How To DIY A Lash Tint For Only $20 - Byrdie

If there’s one hang-up in our morning makeup routines—one task that takes twice as long as all the others—it’s applying mascara. Foundation, tinted moisturizer, BB cream—these can all be smoothed on and blended in well under a minute. The same goes for concealer. Blush and lip color are most likely done in 10 seconds flat. But mascara is really what’s holding us back from mastering the under-five-minute face.

The problem is, like many women out there, we wouldn’t dream of braving the day without mascara. Enter DIY lash tint. While for most it’s not a mascara replacement, it is an effective solution for taking barely-there lashes and turning them into lush, dark, glossy eyelashes. However, tacking on a monthly professional lash tint can be an undue addition to an already tight beauty budget. That's where at-home eyelash tinting comes in, but not without some risks, according to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD.

"There are certainly risks that accompany the treatments—mostly because the eyelashes and surrounding skin are incredibly sensitive areas of the body, and many people have allergies to various pigments that are used to color hair. However, it can be done safely for many people," she says.

We asked the experts about at-home lash tint and all the benefits of a salon job but from the comfort of your powder room.

Meet the Experts

• Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, and dermatologic surgery.
• Amanda Robinson is the founder of buzzy L.A. and San Francisco–based lash company Iris + West.

Read on to learn how to tint your lashes at home.

Materials You'll Need

• Henna (or a tint kit)• Water• Petroleum jelly• Cotton pads• Q-tips• Spoolie