You followed the steps, waited for the reveal, and… your lashes look much the same as before. Or one eye lifted while the other barely moved. It’s disappointing, especially when you were expecting that salon lash lift. Some hope for you, a failed lift almost always traces back to a step, not to your lashes, and steps can be fixed.

I know the feeling. I’ve been lifting my own lashes for a few years, and at the beginning of my journey, I had a few “meh” results too. With experience, I’ve learned how to get the result I want. Now, my lash lifts consistently exceed my expectations. If yours didn’t turn out as you hoped, there are a few things worth checking before deciding what to do next.

A subtle lift, an uneven result or lashes that look more curled than lifted can each have different causes. Start by pinpointing what you’re seeing: did your lashes stay mostly straight, lift unevenly, curl in the wrong direction, or feel dry or fragile? Knowing the difference can help you choose a sensible next step.

First, identify the result you got

1. The lashes weren’t stuck down properly

Lashes that aren’t stuck to the shield properly will drop. If the lotion goes on before every lash is stuck to the pad, the loose ones slip and never take the curl or crosses your lashes. 

Also lashes need to sit flat, separated, straight and all pointing the same way, from root to tip. Crossed lashes set crossed. Too much glue stops the lotion reaching them, and too little lets them slide.

The fix: Use a clean tool to brush each lash up and across the shield in a thin, even layer. Spend as long as you need here: before you add any lotion wait around a minute, check that every single lash is stuck to the pad, then look at both eyes from a side angle. If one looks different from the other, fix it now, not after.

I won’t add the lotion until every last lash is stuck to the pad. If I rush this step, I lose the lift before it starts.

2. The shield was the wrong size

Your lashes need to wrap around the shield. If the shield is too big for your lash length, the lashes lie across it instead of bending around it, and you get a flat, barely-there lift. Too small on long lashes and you get a tight curl, sometimes with a crimp at the base.

The fix: Size to your lash length, not to the look you want. Shorter lashes need a smaller shield. 

3. Your lashes weren’t properly clean

Mascara residue, moisturiser, natural oils and makeup remover all leave a film on your lashes. Lotion can’t work evenly through it, so some lashes take the curl and others don’t.

The fix: Cleanse your lashes with an oil-free cleanser and dry them completely before you start. Skip oil-based removers on the day.

I don’t skip the cleanse, even when I’m in a rush. It’s two minutes and it decides how the rest goes.

4. The lotion went on the top of your lashes

The lotion is only meant to go on the middle of your lashes, avoiding the top. Put it on the top of the lashes and they can come out frizzy, crimped or limp instead of lifted.

The fix: Apply the lotion to the middle of your lashes only and keep it away from the top. 

I only ever put the lotion on the middle of my lashes, and I keep it off the top. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to make and one of the easiest to avoid.

5. The aftercare wasn’t followed

The lift isn’t finished when the lotions come off. Your lashes need time to settle into their new shape, and the aftercare is what protects it. Skip it and the lift can drop early.

The aftercare: first 48 hours

• Keep your lashes dry. Avoid water, steam, saunas, hot showers and sweat.
• Skip products around the eyes. No oils, lotions or eye-area shampoos, as these can weaken the lift.
• Hold off on eye makeup, especially mascara. If needed, start using it again after 24 to 48 hours.
• Be gentle. Don’t rub or pull at your lashes, and try to avoid sleeping face-down or on your side.

Ongoing care

• Use oil-free mascara and makeup remover to maintain the lift.
• Avoid waterproof mascara and harsh products to prevent premature breakdown.
• Sleeping on your back during the first few nights helps maintain the lifted shape.
• Once the first 48 hours are up, use a nourishing lotion on your lashes every day. 

The fix: Follow the aftercare every time, not just on the first day. 

I don’t skip the aftercare, even on the days I can’t be bothered. A lift only lasts as long as you look after it.

6. The product was old or had been stored badly

Lotion that is past its date, has been open a while, or has sat somewhere hot (a car, a sunny windowsill) may not process properly.

The fix: Check the expiry date and keep your kit somewhere cool and dark. If it's in a container make sure you tightly close the lid. If your kit uses single-use sachets, don’t save leftovers for next time.

One thing that isn’t your fault

Lashes grow in cycles, so at any moment some of yours are brand-new and very short. Those can be too short to wrap around the shield, and they’ll stay straight until they catch up. That’s normal, and they’ll join in on your next lift.

My checklist for next time

1. Check the shield size against my lash length.
2. Cleanse and fully dry my lashes.
3. Lay every lash flat, separate and uncrossed, and check every one is stuck to the pad before any lotion goes on.
4. Keep the shield close to the lash line, and the lotion on the middle of my lashes, away from the top.
5. Time it exactly, and change nothing else at once.
6. Follow the aftercare: keep them dry for the first 48 hours, then use a nourishing lotion every day.

If you need to watch how to properly lift your lashes at home watch this video > Tutorial.

I started Everbare because I wanted an at-home lash lift that actually worked, and I’ve made every mistake on this list so you don’t have to. If you’d like to try it, at-home lash lift kit.