One of my favorite things about being in this space is the ability to try out different things so you guys don’t have to. Whether that lands us with a crappy foundation and you save your money. Or a whole guide to chemical peels and lip filler and even botox. I’m always trying things for you guys. so I can give you the real honest truth about different things before you spend your hard money. This goes from makeup reviews to services like the lash lift and tint we’re chatting about today. 

I’ve always had lashes that appeared to be non-existent. First of all they’re blonde AF and stick almost straight out. Even when I curl them pre-mascara I’ve always wished they would have more volume. I had been tossing around the idea of eyelash extensions for a while, it seems like thats the thing to do. It’s a huge trend right now and I had some FOMO when seeing friends getting extensions. But to be completely transparent I’m cheap AF and the commitment to extensions was just something I didn’t know if I had. Plus I’ve heard horror stories. I started to look at the alternative. 

When the salon I go to for my hair (La Belle Vie if you’re local to me) started doing all things eyelashes I was immediately intrigued. So I decided to schedule an appointment. I went in with zero expectations and thought if nothing else it would be the decision-maker to do extensions or not.  If you’re local, for reference, I saw Julia and she was amazing! She also answered all of my questions which has allowed me in turn to answer all of yours! 

I do want to say that I would only get a lash lift from a licensed aesthetician and someone who is trained in them. Do your research when choosing where to go and look at the before and after photos (they probably have an Instagram) before choosing to make sure you’re comfortable. I’m 110% confident with the women at my salon. I’m strictly sharing my own personal experience. 

BEFORE LASH LIFT & TINT

LASH LIFT Q’S AND A’S

WHAT IS A LASH LIFT? 

Think about an old school perm from the ’80s it’s basically that but for your lashes. Except there’s no formaldehyde or anything crazy like that. A chemical solution is placed on your lashes to enhance the shape and curl of your natural lash. Imagine if they made shoe lifts or push-up bras for your lashes. That’s what it is. A curled state for weeks. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE LASH LIFT?

You close your eyes and little undereye patches are placed. Your lids and lashes are cleaned. Then a silicone shield is gently secured to your lid with a glue similar to what you’d use to apply a strip lash (I 100% didn’t feel uncomfortable during the application or removal). The adhesive is placed on the top of the silicone shield as well and your natural lashes are combed up and over the silicone shield. The perming solution is then placed over your lashes. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The entire process lasted around 45 minutes for me, including the tint. The solution was a two-step process for me with the total time being around 12 minutes. 

WHAT IF YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

I’m a contact wearer and I had no issues. I honestly didn’t even think to ask if this was an issue. The lash technician is so up close and personal and CAREFUL that there’s not a worry that the solution is going to get in your eyes. I had zero issues and zero irritation. The only thing I would suggest is if you tend to wake up from naps or sleep with dry eyes, bring rewetting drops just in case since your eyes will be closed for so long. I’ve also had friends say they take their contacts out during. So likely a preference thing. 

IS IT OK FOR SENSITIVE EYES?

I would definitely speak directly with an aesthetician. But from what I’ve googled if you have a history of eye infections, allergic reactions, styes, or super-sensitive eyes it may be something to stay away from. But 100% speak to someone who is actually trained in the procedure. I’m only sharing my own experience. 

I’M WORRIED ABOUT GETTING STUFF IN MY EYES DURING THE PROCESS. WAS THAT AN ISSUE?

Absolutely not. Like I said the technician should be extremely careful. And mine was. I honestly barely felt her doing anything and the bottom pad and top guard make it almost impossible, I would think, for it to even get near the inside of your eyes. 

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

This depends on your lash growth cycle but the general rule of thumb seems to be about 6 to 8 weeks. 

AFTER-CARE/ANY SPECIAL CLEANSING REQUIREMENTS?

Nope. For the first 24 hours, you want to make sure not to get your lashes wet or go in anywhere steamy or swim or wear makeup or remove eye makeup. But after that, you’re good to go and just live your best life. This is to ensure that everything sets, in the same way, you don’t want to wash your hair after a perm or color. Just wash around your eyes for the first 24 hours than zero maintenance until your next appt!

CAN YOU STILL WEAR MASCARA?

Yep! There’s no crazy rules and regulations like when it comes to lash extensions. You can do whatever you want. In some of my research, I saw some people say no waterproof mascara but that seemed pretty 50/50.

WHAT CHEMICALS ARE USED IN THIS PROCESS?

Honestly, I think is going to differ from salon to salon and technician to technician. As with everything else, there are many products on the market. 

IS IT PAINFUL/UNCOMFY?

Not even a little bit. If anything since I’ve never had it done before it was an awkward feeling during the first 10 seconds but after that, I was basically napping. 

DOES IT RUIN YOUR REAL LASHES? 

I’m only 24 hours in so I’ll come back an update if all my lashes fall out and I’m ruined but I did a TON of research and followed people who get them done regularly and haven’t seen any huge issues. I’m 100% not concerned. 

CAN YOU STILL USE YOUR LASH GROWTH SERUM?

YES! The only thing with this is since it stimulates growth you may find yourself having to go every 4 weeks vs 6 or 8 weeks. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

I paid $90 total for the lash lift, lash tint, and brow tint. Now I live in a small town in South Jersey so I imagine if you live in a bigger metropolitan area this would be higher. The gal I follow in NYC who gets hers done pays $160 at one of the highest-rated places in the city so I’m thinking that’s definitely the maxed out price. 

ARE THE RESULTS NOTICEABLE?

I feel like the picture speaks volumes. Is it as dramatic as eyelash extensions? Probably not. But for an everyday, low maintenance natural lash look. This is everything. 

WHY NOT JUST GET EXTENSIONS?

Honestly? I’m super cheap and I’m generally low maintenance. The thought of needing $50+ lash refills every few weeks sounds horrible to me. Now I completely understand why people love them but after seeing the result of just this I’m sold. I love a natural lash. I rarely even put on a false lash so for me this is perfect.

LASH TINT Q’S AND A’S

WHAT IS A LASH TINT?

A lash tint is when a special dye is applied to your lashes to darken them. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It’s about 10-15 minutes. A little bit less than brow tinting takes. 

DO THEY TINT YOUR BOTTOM LASHES?

They can, it’s completely up to you and your technician. Since your bottom lashes are way shorter it may not adhere as well or take in the same way it does on the top lashes. 

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

About 3-4 weeks, basically the same amount of time your brow tint would last. 

IS TINT NECESSARY? YOU STILL USE MASCARA. 

No, it’s absolutely not a necessity. Especially if you already have dark lashes. For me, my lashes are blonde AF and I don’t always feel like messing with mascara. I wanted that mascara look for no-makeup days. 

I’M LOCAL, WHERE DID YOU GO?

I saw Julia at La Belle Vie salon. You can check out Julia’s Instagram here if you wanna see some more before and afters. She was awesome and I highly recommend her. 

Ok, I think this about sums up every question you guys had but definitely let me know if you have more. And for sure tag me on IG if you decide to get a lash lift so I can goo goo ga ga at your results!