Tired of curling your lashes only for them to slouch back down? That’s where the best lash-lamination kits come to the rescue. “A lash lift can open up the eyes and give lashes a lifted, curled look without extensions,” pro makeup artist Brielle Pollara explains. And while the term might sound intimidating, it’s really just a perm for straight lash hairs—adding curl, lift, and a bit of oomph.
Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Lash Lamination Kits
Iconsign Eyelash Perming Kit
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Clione Prime Korean Lash Lift Kit
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Ayasal Eyelash Lift Kit
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I like to think of it as a quick solution for stubborn lashes that refuse to stay upright—a concern I’ve long dealt with. Much like my brows, my lashes are thick and grow straight downward. Between the first squeeze of my eyelash curler to the end of the day, they slowly revert, dropping like a sundial’s shadow. If you have lashes like mine, we’re ideal candidates. “A lash lift is best suited for natural lashes that are medium to long in length and healthy in density,” Tama Tran, NP-C and founder of Lilly Med Spa adds. “Thick lashes or ones that naturally grow downward typically respond very well because the chemical processing gives noticeable lift and curl.”
Fortunately, while I’ve made many trips to get my lashes permed, you can actually do so safely at home—it really just requires actually reading the directions. “Most at-home lash lift kits are safe as long as you follow the instructions closely and take your time,” says Pollara. “Be gentle, don’t rush, keep the product away from your eyes, do a patch test first, and only use kits from reputable brands. Look for formulas that are gentle, dermatologist-tested, and beginner-friendly. When applied correctly, an at-home lift can be a great way to get that pretty, lifted look without an appointment.”
Below, everything you need to know about using an at-home lash lift kit; plus, the best kits to shop according to our experts.
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Everything You Need to Know
Is it safe to use at-home lash lift kits?
At-home lash lamination kits aren’t inherently unsafe—but following the instructions to a T is non-negotiable. To start, the pros recommend doing a patch test before application to make sure your skin doesn’t react. “The primary concern is exposing your eye to the lifting solution, which can cause irritation if applied incorrectly,” says Tran. “Clinical-grade formulas used by professionals often contain buffered ingredients that minimize damage to natural lashes, but at-home kits may vary.”
Who should avoid using a lash lifting kit?
Tran notes that anyone with hyper-sensitive skin or eczema on their eyelids should proceed with caution before doing an at-home lash lamination. “Those with brittle, sparse, or recently damaged lashes should allow time for regrowth or a conditioning treatment first,” she adds. In addition, if you tend to use waterproof mascara or frequently wear strip lashes—which can be drying to your natural lashes—our experts recommend applying conditioning treatments (like eyelash growth serums) to nourish your lashes before perming. By adding back in hydration, eyelashes are less prone to breakage.
Best Practices for At-Home Lash Lamination Kits
To start things off, Pollara recommends making sure your lashes are completely clean and makeup-free before you even touch your lash-lamination kit. “Always patch test every product that comes in the kit, especially if it contains a perming solution,” she says. “Work slowly and follow the timing guidelines exactly, since over-processing can weaken the lashes.” Tran agrees, adding that setting a timer is an easy way to take the guesswork out of how long is too long for processing time.
She also recommends ensuring that your silicone shield is securely in place so your lashes lift evenly and your eyes stay protected from any product seepage. Once your lash lamination is done, you’re in the clear—mostly. “Just keep your lashes dry and avoid mascara for at least 24 hours to help the curl set,” Pollara adds.
How long do lash-lift results last?
While a lash lift typically lasts six to eight weeks, Pollara reminds us that this also depends on your natural lash cycle. “The results fade gradually as your lashes grow out,” she says. “To make your lift last as long as possible, avoid waterproof mascara for the first couple of days and skip heavy oils on the eye area.”
Are brow and lash laminations the same thing?
While the chemical process is similar, brow lamination and lash lifts serve different purposes. “A brow lamination relaxes and redirects brow hairs so they look fuller and more uniform. A lash lift curls and sets the lashes upward to create a more open, eye-brightening effect,” says Pollara.
Tran agrees, adding that the formulas aren’t one-to-one matches from lash to brow lamination products. “The formulations may differ slightly because the lash margin is more delicate than brow skin,” she says. “Application areas and aftercare needs also differ due to the proximity to the ocular surface.”
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to lash lamination kits, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, what’s included, result longevity, and positive feedback.To do this, we paired expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
- Tama Tran, MSN, NP-C founder of Lily Med Spa in Dallas, Texas.
- Brielle Pollara is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician based between New York and New Jersey.
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