How to Lengthen Eyelashes Without Mascara

Long, fluttery lashes always seem to provide a more sultry look, and mascara works really well to help lengthen and define your lashes. If you're not a fan of mascara, though, that doesn't mean you're doomed to short, stubby lashes. You can give yourself longer lashes at home with the right products, such as false lashes, an eyelash curler, and eyeliner. If you prefer longer lashes that last for more than a day, though, you'll need to visit a salon where a professional can give you lash extensions, perm your lashes, or tint the lashes to help them appear longer. For naturally longer lashes, you can also use products such as lash growth serums, natural oils, and biotin -- but you'll need to have a little patience for those methods because it can take a while to see results.

EditSteps

EditGiving Yourself Longer Lashes Temporarily

1. Consider false lashes. The most common way to lengthen your lashes without mascara is to apply false eyelashes. You can find false lashes in full strips that fit your entire lashline or individual clusters that you can place exactly where you want extra length.^[1]
   
   • Full strip false lashes offer the most dramatic look, so they work best if you want major length for your lashes.
   • Individual lashes work best if you want a more natural, subtle look.
   • You may need to cut or trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape. Always test a pair before trying to put them on.
2. Apply the false lashes properly. To secure the lashes to your lid, apply lash glue to the false lash band or cluster. Let the glue sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute so it dries and becomes slightly tacky. Set the lashes just above your natural lash line starting at the outer corner and pressing inward to secure them.^[2]
   
   • When you’re applying your lashes, it helps to set your mirror below you and tilt your chin downward so you can place the lashes at the right angle.
   • After you’ve applied the lashes to your eye, let them sit for another 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure that the glue has bonded with your skin.
   • To remove the lashes at the end of the day, simply peel up one of the edges and gently pull the lashes off. You may need to use eye makeup remover to take off any glue residue that may be on your lashes or skin.
3. Curl your lashes. When your lashes are perfectly straight, they tend to look shorter and more sparse. Curling them helps lift the lashes so they have a longer appearance. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes along their entire length for the longest look.^[3]
   
   • You can purchase an eyelash curler at drugstores, beauty supply stores, or any store that sells cosmetics.
   • Start with the eyelash curler at the base of your lashes, and hold it closed for approximately 3 seconds. Next, move the curler to the center of your lashes and hold it closed for another 3 seconds. Finally, place the curler at the end of your lashes and hold it closed for a final 3 seconds.
   • If you don’t have an eyelash curler, you can use a clean toothbrush to help curl your lashes. Run the brush under hot water and then dry it lightly with a clean towel. Next, run the brush through your lashes, starting at the base and holding it at the tips for several seconds to create the curl.^[4]
4. Add eyeliner to the base and underside of your top lashline. If you want to skip mascara, using eyeliner strategically can help make your lashes appear longer. Instead of applying the liner to your lid, trace it right along the base of your lashes. Next, gently pull up on your eyelid to expose the underside of your lashline, also known as the tightline, and apply liner there as well to make your lashes appear thicker and longer.^[5]
   
   • Use a dark eyeliner so it blends in with your lashes. Black is usually the best option, but if your lashes are light, you may prefer a brown liner.
   • For the liner at the base of your lashes, you can use pencil, powder, liquid, or cream eyeliner. For the tightline, use a pencil or cream liner.

EditVisiting the Salon for Longer Lashes

1. Get eyelash extensions. If you want to lengthen your lashes without mascara for more than just a day, lash extensions are an ideal option. At a salon or other venue that offers beauty services, you can have individual lashes bonded to the tips of your natural lashes with medical-grade adhesive. Lash extensions usually last 4 to 6 weeks.^[6]
   
   • When you’re wearing lash extensions, it’s important to be careful when touching your eyes, such as rubbing them when they’re itchy or washing your face at the end of the night. If you’re too rough, you may loosen the adhesive.
   • Lash extensions can be fairly costly, so they’re not the best option if you’re on a budget.
   • Some people experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive used to attach the extensions. Ask the esthetician to a patch test with the adhesive on your skin before applying the extensions.
   • Getting lash extensions too frequently can lead to breakage for your natural lashes, so it’s best to just get them when you have special events coming up.
2. Have your lashes permed. If you’re tired of curling your lashes with an eyelash curler to make them appear longer, you may want to consider an eyelash perm. Just as with traditional hair perms, chemicals are applied to your lashes which are then wrapped around foam rollers to curl them. Your lashes will remain curled for 1 to 3 months.^[7]
   
   • Lash perming must be done by a trained professional.
   • Because lash perming utilizes chemicals, there is the possibility that your eyes and the skin around them may become irritated afterward. Leaving the perm solution on too long can also cause your lashes to break or fall out. Make sure to visit a reputable salon where the esthetician has experience performing lash perms.
3. Tint your lashes. If you have light colored lashes, they probably look shorter than they actually are. Instead of using mascara, though, you can darken your lashes to help lengthen their appearance by having them tinted with a vegetable-based dye. Visit a trained esthetician to have your lashes tinted, and the results will typically last 4 to 6 weeks.^[8]
   
   • As with any type of lash treatment, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction when you have your lashes tinted. Ask the esthetician to do a patch test on your skin before using the dye to ensure that you aren’t allergic to the dye’s ingredients.
   • Just as with lash extensions or perms, it’s important to visit a reputable salon with trained professionals to have your lashes tinted.

EditUsing Long Term Products for Longer Lashes

1. Use a lash growth serum. If you don’t want to bother with mascara ever again, you may want to invest in an eyelash growth serum. These products use peptides and other ingredients to help extend the growth phase of the lashes. However, prescription treatments are typically the only ones that work. Over-the-counter formulas usually just contain conditioning ingredients that may not necessarily help with growth. See a dermatologist to talk about your options.^[9]
   
   • You won’t see overnight results from a lash growth serum. It may take 2 to 6 months to see any results.
   • In order to see results, you must apply the serum nightly. It’s also important to apply the serum right at the lashline. The hairs that make up the lashes are already dead, so applying it to them won’t make any difference.
   • Be aware that there are possible side effects associated with prescription lash growth serum. It has been known to discolor both the the lid and iris of the eye.
2. Condition your lashes with oil. Lashes may break and fall off if they’re not properly moisturized and conditioned. Natural oils, such as olive, coconut, castor, and jojoba, are believed to help moisturize and strengthen your lashes so they can grow longer. Apply some to your lashes every night as part of your skin care routine.^[10]
   
   • When using a oil to condition your lashes for added length, consistency and patience are key. You won’t see results overnight. Condition your lashes every night, and give your lashes at least 2 to 3 months to respond.
   • To apply the oil to your lashes, you can dab a small amount on your fingertips and run them over your lashes. However, to ensure that all of your lashes are coated, it’s better to dip a clean spoolie into the oil and then run it through your lashes like you would with mascara.
   • Petroleum jelly can also work well as a lash conditioner to help your lashes grow longer. You can apply it to your lashes in the same way that you would an oil.
3. Take biotin supplements. Biotin is a vitamin that is thought to help strengthen weak, brittle hair, so it is often suggested for hair health. Taking a biotin supplement daily may help your lashes grow longer and thicker, but it can take several months to see any results.^[11]
   
   • Biotin is water-soluble, so it passes out of your system fairly quickly. That means it’s unlikely that you could take too much of it. However, you should always speak to your doctor before starting any supplements to ensure that they’re safe for you to take with your other medications and to determine the proper dosage.
   • If you don’t want to take biotin supplements, you can incorporate certain foods in your diet that are high in the vitamin. Almonds, pecans, bananas, egg yolks, and whole grains all contain biotin.

EditTips

• If you wear eye makeup other than mascara, use a makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day. Removers help dissolve the makeup so you don’t have to scrub at your eyes, which make cause your lashes to break or fall out.
• If you don’t like to use mascara because of how dark it is, you may want to consider a clear mascara. It can separate and define your lashes so they appear longer without adding any color.

EditSources and Citations

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