Confession: I’ve been blessed with naturally long lashes.
But they’re completely straight. Poker, in fact, and it takes me a really long time – and sometimes a whole wardrobe of mascaras – to define, fatten and create that perfect, 90 degree curl every girl covets. First world problems, I know.
But, as a beauty writer always on the lookout for new treatments, I’d been interested in the Lash Perfect Lash Lift for a while. The the promise of ‘naturally enhanced thickness […] without the need for extensions,’ coupled with their pretty impressive Instagram account and celeb clients (oh hey, Jourdan Dunn) swayed me.
That, and accidentally clamping down on my eyelids with a pair of vice-like curlers a few days before.
Er, OUCH.
What Happens During A Lash Lift?
I chose the Lash Perfect Lash Bar on London’s Warwick street for my lash lift and once my eyes were completely free of mascara (if you can’t bear to make the journey with naked lashes, the therapist will remove it for you), I got down to choosing my curl.
There are so many options depending on your desired look, from a C curl (super curved) to a more natural J curl – and as a lash lift novice, I went for this one.
Once on the bed, a rubber pad – really similar to an eyelash curler cushion – was applied to my upper lash line and my lashes were softened with a serum to help them take the shape of the pad as they were gathered up individually with a little tool – sounds weird, but there’s no discomfort at all.
Next, a lash lotion was slathered on and left there to work its magic for 15-20 minutes. After the lotion was wiped off and the rubber pad taken away, my eyes were wiped clean with a soaked cotton pad, et voila.
Note: Try not to open your eyes. Lash ‘guards’ are applied to protect them from the curling lotion, but if you do open them accidentally, the formula is completely safe. Although, a simple patch test is required at least 24 hours in advance to ensure you aren’t allergic to anything.
Is It Really Worth It?
One word: Hell yeah. Ok that was two…
Here are my top lashes with one coat of mascara.
While I was sold on the idea to start with (who wouldn’t want effortless lashes?), I didn’t realise just how much the process would change my entire beauty routine.
And by change, I mean revolutionise.
Now, applying mascara takes all of two seconds (and one single tube) as I don’t have to painstakingly separate or thicken each individual lash, and I’m no longer ruining my eyeshadow with inky smudges (so annoying, right?) as there’s no faff of having to skilfully wiggle the wand from the base upwards to create that perfect curve – it’s already there.
These are my lashes immediately after the treatment, sans make-up or any tint.
The best part, though? My new, perky and fluttery lashes mean I’ve even started using less make-up products, mainly concealer and highlighter in the inner corners, because of the eye-opening effect, and as a total beauty obsessive who’s been known to (worryingly) spend twice my wages on make-up, that’s a big deal, at least where my bank balance is concerned anyway.
You can forget the complete mission of applying falsies. Most days, I even skip mascara altogether as the new shape makes my lashes look fuller than ever.
The impressive result is meant to last for a whole eight weeks, but does it? Well, a month later and mine look exactly the same as they did when I first walked out of the salon. They aren’t brittle or sparse and they don’t drop like lash extensions when they start to assume their original shape – something your eyes will thank you for!
Instagram: @adele
What’s The After-Care Like?
Practically none.
Unlike other lash treatments, you won’t be sent home with a fussy lash conditioner (most of us can barely be bothered to take off our mascara let alone moisturise each, individual hair, right?) and there’s no special make-up remover required, so whether you use micellar water or cold cream, your usual routine won’t be disrupted. Just remember not to get your lashes wet for 24 hours after the treatment.
Would I get it done again? YES. I’m already booked in for my next treatment and I’m kicking myself for not discovering the treatment sooner.
The eyelash curlers? In the bin.
Giphy
From: ELLE UK
