Want extra glamorous lashes? Supposedly, you can get just that with an at-home eyelash lift (yes, that’s a thing!) Here’s my experience with the product.
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One of my first childhood memories is my mother putting on her make-up in front of our big bathroom mirror. She always formed a small O with her mouth when applying her blue mascara, which was super trendy back then. I know I also make an O with my mouth – it’s interesting that most women do. My memory also takes me back to my first attempts with an eyelash curler. Ouch! I’ve no idea how many times I pinched my eyelid. Certainly too many times to count. But the eyelash curler was another thing I copied from Mum. After all, lashes need that feline curve to really show them off – even if it’s in royal blue.
The years went by, and only my eyelashes remained unchanged. And by that I mean they’re as short, straight and blonde at the tips as ever. My skills using an eyelash curler haven’t grown massively, either, so I’m always on the lookout for alternatives. On the advice of a friend who goes to the beauty salon more often than the fridge, I ordered the RefectoCil Eyelash Lift. She knows all about my eyelash woes – and my limited budget – and recommended this DIY lift, manufactured by a professional salon brand. The question is: will I manage it on my own? It’d certainly be nice, especially in the summer. That’s the time of the year I spend mainly in the water and therefore neglect my make-up and styling. So, it’d be nice to look a bit more put together.
After the recommended allergy test (which I’m prone to omit when dyeing my hair, but eyesight seems more precious to me), it’s time to get to work. When I first open the set, I’m overwhelmed by the numerous filigree parts, including a tube of LashPerm Refill, a tube of neutraliser, little trays, brushes, glue, rollers, rosewood sticks – and, thankfully, a leaflet with detailed instructions. On the cover is a young woman with an oh-so-natural lash curl. We’ll see if I manage that.
All these knick-knacks will give you two lash lifts.
I get off to a rocky start. I had planned on filming my attempt, but gave up on it. It’s six in the morning, it’s hot and I’m so puffy that I have to wait a while until I can precisely locate my eyelid. My advice to you is to find a helping hand. It’ll make things easier. Because I’m doing this on my own, I’ve got to do each eye separately, which takes twice as long. I decide to use the small pad (the last time I wore a size small was in middle school, so I’m chuffed for a moment!) I use the glue and rosewood stick to attach the pad to my eyelid and fix my lashes to it using the LashPerm. It smells like the stuff you’d use on your head for a perm. Very chemical. I love the smell, but it’s a matter of taste.
Apply carefully and then wait a while. To see the results, keep reading.
What follows now are eight minutes of lying down, keeping absolutely still, because I’m doing this on my own and really don’t want to get the product in my eye. With my eye open and staring up at the ceiling, I relax and enjoy the scent. Then it’s time for the neutraliser, which I apply using a small brush. Come to think of it, why is it called a «neutraliser»? It kind of makes it sound like it’ll counteract the lifting. But what do I know? According to the instructions, this intensifies the lifting effect and makes it last longer. But then I’d call it the «intensifier» – that sounds way more impressive. Another five minutes of lying still as a stone, and then it’s time to remove everything. I use a damp cotton pad to loosen the glue. I feel a bit sticky after, not unlike when I wake up. Go figure. Only one thing to do, then: rub away at my eye with a towel. Before I sneak a peak in the mirror, I complete the other eye. It all takes me about half an hour.
I don’t look like the lady on the brochure. But I do notice significantly more curl. My eyes look much more awake, though that could just be the three coffees talking. Because of my naturally blonde lash tips, the DIY eyelash lift only really comes into its own after applying mascara. It looks great. Subtle, but nice. If I was a cat, I’d be purring now. Rawr! And, in six weeks’ time – that’s how long the manufacturer claims the lift lasts – I’m definitely going to give it another go.
