How to Get Your Longest Lashes… Ever.
I have a confession to make: I have the shortest lashes known to mankind. Well, maybe not, but I’m the kind of girl that needs to wear mascara just for them to show up and I dream of Latisse on a daily basis. While I have neither the skill nor the patience to put fake eyelashes on every day, I did buy my first tube of mascara at the age of 12.
Over the past six years, I’ve amassed enough tips and tricks to make even the stubbiest lashes look luxuriously long. Read on to learn how to get super long lashes yourself.
Step 1: Curl Your Lashes
Curling your lashes is the one thing that can completely brighten up your face in five seconds. I’ve been using the Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler ($19) since I was 16 and I absolutely love it. It’s a bit pricey, but this $19 investment will last you years. Before I clamp it on my lashes, I warm it up using my blowdryer for about three seconds. Think about it: You wouldn’t curl your hair with a cold iron, would you? The heat might feel a little foreign on your sensitive eyelids, but trust me, this small step makes all the difference and your lashes will stay curled all day.
Note: Some girls SWEAR by applying a coat of primer and then curling your lashes. While I don’t particularly think think this makes a difference, it might just be the trick for you!
Step 2: Primer
I think that mascara primer is seriously underrated. Whether you buy it on its own or it comes as an attachment with your usual mascara, this step is KEY. My personal favorite is the primer that comes with Maybelline XXL Volume + Length (about $7.) After curling my lashes, I apply a thick coat of it. I like to let it dry while brushing my teeth/changing the song on my iPod/scrambling for my Comm notes. Don’t forget you have it on! I’ve made the unfortunate mistake of leaving my room for the day with white lashes. That is a beauty statement that I’m not prepared to make!
Step 3: Mascara
Once your primer is dry, it’s finally time for the main event: Mascara! If you used a primer + mascara combination, then I’d suggest using the mascara side for your first coat. If not, some of my favorite mascaras include DiorShow Black Out ($24,) Maybelline Define-A-Lash ($7.49) and L’Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara (about $15). Start by getting the wand as close to the base of your lash line, and then make a zig-zag motion with your hand as you move the mascara till the tips of your lashes. This allows all of the mascara on the wand to spread evenly and prevents clumps from forming. I also never put anything on my lower lashes because 1, it makes my eyes look smaller and 2, I inadvertently rub it off sometime during the day and end up looking like a raccoon. Also, some makeup artists recommend bending the brush 30 degrees in order to reach more lashes, but I’ve found that it doesn’t really make much of a difference for me.
Step 4: Separate ‘Em
For this step, I like using a wand from an old mascara that I’ve cleaned and washed. While lashes are still wet, I run this clean brush from base to tip (again, in a zig-zag fashion) in order to de-clump and separate lashes. This is especially great if you have an older mascara but don’t have the time or resources to go out and buy a new tube!
Once you’ve completed Steps 1-4, repeat steps 3 & 4 till you’re satisfied with your results. I like to layer different types of mascara for each coat to promise the longest/fullest/most voluminous lashes possible. Usually, two coats are enough for class, while I put on four or five before I go out at night. Whether I just want to look more put-together in class or more doe-eyed for a night out, longer lashes are always key when making me feel more confident.
What do you guys think?
Do you have any other tips for long lashes? Tell me in the comments!
Posted on on November 18, 2009 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Dior Show, eyelashes, How To, L'Oreal, mascara, Maybelline, Shu Uemera
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Milana
Chanel Inimitable Mascara is all you need to get long lashes. Once you’ve mastered how to put it on you’ll never want another mascara!
Milana from FashionStyleAdvice
Breanna
Thanks for this great post! I also have very short lashes which are also rather fair. It’s hard for me to find a mascara in the right shade of brown which makes my lashes more visible without making them look extremely fake. The other problem is that I’m wearing glasses, so when I put too much mascara, my lashes touch them when I blink – not comfy at all. Because of that I’m going rather for the volume than the lenght. I never tried using a primer – I’d like to try, but my eyes are very sensitive and I don’t know if they’re gonna like it. I’m using mascaras from the natural ranges or dermocosmetics, like dr. Haushka, Lavera or LRP and as far as I know none of this brands offers mascara primers.
Vicky
Nice tips! I have the same problem as you, but what I really hate is taking it off. Too much work for me when all I want is to sleep all night.
Sam
Great post! I have a few recommendations for long lashes: First, curl after you’ve applied mascara! The mascara helps hold the curl. Also, ditch the primer! In my experience, it’s just a gimmick that adds clumps to your lashes and a gray tint. Why does it have to be white? It makes no sense!
EmilythePanda
if I am going to use my eyelash curler i have to ABSOLUTELY warm it up with my blowdryer. It makes my lashes open up soo much! In addition it makes application of mascara waayyy easier.
Jordan
This post is a saving grace! My lashes are lame lame LAME. They’re so short. I blame myself partially. My mother always scolded me for falling asleep with make up on, and now I actually regret it, because I think this caused some of my lashes to break off. But despite this, my lashes have always been scarce. I covet the lashes of my sister, who hardly needs any mascara at all. (Lucky bitch) You don’t know how long I spend on mascara and eyeliner, probably to the point of OCD. My lashes take the longest time of all because I want them to be so insanely long, yet defined, with a bit of a curl.
I find something unexpected works for me. First, always put make up on a damp face. For me, it always looks better. I use some sort of shadow primer, let dry, and put on eyeshadow. Often times, I get shadow flakes on my lids that NEVER go away…unless I use a q tip with water! I don’t want to look like an ice queen, so sometimes I’ll even take off the soft part of the q tip and use the “sharp,” yet perfectly shaped edge, but a little water on it, and run it along the backs of my lashes.
Once all shadow is gone, I’m careful not to hit the lid, just the backs of my lashes. Add a bit more water to all lashes, front included. Separate with a fine tooth comb. I make sure I’m happy, then ready for mascara. I always always coat the BACKS of lashes first (I don’t know who told me this, but it works), and then quickly do the other side so they don’t dry lopsided/somewhat collapsed looking. Use a fine toothed comb (it doesn’t have to be a fancy one for eyebrows/lashes) to separate once again, curl, curl, CURL.
This is a grueling process. But if I have the right back drop, a damp face that is CLEAN and fresh, then I should be good. A good mascara is important too, like you mentioned. My favorites are : Covergirl Lashblast (Covergirl makeup in general is great on a budget, and can be found anywhere from Target to drugstores), and, for the beauty girls that like to splurge, Chanel Inimitable (Saks). Seriously, this stuff has SAVED my life.
My mother won’t let me use Latisse. :(
Jordan
It’s hard when the Sephora girls tell you to “zig zag” or “blink a little,” because I never get these applying techniques right and end up putting myself in a bigger rut than ever.
Bianca
I completely agree I will skip all other makeup if I am running late but never mascara, it makes me feel that I am somewhat pulled together and read for the day!
I wouldn’t recommend curling lashes after putting on mascara because you run the risk of breaking your lashes! I work as a makeup artist part time for stage productions and one actor (yes actor) decided that they would try curling them after the mascara was on to make their eyes larger looking. The unfortunate result was broken lashes. Not to mention you run the risk of passing bacteria from your mascara to your curler and vice versus. ewww
Jordan
I’ve always wanted to do the heating thing for my eyelash curler (I want a Shu Umuera, I’m sticking with my Covergirl brand one for now), but I did it too long once and couldn’t even bring the curler to my lashes it was so hot! I guess I’m a baby.
Ruju
Great Post… i just use my electric eyelash curlers that i got v.cheap from woolworths before they closed down.
I also put on lashes and lashes of mascara until my hand aches! :)
But yeah…a v.good mascara…a brand like Rimmel is always ideal as it does all the work for you :)
x
Paula ♥
Good tips! I don’t know if I should buy an eyelash curler because mine are naturally curled. But this came in handy =D
Nina
I’ve always had super long lashes so i don’t really have this problem. Several coats of mascara, actually, makes them look fake!
The one thing i do know, though, is that u should never EVER curl after applying mascara. Though mascara holds the curl, there is always a chance you pluck all your lashes out if you use this method! The mascara, no matter how dry, sticks to the curler. It happened to a friend of mine once and it was not a pretty sight! So I have to agree with Bianca on this one, though I had no idea that you can also break them. Thats just another reason not to do it!
*eLLa*
I am one of the lucky ladies that has long curly lashes that make up artists often comment on and are in awe that my lashes look like that without mascara. I personally am not a fan of a primer i always somehow seem to make a mess of it but I have always wanted to use an eyelash curler.
Maria
Do you have any tips to take the mascara off? I find this is always a problem.
Parisa
Maria – i just got some simple eye make-up remover and it works a treat even on quite heavily made up eyes. I just soak a cotton wool pad in it and hold it over my eye for a few seconds, before wiping firmly inwards and then outwards to fully clean my eyes. It’s really good stuff, I tried some before that stung a little and left some mascara on which would leave me with raccoon eyes in the morning, but I really love this stuff. Hope this helps!
Elle
Define-a-lash is the best mascara I’ve ever used!
Ariel
I have tried using primer and, in my opinion, it really takes away from the mascara! I have very long eyelashes, but they are blonde. When I tried using primer, it didn’t give that darker effect that I needed. But that’s just me :) I am going to try the heat and curl thing :)
Mailee
Warming up the curler is ingenious; I HAVE to try it! I don’t have particularly short or fair eyelashes, but they absolutely will NOT hold a curl longer than 5 minutes. Maybe this is the trick?
bridget
@ Ariel: yeah primer does take away from the darkness. for short blond lashes i would use a volumizing mascara, then add “lash extensions” like the one from ready to wear and then another coatof mascara. (see link http://beauty.hsn.com/ready-to-wear-lash-extension_p-3567858_xp.aspx) this works amazing! it is super easy to apply; lash extension applies like a mascara but is clear and has tiny fibers inside that stick to your lashes and look amazingly long!
check out this video if you want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJXqcvhl9nI
Deanne
Olive oil is a great mascara remover. It is completely natural, often cheaper than makeup remover, and moisturizes your eyes in the process. It takes work to remove mascara no matter what you use, but it is definitely worth not having it show up under your eyes after the morning shower…:)
Kath
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover takes off every mascara I’ve ever use. I just put a little on a cotton ball and wipe it off. It’s really oily, so I use it before using my normal face wash.
dancerina
I agree with Bianca– never curl after you’ve applied mascara!! It’s messy and it definitely damages your lashes.
@Deanne- I love olive oil as a makeup remover, but I find I can’t use it on my eyes because I end up with traces of oil in my eyes in the morning … how do you get it all off?
Maxine
Oh gosh – I have super long lashes, like Kim Kardashian – Personally, I use olive oil (as stated before) and it nourishes your eye lashes (think of shampoo and conditioner for your lashes). My fave mascara is by all time Plush Lash by MAC. the best advice I can add is to pay particular attention to the end, the darker it is, the more fuller it appears.
Jackie
When I curl my lashes, some of them get stuck in the rubber part of the curler and plucks them out!!! I don’t have very many nice, long lashes to begin with, and I can’t spare any more. How can I avoid this?
Syd
Thanks…. I have always wanted to have longer lashes but now I can follow these tips! Thanks again!
Cathy
Liz, do you have any recommendations for hair products that prevent static? My naturally straight hair gets so static-y and flat in the winter. During the warmer months, people compliment my hair all the time and tell me it looks like Jennifer Aniston’s! But when the winter months hit, my hair is full of static and looks so lifeless. I had my first bad hair day of the season today and I don’t want to have more… help, please!
Lina
The whole shu uemura eyelash curler is completely true! I was very skeptical at first until I managed to get a legit one at Lord and Taylor’s for only 5 dollars. It’s amazing!
Bay
thanks for the tips!! :) if y’all need a tip on getting longer eyelashes i have put vaseline on my eyelashes every night before i go to bed for about 2 months and now i get complimented on how long my eyelashes are, they go all the way to my eyebrow now. Let me know if this works for you :)