LibraryChoose the look
Sets and lifts
How much fibre goes on each lash, or none at all.
A set type is how the fibre is placed: one extension on each natural lash (classic), fans of several fine fibres (volume), a mix of both (hybrid), or no extensions at all (a lift). It decides how full the line looks and how much each natural lash carries, so it is chosen from your natural lashes as much as from the look.
9 topics below. Open any of them.
- Ratio
- 1 : 1
- Fibre
- 0.10–0.15 mm
- Time
- 2 h
- From
- $150
- Fill
- Every 2–3 weeks
One fibre bonded to one natural lash, matched in thickness and curl to the lash beneath it. The most natural set: length and definition without visible density.
Who it suits
- Dense, healthy natural lashes that only need length and definition
- People who wear little makeup
- A first set
Less suited
- Fine or sparse natural lashes, which cannot carry the heavier fibre
Ask your artist
“Which thickness suits my natural lashes?”
- Ratio
- 1 : 1 and 2–4D
- Fibre
- 0.07 mm fans with 0.12 mm singles
- Time
- 2 h 15 min
- From
- $170
- Fill
- Every 2–3 weeks
Single classic fibres and hand-made volume fans placed in a pattern: texture without a uniform line. The classics carry the length, the fans the density, and the mix gives the wispy rhythm.
Who it suits
- Medium natural density
- More presence than classic, without a solid line
- Wispy looks
Less suited
- Anyone who wants a dense, even dark line: that is volume
Ask your artist
“What ratio of classics to fans will you use?”
- Ratio
- 2–6D
- Fibre
- 0.05–0.07 mm
- Time
- 2 h 30 min
- From
- $190
- Fill
- Every 2–3 weeks
Fans of two to six fine fibres made by hand at the bed and bonded to one natural lash. Light volume stops at four fibres a fan; full volume goes to six. It gives density with a lighter load than classic, because fine fibres weigh so little.
Who it suits
- Sparse or fine natural lashes
- A full lash line that still moves like hair
Less suited
- Fans heavier than your lashes can carry
- Fans bonded across two lashes
Ask your artist
“Light or full volume for my lashes?”
- Ratio
- 8–14D
- Fibre
- 0.03–0.05 mm
- Time
- 2 h 45 min
- From
- $250
Fans of eight to fourteen very fine fibres, closed at the base, on strong natural lashes only: maximum density with the load kept under control. Assessed at the consultation, and refused where the lashes cannot carry it.
Who it suits
- Strong, healthy natural lashes
- A dramatic, dense line
Less suited
- Fine, sparse or recovering lashes
- Pre-made fans with heavy bases
Ask your artist
“Can my lashes carry mega volume, and in which zones?”
- Lasts
- 6–8 weeks
- Time
- 75–90 min
- From
- $100, or $120 with tint
Your natural lashes reshaped over a silicone shield so they curl up from the root, with a tint if you want one and a conditioning step after. Nothing is added; it lasts six to eight weeks and needs no fills. Keep the lashes dry and away from steam and makeup for the first 48 hours.
Who it suits
- Healthy natural lashes of reasonable length
- Low maintenance: no fills
- Straight or downward lashes, and hooded eyes
Less suited
- Very short or damaged lashes
- A lift over extensions
Ask your artist
“Which shield will give me the curl I want?”
- With a lift
- $120
A tint darkens natural lashes from root to tip, showing the length that fair tips hide. It fades over a few weeks as lashes shed and grow, and is usually added to a lift. A patch test comes first if you have never had one.
Who it suits
- Light, fair or grey lashes
- Adding depth to a lift
Less suited
- Tinting over extensions
Ask your artist
“Do I need a patch test before a tint?”
Every lash lift works the same way: a lotion loosens the bonds inside the lash, a shield holds the new shape, a second lotion fixes it. A keratin lift adds a conditioning step at the end. A Korean lift uses a flatter shield for a straighter lift from the root. LVL and Yumi are brand-name systems with their own lotions. The artist's choices, the shield and the timing, decide the result more than the brand.
Who it suits
- A curved shield: lashes that should turn up into a curl
- A flatter shield: straight or downward lashes and monolids
- A keratin step: a glossier, softer finish
Less suited
- Choosing by brand name alone
Ask your artist
“Which shield will you use on my lashes, and why?”
A lift reshapes your own lashes: nothing is added, it lasts six to eight weeks and needs no fills, but it can only show the lashes you have. Extensions add length and fullness beyond them and need a fill every two to three weeks. Some people alternate, with a lift between sets to give their lashes a rest.
Who it suits
- A lift: healthy lashes, low maintenance, a natural result
- Extensions: more length or fullness than your own lashes have
Less suited
- A lift on lashes too short or weak to curl
- Extensions if fills every few weeks do not fit your life
Ask your artist
“Which would suit my lashes and my routine?”
Strip lashes sit on the skin for an evening. Clusters are pre-made groups fused at one base and glued across several natural lashes for about a week. Extensions are single fibres or fans bonded to one natural lash each, refilled every two to three weeks. The difference is what the base sits on: a cluster holds several lashes that grow at different rates, and the pull lands on the finest.
Who it suits
- Strips: a single evening
- Extensions: every day, for weeks at a time
Less suited
- Clusters or strips worn daily for months
- Asking a studio to fill over home clusters
Ask your artist
“Can you remove the clusters I have now?”
Next step
Occasions.
What to book, and when, for the life you are dressing for.