The Absolute Best Tricks for Fuller, Prettier, Just-Plain-Better Eyelashes
From tantalizingly tarantular to naturally groomed and subtly darkened, lash looks can be as unique as you are. One girl's perfectly clumped lashes are another's mortifying mascara moment. But if a is-that-a-breeze-or-did-you-just-blink fringe is the goal, you'll need to up your lash product game to varsity.
So we turned to the best lash experts to give you the scoop on how to intensify your side-eye with a lash line that rivals that of Mr. Snuffleupagus. Click through for their top tricks!
Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com1/7Growth Serum
If you simply want to strengthen your existing lashes, a growth serum will "protect the roots of your lashes as well as stimulate the skin around the bulb," explains Talika CEO Alexis De Brosses. "A good lash serum should also protect the lash from drying out, which is caused by using mascara." Heads up: lash-growth serums, like this one from Talika, can also be use to up your brow game to Cara DeLevingne’s levels of intensity.
Lipocils Expert 3-in-1 Lash Treatment, $57. nordstrom.com.
Model photo: Imaxtree2/7You know those people with enviable fringe? You're about to be one.
Photo courtesy of target.com3/7Lash Booster
Want to brighten the whites of your eyes while nourishing and lengthening your lashes? This waterproof formula multitasks like a Dean’s List student: It coats your fringe in a rare black-blue hue that’s pigmented yet long-lasting, all while conditioning winter-ravaged lashes. The slight cerulean tint makes eyes look brighter—which means this formula an excellent choice for mornings when simply opening your lashes, let alone adorning them, feels like a chore. To keep your lashes healthy, Alexis says to use your lash serum at night and never "skip the eye makeup remover step in your beauty routine."
Pixi Lash Booster, $15. target.com.
Photo courtesy of skinceuticals.com4/7Hydrating Gel
A genius tip we picked up from Chill Spa aesthetician Brandy Chaplin is not so much for your lashes as it is for your mascara. Simply squeeze one or two drops of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel into your go-to mascara after the first couple uses to keep the formula wet. This trick yields new-mascara-day mascara for weeks.
Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, $74. skinceuticals.com..
Photo courtesy of sephora.com5/7Lash Curler
A lash curler will give you that wide-awake look, even if you’re anything but. We love makeup artist Katey Denno’s game-changer of a trick: Grip the end of lash line (the outer corner) and gently twist toward the nose at a 45-degree angle. This creates a long-lasting curl on even the straightest fringe. One to try? Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler paired with Delu Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara is truly a dynamic duo.
Tarte Picture Perfect Duo, $16. sephora.com.
Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com6/7Falsies
When you want a seriously ’60s cat-eye effect, it’s all about a full lash overhaul. The flyest faux fringe? Courtney Akai, who owns the eponymous eyelash salon in New York City, prefers MAC #7 False Lashes or Ardell’s Invisiband ones. "I find those to be the easiest to apply," she explains. "I recommend getting an invisible band for any false lashes you get, because the black band can make it look obvious that you have falsies on. Applying mascara after your false lashes are on will make it even harder to tell that you’ve gone faux." Depending on the look you’re going for, you can cut the strips. Notes Courtney, "If you want just a little flare, cut them to fit just the outer corner of your eyes. I like use the 3-prong clusters, instead of cutting a whole strip." Once the lashes are on, Alexis says to "use a heated lash curler to amplify them." Warm it up with a blow-dryer, and touch the curler to your hand to make sure it’s warm (but not scalding!) before using.
MAC #7 Lash False Lashes, $16. nordstrom.com.
Photo courtesy of dermstore.com7/7Makeup Remover
This moisturizing remover eradicates even waterproof makeup in a snap—because who has time to scrub? It’s also USDA Certified Organic, and comprised of sweet almond, olive and jojoba oils. But best of all, it doubles as a cleanser and as a light hydrator when applied nightly to your lashes (it’ll keep them healthy and encourage growth!).
SW Basics Makeup Remover, $12. dermstore.com.
