Why Salon Professionals Are Telling You To Avoid DIY Lash Lifts At Home

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Because of Covid-19 restrictions, regular salon appointments are temporarily on pause and we've been left to our own devices. Still, thanks to online tutorials and consultations, some of us have managed to replicate some salon services at home. However, there is one procedure that should be left to professionals and that's the lash lift. Lash lifts are like a perm for your eyelashes. In a salon, you're typically made to lie down and shut your eyes while a certified aesthetician uses a variety of tools and chemicals to lift your lashes for an extended period of time. The effect is truly transformative and time saving, and the procedure has been very popular before Covid-19 took over.

Thanks to social media, DIY lash lifts have been trending online and have prompted many to buy lash lift kits for home use. While some have had success with those kits at home, most have been total fails. Aside from the fact that you need your eyes closed to do the procedure properly, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman tells Women's Health that using chemicals around the eyes are risky enough and the chances of allergic reactions make it even riskier without a professional around. Even aestheticians who have had months of training do not attempt to perform the procedure on themselves.

Also read: The Most Memorable Beauty Moments of 2020

Lash Lift Alternatives

Licensed esthetician Ali Tobia says warns against buying DIY lash kits online. While they may look like you're getting everything you need to do lash lifts at home, the results are often disappointing. Some ingredients may also be potentially harmful and irritating for users and, of course, damaging to your lashes.

The safest option at this time is your tried-and-tested lash curler partnered with a good curling and volumizing mascara. For the best eyelash curlers, Marie Clare recommends Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler, Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler, Lancôme Le Curler Eyelash Curler, and Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler. For budget-friendly options, try Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler or e.l.f. Cosmetics Pro Eyelash Curler.

For this year's mascara standouts, Vogue has voted for Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Mascara, Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara, Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara, Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara, and Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Mascara. For the best drugstore options, Glamour's top picks are L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume Mascara, and CoverGirl The Super Sizer by LashBlast Waterproof Mascara.

You can also try your hand at applying falsies. They're safer and only require some glue and patience. For beginners, Velour Lashes The Effortless Kit already includes a pair of falsies, glue, and an applicator. Once you've mastered the art of putting false eyelashes on, Elle urges you to try Lily Lashes Living My Best Life Collection, Kiss Lash Couture Faux Mink in Gala, Velour Lashes Silk Lash Collection and Huda Beauty Lottie Classic False Lashes.