How to Get Long Eyelashes
Eyelashes and eyebrows are all the rave in the beauty world today. But in this article, I want to talk about eyelashes, especially long ones! I’ll save the eyebrow talk for another article. 😊
Long, thick eyelashes can change your entire face. They can totally enhance, enliven, embolden, and completely transform your eyes. If you are feeling and looking a little tired the morning after a late night out, all you have to do is highlight your lashes and your whole face will light up.
Below I will show you 7 proven ways to get beautiful, long lashes. Some of these methods will get you instant results – you can have lush lashes today if you would like. Other methods I mention here could take a little longer but with a little patience, it will be worth the wait!
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How to Get Long Eyelashes #1 Eyelash Extensions
If you want instant and the most natural looking lashes you can go with eyelash extensions. They are synthetic hair or silk lashes applied to your own lashes for fullness and length. Typically, 50-100 single lash extensions are placed on each eye.
It usually takes 1-2 hours to get a full set of extensions applied. If you want a volume set it may take longer. You will need fills or touch-ups every 2-4 weeks depending on the growth cycle of the natural lash and your lifestyle and care of your extensions.
The process is easy for you and can be quite relaxing. You will lie with your eyes closed and gel patches or tape will be placed over your lower lashes so that nothing is glued to the lower set. Then one eyelash extension is carefully glued to one of your natural eyelashes.
A classic set is when one extension is placed on one lash. A volume set is when several lashes are placed together to make a fan-like effect then placed on your individual lashes. This gives extra fullness and coverage.
Depending on what area of the country you live in, the average cost of eyelash extensions ranges from $125 for a full set of classic lashes to up to $500 or more for a volume set. Average pricing for a fill or touch up ranges from $50 – $100.
Find a reputable lash artist and make sure they use quality products. Eyelash extensions will not damage your natural lashes if the artist uses good-quality adhesive and you take good care of them after they are applied.
Your extensions can last 6-8 weeks but you will probably need fills every 2-4 to keep your fullness. Here are some tips to make them last longer for you.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Eyelash Extensions
• Avoid steam and humidity the first 24 hours after getting your extensions.
• Don’t wear mascara over them – you really don’t need any.
• Avoid oil-based eyeshadow and eyeliner. Oily beauty products can break down the lash adhesive.
• Keep heavy eye creams away from the extensions also.
• Use oil-free makeup remover.
• You can get your lashes wet when you shower or wash your face but try to avoid getting harsh soap or shampoo on them. You can use a blow dryer on the cool setting to dry for a couple minutes them if you would like.
• Try to sleep on your back or don’t lay directly on your lashes.
• Use a spoolie wand to carefully brush your lashes every day. Roll the brush on top of your lashes in a downward and out motion. This will prevent them from clumping together and crisscrossing. They will stay better defined so don’t be afraid to brush them.
Keep in mind the growth cycle of your natural lashes and how they can affect the life of your extensions.
Lash Shedding
• The average person has between 80-120 natural eyelashes per upper lid.
• 2-5 lashes are naturally shed per eye daily.
• So, if you lose 3 lashes per eye per day –
• You will lose 21 lashes in one week
• You will lose 42 lashes in 2 weeks
• You will lose 63 lashes in 3 weeks
So, you see how regular touch-ups are needed to keep your lashes looking long and full.
I absolutely loved having eyelashes extensions on. I’m an esthetician who has a lash business on the side – I wish I could put them on myself!
They didn’t irritate my eyes and many days I could totally go without eye makeup. The lash extensions alone were enough to make my eyes totally pop without using eyeshadow or eyeliner.
Also, try to avoid getting what is called “individuals.” They are a cluster of false lashes placed on top of your natural lashes usually done with imprecision and hair glue. This type of glue is too harsh for your natural eyelashes.
I’ve had clients who said they lost all their natural lashes from bad glue and too much weight with the individuals. If you decide to go that route just make sure and ask what type of glue they are using and if it is appropriate for lashes.
2. False Lashes or Strip Lashes
If you are looking for a quick solution to short, thin lashes you could always try strip lashes. Or maybe you just need lush lashes for a special occasion. There are many to choose from and if they are applied correctly, they can look very natural.
They can be a little difficult to put on but there are plenty of great YouTube videos out there that can show you how.
Tips on How to Apply False Lashes
• Measure and trim the lash strip to fit your eye.
• Make sure there is no oil on your lids before application.
• Some people like to line the upper lid with black eyeliner before putting the strip on. This helps blend the strip into the natural lid and hide excess glue. Just make sure the eyeliner isn’t oil-based.
• Curl your upper lashes and apply mascara if you want extra fullness – this blends the natural and false lashes better.
• After removing the lash strip from the box, curl it around your finger or make-up brush so the lashes will remain nice and curved.
• Place your mirror on the counter or table then look downward when applying the false eyelash strip.
• Put a thin layer of lash adhesive on the strip and let it dry for around 30 seconds. You want the glue to be a little tacky.
• Apply the strip to the top of the lashes and press into the lid gently, starting in the center then moving to inner and outer corners.
Only wear your false lashes for one day at a time. And only reuse a couple times as long as they are clean. When you want to remove them, don’t tug.
Take an oil-free makeup remover and dab the strip where it has adhered to your lid. Then gently pull off the strip. I like and use Ardell and Mac false eyelashes. They are affordable and great quality.
3. Magnetic Eyelashes
Magnetic eyelashes are a newer innovation in lash lengthening products. You get 4 lash strips, 2 per eye that adhere to one another per magnets and sandwich your natural eyelashes. One sits above the lash and another sits below it.
I have tried them and loved how they look but it does take some practice getting them on and getting them to stay in place. So, don’t get impatient if you don’t get them on correctly the first couple times.
Tips on Applying Your Magnetic Lashes
• Measure and trim the magnetic lashes to fit your eye but don’t cut the actual magnets.
• Curl your own lashes and apply mascara – this helps with keeping the magnetic lashes in place.
• Make sure the lashes are pointing downward, curved in the same direction, and magnets are facing one another.
• Using your fingers or tweezers place a strip below your lashes, close your eye, then place the other lash above your lash and the magnetic strips will click together. Many directions recommend applying the upper lash strip first but, I find starting with the lower lash to be easier. Try it both ways to see what is easiest for you.
These are nice because you don’t have to deal with messy glue. When you want to remove them, slowly and gently nudge them apart. Try not to pull.
I haven’t seen these in stores but that doesn’t mean you can’t purchase them instore. I bought my Magnetic eyelashes online.
4. Lash Lift
Another great lash treatment you can find in the spa is the lash lift. This is a great alternative for you if you don’t want extensions or want to apply false eyelashes yourself.
The lash lift is a service that raises, curls and shapes your natural lashes giving them the appearance of long lashes and makes your eyes pop. They can give the allusion of eyelash extensions, especially if they are tinted with the lift.
Like a perm, it is a semi-permanent curl and lift that uses an eye-safe chemical solution to shape your natural lashes. But don’t let the word “chemical” scare you, a lash lift shouldn’t damage your natural lashes.
What to Expect When Getting a Lash Lift:
• Your lashes are cleaned then a gel eye pad is placed over your lower lashes to separate them from your top lashes.
• Your natural lashes will be brushed up and glued down to a silicone shield that sits on top of your upper lid, forming the curl.
• The curling or perming solution is left on for 12-15 minutes.
• A setting solution is applied to your lashes which will keep the curl in place. It is left on for 12-15 minutes also.
• Next, if you want your lashes darkened, a tint will be applied and left on for 10 minutes.
• Lastly, a nourishing lotion will be applied to remove the glue. It contains keratin and oils that will add moisture to your lashes and strengthen them.
Start to finish, the entire lash lift treatment takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Lash lifts last approximately 6-8 weeks and, depending on what part of the country you live, can cost between $65 – $125.
You can wear mascara after a lash lift, but you need to wait 24 hours before applying it. Also, avoid steam, moisture, and wearing eye makeup or eye creams for 24 hours so your lift will last longer.
If you want a more dramatic look, try using a lash serum for a couple weeks before getting your lift so your lashes will be even longer.
5.Lash Growth Serums
If you have a little patience, lash serums are always an option for getting longer lashes. I believe they have gotten more popular due to their effectiveness and cost. And the little maintenance is appealing as well.
On average, it takes 4-8 weeks to see results when using a lash serum. The med spa I work at sells Latisse so I have used that. I loved it and I saw longer, thicker lashes within two weeks. It really does work.
You apply it at night on clean skin by brushing the serum right on top of your upper lash line, like a liquid eyeliner. Always follow manufacturer’s directions. I used it every night until I got the desired results then used
it 2-3 times a week for maintenance.
I have also used Grande Lash MD. Like the Latisse, you brush it on top of your lash line, daily. It works very well too. I do see longer lashes and maybe a little more thickness with using this serum. It took about 3 weeks for me to see results with the Grande Lash MD.
Keep in mind, you must continue using the lash serum to maintain the longer lashes. Your lashes continually shed so when you stop using the serum your new lashes will come in at the regular length.
6. Natural Home Remedies for Eyelash Growth
I honestly have never tried a home remedy for growing my lashes, but I have talked to friends and clients who have and felt like these worked:
• Coconut Milk – It’s high in protein. Soak a cotton square in the coconut milk and set over your lashes for 7-10 minutes then thoroughly rinse off.
• Castor Oil- Nourishes your lashes and stimulates the follicles. Apply the oil to your lashes with a clean mascara spoolie or cotton swab before you go to bed then rinse off in the morning.
• Olive Oil – Rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, this oil stimulates lash growth and makes them thicker. Like the castor oil, apply olive oil to your lashes at night then rinse the following morning.
• Eyelid Massage – Massage stimulates blood circulation that will, in turn, stimulate hair growth. Apply a small drop of oil like olive or coconut to your lid then gently massage in circular movements with your fingertips for 5-7 minutes.
Try these natural remedies daily for 2-4 months to see results. I think they have potential, it will just take a little longer to get long lashes than with the other methods mentioned in this article.
7. Lash Lengthening Mascara with Lash Curler
So, the final and probably quickest and cheapest way to get long eyelashes is to invest in an eyelash curler and use a good lash lengthening mascara. There are so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming.
But I have listed some below that I have tried and really liked. I feel like the fiber mascaras work the best to give length even though they can sometimes be messy. Make sure and get one that doesn’t flake as this can be irritating to your eyes.
Another tip if you are going the mascara route is to use a lash primer or a little baby powder before applying your actual mascara. This can give you more thickness and some length.
Some of my favorites are:
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara
AsaVea 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
Boots NO 7 Dramatic Lift Mascara
I am wearing the AsaVea 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara on my right eye and Ulta brand mascara on left.
