You're ready to go out and blink, but instantly realize there's still work to be done. Long, well-curved lashes, characteristics associated with youth, will open your eyes. Although length and shape are genetic, there are plenty of things you can do (some quick and easy, some drastic and expensive) to create the illusion of having super long lashes.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make Lashes Look Longer
Step 1. Apply eyeliner close to the lash line
Use a slightly darker color than your natural lash color. The idea is to give the impression that there are more lashes at the root and, therefore, to make them look fuller.
- With a waterproof eyeliner, outline the upper inner rim of the eye to give an illusion of thickness without making up the eyelid. With a small flat brush, apply black eyeshadow to the root of the upper lashes, giving the illusion of a darker rhyme. By slightly extending the line towards the outer corner of the eye, the lashes will appear even longer.
- If you want to try a more complicated technique, consider "tight-lining" (also known as the "invisible mascara" technique). In this case you will need to have a steady and skilled hand and apply the eyeliner to the base of each individual hair, and between them, creating a very thin line at the end of the eyelid.
Step 2. Apply mascara
In general, mascara will make lashes appear longer and more voluminous, as long as you choose a quality product that doesn't create unsightly lumps. Prefer a mascara indicated as volumizing, such as Maybeline's "The Colossal Go Extreme".
- A great way to make your lashes look longer and more voluminous is to work them at the base, then slowly moving towards the tips. Pick up a small amount of mascara with an eyeshadow brush and apply it to the roots of the lashes; you will give them thickness making them appear thicker. If you want them to look really full, apply a layer of mascara and then use some powder, then run a second coat of mascara. The powder will make your lashes appear thicker.
- Some mascara are combined with a "primer", that is a product that requires an application identical to that of mascara and which is used as a base for the latter, to ensure a final result of greater length, definition and color intensity (important aspect for those with light eyelashes).
- As an added bonus, some mascaras, for example from Rimmel London, contain a serum designed to speed up lash growth.
Step 3. Curl your lashes
Straight lashes look short, even when they aren't, simply because of the angle from which they are viewed. An eyelash curler will give them a nice curl, as long as it is used gently and carefully. The last thing you want to do is damage the roots, causing any premature fall.
Start at the base of the lashes. Squeeze them in the curler for 10 seconds. For a natural and ideal result, repeat the use of the eyelash curler only in the central part. Don't overdo it, though: if you curl too much, your lashes will become uncomfortably turned back towards the lid. Such a result is not coveted by anyone
Step 4. Apply the false lashes
Looking at the photographs of the celebrities closely, it is possible to notice that most of them are wearing false eyelashes (although they are skillfully applied). Indeed, applying the false lashes so that they look natural and stay perfectly in place takes a lot of practice. Once you master this skill, however, your lashes will look incredibly longer.
- The first step is to curl the false eyelashes. You want them to look perfect even before applying them. Cut them with a pair of small scissors. They should be uniform and not excessively long. The result should be as natural as possible: false eyelashes that are too long are immediately recognizable as false. Apply 2-3 drops of the special adhesive (contained in the package or sold separately) on the inner rim of the false eyelashes. Wait 5-6 seconds before attaching them. Start applying them from the outer corner of the eye, moving towards the inner one. Finally, make sure your natural lashes blend with the artificial ones. You can use almost any type of mascara to do this.
- To remove false lashes, use the lash serum provided by the manufacturer or apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the ends of the lashes. Wait about 10 seconds, then gently pull them from the outer sides towards the center. Be careful not to forcefully pull them out, otherwise you may accidentally remove some of your natural lashes.
Step 5. Try on eyelash extensions
If you can afford it, you can achieve a beautiful and natural look with professional hair extensions. The process will normally take a couple of hours, and will cost around 70-90 euros per eye. However, it will last for several months, albeit requiring touch-ups every 3-4 weeks (for a fee).
If you decide to opt for this option, note that washing your face will not be as easy as usual. In fact, you will not be able to apply too much pressure on the extensions to prevent them from falling out. You will need to wash around your eyes and use a cotton swab to clean your lashes
Method 2 of 2: Grow Longer Lashes
Step 1. Clean your natural lashes
Growth starts with good hygiene. You will then want to remove any grease, dust, or make-up that clogs your eyelash follicles. Cosmetic products, more than anything else, tend to cause eyelash loss and impair regrowth.
Every night, remove your makeup completely gently. Leaving makeup on your eyes for a long time is not good for your lashes, and over time it will make it more difficult to perform the steps we have seen so far
Step 2. Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively, especially during allergy seasons
Use eye drops to reduce redness and irritation. Periodic rubbing can loosen your lashes and cause them to fall out more quickly. In addition, an increased intake of dust, dirt and other impurities that cause follicles to clog will only require further cleaning. If you want to massage your eyelids, make sure your hands are perfectly clean and don't make too vigorous movements.
Step 3. Treat your lashes with oils
Before going to sleep, apply a thin layer of extra virgin olive, castor or coconut oil to your lashes. With regular use, oils and some cosmetic products, such as the DiorShow Maximizer, will visibly increase its volume, length and curvature.
- Dip a clean mascara brush (or a cotton swab) into the oil and apply it to your lashes gently, from root to tip. If you prefer, you can warm the oil before applying it. In this case, make sure it is just above room temperature and that it is not too hot, otherwise you could burn yourself.
- After applying the oil to your lashes, dab them lightly with a tissue or cloth to remove the excess. Leave it on for a couple of hours or overnight, depending on how much hydration your lashes need. Repeat the treatment every two weeks; Doing it too often could cause follicle occlusion.
Step 4. Try treating your lashes with green tea
If you decide that oils aren't your thing, you can try applying green tea to your lashes before going to sleep. In this case, take a cotton swab, soak it in green tea and then distribute it over your lashes. The next morning, wash them carefully. Repeat every night for two weeks, the results will be visible to the naked eye.
Step 5. Get longer lashes with petroleum jelly
For decades, petroleum jelly has been a mainstay of DIY beauty remedies. Apply it to your lashes before going to sleep and remove by washing them the next morning. If you are not a fan of petrolatum, you can search the web for the bio-petroleum jelly recipe.
Step 6. Eat foods that help produce longer lashes
The key is in a healthy diet. Focus on eating foods rich in proteins and vitamins. Foods such as fish, eggs, legumes, soy and yogurt will promote the growth of your eyelashes. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which allow for stronger nails, shinier hair and longer eyelashes. For longer, healthier hair and eyelashes, many women also take biotin, a B-complex vitamin.
Step 7. Consult a dermatologist
He may prescribe Latisse, the first drug approved for eyelash lengthening and thickening. The only alleged side effects are irritation, general redness and itching. Normally the doctor will prescribe the use of this drug only to those for whom the fact of having very short or almost non-existent eyelashes can be considered dangerous to health. Remember that the primary goal of the lashes is to protect the eyes from dirt and other foreign materials.
There are also some over-the-counter drugs on the market, which can also be prescribed by a dermatologist. Many act exactly like the Latisse, while being much cheaper. Such products include Rapidlash and La Clinique Prolash
Step 8. Consult a plastic surgeon
This is the most extreme method used to have longer lashes. A plastic surgeon is able to transplant the follicles of the scalp onto the eyelids. Although the result is longer lashes, healing is incredibly painful and vision can be impaired for several weeks. Since the hair follicles are different from those on the eyelids, some patients say that after the operation it is necessary to regularly trim the eyelashes.