Hi! How’s it going?
Over here it’s going good but cold. I don’t like to leave the house when it’s cold so I’m extra proud of myself for rallying and getting out yesterday. Go Monican.
Okay. Today is not about running or eating or repeating. Nope.
Today’s post is about a huge crisis facing redheads all around the world…
Yes, it’s time someone brought this issue to the mainstream media. Redheads make up about 2% of the world’s population so this crisis hasn’t been addressed on most news outlets – maybe in Ireland, but I can’t confirm.
This issue isn’t just a ginger issue, but it’s very common with this group. It is = light colored eyelashes and/or eyebrows.
It wouldn’t be that big of a deal but unless you live under a rock without a phone you know that eyebrows are the most important trait to look for when making friends / finding someone to marry / getting your cat to like you. So my light brows are the reason I have no friends. (It has nothing to do with the fact that I AM VERY LOUD and like to eat other people’s food, nothing.)
Anyway.
I got my eyebrows dyed today. I also decided to get my eyelashes permed and tinted. This is a review of eyelash extensions versus eyelash perm and tint. If you’re here for running and eating come back tomorrow OR come over my house and we’ll go running and eating (but don’t complain about me being LOUD you were warned).
Eyelash Extensions:
Last year around this time I got eyelash extensions. I figured it would make it easier to get up and go when I was in Jerusalem. I liked them, but they require a lot of money and maintenance. The first session is about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs between $130 to $200. You get fills every 2 to 4 weeks (they say that but I think 3 weeks is the max when you have light eyelashes coming back in). Fill sessions take about 1 hour and cost $45 to $80.
Overview: Eyelash extensions are fake lashes individually glued on to your lashes. They are thicker and longer than natural lashes and give a dramatic look. The lashes come in different thickness and length so you can get them super dramatic or more natural. They fall off either with your normal lashes or slowly fall off with wear.
It’s hard to wear eyeliner with them. You have to take care of them and not use any oil based cleanser.
Pros to eyelash extensions: They look like you’re wearing awesome mascara or false eyelashes. They give you a make-up look without having to wear any. It makes it super easy to just put some sunblock or a great beauty balm foundation with and lip-gloss and you’re ready to go.
Cons to extensions: Price and time. They are expensive and you have to make time to get fills. You have to be very careful when removing make-up and not use any oil based make-up removers. It’s hard to put on eyeliner with extensions (they seem to be a little in the way and you shouldn’t use a waterproof kind).
Eyelash Perm and Tint:
Eyelash perm is when they basically ‘perm’ your eyelashes so they curl up. You can also tint them which is just dyeing them black. You don’t have to do both. I think most people just do the perm if they have super straight lashes.
I wanted to do the perm because I have very long eyelashes but they are super straight. I curl them when I wear make-up but they don’t stay curled. When I don’t wear any make-up I feel like they cover my eyes with a shaggy dog with fur in his face.
So, I thought getting an eyelash perm would help my lashes stay curled and doing the tint would give my light lashes a little color.
I know it’s not great but I have to admit that I don’t like how I look without make-up because my eyes look kind of weird without any lashes to frame them. I don’t like that I have such light colored eyelashes and it makes me feel like an albino alligator when I don’t wear any make-up. This is just something that makes me feel like I should wear make-up even when I don’t want to. (I don’t stay up all night berating myself, it’s just how I feel.)
Today I got my eyelashes permed and tinted. It took about 1.5 hours but what a lot cheaper than eyelash extensions. I also got my eyebrows tinted.
Pros to eyelash perm and tint: It’s cheaper than eyelash extensions. It gives me some definition around my eye without make-up. It lasts 4 to 8 weeks (depending on your hair and regrowth). So you don’t have to go back for an update (‘refill’) as often.
Cons to eyelash perm and tint: It’s not as dramatic as extensions so I still will wear make-up. I can’t put anything on my lashes for 24-48 hours (after that I’m clear to wear mascara and take it off with any make-up remover I want).
I don’t think they came out that great because my lashes still aren’t very curled. Since this was my first time the esthetician didn’t realize we should probably leave the perm solution on for a little longer. My hair is very straight (I don’t even own a hair straightener) and my lashes are very straight. I think they would be awesome if they were curled more.
Overall: I’m hoping the perm helps my lashes hold a curl and opens them up. I’m going to keep an eye on it to see if it was worth it, but I do think I’d go back to get them curled a little more next time. After another round I’ll decide if it’s worth it.
A very nice girl and a good result )) Well I had nothing to dye actually, before I took a course of Cherish Lash serum and my eyelashes grew much longer… Now I can use your tips and experience, thank you so much))
Hey, I just got my lashes tinted and lifted as well. It’s the second day and dye seems to be flaking off in some areas and when I brush it run a bit, did this happen to you? I never got them wet
No that didn’t happen – actually I feel like the perm gets straight before the dye wears off.
I just got my eyelashes permed and tinted but she didn’t give me many tips on the after care. You mentioned it in the article but you really can put any products on it?! I usually use an cleansing oil to remove mascara and am worried it will ruin my lashes.
I just used my usual stuff – waterproof mascara and baby oil to remove. I think it lasted a while but I’m going to look into it for next round.
Did you ever do a second round of lash curl and tint? If so, would you choose to do it again?
I’m going on a short trip to St. Maarten in a month and can’t decide if I should get the expensive extensions or the not-as-dramatic tint & curl.
I do not look good without eye makeup and would love to just wake up and go!
I did go again and really liked it more the second time. My lashes are super long and straight so she kept it on longer the next time and they came out better. I like extensions too, but they require more care and it’s hard to wear eyeliner with them if you want to fancy it up at night.
Thank you!
Thanks for this post! I am also a redhead and struggle with very, very blonde eyebrows and eyelashes. I have tried tinting my eyebrows but they faded completely a day later. Maybe I just haven’t found the right esthetician. I have never tinted my eyelashes or permed them!
As a natural blonde I completely understand your feelings and concerns about having light eyelashes! I actually have a lot of long lashes, but you can’t see them AT ALL if I don’t wear mascara. I hate the way I look with bare lashes. It makes me look washed out and tired.
Having my lashes tinted is one of my favorite things to treat myself to! I don’t do it often and have never done it back to back as a maintenance thing. I usually have it done before an event or vacation. That way I don’t have to worry about my mascara running (because on me even waterproof will tend to smudge with water and sweat) and I don’t have to take the time doing my full makeup. I get a very dramatic result with the lash tinting and can get away with minimal makeup when I have it done. To keep my lashes curled after using a normal curler I use the clear mascara and it holds mine in place. Or for a really dramatic look I’ll curl them and top with a little mascara over the tint. I’m already planning to tint mine again before a 100 mile relay in the Keys (crazy hot and humid) this may. I usually get around 8 weeks out of my tint!
Thanks Allyssa! This is good to know. I don’t think mine was very dramatic – not sure how to get better color and curl next time.
I like the results – not over the top but definitely gives you more definition around the eyes!
I have straight lashes (and hair) too. I started using Latisse last summer and it worked great for length but they are still light and straight. Wonder if I could perm on top of the Latisse? I need to look in to that.
My brows are so light and sparse that I’m actually looking in to permanent makeup. I think it’s a lot better than it used to be but I still a bit nervous. Currently I use the Anastasia brow kit and can make them look good but sometimes when I run half an eyebrow sweats off and it’s kind of embarrassing!
I love Anastasia brow liner! I haven’t used the kits.
I really like the permed and tinted lashes! I agree with the other commenter that the Better Than Sex mascara works well, but for me, it would start to flake after a few hours. I’ve switched to Benefit They’re Real! and love it.
I’ve been trying Rodan + Fields Lash Boost for the past 8 weeks, and they’re finally starting to look significantly longer… It’s expensive ($160ish) but it seems to be proving worth it. I also just “splurged” and got my fave mascara, DiorShow, which helps the situation too. LOVE!
I honestly think the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is the best thing I could have ever purchase for my eye lashes. The definition and length they give me is amazing. Plus it only cost $23 and it will last me for three months (or more).
Everyone thinks I’m wearing false eye lashes, and I don’t have to deal with difficulties with removing my makeup, time and money. I know is not the same as eye lash extensions because you don’t look yourself in the mirror feeling like you just woke up being at a “novela” (soup opera in Spanish), but for me it works pretty well.
I want my life to be a novela 😉
I’ve heard of that mascara before! I use a super lash mascara from Maybelline and people think I’m wearing false lashes too. As long as I put on mascara I’m okay it’s just waking up with no color.
My eyelashes are super straight too! I found a trick to keep them curled all day – heat your eyelash curler for a few seconds with a blow dryer (I test the eyelash curler on my forearm to make sure it’s not too hot) and then curl your eyelashes for 30 seconds. It locks the curl in all day!
You should try Lash Boost – it creates fuller, longer, darker-looking lashes AND is a heck of a lot cheaper than extensions! My lashes are decently long, but stick straight. After 15 weeks with Lash Boost, my lashes are longer and curl upward all on their own.
I don’t need them longer, but the boost makes them curl? I’d try that!
I got my eyelashes permed last year and I was originally planning on having them tinted as well, but my esthetician said that for some reason the curl doesn’t hold as well when you do the tint at the same time. My curl was pretty good, but it still wasn’t as dramatic as I was hoping (trying to find a cheap and easy way to get the extension look!!) It will just have to wait until I become a millionaire!
I wonder if that contributed to my lashes not being that curled. I wish I would have known that! How long did it last for you?
I would say a few weeks. I actually didn’t do a perm but something else I can’t remember the name of right now! I will reply again if I think of it.
I’m Irish living in Ireland and unfortunately this crisis is not being addressed here either – must be a conspiracy, grab your tinfoil hat immediately! I have a mix of fair and dark lashes so I get them tinted every few weeks. It means I spend much less time poking myself in the eyes in the morning – success!
We must bring this information to the people of Ireland! I’m on my way!!
(I wish!)
I’ve been considering eyelash tinting – also a redhead with “alien eyes” if not wearing mascara. My lashes (and hair) are curly. I had never heard of lash perms! Hows 80’s of us!! Anyways, you are not alone feeling less than impressed with your “naked” face. My eyes look so much better with black lashes.
I think the tinted results are great!! I would feel comfortable sporting that everyday and applying mascara/liner to dress it up. If I need to run out casually, I just do a quick sweep of mascara (which your results look like that to me) rather than the triple layer for date night haha. Keep us posted on wear, upkeep, and results.
I’ll definitely keep ya posted. I hope next time the curl will be a little more dramatic too.
I’ve done eyelash and eyebrow tinting before. It’s great when going on vacation somewhere like Hawaii where I’ll be in the water a lot. I loved it! Alas, I don’t go on many nice vacations anymore so I put that splurge on the back burner lol.
That’s why I originally did the lash extensions – for vacation.
I’ve permed my eyelashes several times before and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. My eyelashes are super long but droopy, and many people have told me that. When I discovered eyelash perming it was a life changer!
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Thanks for chiming in! How long does it last on you?
Wow! Its actually a lot more pronounced than I would have imagined! Its like your wearing full mascara. Interesting, I think I’m a little too freaked out about the idea of having tiny eyelashes inserted onto my eyeballs to get it done.. but i bet it would look nice..
I know, when I think about the process it freaks me out too. I was afraid the solution was going to drop into my eye!
seriously, you did this stuff to your face? I am sorry to see that you find this stuff to be important. let it go. it is not important. stop. go back to healthy for all of you. give all that money you spend on your eyes and eyebrows to charity. that will fill the gap you are experiencing.
It is her face. Not really your issue. Plenty of people get makeup enhancements and it certainly is not a sign of some deep, profound issue…..
I hear ya, it’s a very ‘first world problem’. I do find it a little important but I don’t think it crosses a line of being unhealthy. I give to charity and volunteer but this is something I want to do too.
You don’t have to explain yourself! Not everything has to be “important” and not every extra cent has to go to charity (although I absolutely think you’re awesome for giving). I doubt wsullivan has never spent a cent on makeup (unless male?), or bought an unnecessary item of clothing, etc.
I’m considering getting extensions because quite frankly, I hate washing my eye makeup off. Hate. It. But I’m in my thirties so I look tired if I don’t have mascara on.