6 Steps To Longer Lashes

For many women, our eyelashes are just as important as the hairs on our head! Short, stubby eyelashes can make your eyes look smaller - but it's just not practical to wear a full set of false lashes every day. In fact, wearing false lashes every day can actually make your lashes fall out - not good! Learn how to make your lashes grow longer naturally, as well as how to make them look longer and more fluttery using things like mascara and eyelash curlers by following the tips below.

Eyelash Growth Cycle

In exactly the same way as the hair on your head, eyelashes go through a growth rate cycle, whereby they fall out and then grow back. In fact, they go through three different stages - growth, resting and transition. The first phase, growth, typically lasts for around 45 days. Next, eyelashes "rest" whereby they don't grow, which lasts for about three weeks - and will then go through a transition phase before they fall out.

Using dyes, heavy lash sets, heavy eyelash extensions and pulling your eyelashes out could leave you with short and stubby lashes - so if you want extra pretty commercial-worthy lashes, your best bet is to keep them au naturel.

Getting Longer Lashes Naturally

If you want full, long, natural lashes, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind:

• Although sleeping with your makeup on can be tempting, especially if you've had a long, busy day, it's the easiest way to clog up your pores and weaken your eyelashes. Wearing too much mascara, for a long period of time, will weigh your lashes down, weakening them and making them more brittle and prone to breakage. Take the makeup off using makeup remover, cleanser or wipes.
• Use a growth serum. Although it might seem like a particularly lengthy process, it can be really helpful, especially when your eyelashes are really short. Look for formulas that are clinically proven, and always look for reviews - there are a vast number of eyelash growth serums out there and although it's important to find the right formula for you, it's still important to use a formula that has actually been adequately tested. Stick with it and it'll pay off eventually.

See Also: How to Match Eyeshadow and Eye Color

• Take vitamin H (Biotin) supplements or try to include a range of vitamin-rich foods in your daily diet. Vitamin H helps to boost hair growth, which includes your eyelashes, so it could make your lashes thicker, fuller and longer. It can be found in a number of foods, including sardines, egg yolks, pecans, bananas, wholegrains, almonds and brewer's yeast (Marmite or Vegemite).
• Antioxidants are also vital for hair growth and renewal - in particular, vitamins C and E. Vitamin C helps prevent split ends and vitamin E improves circulation. These vitamins are found in avocados, citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.

Curl Happy

Many, many ladies miss this step out - but it's actually one of the easiest ways to fake your way to fluttery, full lashes. Curling your eyelashes takes just seconds and will really help to open up the eye area, even if you don't wear mascara - and if you curl your eyelashes before you apply mascara, it'll make your lashes look even longer. Some makeup artists recommend heating the eyelash curlers before use, which can improve results, although just gently clamping the lashes between the curlers will do the job nicely - it works by exposing more of the lash surface, which makes them look bigger, especially when layered with mascara.

The Three Layer Rule

Make your lashes look thicker and longer by using a lengthening and curling mascara. Look for brushes with a curved wand or small bristles - this means that the brush will pick up all of those tiny lashes in the inner and outer corners of the eyes, making them look longer.

To apply the mascara, hold the wand just underneath your lashes, then starting at the root, wiggle the brush from side to side instead of brushing the mascara straight through the lashes - this ensures that each and every lash is evenly coated with product. Apply three thin layers, rather than one thick layer, for the prettiest lashes.

Lash Fibers

Some of the newest products to hit the market are being touted as "false lashes in a tube". If the heavy look of a false lash isn't really your kind of thing, or you prefer a more natural look, these lash fiber products will work a real treat. They're basically mascaras but with added fibers. These fibers are tiny, but when brushed onto lashes, will add thickness and length, making them look thicker and longer. Some lash fiber products are applied before you apply your mascara, giving your lashes a wider and longer surface area to be coated with mascara.

Unlike lash extensions, which require glue and can sometimes cause reactions or damage to the natural lashes if not done correctly, lash fibers are a temporary solution that can be removed at the end of the day with regular makeup remover. You can decide how much product to apply based on the desired effect. A little can add slight fullness and length, while multiple applications can create a dramatic effect for special occasions.

Vaseline

It's an old beauty tip, but it's a goodie - applying a thin layer of Vaseline to your upper and lower lashes before going to bed every night could make your lashes look longer in a matter of weeks. We love Vaseline here at Steady Health and could swear by it for a multitude of beauty problems - plus, as a bonus, it'll soften your lashes and will improve the texture of brittle, weak lashes.

See Also: How To Get The Perfect Eyebrows

Lash Extensions

There's a bit of a common misconception that if you wear eyelash extensions, your real eyelashes will fall out. That's not true - the only way that lash extensions could cause lash problems is if they are too heavy for your natural lashes. Choose thin, natural lashes and get them applied by a professional - and if using false lashes, use just one set, make sure that they're cut to the right size for your eyes and take them off as soon as you can.

Extensions come in various lengths, thicknesses, and curls, allowing for a tailored look that suits individual preferences. You can choose a subtle enhancement or go for a more dramatic effect. Once applied, lash extensions can last for several weeks with proper care, requiring infills every 2-3 weeks.