How to get salon-level lashes at home

Don't skimp on quality

Rachel Sharp

2 min read

October 27, 2024 - 4:55AM

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If pro extensions are sending you broke, behold the new breed of budget-friendly options. Our intrepid Beauty Editor put some of the latest and greatest to the test.

Celebs have a lot to answer for. Including the beauty trend of outrageously long lashes. But if the wallet won’t stretch for salon treatments (we’re looking at you, cost-of-living crisis), this is one luxury Aussies might have to forgo if they’re feeling the pinch.

But does this mean resigning yourself to a life of eyes au naturel? The answer (luckily for those of us who love a lush lash) is not anymore, thanks to the new breed of products designed to create pro-looking lashes at home. Ready? Let’s begin.

Try a semi-permanent tint

The easiest way to give your eyes a lasting lift is with semi-permanent colour – and here’s why. “Well-defined lashes frame the eyes and can make them appear larger and more expressive,” explains Kathy Duong, owner of Fancy Lash in Sydney.

Going darker makes lashes look instantly thicker and longer, especially as they tend to fade at the ends.

Tints can be done in a salon or you can try a DIY kit at home. I’ve been using 1000 Hour’s kits every month or so for years – always blue-black, but the brand just dropped an extended range of natural-looking shades. Just mix the colour and activator in the mould provided, spool it onto lashes, wait 10 minutes and voila.

Nervous about the mess? A thin layer of Vaseline under the eyes protects skin, although I stopped bothering with that once I got a hang of the process. Still not sure? Try doing one eye at a time to get your bearings. And, worst-case scenario, the tint does wash off skin… eventually.

At-home pampering can be just as effective. Image: iStock

Do some DIY extension work

A large part of the in-salon extension appeal lies in most people’s frustration with false lashes (because honestly, who beyond make-up artists can really wrangle those tiny devils?). But here’s a game-changer worth getting a hang of if you’re an extension fan: wispies (aka the DIY option).

Former veterinarian and lash extension obsessee, Melissa Cusick, started playing with this concept in lockdown when she couldn’t access her usual beauty salon. After discovering Korean DIY lashes, she ended up launching her own brand LèCil, which includes high-quality pre-glued sets ideal for beginners, that last for up to 10 days.

“I like DIY lash extensions because they’re set and forget – you wake up looking and feeling good with minimal effort,” says Cusick. Each kit comes with a remover pen so you can whip them off easily without losing your natural lashes in the process.

There’s now an array of growth serums available that won’t break the bank. Image: iStock

Grow them long and strong

Of course, the most permanent lash is the one that you sprout yourself. Thankfully, there’s now an array of growth serums available that won’t break the bank. Duong is a fan of Revive7’s Revitalizing Lash Serum, while Benefit’s Whoop Lash Serum, is another well-tested treatment designed for use on sensitive skin.

As always, consistency is key. You’ll need to be fastidious with daily use and wait at least a month for visible results. Another option? A treatment mascara that colours as usual, but also contains a growth serum.

My current favourite, by Lash Therapy, makes them curl slightly, too. Just remember to cleanse with a treatment micellar water before bed to prevent undoing all your hard work.