Do-It-Yourself Shabbat Candles

The candles do not need to remain lit for 24 hours, rather they should remain lit at least until the kiddush is recited a couple hours after candle lighting time.

It is true that some Rabbis are of the opinion that it is best that one give a quick glance at the candles in between reciting the blessing and praying, Others (most) hold that it is unnecessary to do so.

Furthermore, they point out that it may be actually preferable not to gaze at the candles until after saying your prayers and requests, since we don't pray in the form of request on the actual Shabbat.(See Piskei Teshuvot on Shulchan Aruch, Orech Chaim 263:4 n. 45 for the various opinions on this).

That said, one should continue to follow the custom of their household, as both ways are valid.

You are correct in pointing out that many Sefardim have the custom to first make the blessing and then light. at the same time, it should be noted however, that there are many Sefradim who follow the custom of the Kaf Hachaim, Ben Ish Chai etc. who hold that one should first light and only then make the blessing, as described in the video.

In general, in our articles we do try to include the various customs including both Sefard and Ashkenaz, however, this is a bit more difficult and complicated to do in a DIY video which is essentially designed to be short and simple. However, we will bear this in mind for the future.