That’s why I’m here to introduce you to my favorite effortless beauty treatment: eyelash pulling. My lashes are naturally straight and thick and are not used in conjunction with an eyelash curler for more than 20 minutes before drooping back to their natural state. A lash lift is like a lash perm. If you like lazy girl beauty routines, be prepared to throw away your eyelash curler and mascara because this treatment eliminates the need for both.
In my humble opinion, mascara is the perfect lazy girl beauty treatment for summer. You don’t have to worry about mascara melting on your face or your lashes wilting after an hour of curling with a curler. I’ve been doing lash lifts for several years and have been to everything from high-end salons to places that offer Groupon deals – I’m here to tell you everything you need to know.
Lash Lift Investment
The cost of an eyelash lift will vary depending on your state and what your specialist charges for his or her skills. I’ve seen eyelash lifts cost anywhere from $25 to $200. And, yes, I’ve bought a $25 lash lift from Groupon before, and let me just say – I’d rather pay more for the skill and comfort! I’ve had people over-process my lashes before and it made them look dirty and messy.
Lash lifts can last from 4-8 weeks. Mine usually last at least 6 weeks. Honestly, I don’t like wearing mascara, so I prefer to lengthen and deepen my lashes with mascara. I also like to look revitalized and awake without relying on makeup. Unfortunately, my lashes don’t like to stay curled with an eyelash curler, so this makes the end result not only hold but look natural and shorten my makeup routine. This treatment may not be worth it for you, but that’s okay!
Lash Lift Procedure
Before the treatment
First and most importantly, you need to find a licensed esthetician, cosmetologist or barber. You want to make sure your specialist understands the entire process in depth, as they are the ones who will apply the lifting solution to your lashes. I’ll say it again: always, always, always make sure you go to a licensed professional.
Before you receive your treatment, you will discuss what you hope to achieve, the type of lashes you naturally have, and aftercare. Your specialist should also guide you through the process so you know what to expect.
Some things to keep in mind prior to treatment:
Do not wear eye makeup.
Do not use waterproof eyeliner or mascara for one week prior to your treatment.
Make sure the eye area is clean.
Shower beforehand – I will do this in a few seconds.
Avoid wearing contact lenses.
During the treatment
In total, the lash lift may take about an hour. The lash lift and tint may take about an hour and a half. Here is what happens during the treatment:
Your specialist will place a wand on your eyelid near your lashes and curl them on the wand with lash glue in a soft “C” shape.
They will then apply the lifting solution to your lashes.
After the lifting solution penetrates, they will apply the conditioning solution.
If you choose to add a tint, they will add it last.
Finally, they will clean your lashes and blow dry with a gentle fan.
You’ll see the end result!
The whole process is very relaxing. You can lie back and enjoy a short beauty break while they get to work. They will ask you not to open your eyes during this process. This is to avoid getting any solution into your eyes. The end result always makes me look more refreshed and awake, which is something I personally like.
If your lashes are anything like mine, your end result will probably go from straight lashes to gorgeous, soft C-curved lashes that don’t sag or fall out. I like to feel and look like I look more awake and energized, and I often find that I don’t need to rely on any eye makeup because they already look refreshed.
There are some downsides to lash lifts. Unfortunately, they won’t last forever, as your lashes will grow, fall out and experience new growth in an average six-week cycle. You also don’t want your specialist to over-handle your lashes, as this can leave them damaged, brittle and tired. To avoid this, make sure you seek out a professional esthetician in your area. Finally, some clients with sensitive skin may experience redness, rashes or inflammation. Be sure to address your concerns with your specialist beforehand so they can perform patch testing to monitor irritation.
Post-treatment
There are some important things you need to be aware of regarding aftercare, which I will list here.
You should not wet your lashes within 24 hours. That’s why I mentioned showering before the treatment!
Avoid using eye makeup and any type of serum or oil on your eyes for 48 hours after the treatment. You don’t want to use mascara anyway, tbh!
For 48 hours after treatment, condition your lashes with a small amount of castor oil. This helps to strengthen and condition them after the treatment. I also like to use castor oil a few days before treatment because it also helps lengthen my lashes, so I get very dramatic results after a lash lift.
Avoid rubbing your eyes and sleeping on your side or prone to ensure your lashes continue to look great.
Use a small mascara brush to separate your lashes every morning and evening.
