Eyelashes. They have the power to seduce, persuade and protect and we do everything in our power – mascara, curlers, nourishing oils, that old Vaseline trick – to define and accentuate them. But what if there were shortcuts to those thick, fluttering lash lines that we so envy on our genetically blessed friends? Luckily, there are. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the best eyelashes of your life: the lash 101.
Lash Extensions
The Lamborghini of eyelash treatments, extensions will afford you the lash line you always dreamt of but never really thought you could have. The amazing, long lashes that you see on the likes of Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian? All thanks to extensions. They’re an excellent and easy way to give the face the appearance of a lift and make tired eyes look awake. And the good news is that anyone with eyelashes at least 3mm long can get them.
The Treatment: The process? It’s an intricate affair: a therapist meticulously glues around 90-130 lash ‘fibres’ to existing lashes – either one extension per eyelash or multiple extensions to each hair for absolute no-messing TOWIE eyelashes – which takes around an hour and a half.
There are different types of fibre and the one you choose depends on the effect you’re going for, as well as your budget. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for and the most expensive extensions, mink, also give that very natural-looking, soft, fluffy effect. That’s not to say other types aren’t just as good, though: synthetic lashes are best for a very glossy, dramatic look, while silk are lighter and work well on those with thinner lashes.
Length & Shape: As for length, it depends on how dramatic – or subtle - you want them to look. The fibres range from 9-15 mm in length, 9 being relatively natural and 15 being full drama; if you’re not looking to go the whole hog, 10-12mm tend to be flattering on most.
You also have the choice of whether to go for a full or half set of lashes (half is more understated) and where you have them. For example, you might choose to have more in the outer corner of eyes, for a cat-eye effect. A good therapist can advise on what will look best for your specific eye shape, so use their expertise.
How Long They Last: All dreams come to an end and the sad news about extensions is that the dream only lasts around 2-3 weeks, when they fall out with your natural eyelashes. Be warned that there can be periods of time during which you have a mix of super-long eyelashes and some of the short, natural ones growing through – i.e. they are all over the place. If you’ve had them done as a one-off, ride this wave, they will soon be back to normal. But if you’re planning to get them redone, now is the time for an ‘infill’ treatment, in which the therapist fills in the gaps with new lashes.
Aftercare: Other points of note: treat them like gold. Avoid water in the first 24 hours, mascara for as long as you have them, and oily products full stop, because these can dissolve the glue’s bonds. And be wary of having them repeatedly filled in. They are great for special occasions, holidays or for a treat but repeated use can cause sparse regrowth as the fibres are weighty on natural lashes.
Try Flutter for their excellent mobile eyelash extension service or Daxita Vaghela at Atherton Cox
Photos courtesy of Flutter & Daxita Vaghela.
Lash Perm
The lash perm (or lift, as it’s also known) gives your existing lash line the perfect, eye-opening curl – a curl difficult to achieve with any other method, even lash curlers. As it involves working the natural lashes, it works best on medium to long hairs. If they’re too short, they won’t go anywhere, so it’s not the best option for you.
Much like the perming treatment you are able to (but probably don’t) get for hair, the same chemicals are used to break down the disulphide bonds (that keep the hair in the shape it was formed) so that the eyelash can be bent around a thin foam roller, and set into a newly curled form. The disulphide bonds are then restored, keeping them in this shape. It takes about 50 minutes and lasts for up to three months (they say six weeks but it lasts a lot longer) when the curled hairs start to drop out.
Those with lighter lashes should also ask for a tint to create quick definition without any makeup at all. Afterwards, forgo mascara for 24 hours – you can wear it after this time – and any oil-based products and you won’t have to worry about curling them for months. Some people even get away with not wearing mascara.
This is a true game-changer and far more addictive than it might sound. Not only does it last longer, cost less and take less time to have done than lash extensions, but it’s far kinder to lashes and can really change the way your eyes – and face – look. Ultimately you’re not going to get the supreme drama you can achieve with eyelash extensions but in the long term, it’s far better for the health and structure of your eyelashes.
Try Blink Brow Bar
Photo: Courtesy of Blink Brow Bar.
Lash Serums
There are some people in this world whose lashes are naturally bountiful and – unless they’re a child, Zayn Malik or Bambi – nine times out of 10 they will secretly swear by an eyelash serum. The premise of these is that you apply every night and, by magic (and because they nourish and stimulate the hair follicle), eyelashes will grow impossibly long and impossibly thick, all while looking totally natural.
There are a few to look out for and they work in different ways:
LiLash: A favourite of beauty aficionados and editors alike, LiLash is a conditioning serum that works by keeping the eyelashes in their growth phase (rather than the resting phase during which nothing happens). This means that they grow far longer, far stronger and don’t fall out as often, so you’re left with a bountiful set of hairs. Crucially, it’s been ophthalmologically tested, that is, trialled extensively on human eyes by eye specialists – so it’s completely safe.
LashFood Nano-Peptide Natural Eyelash Conditioner: This is one for those who like more natural ingredients in their products. LashFood contains special nano-peptide technology which, combined with nourishing and conditioning herb extracts and arginine (an amino acid that promotes hair growth), boosts eyelash growth in three to six weeks. Simply apply it every night to the upper and lower lash line.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clinical Lash and Brow Serum: Kill two birds with one stone in as little as two weeks with Elizabeth Arden’s serum. It contains peptides and vitamins that help prevent both brow and lash hairs breaking, while helping to boost their natural renewal cycle, meaning hairs should regrow quicker after the resting phase.
There has been some controversy over certain lash serums, with some blamed for pigmentation around the eyes and others linked to darkening of the iris, so it’s really important that you buy these serums from a reputable website or store. The ones we’ve mentioned are deemed safe but if you do start to notice any differences around the eyes while using them, stop.
Lash Primers
At a very basic level, a lash primer can support and condition your lash line while providing a long-lasting base for daily mascara. From giving faux volume to adding a little length, they’re the super easy, no-commitment-required way to fake lash length.
Dior Diorshow Maximiser 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer: A hybrid serum and primer, this Dior pre-mascara treatment promises to give three times more volume and 90% more curl to lashes – and there are clinical trials to prove it. Not only can it be used under your mascara, but it can also be applied before bed for a nighttime conditioning treatment – or lash mask, as it were.
Givenchy Mister Lash Booster: With a revolutionary, soft-bristled tip, which helps massage the strengthening and thickening marine extract-infused formula into the base of lashes, thereby also stimulating blood flow to the area, this nifty pen is a no-brainer. It’s really easy to use and is especially good at boosting lash volume, with a 96% success rate in clinical trials. Like the Dior primer, use it before mascara or as an intensive night treatment.
Estée Lauder Lash Prime r Plus: Look no further than this no-frills conditioning lash primer for a thickening effect and mascara that will not budge. The trick is to coat mascara over the top while it’s still wet.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Guide To Every Facial You Could Ever Possibly Want
Victoria Beckham Is Developing A "Very Scientific" — & Posh — Skin-Care Line