I tried a lash lift and tint service and here’s what happened

A pair of long, black eyelashes can instantly elevate your look, which is why people the world over can never get enough of their favourite mascara. While wearing mascara and taking it off everyday isn’t an intensive task, waking up with lashes that don’t need anything at all helps add a few precious minutes to your snooze time. A lash lift and tint is a semi-permanent makeup service that curls your lashes and coats them with a dark tint to make it look like you have falsies on, without any of the work. I’m obsessed with mascara to the point that my makeup is never complete without multiple coats—the more length and drama, the better—so naturally, this treatment called out to me. I tried it at The White Door Salon & Spa in Worli and here’s what happened.

The experience

As is the case with everything beauty, the expert started off by cleaning my lashes to get rid of any previous makeup residue. She took a few “before” pictures so we could document the difference—pre-treatment, my lashes were essentially straight, always needing to be curled and coated to make my eyes look more alive. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes, involves no pain and of course, is non-invasive. She started by placing bio gel under-eye patches—all the products used in the treatment are by Phi Academy—to gather any product residue. Next, two silicon shields were stuck on my upper lash lines. The process started off with a lifting cream application, followed by a neutralising lotion to lock in the lifting effect. This was sealed with a cling wrap to set them in place. There was no discomfort, in fact, I almost fell asleep.

Ten minutes later, the wrap was removed followed by a black tint application on the curled lashes which was left on for another 10 minutes. The treatment was complete with a moisturising serum to ensure that my natural lashes remain soft and healthy. 

The verdict

All of half an hour later—a true lunchtime procedure—I opened my eyes to visibly thicker, curled lashes that needed no mascara at all. The only after-care it needs is to not allow water or any oil-based products to touch the lashes for 24 hours. It lasts for about three to four weeks (and it did for me) and you don’t need to touch your mascara wand for the entire duration. I legitimately, “woke up like this” and my face looked so much more alive. I’m someone who usually skips the liner and kajal, and only chooses to use mascara to accentuate my eyes. Since my love for super dramatic lashes is already established, of course I chose to wear mascara, just to see how much volume I could add. I used my go-to Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I was blown away. The thick, full lashes I’ve always dreamed of—no lash glue or falsies needed.

Two things to keep in mind: If you choose to wear mascara, make sure it’s not a waterproof formula and only use micellar water to take it off gently so your lift and tint lasts longer. I know I’m booking myself in for another session for my packed social calendar this December. Among the many hangovers the month brings, if there’s one less thing I have to think about while getting ready for the next whiskey-filled night, I’m sold.