About a few weeks ago, I gifted myself with a lash lift and tint for my birthday.

My eyelashes are very average, not too long, not too short and with a good mascara, it will give some reputable volume. I never really had a quarrel with them. But then came YouTube and Instagram make-up tutorials and I created a problem I never had before, I craved a little lash glam.

At first, I tried false lashes, as everyone does. The YouTubers make it look so easy to apply. Just add some glue on the lash line, wait a little bit, and then glue close to the lash line. But time and time again I just couldn’t master it.

First, I didn’t add enough glue, then I added too much glue but didn’t let it dry long enough. Finally, I would get one side looking great but then the other side was uneven. I was fed up. To this day, I have a pack of unopened false lashes waiting for another go.

Next, I tried the infamous magnetic lashes; where you could get the look of glam without any damage to your natural lashes. A lot of people thought this was a game changer for them in the world of eyelashes. I was one of them. So, when I got them my excitement went to frustration.

I was so let down.

I couldn’t get them to clip-on right. When one side looked decent the other side looked crazy. I tried cutting them in parts as I saw online but once again these were all complete fails. I remember spending an hour in the bathroom trying to apply over and over again. Now, I stuck them deep in my bathroom cabinet never to be seen again.

Then there were lash extensions. But I was too scared to even try them. I heard the stories. Your natural lashes falling out, accidentally getting them too wet, or putting mascara on, are all no’s with lash extensions. Yes, they look very beautiful and glamorous, but that beauty comes at a price. And frankly, I wear full eye makeup almost daily and this wouldn’t fit my lifestyle at all.

Finally, I found lash lifts and opted for a lash lift with a tint.

What is a Lash Lift?

Lash lifts are essentially a lash perm. Just like a perm to make your hair straight or curly. A lash lift with giving you a lift that will have your lashes curled for at least 8-12 weeks.

This was a very natural and safe approach to enhance your natural lash instead of lash extensions or wearing false lashes. It also requires less care and I don’t lose any time in the morning.

In fact, I save time because I don’t have to curl my lashes, or even wear mascara if I don’t want to. And if I do, I can only apply one coat of mascara and be good to go.

The Process of my Lash Lift

To begin with, I went to see an esthetician. It was a real serene environment. The lights were dimmed and there was some calming music playing.

I was told to take off my shoes and lay back on this medical type of bed. Then I was covered with a blanket. I loved that part because I’m always cold.

My eyelashes were cleansed. Which I already made sure to do before I went to my appointment. I had on a little mascara earlier in the day but made sure to remove it so there weren’t oils. I wanted to make sure to get a good lift.

I then had to close my eyes, as my esthetician fitted me to a curl former for my lashes. It was basically like a rubber curler that fixated to the top of my lid right at my lash line.

Once she fit the curler, she put some sort of adhesive on so they stay fixated on top my eyelids. As well as some so that my eyelashes will stick to the curl former. Then she began brushing my eyelashes upward, which felt very awkward.

It was hard keeping my eyes shut for almost an hour especially when she was tugging them onto the curl former. But the next thing I knew the curling part was complete. I believe it was less than 10 minutes for each eye to receive curl form.

In the end, the lash tint was added to both top and bottom lashes. And I then received a final rinse.

I opened my eyes and instantly felt my lashes touch the top of my eye lids. Something that only occurs on rare mascara wearing days.

Is tinting your eyelashes safe?

The tint will darken your lashes semi-permanently. Since my eyelashes are already dark, I didn’t notice a big difference.  My esthetician said the tint will burn or sting my eyes, but I didn’t feel a thing.

What is the aftercare for a lash lift?

You can apply water after 48 hours with the lash lift and tint. If you only get the lash lift, then after 24 hours is fine. I just used wipes to wash my face and didn’t wear any eye make-up.

Can you wear mascara with a lash lift?

Yes, and it makes your lashes even more voluminous. Just do not use waterproof mascara.

1 Week Later: Without Mascara and With Mascara

How long does a lash lift and tint last?

Lash lifts can last anywhere from 8-12 weeks. Honestly, I couldn’t tell if my lashes were tinted or not. But the lift itself lasted a good 6 weeks.

I did feel like I needed to put oil on them after the 4 week mark. I was still getting compliments from co-workers around the same time. So I know it was working.

How much did a lash lift and tint cost?

I paid $60 for my lash lift and tint but I also when to Groupon for a deal. The esthetician said without the Groupon deal it would have been $80. When I mentioned this to my co-workers they thought it was expensive to do every 8-12 weeks.

Final Recommendations

If you struggle with wearing false eyelashes, and worry about damaging your natural lashes, I would definitely recommend getting a lash lift and tint.

I thought the price point for every 12 weeks was great. It just means not hitting Starbucks weekly for a my Chai Tea.  My eyelashes look very natural and not overwhelming as false lashes or lash extensions tend to. I am able to wear mascara and not worry about upkeep or damage.

2 Weeks Later: Without Mascara and With Mascara

Also, make sure to check this post on how I stay looking 10 years younger!

If you tried lash lifts or lash extensions, I would like to hear your story. Please comment below!