The #firstworld struggle is real.
For two years, I was in love with my lash extensions…until I developed an allergy to the glue. Then they left me with no lashes.
In the new #stayathome era, many services that we have become accustomed to are no longer available to us. On a Zoom call with a client who was experiencing the loss of any lash extension services in the near future, I remembered a few years back when I had to break up with my beloved lash extensions. For those of us who have gone down that path, we know, your own natural lashes start to fall out. Without the extensions, you suddenly look…manly. Here’s what seemed to work for me to get my natural lashes back to long and lush (or at least, looking so):
1. Start with a lash growth serum asap.
GrandeLashMD’s Lash Enhancing Serum was recommended by a friend and is still my fave. I tried a few different brands but this one is by far the most obvious results-producing product. I line my lashes with it every night before bedtime.
2. Use faux lashes in the interim.
I tried a few brands and honestly, the drugstore variety work just as well for me. For photo shoots I still dial up the drama with KISS full faux lashes (makes a HUGE difference in photos even though it may be much IRL). And while your lash extensions are falling out, fill them in with KISS lash clusters (or for an extra doe-eye look, try adding a few at the outside corners of your eyes).
3. When you get some growth going, extend them with a primer.
It’s not cheap, but totally worth it: the Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple volume plumping lash primer always amazes me how much length it adds to my lashes. You don’t need much. I let them stand for a few minutes before adding mascara.
4. Make them appear longer (and more ladylike) with a curl.
Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler has long been a fave (especially for Asian or smaller eyes). Pro tip: a friend who used to be a MAC makeup artist shared with me that you can heat up your curler a little with a hair dryer or curling iron to get some real curl on (just don’t make it too hot, and don’t put it too close to your eyelid). Also, when heated it only needs to touch your lashes for a second — much more, and you’ll have bent lashes instead.
5. And from now on, you’ll want to only use this mascara.
Ok yes I admit I got suckered into buying it from an Instagram ad. But I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I love Thrive Causemetic’s Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. It’s all-in-one: it contains a lash growing serum that’s oily and smooth to apply so it doesn’t clump, and really does make your lashes look longer. It’s my new fave, and no wonder it’s won so many awards.
In summary:
No.1 GrandeLashMD’s Lash Enhancing Serum / No.2 KISS full faux lashes , KISS lash clusters / No.3 Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple volume plumping lash primer / No.4 Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler / No.5 Thrive Causemetic’s Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Have you had to grow out your lashes? What worked for you?
Top photo by Erika Brechtel
