It is safe to wear mascara if you want to enhance the look of your lash lift. However, you have to be careful about the type of mascara you apply. Otherwise, you run the risk of ruining your results.
As a cosmetologist and lover of all things eyelashes, people ask me about lash lifts often. Eyelash treatments are becoming more prevalent as people look to achieve more length and volume. But despite the growing popularity, mascara is still a makeup staple!
There are a ton of misconceptions out there surrounding lash lifts and mascara use. This blog post aims to break down the confusion. Read on to learn more about the lash lift procedure and why you should be careful about the types of mascara you use.
What Is A Lash Lift?
Ever want to achieve that signature Twiggy look? What about ditching your mascara and saving time doing your makeup routine? Whatever your goals, lash lifts are an excellent way to get photo-ready lashes that last far beyond a single day!
The easiest way to think of lash lifts is to look at them as perms for your eyelashes. For most people, the eyelashes grow out from the eye. While you might get plenty of length, the natural growth pattern of your lashes prevents you from getting that doe-eyed look that’s so popular among fashionistas and influencers these days.
You can use eyelash curlers and mascara to open your eyes up and curl those fine hairs away from your eyes. But ask anyone who does that daily, and they’ll tell you it gets old pretty quick!
Lash lifts are semi-permanent treatments that provide the same effect as curlers and mascaras. But they last much longer. How long?
On average, lash lifts last between four and six weeks! That’s a month or more of volume and curl, allowing you to leave the tools and makeup behind.
How Does A Lash Lift Work?
Believe it or not, this treatment has been around for quite a long time. It was reportedly popular nearly a century ago in Korea and Japan. While the solutions used to curl the lashes were different, the concept remains the same!
The process usually begins with a thorough cleaning and sanitization. Then, the trained technician will apply a silicone mold across the eyelid.
The mold serves two purposes. First, it shields the eyes against the lifting solution. Secondly, it’s the mold that provides the lift and curled shape! There are a few different shapes available, and the technician will work with you to choose the right one!
Once the molds are in place, the technician will apply a keratin solution. The keratin solution strengthens and protects the hair while giving it a long-lasting shape. It works a bit differently from traditional hair perms that use harsh chemicals. Most experts agree that newer keratin formulas are far safer and less damaging.
After that, you’ll have to sit with your eyes closed as the solution works its magic. How long that takes will depend on the product the technician uses. Some will only need 10 minutes. However, others may require half an hour or more.
Just be patient; the results are well worth the wait!
If you have light-colored eyelashes, you can opt to get them dyed. Technicians can do tinting after applying the keratin solution, allowing you to get lift and color in one sitting.
For most people, the waiting process is pretty comfortable. However, there is a risk of irritation. If you’re particularly sensitive to chemicals, you may feel a slight burning sensation due to the chemicals in the keratin solution.
After letting the product do its thing, the only thing left to do is clean off your lashes, rinse the solution away, and remove the molds. Then, you’re ready to debut your newly lifted lashes!
Using Mascara With A Lash Lift
Lash lift treatments are game-changing, giving your lashes an effortlessly lifted look without the clumpiness or weight of mascara. Most people don’t see a need to use mascara after getting a lash lift. But if you still want to, you need to choose the right product.
The most important thing is to use water-based mascara instead of oil-based products. Water-based formulas are acceptable to wear. While they won’t have the same thickness and longevity as the alternatives, they don’t affect your lash lift in any way.
However, oil-based products can. The ingredients in an oil-based mascara will break down the keratin proteins, essentially ruining the last lift. The results aren’t instant. It’ll take several applications of oil-based mascara to make a noticeable difference.
But every application weakens the lift, decreasing the longevity of the treatment.
It’s not just oil-based mascara that you have to worry about post lash lift. Any oily product has the potential to ruin your result. It’s best to steer clear of oil-based makeup removers, waterproof mascara, and anything else that could be problematic.
Conclusion
For the most part, lash lifts eliminate the need to use mascara entirely. With tinting, these treatments address most cosmetic needs. But if you’re still looking to use mascara, stick to water-based formulas. Waterproof mascaras that use oil will shorten the life of your lash lift, forcing you to go in much sooner for a redo.
Luckily, there are plenty of water-based solutions on the market today. Try one out and watch your lashes pop even more!