearing my hair long.