8 ways to add volume and length to your eyelashes
If your eyelashes are no longer as thick and lush as they once were, you’re not alone. Thinning lashes are one of the by-products of age, but they’re also helped along by general wear and tear. Fortunately there are easy ways to make them look thicker, and with a little care you can even reduce the fall-out.
Why do lashes thin?
The biggest cause of thinning lashes is age-related. The lack of moisture in the skin and a shift in hormones results in a slowing down of new hair growth, including lashes. Another contributing factor is how you treat your lashes on a regular basis, for example eye rubbing and not removing eye makeup at the end of the day. Use a gentle eye makeup remover and it will not only be better for your eyes, it will be kinder to your lashes too.
1. Boost the growth
Lash serums work like fertiliser, they deliver nourishment and stimulation for optimal hair growth. There are over the counter lash conditioners available or you could try applying a little olive oil or castor oil to your lashes at night as a conditioning treat. Massage it in to your brows too if they’re also in need of help.
2. Increase the volume
Coating your lashes with a lash primer before applying mascara will give them an additional boost of thickness. It will also help your mascara stay on for longer.
3. Stick-on fakes or falsies
False lashes have been around for ages and thankfully they are better with age. They’re a quick and relatively easy way to have great lashes and there are lots of different styles to play with - from full sets to individual lashes. The trick is to choose ones that look relatively natural.
4. Try magnetic eyelashes
If you like wearing false lashes these will definitely appeal. Magnetic lashes look like normal falsies, but they’re kept in place by tiny magnets built in to their base lines. Each set has two halves, one sits on top of your natural lashes and the other underneath. The magnets then lock the two parts together. Magnetic lashes are easy to remove and reuse.
5. Get eyelash extensions
Done as a salon service, lash extensions involve individual hairs being glued to your natural lashes, one by one. They last for about two months and do require return visits for maintenance and removal. Be prepared, they come at a price, which varies from salon to salon, as does the level of expertise.
6. Draw the line
With an eyeliner or soft eye pencil create a line along the base of your lashes. Use strokes to avoid dragging the skin. This will instantly create the illusion of more fullness.
7. Coat up with mascara
Apply one or two coats of mascara to bulk-up your natural lashes and give them greater definition. Avoid clumpy looking lashes by minimising the amount of product on the wand each coat.
8. Add some curls
If your eyelashes are straight use a lash curler to kick-up the ends. This will not only enhance your lashes, it will help make your eyes appear more open. Use the curler before applying mascara so when the mascara dries, the curls are set.
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