The thing about proper eyelash care is that many people underestimate it. They also tend to underestimate themselves by assuming it’s something they can’t DIY. As it turns out, proper eyelash care is easier than it looks, as long as you know what you’re doing.
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The first step is to understand your lashes to best care for them. After that, you need to know the lay of the land. This means what products and tools you use and what look you want to go with.
There’s nothing wrong with going heavy or going light or even natural. How your eyelash care routine pairs with makeup and fake lashes are also major factors. The pros can help you get started, but you can learn to DIY the whole thing with the right general care tips.
Read our in-depth guide below for a full breakdown of eyelash care 101.
Understanding Your Lashes
Caring for your lashes is not as complicated as most people think. However, despite this, a lot of people still find it difficult to allot time to do so. One reason for this is not everyone understands the impact of lashes on your overall look and appeal.
There’s always been something about having long and lush lashes. When they’re well cared for, they help frame, open, and even brighten your eyes. This is why Egyptians had their version of mascara even way back around 3000 BC.
Beautiful, lengthy lashes have always been and are still coveted today. However, you can do so much more for your lashes beyond mascara. For starters, why not make sure they’re healthy and full in the first place?
There are several ways to do this; one of the best ways to get started is understanding your lashes. Observe them and check out their natural characteristics. Whether they look sparse or aren’t long enough, or if they grow in the right direction are only a few to start with.
Another thing to consider is whether they’re au naturale. Having eyelash extensions or other treatments often means they may need extra care. This ensures that they don’t end up getting crusty or, worse, infected.
Eyelash care can be as basic as proper cleaning to nourishing and conditioning. Other times, it can involve a lot of patience and professional TLC.
Eyelash Care 101
Once you know what your lashes may (or may not) need, it’s time to find the most suitable eyelash care for you. However, before anything else, there’s one tip that gets overlooked a lot – not rubbing your eyes and the area around it. While it’s tempting to rub, tug, and pull the skin around your eyes, do your best not to.
A major reason is that your eyes are as vulnerable as an open wound. Incessant touching can lead to several kinds of eye infections. It can also cause your lashes to fold into your eyes, resulting in irritation.
If your hands aren’t clean or debris like dirt or a stray lash gets into your eye, things can get quite painful. You’re also causing wrinkles around your eye area and potentially aggravating your lash line.
This can pull out healthy lashes and leave you with some sparse spots. Lashes take about six weeks to renew or longer if pulled out. No one wants to have missing or bald spots on their lash line, so be careful!
Virgin and Natural Lashes
With that out of the way, the next thing you have to know is caring for virgin lashes. The simplest way to do this is by keeping them clean and applying a good lash serum. Lash serums are becoming an essential part of most people’s beauty routine.
They’re safe and effective; a good example of this is Perfume Price Revitalash. Many of them also use natural and even vegan ingredients. Despite this, you might be allergic to some of the oils or essences used.
That’s why it’s still important always to check and read their components first. If you have a trusted professional you can consult before trying it, then make sure to do so. Once you’ve found a product you trust, incorporate it into your daily routine.
Most people like applying the serum before bed as part of a nightly skincare routine. They often do this after cleansing the face and removing all eye makeup. Others use it in the day, like a primer before putting mascara or even faux lashes.
A crucial tip to keep in mind is never put a serum on if your lashes (face or skin) aren’t clean. Doing so will only introduce bacteria and dirt to the product. This then will get transferred into your lash roots and eyes.
Instead of beautiful lashes that are thick and long, you end up with crusty extensions or an infection.
Makeup and Faux Lashes
Using makeup is the easiest and fastest way to get longer and more voluminous lashes. Almost everyone is all too familiar with the classic mascara and eyelash curler. For those looking to up the ante, faux lashes are also an option.
More often than not, these are all done in one combination or another. For those with naturally long lashes that curl, a coat or two of mascara should be more than enough. There are still others who aren’t as fortunate, so they’ll need good eyelash curlers and some faux lashes.
While these work wonders during your day or night out, they aren’t long-lasting. This is true regardless if you opt for either drugstore or professional eyelash products. What affects your eyelash care the most is how you deal with the aftermath.
In this case, “aftermath” means getting the goop and faux lashes off your natural ones. Of course, you’ll need the right products for it, especially if the mascara and glue you’ve used are waterproof or long-holding.
Don’t yank them off your lashes, or worse, sleep with them still on. It’s best to never leave them (or any makeup) on overnight. Apart from an uninvited eye infection, you’re also more likely to breakout.
Professional Lashes: Extensions
Better known as eyelash extensions, the care for these types of lashes varies depending on several factors, like the type you have on. These usually fall into three categories: synthetic, silk, and mink. Of the three, synthetic is the least delicate, but it’s also the least natural-looking.
It’s also the cheapest, making it one of the most commonly-used extensions. More often than not, those who choose synthetic lashes like to have them dense and long. Having them placed on regularly, without downtime, can be problematic.
It’s sure to take a toll on your natural lashes. If you have this type of extension, it’s essential to consult your lash technician. Don’t ignore their advice if they ask you to take a break from extensions or require you to get a deep clean.
The same goes for silk and mink lashes. Both are more organic compared to their counterpart. The downside of this is they bend easily and, at times, fall off.
Oil-based cleaners, in particular, can weaken the glue used to attach them. When this happens, they’re almost always accompanied by your natural lashes.
The glue used can also cause irritation. This is where reputable and certified lash technicians and beauty bars come in. Only trust those authorized in the industry – listen to their advice.
There will always be eyelash extension pros and cons. You wouldn’t want to risk your vision when worse comes to worst.
Semi-Permanent Eyelash Treatments
Apart from getting extensions, there is another way some people achieve beautiful eyelashes. One of the most popular examples of this is eyelash perming and tinting. It’s considered semi-permanent makeup and can last anywhere from 60-120 days.
Its look and permanence depend on how fast your lashes grow out or fall off. To some, it’s a good middle ground if they don’t feel like committing to eyelash extensions. Although you won’t be putting glue and foreign materials on your lashes, you’ll still have chemicals placed onto your lash and lashline.
Many love how natural this treatment looks since it mimics the look of you using an eyelash curler. However, if you have a list of allergies, this might cause issues with real lashes.
Therefore, it’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the process and compounds beforehand. Following the aftercare for it (to the tee) is also crucial.
On the bright side, you’re less likely to pull your lashes out with this service. Though this isn’t an excuse for you to get complacent – it’s still important to care for your eyelashes.
General Care Tips
Whether you have virgin and natural lashes or extensions, giving them the professional eyelash care they need is always good. What’s great about it is it doesn’t always have to be a luxury. By maintaining healthy lashes, you’re already on the right foot.
A great way to do this is by maintaining a healthy diet. Foods rich in Biotin can help promote proper nails, hair, and even eyelashes growth. If you’re looking into taking Biotin supplements, consult a physician about this first.
Additionally, if you’re planning on getting any extensions or other treatments for your lashes, always do your research. Ask yourself if you need it and why. Look for trustworthy places with good reviews before jumping the gun.
Moreover, if you have eyelash extensions, never try to take them out yourself. You’re bound to pull your natural eyelash out if you do this. If you’re also the type to add more makeup while using extensions, look for ways to keep your faux lashes clean.
There are various DIY deep clean videos online, but it’s better to turn to the pros if budget permits. Finally, always let your lashes breathe and take a break. Don’t overdo it with the treatments, extensions, or even makeup.
Make sure you’re only using products that won’t cause adverse effects to your body. Finally, a good lash serum will help your lashes recover and be fuller over time. Don’t take this step for granted, and you’ll see results in due time.
DIY Eyelash Care
Are you still hesitant about getting professional eyelash care, or are you looking for something fun to try? Look into DIY eyelash care. Check out blogs, beauty forums like Reddit, or YouTube videos for inspiration.
You’ll find that there are many eyelash-enthusiasts online. You’re not alone in the journey of wanting to better lashes. A word of caution, though, what works for them, might not work for you.
It always pays to be a bit more critical of products that have too-good-to-be-true claims. If you also come across eyelash or eye products, always read them first. Know if you’re allergic to them, knock-offs, or if they’re past their prime.
In the end, your desire to improve yourself might cost you more. Only trust reputable products, and before you plan on following a DIY tutorial, consult a specialist first. It’s not only your eyelashes that are at risk but your eyesight as well.
The Secrets to DIY Eyelash Care
It turns out eyelash care isn’t as difficult or mysterious as some of the pros make it look like. All you need is patience and the right tools and knowledge to keep your lashes looking fabulous all the time. Part of that means being honest with yourself and getting to know your lashes and what they like.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time or if your lashes aren’t cooperative. Eyelash care becomes easier after you’ve practiced for a bit and tried various looks. Check out our other blog posts for more beauty and health tips.