I have own one of these eylure dylash kits for well over 2 years now. I tend to use it maybe 3 - 5 times a year depending on whether there are any special occasions or not.

The kit is essentially a step by step guide on how to tint your own eyelashes. I used to work in a beauty salon where I could get treatments free or relatively cheaply and having my eyelashes tinted was one of my favourites. It means you can get away without wearing mascara but still have really dark black luscious lashes. I especially liked to have it done before I went on holiday so that I could give my face a break from constant make up wear.

After I left the job I found one of these kits in my local boots store and thought I would give it a go myself to save some money. I think I paid roughly £7-£9 for this kit and have been using it on and off for the last couple of years now.

The kit comes in a cardboard box, inside there is a plastic tray and the chemicals you need. You have a tube of black dye which is then mixed with droplets of an activating liquid and mixed with an empty mascara brush. Once you have mixed the dye you apply vaseline over the skin around your eye. There are also little crescent shaped pieces of paper to put under each eye to prevent the dye from colouring your face. I tend to not bother with these are they just get in the way, but vaseline is a must. You then apply the dye to your lashes and leave it for 10-15 minutes to take.

The mascara brush provided is relatively small and thin, allowing you to reach all the lashes which is really handy. The dye once mixed is still relatively thick so it coats your lashes easily. No vaseline is provided so you have to have your own for application. Generally, apart from the smell of dye being a little chemical the process is relatively trouble free - that is until you've applied it...

You are meant to put the dye on and lie back and relax for long enough for it to take. This simply isn't a possibility when the dye seeps into your eyes and burns your retinas. I have experienced the same problem with professional eyelash tinting before but not to the same extent that I have with this kit. I think for the most part it is relatively unavoidable, as your eyes water from the fumes of the dye the dye is then more likely to get into your eyes and irritate them.

The whole experience is thoroughly uncomfortable. But, they say you have to suffer for beauty and I suppose I believe in that ethos because I still use the kit every now and then. I find the irritation in my eyes alleviates about 30 minutes after the dye has been removed. On balance I tend to think the results are worth this pain because I do think my lashes look nice once they have been dyed. I would, however, suggest that if you have a low pain threshold then probably don't opt for this product as it will burn your eyes.

Overall, if I have to money to have them done professionally I will - otherwise I'll have to continue suffering for beauty.