1. Use An Eyelash Curler For Lift & Length

An eyelash curler is by far the best thing you can do for your lashes. It may seem a bit complicated but at first the device, which is basically a clamp that will gently curl your top lashes upwards, is actually very easy to use. You will soon find out that this one thing alone can totally transform your lash look (and wonder why you haven’t tried it before).
 

• Using a good quality curler is important (look for a metal one with rubber strips on the clamp part) as well as starting with clean, mascara-free lashes. Curling after putting on your mascara could cause your dry lashes to snap or end up removing most of your mascara. You can even opt for a heated eyelash curler which will help set them more quickly.

 

• Gently position your top lashes between the clamps and clamp down for no more than four seconds. Any longer will make your lashes more crimped than curly.

 

• Curl your lashes in three sections starting with the very base next to the eyelid, then the middle section of lashes and finally the very tip to get the most out of your curler. If your lashes are already too curly and you want to straighten them a bit, just skip the first step and only clamp the middle and tips.

 
If you don’t have the time to curl your lashes every day, you may want to look at a Keratin Lash Lift which not only lifts but also darkens your lashes. While the treatment does take a few hours and needs to be repeated every couple of months, your eyelashes will appear naturally darker, thicker and curve upwards - without the help of an eyelash curler.

2. Use A Mascara Primer For Next Level Lashes

Primers are amazing for those of us who have short or sparse lashes; think of it as an extra, invisible layer of mascara that adds volume and thickness without the clumps.

A primer also allows for a smoother mascara application, conditions your lashes and tints them white which means your mascara shows up extra black and extra bold. While you can buy a separate primer to use with your favourite mascara (like L’Oréal Voluminous Paradise Mascara Primer and Rimmel Scandal Eyes Ultimate Boost Volume Primer), we love the two-in-one primer/mascaras like L’Oréal’s Double Extension Mascara. .

Another makeup essential, translucent powder, can also give you extra thick and luscious lashes just like a primer.
 

• Apply one coat of mascara then dip a small fluffy brush into the powder and dust it onto your lashes while looking downwards. If the powder gets on your cheeks don’t worry as it’s easy to wipe off and won’t ruin your make up.

 

• Next apply another layer of mascara, taking care to cover up any traces of powder.

 
The powder grips to your lashes and builds loads of body (like a primer), giving you that false lash look with minimal effort.

Our product pick: Yardley Absolute Translucent Loose Powder.
 
Read More. Secrets on How to Create Blockbuster Lashes - Without Going Fake

3. The Best Way To Apply Mascara

It’s all very well using the best lash tools but if you are not applying your mascara properly, all your good work may go to waste. Here’s how to prolong your favourite tube and get the most out of your mascara.
 

• We all tend to pump the wand in the tube when we want to put more mascara on the brush but this just creates air bubbles which quickly dries the mascara out. Rather insert your wand into the tube then use a twisting motion to collect more product.

 

• To apply, look straight ahead to prevent your mascara from landing on your cheek or eyelids. Start with the middle section of your eye, place the wand at the very base of your lashes, wiggling the brush to the side a few times to create volume where it counts, before dragging the wand to your lash tips.

 

• Finish off your lashes by holding the wand vertically and sweeping it lightly from side to side across your lash tips.

 

• For your bottom lashes, it’s best to use a smaller brush to avoid smudges landing up on your lower lids. Or try just lightly brushing the tip of your wand over your lashes.

 

• Remember you only need two to three coats and never apply mascara on top of mascara that has already dried; it is guaranteed to flake and clump.

 
Our product picks – best-selling mascaras:
Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Mascara
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Revlon So Fierce Mascara
L'Oréal Mascara Million Lashes Mascara
Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Mascara
 

4. Groom and Grow Longer, Stronger & Healthier Lashes

Most mascaras will add length and volume to your lashes but it’s also possible to help your lashes grow thicker, longer and stronger. Just remember that a lash’s natural growth cycle is anywhere between 2 and 5 months so it will take time to see results.
 

• Start with proper lash care: Just like your hair can deteriorate and land up a mess, so too can your lashes. If your hair is falling out, chances are that your lashes will do so too. Problems like this often point to a health issue which will need a trip to a medical specialist. Other things which can negatively affect lash growth include eye and lid infections, allergies, not removing makeup properly, harsh or rough cleansing habits (don’t pull or tug!) as well cheap products which may include dodgy ingredients.

 

• Promote healthy lash growth with serums: You use a hair mask to improve your hair health, right? Well, a properly formulated serum does the same thing for your lashes. A serum can help speed up the growth cycle as well as maintain natural and healthy eyelashes.
  
  While Latisse is commonly seen as the gold standard of serums, it is only available on prescription. However, some of the other lash serums on the market actually work. Products like Revitalash and RapidLash stimulate the hair follicles to help the lashes to grow stronger and thicker. And to support healthy growth, try Mavala Double Lash Treatment.

 

• Natural ingredients for healthy lashes: If you’ve been searching for ways to naturally grow your lashes you may have tripped over a few natural ingredients like castor, olive, coconut and Vitamin E oils, green tea and even petroleum jelly.
  
  All of these will definitely improve the look and feel of your lashes (just like the hair on your head), but are really only good for lash health – not lash growth. While healthy lashes may naturally lead to healthier growth, none of these ingredients will actually grow your lashes like the well-researched and tested serums can.

 

• Use a conditioning mascara: There are a few mascaras which include conditioning ingredients to help maintain healthy lashes. Our picks are Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara with conditioning rose hip oil and Mavala Mascara Creamy with silk proteins to nourish and protect lashes.

Read More. Eyelash Treatments You Need to Get Amazing Lashes When Mascara Is Not Enough

5. Fake It with False Eyelashes

Big lashes have been around for a while now and look like they are here to stay. And one of the easiest ways to get the look is with falsies. While the idea of applying fake eyelashes yourself can be daunting, all you need is a steady hand and the right tools.
 

• Step one is trim, trim, trim. Most falsies will be a bit longer than the length of your eyelid so hold it against your lid to measure how much you should snip off. If you’re looking for a more natural finish, then trim the length of the lashes themselves. Otherwise, remember the lashes on the inner corner of your eye are naturally shorter than the ones on the outer corners so cut them in line with your own.

 

• Next apply the lash glue to the eyelash strip, waiting a few moments for it to dry slightly before pressing the strip gently along your lid, and aiming to be as close to your own lashes as possible.

 

• Otherwise, skip the fiddly glue bit and try magnetic false lashes which are not only easy to apply but, even better, can be quickly adjusted if the positioning goes wrong.

 

• Blend your own lashes into your new fake ones with a few strokes of mascara and a sweep of liquid liner. Our product picks: Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner and Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner Waterproof.

 

• If you are into a lighter lash look, individual lashes are also great for adding volume in a natural way. Use tweezers to dip the ends of them in the glue and position them along your lash line. If you don’t want to overdo it, place four or five of the clusters along the outer edge of your eye, where your eyelashes are naturally their most full.

 
Our product picks: Eylure Lashes Naturals No 020 or Eylure Lashes Volume No 100 are great natural looking starter falsies. For individual lashes to build up your own, try their Eylure Lash Pro Individuals. Dis-Chem also carries the Eyelure magnetic eyelash range – try Pro Magnetic Naturals.

View Video FALSE LASHES: Do's and Don'ts | For Beginners!

6. Try Eyelash Extensions

If you'd rather not hassle with falsies or mascara, find a reputable salon that offers eyelash extensions. This is one time you don’t want to go cheap. Avoid the amateurs – unless you want wonky looking lashes or run the risk of losing your natural lashes (there are a lot of horror stories out there!).

Lash extensions are a bit pricey and do require a little TLC but are totally worth it if you want to add some natural looking drama to your lash line and reduce the time you spend getting ready in the morning.

The look you want is totally up to you so discuss length and volume with your therapist beforehand. You might want to trim them down for a more subtle look or to look thicker at the outer edges of your eyes for a cat-eye effect - it's up to you.

Extensions last around four weeks but if you avoid working out for 48 hours after application and using any oil-based products, as well as treating them with care, they can actually last up to six weeks. They are quite high maintenance so be prepared for regular top ups. But the results are totally worth it…

If you are not quite sure about getting lash extensions, here are all the pros and cons to help you make the right choice.

Read More. Are Eyelash Extensions Really So Awesome? All the Pros and Cons

7. Barely-There Natural Lashes and Tints

Great lashes don’t always have to be big and bold; the ‘no makeup’ makeup look can make just as big of a statement, especially when paired with a bright red lip or an OTT outfit.

We often forget that mascara colours aren’t limited to blackest black. If you want that barely-there look but don’t feel happy leaving the house with totally naked lashes try a shade of brown. Use a lengthening mascara for a wide-eyed look or a volumizing mascara to add bulk and give you a touch more oomph. 

Our product picks: Palladio Mascara 4D Boost and LA Girl Volumatic Mascara for volume or Almay Lengthen & Lift Mascara for length.

Or you can try eyelash tinting to keep your lashes looking naturally dark. Tinting isn’t only for those with pale lashes; many of us actually have lighter tips and dyeing your lashes a uniform shade of black or brown will make them appear longer. Next time you go in for your microblading touch-up or monthly wax ask your therapist to tint your lashes, which will take about 20 minutes and lasts four to six weeks.

Read More. No-Makeup Makeup. How to Look Naturally Beautiful

8. Add Colour For Eye-Popping Lashes

Don’t be scared to steer away from the trusted shade of black and try a bit of colour on your lashes. This look works best with a fresh and natural face leaving your eyes to make a statement. Using a primer first is essential as applying colour on top of white will give you the most impact.

To find your best shade try purple if you have green or blue eyes and blue mascara if you have brown eyes. For a more subtle look, use black on your top lashes and add colour only to your bottom lashes.

Our product picks: You can find both an eye-popping royal blue and an oh-so-pretty navy in the Michelle-Ori mascara range, and a pretty purple in the LA Girl Volumatic Mascara line-up.

9. Be Gentle With Eye Makeup Removal

While it may seem obvious to treat your most precious peepers with care, our eyes actually take a lot of strain from makeup application and removal. Take care to be extra gentle when removing your eye makeup as vigorous rubbing is guaranteed to make your eyelashes fall out (not to mention damage the thin and sensitive skin around the eye area).

Use a soft cotton pad coated in a moisturising make up remover to carefully wipe off your mascara at the end of every day and when towel drying your face, use a patting motion rather than rubbing your eyes dry.

Our faves are Simple Dual Effect Eye Make Up Remover and Almay Biodegradable Oil Free Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads, plus Garnier Skin Active Micellar Oil Infused Cleansing Water in Oil which is great for long wear or waterproof makeup.

Read More. The Only Eye Makeup Tip You Need to Take Your Eyes from Ordinary to Great