Do you 'do' your own lashes?

[Seddon]

I've quite long thick lashes and think if they were lifted/curled and a bit blacker they'd look fab without any makeup or daily effort. But it's so expensive, I'm outside the UK but 50+ pounds per visit.

I DIY most beauty things to keep costs down, is this something I could realistically try myself with good results and low risk?

Any tips and brand recommendations most welcome!

I used to do my own but the result was never that great. It was hard to get the right consistency, and put the protectors under your eyes while getting right down to the root of the hair.

I've now found a fantastic woman who dyes them. The key, I've found, is to have them done regularly. They look thicker and the accumulative effect keeps them looking thicker and longer. I pay £12 a session, which I think is top-whack price really. But she's so good! I'm blonde and my lashes are blonde. Good quality and quantity but you just can't see them. Now I don't even have to wear mascara!

Thanks @Gracewithoutend .

I wish it was that cheap here!

Superdrug was £10 before covid. Its not gone up that much. I'd think it's the same price across the country.

An ex-beautician friend taught me to do mine after the salon I was using raised the price to nearly £30, she literally wouldn't let me pay again until I'd tried. And I've never looked back. It takes a little practice to get a steady enough hand but I don't use any protective pads or Vaseline barriers etc. because the dye paste is a thick enough consistency not to drip.

I use an angled eyeliner brush and - in a paint and push type motion to get the dye as close as possible - paint a line just touching the edge of my lid and lash line then work my way along. Then I paint down the length of the lashes (with lid closed) in three strokes to cover the entire lash fan, followed by gently patting under the lash curl on an open eye for full coverage. Next, I use a cotton bud to remove any excess from the lid.

Finally, I use what remains on the brush to carefully coat my bottom lashes and repeat on the other eye. I leave it on for just over fifteen mins because I like a deeper tint but you can experiment with timing. I remove everything with slightly damp cotton pads, wiping downwards in the first instance and then across and between the lashes with a clean pad when the dye is nearly gone. I finish with a coating of Vaseline to condition them,

Obviously, the above is always subject to you doing a patch test with each new dye/peroxide you try and waiting the full 24 hours to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction. I get beautiful results doing them this way and my lashes look thicker and healthier too. The line close to the lid gives a really crisp 'made up' result and is well worth a try if you have the confidence.

(That was SO long, sorry, but it is a really effective technique)

@CoffeeAndEnnui That's very informative. Thank you. What dye do you use, can I ask?

I use Julienne Eyelash Tint in Blue Black (the individual dye tube not the kit) and 2% Hydrogen Peroxide developer. I mix it in a little glass jar (mini honey one, classy!) so I can see the consistency.

I used to mix mine but I could never get it to stay on the lashes. It was either too thick and it sort of balled up. Or it was too weak. I think you've been fortunate to be taught by a professional. I'm very envious!

I use black just for men beard dye. Quick and easy although the box doesn't recommend it for such use

I've permed my lashes at home; it's a bit fiddly for sure but worth it for saving £40. The results are decent although the salon petm I had was a better 'lift'.

I did my own during lockdown. Bit fiddly but I got fab results. I just did one eye at a time so I could see what I was doing.

You did a great job Rainbow. They look wonderful. No way I could do my own.

I do my own at the roots as they are blonde. Use Mylee and a fine painting brush. I think the mix is less damaging to eyes now as I used to sometimes get it in my eye which was painful. Not so much now. Wipe with cotton wool pads then rinse over the sink.
Have you tried eyelash curlers?

I use eyelash curlers every day (and have done since v early teens so for maybe 30 years)

Is there a permanent option? I had no idea!

Rainbow, well done. Very natural.
I used to get my lashes tinted at the hairdresser, then bought something I believe it was called Dark Eyes. Once I bought a stay on eyeliner kit not sure if Dark Eyes or something else, and used it on my eyelashes. I tried to make unnoticeable line, making soft tiny dots close to the lash line. Feel a bit motivated now, good luck.

I’ve always tinted at home - my mum is very blonde and I started doing it as a teen along with her.

I use Refectocil. I must have bought a kit at some stage because I have the little pot things for mixing like they use in salons, and I apply with a small paint brush and a mascara spoolie. I clart on a load of Vaseline before I start. I’m an old hand at it but I agree with pp about doing one eye at a time while you get used to it.,

Thanks all.

I'm more keen to get my lashes lifted and curled as they're quite straight. Tint less of an issue as they're dark, though I figured tinting through to the very ends of the hairs will make them look longer.

I'm being bombarded with ads for DIY kits on insta.

ICONSIGN Lash Lifting Kit Eyelash Perm Kit Upgraded Version Lash Curling, Effective Economical Lash Lifting with Whole Tools, Semi-Permanent Curling Perming Wave Suitable For Salon amzn.eu/d/ax24tsa
This is the kit I used.