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 the fact our lashes start to thin as we age, there are ways we can get them to remain (or come back) thicker and fuller. Mascaras can work wonders to enhance your lashes, but you’ll find it works much better if you have a better base layer. That’s where growth serum can be a real game-changer for you. Serums can be found in stores or by prescription, and they vary in cost from brand to brand.
Biotin and castor oil are common ingredients in over-the-counter varieties, and 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 that you need to apply it directly to the root of your eyelashes every night. Be careful when applying serum to your lashes to avoid getting it into your eyes or tear ducts.
PrimeLash Growth Serum, $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!
Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $49.95
The key to unlocking your lashes’ potential can be found 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 helping to enhance short, thinning, or brittle lashes.
Neutrogena Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum, $26.99
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 the appearance of healthier, fuller, and more beautiful-looking 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.
11 Mascaras That Give You Full Lush Lashes
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara for Mature Women, $28
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara is created for women over 50, and it has become the favorite one for 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.
Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, $9.95
Experience ultimate volume and the look of thick, false lashes with Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara. The lash-maximizing, curvy brush places the most volume at the hard-to-reach center lash line, and the defining tip styles your lashes for major drama. The super-concentrated black pigment delivers the greatest visual impact, and the Flash Volume Complex™ creates instant, smudge-proof length and volume in three strokes or less. Velvet Noir gives you the thickest lashes in one sweep.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Mascara, $10.99
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, $11.99
Lash Sensational Mascara from Maybelline is the first patented fanning brush with ten 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 and lengthening mascara that is clinically tested to stretch the look of lashes for wider, longer, and 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, $28
Unique heart-shaped fibers lock onto lashes for long-lasting volume. Unlike cylindrical fibers, which can appear spidery, the hollow heart-shaped fibers lay 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 hydrating panthenol keeps them luxuriously soft.
Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Instant XXL Volume Mascara, $33
Experience instant XXL volume on each lash with +94% HD volume. The improved formula offers clump-free, excess-free, volumized lashes. This mascara is enriched with vitamin B and cotton extract to build your lashes to their fullest potential.
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.
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions have become a popular option in the recent past. Similar to hair extensions, they’re applied to your normal 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 they’re very time-consuming to apply, they can be quite costly, and they require a lot of maintenance. But, when done correctly, they also look pretty darn fabulous. If you’re considering getting 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 you.
If you elect to apply lash extensions yourself, here are some of the options you might find:
FlutterHabit Lashes, $29.99
FlutterHabit is a DIY at-home lash extension kit. The lashes are applied under the lash, are long lasting, 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 making it possible to wake up ready to go.
LANKIZ Eyelash Extensions Individual Lashes, $7.99
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 up to 4-5 weeks and are best for people with thick eyelashes and who want to add some length.
Kiss Falscara False Eyelash Starter Kit, $24.99
This kit offers a DIY home option if you want to add extensions just for the day and includes 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 major benefit is many brands are reusable and can be worn up to 40 times before needing replacements. When considering magnetic lashes, take into account cost, the material used (paying special attention to 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, $29.99
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 lash and keep them in place all day long.
Ardell Accent 001 Magnetic Eyelashes, $9.37
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 smaller magnets allows for a more secure hold and a more subtle 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 like a normal 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 to15 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 at the end of the day, you’re happy and loving yourself.
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