Quick answer: Arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes and no contact lenses. Stop using a lash curler at least 24 hours beforehand, with a full week being ideal. Avoid caffeine right before your appointment and skip heavy eye creams, serums, or facial oils around your eyes before your treatment. If you have recently had your lashes tinted, permed, or chemically treated, let your lash artist know before your appointment. Here is the complete pre-appointment checklist and everything you should know before your lash lift.
Your Lash Lift Prep Timeline at a Glance
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 week before | Stop using a lash curler |
| 2–3 days before | Avoid getting your lashes tinted, permed, or chemically treated elsewhere |
| The night before | Skip heavy eye creams, serums, and facial oils around your eyes |
| Morning of | Arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes; remove contact lenses; skip caffeine |
Following this timeline helps your natural lashes arrive at the appointment in their normal state, giving your lash artist the best possible starting point for your treatment.
Pre-Lash Lift Checklist: 5 Golden Rules
Before your appointment, keep these five rules in mind. They cover the most important things you can do to prepare your lashes and eyes for a smooth appointment.
1. Arrive With 100% Clean, Makeup-Free Eyes
This is one of the most important things you can do before your lash lift. Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and leftover eye makeup can leave residue around the lash line and on the lashes themselves. That residue can create a barrier between your natural lashes and the lifting solution, which can affect how evenly the treatment works.
Even if you washed your face the night before, check that there is no remaining mascara or other eye makeup before you leave for your appointment.
If you're coming directly from work or another appointment in Los Angeles, give yourself a few extra minutes to properly cleanse your eye area before your service. You can also bring oil-free makeup remover wipes if needed.
2. Skip Heavy Oils and Retinol Eye Creams
Avoid heavy eye creams, serums, and facial oils around the eye area the night before and the morning of your appointment.
Many nighttime eye treatments and facial oils are designed to leave a conditioning layer on the skin. Oil or heavy product residue can affect how effectively the lifting solution adheres to the lashes.
If retinol eye cream or facial oil is part of your normal skincare routine, consider pausing that specific product for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment rather than stopping your entire skincare routine.
3. Remove Contact Lenses Before Your Session
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before your lash lift begins. Bring a contact lens case and your glasses so you can comfortably wear them during and after your appointment.
Your eyes will need to remain closed and still throughout the treatment. Contact lenses can become uncomfortable if your eyes become dry during the service, and removing them helps you stay comfortable while your artist works.
Taking your contacts out before the treatment also means you won't have to worry about shifting lenses or discomfort while keeping your eyes closed.
4. Stop Using a Lash Curler
Stop using a lash curler at least 24 hours before your appointment. If possible, giving your lashes a full week without curling is even better.
Curling your lashes bends the hair shaft and changes the way your natural lashes sit. Your lash artist assesses your natural lash direction and uses that assessment when selecting the appropriate silicone shield and curl strength.
Allowing your lashes to return to their natural resting position gives your artist a more accurate starting point for creating your customised curl.
5. Ditch Caffeine Right Before Your Appointment
A lash lift requires you to lie still with your eyes closed while your artist works carefully around your lashes and eye area.
Caffeine can contribute to eye twitching, eyelid fluttering, jitteriness, or general restlessness. That can make it harder to remain still during a treatment that requires precision.
If you normally have coffee first thing in the morning, consider switching to water or a non-caffeinated drink before your appointment.
Your Pre-Appointment Checklist, Explained
Arrive With Clean, Makeup-Free Eyes
Your eyes should be completely clean before your lash lift.
Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can leave residue along the lash line. That residue can interfere with the lifting solution and may contribute to an uneven result.
Waterproof mascara deserves particular attention. Because waterproof formulas are designed to resist water and standard cleansers, traces of product can remain even after washing your face.
If you wore waterproof mascara recently, take extra care to thoroughly cleanse your eye area before your appointment. An oil-free lash cleanser or makeup remover can help remove remaining product without leaving an oily film behind.
If you're coming directly from work, plan to arrive a few minutes early so you have enough time to make sure your lashes are clean before the service begins.
Skip Heavy Eye Creams, Serums and Oils
Your skincare routine is important, but you should be mindful of what you apply around your eyes immediately before a lash lift.
Heavy eye creams, facial oils, and certain eye treatments can leave residue around the lashes. This can interfere with how the lifting solution adheres to the lashes.
If you regularly use retinol eye treatments or facial oils, pause those specific products for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, while continuing the rest of your normal skincare routine as appropriate.
Remove Your Contact Lenses
Take your contact lenses out before your lash lift appointment.
You will need to keep your eyes closed and still during the treatment, and contacts may become uncomfortable if your eyes become dry.
Bring your lens case and glasses with you. That way, you can comfortably switch back to glasses for the duration of the appointment and afterward if needed.
Stop Using a Lash Curler at Least 24 Hours Beforehand
A full week without using a lash curler is ideal, but at minimum, avoid curling your lashes for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Curling changes the natural direction of your lashes. Since your artist selects the silicone shield and curl strength based on how your lashes naturally sit, allowing them to return to their natural resting angle can make that assessment more accurate.
Most importantly, don't curl your lashes on the way to your appointment. If you've already been avoiding the lash curler for several days, curling them immediately before your service works against the preparation you've already done.
Skip Caffeine Before Your Appointment
You'll be lying still with your eyes closed for much of your lash lift appointment. Depending on the service, the treatment can take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Caffeine can contribute to eye twitching, eyelid fluttering, or restlessness. When your artist is working with precision around your eyes and lashes, staying relaxed and still makes the process easier.
If possible, skip your coffee or other caffeinated drinks immediately before your appointment and choose water instead.
Avoid Recent Lash Treatments
Don't get your lashes tinted, permed, or chemically treated elsewhere shortly before your appointment.
Recently processed lashes have already been chemically treated, and applying another lifting treatment before the lashes have returned to their normal state can result in less predictable results.
If you've recently had another lash service, tell your artist before the treatment begins. This gives them the information they need to assess your lashes and determine whether the service is appropriate at that time.
Common Lash Lift Prep Mistakes to Avoid
Even when you know the basic preparation rules, a few easy mistakes can affect your appointment.
Wearing Waterproof Mascara the Day Before
It can be tempting to assume that your mascara is completely gone after washing your face, but waterproof formulas are specifically designed to resist water and cleansers.
If you've worn waterproof mascara recently, take extra care to cleanse your lashes and eye area thoroughly before your appointment.
Curling Your Lashes Just Before Your Appointment
Don't use a lash curler immediately before leaving for your appointment.
If you've already been following the recommended preparation period, curling your lashes on the morning of your appointment can change their natural position just before your artist assesses them.
Skip the lash curler completely once you're within your preparation window.
Not Mentioning Recent Eye Health Issues
Tell your artist about recent eye infections, styes, or eye surgery before your treatment.
Even if you don't think a recent eye issue is related to your lash appointment, it is important information for your artist when determining whether the service is appropriate that day.
Not Mentioning Allergies or Sensitivities
If you've previously experienced a reaction to hair dye, perm solutions, adhesives, or another lash treatment, tell your artist before your service.
Don't wait until you're already in the middle of your appointment to mention a previous reaction. Sharing this information during your consultation allows your artist to discuss the service with you beforehand.
What to Discuss With Your Lash Artist Before Your Appointment
Your consultation is an important part of preparing for your lash lift. Your artist will assess your natural lashes and eye shape and discuss the result you're hoping to achieve.
Be prepared to discuss:
Your Desired Curl Level
Tell your artist what kind of result you're looking for.
You may prefer a softer, more natural curl or a more dramatic lift. Discuss whether you want a subtle C-curl or a more dramatic look, such as an L-curl or vertical lift, so your artist understands your expectations before starting.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Tell your artist about any known allergies or sensitivities, especially reactions you've had to hair dyes, chemical solutions, perming products, adhesives, or previous lash treatments.
Recent Eye Issues
Mention any recent eye infections, styes, eye surgery, or other eye health concerns before your service.
Medications
Let your artist know about current medications that may affect your skin or hair sensitivity.
Pregnancy or Hormonal Changes
Discuss pregnancy or significant hormonal changes with your artist before your treatment. Hormonal changes can affect hair characteristics and treatment results, so your artist can explain the studio's safety policy and what to expect.
Your Post-Lift Routine
If you're planning to add a lash tint or use conditioning serums after your lift, mention this during your consultation so your artist knows what you're planning for your lashes after the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup to my lash lift appointment?
No. Arrive with completely clean, makeup-free eyes.
Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and leftover eye makeup can leave residue on the lashes and lash line. Removing makeup during your scheduled appointment can also take away from your treatment time.
Should I remove my contact lenses before a lash lift?
Yes. Remove your contacts before your technician begins the treatment. Bring a lens case and glasses so you can remain comfortable throughout and after your appointment.
How long before a lash lift should I stop curling my lashes?
Avoid using a lash curler for at least 24 hours before your appointment. However, stopping for a full week is ideal because it allows your lashes more time to return to their natural resting position before your artist assesses them and selects the appropriate curl.
Can I drink coffee before my lash lift?
It's best to skip caffeine right before your appointment. You'll need to keep your eyes closed and remain still during the treatment, and caffeine can contribute to eye twitching, eyelid fluttering, or restlessness.
What should I bring to my lash lift appointment?
If you wear contact lenses, bring a lens case and your glasses. Most importantly, arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes and allow yourself a few extra minutes before your appointment if you need to make sure your eye area is thoroughly clean.
How long does a lash lift last in Los Angeles?
A professional lash lift typically lasts around 6 to 8 weeks, following your natural eyelash shedding cycle. As older lashes naturally shed and new lashes grow in, the curl gradually returns toward its natural state.
Can I get a lash lift and tint together?
Yes. A lash lift can be paired with a lash tint. The tint darkens the appearance of the lashes from root to tip, creating a more defined look that can reduce the need for daily mascara.
What happens after I'm prepped and the appointment begins?
Your artist will assess your natural lashes and eye shape, select the appropriate silicone shield, and guide you through the lifting and setting process.
For a complete explanation of the treatment itself, see our guide What Is a Lash Lift? Everything You Need to Know.
What should I tell my lash artist before my appointment?
Tell your artist about any known allergies or sensitivities, especially reactions to hair dye, perm solutions, or adhesives. You should also mention recent eye infections, styes, eye surgery, current medications that may affect sensitivity, pregnancy, or other relevant concerns.
Can I get a lash lift if I wore waterproof mascara recently?
Yes, but make sure the eye area is thoroughly cleansed first. Waterproof mascara can leave residue because it is designed to resist standard cleansers. Thoroughly removing that residue before your appointment helps ensure your lashes are clean and ready for the service.
Ready to Book Your Lash Lift in Los Angeles?
Once you've completed your preparation, you're ready for your lash lift appointment at Belris in Westwood.
Remember the basics: arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes, leave your contacts at home or bring your lens case and glasses, avoid using a lash curler within your preparation window, skip heavy oils and eye creams around your lashes, and avoid caffeine immediately before your appointment.
A few simple steps before you arrive can help your artist begin with clean, natural lashes and a clear understanding of the look you want.
If you want to learn more about the treatment before booking, read our complete guide, What Is a Lash Lift? Everything You Need to Know, including the different options available and what to expect during your appointment.
Ready to book your lash lift at Belris in Westwood?
📞 Call us at (310) 227-1648
