LOOKING AFTER YOUR NATURAL EYELASHES 101

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and your lashes add beauty, personality and mesmerising charm.

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Embracing your unique beauty begins with taking care of yourself from the inside out, and that includes looking after your eyelashes. Every six to 10 weeks, our lashes naturally fall out and replace themselves.

In fact, we lose about five lashes each day. If you’re looking to grow long, wispy, fluttery lashes of your own (instead of relying on falsies), you’re going to need some self-care and grooming at home.

FOOD, NOT FALSIES
You can give your body’s natural hair growth cycle a boost by eating superfoods, which can make your lashes less brittle and thicker. Foods like avocado, sweet potato, nuts, fatty fish and mushrooms contain vitamins that rehydrate and nourish your hair follicles, making them stronger. You can also take a daily hair, skin and nails multivitamin to supplement your diet.

CLEAN SWEEP
Just like with your skin, germs and bacteria build up on your eyes throughout the day, which includes your lash hairs. This is why you need to gently cleanse them too. Every night, remove makeup and dirt using a mild, oil-free eye makeup remover. Avoid rubbing your eyes harshly, as this can lead to lash breakage and loss.

HYDRATION STATION
Maintain your lash health by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only promotes overall well-being and a natural glowing skin, it also nourishes your lashes. In addition, consider using lash-nourishing serums formulated with vitamins, peptides and botanical extracts to strengthen and promote lash growth.

These serums can work wonders, making your eyelashes appear fuller and healthier. If you have some coconut oil in your kitchen, you can also use this as a lash treatment.

A LITTLE MASSAGE
It may sound weird but gently massaging your lash line with clean fingers actually stimulates blood flow, which in turn promotes the growth of your lash hairs. But you’ll want to have a delicate touch, to avoid tugging on the skin and pulling at the tiny hair shafts and underlying roots.


GIVE IT A REST
While false lashes and lash extensions add glamour and drama, wearing them too often can weaken your natural lashes over time due to the ingredients used in most lash glues. Mascara should be your general go-to (and some formulas even contain ingredients that are good for your lashes). Reserve the falsies for extra-special occasions to protect and preserve your natural lashes that you’ve worked so hard to grow.

MASCARA TIPS

1. Know Your Lash Type
If you have short lashes, look for a lengthening mascara; for thin, wispy lashes, a volumising formula will add fullness; for straight lashes, a curling mascara will lift and shape them.

2. Choose Quality
Invest in high-quality mascaras made from safe, non-irritating ingredients. Opt for products that are ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic.

3. Waterproof vs Regular
Waterproof formulas last longer and don’t smudge, but can make lashes brittle, so reserve it for when you need ‘strong’ mascara. Regular mascara is lighter and softer, so it can get messy, but it’s easier to remove and more suited to daily use.

4. Application Technique
For best results, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand slightly as you move towards the tips. This coats each lash evenly, providing a more natural and clump-free finish.

5. Replace Regularly
Mascara has a limited lifespan due to potential bacterial growth, so it’s essential to replace it every three to six months. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent eye infections.

Words by: Charndre Emma Kippie
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images, Supplied.