Long, dark, fluttering eyelashes are a beauty goal for many. If you weren’t born with naturally stunning lashes, don’t worry – there are ways to enhance them beyond just using mascara. Rather than relying on a temporary fix, you can encourage your lashes to grow thicker, longer, and healthier. Luckily, achieving fuller and darker lashes is simple with these helpful tips and tricks.
Boost Your Lashes Naturally
Enhancing your lashes doesn’t require fancy products – you can find effective ingredients right at home. Give these organic lash boosters a try:
- Oils:
- Reach for everyday oils like vitamin E, castor oil, olive oil, or even petroleum jelly. Dip a disposable mascara wand into your chosen oil and gently coat your lashes from base to tip. Leave it on overnight for a moisturizing effect on the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth. Be cautious not to get any oil in your eyes.
- Green Tea Bath:
- Brew a cup of green tea (without sugar) and let it cool. Dip a cotton ball into the cooled tea and swipe it across your lashes. Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps maintain healthy lashes, while its caffeine and flavonoids stimulate new growth.
- Aloe:
- Aloe Vera isn’t just for sunburns – it’s a fantastic tonic for refreshing your eyes and keeping your lashes lush and dark. Rich in vitamins and minerals, aloe promotes overall eye health and encourages the growth of new cells. Plus, it’s beneficial for rough skin and red patches.
- Lash Serums: There’s a variety of lash serums available, each designed to enhance and maintain the natural growth cycle of your lashes. Look for serums containing squalene, known for thickening lashes. An example is Latisse®, a popular product at Vibrance Medspa, renowned for adding length, fullness, and volume to lashes.
- Massage:
- Boost healthy lash growth by gently massaging your eyelids every night. This stimulates the hair follicles, but remember to keep it gentle. About 60 seconds while applying a natural oil or aloe is all you need.
- Clean Eyelashes:
- Prioritize nightly cleaning to remove makeup and daily debris. Our surroundings contain more dirt particles than we realize, and cleaning your lashes each night contributes to their overall health
- Eat a Healthy Diet:
- Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes respond to your body’s health. To grow and shine, they need specific minerals and vitamins. Maintain a healthy diet with whole grains and nutritious carbs to ensure your body is functioning at its best. Consider vitamin supplements for hair growth to provide additional support.
- Hot/Cold Eye Packs:
- Give your eyes some TLC by alternating hot and cold packs once or twice a week, each for about five minutes. Repeat as desired. This simple routine not only boosts hair growth around your eyes by stimulating nerves and muscles but also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
What to Avoid for Longer, Healthier Lashes
While working towards longer lashes, it’s crucial to steer clear of habits that may hinder your progress. Here are a couple of things to be mindful of:
- Avoid Eye Rubbing:
- As tempting as it may be, try not to rub your eyes, especially during hay fever season or when feeling tired or frustrated. The delicate nature of your eyes means that rough treatment can lead to eyelash loss or even burst small blood capillaries.
- Say No to Harsh Cleansers and Makeup Removers:
- Opt for gentler products for your eyes, whether it’s makeup remover or night cream. Choose items without parabens or scrubbing beads to prevent not only the risk of pulling out eyelashes but also to avoid premature lines and wrinkles. Prioritize products that are kind to your lashes and skin.
- Avoid Prolonged Use of False Lashes:
- While strip lashes offer a quick fix for short lashes, they come with risks. Applying false lashes regularly with glue or a magnetic strip can harm your natural lashes and increase the chance of losing them. To prevent damage, never leave false lashes on for too long. Use a gentle cleanser to dissolve the glue and slide the lashes off instead of pulling or tugging.
- Consider Safe Lash Extensions:
- If your natural lashes aren’t cooperating, lash extensions provide a safe and easy solution. These individual lashes, available in various materials like silk, mink, faux mink, and synthetics, are bonded to your own lashes for added volume and length. Unlike false lashes, extensions are less invasive since you don’t have to take them on and off daily. Lash tinting, offered at places like Vibrance, can enhance the look of your lashes without mascara for weeks.
- Embrace a Personal Lash Care Routine:
- Remember, your eyelashes play a significant role in framing your eyes and overall appearance. If you’re not satisfied with your lashes, there are various ways to encourage new growth and maintain their health. Even if your lashes are on the shorter side, adopting a proper eyelash care routine can make a noticeable difference.
