Starting out in lashes is exciting — and expensive, if you're not careful. The industry is full of beautiful products, tempting bundles, and marketing that makes you feel like you need everything before you can begin. You don't. Here's an honest breakdown of what to actually buy first, and what can wait.
Skip the overwhelm. Our starter kit bundles are curated specifically for new techs — the right products, the right quantities, none of the guesswork.
The non-negotiables
These are the things you genuinely cannot work without — and where it pays to buy quality.
- Tweezers — one straight isolation tweezer and one curved application tweezer. Don't buy cheap ones. Poor tweezers with inconsistent tension will make your work harder for as long as you use them.
- Adhesive — start with one quality standard adhesive suited to your climate. In humid Australian conditions, a sensitive or medium-cure adhesive is often a better starting point than a fast-cure one.
- Lash trays — Mixed trays in 3D - 0.10 and 5D - 0.07. That covers classic sets on the majority of clients in your first months.
- Under-eye patches and tape — stock two or three sizes. Eye shapes vary more than you'd expect.
- Primer — apply before every single set. It removes oils, maximises adhesive bonding, and is one of the cheapest things you can do for retention.
- Hygrometer and thermometer — you cannot work safely or consistently without knowing your room's humidity and temperature.
Worth buying from the start
A nano mister. A bonder or sealant. Lash cleanser for pre-treatment. Lint-free micro brushes in bulk. Jade stones or adhesive rings. These are affordable and make a real difference to your process and client results.
💡 Resist buying five different adhesives to "test." It creates confusion and inconsistent results. Learn one adhesive properly before branching out — consistency in your variables is how you identify and fix problems.
What can wait
Volume tweezers — until you're actually training in volume. A full curl library across every diameter — build this as your clientele grows. Branded packaging and merchandise — focus on skill first. The "nice to have" trap is real: rhinestone applicators, lash scissors, 40 adhesive brands. There will be time for all of it. In your first six months, simplicity is your friend.
🎯 Build a tight, quality kit. Learn it thoroughly. Upgrade as your skill and clientele grow. A tech who knows six products inside-out will always outperform one who's constantly rotating through twenty.
