SIMPLE TRICKS TO NATURALLY LONG LASHES


by mary schook

After spending more hours of my life applying lash extensions than sleeping over the last 8+ years I tend to pick up a few things here and there about lash growth.

There are several things that cause lash loss: thyroid conditions, aging, stress, childbirth, product abuse, not changing your mascara frequently enough, bad lash extensions and more.

Today I am going to talk about the few things that one can do to get those peepers back into shape:


BIOTIN
I originally learned about the magic of Biotin more than a decade ago by a leading hair extension expert. Extensions (either hair or lash) can take a toll of the follicle if they are not applied properly or they are abused. Generally I have seen 5mg (not mcg) of the Vitamin Shoppe brand almost double the number of lashes on the people who take it religiously. I have had some customers report that their stress is also better from it. Now hospitals are even using Biotin in high doses to increase the success rates of premature babies (including my nephew). Sounds like there's something to this biotin!



LASH CONDITIONER

Your hair on your head isn't the only thing that needs conditioner especially if you use mascara! The chemicals in the mascara can cause premature breakage similar to the way blonde hair breaks from frequent dye sessions. It's inevitable there is going to be some breakage. Running Talika lash conditioner through your lashes both before you apply your mascara and after you take it off is a must especially if you wear waterproof formulas. They are the masters when it comes to lash conditioning.



CHANGING MASCARA



Deep down on the microscopic level we have little organisms that live in our lashes and eat the dead skin. Demodicids a.k.a. lash mites are enough of a reason to want to change your mascara more frequently than you probably do. In the photo that depicts three mites burrowing into the follicle, which may take out the lash. Many times a stye is an accumulation of Demodicids burrowed into a follicle. Not cute. Despite the formaldehyde that beauty companies put in their formulas to try to keep these little lash buggers at bay it's a good idea to change your mascara at least once a month. No wonder lash companies are coming out with a new formula every week! (photo reference)


MASCARA FORMULAS

Most of the formulas on the market, especially the waterproof, are very drying and can make the lashes brittle. Most of the formulas on the market also burn and itch my eyes. After trying dozens of the newest and greatest I still have to say my fave is the Almay Get Up and Grow. It's flexible, layers well, and makes my lashes look lush and appear to grow. Quite often people ask if I have lash extensions when I wear it. It also is a very nurturing and conditioning formula, which is why they probably say it's a growth mascara. Compared to the other formulas my lashes do grow instead of break. The only down side is if you have super oily skin or really droopy eyes it's possible to get a bit of residue from it, but overall most people tell me they really love this formula!



CLEANSERS

As a makeup artist in fashion it was my job to do several makeup changes on the models for editorial spreads. The ultimate goal was to get the makeup off their eyes with the least amount of discomfort and redness. Trust me when I say there is nothing better than trying to get a pretty, sexy look from a sore, pissed off model. The Lancome Bifacils won by a long shot. There are a few other brands that are also amazing, but the Lancome is the easiest and most accessible. It takes very little effort to make sure you get off all of the mascara before you condition the lashes.



CLIENT TIP: Castor Oil

Not too long ago I had a client tell me her secret to longer and fuller lashes is Castor oil. I haven't personally used castor oil, but it does make sense. It would really condition the lashes and kill the bacteria on her eyes. Using the castor oil could be a good alternative to the lash conditioner and even possibly makeup remover.



LASH GROWTH FORMULAS

This is a loaded topic for me that will ultimately change over time. There was no better formula in lash growth history than the original Jan Marini lash growth formula. The day that left the market was a sad day. Ever since her product's departure there have been many brands that were close, but nothing that gave both the length and fullness on the hundreds of customers who used it. Latisse works on length, but not really fullness the way Marini's did and too many people complain about the burning or irritation. We're still searching for that all-star growth brand. Most of the products on the market definitely stimulate growth, but overall I see a lot of purple lids and sore eyes from it. It could be from overuse of the formulas. People tend to put too much on. Stay tuned for Beauty 212's tests on this.

LASH EXTENSION DAMAGE PREVENTION

I could write a book about this, but there is a site that I found that explains lash extension cautions perfectly! I couldn't agree more with what they say. Check out their major lash repair and cautionary tales HERE.

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