Lash Lift & Tint Review: What It Is and Why I Did It

It’s no secret that I have a thing for eyelashes. Like, if I was marooned on a desert island and could only take one thing, it might be mascara. That kind of thing. I have pretty good natural lashes (thanks to using GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum every day), and at this point, I’m not interested in extensions. I’ve gotten lash lifts periodically for years, and I thought it would be helpful to share more about them with you!

Bebe Tran, a top Dallas makeup artist who has done my makeup for a few photo shoots and special events, owns B-Lashed Beauty & Bridal Bar here in Dallas. She’s best known for the makeup she does for brides and their bridal parties, and her salon is a beautiful, relaxing place to come for a makeup lesson, waxing, lashes, or semipermanent makeup like microblading. She’s a certified cosmetologist, an experienced lash technician, and she delights in making her clients look and feel beautiful. (I mean, she gets super-excited! It’s a little bit hilarious.) Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of my recent lash lift.

What is a Lash Lift?

It’s like a perm (but without chemicals like parabens or formaldehyde), for your natural eyelashes. It uplifts and curls them from the base of the lash, making them stand out and look longer. It’s often paired with an eyelash tint, to enhance the defining effect. When finished, your eyes look larger, your lashes look longer and fuller, and your entire face looks uplifted.

Lash Lift Steps

1. The eyes and lashes are thoroughly cleaned. (Hence my red eyes in the “before” photo above.)
2. An undereye gel patch is placed on lower lashes to prevent them from curling upwards along with the upper lashes.
3. Soft silicone pads are placed on upper eyelids to hold them in place while the perm solution is applied to the lashes.
4. The lashes are thoroughly and carefully combed straight. Bebe explained that combing the lashes straight is a critical point in the procedure. If a lash technician doesn’t take the time to ensure that each lash is straight right from the base, the lashes may end up pointing in different directions when the lift is complete.
5. A setting solution is applied to the lashes, and they’re lifted upwards over the silicone pads. This takes 3½-6½ minutes, depending on how curl-resistant your lashes are. (Your stylist can tell during step 4.) The solution is removed with cotton gauze.
6. A lash tint is applied if you choose. The color depends on the natural color of your lashes and what color you want. My lashes are already pretty dark, so Bebe chose a blue/black tint. It stays on for 12 minutes.
7. The lash tint is removed, and the lashes are thoroughly cleaned with a nourishing oil. (Hence my red eyes in the “after” photo above.)
8. The lashes are combed, and the silicone pads are removed.

Lash Lift Aftercare

No water can touch the lashes for 24 hours following your lash lift, and you cannot expose them to steam for 48 hours. You can use your normal mascara, but you have to remove it with an oil-based cleanser.

After the initial 48 hours, use mild products for cleansing and avoid rubbing or applying force to the lashes. (Using waterproof mascara is discouraged because removal can be too harsh.) you won’t need an eyelash curler, and in fact, the use of one could damage the lashes. Use mild products for cleansing and avoid rubbing or applying force to the lashes.

How Long Does it Take?

Typically around 45-60 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for tinting, if you choose to do that.

How Long Does it Last?

Typically, 6-8 weeks. As it wears off, lashes gradually drop evenly and go back to their natural look. (If you use a growth serum on your lashes as I do, results may not last as long.)

How Much Does it Cost?

A lash lift is $100-125, depending on the stylist’s experience level. When paired with a tint, it’s $115-140, also depending on the stylist’s experience level.

Who’s a Good Candidate For a Lash Lift?

1. A person who doesn’t want to wear mascara.
2. A person who doesn’t want to curl their lashes.
3. A person who likes the volume of their lashes but wishes they were curlier.
4. A person who wishes their eyes looked larger and more open. (That’s me!)
5. A person who wants a less-expensive and lower-maintenance option than eyelash extensions.

I love my lash lift! It’s important to go to a reputable lash studio and an experienced lash technician. I knew Bebe would do an excellent job on my lashes because she is such a perfectionist when she does my makeup. (Which is the quality you want in your makeup artist, amirite?)

For this post, my lash lift and tint were complimentary. All opinions expressed are my own. To learn more about Bebe Tran and B-Lashed Bridal & Beauty Bar, or look at before and after photos, see their website. If you live in Dallas, contact the salon at 817-881-2009. If you tell them you read about them on Empty Nest Blessed, you’ll receive a 15% discount on your first lash lift! (This offer does not expire.)

Last year I wrote a post called 5 Midlife Makeup Mistakes You May Be Making (And How to Fix Them). I didn’t put anything in the post about curling your lashes, but now that I see what a difference it makes, I realized I should have. Curled lashes help open your eyes and define your eye shape. With a proper curl, lashes look longer, thicker, fuller, and the eyes themselves appear larger, awake, and more youthful. I’m all about that, aren’t you?

My Favorite Lash Products

• My go-to everyday mascara – It won’t flake off, even if you take a nap!
• This waterproof mascara – It’s the best! It’s gotten me through weddings, funerals, and more (when I don’t have a lash lift).
• My go-to eyelash curler (when I don’t have a lash lift).
• This lash growth serum I use. It’s the #1 best seller in the USA!

Have you ever had a lash lift or extensions? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.