Eyelashes that are thick, long, and lush instantly draw attention to your eyes. While most people aren’t naturally born with gorgeous eyelashes, there are a few tricks to making them look longer and thicker. Featured here are five tips for getting long, thick eyelashes.

5 Tips For Long, Thick Eyelashes

Curl Your Eyelashes

Start by curling your eyelashes. This immediately makes your eyes appear larger, and creates the illusion that your eyelashes are longer. Starting at the base of your eyelashes, gently curl them using an eyelash curler. Lightly clamp down on your lashes mid-way, and then finally at the tips. This three-curl motion helps to create a natural curved effect to your lashes.

Use A Lengthening, Thickening Mascara

For everyday wear, use a lengthening, volume-building mascara in a very dark color (like black or dark brown). Apply at least 2-3 coats of mascara, starting at the base (near your lashline) and going all the way up to the tips. Apply the mascara with the wand faced at a horizontal angle, moving it in an upward sweeping motion, then gently wiggle the wand back-and-forth. This multi-directional technique helps to build-up the lashes at the base, creating a more voluminous look.

Apply False Eyelashes

For special occasions when you want the look of dramatic lashes, apply eyelash extensions (also known as false eyelashes). If you’re a novice, start with small clusters of eyelashes, applied with eyelash glue, at the outer corners of your eyes. If you’re an expert at applying false eyelashes, you can work with a full strip (and cut it down to size). This helps to create the look of fuller lashes, while making your eyes appear larger. For a more naturally-enhanced look, opt for medium-length false lashes, as these blend in better with your natural lashes.

To apply the eyelashes, use tweezers to lightly dip the base of the eyelash cluster into the glue. Wait 30-seconds for the glue to become ‘tacky’, which helps it adhere better to your skin. Then put the cluster in between your natural eyelashes, directly at the lashline. Allow each glued cluster to fully dry (which takes about 1-2 minutes).

When you are done applying the false eyelashes, simply apply liquid eyeliner over the lashline to conceal any glue.

Use A Fiber and Mascara Product

If you aren’t interested in applying false eyelashes, an alternative way to go is a lash-thickening mascara system. These products help build-up the look of your individual eyelashes via the application of flexible cotton or nylon fibers. When the mascara is applied to your lashes, it grabs onto each nylon fiber (which act like a thickening lash primer), instantly making your eyelashes look longer and fuller.

Get an Eyelash Prescription Treatment

For a more long-term effect, speak with your Doctor about using the prescription topical application called Latisse. This has been proven to help people increase the thickness, volume, pigmentation (darkness) and length of their natural eyelashes. There are risks associated with Latisse, so conduct further research and ask your Doctor questions before trying it.

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