What Is a Lash Lift and Tint? Hint: Low-Maintenance Beauty at Its Best

By Waxing The City

If you’ve been in pursuit of fuller, bolder eyelashes, no doubt you’ve tried it all: layers of mascara, false lash sets that never sit quite right, hours spent getting tedious lash extensions. But there’s a better (and less time-consuming) way to get longer, more luxurious lashes: a lash lift and tint. What is a lash lift and tint? It’s your perfect low-maintenance shortcut to enhance your natural lashes — no makeup, no daily maintenance, no adhesive required.

Whether you’re a makeup minimalist in search of the ultimate bare-faced yet polished look, or you simply want to ditch the mascara and eyelash curler (and the dreaded mascara smudges) to spend your mornings feeling fresh, focused, and ready to take on the day, a lash lift and tint just might be for you. 

Ready to streamline your morning routine? Here’s what you need to know before you go.

How lash lifts work

So, what is a lash lift, exactly? Lash lifts work with your natural lashes: each lash is individually curled and lifted to create a fuller, more eye-opening look — kind of like a perm for your lashes. Whereas lash extensions are attached to your individual lashes using an adhesive, a lift works with what you’ve already got — simply giving your natural lashes a boost to help them live up to their full potential (literally).

Who is a good candidate for a lash lift?

If you want to look more bright-eyed and feel a serious boost of confidence, a lash lift could be just what you’re looking for. Those with naturally thick or long lashes will often see the most dramatic transformation after the treatment, while the results for those with sparse or shorter lashes may be more subtle.

If you have very sparse or damaged eyelashes, it’s important to proceed with caution and consider a consultation with your Cerologist. They will help you determine the best option for your unique lashes. And, of course, if you’re prone to eye infections or have extra-sensitive skin around your eyes, this may not be the service for you at this time.

Benefits of a lash lift at Waxing the City

When you book your lash lift and tint with us, you’re not just getting a treatment — you’re treating yourself to an experience crafted by our expert Cerologists, who know lashes like nobody else in the city. Here’s what sets a Waxing the City lash lift and tint apart:

  • It’s quick and easy; you’ll see results in under an hour, as opposed to the one to three hours it takes to get lash extensions.
  • You’ll get a volume and length boost.
  • The results are immediate and last for up to two months.
  • Lash lifts are totally safe for your natural lashes and won’t damage them.
  • There’s no need to skip makeup altogether if that’s not your style. You can still complement your look by wearing mascara along with your lash lift.

Lash lifts vs. lash extensions

Compared to lash extensions — which can mean lying eyes-closed for hours and coming back every two to three weeks for refills  — lifts are a breeze. And they last longer! Since a lift lasts for up to eight weeks and simply works with your natural lashes, you have more wiggle room to decide how often you would like to commit to upkeep.

Can you lift your own lashes?

Yes, technically. There are at-home lash lift kits out there. However, like most beauty services (especially ones involving your delicate eye region), we recommend leaving this one to the experts. Our pro Cerologists are extensively trained and can give you better and longer-lasting results than a DIY lash lift would.

How long does a lash lift take?

A lash lift service can vary by person (often taking an hour or so), and a tint service can take an additional 15 to 30 minutes so the dye has a chance to set properly. We recommend contacting your local studio for an estimated appointment length.

How long does a lash lift last?

The results will last for up to six weeks, while a tint lasts about four weeks. A lash tint will gradually lighten up over the weeks following your service as the dyed lashes start to shed, and new eyelash growth in your natural color comes in to take its place.

How to make your lifted lashes last longer

Want to keep your lashes looking luscious for as long as possible? Follow these guidelines.

  • Avoid oil-based skincare products, treatments, and conditioners, which can wear down your lift.
  • Gently brush out your lashes regularly with a lash brush or brow spoolie. This will help them retain their shape better. 
  • If you wear mascara on top of your lift, avoid waterproof formulas.
  • Check out even more tips for lash lift aftercare and to make your lash lift last.

What is a lash tint? (Hint: It’s the perfect complement to a lift)

Often added on to a lash lift, a lash tint service is the process of dyeing eyelashes with a custom-blended, semi-permanent tint. The result? Lashes that look darker, more defined, and beautifully full. It’s similar to the effect of brow tinting. Lasting about four weeks, this process gives you a bold yet delicate lash line, plus long-lasting color and definition to your natural lashes. Your Cerologist will help you select the right shade for your lashes.

Benefits of a lash tint (included with a lash lift!)

Here are just a few of the benefits of a lash tint (included with a lash lift service at Waxing the City):

  • The tint makes your lashes pop, just like mascara would. Your natural lashes will look bolder and more defined, as if you’re wearing makeup.
  • It saves you time. No more scrambling to apply eye makeup pre-Zoom meeting!
  • It’s a super-quick process that can be easily added on to a lash lift or other service. The actual application of the dye only takes a few minutes, however you’ll need to wait about 10-15 minutes for the tint to process.
  • It’s long lasting (plan on going about four weeks between applications).
  • You can choose how dark you want to go, with the help of your Cerologist.

Lash lift and tint vs. mascara

If you love the idea of removing a step from both your morning and evening beauty rituals, a lash lift and tint can help you kick the mascara (and mascara removal) habit altogether. With your natural lashes enhanced to look fuller and darker, you’ll wake up looking effortlessly polished every day. There’s even better news, though: You can still wear makeup on your lashes if you want to. Just avoid waterproof formulas, which will require you to rub too hard on your delicate treated lashes when you take it off.

What is the lash lift and tint process?

A combo eyelash lift and tint involves four basic steps:

  • Bonding
  • Lifting
  • Volumizing
  • Tinting

First, the technician will press your eyelashes to get them ready for a lifting balm, which is known as bonding. When applied, the balm straightens your natural lashes at the root. Lashes are then lifted, elevating and reshaping them to give a longer and thicker appearance. Next, a volumizing solution seals the shape. Finally, if you’re opting for tinting along with your lift, a special dye is applied to your lashes to make them appear darker and more dramatic.

This image shows a visual answer to the question “What is a lash lift before and after?” The before image shows natural lashes, while the after image shows lashes that have undergone a lift and tint service.

How to prepare for a lash lift and tint appointment

Make sure that you arrive at your appointment wearing no makeup or self-tanner. If you normally wear contacts, you’ll want to make it a glasses day. Your eyes will be closed during these services, and going au naturel helps keep you comfortable and prevents your eyes from getting irritated.

How much does a lash lift cost?

Prices will depend on your location and other factors. Lash lifts start at $90 at Waxing the City, while lower lash lifts start at $30. Tints are included — no additional time or money needed!

Will a lash lift and tint damage natural lashes?

In short, no. As long as your natural lashes are already healthy, a lift and tint is perfectly safe. Think of the lash tinting process as comparable to dyeing your hair — and when done by a trained Cerologist, it’s gentle and effective. And there’s another bonus: You’ll also be doing your lashes a favor by sparing them the wear and tear of daily mascara application and removal.

Don’t worry if you’d still like to complement your look with mascara, though. Just remember not to rub or tug at your lashes to remove it, which could disrupt your lift and tint in the process.

Lash lift aftercare

Lifts and tints are wonderfully low maintenance, but since the eye area is delicate, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to keep your lashes looking flawless.

For the first 48 hours after your service:

  • Be sure not to get the area around your eyes wet, as water can weaken your lift and affect the dye.
  • Avoid washing your face (use makeup-removing wipes instead), swimming, saunas, showers, or sweaty exercise routines. If you’d like to work out, stick to yoga, barre, or gentle, low-impact activities where you won’t sweat as much.
  • Avoid using any beauty products in the eye area, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyelash curlers
  • Hands off! Try not to rub or touch your eyes or face for the first couple days. Oil buildup on your lashes may prevent them from setting correctly.
  • Don’t sleep on your face for the first two nights. Your lashes may lose their shape, as they are more pliable after a lift. Instead, sleep on your side or back.
  • A cold compress can help if you experience any redness or irritation. 

After your lift and tint service, your Cerologist will guide you through specific aftercare instructions and answer any questions you have. Then all that’s left to do is sit back, enjoy your lashes’ glow-up, and get ready to take on your day with confidence!

Low-maintenance beauty starts with a lash lift and tint

If you’re seeking a simple, quick, safe beauty solution to enhance your natural lashes, look no further than a lash lift and tint. By combining the benefits of a lash lift — which curls and lifts your lashes for a fuller, eye-opening effect — with a tint to add bold definition and color, you can simplify your daily routine. The result? A polished, refreshed look that lasts for weeks, offering a convenient alternative to mascara or lash extensions. Treat yourself to this effortless glow-up (and confidence boost!) for yourself.

Still wondering “what is a lash lift and tint”? Check out an example of what the lash lift and tint process looks like, then book an appointment at a studio near you today. 

Pro tip: The lift/tint combo is a good complement to other beauty services such as brow tinting or brow lamination.