False lashes were our best friends back in the noughties. We’re getting nostalgic just thinking about those little tubes of glue. But waking up with said lashes on the pillow or finding them halfway up to our eyebrows mid-party? Not such a fond memory. So we’ve embraced semi-permanent eyelash treatments like LVL lashes and keratin lash lifts with open arms. They look natural – way more so than those false lashes – and you’ll soon forget they’re anything but. If you’re getting lost in the lingo, here’s the difference between the two.
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1 In the blue corner: LVL
LVL stands for length, volume and lift. (Also, it kind of works as an acronym for Lovely and Long – whichever's easier to remember.) The treatment starts with a bit of straightening at the root, before curling the entire lash. It's finished with a tint to help put every last lash on show. Think of it like a semi-permanent version of mascara.
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2 In the red corner: keratin
A keratin lash lift uses (no prizes for guessing) keratin – a protein that's naturally found in hair and nails, which gives it strength. The therapist places a plastic rod above your lashline before applying a keratin mask over the top. This curls the lashes around the rod. This sits for eight minutes, before being washed off and replaced with a serum to lock in the goodness.
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3 The verdict
Keratin's totally natural, but if you prefer the idea of going protein and product-free, we'd recommend the LVL. It does use setting serums and lotions, but your therapist will test you first to make sure you don't react.
The keratin lash lift, on the other hand, adds a tiny bit of extra brawn, if you will, to keep that curl looking extra sleek. Either way, the results are pretty similar – you'll end up with lashes that practically graze your cheeks when you bat them.
One thing we would say, is that both these treatments simply enhance what you've already got, rather than physically adding any extra length or curl. So if your lashes aren't naturally that long and you're looking a bit further afield, have a think about eyelash extensions.
FAQs
What is the difference between LVL lashes and a keratin lash lift?
LVL lashes focus on length, volume and lift using setting serums and a tint, while a keratin lash lift uses a plastic rod and a keratin protein mask to curl the lashes. Both treatments give a natural look, but keratin adds extra strength to the lashes.
How does a keratin lash lift work?
A keratin lash lift involves placing a plastic rod above your lashline and applying a keratin mask to curl the lashes around the rod. The mask stays on for eight minutes before being washed off and replaced with a serum, giving lashes extra strength and a sleek curl.
Is LVL a good option if you want a product-free lift?
LVL uses setting serums and lotions but does not include protein products like keratin. Your therapist will perform a test before the treatment to make sure you don’t react to the products. If you prefer a lift without added protein, LVL may be a better choice.
Do these treatments add length or curl to your lashes?
LVL and keratin lash lifts enhance your natural lashes but do not physically add extra length or curl. These treatments work with your existing lashes, so if your own lashes aren’t very long, you might want to consider eyelash extensions for more dramatic results.
How do the results of LVL and keratin lash lifts compare?
Both treatments deliver similar results, giving you lashes that can practically graze your cheeks when you bat them. The main difference is that keratin provides extra strength and sleekness, while LVL offers a semi-permanent mascara effect.