Here at team MC, we're suckers for beauty treatments. While there's no doubt we love a great product, something has to be said for the long-lasting benefits of an in-salon treatment. From smoothing Olaplex treatments to a brightening face peel, these professional pamper sessions might cost a little more than an at-home product, but they sure do deliver. And look, we get it, beauty treatments can be spenny but there is one we're happy to spend on time after time. Enter: LVL lashes—a treatment which rivals even the very best mascara.
LVL lashes stands for length, volume and lift. You'll recognise at least one of these beauty buzzwords from pretty much every one of the best mascaras on the market, but it's rare that all three would appear together because, let's be honest, that'd have to be quite the multi-tasking mascara. Usually, you'd have to combine a few of the best lash-lengthening hacks to get the most dramatic results.
Lucky for us, though, LVL lashes manage to do all of the above in one sitting. That's lengthening, volumising, and seriously lifting all in one easy treatment. But what exactly is it, how much does it cost, and where should you be booking your LVL lash lift appointment?
Here's everything you need to know about this brilliant – and we mean brilliant – lash-lift treatment.
What are LVL lashes?
The LVL lash lift, created by Nouveau Lashes, is a treatment that combines both an eyelash perm and an eyelash tint treatment. The best thing about it is that it enhances the lashes that you already have.
How does the LVL lash lift work?
Your lashes are covered in a special serum that straightens them from the root – which (rather than actually straightening) lifts them, giving them that super-curled look. Your lashes are then tinted and, if you're a little sparse, you might be offered some individual lash extensions as well.
What do you look like during an LVL Lash Lift?
This is what you look like during the treatment. Okay, it looks pretty scary, but the treatment is virtually painless... so don't be put off.
How long does the LVL lash lift take?
Typically, LVL lash treatments last between 45 minutes to an hour. Most of that time is spent waiting for things to develop – the serum, the dye, etc. Your eyes are shut the entire time, so you might actually find yourself falling asleep. This is not uncommon.
Do LVL lashes hurt?
They don't hurt one bit. If at any point, you feel any irritation or itchiness, make sure to tell you therapist straight away.
How long do LVL lashes last?
If you take care of them properly, then LVL lashes can last up to 6-8 weeks.
LVL lashes aftercare
For 48 hours after the treatment you're not allowed to get the area wet. This is worth knowing, as washing your hair can be tricky.
You're also not allowed to apply mascara for the first two days—but honestly, you won't want or need to, because your lashes will have never looked better.
Following those initial days, you shouldn't pull at your lashes. This might be obvious to most of you, but what they mean is not to tug on them when you're removing eye make-up. Rather than dragging a cotton pad along your lashes, press it onto your eye and hold for 10 seconds. Doing so will keep your lashes looking better for longer.
Will an LVL lash lift damage my natural lashes?
No, Nouveau Lashes products have been developed to be kind to your lashes. But it's always a good idea to practice good lash care. After the initial 48 hours, you can use a nourishing lash serum to help protect your lashes. The lifting treatment is permanent, BUT your lashes have a natural life cycle, which causes them to fall out to make room for new growth. Prolonging the life of your lash cycle (as lash serums aim to do) will mean you can potentially reap the benefits of the lash lift for even longer than 6-8 weeks. We’ve added some of our favourite nourishing lash serums for you to shop below:
This is MCUK Beauty Contributor Tori Crowther's go-to eyelash serum. While it's pretty spenny, she swears it can't be beaten for its lengthening effects. It contains PGAs, but is specially formulated for sensitive eyes to avoid any irritation that might occur.
If you prefer a PGA-free formula, Glow For It's serum contains natural ingredients, which provide vitamins and nutrients to stimulate the hair follicle and promote growth. Our Junior Shopping Editor Valeza Bakolli swears by it for unreal length and volume - but you have to stay consistent to see results!
How much do LVL lashes cost?
The cost varies between salons, but as a rule of thumb, LVL lashes can cost anywhere from £45–£70.
If you're sat there thinking that you actually prefer the natural lash look, well that's the beauty of the treatment - it accentuates what you've already got.
While we thoroughly encourage embracing your natural lashes by keeping them bare while they’re beautifully lifted, it goes without saying that your favourite mascara and a slick of the best eyeliner will look even better post-LVL. Here are some of our top mascara picks for added volume, length and general drama:
Valeza has been waxing lyrical about how she can't get enough of this mascara. It volumises, lengthens, and holds a great curl thanks to the lightweight formula. Consider your lashes fully optimised.
Beauty Pie's Wrap Star mascara has a tubing formula which is easily removed with just a little water - meaning you won't have to tug or pull at your lashes. The lengthening formula will further enhance your unreal lift.
Do LVL lashes require a patch test?
Yes. It's always best to err on the side of caution when undergoing a lash lift, so make sure to pop into your salon for a quick patch test before undergoing the treatment.
Can you do LVL lashes at home?
Never – always leave it to the professionals. What makes LVL lashes such a treat is that you'll never be able to replicate them at home, so it's best to boycott at-home lash lifts and instead, head down to your local salon. Not only that, but DIY lash kits can cause severe danger to your eyes if used without the correct training. So put down the ammonia, and instead pick up your go-to appointments booking app.
Where to book in for LVL lashes right now
So now that you're all clued up on the treatment's virtues, it's time to get a booking.
If you pop onto the Nouveau Lashes website it'll tell you where your nearest salon is.
Trust us when we say, the results really are amazing. So amazing, that you'll wonder how on earth you ever lived without this treatment.
So what are you waiting for? Get down to your salon ASAP.
