The low down on: lash lifts

I have long lashes, and while I know many people dream of having length, mine droop downwards like an elephant’s.

It takes serious curling and retaining with waterproof mascara to keep them in place for any length of time. I had been meaning to try a lash lift for ages when the girls from Eyecandy mailed me and asked if I wanted to try out their new lash lift offering, of course I jumped at the chance.

WHAT EXCATLY IS A LASH LIFT?

Not to be confused with lash extensions, where false lashes are glued onto your own lashes, a lash lift is basically a perm for your lashes. It lifts the hair from the root, making them look longer and opening up your eye area without having to curl your lashes or apply mascara.

BUT HOW?

A sticky pad is applied to your top lid, and your lashes are individually stuck to it before being coated in a curling lotion. Once the lotion has done its thing, it is removed, along with any glue residue. I then had my lashes tinted, so that I really didn’t have to do anything with them afterwards.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO SIT THERE FOR?

The whole process took about 50 minutes, and is not at all painful. The sensation of the sticky pad on your lid is a bit odd at first, but after a few minutes you won’t even feel it.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE BEAUTIFUL LASHES FOR?

As for longevity, well, that depends on how fast your lashes grow. Anything from 4 to 6 weeks is normal. And there is no lasting effect. The new lashes grow out as straight as usual (just like your hair would if you were to perm it). Mine lasted about 5 weeks before I had to pull out my lash curlers, but there were still a few lifted ones.

HOW MUCH?

R550 for a lash lift and tint

WHERE?

At the Eyecandy Kloof Street Salon (Level 1, Lifestyle Centre) in Cape Town.

Lash lift image: Shutterstock