Last updated: Jan 28, 2025

What is a Lash Lift? (LVL & Eyelash Lamination)

Q: Is A Lash Lift Better Than Mascara?

Yes, a lash lift is better than mascara in many ways. If you want a longer-lasting lash lengthening, curling and thickening effect, a lash lift is for you. The effects are semi-permanent and can cut your makeup routine in half! Much lower maintenance than applying and removing mascara every day. After 24 hours a lash lift is unaffected by water making it a perfect choice for a beach or pool holiday.Mascara can actually damage your natural lashes, as removing it can be harsh, whereas a lash lift with a tint and plump can leave your lashes glossier and healthier.

Q: How Much Does A Lash Lift Cost?

A lash lift costs between £25 and £70, depending on the quality and the expertise of the lash artist, what part of the UK you are in, the quality of products used and also whether the treatment includes a nourishing treatment and/ or tint.

Q: Can I Use Mascara After A Lash Lift?

Yes you can still wear mascara if you have had a lash lift. You must wait 24 hours after the lash lift treatment before applying any eye makeup at all. If you still want to wear mascara after this for the added drama, you absolutely can. But make sure not to use waterproof mascara as this can only be removed with oil-based makeup removers - something else you need to avoid, along with any kind of oil-based skin care or make-up products.

Q: Does The Process Hurt?

No, the lash lift process does not hurt at all. The process may feel a little unusual the first time you have it done but simply close your eyes, relax, and let your lash artist work their magic - they’ll do everything they can to put you at ease.

Q: How Often Should You Get A Lash Lift?

To maintain the look you should get a lash lift around every 6-8 weeks. Due to natural lash loss that happens to everyone little by little every day, after around 3 weeks the curl will be less pronounced. After 6-8 weeks you should have a full new set of lashes meaning they can be professionally curled again. However, everyone’s lash growth cycle is slightly different.

by Loreta Jasilionyte

If you’re at all interested in the latest beauty treatments, you’ll have no doubt heard the buzz about lash lifts. Perhaps you’re thinking about offering lash lifts to your beauty clients and want to find out a little more?

In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this sought-after lash treatment and take you through the whole lash lift process, including whether it’s suitable for your lash type.

What is a lash lift?

A lash lift is a semi-permanent beauty treatment that shapes the natural lash, lifting and curling the eyelashes so they look longer, curlier, thicker and darker. Also known as LVL or eyelash lamination, the lash treatment lets you skip the eyelash curlers and mascara in the morning, giving a beautiful natural look that opens up the eye.

Lash lift procedure

Lash lifts also make a popular alternative beauty treatment to eyelash extensions, requiring less time in the lash artist’s chair, lower maintenance, and a smaller outlay in terms of budget. If you’re trying to decide between a lash lift and eyelash extensions, check out our detailed guide on lash lift vs eyelash extensions to help you make the best choice.

The treatment involves applying a number of different lotions, and shaping the lashes against a rod using lash lift adhesive to achieve the desired lift and curl. The process is often accompanied by a nourishing treatment, lash tint, or both, for darker, glossier, healthier lashes.

Lash plump is a leading nourishing treatment that can uniquely be applied after Lotion 1 when the lash cuticles are open and most receptive to the treatment. Alternatively Flawless Keratin Tint is a trail-blazing product that saves lash artists time by combining a lash tint, cream developer and keratin treatment in 1 simple step.

How long does a lash lift last?

A lash lift lasts for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on where you are in your natural lash growth cycle. Unlike with eyelash extensions, no infills or salon appointments are required within this time period to maintain the look, although you must avoid getting your newly-lifted lashes wet for the first 24 hours.

How long the effect of the lift lasts depends on your lash type and lash health, and how well you take care of your lashes. While a lash lift is suitable for all lash types, its effects will last longer on strong and healthy lashes. To make your lash lift last as long as possible avoid waterproof mascara (regular mascara is fine), and all oil-based make-up and cleansing products.

Different levels of lash lift

During your journey as a lash artist, you will undoubtedly come across many different names and/or versions of a lash lift. We’re here to talk you through them and what the differences are.

LVL lash lift

LVL lash lifts are simply one brand of lash lift, LVL standing for Length, Volume and Lift. An LVL treatment will include a nourishing treatment and a tint as standard, whereas it is possible to get a basic lash lift that omits these steps.

However, at Flawless we always recommend a keratin treatment as part of the lash lift process in order to deliver the most beautiful and long-lasting results for your clients. This can be done either with our Lash Plump treatment, or our innovative Keratin Tint that nourishes, tints and develops all in one easy step.

At-home lash lift

You may have come across at-home lash lifting kits for sale on the internet as people are eager to try these treatments out themselves - on the cheap. A DIY at-home lash lift is absolutely not recommended as the treatment must be performed by a trained professional, and certainly never on oneself even if you are highly trained.

Due to the use of chemicals there is a real risk of causing serious damage, and not just to your eyelashes - to your skin and even your precious eyesight as well. This is even more of a concern with kits bought on the internet which may not come from reputable or well-regulated suppliers.

Lash lift and lash lamination: what's the difference?

Lash lamination is the name for a lash lift that includes a nourishing treatment such as Lash Plump to feed the natural lash with vitamins and keratin. Other terms for a lash lift you might hear include permanent lash curling, and sometimes, a lash perm, although we at Flawless avoid this term as it is associated with a more old-fashioned process using more harsh chemicals.

Best Lash Lift Products from Flawless Lashes by Loreta

We have our very own range of lash lift products, designed for professional eyelash technicians so they can give gorgeous, long-lasting lash lifts for their clients.

We recommend:

Lift Rods – These silicone rods are designed to fit comfortably on your clients’ eyelids. Use with lash lift glue to comb lashes into the shape you desire.
Lash Lift Glue – Our adhesive is water-soluble and used to stick lashes onto the silicone lift rod.
Lift Tool – This is perfect for styling and separating the lashes
Lotion One – Coat 1 to 2mm of the lashes from the roots upwards to open up the hair cuticles in preparation for Lotion Two.
Lotion Two – Makes eyelashes more malleable so you can position them in the desired shape.
Lotion Three – Removes any last traces of glue and lotion
Lash Plump – Also known by names including lash botox and lash filler, Flawless Lash Plump feeds the natural lashes with keratin, vitamins, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils to make them healthier, stronger and thicker
Keratin Tint - combines both tint, cream developer and nourishing keratin treatment – dispensed simultaneously with just a pump of our ingenious bottle.

FAQ

Is A Lash Lift Better Than Mascara?

Yes, a lash lift is better than mascara in many ways. If you want a longer-lasting lash lengthening, curling and thickening effect, a lash lift is for you. The effects are semi-permanent and can cut your makeup routine in half! Much lower maintenance than applying and removing mascara every day. After 24 hours a lash lift is unaffected by water making it a perfect choice for a beach or pool holiday.

Mascara can actually damage your natural lashes, as removing it can be harsh, whereas a lash lift with a tint and plump can leave your lashes glossier and healthier.

How Much Does A Lash Lift Cost?

A lash lift costs between £25 and £70, depending on the quality and the expertise of the lash artist, what part of the UK you are in, the quality of products used and also whether the treatment includes a nourishing treatment and/ or tint.

Can I Use Mascara After A Lash Lift?

Yes you can still wear mascara if you have had a lash lift. You must wait 24 hours after the lash lift treatment before applying any eye makeup at all. If you still want to wear mascara after this for the added drama, you absolutely can. But make sure not to use waterproof mascara as this can only be removed with oil-based makeup removers - something else you need to avoid, along with any kind of oil-based skin care or make-up products.

Do Lash Lifts Damage Your Eyelashes?

No, lash lifts do not damage your eyelashes if you go to a certified professional. Ensure you follow your eyelash artist's advice on aftercare and wait at least 6 weeks between treatments. Any further facial beauty treatments soon after your lash lift could not only damage your eyelashes but also risk infection.

If performed by someone who does not know what they are doing then there is a risk of over processing/ burning the natural lashes so that they start breaking. So always go to a reputable lash professional.

Does The Process Hurt?

No, the lash lift process does not hurt at all. The process may feel a little unusual the first time you have it done but simply close your eyes, relax, and let your lash artist work their magic - they’ll do everything they can to put you at ease.

How Often Should You Get A Lash Lift?

To maintain the look you should get a lash lift around every 6-8 weeks. Due to natural lash loss that happens to everyone little by little every day, after around 3 weeks the curl will be less pronounced. After 6-8 weeks you should have a full new set of lashes meaning they can be professionally curled again. However, everyone’s lash growth cycle is slightly different.