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How do I Lengthen Eyelashes?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

You can lengthen eyelashes with the right kind of mascara and a strong technique. False eyelashes can help to make lashes look longer or to fill in gaps where eyelashes no longer grow. Over-the-counter and even prescription eyelash treatments claim to help thicken and lengthen eyelashes. Even applying almond oil, or another gentle moisturizer such as petroleum jelly, can help eyelashes grow longer and stronger.

Using mascara doesn't actually lengthen eyelashes, but it can make them appear drastically longer, thicker, and curlier. For a longer-lashed appearance, a lengthening mascara is ideal. Those who want thicker or curlier lashes as well are generally advised to layer different types of mascara on their lashes.

A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.

A good lengthening mascara should typically contain nylon or other fibers. These fibers can extend somewhat beyond the ends of your natural eyelashes, allowing the mascara to make your eyelashes appear longer. Tubing mascaras can help make lashes look longer. These mascaras harden around each individual lash, forming tubes that can help to lengthen lashes and make them look longer.

There are serums that can be applied to the eyelash area to help them grow longer.
There are serums that can be applied to the eyelash area to help them grow longer.

When shopping for lengthening mascara, look for a brush that has separated bristles, rather than one where the bristles are dense and packed closely together. A dark shade, such as black, is usually recommended, as it can bring color to the tips of the lashes, which are often pale. Adding color to the pale tips of the lashes can make the true length of your lashes visible.

Some people use almond oil to lengthen eyelashes.
Some people use almond oil to lengthen eyelashes.

Applying false eyelashes can help your lashes appear longer. Strip lashes cover the entire width of the eyelid, and individual lashes can stand in where your natural eyelashes may no longer grow. False eyelashes should generally be the same shade as your natural eyelashes and should typically be trimmed to the same length. It's usually recommended that false eyelashes be applied to the lash line, rather than to the lashes themselves. Eyelash adhesive is typically used for this purpose.

Applying mascara is one way to make your lashes look longer and fuller.
Applying mascara is one way to make your lashes look longer and fuller.

A number of products claim to help lengthen eyelashes. Some recommend applying almond oil, petroleum jelly, or another gentle moisturizer directly to the eyelashes each night to lengthen and thicken them. Over-the-counter eyelash serums typically contain vitamins, amino acids, and moisturizers that claim to help thicken and lengthen eyelashes. A prescription product, Latisse®, may help eyelashes grow thicker, longer, and darker in color.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

@rundocuri- Yes, I know from experience that Latisse does make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. I have a friend who uses it, and she swears by it. She use to get lash extensions before she tried Latisse, but she hasn't had to do anything other than apply mascara to make her lashes look great since she has been using Latisse.

Rundocuri

Latisse sounds almost too good to be true, but I have heard that it does work. Does anyone know from experience if it really works to grow longer, thicker lashes?

Heavanet

An easy tip for making your eyelashes appear longer is to apply a coat of pressed or loose facial powder on them before putting on your mascara. When the mascara sticks to the lashes and powder, it builds to create the look of length. This simple trick also makes eyelashes appear thicker, too.

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    • A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
      By: haveseen
      A woman applying mascara to her eyelashes.
    • There are serums that can be applied to the eyelash area to help them grow longer.
      By: Delphimages
      There are serums that can be applied to the eyelash area to help them grow longer.
    • Some people use almond oil to lengthen eyelashes.
      By: Dionisvera
      Some people use almond oil to lengthen eyelashes.
    • Applying mascara is one way to make your lashes look longer and fuller.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Applying mascara is one way to make your lashes look longer and fuller.
    • Petroleum jelly can be used for eyelash growth.
      By: blueee
      Petroleum jelly can be used for eyelash growth.
    • Mascara is a makeup that is applied to the eyelashes in order to make them look longer, thicker, and fuller.
      By: Africa Studio
      Mascara is a makeup that is applied to the eyelashes in order to make them look longer, thicker, and fuller.