Tired of the same old black lash extensions? You may associate coloured lashes with bold, festival looks, but the real secret of modern lash artistry is that colour is a key tool for creating sophisticated, subtle, and personalised enhancements.
Forget the stereotypes. The new wave of coloured lashes is all about enhancement, not spectacle. It’s about a skilled artist using a deep brown to soften the features of a redhead, a hint of purple to make brown eyes radiate warmth, or a line of navy to add professional polish. This is the definitive guide for both curious clients and professional lash artists in Australia on mastering the art of colour. At LASHESBYRK, we believe in elevating artistry, which is why we provide the premium coloured lash trays you need to bring to life.
What are coloured eyelash extensions?
Coloured lashes are synthetic eyelash extensions tinted in a range of shades, from natural browns to vivid blues, pinks, and purples, and carefully applied by a trained professional using safe and proven techniques such as Classic, Hybrid, or Volume. Beyond enhancing the appearance of the eyes, coloured lashes uniquely allow for creative self-expression, highlight certain eye shapes or colors, and provide a bold way to coordinate with hair, outfits, or special events for a customized and memorable look.
>>> Discover more: Discovering 3 Unique Techniques for Applying Pro Made onto Natural Lashes
What is coloured eyelash extension?
The LASHESBYRK standard: premium PBT fibre fiber
Quality is non-negotiable in lash artistry. All LASHESBYRK coloured lashes are crafted from the highest-grade PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). This material is the industry benchmark for several key reasons:
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Rich colour saturation: The colour is infused during manufacturing, ensuring a deep, true hue that won't fade or wash out.
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Lightweight & Flexible: Premium PBT fibre is incredibly soft and light, ensuring client comfort and preventing strain on the natural lashes.
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Superior curl retention: The lashes maintain their curl perfectly throughout the wear cycle, delivering a consistent and flawless appearance.
All LASHESBYRK coloured lashes are crafted from the highest-grade PBT
The modern case for coloured lashes: sophistication, not spectacle
Coloured lashes are no longer just a bold, experimental choice. They have evolved into a sophisticated beauty option suitable for everyday elegance. Once considered dramatic or unconventional, coloured lashes now offer subtle ways to enhance the eyes and complement outfits. This allows you to add a touch of personality without overwhelming the natural look.
Debunking the myth: "Are coloured lashes unprofessional?"
Let’s address the biggest hesitation head-on. Many people worry that coloured lashes might appear "tacky" or unprofessional, but this concern stems from a misunderstanding. Such perceptions usually arise from extreme styling or poor colour choices, not from the concept of coloured lashes itself. When selected and applied by a knowledgeable artist, coloured lashes exemplify elegance. A carefully chosen hint of colour signals a truly bespoke, high-end service, rather than an attention-seeking trend.
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Coloured lashes are the new wave: subtle styles for everyday elegance
The most significant trend in creative lashing is the move towards subtlety. This approach opens up the world of colour to a much wider audience, from corporate professionals to clients who simply want a natural-but-better look.
Imagine a full set of deep chocolate brown lashes on a blonde client—the effect is softer, more harmonious, and far less stark than jet black. Or consider a few deep purple lashes mixed into a black set for a brown-eyed client; the colour is virtually invisible indoors but catches the light beautifully, adding a spark of intrigue. This is the future of personalised beauty.
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A growing trend in Australia
The Australian beauty industry is booming, now valued at $6.3 billion, and there is a growing appetite for bespoke services, such as coloured lashes. Social media drives these trends, with 85.5% of Australians active on platforms like Instagram. As sophisticated examples of coloured lashes gain visibility online, clients increasingly seek out artists capable of offering refined, custom colour services. For professional lash artists, this represents a prime opportunity to differentiate their services and meet the demand for personalized, elegant, colored lash sets.
The artist's secret: a practical guide to coloured lash extensions theory
Understanding coloured lashes involves more than just picking a shade, it's about knowing why certain colours work and how to apply them effectively. Mastering colour theory enables lash artists to move beyond guesswork and make expert, reliable recommendations. This knowledge builds client trust and elevates every coloured lash service.
Why colour theory is a lash artist's best friend
The key to creating flawless coloured lash sets is understanding the relationships between colours. With this insight, you can enhance your client’s natural beauty, highlight their eye colour, and create a bespoke, harmonious look every time.
The colour wheel, simplified
Think of the colour wheel as your roadmap for coloured lashes. The most important concept for lash artistry is complementary colours—those that sit directly opposite each other on the wheel, like purple and green, or blue and orange. When placed side by side, complementary colours produce maximum contrast, making both shades appear more vibrant.
In practice, your client’s iris is one colour, and the coloured eyelashes you choose are the other. The ultimate goal is to ensure the iris—the natural eye colour—remains the star of the show.
The ultimate cheat sheet: matching coloured lashes to eye colour
This simple guide is your starting point for any colour consultation.
- For blue eyes: the power of orange & brown tones
- To make blue eyes appear even bluer, introduce their complementary colour, orange. Since pure orange lashes are rare, consider using tones that contain orange, such as warm browns, coppers, and chocolate shades.
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The effect: This contrast makes the blue iris appear bright, vivid, and intensely striking.
- For green eyes: the magic of purple & burgundy tones
- Green’s complementary colour is red, which in lash artistry translates to purples, burgundies, and deep violet shades.
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The effect: These coloured lashes enhance the vibrancy of green eyes, canceling out any dullness and amplifying their natural sparkle.
- For brown eyes: the versatility of blues, greens & purples
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Brown is a neutral canvas, containing elements of all three primary colours. This allows coloured lashes in blues and greens to highlight cool or golden flecks in the iris, while purples create a soft, rich contrast.
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The effect: Brown eyes can be styled in almost any direction, making them a playground for skilled lash artists.
- For hazel eyes: a mix of greens and purples
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Hazel eyes are a beautiful mix of green and brown. Using greens will amplify the green tones, while purples will create a gorgeous contrast with the entire eye.
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The effect: This enhances the natural complexity of hazel eyes, making their unique patterns stand out.
A tour of the palette: types of coloured lashes
When it comes to coloured lashes, understanding the range of options is the first step to creating stunning, customised looks. From universally flattering shades to bold, statement-making colours, each choice opens up a world of creative possibilities for lash artists and clients alike.
The crowd favourite: brown eyelash extensions
Brown lashes are the gateway to the world of colour, and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile and universally flattering, offering a softer, more natural alternative to the intensity of black.
Comparison table: brown lashes vs. black lashes
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Feature
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Black lashes
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Brown lashes
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Finish
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Dramatic, high-contrast, "mascara" look.
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Soft, natural, subtle definition.
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Best for
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Clients with dark hair, dark skin tones, or who want a bold, striking lash line.
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Blondes, redheads, mature clients, fair-skinned clients, or anyone seeking a natural enhancement.
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Effect
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Creates a sharp, defined eyeliner effect.
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Blends seamlessly with the natural lash line for a "your lashes but better" look.
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The creative spectrum: purples, blues, greens, and pinks
While brown is the star, the rest of the palette offers incredible opportunities for customisation.
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Purple/Burgundy: The most universally flattering vibrant colour. It functions like a richer, more interesting alternative to black and enhances all eye colours.
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Blue/Navy: An amazing choice for brightening the sclera (the whites of the eyes), making your client look more awake. It's a stunning contrast against brown eyes.
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Green: An earthy, beautiful option that adds richness to brown and hazel eyes.
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Pink/Red/White: These high-impact shades are perfect for creating highlights, bold festival looks, or subtle "peekaboo" effects.
A guide to application styles for artists & clients
1. The "pop of colour": a subtle introduction
This is the perfect way to introduce a client to colour. The technique involves adding a small number of coloured lash fans to the outer corners of the eyes or layering them subtly within a set of black lashes.
Best for: First-time clients, professionals seeking a discreet flair, or those looking to add intrigue to a standard refill.
2. The ombre effect: a gradient of colour
Ombre lashes feature a black base that seamlessly transitions to a coloured tip. This creates a beautiful, dimensional effect that is blended and sophisticated.
Best for: A high-fashion look that is noticeable when the light hits it, but not overpowering.
3. The full colour set: making a statement
A full set is just that—an entire set of lashes created with a single colour. While this can mean a vibrant blue or purple set for a festival, its most common and elegant application is a full brown set.
Best for: Clients seeking a complete, cohesive look, whether for the ultimate natural enhancement (full brown) or a bold, artistic statement.
The professional's playbook: mastering coloured lashes
The colour consultation: the blueprint for success
Never skip this step. A thorough consultation establishes your expertise and ensures client satisfaction.
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Analyse: Look closely at the client's eye colour in good lighting. Note their hair colour and skin undertones (cool, warm, or neutral).
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Discuss: Ask about their lifestyle, profession, and desired outcome. Are they looking for something for a special event or for everyday wear?
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Showcase: Keep a portfolio of your colour work handy. Visual examples are the most powerful tool for helping clients feel confident in their choice.
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Preview: Hold a small cluster of coloured lashes near the client's eye. This simple "lash trial" allows them to see the colour against their skin and eyes before committing.
"The consultation is where the magic happens. It’s a collaboration. I’m not just putting lashes on; I’m designing a look that is uniquely theirs. Understanding how a deep purple can make a client's brown eyes sparkle is the skill they’re paying for." - Tien, Founder of LASHESBYRK
Lash mapping for creative sets
Strategic placement is everything. You're not just applying lashes; you're using colour to enhance and even correct an eye shape. For example, placing pops of colour on the outer corners can elongate the eye, while placing them in the centre can create a more open, "doll-eye" look.
Sourcing the best: LASHESBYRK coloured lash trays
To create masterful work, you need the best tools. Our collection of coloured lash trays was curated specifically for the discerning Australian lash artist. We offer a wide range of popular colours in the most requested curls (C, CC, D) and diameters, ensuring you have the perfect palette for any client.
Elevate your artistry. Explore the full collection here: https://lashesbyrk.com.au/collections/coloured-lash-extensions
Coloured eyelash extension aftercare
Essential do's and don'ts for lasting colour
Proper aftercare is crucial for lash retention, and the rules are the same for both coloured and black extensions.
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Do: Cleanse lashes daily with a professional, oil-free lash cleanser.
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Do: Brush them gently with a clean spoolie to keep them fluffy and separated.
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Don't: Use any oil-based makeup, removers, or skincare products around the eye area.
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Avoid picking, pulling, or rubbing your extensions.
>>> Discover more: How to Maintain Lash Extensions for Long-Lasting Results: Essential Advanced Tips
Answering a key concern: do coloured lashes fade?
No. The pigment in high-quality PBT lashes is part of the fibre itself. Unlike hair dye, the colour is stable and will not fade from washing or exposure to the sun. The colour your client leaves with is the colour they'll have until their infill.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What's the most popular lash colour in Australia?
While vibrant colours see a spike in popularity around festival season, dark brown is the fastest-growing and most requested colour for year-round, everyday wear. Its ability to provide a soft, natural definition makes it a staple in salons across the country.
2. Can I wear coloured lashes to work?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest myths we're eager to bust. A full set of brown lashes or very subtle highlights of deep navy, plum, or forest green within a black set are incredibly chic and professional.
3. How much more do coloured lash sets cost?
Because custom colour work requires a higher level of skill, consultation time, and a wider range of products, most artists charge a small premium. You can expect an add-on fee of approximately $10-$30 AUD for a creative colour set compared to a standard black set.
4. Will coloured lashes damage my natural lashes?
No. Damage to natural lashes is caused by improper application (too much adhesive, poor isolation) or incorrect lash weight, never by the colour of the extension. When applied by a properly trained and certified professional, coloured extensions are just as safe as black extensions.