Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Lash Lifts

I stopped wearing mascara two years ago after I couldn’t find one that would stay put. Not only did this save me time in the morning, it also allowed my lashes to get in really good shape. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely missed the look of mascara. I have blonde hair and fair skin, so my lashes are naturally light and mascara makes a major difference. I instantly feel “done up” when I have it on.

Then, a month ago, while writing a story about treatments that save you time in the long run—think microblading or keratin treatments—I came across lash lifts and tints. They promise the look of mascara without smudging, smearing, or fallout. It sounded too good to be true. Naturally, I had to give it a try—it’s research after all!

I booked an appointment at Envious Lashes in New York City, where a lash lift is $175 and a tint is $45. Founder Clementina Richardson has been a lash technician and expert since 2007 and Envious has had celebrity clients including Jenna Dewan, Naomi Campbell, and Mary J. Blige—so I knew I’d be in good hands.

Meet Our Experts: Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in New York City, Jacqueline R. Carrasco, MD, an oculoplastic surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist

Lash lift step one.

What happens during a lash lift?

The whole process takes about an hour, so I laid back into the chair and got comfortable as the technician began by brushing my lashes up onto a silicone curling rod (there are different sizes for every lash length and curl preference). Then, she applied an eye-safe perming solution to the base of my lashes. “This helps break down the bond of your hair so it can mold to the curl,” said Richardson. Then, she followed with a setting solution to help restructure the hair into place. The last step was the tint, a blue-black dye that’s slathered on from root to tip.

Lash lift step two.

After this, your consultant will send you on your way with some important advice: Don't get your lashes wet for 24 hours. While a lash lift and tint don't have as much upkeep as extensions (you can never get them wet and don’t sleep on them directly, for starters), you should try avoid wetting them for the first 24 hours following your appointment so that the bond has time to set—similarly to a real perm.

Does a lash lift hurt?

I realize these pictures may look a little intimidating, but I assure you the process isn't painful. You do have to keep your eyes closed the entire time, which can be uncomfortable for some—especially if you have sensitive eyes, but my technician told me that most of her clients end up falling asleep because it’s so relaxing.

The tint.

How long does a lash lift last?

A lash lift has a shelf life of approximately four to six weeks, but the tint only lasts for about four. My technician also told me that the duration varies depending on your skin type. If you have oily skin or use a lot of oils on your face, it can break down the keratin treatment faster.

My lashes immediately after the tint and lift.

Do lash lifts damage your eyelashes?

You may be wondering: Sounds great, but is it actually safe? Most people’s lashes can tolerate lash lifts, but over-processing with these types of treatments can weaken eyelashes over time, says Kunin.

What's more, any time you’re using chemicals near your eyes, there is a risk of allergic reaction, says Carrasco. You could also be at risk for dermatitis, a skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and even blisters, especially if the lifting solution gets in your eye or on the surrounding skin.

To make sure you're in good hands, look for a technician who also specializes in treatments around the eyes (like lash extensions, tinting, or brow shaping). And if you're prone to allergic reactions from beauty products or have a sensitivity to certain ingredients, it's always a good idea to ask for a patch test.

So, are lash lifts worth it?

Overall, I think this treatment is a win-win. I still don’t have to add in a step for mascara in my morning makeup routine but I get the benefit of looking like I did. While I like the natural look, if you prefer more volume you can also add a coat of mascara. Many people I talked to who get it done simply do it for the extra lift so they don’t have to use a lash curler. They also don’t need as many swipes of mascara when they have a lift and tint done.