Tips to Get Longer, Fuller Lashes

Who doesn’t want long, full eyelashes? There’s a reason why the cosmetic market is full of false lashes, semi-permanent lash extensions, lash lifts, mascaras, and even prescription lash lengthening products. But most of those solutions are based around making your lashes look more luscious…what if you want to actually make your eyelashes longer and fuller?

Here’s the piece many people are missing: if you want better lashes, it’s not just about whether your follicles will grow them. It’s also about making sure your lashes don’t break or fall out before they should. You might be able to do more for your lashes than you think, so try these tips.

Be Gentle when Removing Eye Makeup

Eyelashes go through the same cycle as other hairs on your body: they grow, stay dormant for a while, and then fall out. It’s normal to see an eyelash fall out every so often, but if it’s happening often when you remove your makeup, your makeup removal might be too rough.

Instead of scrubbing, pulling, or putting a lot of pressure on your lashes, try this trick: put the makeup remover on your sponge, cloth, or other applicator and hold it on your closed eye for a few seconds before wiping. This allows the makeup remover to get through your makeup first so you can remove it with less elbow grease. Repeat this a few times until all the makeup is off.

Go Easy on the Waterproof Mascara

I’ll admit that I’ve been guilty of this one: wearing waterproof mascara on a daily basis. After all, why wouldn’t you just wear the waterproof stuff so you never have to worry about your mascara running? It turns out that there’s actually an answer to that question.

Waterproof mascara is waterproof because it dries onto your lashes in such a way that it isn’t easily washed off. The problem is that the ingredients involved in this can be rough on your lashes with daily use. Plus, because it’s harder to get off, this mascara makes you more likely to pull at your lashes while you’re taking off your makeup (see tip #1 above).

Instead, save the waterproof mascara for a day at the pool, a beautiful wedding, or a chick flick movie date. Use non-waterproof mascara for your day-to-day. And when you do pull out the big guns, make sure to also use a more targeted eye makeup remover that’s designed for these types of challenges.

Invest in Eyelash-Focused Products

The eyelashes are often neglected in our skin care routines, but if you’re on a mission to get the lovely, flutter-worthy eyelashes of your dreams, there are products that can help. An eyelash conditioner, for example, is an excellent way to enhance the health and appearance of your lashes. That means not only will your lashes look better but they’ll be less prone to breakage so you’re giving them a chance to grow longer and fuller.

Watch Your Products’ Shelf Lives

Hair follicles, like any other part of your body, perform better when they’re healthy and happy. Anything that causes irritation and inflammation on your lash line is an obstacle that can make it harder for your eyelash follicles to grow lashes to their full potential. One potential source of irritation is using expired products.

All cosmetic products have a shelf life, and the longer you use them, the more likely they are to harbor bacteria. Check out the expiration date for anything that touches your lash line – mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, eye makeup brushes and applicators, and so on. Replace these products when they’re past their prime and don’t forget to wash your makeup brushes regularly, ideally every few weeks.

Never Sleep in Your Mascara

This one probably isn’t a surprise but it’s important enough that it’s worth a specific call-out. I know it’s a pain to come home after a long day and do the whole makeup removal song and dance when all you want to do is lie down. Makeup is meant to only be on your skin for a matter of hours, though, not overnight. Sleeping in your mascara can cause irritation and inflammation which makes it harder for your follicles to grow those long, strong lashes. Do yourself a favor and never skip a night with your makeup remover.

Nourish Your Follicles with Biotin

Lashes and other hairs are something your body has to create, and to do that, it needs the right nutrients. One of the most critical nutrients to have in your diet is biotin. Biotin, AKA vitamin B7, is vital for not only your eyelashes but your hair, skin, and nails too, so aim to take in about 30-100 micrograms (mcg) of biotin each day. Common sources of biotin include:

• Eggs
• Meat and fish
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Organ meats
• Sweet potatoes
• Mushrooms
• Avocados

Enhancing Your Luscious Lashes

Beautiful eyelashes are on just about everyone’s wish list, but they might be more attainable than you think. With the tips above, you can give your hair follicles and your body everything they need to create stunning lashes.