How to Get Long Full Eyelashes
Designed by nature to protect the eyes from debris, eyelashes are recognized more as a beauty characteristic then as a vital part of human anatomy, evident by the $5 billion spent on mascara each year (as of 2009), states the New York Times. Since long, full eyelashes are often viewed as a symbol of femininity, many women are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on cosmetics for eyelash enhancement. You can increase the length and fullness of your eyelashes with simple tasks such as adjusting your diet and the makeup you use in addition to investing in cosmetics proven to improve eyelash growth. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Water-based mascara
- Hypoallergenic eye makeup
- Eyelash curler
- Makeup remover
- Eyelash conditioner or growth serum
Instructions
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Eat foods that have vitamins proven to stimulate hair growth or strengthen hair such as vitamin B12, vitamin E and biotin. Eggs and poultry contain vitamin B12, and vitamin E is found in fruits and almonds. Biotin, a B complex vitamin, is in foods including liver, egg yolks, whole grains and soybeans, according to WebMd.
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Add foods containing essential fatty acids to your diet. Nutritionist Samantha Heller at NYU Medical Center states that omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy hair. These fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, canola oil and walnuts. To avoid an iron deficiency, which leads to anemia and hair loss, Heller also recommends eating foods rich in iron such as leafy vegetables, beans and red meat.
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Replace your waterproof mascara with water-based mascara. When using waterproof mascara, you are more likely to pull out eyelashes while trying to remove it. Also use hypoallergenic mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow to avoid allergic reactions that cause eyelash loss.
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Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. Clamp your eyelashes near the root for a few seconds before moving to the ends. Apply voluminizing mascara starting from the roots and outer corner of the eye, wiggling the mascara wand to make sure every lash is coated, recommends "Seventeen" magazine. Brush over the tips of your eyelashes with the mascara wand to make your eyelashes appear longer.
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Remove all eye makeup before bed and apply an eyelash growth serum or eyelash conditioner to the base of your upper eyelashes. Eyelash serums and conditioners contain ingredients to moisturize and strengthen eyelash follicles such as sodium hyaluronate as well as natural ingredients including plant extracts, minerals and vitamins, according to the Eyelashesrus website. Follow the directions on your particular product for application.
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Consult a doctor if over-the-counter eyelash enhancers do not have any effect on your eyelashes. Doctors can prescribe bimatoprost, more commonly known as Latisse. Latisse is an FDA-approved treatment for growing longer, fuller eyelashes. Latisse is applied once a day, and results are seen in as little as one month.
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Tips & Warnings
Latisse has side effects including eye redness and irritation, iris pigmentation and skin darkening.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
