Most of us know at least one person, often a child, who has eyelashes that are so long and beautiful, we can’t help but to secretly envy them.
Photo: Jodie Stallard
We get that it’s the result of their DNA; the problem is, no matter how hard we try to achieve lashes that come even close to theirs, shy of getting a pair of faux lashes which can get pretty pricey, we fail. Miserably.
Here’s the scoop on eyelashes:
Yes, the natural length and curl that you have largely depend on genetics. Something else to keep in mind is eyelashes go through growth phases just like the hair on our head does—they grow, they fall out, and it takes approximately 1-6 months for them to grow back in.
Whether you want longer lashes than Mother Nature gave you or you’re in the process of waiting for some of yours to grow back, there are products—some of which are pretty affordable—that you can put on your eyelashes in order to give them the “Oomph” they need to reach new heights relatively-speaking.
Photo — Prince Akachi
If you’re thinking about doing a little eyelash product shopping this weekend, whether online or off, here are some excellent products to try.
Under $100
Lashfood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($80.00″>
We know what you’re probably thinking—What in the world?! Almost $100 for eyelash cream? We hear you, but a part of why this is the case is because it’s the first eyelash serum on the market to be eco-certified, which means that you can trust that it’s truly organic. It’s drug- and gluten-free, made up of silicone, mineral oils, and GMOs, and some women find it to be the miracle cure for their lashes. If you want to treat yourself, try it at least once!
Talika ‘Lipocils’ Legendary Eyelash Conditioning Gel ($45.00″>
Yeah, this one’s a little on the pricey side too but look at it this way: If you purchased some of what’s in it separately—apple extract, nettle extract, horse chestnut extract, St. John’s Wort extract, etc.—it could easily cost you more than this bottle! Plus, it’s the kind of product that gets pretty impressive reviews for conditioning and yes, lengthening lashes over time.
Under $30
Fusion Beauty Lash Enhancing Treatment Mascara ($28.00″>
Two-in-one products are always a winner in our book. This treatment is a lengthener and mascara in one! That means your lashes will appear long and strong as they receive nourishing ingredients that will help facilitate growth. What technically makes this happen? Sympeptide. It’s an amino acid that stimulates keratin, the protein that all of our hair is made up of, eyelashes included.
Organys Lash & Brow Growth Serum ($19.99″>
Mascara fatigue. There is such a thing. It’s when you frequently use mascara without moisturizing your eyelashes and they end up becoming dry and brittle. When that happens, they can end up breaking off. Yep, eyelashes can experience breakage too! Get this color- and fragrance-free serum to stimulate lash growth. It’s loaded with amino acids; ones that, according to the manufacturer, if they don’t give you results after 60 days, you can get a full refund! YES!
Photo — Luca Iaconelli
Under $10
No. 7 Lash Impact Lash Serum ($7.99″>
Next time you’re on a Target run, pick up a tube of this. It’s hypoallergenic, affordable and has gotten rave reviews for providing some pretty impressive results. It’s recommended that you apply this serum every night for eight weeks consecutively, not intermittently.
Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Serum ($7.97″>
One of the best brands to give you more bang for your buck, across the board, is Rimmel. Their products are pretty high quality and long-lasting. We recommend this particular serum because it’s a clear gel that’s not only lightweight but shapes and separates really well, too. This one is an excellent multi-tasker because you can use it on your eyebrows. Plus, you can find it at Walgreens or Walmart, which makes picking up a tube or two super convenient.
DIY
Cedarwood and Lavender DIY Serum (under $25 for the essential oils”>
We won’t lie to you, essential oils aren’t cheap. But if you get a couple of bottles of these serums, and use them sparingly, they can be used for all sorts of cool things. They’ll easily last you a couple of months. As far as your eyelashes go, a couple of drops of each oil mixed with castor oil will coat, soothe, and stimulate your eyelashes’ follicles. Plus, the scent is amazing!
Read more: The many uses for cedarwood and lavender
La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($10 on Amazon”>
Olive oil ain’t just for cookin’! Beauty-wise, the properties in it will moisturize your skin and slow down the aging process. Also, the vitamin E in it will soften your lashes and heal any damage that may have happened to your hair follicles. If you dip a disposable mascara wand into some organic olive oil and apply it to your lashes every night, you should notice a difference in fullness and length in less than two weeks.
Photo: Hai Phung
Foods That’ll Grow Your Lashes
NOTE: It all depends on where you choose to shop!
If you want longer lashes, it’s not only about what you put on them. It’s about what you put inside of yourself! Foods that are scientifically proven to create length and volume include beans (iron, protein”>; spinach (omega-3 oils and magnesium”>; blueberries (vitamins A, B, and E”>; avocados (vitamin B”> and Greek yogurt (vitamin D”>. All of these will have you well on your way to having great skin, healthy hair, and much longer eyelashes!
