By Sophia Phan
When one of my friends was younger, her mum cut her eyelashes in the hopes that they'd grow back longer. They didn't.
If your eyes are the windows to your soul, and your lashes frame your eyes – it can't hurt to make them open up a bit more, can it?
Sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Credit: Instagram/kendalljenner
I'm pretty happy with my lashes. They're dark and long – but they are very straight. Sure it's nothing an eyelash curler and mascara can't fix, but who has time for that?
After microblading my eyebrows, I'm always on the hunt for a shortcut.
Enter lash lifts: salon treatments that are designed to feign fluttery for a limited time.
What is a lash lift and what is the process, exactly?
A lash lift has been colloquially described as a perm for your eyelashes. Technically speaking, it's changing the molecular structure of the hair follicle to create a lift at the lash roots.
"We use a shaping solution, a setting solution, nourishing oil and keratin strengthening solution," explains Amy Jean, celebrity brow artist and founder of Amy Jean Brow Agency. "A lash tint is also included to define the lashes in a darker shade to truly showcase the lift."
If you're wondering whether you can lash lift your lower lashes, Jean says it's not recommended as your lashes "should sit downwards, not upwards."
The whole process takes less than an hour and your eyes are shut most of the time. It's entirely pain-free but expect your eyes to feel weighted by the product.
The result? Perky, bouncy lashes that reach the bits in the corners that mascara normally can’t. So long, tired eyes.
What is the eyelash lift aftercare like?
It’s a lot less maintenance than getting your eyebrows microbladed, that’s for sure. The only thing you have to do is avoid getting your lashes wet for 24 hours. Tip: cleanse your face before showering to avoid any splashes.
How long does a lash lift last?
It can last 6-8 weeks and for some with a slower lash cycle, up to 10 weeks says Jean, adding that this amount of time allows lashes to return to their usual curvature. Mine lasted closer to 10!
Jean suggests booking the treatment every 8-10 weeks but no sooner. If you lift lashes that are already treated, this can be damaging. Even if you see the curl start to dissipate, it is recommended you wait for the full cycle.
How soon after a lash lift can you use mascara? And if you do use one, does it matter what type?
OK, your lashes are looking pretty great at this point already, but wait until you apply mascara on top; it’s insane. You know when you don’t usually wear make-up and when you do people all of a sudden take notice? That’s the effect of a lash lift + mascara.
"Mascara is suitable 24 hours post-treatment," says Jean. "We generally recommend avoiding thickening and waterproof mascaras as they are hard to remove. A separating and lengthening mascara is recommended where all the lashes can be showcased, rather than clumped together."
Combinations I like with the lash lift include Glossier’s Lash Slick, Fenty Beauty's Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara and Benefit's They’re Real Mascara.
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