9 Tips For Great Lashes

"Lashes are the new breasts. Women are obsessed with getting a bigger, better pair." - Vogue Magazine

It's true, isn't it? These days women are obsessed with putting their best lash forward. Products, procedures, home remedies; we're always trying something new to perfect our lash game. Today I am going to give you my Top Tips for great lashes. From the basics to the not-so-common to the secrets. Here is your Perfect Lash guide!

1. Lash Curler

This tip is pretty straightforward. If your lashes have very little to no natural curl, you absolutely need a lash curler in your arsenal (Check out this one from Younique). However, there are many different ways to use that precious handheld tool. 

• Try experimenting with the angle you're holding your curler. Tilting your curler toward your brow bone has been known to give a better curl.

• Start at the base of your lashes and work out to the tip in small sections

• Gently pump your curler on your lashes, instead of just clamping down.

• If your lashes still won't curl, try heating your curler with a hair dryer for 10 seconds or so. Tap curler on the back of your hand to test the temperature, you don't want to burn your eyelid!

2. Mascara

Finding a mascara you love, is like finding a needle in a haystack. There are so many different brands and formulas and wands and they all claim to be the best. My opinion is to figure out what you want from your mascara and when you find one you love, stick with it! Unless you are a mascara addict, sticking with the same product will save you the headache.

• A volumizing mascara is good for those who have sparse or thin lashes. It plumps them up and makes your lashes appear thicker and fuller.

• If you have straight lashes you will want to opt for a curling mascara. These mascaras usually have a wand that is specially designed to give added curl. If your lashes are particularly stubborn, try a waterproof mascara. The wax in the formula will help hold the curl, while a water based mascara will cause your lashes to fall flat. 

• If you have been cursed with short lashes, try a lengthening mascara or a fiber extension mascara. 

3. Lash Tint

If you don't wear makeup very often or have very light eyelashes, chances are you could benefit from lash tinting. Lash tinting is a spa service most often performed by Estheticians or other salon professionals. Many of these tints come from natural sources and are safe to be used around the eyes, but an allergy test should be administered as a precaution. The results of a tint will usually lasts 6-8 weeks and will give you dark lashes without using mascara.  

4. Falsies

Whether you are looking to fill in sparse areas or add dramatic length, there is a false lash for you! Once you get the hang of false lash application, they can be a beneficial way to give your look a boost.

• Strip lashes provide a full set of false lashes that usually conceal your natural lashes. These often give the most dramatic look, but there are also many natural looking options available.
• Cluster lashes are small segments of fake lashes that flare out from the base. These are placed at regular intervals and often give a fuller look. 
• Individual lashes are single lashes that can be used to fill in sparse or missing lashes to create a fuller look. The results tend to look the most natural compared to other false lashes. 

5. Extensions

Eyelash extensions are an extremely popular option these days, despite being quite an expensive procedure. Extensions can give anything from a natural look to a dramatic look that lasts a lot longer than most other options. Each extension is attached directly onto an individual lash with a specially formulated glue that is designed for long term adhesion. This option is the best for those who don't want to fuss with their lashes every day. Fills are usually required every 4-6 weeks. 

*The jury of Amber is still out on eyelash extensions. 

6. Conditioning

If you find your lashes to be dry or brittle, you may be in need of a nice lash conditioner. There are many DIYs, as well as actual products, that can be used for this purpose. To do this yourself at home, the secret is OIL. Olive oil, coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, Vaseline; all of these products can help you condition your lashes and you probably already have a few lying around at home! BONUS: This will also help your lashes grow long and strong!

7. Lash Perm

When you have stubborn, stick straight lashes like I do, sometimes a lash curler just won't cut it. That's where lash perms come in. Yes. Lash PERM. You don't hear about this often, but it is a pretty awesome procedure that uses the same type of product you would use to perm the hair on your head, except in a cream form. The lashes are rolled onto a sticky cotton rod and the solution is brushed onto the area where the curl is desired. Just like a lash tint, these should be performed by a professional and the results usually last 6-8 weeks.

8. The "Hair Dryer" Trick

Do you have a hair dryer? Does it have a cool setting? Try this trick! After you apply your mascara, while it is still wet, hold your hair dryer near your mouth and aim it up toward your lashes. This method gives an amazing lift and curl and helps dry your mascara. 

9. Vitamins

We all know vitamins are beneficial to our health, whether you get them through your food or ingest them via supplements. If you are looking to grow or strengthen your lashes try some of the following:

• Niacin (Vitamin B-3) - Meat, Fish, Peanuts, Mushrooms
• Vitamin C - Oranges, Kiwis, Bell peppers, Strawberries
• Vitamin E - Almonds, Avocado, Olive oil
• Biotin (Vitamin H) - Eggs, Dairy, Meat
• Calcium - Dairy, Broccoli, Spinach
• Vitamin D - Fish, Egg yolk, Breakfast cereals

What are your favorite tips for great lashes? Did I miss any good ones? Let me know!