You paid good money, laid still with your eyes closed (read: fell asleep) for a suspiciously long time, and emerged with lashes that could ~and should~ stop traffic. But like all great love stories, your lash lift isn't meant to last forever. Tragic.
But how long should a last lift actually last? Well, we sought out answers from one of the most renowned authorities in permanent makeup treatments, Karen Betts, who, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, knows exactly how long you can expect to bask in the glory.
Plus, Karen shares her top tip on how to keep the breakup from happening too soon, aka, what you should (and shouldn't) be doing to maximise the longevity of your lash lift.
"A well-done lash lift will usually last between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your natural lash cycle," Karen says. Eyelashes, like all hair on the body, go through a growth cycle. Some people have a longer cycle than others, while some may find that their lashes shed more quickly.
But there's a trick, as Karen shares. "Some clients get a little longer out of it, especially if they follow the aftercare."
So, what is the aftercare? Well, a good lash technician will give you the lowdown pre- or post-appointment. But generally, Karen says, "avoiding oil-based products and steaming for the first 24 to 48 hours is key." With that in mind, it's always best to double-check the ingredient breakdown of your daily skincare; you can either swap out an oil-based cleanser for the time being or actively avoid the eye area when using said product.
"When I founded Nouveau Lashes, we developed the original lash lift – LVL Lash Lift with lash health front and centre, so clients not only get long-lasting results, but stronger, healthier lashes over time too," Karen adds.
Want to know more? Well, one Cosmo staffer tried, tested and reviewed the infamous lash lift here. You can thank us later.
BTW, our Summer Beauty Bible is on newsstands on the 24th April. Don’t miss your chance to grab your guide full of helpful tips and product recs – buy now, keep forever.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
