As far as life-changing beauty hacks go, eyelash tinting has to be near the top of the list.
It’s an easy and inexpensive way to make any eye pop — particularly for those of us with fine or light-lashes (sigh). A lash tint is the beauty treat that keeps on giving.
The tinting procedure involves dyeing your eyelashes with either a semi-permanent or permanent dye.
So, what are the benefits?
- No need to add mascara (though you can if you want to)
- No need for lash extensions, falsies, or curling
- A cheap and easy way to get killer lashes quick
Tinting is the perfect solution to achieve made-up eyes with minimal effort.
This beauty must-have is often carried out by a professional, but can also be done using a DIY kit at home.
First, let’s break down where you can buy a tint.
A Professional Eyelash Tint
Like with all beauty procedures, the surest way to get top results with an eyelash tint is to book an appointment at a beauty salon.
The lash expert will be able to match the dye colour perfectly to you; they will take into account elements such as your skin type and hair colour to find what tone best fits your complexion.
The procedure itself takes around 15 minutes — which is quick enough to fit into even the busiest of schedules — and it’s easy and painless.
It’s common for people to have their brows done at the same time, too.
If you’re looking to get more hands-on with your lashes, though, a DIY tint will be perfect.
A DIY Lash Tint Kit
Available in most beauty stores and online, it’s easy to get your hands on a lash dye kit.
With more than one application per kit and colours to suit all hair types, this is a great way to ensure you’re never left with less-than-perfect lashes.
What’s more, a DIY product offers more bang for your buck when compared to a professional application.
And, with most products offering next day delivery, you don’t have to wait for your salon appointment to come around, either.
But before you go rushing out to buy any old dye you need to consider a few things:
- Is the dye made specifically for lashes?
- Is it a tried and tested brand?
- Are the product reviews good?
- Are you susceptible to an allergic reaction?
With so many lash dyes out there, we’ve zeroed in on the top 3 front runners for you:
Godefroy 28 Day Mascara
Godefroy offers up a fast-acting, gentle formula that does not damage the eyelashes while promising to deliver rich, long-lasting colour for up to 4 weeks.
What’s so good about this product?
- The dye uses a non-toxic formula that contains no coal tar derivatives or hydrogen peroxide agents
- It has over 1200 user reviews on Amazon. One says: “Fabulous product, very quick development time, great results”
- Comes with 25 applications
This product can also be used on brows.
RefectoCil Eyelash & EyeBrow Dye
It promises to be smudge-free, waterproof, and suitable for all — even novices.
Why use this product?
- It lasts up to 6 weeks
- The starter pack comes with a brush and a mixing bowl
- You will get approximately 30 applications per 15ml tint tube
This is a premium product in the DIY eyelash world.
1000 Hour Lash & Brow Dye
1000 Hour is at the top of the game when it comes to eyelash dye.
This Australian brand is truly iconic and has been tried, tested, and trusted for over 25 years.
Though they offer an array of cosmetics, it was their dual dye kit that really got them noticed.
What you need to know:
- 12 applications per pack (12-month supply)
- Delivers professional results
- Natural-looking shades
Can You Do An Eyelash Tint At Home?
If done properly, yes.
But you must make sure that you’ve been selective in the product you choose. Your eyes are precious, and you don’t want to risk applying harmful chemicals.
Once you’re confident that the product you’ve selected is safe for you, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully.
Though each product will vary, the process for application should include the following steps:
The items you’ll need: Under eye pad, cotton wool swabs, petroleum jelly, and the eyelash dye kit (which will include the activator tube, dye tube, and a mascara wand).
2. Next, take the mascara wand and add some of the activator gel. You will usually find a dedicated section on the plastic insert which you can use to squeeze the gel onto that comes in the eyelash and brow dye kit.
3. Carefully apply the activator gel to the lashes: root to tip. Be sure to cover all lashes for even coverage. Repeat the process on your bottom lashes as well.
4. After waiting for the recommended time — usually between 2–8 minutes — you will need to remove the activator product. You can do this by taking a cotton wool pad and gently sweeping downward on your lashes until the product is mostly removed. It’s okay if there’s a little residue left over, but if you’ve rubbed away any of the petroleum jelly you previously applied, it’s a good idea to reapply it at this stage.
5. Now take the tube of dye and empty part of it onto the dedicated dish. Carefully add it to your mascara wand, being sure to evenly cover it. You don’t want large clumps of dye on the wand, but rather a smooth liquid with consistent thickness. Now swipe downward onto your lashes, spreading the colour carefully and avoiding the skin around the area.
6. After waiting between 1–3 minutes (or as instructed), the dye should be ready for removal. Take a clean cotton wool pad and begin to wipe away the dye. You may need to use several cotton wool pads for this part of the process; it’s important you remove as much as possible.
7. Once you’re sure all of the dye has been removed, you should now wash your face thoroughly. It’s best to use an oil-based cleanser, if possible, as this will be the most effective product to remove the petroleum jelly residue.
Though application instructions will vary product to product, there are some important points you should remember with any lash tint:
- Carry out a patch test 48 hours before use — this is to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction
- Avoid getting the dye into the eye — if this does happen, flush with clean water
- Avoid dripping onto clothes or skin, as it will stain
Is Eyelash Tinting Bad For Your Eyelashes?
For most people, there are no dangers when using tints.
But, for those who have allergies to certain ingredients, it could cause an allergic reaction.
Experts at WebMD warn:
“If you’ve ever gotten a rash from an allergic reaction to henna or to hair dye containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), then you may also develop an allergic rash to lash or brow dyes. So you should not use them.”
Is An Eyelash Tint Worth It?
Like any beauty treatment, results vary person to person, and, in this case, eye to eye.
People with fairer lashes tend to see the most dramatic results, while those with darker hair will see their lashes appearing fuller.
For the most dramatic results, you may want to consider a lash tint and lift. This way, the dye accentuates the lashes while the lift lengthens them.
Unlike other eyelash treatments, you don’t have to keep the area dry for a period of time and can instead get washing right away. The dye is either permanent or semi-permanent, so it will not be affected by washing.
To make your dye job last longer though, avoid using exfoliating alpha hydroxy and glycolic acid cleansers, as these can strip colour.
The results of permanent tints can last from one to three months, in line with your natural lash cycle.
If you’re not ready to take on a DIY lash tint just yet, be sure to bookmark this page for when the time is right.
Or, for another sure-fire way to enhance your lashes, check out the best lash curlers in the game.
Featured image: Freepik by Racool_studio