Thread: Anyone had their eyelashes tinted?

I'd like to hear if there's any drawbacks. I've got an ongoing problem with red/infected eyes, and wearing mascara is exacerbating it, especially when I wear contacts. It makes looking glam for dancing very difficult, esp. as I have blonde eyelashes. I'm wondering if tinting will solve the problem. But do they use chemicals you don't want near sensitive eyes? How long does it last? Is eye-lash tinting the facial equivalent of getting a perm? (no, don't do it!)

Jewel

i've done it a lot. and can do it myself when i have access to the product. yes, you have to be very careful. the best product i know of is belmacil, and you can get it in australia. that's actually where we all order it from! wanna be our supplier ;)
put a line of petroleum jelly around your eyes to prevent the dye from giving you "eyeliner" as well. i apply mine with a tiny toothpick or dry mascara brush. the trick is the perfect proportion of dye and developer. belmacil is for lashes and brows, so is thick and won't drip. it should come with sufficient instructions, but feel free to message me if you have any "technical" questions.

if you have it done in a salon, make sure they have a lot of experience and know to put a barrier cream around your eye so they don't tint your skin.

it does use developer, so the chemicals can make your eyes water.

Hi Jewel
I get mine done at my hairdressers and I've had both brows and lashes tinted with no problems.
I usually get blue-black as my lashes and brows are quite dark anyway

I didn't have any problems with either that or eyebrow tinting re sensitivity but those persistant greying hairs on the eybrows just wouldn't take the dye after the first few times. Sheesh I can sucessfully hide a whole head of grey hair but not a few eyebrow hairs.

Have you tried wearing all-natural mascara? Most mascaras irritate my eyes and I can't wear ANY commercial brand of eyeliner without crying for hours straight but I can wear natural mascara.

It didn't do much for me, I guess my lashes are too thin and I need mascara to thicken them.
No irritation or other problems, though.

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like I should perhaps give the tinting a go. Perhaps I can get a salon to test me for sensitivity to their product first, because my eyes seem very sensitive.

Natural mascara - what's that? I've used hypoallergenic mascara (Innoxa) and found it just as toxic as other brands. One big issue is I'm very sensitive to Vitamin E, and it's in all sorts of makeup, including products for sensitive skin and often in any 'conditioning' mascara (including all MAC mascara - boo hoo).

NOOOO. Only place you can get it done is in the back rooms of salons in the US because it has been banned by the FDA. You can get an ulceration of the cornea and lose your vision!!!!!

Eyeliner and false eyelashes should do the trick for blondes and redheads. You aren't supposed to look "natural" so there is no excuse for mascara or tinting.

I think they still do these in the salons. have they been banned?
I do mine at home, I have a large supply that my mom brought me from Europe. (should last until I make it back home again).
I apply it like Sabrina said, but it's tricky and you have to be very careful.

Originally Posted by jewelbellydance

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like I should perhaps give the tinting a go. Perhaps I can get a salon to test me for sensitivity to their product first, because my eyes seem very sensitive.

Natural mascara - what's that? I've used hypoallergenic mascara (Innoxa) and found it just as toxic as other brands. One big issue is I'm very sensitive to Vitamin E, and it's in all sorts of makeup, including products for sensitive skin and often in any 'conditioning' mascara (including all MAC mascara - boo hoo).

Vegan Mascara All Natural Black by theallnaturalface on Etsy

This is the one I'm currently using. Sure, it won't give you OMGVOLUME with the first few sweeps but if you let each layer dry and build up on it, it's as good as the store brands if not better. I'm not sure if there's vitamin e in it...I don't think so since the tube doesn't list it as an ingredient but you can ask her. She uses very few ingredients and it's all natural. At $8 a tube you might as well try it! ..g.:

Edit:

NEW VeganMascara Lengthening and Volumizing by theallnaturalface

And she has a new version out! This one is apparently more volumizing.

Thank you! I might try that product. I don't like volumising mascara anyway because they are more likely to shed little granules - not good with contacts!

I do this all the time too because my eyes (contact wearer) get irritated with mascara and I'm just too lazy to put it on daily to just take off. I have never had a problem with the tinting. I've even had my contacts in during the procedure (not recommended).

I have worn drugstore brand mascara over the tinting for big shows and again, no problem. For my restaurant gigs, I just use the tinted lashes with eyeliner. It is so nice to not deal with scrubbing mascara off all the time!

And I get it done at Benefit, definitely not a back-room salon procedure.

"Dying to dye your eyelashes?
Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. There are no color additives approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. FDA has an Import Alert in effect for eyelash and eyebrow dyes containing coal tar colors7."

Source:

Eye Cosmetic Safety

'Nuff said..p::

Originally Posted by niamh

"Dying to dye your eyelashes?
Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. There are no color additives approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. FDA has an Import Alert in effect for eyelash and eyebrow dyes containing coal tar colors7."

Source:

Eye Cosmetic Safety

'Nuff said..p::

This report you site was put out in 1982 and is specifically warning against coal-tar dyes.

I agree that any lash tint containing coal-tar dyes is bad and potentially harmful based on the studies released.

BUT it is the year 2010 and things have changed. Science in the cosmetic field has advanced greatly in the past 28 years. Companies that want to do business in the US have changed formulas to NOT contain coal-tar. The USA strictly forbids import of cosmetic products containing coal-tar. I am sure some are smuggled in for your so called "back room salons", but if you go to a responsible salon and ask to see the ingredient list or brand name to be sure, you should be fine. But they do contain peanut, lanolin and sunflower oil. If you have peanut allergies, that could be a bad thing, but one more reason to know what you are putting on your eyes.

Here is the list of lash tints banned for import into the US:
* Refecto Cil
* Dr. Olbrich’s Combinal
* Andora
* Henna Gora
* Permalash
* Continental Eyelash and Eyebrow Dye
* Elle Colour (or Elle Hair Color or New Elle)
* Pialan Hair Dye
* Belmacil Color

So before you go around fear-mongering on message boards you should do some research into what exactly you are warning against and make it clear instead of giving a vague warning that scares people for no reason.

This reminds me of a famous science-fair project where a junior high student set up a booth warning against the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide and had a bunch of people sign up to ban this horrible chemical.
Turns out it is just another chemical nomenclature for WATER!!! ..l;,

Read this for laughs: snopes.com: Dihydrogen Monoxide
snopes.com: Dihydrogen Monoxide

"Science in the cosmetic field has advanced greatly in the past 28 years."

Actually: not. Advertising has gotten better. The pseudo-science that they insult us with at the cosmetic counters of department stores is clever. A dermatologist will tell you that Cetaphil and sunscreen are all you really need.

I am not speaking of imports:the FDA does not approve of any color additives that I know of for use in the US. If you wish to do a Medline search and come up with some randomized controlled trials proving the safety, or an updated statement from the FDA, I am sure the readers would be delighted.

"So before you go around fear-mongering on message boards you should do some research into what exactly you are warning against and make it clear instead of giving a vague warning that scares people for no reason.

You may be a PhD for all I know, and you may have more knowledge than I, but your comments are a bit hurtful. I really only care about the well-being of my sisters on this forum but I will refrain from further contributions if they are unwelcome.

Originally Posted by niamh

You may be a PhD for all I know, and you may have more knowledge than I, but your comments are a bit hurtful. I really only care about the well-being of my sisters on this forum but I will refrain from further contributions if they are unwelcome.

I apologise if you feel hurt by my suggestion to make your statements more clear. We all care about each other here. You cared enough to warn everyone of the dangers you read on lash tinting. I cared enough to research into those claims so the ladies who do tint their lashes don't get stressed/freaked out by reading your post.

A lot of us have bad reactions to mascara and eyelash glue so lash tinting is a good alternative.

If anyone is interested in an up to date FDA warning there is one here

Use Eye Cosmetics Safely

From 2008 while not completely current its as close as i can get.

Originally Posted by crystalllized

I apologise if you feel hurt by my suggestion to make your statements more clear. We all care about each other here. You cared enough to warn everyone of the dangers you read on lash tinting. I cared enough to research into those claims so the ladies who do tint their lashes don't get stressed/freaked out by reading your post.

A lot of us have bad reactions to mascara and eyelash glue so lash tinting is a good alternative.

I actually was not personally hurt, but noted the mocking tone where you cited the legend of the junior high school science fair project.

I stand by my statement, which is supported by another post here, that there are no FDA approved tints or dyes for eyebrows or eyebrows. The FDA continues to maintain its position statement for a reason. There is stuff out there, and it is not banned. But there is no evidence that any of it is safe. If you delve a bit into the mechanism of action of dyes and tints, you would feel very uncomfortable putting it next to your organ of vision.

When you are on stage, you could try placing the false eyelashes outside of a line of dark eyeliner. And for everyday, smudged lines of eye pencil in muted shades of green,blue, or taupe are more subtle and comfortable than mascara.

That said, people will probably go ahead and do what they want.

Has anyone tried Latisse? Or any of the drugs to help grow lashes? It's terribly expensive, but I wondered how well it worked.

I haven't tried Latisse or really researched it extensively, but from what I understand it has some truly interesting side effects. It can change the color of your eyes and discolor your eyelids. However I don't know how common these side effects are.

Originally Posted by Mahsima

I haven't tried Latisse or really researched it extensively, but from what I understand it has some truly interesting side effects. It can change the color of your eyes and discolor your eyelids. However I don't know how common these side effects are.

A dermatologist I know uses it and loves it. The improvement is noticeable, but not enough to substitute for stage makeup needs. She likes the darkening effect because it looks like eyeliner. But if you have blue, green or hazel eyes you might be put off by the possibility of the color being ruined. The list of other side effects is daunting. Even if there is only a .1% chance, when it hits you it is 100% and you don't take any comfort in the other 999 people who got off Scot-free.

There is no getting around it: Caucasian eyes just don't have the drama of those of women from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The best one can do is to play up a fair complexion with sun protection and gorgeous rosy tones for cheeks and lips, with eye shadows and liners to add color and drama. Adding richness instead of highlights to your hair color can further enhance the beauty of pale coloring.

I had my eyelashes tinted last summer when I lived in The Netherlands and WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!! It is very difficult to keep your eyes closed during the process and when she rinsed my lashes some of the dye got in my eyes. It burned liked crazy! I would consider tinting my eyebrows again, but I need to find someone I can trust to not go too dark. I am a natural redhead and my lashes and brows are almost a clear blond. The tinted eye lash "effect" was not very dramatic and I still needed mascara to add lenght and fullness.

I will not try Latisse because it can change your eye color or add brown spots and I love my green eyes!

I use Blinc mascara, which is great. It does not flake off but is not as rough on my eyes as waterproof mascara. Most eye makeup cleaning products irritate my eyes and I can wash Blinc off with a gentle soap and water.

I have very good luck with false eyelashes as they add the fullness and length that I desire. I have even worn them out to concerts and other special events! I use the Blinc on my natural lashes then put on my "falsies."

Originally Posted by arcticgirl22

It is very difficult to keep your eyes closed during the process and when she rinsed my lashes some of the dye got in my eyes. It burned liked crazy!

After the eyelash tint got into your eyeballs, did you experience ulceration of the cornea or lose your vision?

How long did the burning last? Was it just a couple of hours?
Corneal ulcerations take a week or longer to clear up.

I just got a tester script of Latisse. The joy of having family and friends in the Med. field. I am going to try it for a week and see if I can handle the side effects. I'll report back what my results and findings are.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by niamh

NOOOO. Only place you can get it done is in the back rooms of salons in the US because it has been banned by the FDA. You can get an ulceration of the cornea and lose your vision!!!!!

Eyeliner and false eyelashes should do the trick for blondes and redheads. You aren't supposed to look "natural" so there is no excuse for mascara or tinting.

Hmm- still tinting in regular salons here, so ???- I haven't done it yet & have been thinking about it- several of my friends have done it regularly & have recommended a good salon.

& I can't do false eyelashes- I've tried a few different eyelash glues & they all turn me into a weeping puffball, as do most mascaras

the two mineral mascaras that don't irritate my eyes are larénim and ecobella

I'd love to know if there is a less toxic eyelash glue, but tinting seems like the least irritating option so far.

Originally Posted by niamh

When you are on stage, you could try placing the false eyelashes outside of a line of dark eyeliner. And for everyday, smudged lines of eye pencil in muted shades of green,blue, or taupe are more subtle and comfortable than mascara.

That said, people will probably go ahead and do what they want.

I'm not sure you read the original post, or maybe just don't understand what blonde eyelashes entails
I appreciate the attempt to help, but if your eyelashes are essentially transparent, eyeliner without mascara looks really, really weird! and for sensitive eyes, eyelash glue anywhere near them can cause swelling for hours to days afterwards- not criticizing you for trying to help, just trying to make the situation (okay, my situation- I may be more sensitive than the OP) a bit more clear.

Originally Posted by Lara L

I'd love to know if there is a less toxic eyelash glue, but tinting seems like the least irritating option so far.

Lara -

Have you tried It Stays? It's actually a water based body glue designed to keep up stockings. But it works well as an eye lash glue.

{{{HUGS}}}

I got my eyelashes tinted last week and I love it! It didn't hurt and the dye took to my transparent eyelashes really well. NO problems at all.

Update on Latisse -

Okay, I have now been using it for ten days. I didn't thik it was doing much until tonight when I put mascara on for the first time in a while. They are getting there. Even my brows are starting to show a little more thickness, which is great as I have never had decent brows. My sisters wedding is 10 days away, so I plan on continuing using it until a couple of days before when I have my brows arched, or I run out, which ever comes first.

On the side effects front, I was warned that my eyes would really itch the first week and I would have a week where I looked like I was stones. Neither has happened very much. My eyes did itch, but no more than when the jasmine blooms and I haven't noticed any issues with looking stoned. Nor have I noticed any eye discolouration. But as I have brown / green hazel eyes, I might not even if it happened.

{{{HUGS}}}