Recently we looked at using strip lashes to enhance your eyes – and most importantly, how to apply them perfectly.
Strips, however, can be damaging to your own lashes. So, what other options are available to enhance the look and length of lashes without the potential damage of strips? Here are five interesting lash enhancements to consider.
Latisse (a.k.a. bimatoprost ophthalmic solution)
Latisse is the brand name for bimatoprost ophthalmic solution. This prostaglandin analog was originally used to treat glaucoma. An unexpected bonus was thicker, longer-looking, darkened lashes. Latisse is now an FDA approved treatment to promote hair growth for people who want to enhance their lashes.
Latisse is applied to the upper lash line every day. It’s recommended to use Latisse for at least two months to see results. Extra applications will not make Latisse work better or faster, and the treatment is not suitable for lower lashes. Whilst the results are dramatic, they are temporary. Once the treatment is stopped, the effects gradually disappear.
There can be some negative side effects from using Latisse too. These include itchy dry eyes, darkened eyelids and pigmentation in the colored part of the eye. Latisse costs around US $120 for a month’s supply.
Lash Tinting
Tinting is a quick, easy way to make lashes darker and look longer. Lash tinting uses a special dye, which is semi-permanent and suitable for sensitive skin. Lashes can be tinted in different colors. The most popular are black, brown and blue-black, which is an ultra-dark black that makes eyes really pop. It only takes around fifteen to twenty minutes, and the results last around four to six weeks.
Before having your lashes tinted, many service providers will require you to visit the salon for a consultation and patch test to ensure you aren’t allergic to the dye. This involves a small amount of tint being painted on an inobtrusive area of skin. This stays in place for 24 hours. If no redness or itching is observed, then you’re good to go.
The most obvious benefit of tinting is being able to ditch mascara – so, less panda eyes, shorter makeup application time and the ability to go swimming whilst retaining the look of lush lashes.
Editor’s note: My esthetician charges me US $30 for lash tinting, and it’s awesome.
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are individual fake lashes are glued — one lash at a time — on top of your own lashes. Lash extensions are semi-permanent, lasting the life of your own lash, and falling out as they do. They last six to eight weeks with proper care and need infilling every two to three weeks at additional cost.
Extensions are available in a range of materials including mink, silk or various synthetics. When having extensions applied, you will need a consultation to work out exactly which look you’re trying to achieve. During this, you can select density, curl and length of your extensions.
Extensions vary in length from eight to fourteen millimetres, and the more lashes you have applied the denser and more glamourous the look will be. When selecting the curl, you have four choices: J curl, which is a delicate subtle curl; B curl, which is a deeper but still natural curl; C curl, which is a deep, more dramatic curl; and D curl, which is an extreme curl.
Once your extensions are glued on you will need to avoid getting them wet for 12 hours. This includes no sweating, crying or showering. The glue used to attach the extensions can occasionally cause reactions.
One of the major downsides to lash extensions is the cost and maintenance. Yes, the look is dramatic and super glamorous — but a full set of lashes costs between US $100 – $500 plus the cost of infills.
LVL Enhance, or Lash Lift
LVL stands for length-volume-lift. The LVL Enhance, or lash lift as it’s sometimes known, is basically a lash perm. A setting serum is applied to the root of your natural lashes. This straightens the root forcing the lash into a deeper curl. Once this has taken, lashes are tinted to give them a thicker longer look.
The results of LVL Enhance are noticeable and dramatic and lasts 6-8 weeks before the effects begin to wear off. It will require a consultation and patch test, much like with tinting. LVL Enhance costs around $70.
Lash Serum
Lots of cosmetic brands have their own version of lash serum. This is usually applied to lashes at night to encourage growth.
Talika Lipocils is a good value serum many people swear by. Natural ingredients such as nettle, horse chestnut and witch hazel stimulate lash growth whilst soy lecithin delivers these directly into the hair follicle. 28 days of treatment is needed to see results. Talika Lipocils costs around $45.
There are lash enhancing options for every price range. So if you’re not down for strip lashes for whatever reason, but still want some sort of enhancement, there are lots of alternative choices. Make sure to take your own needs into account, selecting an option that works well with your own eyes and always seek out a licenced professional service provider.
Let 2018 be the year you stop traffic with your lashes!
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Katy Seymour is a super-sex-positive writer in the U.K. who believes kink is life. Email her at katy@ynotcam.com.
