When you think of ways to enhance the lash line, mascara, false lashes, or lash extensions are probably the first things that come to mind. But eyelash tinting can be another way to make your natural lashes stand out.
Eyelash tinting dyes your natural lashes to make them look darker and more defined. Unlike DIY lash extensions, tinting changes the color of your existing lashes without adding length or volume.
If you want to learn how to tint eyelashes at home, we’ll walk you through what you need, how to prepare your lashes, and how to apply and remove the tint step by step
Table of Contents
- What You Need To Tint Your Eyelashes At Home
- How To Prepare Your Eyelashes For Tinting
- How to Tint Eyelashes at Home
- Tips For Tinting Your Own Eyelashes
- Bottom Line…
What You Need To Tint Your Eyelashes At Home
Before you start, get everything you’ll need for your DIY eyelash tint ready:
- An eyelash tint made specifically for lashes
- Developer or activator, if required by your tint
- A small tint brush or the applicator provided with your kit
- Petroleum jelly
- Protective eye pads or cotton pads
- Clean cotton pads for removing the tint
- A gentle, oil-free cleanser
- Disposable gloves, if you prefer to wear them
- Your eyelash tinting kit may already include some of these supplies, so check what’s inside before you start.
How To Prepare Your Eyelashes For Tinting
There’s a little bit of prep you should know about before you tint your lashes:
- Choose a reputable eyelash tint from a trusted brand. Make sure the product is intended for use on eyelashes, not regular hair dye. Lash tints from disreputable sellers may contain coal tar dye.
- Read the instructions before you begin. Eyelash tint kits can have different preparation, application, and processing instructions.
- Do the recommended patch test before tinting your lashes. If you experience redness, stinging, itching, swelling, or another reaction, don’t continue.
- Confirm that your eyes look and feel healthy. Don’t tint your lashes if you have irritation, inflammation, infection, or broken skin around the eyes.
- Clean your lashes with a gentle, oil-free cleanser such as our Lilac Lash Shampoo, micellar water, or a mild face wash suitable for the eye area. Make sure there’s no makeup or oily residue left behind.
- Get everything ready before you start. Keep your tint, applicator, protective pads (if included), cotton pads, and anything else listed in your kit instructions within reach.
Once your lashes are clean and dry, you’re ready to begin.
How to Tint Eyelashes at Home
And finally, here’s how to tint eyelashes at home, step by step and all by yourself!
Step 1: Prepare The Eyelash Tint
Wash your hands thoroughly before you start. Consider wearing disposable gloves for the tinting process.
Depending on the formula, you may need to prepare your eyelash tint by combining the color and developer in a small container using a small tint brush or disposable applicator.
Mix the tint according to the instructions provided with your product. Don’t guess the ratio, since different eyelash tints can have different preparation requirements.
If you’re using a two-step kit, you may need to apply the color first and the developer afterward rather than mixing them together.
Step 2: Protect The Skin Around Your Lashes
Using your fingers or a cotton bud, apply petroleum jelly as close to the lash line as you can without coating the lashes themselves. It will act as a barrier cream, helping prevent the tint from staining your skin.
Your eyelash tinting kit may come with pre-made pads, which you can place around the lash line to further protect the skin. You can also cut cotton pads into half-moon shapes and use those instead.
Make sure the lashes themselves stay clean so the tint can coat them evenly.
Step 3: Apply The Eyelash Tint
Carefully apply the color mixture to your lashes, getting as close to the lash line as possible without touching the skin.
Coat the lashes evenly, but avoid overloading the applicator with tint.
Keep the eye you’re working on closed during application.
If you’re using a two-step kit, follow the product instructions for applying the color and developer in the correct order.
Step 4: Let The Eyelash Tint Develop
Leave the tint on your lashes for the processing time recommended in the product instructions.
Different eyelash tints have different processing times, so follow the instructions for the specific product you’re using rather than leaving it on longer for a darker result.
Set a timer so you know when it’s time to remove the tint.
Step 5: Remove The Eyelash Tint
Once the recommended processing time is up, dampen a cotton pad with water and gently wipe the tint from your eyelashes.
Wipe in a downward motion and continue until there’s no tint residue left on your lashes.
Finally, remove the protective pads and wipe away the petroleum jelly from around the lash line.
Step 6: Repeat On The Other Eye
With one set of lashes done, repeat the same process on the other eye.
Use the same application method and processing time so the tint develops evenly on both sides.
And that’s it! Your lashes are tinted.
Tips For Tinting Your Own Eyelashes
Tinting your own eyelashes can be a little tricky the first time, but a few things can make the process easier:
- Have your tint, applicator, cotton pads, and everything else you need reach within before you start.
- Work on one eye at a time so you can keep the eye you’re tinting closed.
- Don’t overload the applicator. Use enough tint to coat the lashes evenly without creating a mess around the lash line.
- Set a timer as soon as you finish applying the tint.
- Follow the mixing ratio, application method, and processing time provided with your specific eyelash tint rather than adjusting them yourself.
- If you have trouble keeping one eye closed or maintaining steadiness in your hands, avoid tinting your lashes yourself. Instead, consider visiting a salon or having someone experienced help.
Bottom Line
Learning how to tint your lashes isn’t too complicated, but it does require a bit of finesse! Have everything ready before you begin, follow the instructions for your specific eyelash tint, and take your time during application.
Tinting makes your natural lashes look darker and more defined, but it doesn’t add length or volume. If you want both, you can pair your tinted lashes with lash clusters for a fuller look that you can apply at home.
