Demystifying InLei® Shields: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Lash Lift Shield
Introduction: The Art and Science of Choosing Lash Lift Shields
Creating a flawless lash lift is not just about the solution timing or technique—it begins with choosing the correct shield. At InLei® Canada, we believe shield selection is a true art form. The right choice elevates your results, ensures long-lasting comfort for clients, and prevents issues like kinks, harsh bends, or awkward grow-out.
Because every client is unique, the perfect shield depends on factors such as:
Natural lash length
Eye shape
Eyelid anatomy
Natural lash direction + curl pattern
Desired outcome
A personalized approach is essential—and this guide demystifies everything you need to know about the InLei® shield range so you can select with confidence, precision, and artistry.
Why Shield Size Matters: The Foundation of a Successful Lash Lift
InLei® shields are carefully engineered to create predictable, repeatable lash lift results. Each size corresponds to the natural lash length:
S – Short lashes
M – Medium lashes
L – Long lashes
XL – Very long lashes
XXL – Exceptionally long lashes
But length alone doesn’t tell the full story. That’s why we always recommend performing a dry fit before committing to a shield.
How to Perform a Dry Fit (The InLei® Way)
A dry fit ensures you're choosing the correct form before adhesive is applied. Here’s how:
Place the clean shield on the eyelid without glue.
Brush the client’s lashes upward across the petal of the shield.
Assess where the lashes naturally land:
→ If the lashes cover 70–80% of the petal:
Perfect. This is the right size.
→ If the lashes cover less than 70%:
The shield is too large—size down.
→ If the lashes fully cover the petal or overflow:
The shield is too small—size up.
Remember: once lashes are glued, they sit tighter against the shield, so sizing must account for that tension. Mastering the dry fit is the key to consistent lash lift perfection.
Watch our Instagram video here
Understanding the InLei® Shield Families
InLei® offers several thoughtfully designed shield collections, each created to help you achieve specific lash lift results. Below is a full breakdown of each type—when to use them, what outcomes they achieve, and which clients they suit best.
1. The “One” Shields (Singles in Dolly or Natural)
Perfect for artists who know exactly what they need.
The InLei® One line is available in Dolly or Natural styles, and each box contains six pairs of the same size (S–XXL).
Dolly Shields
Comparable to a D-curl lash extension
Create a more dramatic curl in the belly of the lash
Typically Ideal for:
Downward-pointing or straight lashes
Hooded eyes (curl arcs around the hood)
Sunken Eye
If in doubt, opt for a Dolly shield!
Natural Shields
Lift primarily from the root
Create a softer, natural, yet striking upward lift
Ideal for:
Clients with a natural upward lash angle
Almond/protruding eyes
Fixing over-processed lashes
How to tell them apart:
If the shield name includes a number (e.g., 1 M1): it’s Natural.
If it doesn’t include a number: it’s Dolly.
2. The “Only” Shields (Mixed Sizes in Dolly or Natural)
Perfect for artists building their kit or exploring multiple sizes.
InLei® Only boxes give you one pair of each size — S, M, L, XL, XXL — in your choice of Dolly or Natural.
You get 5 pairs total, ideal for:
Mobile artists
Testing a wider range of clients
Artists transitioning from another brand
Studios building a complete shield library
3. The “Total 10” Shields (Mixed Sizes in Dolly + Natural Together)
The ultimate kit for serious lash lift artists.
Can’t decide between Dolly and Natural? Want everything in one place?
The InLei® Total kit includes:
10 pairs total:
5 Dolly (S–XXL)
5 Natural (S–XXL)
This is the most versatile, cost-effective choice for artists who work with a diverse clientele. You’ll have every shield you need for virtually any lash type, length, or anatomy.
4. The InLei® “Forma” Shields (Forma + Forma Up)
Petal-less shields for infinite curl.
These innovative shields come with:
Forma
Forma Up
You receive two pairs of each, for a total of four pairs.
What makes them special?
Petal-less = no predetermined curve
Allows for infinite curl styling
Ideal for:
Lash lift corrections
Shorter lashes (Forma Up often performs better here)
Unique eye shapes requiring custom curl control
When to Choose Forma vs. Forma Up
Forma → Best for long, healthy, or previously lifted lashes
Forma Up → Great for short, straight, or tricky lashes
The Forma family is extremely versatile, but requires excellent technical understanding—which is why we strongly recommend reviewing our downloadable Forma guide before using them on clients.
How Eye Shape Affects Shield Choice
Shield selection is never about lash length alone. Consider these general guidelines:
Hooded Eyes
Avoid Natural shields (lashes may hit the lid)
Choose Dolly shields for a curl that arches around the hood
Deep-Set Eyes
Dolly or Forma Up often perform best
Protruding or Round Eyes
Natural shields help maintain balance
Almond Eyes
Natural shields create a refined, elegant lift
Short Lashes
Don’t choose a shield from the Forma Range, instead focus on assessing eye anatomy and natural curl pattern to choose either Dolly or Natural.
How Natural Lash Curl Affects Shield Selection
This is one of the most overlooked factors in lash lifting.
If the lashes point downward:
✔ Choose Dolly
✘ Avoid Natural — may cause kinks during grow-out.
If the lashes are straight:
✔ Dolly for curl
✔ Natural for a subtle lift (only if eye anatomy supports it)
If the lashes already curl upward naturally:
✔ Natural for a clean vertical lift
✘ Avoid Dolly unless you want a very dramatic curl
Remember: You’re not just creating a result for today. You’re creating a result that needs to grow out beautifully over 6–8 weeks.
Why InLei® Shields Are the Gold Standard
InLei® shields are:
100% Italian-made
Designed with precise curvature for predictable lifts
Made from high-grade, medical silicone
Easily sanitized
Suitable for repeated professional use
Compatible with all InLei® Lash Filler 25.9 systems
Professional artists choose InLei® because the shields ensure consistency, comfort, and long-term client satisfaction.
Free Resources from InLei® Canada
To help you master shield selection, we offer:
✔ Forma vs. Forma Up Guide (FREE Download)
✔ Dolly vs. Natural Guide (FREE Download)
✔ The Complete 34-Page InLei® Shield Guide
Our most comprehensive resource—including:
Eye shape analysis
Lash length & curl patterns
Shield curvature diagrams
Lash lift correction methodology
Solution placement for each shield
“Exceptions to the rules” for unique cases
This guide is essential for any artist who wants to become confident, consistent, and highly skilled in their shield choices.
Final Thoughts: Shield Choice Is an Art—Let InLei® Guide You
Perfecting your shield selection is one of the best ways to elevate your lash lift results from “good” to stunning. With the right form, your client’s lashes will grow out beautifully, maintain their lift for weeks, and return to you impressed every single time.
InLei® offers the most complete professional shield range in Canada, designed for artists who take their craft seriously and clients who deserve the very best.
