Do lush, long eyelashes top your wish list? We can’t say we blame you!
Even though genetics play a role in determining the length and volume of your eyelashes, you don’t have to settle for short, stubby, lackluster lashes! There are certain steps you can take to help elongate and strengthen those delicate strands that protect your peepers.
Following are some simple—and natural—tips and tricks for improving the health and appearance of your eyelashes:
Consume a balanced diet.
What you eat impacts your eyelashes. For lengthy, luxurious lashes, be sure to choose plenty of:
- Protein (e.g., cheese, eggs, fish, lean meats and milk)
- Healthy fats (e.g., avocados, nuts, oils and seeds)
- Fruits (e.g., apples, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, oranges)
- Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes)
Massage your lash line daily.
Use your ring finger to gently knead your eyelids and lash line for a few minutes every day.
Brush your lashes twice a day.
Gently run a clean mascara wand through your eyelashes two times a day to distribute natural oils and promote circulation.
Condition your lashes.
Just like the hair on your head, your lashes benefit from regular conditioning. For strong, supple eyelashes, use one of these DIY moisturizing methods nightly:
- Use your (clean) fingertip or a cotton swab to coat your eyelids and lashes with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or organic shea butter.
- Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the liquid to your eyelashes with your fingertip or a cotton swab.
- Mix a drop of castor oil with a drop of lavender, tea tree or grapeseed oil and apply the blend to your lashes with a clean mascara wand or cotton swab.
- Cut a lemon peel into small sections and soak them in 1/4-cup olive oil for three days. Apply the oil to your lashes with a clean mascara wand or cotton swab.
- Steep a teaspoon of green tea leaves in hot water for a few minutes. After the water cools, apply it to your lashes.
Replace mascara every three months.
If you fail to do so, germs could contaminate the product, possibly leading to infection and lash damage. Please note: This is a rule of thumb and mascara should be replaced sooner if it dries out, flakes and/or smells unusual.
Tend to mascara clumps immediately.
Dried mascara is typically more difficult to remove, which could result in damage to your lashes.
Remove eye make-up carefully.
Choose a gentle makeup remover formula and dab or pat your eyelids and lashes instead of rubbing or pulling on them.
Avoid harmful habits.
All of the following behaviors can cause lash breakage:
- Rubbing your eyes often
- Tugging at your eyelashes (take extra care not to do so when using an eyelash curler!)
- Using long-wearing or waterproof mascara
- Neglecting to remove your mascara before bed
- Sharing eye makeup
- Wearing dirty glasses or contact lenses
Believe it or not, barring a medical condition or treatment (e.g., alopecia, chemotherapy) most people have roughly the same number of eyelashes throughout life—even if they appear to be more sparse. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing extreme lash loss.
