Lashes for Days!

We all want longer, beautiful lashes. But what really works? What are some of the downsides? I’ve researched this popular topic and tried several different methods over the last few years. Today I share my personal experience on how I enhanced my lashes, as well as some common mistakes many of us make that lead to breakage and fallout.

Some Common Mistakes

If you’re trying to grow out your lashes, be gentle on them. This means using a gentle makeup remover and a mascara that’s easy to rinse off (I avoid waterproof mascara for this reason). It’s also important to stop using your lash curler, which can cause breakage. Also, avoid adhesives (that glue you use for falsies), which can also contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. Lastly, don’t rub your eyes.

Method 1: Use a Lash Growth Serum

There are lots of lash-growth serums on the market with proven effectiveness. Not all lash serums are created equal, and they vary in effectiveness, price, and time it takes to see a difference. See below for the pros/cons and my overall thoughts!

Rodan & Fields – Lash Boost

• PROS: This one works fast and gave me seriously long lashes (falsie status). I loved the results and saw a significant difference in both length and volume in just 2 weeks, but especially after 2-6 months (see photo above).

• CONS: After a year or so I developed an allergic reaction to the ingredients. My eyelid was red and I saw small itchy bumps… not a good sign. Several of my friends also experienced irritation over time. Lash Boost is also pricey at $155 and you have to purchase through a R&F rep.

Overall Thoughts: Effective but due to my allergic reaction, I would not repurchase. A comparable product to Lash Boost is Latisse, which you need a prescription for.

neuLASH – Lash Serum

• PROS: Effectively improves lash length in 30 days. I’ve been using it nightly for 4 months now and love how my lashes look, especially with mascara! Definitely works. So far no allergic reaction.

• CONS: $150 price tag on Nordstrom’s site (I purchased when they had a sale).

Overall Thoughts: Currently my favorite lash serum. I saw a difference after 3-4 weeks and I’m happy with the results. TIP: Keep an eye out for sales at Nordstrom to get a better deal!

Method 2: Condition Lashes with Castor Oil

Valencia Skincare – Lash + Brow Serum

• PROS: This natural lash + brow serum has a simple and clean ingredient list and is free of parabens, phthalates, and formaldehydes. At only $15, this serum uses a blend of botanicals, including organic castor and argon oil. My lashes looked healthier and I noticed way less lash fallout/breakage.

• CONS: After 2-3 months I didn’t notice a difference in terms of lash length so IF you’re expecting significant “falsie” length lashes, this isn’t for you.

Overall Thoughts: If you’re happy with your lash length, this product is excellent for restoring, bringing shine, and strengthening your lashes with natural ingredients! Another clean beauty version is CIRCE – Lash Serum.

Method 3: Wear Falsies

• PROS: With countless styles and options, this method is affordable, relatively easy to use, and provides instant gratification.

• CONS: Yes, there are some downsides. False lashes require adhesive, which often contain toxic ingredients that can allergic reactions. Lash glue can also lead to breakage over time. If not properly cleaned after each use, falsies can also become the perfect breeding ground for dirt and bacteria, leading to irritation or infection around the eyes. The lashes themselves can also be made from unsafe or unethical materials.

Overall Thoughts: I only use falsies for special events like a wedding or photoshoot. They’re beautiful and fun but due to some of the downsides, I prefer not to use it often.

Method 4: Lash Extensions

• PROS: They give your existing lashes extra length and fullness and look incredibly flattering. People love them because it allows you to wake up with beautiful, full lashes that don’t require extra work. #iwokeuplikethis

• CONS: They’re expensive, high maintenance, and must be done by a professional at a salon, which takes 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. Results only last up to three weeks. Since they’re expensive, people often leave extensions in longer than they should, which allows bacteria to accumulate. Also, extensions can damage natural lashes over time, making them more brittle and prone to falling out. If you want them removed, you need a professional to do it, which means another trip to the salon.

Overall Thoughts: I sometimes want them because they’re so pretty… but when I think about the maintenance and price, I change my mind. Lash serum is my go-to!

Method 5: Lash Perm / Lash Lift

• PROS: Wow. See the photo above? Those were taken on the same day, before and after my lash lift treatment (crazy, right??). A professional uses a chemical solution to curl your lashes from base to tip. This treatment only uses your existing lashes and essentially “perms” them so they remain curly and va-vooom for weeks.

• CONS: Although they last longer than extensions (3-6 weeks) and aren’t as expensive, there are several downsides. When mine started to grow out, they entered an “awkward” phase where they grew out crooked and weren’t uniform anymore. Took months for them to return to normal. Also, 1-2 months after the treatment I began to lose 20-30% of my lashes.

Overall Thoughts: The beautiful lashes I got right out of the salon was great for 2-3 weeks. But the side effects are not worth having pretty lashes for a few weeks.

What’s the final verdict?

After 3 years of trying different methods for longer lashes, I think using a lash serum is best for long-term results. For special occasions I’ll use falsies and look for clean adhesive options.

What are your thoughts on these methods? Comment below if you have any questions or to share what’s worked for you!