8 Tricks For Longer Eyelashes

It’s so funny how we can pay so much attention (err, become fixated) on a few little hairs on our face. I started noticing other women’s longer eyelashes (OK, mostly bloggers on Instagram) with incredible lashes and had major lash envy.

I wanted them.

Lash extensions are a hot topic, and I have a number of friends who have done them. While it looks fantastic, I cannot justify the cost and time (a few hundred dollars every 2-3 weeks, with 1-2 hour sessions) so I’ve found other ways to get longer eyelashes without the major cost and time investment.

Here are some eight tips and tricks to get longer eyelashes — and the appearance of longer lashes — at a more affordable, healthy, and lasting way:

LONGER EYELASHES – USE LASH BOOSTING SERUM

There are a few lash serums out there, with Rodan & Field’s Lash Boost among the most popular (I also know people who use & love neuLASH). I starting using Lash Boost consistently about six weeks ago and I’m already seeing major results. I candidly didn’t believe it could work — I mean, grow my lashes?! — but it’s remarkable. My high school friend, Kristin, convinced me to try Lash Boost and after seeing her results, I went for it. My lashes are getting longer and thicker. To use, swipe on the serum on clean lashes using the built-in brush before bed.

To try it: Kristin is generously offering TMS readers a $15 discount plus free shipping & tax (score!). Purchase it directly from the site at regular price, or to get the discount, email her at kristinscaglione@hotmail.com. I know this is a pricier beauty product but I’ve paid full price and absolutely will again. It’s seriously a beauty game changer. Thank you to Kristin for offering us this exclusive discount.

LONGER EYELASHES – GO FOR A LASH TINT AND A CURL/LIFT

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen my other 2017 beauty obsession: professionally lifting and tinting my once barely there lashes.

Funny story: I kept seeing Connie, who does my eye brows (@browsbyconnie) post incredible before and after lash photos, never read the caption and assumed she was doing lash extensions. Next time I was getting my eye brows shaped I made a comment, and she set me straight — no lash extensions, Cristel (@beautybycristel) in her office professionally lift/curls and tints lashes, automatically making them look longer and more pronounced. The lash lift can be called a “lash perm” for its curl-inducing impact.

For proof, this is my before and after (NO mascara or eye product):

IN-FREAKING-SANE, right?! I could not get over it. This photo is from October, and I just did it again about two weeks ago and so love the results, how it opens my eyes, makes my lashes look longer and my eyes a bit more rested.

To try it: This is a professional treatment that takes about an hour and lasts about 6-8 weeks. If you’re local, Cristel has offered a $10 discount off lash service. The combo (and to be transparent, pay for) is normally $110. Thank you to Cristel for offering us the exclusive discount.

LONGER EYELASHES – OR… USE AN EYE LASH CURLER

For a daily, at-home fix, take the extra 20 seconds to use an eye lash curler. If you rush they could look crimped — the worst — and you don’t want to pull out any lashes. But, doing it right will open up your entire eye and make your lashes look longer. To get staying power, try putting a little hot air with your blow dryer on the curler first… just be sure it’s not too hot before you put it to your eye and be sure to get the curler up to your lash root.

LONGER EYELASHES – USE MASCARA PRIMER

OBSESSED. I know, I keep using this word but trust me here. Take about 10 extra seconds to swipe on mascara primer. Ever hear of it? The shape of a mascara bottle, swipe this on before mascara to immediately create a boosting effect, building volume and length. Test it and you’ll immediately see the difference.

My two favorite mascara primers: 

Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer: available at Sephora and Ulta

Benefit They’re Real Tinted Lash Primer: available at Sephora and Ulta 

I’ve also heard fantastic reviews about these:

Lancome CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base: Sephora, Ulta and smaller version available at Nordstrom (free shipping)  — I plan to try this one next.

‘Diorshow Maximizer 3D’ Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer: available at Nordstrom

LONGER EYELASHES – LAYER ON WATERPROOF MASCARA

I started doing this thanks to a friend who suggested this in response to Florida’s steamy summer weather when I kept feeling like my mascara was winding up everywhere but my lashes. It works, and best of all: it works great year-round, and in all climates. To make your mascara last longer, layer a coat of waterproof mascara on top of your regular mascara.

LONGER EYELASHES – TAKE TIME TO PROPERLY APPLY MASCARA

Legit: I saw Kyle on RHOBH do this so I started, and it really works. As you’re applying mascara, wiggle your brush back and forth on the base of your lash, and then swipe up. This really adds color and thickness to the lash root, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes. Also be sure to give 2-3 coats for a wow look.

Lashes look a little clumpy? Pro tip: wiggle them on a spare tooth brush. It really works!

LONGER EYELASHES – FIND THE BEST MASCARA FOR YOU

There wouldn’t be 2,587,012 mascaras out there if one worked for everyone. Take the time that gives you the results you need. I have now growing, yet somewhat puny, very light and thin lashes. It’s taken me awhile to find a mascara and wand combo I really love.

My mascara holy grail: 

It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara.

This stuff is incredible, adding volume, length and serious impact to my relatively puny lashes. I have quite a few friends who also swear by this. My only minor complaint is the packaging, only because it’s wider at the top and bottom so it takes up a little more room in my smaller make-up holder. Not a reason I wouldn’t purchase it but it’s the only flaw I’ve noticed. Find it at Ulta, and love the idea of testing the travel size via Amazon.