Do you want the benefits of looking like you’ve applied mascara without actually having to do it?
Are you worried that lash extensions are too harsh and damaging for your lashes?
Are you looking to reduce your painstakingly long morning makeup routine, and steal some extra time in bed?
If you answered yes, then a lash lift and lash tint could be just what you’re looking for.
What Is a Lash Lift and Tint?
Eyelash lifting is a beauty procedure in which your natural eyelashes are lifted from the base of the lash to achieve a lifted and lengthened look.
Lash lifting is often referred to as the “smiling eyes” treatment as it makes your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more youthful.
Eyelash tinting further improves on a lift by effectively dyeing your eyelashes, darkening them from root to tip and giving the illusion of mascara.
The results are semi-permanent for both treatments.
Let’s check out how to do a lash lift and lash tint at home.
What’s the Difference Between a Lash Lift and a Lash Perm?
The main difference between a lash lift and a lash perm is the device that’s used to secure the lashes during the lifting or perming process.
- For a lash perm, a cylindrical rod is used to curl the lashes around, creating a tight, curled look. Lash perming is recommended for people with longer lashes, as the rod technique can cause them to reduce slightly in length as they wrap around the rod.
- The lash lift process uses a “speed bump” shaped pad which sits on top of the eyelid. The eyelashes are pushed up and over the pad to lie directly over it. Once the lash lift process is complete, this creates a lengthening effect rather than curled, meaning lash lifting is suitable for any lash length.
Both a lash perm and a lash lift produce similar, fantastic results. The key difference between the procedures lies in the tightness of your desired curl.
Do Lash Lifts Ruin Your Lashes?
As with any beauty treatment — like hair dyeing, acrylic nails, or lip fillers — there’s always a risk that overuse can affect the treated area.
Thankfully, lash lifts are not a particularly harsh treatment and getting yourself one every eight weeks won’t cause any long term damage or “ruin” your natural lashes.
If you are perming more regularly, it could cause irregular hair fallout and irritation around the eyelids. So, it’s wise to allow a new set of lashes to completely grow out before you start lifting and tinting again.
Give your lashes a break every once in a while to ensure lash health. It’s also highly recommended to use oils and gentle face washes regularly to improve overall lash health and avoid irritation.
Lash lifts are great, because they’re non-invasive and there’s no prolonged irritation. Once the treatment is done, all the perming solution and creams are wiped away and you’re left with lifted and longer-looking lashes.
Another pro in regards to lash lifting — your lashes will still fall out naturally as new ones that have not been permed grow.
This is why lash lifts are a less harsh option in comparison to eyelash extensions — a treatment which causes your natural lashes to fall out quicker, due to the artificial lash hairs weighing them down.
Can You Lift and Tint Your Lashes Naturally? Is It Effective?
Using chemicals and dyes to lift and tint your eyelashes is always going to be more effective in creating an immediate and long-lasting lift and colour, but you are able lift and tint your lashes naturally.
The following natural methods have seen positive results in lifting and tinting eyelashes (plus, it’s recommended you get yourself some oils to use on your eyelashes to improve their overall health):
- Castor oil: The most famous oil for helping to lift lashes naturally, castor oil is thick, glossy, and made up of Ricinoleic Acid — an omega fatty acid — which nourishes hair, repairs damaged hair follicles, and prevents breakage.
- Grapeseed oil: This oil has a high linoleic acid content which is proven to combat hair loss. It also contains Vitamin E, which helps to hydrate and strengthen the hair follicles.
- Activated charcoal: Mixing charcoal with aloe vera will naturally darken your eyelashes if left on for a few minutes. The charcoal acts as the tinting agent, while the aloe vera moisturises your lashes and gives them a natural, healthy shine.
After using oils on your lashes, make sure you clean them thoroughly. It’s important to know how to clean your eyelashes to maintain good lash health and avoid infections.
How Long Does a Lash Lift and Tint Last?
A lash lift and tinting is a semi-permanent treatment which can last anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks.
The time in which your lift and tinting lasts depends solely on how quickly your lashes grow.
When using a chemical perming solution, a good tip is to avoid mascara for 48 hours after you get the treatment to help the lashes set.
It’s also important not to get your newly permed lashes wet for at least 24 hours to avoid drooping and ensure you keep that beautiful lift. This means being extra careful not to disturb the lashes when doing your day and night skin-care routines.
A good tip is to get yourself some lash oil — or any cold-pressed oil — to use on your lifted lashes.
This is a wonderful way to keep your lashes conditioned and healthy, plus it also helps your lift and tinting last longer by giving your eyelashes a bit of extra nourishment.
Is a Lash Lift and Tint Worth It?
A lash lift and tint is worth your money and time, because the outcome of the procedure is guaranteed to look phenomenal.
A lash lift and tint gets you a natural, effortless make-up look that you can wear for weeks. It’s perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered to make-up your face.
In terms of pricing, you should expect to pay:
- Anywhere between $60 to $200 for a lash lift and tint at a salon.
- Anywhere between $10 to $65 for DIY lash lift kits.
- Anywhere between $4 to $50 for DIY lash tinting kits and creams.
These prices are much cheaper than typical eyelash extensions prices (which are around $150 to $300!) and still get you flawless, compliment-inducing results.
Can You Still Use Mascara With a Lash lift?
You can use mascara with a lash lift just as you would on your natural, untreated eyelashes. You simply have to wait between 24 hours and 48 hours before applying — this is very important to ensure your lashes set properly.
A lash lift and lash tint help to get defined and exaggerated natural lashes, and, unlike lash extensions, you’re free to apply whatever eye make-up you usually use.
The great thing about a lash lift and tinting is that if you don’t feel like weighing your lashes down with heavy, gloopy mascara, then you don’t have to! The effects of the lift and lash tint will make it look like you’re wearing mascara anyway, all on its own.
Is It Difficult to Lift and Tint Your Lashes at Home?
Using a DIY lash lift and lash tint is not as difficult as you might think — it’s actually pretty straightforward and easy to do, and can be finished in just a few simple steps.
Here are some top tips you need to know for doing your own lash lift and tint at home:
- The eye is a sensitive area and you’ll be working with fairly strong chemicals, so it’s important to read the instructions on your DIY lash lift kit thoroughly before starting.
- If possible, ask a friend or family member to do the lash lift and lash tint for you. It can be tricky to perform the treatment on yourself as you will have to perm one eye at a time, and with the other eye closed.
- Make sure you’re in a sterile environment with good lighting. Performing your lift and tint in a bathroom is best as it’s likely to be clean, have bright lighting, and a mirror for you to be able to see what you’re doing.
Remember — safety is the top priority when doing an at-home lash lift and lash tint.
A Gorgeous Make-Up Look to Pair With a Lash Lift and Tint
The smokey eye is a classic make-up look, and it’s one that pairs great with a fresh lash lift and lash tint.
Your darker and longer looking lashes, combined with a soft and smokey shadow, creates a sultry and sexy look that’s perfect for nights out on the town.
Here are the simple steps to a classic smokey eye:
- Apply a mid-tone shadow, like greys or browns, all over the eyelid. Apply liner along the lash line.
- Layer a dark tone shadow, like charcoal or expresso, blending halfway up the eyelid and into the eyelid shadow.
- Apply along the lower lash liner and smudge out with fingers.
- Optional: Add mascara to elongate your lashes even further.
- Add a sparkle shadow to make your eye pop and shine.
Be sure to bookmark this page for more lifting and tinting advice.
Featured image: Freepik by user18526052