We’ve all heard the expression that “the eyes are windows to the soul.” If the saying is true, that says a lot about lashes!
Lashes can add tremendous depth to anyone’s look. And with increasingly popular treatments like eyelash lifts and extensions, there’s a growing demand for sky-high lashes.
But if you don’t want to go through with extended eyelash treatments, there are plenty of other ways to achieve long, voluminous lashes – both short-term and long-term. Here, we talk about how to use lengthening mascara for longer, fuller lashes.
Can you make your eyelashes grow longer naturally?
Currently, research on promoting long eyelashes is limited, although there are some FDA-approved eyelash serums on the market.
That said, some home remedies may provide support for healthy eyelash growth. Here are some ways you can make your eyelashes naturally longer:
Keep lashes moisturized
When you want to increase the length of your eyelashes, the best advice is to be gentle with them. Choose a mild makeup remover that washes off easily. It may also be worth avoiding waterproof formulas, as these can be particularly clingy to the lashes, which can cause damage when you try to remove them.
Try an eyelash serum or oil
You can find a wide range of eyelash serums on the market with evidence-based results. But if you find them a little scary, consider trying an eyelash oil. Certain oils like castor oil and argan oil can help nourish your lashes with vitamins while preventing breakage, which encourages length in the long run.
Which mascara gives the longest eyelashes?
When looking for a lengthening mascara for fuller lashes, look out for the following ingredients:
Black tea
Black tea is often used in makeup for its natural black pigments, but it also contains the benefits of caffeine, which can help encourage eyelash growth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant known for skin and eyelash conditioning. Vitamin E comes from plant-based foods and is available as a topical oil. With its potential benefits for cell renewalvitamin E oil can help skin look younger, and these benefits may extend to the eyelash follicles.
When used consistently, vitamin E oil can help your lashes look longer, thicker, and healthier.
Oat protein
Known for its soothing, moisturizing properties, oat protein can help boost moisture retention in the lashes while conditioning the follicle. Oat protein is also known to soothe, strengthen and strengthen eyelashes.
Wheat Protein
While wheat protein doesn’t have a direct impact on eyelash growth, it can help support longer, thicker lashes by preventing breakage and shedding. Wheat protein also helps strengthen and lengthen natural lashes by moisturizing and emollients.
Cocoa
Highly pigmented and rich in volumizing and hydrating antioxidants, while promoting hair growth with riboflavin and protein.
Provitamin B5
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a type of water-soluble vitamin and an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid. As a B vitamin, provitamin B5 has a cell-activating effect on mucous membranes, skin cells, and hair matrix cells. When applied to lashes, it penetrates deep into the hair fiber to strengthen lashes while providing thickness. As a result, provitamin B5 is often used in eyelash serums as well as hair products.
Algae powder
According to some studies, kelp powder can help prevent breakage while promoting length and thickness.
You can find these lash-boosting ingredients in our signature vitamin-rich mascaras: Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara and Maracuja Mascara.
Our Ultra Lengthening Mascara separates and lengthens lashes without clumping, smudging or flaking, while coating each lash with healthy emollients and amazing natural pigment. For those looking for a little bonus volume from their lengthening mascara, the Maracuja formula glides onto lashes while nourishing with algae, caffeine and provitamin B5.
Do mascara make lashes look shorter?
Mascara doesn’t necessarily harm your lashes. The damage lies mainly in the removal process. When removed properly, there’s no harm in wearing lengthening mascara every day. However, it’s important to be gentle when removing the lengthening mascara, as regular rubbing and pulling can eventually lead to brittle lashes.
On a more scientific level, your eyelashes have tiny oil glands that help keep the hairs groomed and your eyes protected. When wearing lengthening mascara every day, you need to be careful about removing build-up as it can lead to clogging and infection.
Your best bet is to use an oil-based remover or solution. We recommend either a micellar water or an oil-based makeup remover. Our Matcha and Blood Orange Cleansing Balms, along with Rose Micellar Cleansing Water, are great options to melt away dirt and makeup without damaging lashes.
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Mascara Hacks for Longer Lashes
While you’re growing your natural lashes, it’s no secret that mascara will provide that instant length and volume. Whether you use a vitamin-packed formula or your drugstore favorite, here are some tips to get the most out of your mascara.
Use an eyelash primer
Lash primers are usually made with keratin, which coats the lashes to improve pigment uptake, which creates a bolder color that lasts. Plus, keratin lash primers help prevent clumping so your mascara can apply more evenly to each individual lash.
Apply Mascara Root to the tip
This is done in two steps. First, apply mascara to each eye, from root to tip. Then add a second coat, starting to add the mascara at the tip of the lashes and then working your way down to the root to lengthen and curl the lashes.
Line your Upper Water Line with black eyeliner
Lining your upper waterline with black eyeliner can help define the eye, which will make lashes look longer in contrast.
Paint some Twiggy style strokes
Emulating the ’60s icon herself, drawing a few strokes of eyeliner with a thin brush can add a little drama to any look. While this may sound like this trick will give you spider eyes, it’s more subtle than you think. Almost lengthen those corner lashes by accentuating them.
Drag your lashes
When done gently and correctly, curling lashes can make all the difference in how your mascara performs throughout the day. Use our lash curler to create some curves on the lashes, which create a more extended look.
Try a natural looking false eyelash
If you want to give your lashes that extra bit of “oomph,” consider splurging on a natural-looking false lash. Natural style false eyelashes can open up the eyes in a way that is subtle with a simple touch of glam. This look is especially beautiful for bridal makeup!
Don’t forget to adjust
If you use eyelash serum or lengthening mascara, be sure to condition the lashes consistently. Cleansing milk with calendula flowers is especially gentle and nourishing for the eyelashes.
Frequently asked questions about long, voluminous eyelashes
What are the best mascaras for achieving both length and volume?
When choosing a mascara for both length and volume, look for products that promise both. Some popular choices often include formulas like ‘L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise’, ‘Maybelline New York Sky High Mascara’ and ‘Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara’. These mascaras are known for their ability to extend lashes while adding fullness.
How do different mascara brushes affect lash volume and length?
The design of the mascara brush plays a decisive role in the effect of your lashes. Brushes with dense bristles are ideal for adding volume as they deposit more product on each lash. For length, brushes with longer, parted bristles work well as they comb through the lashes, coating them evenly and extending their length.
Can waterproof mascaras have the same volume and length as regular mascaras?
Waterproof mascaras can provide similar volume and length to regular mascaras. The main difference lies in their staying power and water and smudge resistance. However, waterproof formulas can be a bit drier, which can affect the smoothness of application. If you’re looking for long-lasting wear without compromising on volume and length, waterproof versions of popular volume and length mascaras are a good choice.
What ingredients should you look for in a mascara for longer, fuller lashes?
Look for ingredients like waxes and polymers that are common in volumizing and lengthening mascaras. These ingredients help build lashes, making them look longer and fuller. In addition, some mascaras contain nutrients such as peptides, vitamins and natural oils that promote lash health and may contribute to a fuller look over time.
Are there mascara application techniques to maximize length and volume?
To maximize both length and volume, start by flicking the mascara brush at the base of your lashes and then sweeping it out to the tips. This technique coats the base more heavily, adding volume, while extending the ends for length. You can also use an eyelash curler before application to open up the eyes more and give your lashes a longer look. Layering, starting at the base and working your way up in a zig-zag motion, can also improve both length and volume.
