There’s a difference between ignoring beauty fads and quietly wondering if sharper brows or lifted lashes could make you look a touch less knackered. And in London, where it sometimes feels like even the rain is wearing mascara, it’s easy to feel out of step if you’re still using the same stubby wand for both brows and lashes. This guide isn’t trying to sell magic; just sift the useful from the nonsense.
So here’s what’s what: lash lifts use a curved silicone pad and a gentle setting formula to curl your real lashes upwards. The result? Technically nothing’s added, but your eyes can appear more open, less heavy. It doesn’t involve glue or fake strips, and once it’s done, you forget about it for six to eight weeks. No maintenance.
If your lashes are medium to long already and mostly point straight, lifts work well. Short or very sparse lashes won’t see much difference. In most high-street salons around London, expect to pay somewhere between £45 and £70, or under £40 if you spot a lash deal through a voucher. Word to the wise: only book providers with actual before-and-after photos, not just stock shots.
Plenty of chatter online about serums, but here’s the stripped-back version. The ones that work often include peptides, biotin, or in prescription cases, bimatoprost. You do actually need to stick with it daily for 6–8 weeks to see anything real.
Castor oil? Not a miracle, but reasonably harmless for a gentle intro if you’re wary. The ones marked "natural" can be vague, so read the small print. And if anything calls itself a lash "booster" and costs as much as a theatre box seat, skip it.
Always patch test before applying along the lid line. Even some of the so-called gentle formulas can sting worse than chopping onions if they’re not tested properly for skin contact.
If you’re still grabbing stray hairs with tweezers and calling it a day, fair. But subtle definition, not those sharp marker-pen brows: can lift your whole face. The difference is less dramatic than you’d think but can be enough to look more ‘awake’ at 7am on the District line.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Many here use combos, a touch of powder to shape, then a gel to fix. Best way to pick? Test in-store or borrow a friend’s kit first. Brixton beats and budget bites work better without flaking eyebrows midway.
Tints generally last just under a month. Shaping every 3 or 4 weeks keeps things from getting untidy. Lamination (that smooth, brushed-up brow look) lasts about 6 weeks but can dry out hairs if overdone.
If you’re not sure, try one of them once, not all three. Locals often find tinting as a one-off useful to see if the depth suits them without committing to steam, wax or salon visits every fortnight. It should feel optional, not like joining an eyebrow cult.
The scent of the tint can be sharp, like weak hair dye, but it fades. A decent technician won’t push for extras, if they do, leave. Always a deal near Clapham Junction anyway.
No need to shout it from the rooftop (Peckham or otherwise). Small tweaks; your own lashes curled up, brows tamed just a bit: can soften that tired-day look. Doesn’t mean becoming unrecognisable or shelling out like it’s payday on Oxford Street.
For Londoners who don’t want the full influencer face, under-the-radar salons in quieter zones sell block deals and off-peak perks. Sarnie in the sun by Southbank, then a low-key brow tint? Could work. Just don’t book anything near rush hour if you’re new to it, the stress of delays plus tint anxiety is not the combo.
Yes, several salons in London offer affordable lash services with a spa-like experience. Many studios now cater to new mums or those on tighter budgets with mini menus that include express tints or natural lifts. Some even offer first-time client rates or weekday quiet hour discounts. Groupon occasionally features local offers that can keep prices comfortable without sacrificing quality.
