We’ve said it before and will say it again (this time with drama) — Your eyes act as portals to your inner spirit, radiating and dazzling like celestial orbs in the heavens. They resemble priceless jewels that bewitch the observer with their beauty.
In other words, eyes are probably the best part of your face, so framing them with long, luscious lashes is the right thing to do.
In celebration of gorgeous lashes, we will teach you how to make your eyelashes look longer, thicker, and healthier with a dash of eyelash serum and tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way.
So hang tight, and let's explore…
How to Make Your Eyelashes Look Longer
Just like your body, your eyelashes need regular cleaning — if you don’t clean your natural lashes, you could end up with an infection like conjunctivitis or irritations like red eye or Iritis.
Dirty lashes attract lash mites, tiny creatures living in your eyelashes rent-free; usually, mites prefer false lashes or lash extensions, but they have been known to take up residence in real lashes.
Lash dirt is a build-up of dead skin cells, dirt and pollution, makeup and oil; all these things will inhibit natural eyelash growth and make you look and feel terrible.
Lash hygiene is not difficult, but when you’re tired (or drunk, no judgement, we’ve all been there), it’s easy to fall into bed with your makeup on, your lashes caked in mascara which is more difficult and time-consuming to remove in the morning.
So no matter how tired or inebriated you are, take your makeup off before you get into bed. If you’re using waterproof makeup, use a strong makeup remover. If you can leave your lashes clean and moisturised before you go to bed, you will notice the difference in the morning.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to lash grooming and healthy eyelash maintenance.
- Use makeup remover to remove the top layer of makeup and foundation and, of course, eyeshadow, liner, and mascara.
- Cleanse again, but this time with a foaming cleanser or cleaning balm and warm water.
- Check you have removed all your eye makeup; if not, go over your lashes with makeup remover to ensure they are really clean.
- Wipe your face with a warm cloth to remove the makeup remover.
- Dry your face with a clean towel and moisturise with a facial oil or a light night cream.
- Lightly massage in some lash conditioner and leave it on overnight.
The above step-by-step guide might sound like a faff, but it's a good routine to use if your eyelashes are suffering, and as a by-product, your skin will look better too.
In the morning, rewash your face and prepare to pep the skin for your morning makeup routine.
Ways to Enhance Your Eyelashes without Using False Lashes
So you have mastered the nighttime routine, and you’re looking for ways to make your eyelashes look longer. The first place to start is mascara…
Apply Mascara Wisely
Several types of mascara are available, and they all have different remits.
- Lash lengthening mascara — LLM, or lash lengthening mascara, does what it says on the packet, lengthens lashes. If your lashes need a boost because they are short, then this mascara could be good for you. The mascara contains minute fibres or polymers made of plastic strands like nylon that bind to your natural lashes, making them look longer.
- Volumising or thickening mascara — Volumising or thickening mascara combines wax and silicon fibres or polymers to enhance your lashes and make them appear fuller and more voluptuous. The cheaper price point thickening mascara tends to drop or smudge on your face. It’s worth paying a little more for a volumising mascara that stays in place.
- Curling mascara — Designed to curl your lashes by using the filming polymers or fibres in the formula that contract when dry, creating a curl. The mascara brush that comes with curling mascara is designed to accentuate the curl.
- Waterproof mascara — Waterproof mascara is also smudge-proof, designed to stay in place once applied. More difficult to remove than other mascaras but great for sport, swimming and bride-proof for those who are easily prone to tears.
- Natural look mascara — Natural-look mascara, or non-clumping mascara, will not lengthen your lashes but will define them to a degree. Natural look mascara is not waterproof and isn’t that popular — these days, more is more; NLM is too laid back to be interesting.
- Lash defining mascara — Lash-defining mascara is an all-purpose makeup solution that volumises and thickens with the help of strong colour pigments combined with nylon fibres, all wrapped up in a waterproof formula that contains moisturising agents to add sheen. We love Velour’s Big Deal Mascara. For the best results, follow the instructions on applying and removing your mascara. LDM sounds like the perfect choice, but there are other things you can do to get perfect lashes…
Use an Eyelash Curler
Eyelash curlers first appeared in the beauty market in 1931, or at least that’s when the first patent was registered. The curler design remains pretty much the same as it did on the patent application, way back when everything art deco was fashionable.
Eyelash curlers are metal framed devices with plastic or rubber pads at the connection point — the design means you can use the strength in your hands to force your lashes to curl.
Here’s how to use eyelash curlers effectively:
- Step 1: Start with clean lashes. Any dirt or mascara residue will be visible as soon as you start curling your lashes, so make sure they’re totally clean before you begin.
- Step 2: Place the bottom part of the device on your eyelid near the base of your lash line and then close the top portion gently over the top. Don’t squeeze too hard, or you may damage your lashes.
- Step 3: Hold the curler in place for a few seconds and then release. You can also hold it outward and twist it before releasing it to get a nice curl.
- Step 4: Repeat this process until you get the desired effect. Use your fingers or a spoolie brush to comb through and separate your lashes.
Don’t put mascara on before you curl your lashes, as they will stick to the curler, wait until after to apply for the best effect.
Experiment with False Lashes and Extensions
A shortcut to making your lashes look longer is lash extensions or false eyelashes — once applied, they require maintenance but don’t need the same amount of upkeep as natural lashes.
If you find your real lashes have been damaged by neglect, then individual lashes might be the answer. Click the link to view our lash extensions you can apply at home.
Lengthening Eyelashes Made Easy
Investing in an eyelash serum is a good idea if you want to persevere with your natural lashes. Eyelash serums usually comprise a cocktail of vitamins, minerals and growth stimulants like biotin or panthenol to nourish and enhance your lashes.
Once you have chosen your serum, remember to apply it to the top lashes only every night before bed, following the instructions carefully.
We sell several great serums from Babe Original Lashes, Velour and RapidLash that all have proven super restorative powers.
We have discussed good grooming habits, great mascaras and tools to boost your lashes and make them look longer. You can use eyelash curler and lash serum, but you can also maintain a healthy diet that will supplement your lashes from within.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eyelashes are made of keratin, like the hair on your head. If your diet is poor, your hair will suffer; the same is true of your lashes. Healthy eyelashes need the following to remain healthy and, more importantly, stop them from falling out prematurely.
Here’s a list of food and drink that will supplement your eyelash health.
- Water — hydration is essential for healthy hair and lashes.
- Healthy fats — avocados, fish oils, nuts, and seeds are good for your lashes.
- Protein — plant based protein in legumes and pulses all have essential minerals and fibre.
There’s no need to tell you that smoking is bad for your eyelashes because I am sure you know that by now — Finally, one last bit of advice…
Be Gentle with Your Lashes
Finally, be kind to your lashes — there’s no need to scrub and pull at them. Use gentle products when removing makeup, and use a lash serum or conditioner to keep them looking luxuriant and healthy.
