As we age, our lashes can lose the length and fullness they once had. What’s a girl to do? There are many options out there these days, from over-the-counter products and serum-boosting systems to false eyelashes, eyelash transplants (for extreme cases), and some great beauty products that can create the look of full, lush lashes that are wink-worthy. We spoke with our makeup experts to get their favorite products.
Growth Serum for Fuller Lashes
Despite our lashes thinning as we age, there are ways we can keep them (or make them) thicker and fuller. Mascaras can work wonders to enhance your lashes, but they work much better with a better base layer. That’s where growth serum can be a real game-changer for you. Serums can be purchased in stores or by prescription, and their costs vary by brand.
Biotin and castor oil are common ingredients in over-the-counter products, but the results have been hit-or-miss. Prescription serums contain bimatoprost, which has been clinically proven to make lashes grow thicker and fuller and is FDA-approved for that use.
When considering growth serum, remember to apply it directly to the roots of your eyelashes every night. Be careful when applying serum to your lashes to avoid getting it into your eyes or tear ducts.
Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $34.95
The key to unlocking your lashes’ potential lies in the unique RapidLash® formula. The innovative HEXATEIN® 1 COMPLEX in the Eyelash Enhancing Serum consists of six highly effective ingredients. It is specifically designed to condition, moisturize, and fortify, enhancing the overall appearance of more beautiful lashes.
GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, $68
This award-winning lash-enhancing serum is infused with a blend of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids to promote the appearance of naturally longer, thicker-looking lashes in 4-6 weeks, with full improvement in 3 months. It’s a favorite for enhancing short, thinning, or brittle lashes.
Neutrogena Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum, $25
Get healthier and fuller-looking lashes with Neutrogena Lash Enhancer Serum. This lash-enhancing serum comes infused with biotin and peptides. The formula nourishes and conditions to promote healthier, fuller, more beautiful lashes. Plus, this lash booster leaves lashes feeling moisturized and longer looking in just 4 weeks.
KUSH Growhouse Lash + Brow Serum, $52
KUSH Growhouse is a daily serum that nurtures hair for longer, fuller-looking lashes and brows.
PrimeLash Growth Serum, $32.80 (was $41)
PrimeLash Serum helps you transform thinning, sparse, clumped lashes into the fanning beauties you’ve always craved. With PrimeLash Serum, take care of your lashes like never before. Daily application of the gentle, lash-boosting formula makes your lashes grow over time while you sleep. Wake up looking great. No surprise that it has over 10,000 five-star reviews!
10 Mascaras That Give You Full Lush Lashes
Too Faced Lashes Ever After Full Size Mascara Set, $27.30 (was $39)
Too Faced’s Lashes Ever After Full Size Mascara Set features their hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection, while the award-winning formula creates full, defined, and stretched lashes to unbelievable lengths.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Mascara, $9.99
Voluminous Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping and to soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness. The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, and this mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Lash Sensational Mascara, $13.99
Lash Sensational Mascara from Maybelline is the first mascara with a patented fanning brush featuring 10 layers of bristles to reveal a full flourish of lashes. The liquid ink formula coats from all sides for a stunning full fan effect.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Stretch Mascara, $17.00
Superhero stretch mascara is a volumizing, lengthening formula clinically tested to stretch the look of lashes for wider, longer, eye-opening results.
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara, $28
Go beyond black to carbon for intense lashes with dramatic definition, high volume, and a wide reach, lasting up to 16 hours.
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara, $12.99
Turn up the volume with COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara. See the difference as it instantly gives you 10x more volume, thanks to the volume-boosting formula for dramatic volume.
KUSH Mascara, $14 (was $28)
Unique heart-shaped fibers lock onto lashes for long-lasting volume. Unlike cylindrical fibers, which can appear spidery, the hollow heart-shaped fibers lie in each direction and fill with a formula for maximum volume. The result? Fluffy, full, voluminous lashes.
FetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara, $34
This flexible, buildable formula delivers a range of looks, making it the ultimate pro-artist secret for customizable volume with long-lasting wear. Its formula, infused with conditioning peptides, strengthens and defends each lash, while panthenol hydrates them luxuriously.
They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara, $29
This breakthrough bestseller reveals lashes you never knew you had! The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. You’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out with a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula.
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara for Mature Women, $28
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara is designed for women over 50, and it has become a favorite among thousands of women because it lets you flaunt intense lash length and volume in 2 coats. We love that it also has a vitamin-enriched eyelash growth serum formula that nourishes and strengthens your lashes.
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions have become a popular option in recent years. Similar to hair extensions, they’re applied to your regular lashes using an adhesive. Extensions are semi-permanent, and it’s recommended you have them applied by a trained technician.
When considering lash extensions, keep in mind that they’re very time-consuming to apply, they can be pretty costly, and they require a lot of maintenance. But, when done correctly, they also look pretty darn fabulous. If you’re considering extensions, speak with a local esthetician to find out which style you want (they aren’t one-size-fits-all), which material will work best for you, and how much the first two options will cost.
If you elect to apply lash extensions yourself, here are some of the options you might find:
FlutterHabit Lashes, $34.99
FlutterHabit is a DIY at-home lash extension kit. The lashes are applied under the lash line, are long-lasting and water-resistant, and take just minutes to apply. The lashes last up to 5 days – saving you money and time from salon appointments. Sweat-proof, shower-proof, and sleep-proof, so you wake up ready to go.
LANKIZ Eyelash Extensions Individual Lashes, $9.99
Grafting: One lash extension is grafted to one natural eyelash. Classic eyelash extensions are easier to operate compared to volume lashes, so they are more suitable for beginners to start their lash trip. These can last 4-5 weeks and are best for people with thick eyelashes who want to add some length.
Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Starter Kit, $24.99
This kit offers a DIY home option for adding extensions just for the day, and an overnighter option that provides extended wear for up to 10 days. The wisps are placed under your natural lashes, which allows them to look more natural, and the kit offers a variety of lengths to customize your look.
Magnetic Eyelashes
Despite all of the fabulous options in mascaras, sometimes you just can’t attain the fullness level you want. That’s where other options come in, like magnetic lash extensions. What are they? Contrary to normal false eyelashes, these don’t require glue or adhesive because they secure to each other (and your lash line) with tiny magnets. They’re also easy to apply and are surprisingly comfortable to wear.
One significant benefit is that many brands are reusable and can be worn up to 40 times before needing replacement. When considering magnetic lashes, consider cost, the material used (paying special attention to potential allergens), and the look you’d like to achieve.
Magnetic Eyelashes with Eyeliner, $13.99
Whether you want a natural look, a dramatic look, or somewhere in between, Lexi McQueen lashes have you covered with five different styles, giving you the perfect lashes for any occasion.
Babygirl Eyelashes, $19.99
Babygirl eyelashes are wispy, round lashes that look natural on the eye and feel super lightweight. They are made from high-quality synthetic fiber and are 100% vegan. The lashes also come with four lash anchors that can strengthen the hold of your lashes and keep them in place all day long.
Ardell Accent 001 Magnetic Eyelashes, $9.25
Ardell’s Magnetic Accent Lashes feature groundbreaking multi-magnet technology that features smaller, virtually invisible magnets strategically embedded end to end. This provides complete magnetic contact, so the upper and lower lashes lock together and lay down seamlessly along your natural lash line. Having more small magnets provides a more secure hold and a subtler appearance.
ProMagnetic Magnetic Eyeliner & Faux Mink Natural Lash System, $16.99
Eylure is revolutionizing false eyelashes with this latest innovation. This patent-pending technology is simple. Start by applying the eyeliner to your eye as you would with a regular liquid eyeliner. After it’s dry, apply your magnetic lash onto the liner, and you’re done! This long-lasting, smudge-proof formula is easy to use and is safe for daily wear. This kit includes the revolutionary ProMagnetic eyeliner and a pair of gorgeous faux mink natural lashes. Lightweight and easy to remove, you can wear these lashes up to 15 times!
It would be nice if fuller, thicker lashes occurred naturally throughout our lives, but that’s not the fate most of us face. If you’re looking to plump and boost your lashes, the options are virtually endless. You can order one of the mascaras shown above and give it a test drive, or jump right in and head to the salon for some extensions. What’s most important is that at the end of the day, you’re happy and loving yourself.
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