By Richa Kurien, SEO and PPC Manager
21st Aug 2025
Master the Korean-inspired lash lift with cysteamine
As a lash artist, you’ll know the beauty industry never stands still, and neither should your treatments. While traditional lash lifts remain a salon staple, a new trend is capturing the beauty industry’s attention: the Korean-inspired lash lift technique, paired with cysteamine-based lifting systems. Faster and lash-friendly, this modern approach delivers stunning lifts while protecting natural lash health. Here’s why these trending techniques deserve a place on your treatment menu.
What makes cysteamine lash lifts different?
Classic lash lifts often rely on thioglycolic acid (TGA) or its derivatives to break down and reshape the hair’s bonds. While effective, TGA-based systems can sometimes leave lashes dry or fragile, especially for clients with finer or previously damaged lashes.
Cysteamine-based solutions, by contrast, use cysteamine hydrochloride as their active ingredient. Cysteamine is an amino acid derivative naturally present in the body, offering a formulation that minimises irritation without compromising lash results or integrity.
Benefits of cysteamine-based lash lifts:
- Kinder to natural lashes and brows, perfect for clients with delicate or damaged hairs.
- Ideal for sensitive clients, with a lower risk of irritation, reactions, smell, or stinging.
- Soft, healthy finish, allowing lashes to maintain a natural, conditioned feel while boasting an impressive lift.
- Full-lash application, as cysteamine solutions can safely coat the entire lash, unlike TGA-based systems which must avoid the tips.
While it’s still crucial to follow processing times precisely (overprocessing is always a risk!), cysteamine formulas offer greater flexibility, making them an excellent choice for confident yet cautious lash artists.
Korean-inspired lash lift must-haves
Upgrade your lash game with everything from comprehensive kits to tools – perfect for a Korean-inspired lash lift.
LASHBASE Lifted. Korean-inspired lash lift kit with cysteamine
Create flawless, natural-looking lashes with the LASHBASE Lifted. Korean-inspired lash lift kit. This professional 3-step system uses a Cysteamine-based formula – ideal for clients with sensitive eyes or skin – and includes lash lift powder for adhesive-free, time-saving application. Perfect for mastering the Korean-inspired technique with long-lasting, healthy results. Each step is also available to purchase separately or as a kit without tools at Ellisons.
LASHBASE Lifted. pre-treatment cleansing pads
Prepare lashes for optimal lift results with LASHBASE Lifted. pre-treatment cleansing pads. These easy-to-use pads effectively remove make-up, oils and residue, ensuring a clean base for your lash lift treatment. A fast, fuss-free prep step that enhances adhesion and overall results.
LASHBASE Lifted. under eye pads
Enhance comfort and protection during lash lift treatments with LASHBASE Lifted. under eye pads. Designed to secure and shield the lower lashes, these professional pads ensure a precise application while keeping your client comfortable throughout the treatment. A must-have addition to your lash lift kit for a seamless, professional finish.
LASHBASE Lifted. round and flat lash shields mixed sized, 8 pairs
Prepare for precision and perfect results during Korean lash lifts with the LASHBASE Lifted. round and flat lash shields — a professional kit of 8 pairs including both flat and round silicone shields in sizes S, M, L, and XL. The flat shields are ideal for clients with straighter or upward-growing lashes, while the round shields suit down‑turned lashes, helping you create tailored curls and perfect lift every time. Clear sizing guidance and a bonus cheat sheet make it easy to choose the right shield for each eye, and the durable silicone design ensures a smooth, hygienic application throughout the treatment.
LASHBASE Lifted. lash lift comb, thin
The LASHBASE Lifted. lash lift comb is an essential tool for achieving a flawless Korean lash lift. Its 16-tooth design allows for precise lash separation, making treatments quicker and easier while ensuring a perfect lift every time. Ideal for finer, delicate lashes, this durable, easy-to-clean comb provides effortless access to the inner and outer corners, helping lash techs deliver even, professional results with reduced application time.
LASHBASE Lifted. lash and brow tinting palette
Designed for busy professionals, the LASHBASE Lifted. lash and brow tinting palette features a 3-well layout ideal for mixing multiple tints at once. Easy to clean and use, it’s the perfect addition to your lash and brow toolkit for quick, efficient treatments.
LASHBASE Lifted. lift and tint brush small, angled
Achieve precise, even application with the LASHBASE Lifted. small angled lift and tint brush. Featuring a sharp tip and densely packed bristles, it’s ideal for placing lashes onto shields and ensuring consistent tint coverage along the lash line. A must-have for lash and brow professionals — also available in a small, flat brush version for added versatility.
LASHBASE Lifted. lash lifting Y-comb
Achieve precise lash separation with the LASHBASE Lifted. Y-comb — a lightweight, easy-to-use tool designed for flawless lash lift results. Its fine teeth ensure even spacing and smooth application every time.
Skin Republic collagen under eye patches, 3 pack
Soothe and hydrate the under-eye area during treatment with Skin Republic collagen hydrogel under eye patches — crescent-shaped masks infused with collagen, green tea, aloe vera, and vitamins A & E to firm, brighten, and reduce puffiness. Dermatologist-tested and biodegradable, these cooling patches are ideal for use during lash lifts, helping calm the skin while enhancing client comfort throughout the service.
LASHBASE Lifted. lash/brow primer 10ml
Enhance precision and ensure flawless results during lash-lift and brow lamination treatments with the LASHBASE Lifted lash and brow primer, 10ml — a pre-treatment solution designed to gently open lash cuticles and remove natural oils without drying or damaging the lashes or brows. By creating the perfect surface for adhesive and ensuring lashes stick securely to the lift shields, it boosts retention and prevents lashes from popping off mid-treatment. Ideal for clients with coarse or stubborn hairs, this cruelty-free primer softens and prepares lashes and brows to be lifted or laminated with ease, making application smoother and faster for professionals.
Korean-inspired lash lift powder ratios
| Lash density | Step 1 | Step 2 | Tint |
| Thin lashes | 70% solution - 30% powder | No powder or some ration as step 1 | No powder or some ration as step 1 |
| Medium lashes | 60% solution - 40% powder | No powder or some ration as step 1 | No powder or some ration as step 1 |
| Thick lashes | 50% solution - 50% powder | Same ratio as step 1 or slighlty less powder (60:40) | No powder or some ration as step 1 |
A faster and adhesive-free lash technique
While cysteamine transforms the chemical side of the lash lift, the Korean-inspired technique revolutionises the application method. Originating from South Korea, a beauty innovation hotspot, this approach prioritises lash health and efficiency.
So what sets the Korean method apart? Instead of traditional lash adhesives, the Korean technique uses a clever mixture of the lifting solution (Step 1) and a lash lift powder to create a tacky paste. This paste holds the lashes securely in place on the shield while processing.
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Key advantages include:
- No lash adhesive needed, eliminating the 10-15 minutes typically spent securing lashes onto shields.
- Faster treatment times, with lash lifts taking as little as 30 minutes, plus additional time for tinting if desired.
- A streamlined process that reduces discomfort for clients while helping artists save on materials and application time.
- Customisable formulation, as the powder can be blended into step 2 or the lash tint for tailored results.
- Cysteamine has less of an odour than traditional lash lifting solutions containing TGA, a huge bonus for both clients and artists.
For clients with coarse or downward-growing lashes, adding a cover or wrap can help ensure even contact and beautifully lifted results. While it’s still crucial to follow processing times precisely (overprocessing is always a risk!), cysteamine formulas offer greater forgiveness, making them an excellent choice for confident yet cautious lash artists.
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Why add this technique to your treatment menu?
Combining cysteamine-based solutions with the Korean-inspired technique offers lash artists the best of both worlds:
- Delivers the impressive lift clients love while supporting lash strength and overall health.
- A perfect option for sensitive clients who are prone to irritation.
- Speed and efficiency, helping you maximise your appointment schedule and client turnover.
- A point of difference that keeps you ahead of trends and attracts clients eager to try the latest innovations.
With brands like LASHBASE launching Lifted. with Cysteamine, which has been rigorously tested for professional use, there’s never been a better time to explore this game-changing approach.
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Stock up on kit essentials
Shop all the great value hygiene kit products you need to complete a korean-inspired lash lift safely and effectively.
Beauty Essentials professional cosmetic face pads, 500 pack
Perfect your Korean-inspired lash lift with Beauty Essentials cosmetic face pads — ultra-soft, disposable, and ideal for gentle cleansing, precise product removal, and hygienic application. Lightweight, cost-effective, and designed with skin sensitivity in mind, these pads help you uphold the clean, meticulous standards that define Korean beauty treatments.
Beauty Essentials cotton buds, paper stem, 200 pack
A staple for precision in Korean lash lifts, Beauty Essentials cotton buds are perfect for detailed product application and hygienic touch-ups. With eco-friendly paper stems, they're versatile enough for use with face lift machines and a wide range of beauty services — a must-have for any professional kit.
Nitrile gloves powder free black, medium, 100 pack
Maintain hygiene and protect both client and therapist with our high-quality nitrile gloves — a must-have for lash lifts and other professional treatments. Latex-free and resistant to common salon chemicals, they offer durability, comfort, and protection, especially for those with latex sensitivities. Available in small, medium, and large, these disposable gloves are ideal for a wide range of services, from lash lifting to waxing, tinting, and more.
LASHBASE mascara wands, 50 pack
Achieve flawless results and maintain hygiene during Korean lash lifts with LASHBASE mascara wands — essential for separating and refining lashes post‑treatment. These disposable black wands feature a spiral synthetic bristle head for smooth, gentle combing, helping define each lash without snagging. Lightweight, cruelty‑free, and vegan‑friendly, they support a polished finish while reducing cross‑contamination, making them ideal for professional lash services.
Lash Glo applicators, 50 pack
Maintain precision and hygiene during Korean lash-lift and brow-lamination treatments with Lash Glo pink applicators — vibrant, lint‑free, and lightweight tools made for applying and removing products cleanly. Each applicator is engineered to leave no fluff behind, ensuring a flawless finish whether you’re working with lifts, tints, or laminations. Ideal for busy salons, the dual‑purpose applicators help speed up 20‑minute treatments, enabling you to serve more clients efficiently without compromising professionalism.
Salon System MarvelLash micro applicators, 100 pack
Maintain pinpoint precision and salon-level hygiene during Korean lash lifts, eyelash perming, or lash extension glue removal with Salon System Marvelash micro applicators — sleek micro‑fibre tips designed to apply tiny amounts of liquid with ultimate control. These disposable, easy-to-use applicators ensure smooth, mess-free application every time, ideal for product-sensitive treatments and detailed work. With excellent value in a pack of 100, they’re a reliable choice for professional lash artists who prioritise precision, cleanliness, and client satisfaction.
Beauty Essentials oxidant, 100ml
Enhance colour treatments with Beauty Essentials oxidant — a stabilised 3% hydrogen peroxide developer housed in a convenient resealable tube, ideal for lash and brow tinting services. This reliable oxidant delivers consistent colour activation and mixing control, helping achieve rich tones and longer-lasting results, while offering outstanding value for busy salons. Vegan and compact, it’s a practical essential for professionals needing dependable performance in a small format.
Strictly Professional eyelash tint 15ml, brown
Enhance lash services with the Strictly Professional eyelash tint 15ml in Brown — a professional, pigment-rich formula designed to add depth and definition to natural lashes. Perfect for lash lifts and brow treatments, this high-quality tint delivers consistent, long-lasting colour for a fuller, more defined look without mascara. Compact and vegan-friendly, it’s an ideal choice for busy salons seeking reliable results and a polished finish with every treatment.
FAQs
How much should I charge for this treatment?
Pricing is entirely at your discretion. LASHBASE has priced the Korean-Inspired Lash Lift System the same as the original Lifted. range, so your product costs remain unchanged. That said, you might wish to charge slightly more to reflect your investment in training and the advanced technology behind the new system.
What’s the difference between this and the original Lifted. system?
The main difference lies in the active ingredient. This new system uses cysteamine hydrochloride, a gentler alternative to traditional thioglycolate-based solutions. Cysteamine is an amino acid derivative naturally found in the body, and it works with the hair’s own chemistry to lift and curl lashes effectively without excessive dryness or damage.
This makes it ideal for clients with sensitive eyes, or those seeking a safer lash treatment. It’s also a brilliant option for brow lamination, as it’s gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
Unlike thioglycolate-based products (such as Lifted. and Lifted. Pro), the cysteamine-based formula can be applied to the full length of the lash — not just up to 1–2mm from the tips — offering more flexibility and precision.
Is the Lash Lift Powder required?
No, the powder is optional. It’s simply an alternative to using adhesive to secure the lashes onto the lash shield. You can still perform a lash lift or brow lamination using adhesive if preferred.
How often can I carry out cysteamine lash lifts?
Because the Lifted. with Cysteamine formula is much gentler, clients can be re-treated every 4–6 weeks. However, we advise waiting until the original lift has dropped — which may be up to 8 weeks — and always assessing lash health beforehand. Avoid re-lifting earlier than 4 weeks.
Which lash shields should I use for a Korean lash lift?
We recommend using Glueless Shields for this treatment, as they’re suitable for all lash types and allow for full-lash application — which is essential when using the cysteamine-based formula.
Should I patch test my clients?
Yes, we strongly recommend patch testing all clients before treatment. As this is a new system, patch testing provides an added layer of safety and ensures you’re covered from a liability perspective.
Can this system be used for brow lamination?
Yes! In fact, LASHBASE recommend it. The gentle formula makes it particularly well-suited for brow lamination, helping to minimise redness or irritation around the brow area after treatment.
Ready to offer Korean-inspired lash lifts in your salon? Discover everything you need at Ellisons, including the innovative Lifted. with cysteamine range from LASHBASE. Stay ahead in lash artistry and deliver healthy, natural-looking results your clients will love.