I recently discovered the lash lift and tint and decided to try it out and see how it compares to lash extensions. Two years ago I got eyelash extensions but ultimately decided that they were too much work to keep up.
What is a lash lift and tint?
A lash lift and tint is basically a semi-permanent curl for your eyelashes that lasts up to six weeks. They tint your natural lashes and then lift your lashes as if you used permanent eyelash curlers. The lash lift definitely gives you more of a wide-eyed look. The tint is a semi-permanent dye, so it doesn’t last for a long time (around 6 weeks) but it was slightly darker than my natural color. I have pretty light lashes so next time I’d go for a darker eyelash dye!
For my first time getting a lift and tint I looked for a professional salon with eyelash tinting services that had experience with sensitive skin. I’ve had allergic reactions in the past and didn’t want to deal with that around my eye area. They did a patch test which made me more comfortable. I’m not sure what they used for the dye but it was for professional use – a salon only brand. I told them I wanted a natural look but more bold lashes than my everyday. I was a little worried about side effects of the tint and perm on my sensitive eyes but they must use a pretty gentle formula because it didn’t really bother me much.
What does a lash lift and tint look like?
Here are my no-makeup photos from before and after!
You can see in my “before” photos that I have light-colored lashes. They definitely don’t stand out on their own, so I normally wear 2-3 coats of mascara for more full lashes.
I was a little disappointed with the right-away results because my lashes weren’t as dark as I thought they would be. But the next day when I got dressed for the day and put on my regular mascara, I saw a huge difference and was like YES. (Again, the photos above are with NO makeup. I LOVED the look once I put mascara on my lashes!) It’s definitely not as bold of a look as when I had false lashes.
The lash lift and tinting process
The whole lift and tint took about an hour to complete. The process is pretty simple: You lie down with your eyes closed and the technician “paints” your lashes up over a silicone mold placed on your eyelid. That way, nothing gets on your skin. You have to lie still and can’t have your eyes open.
First my technician did the lift, using a solution that reminded me of my mom’s perms in the early 90s. You know that smell if you have ever smelled it! When that was done, she tinted my lashes a darker brown than my natural color.
I did have some burning on one eye’s lash line, but nothing an eye drop couldn’t fix. After the appointment I was told not to get my lashes wet for 12-24 hours. The perm process isn’t water resistant and it’ll ruin the lashes if you get them wet in those first 24 hours. In all, it was fine but I’m not used to lying still with my eyes closed for any period of time other than sleeping, so it was kind of tough in the beginning.
Yes, you do have to keep your eyes closed during the whole appointment.
You might also be interested in: 6 Things to Know Before You Get Lash Extensions
How much does a lash lift and tint cost?
The lash place I’ve gone to for a few years (which is where I also got my lash extensions) charges what I consider to be middle-of-the-road prices. My service for the lift and tint (before tip) was $120. They only do beauty treatments related to lashes.
(If you go to one of the top salons on Newbury Street in Boston, you’ll probably pay much more.)
Would I get a lash lift and tint again?
I can honestly say that the lift part was worth it but probably not the tint. Why? Because I still have to wear mascara to make my lashes as dark as I like them!
The tint wore off after about 4 weeks, but the lift stayed for about 6 weeks. The most dramatic difference I’ve seen in my lashes was when I had false lashes. But a lash lift is definitely an affordable way to get beautiful lashes that are natural looking.
I haven’t yet tried an at-home eyelash tinting kit, but if you’re looking to do eyebrow tinting with your brows, this is my favorite brow tinting kit! I buy the dark brown shade.
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