I can’t help staring at my friends’ eyes when they have beautifully curled eyelashes.

Meanwhile, my eyes are on the smaller end with inner double eyelids; my natural lashes stick-straight and droopy.

I’ve looked for ways to make my eyes look more open and awake, and many of my friends swear by lash extensions, but they’re too high-maintenance for me. No oil-based makeup removers? Too slow. Regular appointments to avoid ripping your real eyelashes out? Too much commitment. Plus, I’m not entirely comfortable with the thought of something foreign around my eyes.

So lash lifts were the closest thing I could get to shave some time off my getting ready process.

What Are Lash Lifts?

If you’re also looking for something easier to maintain than lash extensions and more natural than falsies – lash lifts are your friend. They’ve been around for several years, offering a quick way to get that alluring swoop that draws attention to your eyes – sans the damage and upkeep.

Gone are the days of lash perms that use a cylindrical rod for a tighter, more dramatic (and sometimes unsightly) curl. Instead, lash lifts use silicone shields with a flatter curve to naturally lift lashes from the root. Most lash bars also offer different options: the tightness of the lash curl can be adjusted, and lashes can be tinted to look darker and thicker.

Still, not all lash lifts are created equal. Getting up close to your eyes with chemicals can be scary, so finding a reputable lash bar with experienced artists is essential.

Visage Beauty

Visage Beauty started around 2017 and uses Japanese keratin for their signature Barbie Perm lash lift treatment. With no shortage of before/after samples on their Instagram feed and frequent, raving reviews by beauty bloggers, they’re a reputable option for first-timers.

There are two styles of lash lifts: French Red, a natural C-curl; and Soft, a more pronounced curl that starts as the root of the lashes. I’ve tried both styles, French Red the first time and Soft the second time around. Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference between the styles just by looking at the before/after photos on their socials. The grow-out on the French Red seemed more natural because you don’t get that sharp kink, but because of my inner eyelids, its curvature did cause my eyelashes to poke into the inner eye corners and made for an unpleasant first week.

Tip: Go with the French Red if it’s your first time for a more subtle, sweeter look and the Soft if you want to amp it up with a more doll-like look.

The Lash Lift Process

If you’re only getting the upper lash treatment, the lash artist starts by taping off your lower lid to avoid them sticking to your upper lashes. She’ll then gently clean your lashes to remove any residual makeup and dirt to ensure your results last better.

Tip: Go to a lash session au naturel with no eye makeup. It keeps your lashes cleaner, reduces treatment time and ensures nothing icky gets into your eyes. Also, use eye drops in advance and don’t wear contact lenses.

Silicone pads are placed on your upper lid, and lashes are combed upwards separately. A lifting solution – the key to a lash lift treatment – is applied to mould the lashes to the shape of the silicone pads. Cling film will be placed on top to seal the solution and prevent you from opening your eyes. The lifting solution has a sulphuric smell (not unlike when you get a hair treatment) that goes away soon after the cling film is applied. Wearing a face mask also helped reduce its intensity. The process takes around 45 minutes, and your eyes will be closed throughout, so I like to fire up Blinkist or my favourite podcast.

Tip: No stinging pain or significant discomfort should occur during the lash treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, let your lash artist know immediately so they can help you.

A good lash lift should have your lashes fanning out with clean, even spacing and no abnormal clumping or kinks. Unfortunately, the shorter lashes towards my inner corners can be pretty pesky (again), and they don’t always turn out perfect.

My lashes are pretty full and pigmented (thankfully), so I’ve never bothered with the tinting service. Of course, it makes less of a difference if you’re used to wearing mascara, but it could be something to consider if you have thin, light-coloured lashes.

How Long Does a Lash Lift Last?

The lash lift is semi-permanent — but your lashes are not.

The upper eyelid has around 100-150 lashes. Like any other hair, the average person loses 1-5 eyelashes daily as they shed and replace themselves in a growth cycle of around 2 months. My lash lift lasted for a decent 4-6 weeks, and typically varies depending on how my eyelashes have been faring.

Visage Beauty also offers its own Lash Lift Conditioning Mascara for sale at HK$360. It contains keratin and rosemary oil and is said to prolong your curl. I don’t think the serum was exceptional enough to warrant this price, but it does smell like Chloé signature perfume, so I’m not complaining.

Tip: Keep using a lash serum to strengthen your lashes between treatments. If you don’t even have lashes, there’s nothing to lift.

The first 24 hours after a lash lift treatment are important. Keep your lashes dry by reducing water, sweat, and makeup. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as excessive force can alter the curl. After that, it’s smooth sailing until the next treatment. Just brush your lashes with a clean spoolie (especially after removing makeup) to keep them airy and tangle-free.

Thoughts

Lifted lashes are like built-in, wispy Japanese lashes for that no-makeup look. For special occasions, I still prefer a cat eye style (longer lashes on the outer corners) which I’ll never be able to get with my bare lashes, so I’ll have to rely on mascara or falsies.

NGL, lash lifts are expensive. My excuse was that it would be relatively cost-effective when I had to take my ID photo, show up at several events and go on an extended vacation. Given that I’m more of a homebody with remote working, I don’t think I can justify making lash lifts part of my regular beauty routine. I definitely see the appeal of lash lifts for everyday wear, though. All things considered, I’ll save lash lifts for busy seasons and extended holidays when I know I will be shooting a lot and want to look my best. I’m also working on my falsie skills, so I’m not fretting about special occasions. Fingers crossed.