I don’t know about you, but I just don’t have the energy to do a full face of makeup before my morning Zoom meetings anymore. I understand that some people feel more put together after applying foundation and a few layers of mascara, but lately, I just haven’t been able to keep up with that routine. That’s why I became interested in eyelash tinting.
I wanted to make my mornings easier without looking like I just rolled out of bed on camera. So, I finally gave eyelash tinting a try. Lash tints are meant to give your lashes the look of wearing mascara, without you actually having to apply it. If you’re thinking about trying it too, here’s how it worked for me—and everything you should know before booking your own appointment.
What does an eyelash tint do?
Think of eyelash tinting as similar to dyeing your hair, but for your lashes. It doesn’t change the shape, length, or volume of your lashes—you would need a lash lift or extensions for that. What it does is darken the lashes with a cream-based permanent dye. Some places also use a semi-permanent, vegetable-based dye instead. Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in New York City, explained this to me when I got my lashes tinted for the first time.
Is a lash tint worth it?
If you have naturally light or blonde lashes, you will likely notice a big difference after a tint. If your lashes are already dark like mine, the change might be more subtle. I was hoping for a big transformation, thinking my lashes would suddenly look very full and bold. Instead, they just looked a little darker and fuller than usual. The biggest difference I noticed was in the tips of my lashes, which are lighter than the rest. Tinting them made my lashes look a bit longer and thicker.
How long does lash tinting take?
The process is very quick. The dye is brushed onto your lashes and left to sit for around 10 minutes. The full appointment takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, though that can vary depending on the technician and the salon.
What does lash tint aftercare involve?
There’s not much you need to do afterward. According to Ashley Cornett, a lash, skincare, and makeup specialist at STRIIIKE Studio in Beverly Hills, you can shower, wash your face, and even wear makeup right after your appointment without affecting the results.
However, she does recommend avoiding too much sun exposure and staying away from certain chemicals like peroxide and chlorinated pool water. These can make the tint fade more quickly. It might be a good time to invest in a nice pair of large sunglasses.
How much does lash tinting cost?
Like most beauty treatments, the price varies depending on your location and the salon. In general, expect to pay somewhere between $45 and $75, not including the tip. A standard tip is around 15 to 20 percent.
How long does an eyelash tint last?
An eyelash tint usually lasts about four weeks. The dye is permanent, so it doesn’t fade, but your lashes naturally fall out over time and are replaced with new, untinted ones. For best results, Richardson suggests keeping the area around your eyes dry for the first 24 hours after the treatment and using oil-free makeup removers and creams around your eyes afterward.
Can you wear mascara with a lash tint?
Yes, you can still wear mascara if you want to, but it’s best to avoid waterproof formulas. Cornett explains that the effort needed to remove waterproof mascara can be rough on tinted lashes and may cause the tint to fade faster.
Does lash tinting hurt?
No, it doesn’t hurt. It might feel a little uncomfortable during the process, though. For me, the part that felt the most odd was having the protective shields placed near my lash line. Anything close to your eyes can feel strange, but since the treatment is quick, it wasn’t a big deal.
Is eyelash tinting safe?
This depends on who you ask. The FDA hasn’t approved any color additives for permanently dyeing or tinting eyelashes, which means lash tinting isn’t legal in all states. If you have sensitive eyes or skin, be cautious, as the dye can sometimes cause irritation or other problems.
That said, many people—including celebrities and beauty experts—consider it a safe and low-risk treatment when done properly. The key is choosing a reputable salon with trained, licensed technicians. Always check reviews, call ahead with questions, and avoid deals from places that don’t seem professional.
One last tip about lash tints:
If you’re planning to try a lash tint, it’s worth scheduling a lash lift at the same time. Richardson says she often combines both treatments. A lash lift uses a gentle perming solution to curl your lashes, giving them a more open, lifted look. The combination of the tint and the lift gives results that can look as good as lash extensions—without the extra upkeep.
