All you need to know about LVL – for your eyelashes

I know that getting an LVL for your eyelashes is not something that anyone can really do right now, but I wanted to let you know about this procedure so that you can look into it when we do get back out into the world again. And when we do, please let’s look at booking our appointments at a small business. Because they’ll be very in need of that business by then!

Okay, so I recently found out about a procedure called LVL for your eyelashes (I’m late to this party, I know). Anyway, I did a bit of research and discovered that the results look amazing! And the procedure is pretty non-invasive, doesn’t take very long and isn’t wildly expensive. So I decided to give it a go!

I mean, I’m definitely keen on enhancements that don’t involve a huge financial outlay, pain or possible permanent regret. And this treatment is all that.

Okay, so what is LVL for your eyelashes?

LVL stands for Length-Volume-Lift. So basically it’s a lash lift. A setting serum is applied to straighten your natural lashes at the root (making them look curled up), and then your lashes are tinted, creating the appearance of mascara. It essentially makes your eyelashes look longer and lifted without the use of an eyelash curler.

How long does it take to do?

The procedure takes between 45-60 minutes to complete. However, mine was an hour and a half because it was my first LVL and my therapist explained everything to me before she proceeded so that I knew exactly what to expect.

Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

What is the application process?

The first thing that happens is that your lower lashes are covered with a gel pad to protect them during the procedure. Because you definitely don’t want your lower lashes curling up into your eyes! That’s not a good look, or very comfortable, I would think. Haha.

Then, based on your particular lashes, they choose the correct size silicone pad size which is then glued onto your eyelid. Now when I was told that, I will admit that I got a little scared that it would hurt when they eventually pulled it off. But of course, they use glue that is water-soluble! Because this isn’t a torture session, let’s not forget! Hah.

And then they brush back the lashes onto the silicone pad and apply the eyelash solution. This solution stays on your eyelashes for 10-15 minutes, then I had a hot towel placed onto a plastic sheet over my eyes for a few minutes. That solution is then removed and a neutralising solution is then applied for about 5 minutes.

I opted to have an eyelash tint as well, so the tint was then applied to my lashes for a further few minutes. And lastly, lash conditioning treatment is applied.

The whole process can actually be quite relaxing. I nearly fell asleep during mine.

How long does it last?

My therapist told me that the treatment can last up to 8 weeks. I’ve heard other people say that it can last anything from 6-12 weeks depending on the growth cycle of your eyelashes which makes sense, I guess. The longevity also depends on whether you care for your lashes during this time.

How much does it cost?

A lash lift can cost anything between $60 and $180 depending on where you have it done.  Mine cost me $129 and while I didn’t think that was cheap, I compared it to what it would cost me to have my regular tinting done twice during that time without a lift and I decided that it’d be worth it.

Is LVL bad for my eyelashes?

No. In fact, the lash lift ingredients that were used on my eyelashes include keratin, aloe vera and castor oil which nourishes and strengthens natural eyelashes.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes. The lashes are lifted onto the silicone pad, so the product never touches your skin. I did, however, remove my contact lenses before the treatment just in case any product got into my eyes. But I didn’t feel any stinging during the treatment.

You Might Also Want to Read: All You Need to Know About Microblading

Photo by Dominika Gregušová from Pexels

How do I care for my eyelashes afterwards?

I was told to avoid steam and wetting my lashes for 24 hours after my procedure. And after that, I was to avoid all oil-based cleansers or make-up and removers on my eyes because it can disrupt the solution. Mascara can be used afterwards, however, I was advised to avoid waterproof mascara as it often needs an oil-based makeup remover to take it off.

I also bought a keratin mascara which I have been using instead of my usual mascara to help the longevity of my lash lift.

Who would be a good candidate for this treatment?

People with very straight or droopy eyelashes would be good candidates, as would anybody who wants to improve the appearance of their eyelashes, really. I have pretty long eyelashes naturally, but I always feel like I need some mascara to enhance them. That’s one of the reasons I had this done.

Check out the before and after photos below to see the results of my LVL lash lift.

Would I recommend an LVL for your eyelashes?

I was super chuffed with the results straight after my lash lift. Seriously amazed and pleased I’d done it. I mean, those before and after photos are pretty convincing, aren’t they?

It took me a few days to get used to my new, improved lashes, though! I’d never tried false lashes or lash extensions before so I was a real newbie when it came to big, long eyelashes. Also, I wasn’t used to feeling my eyelashes on my eyelids all the time. It definitely took some getting used to, but it wasn’t bad.

And yes, I got a few compliments after I’d had it done, but that’s not why I did it. I tried this procedure in the hope that it would ultimately simplify my beauty routine, improve the appearance of my eyelashes and make me feel good. And it certainly did all that.

Also, I like that I’m not damaging my eyelashes or causing them unnecessary stress (like the weight of eyelash extensions can do).

I’m into my fifth week at this stage and my lashes still look good. They’re not as dramatic as they were in the beginning (the tint is fading), but they still definitely look longer, curlier and fuller than usual.

So yes, at this stage I would positively recommend getting an eyelash lift if it’s within your budget. Of course, you could simply do your own tinting and use an eyelash curler. But this treatment, with the use of a keratin mascara, results in a healthier, longer-lasting lift experience.

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So is a lash lift the same as a lash perm?

No, a lash lift lifts the base of your lashes making them appear lifted and longer while a lash perm curls the tip of your lashes.

Have you ever tried an LVL? If not,  is it something you might try in future? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

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