Tutorial, Eyelashes and Eyebrows – How I Dye My Own.

Following my recent post “Summer Ready: The Beauty Products and Routines I Use”, I received several messages asking if I could provide a more detailed step-by-step guide on how I tint my eyebrows and eyelashes.  

I am no expert at eyebrow and eyelash tinting. So, the following is simply what works for me. And, as I said in my ‘Summer Ready’ post, I have had my fair share of allergic reactions. Accordingly, I find it is always better to be cautious when applying anything such as an eyelash/brow tint in this sensitive area. So, here goes:

I usually do the procedure, outlined below, every five to six weeks.  As with most things, this procedure is all about preparation. Whatever dye you use, always do a patch test 48 hours before using. 

We have all seen the horror pics where some poor individual has had an allergic reaction because they have failed to do a patch test, first. I would recommend doing this even if it is a product you use, regularly, because allergic reactions can occur after previous trouble-free use.  I do this, regularly, as a tube of Ellison’s tint can last me over six months. So, whenever I re-stock, I do another patch test, just in case.

The shade I love from Ellison’s is ‘brown’ which is perfect for my colouring. I prefer a cool tone – it particularly works for me. 

Here is my easy step-by-step guide:

1. To begin the process, I make sure I have removed all of my makeup and cleansed thoroughly because the residue left from makeup can prevent the dye from working as well.

2. As a barrier, and to stop the tint staining the skin around my brows and lashes, I use petroleum jelly (Vaseline). I apply it with a cotton bud around my brows and lashes, making sure not to go into the brow and eyelash hairs – applying it on my eyelid and under my eye area;

3. 

4. To apply the tint, I use either an old mascara wand or spoolie (see pic) together with a steady hand. I bend the wand of the spoolie to a 90-degree angle. This makes the application a lot easier and less messy – giving me more control when applying the product and making the dye less likely to get on my hands;

5. I start with my brows, making sure all the hairs are coated by the tint. I then move on to my lashes, brushing the product thoroughly on both sides, under and on top of the lashes – wiggling the wand slightly to get more coverage, making sure the end of my lashes is covered in the tint.

   

   After

6. Then, I grab my timer. I leave the tint on my eyebrows no longer than five minutes. I then give my lashes a few extra minutes.  When the five minutes are up, I use a cotton pad to remove the tint from my eyebrows, avoiding my lashes, at this stage. After a few minutes, I gently clean away the tint from my lashes. I then gently clean the whole area around my eyes and brows until the tint is completely removed.

A Review of Aldi – Lacura Larger Than Life Mascara £5.99 (Cruelty-Free)
As we are talking all things lashes and brows, here are my thoughts on this new mascara I bought from Aldi.  I have used Rimmel’s “Extra Super Lash Mascara” on and off, several years.  It is inexpensive and does what it’s supposed to. By that, I mean, it doesn’t end up smudged all over my eyelids, lasts all day and isn’t difficult to remove. 

I have been satisfied with that apart from it doesn’t do anything extra. So, like most people, I am always on the lookout for a mascara that will give me long, luscious lashes and extra volume, in a natural way – the Holy Grail, if you like.  

Some of the mascaras I’ve tried, in the past, end up on my lids and end up in a clumpy mess by the end of the day/evening. Then, there are the waterproof mascaras which are impossible to remove, I find. So, while shopping in Aldi, I came across their “Lacura Larger Than Life Mascara”.  I have read reviews on how good their mascaras are, so I was eager to give this a try, and at £5.99, I was prepared to take the risk.

Here is what I thought of this mascara after wearing it a few times:

This mascara has a thick consistency so I only needed one coating. I found the wand to be overloaded, so I found myself removing the excess, which wasn’t ideal. It did take a few minutes to dry. But I didn’t find any flakiness, once dry. I found the handle design to be a little too chunky, too, making it slightly tricky to manoeuvre when applying. 

Would I buy again?  No, I don’t think so, due to the fact I found the consistency to be a little bit too thick for me. I’m looking for a more natural look.  So, the hunt for the Holy Grail will continue.

Thank you for your time and I hope you have enjoyed reading this post! 

All the products in this post are my own. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. I would also love to know if you have found your holy grail mascara.

This post may contain some affiliate links, if you click through to the product there is no cost to you.

Take care.

Alison xx