Everyone wants longer, thicker eyelashes but choosing the best path to achieving the look you want can be hard to define. We get questions about the best way to achieve longer, thicker lashes everyday so we have compiled your top questions as well as answers from the experts.
- What are the positives and negatives of various lash treatments?
Eyelash Extensions
Benefits:
If you have the time and money getting professional eyelash extensions may be a good option for you. Eyelash extensions last upon to 6 weeks. Application is pricey (a basic full set at Envious Lashes costs $105) and does take some time. Expect to plan 1-2 hours for professional application. The benefit will be thick, full lashes (to your specifications) for up to 6 weeks eliminating the need for lash makeup.
Considerations:
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the key risks associated with eyelash extensions are:
- swelling.
- temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes.
- infection on the eyelid or cornea.
- skin irritation of the eyelid.
Note: it’s important to have a professional remove your lashes at least the first time. This will help to eliminate lash damage. Another consideration is finding the right lash technician. It can be challenging to find a lash artist that you trust. Many of the good ones have regular clients and may not be accepting new customers. It’s worth it to find the best one in your area.
Topical Growth treatments
Benefits:
Topical treatments can be a good way grow thicker and longer eyelashes over time. Results are not immediate but depending upon the formula used topical growth serums can be one of the safest options for longer, thicker lashes.
Considerations:
Topical lash treatments have exploded in the last 3 years. Being an organic beauty company we prefer the organic options like WINK Lash & Brow Oil. Wink is an organic lash & brow enhancing oil, aimed at helping to naturally stimulate hair follicle growth. By leveraging a custom mix of essential fatty acids, this hypoallergenic beauty oil will give lashes & brows a more lush & full appearance. Visible results at 2 weeks; full results at 8-12. We recommend brands, like ours, that list all ingredients so that you can verify they are organic and not harmful.
Some of the non organic lash oils contain potentially harmful chemicals so it’s important to read labels carefully. By far, the most popular is Latisse. This FDA-approved serum is formulated with an active ingredient called bimatoprost, which not only causes existing lashes to become longer but also stimulates growth in hair follicles not currently producing lashes. Like many other topical solutions Latisse can cause issues.
The top issues include:
- Redness of the thin tissue over the white part of the eye (conjunctiva).
- Dry or Itchy, red eyes.
- Darkened eyelids.
- Darkened brown pigmentation in iris. This change is permanent.
- Hair growth around the eyes if the medication regularly runs or drips off the eyelids.
Latisse takes at least two months before the lashes begin to thicken, with full results occurring in three to four months. You must apply Latisse nightly or your lashes will return to their original state. Since Latisse was not originally designed for lash treatment you must get a subscription from your healthcare provider. Latisse is not inexpensive – prices vary regionally, but the average cost of a 30-day supply is between $120 and $140.
False Eye Lashes
Benefits:
False eyelashes give you that instant pop. Your can also get multiple looks based one the lashes you apply and how you apply them. Whether you prefer your lashes to look wispy, fluffy, or so long and full they almost touch your glasses, falsies are the perfect solution for an instant pop of style. You can also forgo the issues mascara brings like smudging or flaking. Your false eyelashes (if applied properly) will stay put until your ready to take them off. You will need to take some time to learn how to apply them and remove them safely. If you’ve been thinking about falsies but are unsure where to start we like this post from Allure. This post highlights the best false lashes, preferred by makeup artists) and a few of their recommendations contain kits complete with glue and instructions.
Considerations:
False eyelashes can actually damage your vision. This can occur due to the chemicals used in the glue and the possibility of allergic reactions. The most common problems associated with wearing fake eyelashes include: eye injuries and infections, allergic reactions, and damage to your natural lashes
It’s very important to only wear your false eyelashes for short periods of time and to keep them very clean. You can technically wear them for 3-7 days but Ophthalmologists recommend only 12 hours. False eyelashes can increase the risk of dirt getting trapped beneath the lash line. A combination of glues, makeup, oil, and germs can clog pores and infiltrate the lashes. Without ongoing upkeep, false eyelashes can become a breeding ground for infection and disease. It’s also very important to be gentle when removing false eyelashes. If you are not careful you can damage your natural lashes and potentially infect your eyes. We recommend you watch one of many tutorials on YouTube to follow all the proper safety steps.
2. Is There A Way To Make Lashes Look Longer Without Applying Falsies?
Answer: Yes, you can have longer looking lashes by applying makeup in a methodical fashion. Experts recommend starting by smudging a soft black kohl pencil right into the bottom of your lash line and blend it out slightly. The application of the pencil to your bottom lashes creates a shadow at the root of the lashes which makes them look longer. Second, use an eyelash curler starting at the root and give them a good curl at the bottom, middle and just below the tip for a full curl. Lastly, apply a lengthening mascara. Work the mascara at the root and apply pressure as you swipe it all the way to the ends. Do one eye at a time and go back for a second and third coat as needed. If you’re not sure you have the best lengthening mascara check out this post form marieclaire.
If you feel you’re lengthening mascara does not perform as you would like you can also try a mascara primer. I personally like a thin coat primer as it helps me to avoid a clumpy mascara look. If you’re not sure what primer to buy we like this list from BYRDIE. The list breaks down options based on where you buy it, best for lengthening or volume as well as your sensitivity level.
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