I have hardly worn mascara for the last six months. I don't think it's just me, it's a sign of the times. Mascara has taken a backseat in makeup routines across the board. It's probably a blip, but for now, soft lashes are it.
However my naked lashes are uninteresting, a little blonde even. I want fluffy volume and curl, but I want it without trying. This is where the lash lift comes in. The salon treatment has been popular for years; it's a non-negotiable for some. But I've never tried it until recently. Was it life-changing? Uncomfortable? My lash lift experience from start to finish, below.
What is a lash lift?
A lash lift is essentially a perm for your eyelashes. It involves a chemical solution being applied, while the lashes are set into an eye-opening shape.
What's involved in the lash lift process?
I booked in for a Keratin Lash Lift at Amy Jean. Considering the proximity to my eyeballs, I was pretty discerning in my choice of clinic. Amy is trusted and great at what she does, as are her staff. I felt confident going into the appointment.
We started with a quick look at my lashes (long but light in colour) and gave them a clean. A silicone rod was placed onto my eyelid – it's used to give the lashes their shape – before an adhesive is brushed on top. I asked for a natural looking result, so a wider rod was used (the bigger the rod the lash is rolled over, the more elongated the curvature). Once the lashes are in place, the solution is painted on top. I also combined my treatment with a tint. One unique point about the treatment at Amy Jean is that it's infused with keratin, a protein known to strengthen hair. It's nourishing and helps to maintain lash integrity, because lash lifts can be damaging if performed incorrectly.
The positioning pulls the eyelids back a little and the smell is not great, but otherwise the process was comfortable. It takes a while to 'set' – maybe 30 minutes? Your eyes are closed the entire time, so if you get bored or uneasy, take some headphones.
Once finished, the silicone mould was removed and lashes cleaned before Amy's own Keratin Essence was brushed through for hydration. I also took a tube of the essence home for upkeep (highly recommend this).
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What are the results?
I was speechless with the 'after'. My lashes were darker, curled perfectly, glossy and almost hitting my brows. They looked very done but not in a makeup way (no clumps or textural discrepancies). The curl was greater than anything I could have achieved myself with an eyelash curler, too.
Your results will vary depending on your natural lashes, but the staff made a point that even those with short or very straight lashes will see a very noticeable difference.
Because of my aversion to mascara and penchant for natural makeup, they did take a little getting used to in that I always felt 'done', even in the moments after rolling out of bed. But therein lies the appeal. If you are into high maintenance in order to be low maintenance, a lash lift will serve you well.
How long will it last?
It says on the Amy Jean website that a Keratin lash lift will lash from eight to 10 weeks. Personally I noticed they looked their best for a month, and slowly returned to normal from that point. I should make a point that the compliments rolled in, as well.
There was some maintenance involved. I found they would bend while I was sleeping, and so I had to wet them and brush them back into submission each morning, but it only took a minute. Towards the very end of the eight weeks, they were a little askew, but I think the essence made a huge difference in keeping them soft and natural-looking.
I've heard from friends that if you go back to back with your appointments it can cause damage and breakage, but a quality therapist should be able to advise you on the condition of your eyelashes, while also administering the treatment safely.
I personally wouldn't do it consistently, but would definitely book in before a holiday or big event. And yes, you can wear mascara on top. Cleansing is also fine, I was just more gentle than usual.
What does a lash lift cost?
A Keratin Lash Lift at Amy Jean costs $140. This will vary based on where you visit.
