How to Get Long, Thick Lashes Without Extensions
For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with having big, bold lashes. I don’t love makeup, nor am I good at applying it, which has led me to two things: a skincare obsession so that I don’t need a lot of makeup, and a lash obsesssion so that I don’t look boring and dead without fancy eye shadow and liner!
Since I am consistently asked questions about my lashes both in person and on Instagram, I decided to make this week’s post all about how I get big, bold lashes without extensions. So big and bold, in fact, that people almost never believe they are not extensions — truly!
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How to Get Long, Thick Lashes Without Extensions
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum
If you want to have long, full lashes without spending a ton of money and time on lash extensions, it is absolutely essential that you invest in a lash growth serum. For years I used Latisse which works brilliantly but can be a bit of a pain because (1) you have to get it from a doctor and (2) the application process with single use applicators is a pain, especially when traveling.
After trying and liking both Grande Cosmetics Brow Serum and Plumper Gloss, I decided to switch things up and give Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum a try. It’s been a month now and I definitely notice a difference, just as much as I do when using Latisse. Since it’s less expensive, easier to acquire, and easier to apply (you don’t have to grab a separate applicator every time), I might even recommend it more!
The product details says a tube of this lasts 12 weeks which is already pretty long. If you want to stretch it out even more, I’ll often get mine to the length and fullness I want (usually 6-10 weeks of consistent use) then switch to applying every other night. Either way, it’s well worth the investment!
Keep in mind that results are not instant — it takes awhile. If you are new to lash growth serums it will be many weeks (at least 4, maybe more) before you notice any difference. Keep at it, it will absolutely work!
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Call me crazy, but I might name this piece the most important. GET. YOURSELF. A. LASH. CURLER.
I can’t believe how many people expect to have beautiful, long, full lashes yet don’t use a lash curler. I know the mascara brands love to advertise that the mascaras themselves curl your lashes, but if you think about it logically that is not even possible. At least not to the extent that a lash curler does.
Using a lash curler will instantly make your lashes look up to twice as long. It makes mine so long that they hit my brows - no joke. It also opens your eyes more and brightens them. I will often leave my house with zero makeup on, including no mascara, but not without curling my lashes. That’s how big of a deal I think this is.
The specific lash curler you use makes a huge difference too. So many people tell me they don’t use one because they had a bad experience when they were younger and had all of their lashes ripped off. Do not use a cheap curler! Invest in a good one like my Shiseido Eyelash Curler. Using a proper curler like this will not only ensure that you aren’t damaging your lashes, but it will keep your lashes curled for longer (i.e. through the entire day). A cheap curler will definitely not do that.
When curling your lashes, make sure you do this step on clean, bare lashes. You absolutely have to do it prior to applying mascara or you might rip your lashes out. You also must make sure you wipe the curler clean before every single use.
Once you invest in the Shiseido Eyelash Curler, it lasts forever. It comes with one replacement rubber pad for when the first wears out, and after that you can simply buy more replacement pads instead of replacing the entire curler. Again, well worth the investment.
Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base
If you want really bold lashes, start with the Lancome CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base after curling. It’s a fantastic lash conditioning mascara primer that will help you create longer, more volumized lashes. Since it contains vitamin E and micro-fibers it is also conditioning and can even be used at night as a lash treatment.
When I use it I notice a big difference! Click here to buy yours.
Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Next up, mascara. I find mascara to be pretty specific to each person, but since i get asked about this a lot I am going to tell you what I use.
One of my all time favorites, and the one I have been consistently using the longest, is from the drug store: Maybelline’s Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara. I don’t know what it is about it, but two swipes of this makes my lashes look perfect. Because it’s waterproof, it also stays on forever and does not transfer. It’s definitely not the biggest and boldest of all my mascara recommendations, but for daily use it’s the one I grab the most. It also happens to be the cheapest!
Note: I’ve tried the non-waterproof version and don’t love it, so this recommendation is specifically for the waterproof version.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Another one of my favorites is one you have likely already tried if you are on a mission to get big, bold lashes: Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara. It is the best selling mascara at Sephora because it works. In fact, according to the Sephora site, it is the number one bestselling prestige mascara in the US!
Givenchy Volume Disturbia Mascara
My last mascara recommendation is one that is new to me, Givenchy’s Volume Disturbia Mascara. Since I have started using it, I have been getting compliments and questions non-stop about my lashes. After seeing it on someone’s makeup routine IGTV video I ran out to grab it the next day and instantly fell in love with it myself, too.
The silicone brush weirds me out a bit because something about it makes my mind believe it’s not going to work well, but that is very inaccurate! It separates each individual lash, and the formula is clump-free while providing huge volume. It lasts up to 24 hours and doesn’t transfer to your skin, which can be a big issue when you have very long, curled lashes.
Of all my mascaras, this one is my current favorite! Click here to shop.
Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
My last recommendation is Lancome's Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. You might not think using an eye makeup-specific remover is important, but I would argue otherwise. If you want to properly and fully cleanse your lashes without damaging them, this award winning eye makeup remover is THE way to do it. I have been using it since high school or whenever I started wearing mascara — 15+ years!
If you have a favorite product not mentioned above, please let me know in the comments so I can give it a try!
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