Beauty, Treatments
If money were no object I would always have my lashes professionally curled. I’ve had them treated in the past and love the effect. It opens the eye, distracts from any lines and wrinkles and is low maintenance. Eyelash extensions aren’t for me as I have quite deep-set eyes and too long lashes just brush up against the brow bone. False lashes make me look like a drag queen, but a lash lift just gives a little bit more definition to my eyes without looking too obvious.
When an invitation came to visit the Lash Perfect Lash Bar in Soho, London, my first thought was that this is going to be an expensive treatment that I couldn’t afford to regularly repeat, even if I really liked it. I’m not particularly high maintenance, I don’t have regular manicures, facials or salon treatments. My most extravagant indulgence is having my hair coloured every three weeks. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at the treatments at the Lash Perfect Lash Bar, and found that in fact, a Lash Lift was reasonably priced.
Like nail bars, lash and brow bars are springing up all over the place. My advice would be to always check that the salon you choose has fully trained and qualified staff and are fully insured. The Lash Perfect Lash Bar is the flagship salon of an EU registered premium brand, they take training seriously and won’t carry out any treatments until you have performed a patch test.
The effect of longer, thicker and fuller lashes can be achieved by the Lash Perfect Lash Lift. In this treatment, the lashes are lifted from the base of the lash line, which provides a good lift and ensures that the treatment is long lasting.
I was sent the patch test prior to my appointment, you can pop into the salon to have this done as well. You apply the two solutions which will be used during the treatment, behind the ear, and if you have no reaction in 48 hours then you are good to go.
I visited the Lash Perfect flagship salon in Warwick Street, London. It’s pretty interior and air of calm is relaxing from the minute you walk in. After completing a short consent form, I was introduced to my therapist Sam who made sure I was comfortable on the treatment bed. It’s easy to feel comfortable lying down at 4.00pm in the afternoon listening to music.
Sam asked me what effect I was look for, this was to determine whether I should have a C-Curl or J-Curl. This is the amount of curl, C is more dramatic than J, but would probably have my lashes touching my brow bone. We opted for the J-Curl which would be more flattering.
The first stage was for Sam to remove any eye makeup, I didn’t apply mascara to speed up the process. Then hydrating eye pads were placed over my lower lashes and the correct shaped lifting rod placed over the eyelids.
Stage one of the Lash Perfect Lash Lift with hydrating patches covering the lower lashes
Stage two of the Lash Perfect Lash Lift with the J-Curl rods in place
The Lash Perfect Lash Lift
Sam then coaxed my lashes over the rod before applying the first solution, the lifting cream. When the lifting cream has been on long enough, it’s removed and the setting cream is applied. There’s no discomfort and only a slight smell from the solution. You’re used to this if you’ve done a patch test and know what to expect, the smell reminds me of having my hair permed years ago.
The lashes are coaxed over the rods and the lifting cream is applied
Once the second solution, the setting cream, has finished working, it’s removed and the lashes separated and a finishing glaze applied, this conditions the lashes. The result is longer and thicker looking lashes which curl beautifully. They look natural and you can easily go without mascara if you wish. The whole process only takes 30-45 minutes and could even be done in your lunch hour, there’s no down time so no one would know, only you will look better than when you left!
The second solution, the setting cream, is applied during the Lash Perfect Lash Lift treatment
There isn’t a lot of aftercare, just keep the lashes dry for 24 hours and wear minimal mascara at first. I was given the Hi Brow Growth & Conditioning Serum for Brows and Lashes to keep then in good condition, you can purchase this from Lash Perfect or online.
Before and after the Lash Perfect Lash Lift
My lashes looked so good when the treatment was finished, I made sure I didn’t get them wet and didn’t wear makeup until 24 hours later. The lashes should stay curled for 6-8 weeks and best of all the treatment costs between £25-£55 depending on where you have it done. The Lash Lift in the Lash Perfect Lash Bar in London, costs £42.00, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny!
Lash Perfect Lash Bar 9 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LY tel: 020 7434 4554
With thanks to Lash Perfect for the Lash Lift treatment
