For several years now, long, curled lashes have become a great object of desire. The most used tool to achieve this effect is mascara. You do not like it? Don't worry - this doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of short, sparse lashes. With the right products, such as false lashes, curler and eyeliner, you can get long and beautiful lashes without the need for mascara. If you are looking for a longer lasting solution, consult a beautician to apply extensions, perm or dye them. Finally, if you want them to grow naturally, consider serums, oils, and biotin products.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Temporary Solutions
Step 1. Consider using false lashes
This is the most popular way to lengthen them without mascara. There are numerous shapes and sizes, from strips to adhere to the entire lash to individual tufts to put exactly on the points you want to lengthen.
- If you want to get a clean and defined result, try the full strips, which allow you to visibly lengthen the lashes.
- Individual tufts are preferable for those who want a natural and discreet look;
- You may need to cut or trim the strips to fit the eye. Always try a couple before proceeding with the application.
Step 2. Apply false eyelashes correctly
To attach them to the eyelid, pour some glue on the strip or individual tuft. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds. If it's slightly sticky to the touch, then you're making it the right way. Place it over the lash line, starting at the outer corner and pressing towards the whole to secure it.
- Before applying them, place the mirror under you and tuck your chin down to position them at the right angle. You certainly don't want to end up with an asymmetrical result;
- Finished with one eye, let them set for another 30-60 seconds to make sure the glue sticks well to the skin, so as to avoid losing them on the go;
- To remove them at the end of the day, peel them off one of the edges and gently pull them upwards. You may need to use a makeup remover to remove glue residue from your lashes or skin.
Step 3. Curve
Straight lashes may appear shorter and sparse than they actually are. In this case you can use the eyelash curler. Curving them allows you to lift them, making them visibly longer and more beautiful. Fold them from the base to the tips to stretch them to the maximum.
- Eyelash curlers are available in perfumery or in any cosmetic store;
- Place the curler at the base of the lashes and close it, keeping it in this position for about 3 seconds. Then, move it to the center of the lashes and hold it closed for another 3 seconds. Finally, arrange it on the tips and keep it closed for another 3 seconds. Done! They will have gotten longer as if by magic.
- If you don't have an eyelash curler, a clean toothbrush can be just as effective. Wet it with warm water and pat it dry with a towel. Place the bristles between the base and the tips of the lashes and hold them still for a few seconds, in order to create the curvature.
Step 4. Apply eyeliner to the base of the upper lashline and to the inner rim of the eye
Eyeliner, usually paired with mascara, can be used alone to lengthen lashes. Instead of applying it to the mobile eyelid, draw a line at the base of the lashes. Then, gently pull the eyelid up to see the inner rim of the eye and apply it also in this area to make the lashes visibly thicker and longer.
- Use a dark eyeliner so that it blends perfectly with your lashes. Black is usually preferred. However, if you have light lashes, choose a brown one;
- To draw the line at the base of the lashes you can choose between different types of eyeliner: pencil, powder, liquid or cream. For the inner rim of the eye you can use one in pencil or cream.
Method 2 of 3: Lengthen the Beautician's Lashes
Step 1. Try the extensions
If you want a lasting result, this is the solution for you. Extensions are similar to false eyelashes, but have many more advantages. The beautician will attach tufts to the tips of the natural lashes with a special glue. The effect usually lasts 4-6 weeks.
- Pay attention to the application afterwards. Avoid rubbing your eyes when itchy or while washing your face. If you are not delicate, you risk loosening the adhesive;
- Extensions are expensive. So if you have a limited budget, consider a different method. Fortunately, there are many other options!
- Some people are allergic to the adhesive used for extensions. Ask the beautician to do a skin test before applying them.
- Frequent use of extensions can cause natural lashes to break, so it's best to wear them only for special events.
Step 2. Consider a perm
Curling your lashes every day can be a real annoyance. If you are tired, try the perm. It consists of applying chemicals to the lashes, and then wrapping them around a sort of sponge curler to curl them. The effect lasts 1-3 months. It's like a perm, but in miniature!
- The eyelash perm should be done by a beautician;
- Since this treatment involves the use of chemicals, it is possible for the eyes and the area around the eyes to become irritated. Leaving the solution on for too long can also cause your lashes to break or fall out, which would be counterproductive in achieving your goal. Go to a renowned beauty center where expert beauticians work.
Step 3. Dye your lashes
Extensions, perms… is something missing? A tint, of course! If you have light lashes, they are likely to appear shorter than they actually are. Instead of using mascara, you can darken them to make them stretch. Use a plant-based dye. Contact a beautician to get it done. The effect usually lasts 4-6 weeks.
- As with other treatments, it is possible to have an allergic reaction. Ask the beautician to do a skin test before applying the dye to make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients it contains.
- As recommended in the case of extensions and perms, it is important to contact a renowned beauty center where expert beauticians work.
Method 3 of 3: Use Long Term Effect Products
Step 1. Use a serum that promotes lash growth
If you have decided to throw away your mascara, you may want to invest in a serum to make them stretch. These products allow to obtain a lengthening effect thanks to the help of peptides and other ingredients. In any case, good results are usually only obtained with professional treatments. Commercial formulations generally contain moisturizing ingredients that do not necessarily promote growth. Talk to a dermatologist to find out more.
- To see good results, the serum should be used every night. It is also important to apply it directly to the lash line. The hairs that form them are already dead, so putting it on them won't make any difference.
- To get good results you need patience, even in this case. It takes 2-6 months to see a change, so try to wait.
- Professional treatments have potential side effects, such as discolouration of the eyelid and iris.
Step 2. Hydrate them with an oil
If they are not hydrated enough, lashes can break and fall out, preventing you from having them long and thick. Oils like olive, coconut, castor and jojoba are believed to be effective in nourishing and strengthening them, promoting growth. Apply a few drops every night.
- Try to be patient and consistent. You won't see any changes overnight, so don't give up right away! Wait for at least 2-3 months.
- You can apply the oil by dabbing a small amount on your finger and massaging it into your lashes. In any case, to better coat them, you should soak a clean brush and apply it as if it were a mascara (but without the classic disadvantages of this cosmetic, such as lumps or smudges).
- Petroleum jelly is also effective in hydrating and promoting growth. You can use the same method of applying the oil.
Step 3. Take a supplement based on biotin, a vitamin believed to be effective for strengthening weak and brittle hair
It can also affect the eyelashes. Taking the supplement every day can help you make them stretch and thicken. Also in this case you have to be patient: the first results are seen after several months.
- Being water-soluble, biotin is processed quite quickly by the body. This means that it is difficult to overdo the intake. In any case, you should always speak to your doctor before starting to use supplements, to make sure you can take them without risking negative interactions with other medicines and to determine the right dosage.
- If you don't want to take biotin supplements, you can eat more foods rich in this vitamin, such as almonds, pecans, bananas, egg yolks and whole grains, which are tasty and healthy. They will be good for both the body and the eyelashes!
Advice
- If you use other makeup than mascara, remove it with makeup remover at the end of the day. This product helps dissolve the cosmetics, so as to avoid rubbing the eyes and causing the eyelashes to fall out or break.
- If you don't like using mascara because you find it too dark, you can try a transparent one, which separates and defines the lashes, lengthening them without coloring them.
