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Expert advice to help you get longer, thicker lashes
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Long, upturned eyelashes not only make your eyes look bigger, but they’re also a characteristic associated with youth, beauty, and flirtatious eye-batting! If you want to get big, beautiful, and healthy lashes in a natural and DIY-friendly way, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve interviewed expert beauty specialists and aestheticians to let you in on exactly what makes eyelashes grow and how you can grow longer, thicker, and healthier lashes in just a few simple steps.
How to Grow Your Eyelashes
- Use a mascara with peptides.
- Apply castor oil or olive oil to your lashes.
- Apply Vitamin E oil to your lashes.
- Moisturize your lash line with organic beeswax.
- Apply a lash growth serum like GrandeLASH-MD.
- Gently remove your makeup every evening.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Make Eyelashes Grow
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Apply beeswax or a nourishing oil (like castor oil) to your lid line daily. Certain oils and balms can promote lash growth and keep your eyelashes hydrated and healthy. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Choose between organic beeswax or an oil like castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or Vitamin E oil. Use a clean mascara wand or cotton swab to gently apply the oil or wax to your upper lash line every night before bed. [2] X Research source Wait up to 12 weeks for full results.
- Castor oil has ricinoleic acid as its active ingredient, which may stimulate prostaglandin E2 (“PGE2”)—a molecule that’s been shown in studies to encourage hair growth. [3] X Research source
- Naturally refined coconut oil moisturizes your lashes, which can help them to avoid breakage and stay hydrated, leading to possible hair and lash growth. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Olive oil contains a high percentage of oleuropein, a compound that’s been found to induce anagen hair growth in some studies. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that deeply conditions your lashes while also protecting the cells from external stressors.
- Organic beeswax , when responsibly sourced, is full of rich vitamins and antioxidants which will help keep your lashes moisturized and protected. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Moisturize your eyelashes daily with a pea-sized amount of aloe vera. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your upper lash line. The aloe will help to hydrate and moisturize the hair follicles, since the substance has a long history of use as a humectant and hair loss aid. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source While aloe vera hasn’t been shown to directly make lashes grow, it will help to hydrate and strengthen your lashes, which is likely to promote hair growth.Advertisement
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Apply lash growth serums to your lid line daily. Try an eyelash accelerator or growth serum to “help strengthen your lashes, allowing them to grow longer and stronger,” instructs licensed esthetician Alicia Ramos. Certified esthetician Karina Villalta also agrees that “the best way to grow thicker lashes is to use a lash growth serum,...[which] works by prolonging the anagen, or growth, phase of the lash hair.”
- Ramos specifically recommends two effective lash serums: GrandeLASH-MD and the LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash enhancer .
- To apply these over-the-counter serums, beauty specialist Barbie Ritzman instructs to “remove all eye makeup and ensure your lashes are dry. Then, use the applicator brush to apply a thin line of the serum along your upper lash line, similar to applying a liquid eyeliner.”
- “Use the lash growth serum once daily, preferably at night,” continues Ritzman. “Consistency is key for best results.”
- To prevent irritation, Ritzman warns against “applying the serum to the lower lash line…If you experience any irritation or redness, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.”
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Clean your lashes 1-2 times a day with a spooly. Brush your lashes at least once per day with a spooly (aka a clean mascara wand or eyebrow brush), and “do a once-through with an eyelash comb before you go to bed,” says Ramos. Your eyelashes naturally accumulate debris, face oils, and dead skin cells. [8] X Research source By combing a spooly through your lashes, you may be able to clear some of that debris and give your lashes more space to grow. [9] X Research source
- Spoolies are also super cost-effective, making this a great hack, and you can keep them in a small plastic container or baggy to carry around with you wherever you go!
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Switch to a lash-boosting mascara with propeptides and other nutrients. Many mascaras have drying ingredients that can cause the hair structure to weaken, and long-term use of standard mascaras may lead to increase lash fall. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Instead, look for a mascara with nourishing ingredients like propeptides or other valuable nutrients that have been shown to stimulate eyelash growth. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Search for mascaras that advertise themselves with keywords like “ nutrient rich ,” “ peptide ,” and “ lash-boosting .”
- You can also look for mascaras that contain some of the DIY solutions used to promote lash growth, such as coconut oil, castor oil, and organic beeswax.
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Give your eyelashes a break from mascara and other makeup products. Over time, thick coats of makeup or heavy lash extensions can put too much pressure on your hair follicles and damage your fragile lashes. If you typically wear makeup every day, try dedicating at least one day per week to skip the mascara and give your lashes a chance to breathe. [12] X Research source
- Limit your use of other tools like eyelash curlers and false lashes to restore strength and volume to your natural lashes. “Harsh eye drops…can [also] diminish the strength of your lashes,” adds Ramos.
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Always wash off your makeup—but be gentle. “When applying makeup to natural lashes, make sure to remove all makeup at the end of the night,” instructs Villalta. It’s crucial to remove eye makeup before bed in order to prevent lash breakage and eye irritation. [13] X Research source When washing your face, however, Ritzman stresses the importance of “avoiding any rubbing or wiping of your lashes,” as these motions can make your lashes fall out.
- To wash your eye makeup off in a gentle way, avoid makeup remover wipes and cleaners—instead, opt for organic, raw coconut oil or other oil-based eye removal products . [14] X Research source
- Use a cotton pad (not a ball or swap) or your fingertips to gently massage the oil onto your eyes. Then, rinse it away and pat dry.
- In addition to avoiding rubbing or wiping your lashes while washing your face, try not to pull or tug on them in daily life. It’s best to leave your eyelashes alone as much as possible, since even applying makeup or eyelash extensions too close to the last line can cause the lashes to fall out or break.
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Give yourself a daily eyelash massage for 1-2 minutes. Massaging your eyelids for 1-2 minutes a day can stimulate blood flow to that area and promote healthy lash growth. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, then gently place your fingertips along your lash line. Gingerly rub the area in small circles, making sure not to apply so much pressure that you might damage your lashes or eyelid skin. [15] X Research source
- Continue for up to two minutes and repeat once daily.
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Eat a mineral- and vitamin-rich diet. Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet can help your body retain the necessary nutrients to thrive. Ritzman suggests eating foods that are “rich in vitamins and minerals…like biotin, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.” Some great foods to incorporate into your diet to promote healthy hair growth include leafy greens, avocado, fish, and nuts. [16] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Consider taking hair growth supplements and vitamins. If your lashes always seem to be weak, thin, or brittle, your body may need additional help getting nutrients to promote hair growth. Consider implementing collagen or biotin supplements into your daily routine. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- However, it’s best to consult your primary care physician about which supplements may be right for you and what (if any) side effects you should be on the lookout for.
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Use a prescription lash growth treatment. If these DIY and at-home methods aren’t working for you, try a prescription-only lash serum. One of the most popular FDA-approved lash growth treatments is called Latisse (Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution). [18] X Research source To start using Latisse, “visit a healthcare provider to get a prescription,” instructs Ritzman. Once you have the product, “clean your face thoroughly of makeup and remove contact lenses if you wear them.”
- Then, “use the sterile applicator provided by Latisse to apply one drop of solution to the applicator brush,” instructs Ritzman. “Apply the lash solution to the upper lash line of each eye, being careful to not let the solution contact other areas.”
- Apply Latisse once daily, preferably at night. According to Ritzman, “initial results are typically visible within 4-8 weeks, with full results expected in approximately 16 weeks.”
- “Potential side effects include itching redness, darkening of the eyelid skin, and darkening of the iris,” warns Ritzman. If you experience any of these side effects, temporarily discontinue use and contact the medical provider that wrote your prescription.
- Ritzman advises to “continue using Latisse regularly to maintain results. Discontinuing use will cause lashes to return to their original length over time.”
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Section 2 of 4:
How to Make Your Eyelashes Appear Longer
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Prep your eyelashes by gently brushing and curling them. Use a clean mascara wand to gently brush your eyelashes upward—this step can help to separate your individual eyelashes and make them look more voluminous and defined.
- Then, take an eyelash curler and start at the base of the lash—but don’t get too close to your eyelid! Gently squeeze the curler a few times and slowly move toward the tip of the lash on each squeeze. [19] X Research source
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Apply a lifting and volumizing mascara to your eyelashes. If you want the look of long lashes without actually growing your lashes, a mascara advertised for lift and length is probably your best bet. Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and “squiggle the brush as you move upward,” instructs licensed aesthetician and makeup educator Daniel Vann. “Make sure to agitate the lashes and work the product into them. Don’t just graze over [the lashes] lightly and timidly…you really want to work into the lash vigorously.”
- You can also layer your mascara to create a thicker look, but Vann reminds us to “layer dry over wet,” not wet over wet. “Put a little [mascara] on,” says Vann, “step away from it, do another feature, then come back and layer a little more on. If you keep working at it too furiously when it’s wet, [the mascara] doesn’t ever build.”
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Use your mascara wand to define each individual lash. After applying your mascara, run the tip of the wand along each lash to separate and define them. It may be easier to use an eyelash comb to separate your lashes, or invest in a specialized mascara applicator such as a spiral or fine-toothed wand . [20] X Research source
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Get a lash tint to make your lashes look fuller and longer for up to 6 weeks. Eyelash tinting dyes your lashes to a darker shade, giving them the illusion of more fullness and length. Contact a local beauty salon or esthetician in your area to ask if they offer eyelash tinting. Ramos specifically recommends lash tints because “even good quality eyelash tint appointments can be the same price as, or cheaper than, expensive mascaras. And they last up to 6 weeks!”
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Get a professional lash lift. You may have long lashes that appear shorter because of how straight they are. If frequent use of your eyelash curler isn’t doing it for you, Ramos recommends an eyelash lift to “make your lashes appear as long and strong” as possible. Contact your local beauty salon or esthetician to find out what kinds of lash lift treatments they offer—these treatments usually last about 6-8 weeks. [21] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWill honey (only) help to make my eyelashes thicker, or should I really use almond oil as well?Cecilia FloresTop AnswererHoney does nothing for lashes; castor oil and coconut oil work best.
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QuestionCan I apply Vaseline gel? I can't get other petroleum jelly where I live.Community AnswerYes you can. Vaseline gel is petroleum jelly. As long as you don't use any body wash or lotion.
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QuestionDoes conditioner help to grow healthy lashes?Community AnswerNo.
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References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158911/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/plc1H9cdYbU?t=363
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1984.tb02993.x
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827872/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
- ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/eyelash-mites-are-normal-part-of-bodys-microbiome
- ↑ https://www.beverlyfischer.net/blog/how-to-grow-your-eyelashes/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3927173/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158911/
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/eye-makeup-risks
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/eye-makeup-risks
- ↑ https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/prevention/eye-makeup-safety-101
- ↑ https://youtu.be/AbQlvJ5FOYA?t=315
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-best-foods-for-vitamins-and-minerals
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9042074/
- ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022369s005lbl.pdf
- ↑ https://www.15minutebeauty.com/best-mascara-application.html
- ↑ https://www.makeup.com/product-and-reviews/mascara/how-to-separate-eyelashes-with-mascara
- ↑ https://nima.edu/blogs/what-is-a-lash-lift-everything-you-need-to-know-about-them/
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
- ↑ https://www.instyle.com/do-lash-serums-work-7975742
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861943/
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Eyelash-growth-cycle-showing-the-four-phases-namely-anagen-catagen-telogen-and-exogen_fig1_312903914
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
- ↑ https://greatist.com/health/how-to-get-longer-eyelashes
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