With DIY beauty treatments easier than ever, here’s how to get salon-like results – and safely
WORDS: LAURA MULLEY PHOTOS: GETTY
According to a recent survey by Yell, 90% of those questioned said they had attempted DIY beauty treatments at home – from face masks to lash extensions – with 68% of those doing so to save money. And with off-the-shelf formulations better than ever and endless tutorials on TikTok and YouTube, it’s no wonder we’re seeing a rise in people skipping the salon in favour of doing their beauty upkeep themselves.
Of course, not everything should be attempted at home. Many services involve complex techniques that require years of training to master (we have never seen at-home highlights go well, for example), while anything potentially dangerous involving delicate areas, sharp objects or strong chemicals should be left to those qualified to use them safely. Plus, in our minds, nothing really beats the mood-boosting treat of a trip to the salon.
But here are two examples of how with the right intel and a little practice (plus a small upfront cost), you could save money on your beauty routine in the long term…
‘I LEARNT HOW TO DO LASH LIFTS ON MYSELF AT HOME’
Antonia, from London, no longer pays for pricey lash treatments after taking a one-off professional training course
“As the owner of blonde, downward-pointing lashes, I’ve spent hundreds of pounds (maybe thousands, if I’m being honest) over the years on treatments that would make my face look less like a potato when I didn’t have make-up on. I first started having eyelash tints and perms when I was in my teens, and the obsession has continued ever since.
“In 2019 I decided to book in with Nouveau Lashes, the leading company behind LVL lash lift treatments in the UK. Nouveau Lashes offers a two-stage course – a theory class followed by in-person training at its HQ.
“Unfortunately, lockdown followed swiftly after I’d done the theory session. Unable to participate in the practical training, I decided to set about researching the technique myself. Not wanting to end up in A&E, ensuring I knew what I was doing was imperative, especially given how sensitive my eyes are.
“Once the kit arrived, I patch tested the product on the inside of my arm for 48 hours to rule out any reactions and studied several professional YouTube videos about techniques, tips and tricks to ensure I’d get the results I wanted – and safely.
“Thankfully, my eyelashes survived my fir
