We're not afraid to admit that we're pretty obsessed with eyelash tinting. Long eyelashes without the need for mascara or falsies—what's not to love? But the problem is it can be hard to know what place will do a legit job. It's a safe process if done correctly, and it can last from 4 to 6 glorious mascara-free weeks. Generally it costs between $20 to $40. A few things to keep in mind with the best service: It does burn your eyes (take heed, sensitive souls) and you have to keep your vegetable-dye coated eyelids completely closed for eight minutes (no peeking, unless you want lesser tinted lashes). You will emerge from the experience with the most lush, glossy lashes, a more perfect version of yourself; you, but the kind of you that your co-worker stops and asks, "Did you do something different to your hair?"
So we set out to find what separates the good lash-tinting places from the bad, and it turns out that an up-front interview with your aesthetician should be able to clue you in. We headed over to Benefit's Brow Bar in NYC (most brow places offer lash tinting!) to find out exactly what you need to know, so you can ask the right questions at your next appointment. Here's what Benefit's Global Brow Expert Jared Bailey suggested that any legit establishment should be able to tell you up-front.
1. What kind of dye do you use?
Lash tinting is totally safe, if you know exactly what to ask for. According to Bailey, Benefit only uses a vegetable-based dye on the lashes, so make sure to ask your aesthetician to use a natural dye. They should never be using regular hair dyes for tinting.
2. How should I prep beforehand?
You should make sure to avoid self-tanner a week before the visit, as it can react negatively with the dye (think an unwanted weird reddish tint). Oh, and if you wear contact lenses, skip them that day. They could get stained from the dye.
3. Will my eyes burn or sting?
Not going to beat around the bush, the stinging I felt was like someone shook some Tabasco into my eyes five minutes in. Bailey describes it as a slight peppery feeling, which is totally par for the course. Plus, after eight minutes have passed, your aesthetician will flush out your eyes with saline solution for as long as you desire, which is super refreshing and adds to the whole reborn-again-but-this-time-with-amazing-eyelashes kind of reward. Unfortunately, I wish I could say there was some magical potion to lessen the burn, but you just have to brace yourself.
4. How do I make my tint last?
To keep your lashes looking as rich and lush for as long as possible, Bailey recommends steering clear of cleansing oils and oil-based makeup removers that can break down the vegetable dye faster. Instead, opt for a cream cleanser in the meantime (my personal go-to: Glossier Milky Jelly).
5. Will my lashes look noticeably different?
Bailey mentioned that clients with the lightest lashes see the most difference, obviously. But he also said that most people have lashes that fade at the ends, so a tint can really highlight parts of the lash you didn't even know existed.
