Caring enough for your lashes?

Most of us spend a lot of time trying to lengthen, plump and curl our eyelashes, investing a lot of money in ‘revolutionary’ mascara and all kinds of other products that promise to give you the lashes of your dream.

It’s easy to forget that they aren’t just an accessory, as they actually protect the eyes from irritants like dust, sweat, and even the sun.

So while we are busy doing all we can to have fuller, prettier lashes, there are some things you can do that will keep your lashes looking as healthy and gorgeous as a baby’s.

Care
Eyelashes are made out of the same components as hair, and just as your hair gets dirty, so do your lashes. Protecting your eyes can be dirty work, causing a buildup of dust, sweat, and mascara.

For a gentle cleanse, press a warm compress to the lids before washing lashes with baby shampoo.

They Change as You Get Older

If you notice a change in the fullness or length of your lashes, you’re not imagining things. It’s natural for lashes to thin, just as the strands on your head do, as you mature.

To keep them full and beautiful, add a supplement that encourages hair growth, like the B vitamin biotin, to your daily supplement routine.

Curlers Can Fracture Your Lashes

The common fear associated with lash curlers is that they will pull lashes out at the root. But what you really should be worrying about is breaking them in half, as this is a more common occurrence.

Instead of aggressively crimping your lashes, pulse the curler with light pressure 10 seconds before applying mascara.

Lashes Can Become Too Long

It may seem like every girl’s dream to have long lashes, but it’s possible for said lashes to be too lengthy; it can become painful and inconvenient. Highly active hormones sometimes cause lashes to grow to outrageous lengths.

If your lashes need a trim, you can trim them yourself but it’s better to see a professional makeup artist for the first time to learn the ropes. Then, invest in a pair of iris scissors to maintain them.

Waterproof Mascara Can Irritate Them

The same components that make waterproof mascara do its job can do damage on your lash line.

While lashes are designed to dust away irritants, they aren’t sure what to do when coated in water-proofing agents like dimethicone copolyol and silicone. The rejection of those ingredients can cause an itchy, watery, allergic reaction.

Look for a more natural formula that is free of preservatives or fragrances to keep your eyes itch-free and free from irritation.

Extensions can be Dangerous

While celebs have sung the praises of eyelash extensions (the more expensive, longer-lasting sister of your average false lashes), they’re not as harmless as they may seem.

The ingredients in adhesives, such as formaldehyde, can irritate the lash line.

And if applied incorrectly, they can take real eyelashes with them as they fall off.

If you still want to try them, we highly recommend first finding a reputable and safe salon in your area with estheticians that specialise in extensions so you don’t have major regrets later.

Consistent use of the extensions, if not well applied can stunt your real lashes and prevent them from growing.