When summertime calls, I want to be ready and enhancing my eyes is a great start. I’ve never had eyelash extensions applied because I naturally have long lashes and haven’t wanted to damage them.

Enter: lash lift + tint, the natural alternative for a quick enhancement without the consuming upkeep. For this week’s #WeeklyWellness2021 Challenge, I was able to receive a lash lift and tint from a dear friend, Nicole, in her home salon.

Week 12 of Weekly Wellness: Wellness Boosts for Morning, Noon and Night

Lash Lift 101

I first learned of the lash lift in 2007 while attending esthetician school, though back then it was called an eyelash perm. With a fresh new name, the lash lift has had a bit of a resurgence in the last few years and become extremely popular. The purpose of the lift is to provide a long-lasting eyelash curl. Think of it as a supercharged eye lash curling treatment that lasts for six to eight weeks. This time period is typically the same as your natural lash cycle, since we are constant losing lashes and growing new lashes simultaneously.

The semi-permanent process is quick and easy with impressive results. I’ve been a fan of tinting both my eyebrows and lashes for many years. I have blonde hair and lighter lashes, so adding color gives them definition and “pop.” Dye is applied to the lashes, left on for some time then wiped off. Tinted lashes tend to last 4+ weeks.

Lash Lifting 101

My Experience

The entire process of the lift and tint lasted no more than 45 minutes. I was looking for a natural result which, along with the length of my lashes, contributed to the size of the silicone rod used during the process. Nicole applied tape to my bottom lashes, and the rod and various eye pads to my closed eyes after thoroughly cleansing the eye area.

Next, my lashes were brushed and evenly separated over the rod with the help of an adhesive. A lifting lotion was used next and left to set. This process had me feeling major nostalgia since the classic perm smell was wafting in the air! After the lifting lotion was removed, a deep black tint was applied to my lashes and left on for a few more minutes. Finally, everything was wiped clean and removed from my eyes, my lashes were brushed and I looked into the mirror for the final reveal.

Week 11 of Weekly Wellness: Oligomer Does the Body Good

I loved the end result and felt like it made a huge difference in my makeup-free look! My lashes appeared longer with more drama and depth to my eyes all around. I was instructed to keep them dry for the next 24 hours and was given a clean mascara wand to brush them as needed. Another tip Nicole mentioned was to take notice how I slept that night as to not smash them into a pillow, etc.

I feel beach-ready and more confident makeup-free since receiving the lash service this week. As someone who loves wearing makeup, I adore how my lashes look lifted + mascara added. Extra volume with curl that won’t fade through out the day! It’s amazing how such a small change can bring everyday happiness. I’m officially hooked!

Lash Lift + Tint Cost: Approximately $75-$200 (varies per location)

I’d love to hear how you practiced self-care this week! Have you had a lash lift? Tag me on instagram @SLCBeautyBabe or @SpaandBeautyToday with tips and suggestions for next week.

[Images courtesy of Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker