Everything You Need to Know About the Diablo Cosmetics Lash Lift Kit
The first time I got my lashes lifted I felt like a gosh-darn princess. There’s something so satisfying about looking up and feeling your lashes brush your lids- IYKYK! Unfortunately my bank account tends more towards “average” than “royalty”, so lash lifts were never a part of my regular routine. But then I discovered DIY lash lifts. YES they exist and YES they’re reasonable to do!!
Diablo Cosmetics first gifted me their lash lift kit nearly two years ago. Since then I've used their products enough times that I’m ready to tell you everything you need to know! This review is specifically about the Diablo Cosmetics Lash Lift kit, but is not incentivized in any way- I don't have an affiliate code nor am I getting paid to post about it.😊 This is nothing but my honest opinion and experience!
In a hurry? You can scroll to the bottom for a TL;DR pros and cons list.
Does the Diablo Cosmetics Lash Lift Kit work?
Great question. Yes! I promise you it works. Your results may vary slightly based on your lashes and how carefully you follow the instructions, but the kit does what it's supposed to. Here are some before and after pics of my most recent lift using the lash lift kit:
What’s included with the Lash Lift Kit from Diablo Cosmetics?
The Lash Lift Kit comes with the supplies to give you five lifts. This includes adhesive, lift lotion, fix lotion, nourishing lotion, lift pads, and a lash comb.
Adhesive: this is the glue that you’ll use to attach the lift pad to your eye and to secure your lashes to the lift pad. It has a small brush applicator.
Lift lotion: this is the lifting solution that gives your lashes a mini perm!
Fix lotion: this is the stuff that locks the lift in.
Nourishing lotion: a lash conditioner to hydrate and strengthen your lashes.
Lift pads: bendy, silicone pads shaped kind of like bananas. There are several sizes to choose from. The thicker the pad, the more subtle the lash lift.
Lash comb: a tool to help you brush your lashes out straight onto the lift pad.
Optional Supplies
Diablo Cosmetics also offers a few "upgraded" kits with additional supplies. For example, for $10 more the Lashlift Starter Set also comes with an oil-free cleanser, micro applicators, and lash wands. These things aren't necessary but can make the process easier. The bottle of cleanser is quite small (though I do love it). The lash wands aren’t very useful in my opinion, but the micro applicators are great. They’re like a tiny little q-tip and allow you to be very precise with your application. It’s up to you to decide if these things are worth the extra $10. If you already have micellar water I’d suggest just sticking with the basic kit.
How do I use the Lash Lift kit?
The kit comes with instructions on the packaging! It’s not too complicated, but there are a few thing to know and do before you get started.
How Long Does it Take to Lift Your Lashes?
Like most things, you'll get better and faster with practice. My fist attempt took me around an hour. I lifted my lashes yesterday in about 30 minutes. I'm sure plenty of people are much more efficient at it than I am, too! Block out around an hour so you won't be rushed and worried about getting it done.
What You Need
Here are some things you're going to need on-hand while you work:
- Everything in your lash lift kit
- Q-tips or cotton buds
- Applicators (you can use a q-tip, a blunted toothpick, a small detail eye brush, the Diablo Cosmetics mico applicators, etc.)
- Micellar water (or the Diablo Cosmetics Cleanser)
- Plastic wrap
- Timer
Before You Start
Before you get started, there are a few things you need to do. Don't skip these steps. Your eyes aren't something to mess around with!
1. Patch test the products.
"Always patch test 24 hours before use to ensure there is no reaction to the products." Apply small swatches of all three lotions and the adhesive to the inside of your elbow or wrist. Let sit for 10 minutes, wipe off, and observe for 24 hours to ensure no irritation. Do not proceed with the lift if any irritation occurs. The sachets of lotions last 7 days once opened, so you don't need to worry about wasting product on the patch test! You'll have plenty in the packets to complete your lash lift. Just stick them in a plastic baggie and use them once the patch test is done.
2. Read all the instructions.
Some of the steps are time-sensitive. Make sure you know each step so you're not caught off guard.
3. Gather and prepare your supplies.
Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need and that it's out of the packaging and ready to go! You don't want to be stuck running through the house looking for a q-tip while the lift lotion over-process on your lashes.
4. Take out your contacts.
Contact lenses can trap unwanted things, like errant lift lotion, in your eyes. Take them out in case you need to rinse your eyes. I also found that if I leave them in I still can't see anyway- applying the lift pad and brushing out my lashes moves the contact around enough that it's not really doing its job.
How to Lift Your Lashes
These instructions are straight off the packaging! I've included some learned lessons and pro-tips, too.
"1. Use an oil-free cleanser to clean any makeup, residue, or dirt from your lashes and eyelid area, then ensure the area is completely dry."
Pro tip: Regular eye makeup removers can leave a greasy residue. That will ruin your lift before it even happens. Micellar water is a great option for this step! The Diablo Cosmetics Cleanser is great but a bit pricy on its own.
"2. Pick a lift pad size, then apply a good amount of adhesive to the back of the pad. Wait 30 seconds then place the pad as close to your lash line as possible. Hold in place for 30 seconds."
Pro tip: The smaller lift pads don't do much. They could be good if you're nervous and want to practice with low-stakes results! Pick the M1 lift pad for a rather natural look, M for a nice lift, or S for "oh they curled their lashes" look. You may need to trim the ends of the pads to ensure they fit your lids. Use extra adhesive on the edges and take your time ensuring the pad is securely stuck down. If the pad is lifted from your lid, especially along the inner or outer corners, your lashes will not be as curled there. If I make any mistakes during my lifts, it's almost always here. Make sure they're stuck tf down!!
"3.Apply adhesive to the lash side of the pad, wait 30 seconds, then use the lift tool to lift your lashes on to the pad. Make sure they are evenly spaced and straight. Apply more adhesive if needed until they are all stuck down, then let dry."
Pro tip: Don't try to do your whole lash line at once. The glue dries quickly. Apply glue to a third of the pad at a time, let it get tacky, and use your finger to gently smooth your lashes, root to tip, into the glue. Then use the applicator to separate and straighten each lash. They need to be very straight and should not be clumped together at all. Any tangles or clumps will be locked in once you apply the lotions, so take your time here. Apply more glue if you need to. You've got this!
'"4. Using a cotton bud, apply a line of lift lotion along the lower half of your lashes (lash root area). If you apply it over your entire lashes they will become unstuck. Cover with cling film and wait 3-5 minutes depending on lash thickness."
Pro tip: Make sure to get the lift lotion as close to your lash roots as you can. Start with a small amount- its easy to get too much and end up getting it in your eye or on your lash tips.
"5. Remove the lift lotion with a cotton bud without touching the tips of your lashes. Then repeat the same process with the fix lotion. Cover with cling film and wait another 3-5 minutes."
Pro tip: When removing the lotion, gently swirl the cotton bud as you swipe up! This helps you remove more product without accidentally pushing it onto the tips of your lashes.
"6. Use a cleanser and a cotton bud to thoroughly clean your lashes of the lotions and gently remove the pads from your eyelids."
Pro tip: soak a cotton bud in your cleanser or micellar water. Gently press and roll it along your lashes from root to tip to remove the glue. Be generous with the cleanser and be patient- you don't want to damage any of your newly lifted lashes!
"7. Apply the nourish lotion and comb your lashes. Repeat steps 1-7 on other eye."
"8. Voila! You're all done, enjoy your lifted lashes!"
What to Know About Your New Lash Lift
How to care for lifted lashes?
Diablo Cosmetics suggests avoiding water, steam, eye makeup, or lotions for the first 24 hours. They say that steam is "possible after 24 hours but may weaken lift." This is a slightly controversial take- some people say that your lift is chemically set and should be fine right away (unless you're getting it REALLY wet, like swimming). I'm not one to risk it after the effort, so I avoid getting my lashes wet as best as I can for a day or two.
Diablo Cosmetics also suggests avoiding oil-based makeup or waterproof mascaras. Add a lash serum to keep your lashes strong and get even better results on your next lift!
How long will this lash lift last?
It can depend on a number of things! Diablo Cosmetics claims that a lift can last up to two months. My experience is more along the 4-6 week mark, but it will depend on how quickly your lashes grow. Toward the end of your lift’s life your lashes might start to look a little scraggly- just brush them out the best you can. Below I've included a photo of me two weeks after my most recent DIY lift and tint. My lashes are still visibly lifted and still making me happy every morning 🙂
How often can I lift my lashes?
Diablo Cosmetics suggest every four weeks to avoid over processing your lashes.
So, is the Lash Lift Kit worth it?
If you want lifted lashes, this is a great way to get them. The basic lash lift kit is $40 and includes supplies for five lifts. That comes out to $7.80 per lift, which is much nicer on the wallet than the $80 I paid at a lash salon. The only downside is, of course, that you are spending the time and effort to do the lift yourself. It can take practice to get the results you want.
Pros
- Affordable
- Relatively quick and simple
- Wake up with amazing looking lashes every day
- Convenient! Everything you need for a lift in one kit
Cons
- Can be time consuming
- Learning curve possible
- Lashes can be wonky as they grow back out
- Can be a bit of an investment if you're not sure you'll enjoy the process
It's up to you to decide if it's worth it for your lifestyle. I go through phases of loving my lifts and then wanting to be as low maintenance as possible.
Let me know if you have any questions! I'm happy to help in whatever way I can.
Thanks so much for reading. I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Lindsay
