Your eyes might be the windows to your soul, but your lashes accentuate their beauty and mesmerising charm
Embracing your unique beauty begins with taking care of yourself from the inside out. And that includes looking after your natural eyelashes. Every six to 10 weeks, our lashes naturally fall out and grow back themselves. In fact, science shows that we lose about five lashes each day. So, if you’re looking to grow wispy, fluttery natural lashes, you’re going to need to practise some self-care and lash grooming at home.
1. Food, not falsies
You can give your body’s natural hair-growth cycle a boost by eating superfoods that will help make your lashes less brittle and thicker. Nuts, avocados, sweet potatoes, fatty fish and mushrooms all contain oils, vitamins and minerals that rehydrate and nourish hair follicles, making them stronger. There are also hair, skin and nail multivitamin supplements with the perfect combinations of nutrients.
2. Nurturing your au naturels
As with your skin, your eyelids experience a build-up of dirt, germs and bacteria throughout the day. These particles also make their way onto your lashes, so you need to cleanse them too. Every night, wipe your lashes with a mild, oil-free eye make-up remover. Be gentle to prevent the lashes from breaking and falling out.
3. A little massage
It may sound weird, but gently massaging your lash line with clean fingers actually stimulates blood flow, which in turn promotes the growth of your lash hairs. You’ll want to have a delicate touch, though, to avoid tugging on the skin and pulling at the tiny hair shafts and underlying roots.
4. Hydration station
Drinking plenty of water nourishes your entire body, including your lashes, and promotes overall well-being and a natural glow. Also consider using a nourishing lash serum at night to strengthen and promote lash growth. Opt for a serum formulated with vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts. These serums can work wonders, making lashes appear fuller and healthier.
The truth about lash serums
Applying a coat of serum to your eyelashes ahead of applying mascara won’t instantly improve their condition or make them grow faster, despite what many people think. Because eyelash conditioning serums include highly concentrated ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, soybean oil and biotin, consistent application over a period of time is necessary for results. Dousing your lashes in layers of serum in the hopes of speeding up the process is a waste of product.
Lash Hack
Master the art of mascara application for best results. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand slightly as you move towards the tips. This technique coats each lash evenly, providing a more natural, clump-free finish.
5. Give it a rest
While false lashes and lash extensions add glamour and drama to your look, wearing them too frequently can weaken your natural lashes over time due to the ingredients in most lash glue formulas. Reserve their use for those extra-special occasions to protect and preserve your natural lashes, which you’ve worked so hard to nurture and grow. Instead, use a lash curler or the right mascara to add extra depth to your look.
@drlashe Taking a break of 4 to 6 weeks can allow your natural lashes to complete a growth cycle. During the break, you can use lash serum and shampoo to promote lash health. When you start wearing extensions again, you can try lighter extensions to avoid overwhelming your natural lashes #lashartist #lasheducation #lashtutorial #lashtrainingcourse #lashtiktok ♬ Fadeaway – Official Sound Studio
How to choose a mascara
1. Know Your Lash Type:
If you have short lashes, you need a lengthening mascara; for thin lashes, a volumising formula will add fullness; for straight lashes, a curling mascara will lift and shape them. Pay attention to the shape and structure of the mascara wand – it will tell you what job the mascara is meant to do.
2. Look For Quality Formulas:
Invest in high-quality mascara made from non-irritating ingredients. Look for products that are ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic to avoid eye irritation. And speaking of… replace your mascara every three to six months to prevent eye infections (bacterial growth can build up on the wand).
3. Waterproof vs Regular:
Consider your lifestyle and needs. Smudge-proof waterproof formulas last longer, and are a good choice if you have an active day ahead of you or will be swimming. Regular mascara is easier to remove and more suitable for daily use.
Words by: Charndre Emma Kippie
Text: Courtesy of Escapes Magazine.
Photos: hikingsouthafrica.co.za, Alamy, Shutterstock, Gallo/Getty Images
