10 Proven Habits Women With Lush Lashes Swear By
Unlock the everyday secrets and expert tricks that keep lashes long, lush, and exceptionally eye-catching.
10 Things Women With Great Eyelashes Do Every Day
Eyelashes have become a beauty signature—framing the eyes, enhancing expressions, and amplifying looks from subtle to striking. But while genetics play a role, women with exceptional lashes often rely on daily habits, clever tricks, and expert-approved products to get the edge every day. Below you’ll discover the blend of pro secrets and day-to-day lash rituals used by women with truly lush, healthy eyelashes.
1. Curl First, Always
- Start with curling the lashes before applying mascara. This sets the shape and prevents lashes from sticking to the curler, which can cause breakage.
Warming the curler slightly with a blow dryer (for a few seconds, not too hot!) amplifies the curl and helps it last longer, just like using a curling iron for hair.
Women with great lashes perform the curling in multiple steps: clamp at the base, then midway, then near the tip, slowly angling the curler for the most dramatic lift.
2. Don’t Over-Pump the Curler
- Pumping the eyelash curler more than twice is a no-go. Excessive pumping creates crimped sections rather than a soft, natural curve. Most lash experts recommend a gentle, steady hold at each step for a seamless curl.
3. Prime With Black (and Sometimes Brown)
- Women with standout lashes use black mascara as a prime step, especially on top lashes. Black creates a dense, dramatic look on the upper fringe. For the lower lashes, a dark brown formula helps create a softer, more natural finish and minimizes mess.
- To prevent under-eye smudging, excess formula is wiped off and only the wand tip is used for precise, vertical swaying.
- Pro trick: Place a piece of paper or a card under lower lashes as a guard to catch any stray mascara.
4. Condition Lashes Every Night
- Lush-lash devotees swear by conditioning treatments. Natural oils like castor oil and marula oil are favorites, absorbing into the lash line and nourishing hairs from root to tip.
- Ingredients like ricinoleic acid and essential fatty acids in castor oil boost circulation and encourage healthy growth.
- Other serums, such as Latisse (by prescription), stimulate new lash growth over several weeks.
5. Create a Full Lash Line
- Application from root to tip is non-negotiable. Many skip applying product near the roots—where fullness matters most. The result is a sparse look versus a lush lash line.
- Solution: Use a specialty brush to gently push mascara into the lash line and then blend out with a clean spoolie for even coverage, avoiding discomfort.
6. ‘Wing It’ for Maximum Eye Impact
- Winged, flared lashes make eyes look larger. The lashes at the outer corners are often shorter, so women looking for a winged effect use products designed with longer bristles at the tips or strategically add falsies.
- Some mascaras, such as those with asymmetrical or wing-shaped brushes, provide extra extension at the corners without needing fake lashes.
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7. Get Ahead of the Curve — Use a Curved Wand
- Curved mascara wands match the natural eyelid curve. A standard straight wand can miss outer or inner lashes and requires awkward wrist movement. Picking a mascara with a pre-curved wand hugs the lash line, ensuring every lash gets coated evenly.
- Makeup artists often bend disposable wands to adapt to client’s specific eye shapes for more tailored application.
8. Beat the Heat and Humidity
- High humidity flattens curl and can lead to drooping. Water-based mascaras absorb environmental moisture, causing lashes to lose lift and volume.
- Solution: Switch to water-resistant or waterproof formulas: these contain less water, set faster, and maintain the curl even in muggy conditions.
- For extra hold, women use heated lash curlers that gently shape lashes without risking damage like clamp curlers can.
- A typical lash-curling routine may involve a combination of full-clamp, heated, and half-clamp devices depending on the day’s demands.
9. Remove Mascara Gently (and Daily)
- Removing mascara every night is essential for lash health. Sleeping in mascara dries out lashes, making them brittle and prone to falling out.
- Technique: Let a gentle cleansing pad soak lashes for a few seconds, then wipe downward to avoid ripping out hairs (never side-to-side scrubbing).
10. Try Clever DIY Tricks for Added Volume
- Baby powder between mascara coats: Sprinkle a tiny amount of baby powder on lashes between applications to instantly boost thickness and drama.
- Layering formulas: Some women stack different mascara types or add a fiber-based formula second for full-on volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my lashes grow longer naturally?
Natural oils like castor and marula oil condition and strengthen lashes, while prescription serums such as Latisse have clinically proven growth effects. Most over-the-counter (OTC) serums provide conditioning benefits, but only Latisse is FDA-approved for stimulating new hair growth.
Are heated lash curlers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Heated curlers gently lift lashes without crimping or breaking hairs. Always test the heat first to prevent burns and never overuse on fragile lashes.
What’s the correct way to remove mascara?
Soak lashes with a cleansing pad then swipe downward—never scrub side-to-side, which can pull out or break lashes. Always remove mascara nightly to avoid brittleness.
How do I avoid mascara smudges on lower lashes?
Choose a dark brown formula, wipe off excess product, and use the very tip of the brush with vertical swaying movements. Place a card under lashes during application for extra protection.
Is it worth investing in lash serums?
If you want longer, fuller lashes, serums can help, especially those containing conditioning ingredients. For true growth stimulation, FDA-approved options like Latisse are most effective but require a prescription.
Lash-Boosting Routine: Step-by-Step
| Step | Product/Tool | Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Curl lashes | Heated or standard curler | Curl in steps, angle for full lift |
| Prime and coat | Black formula for upper, brown for lower | Root-to-tip application for full coverage |
| Add volume | Baby powder or fiber mascara | Layer products carefully for thickness |
| Shape with wand | Curved mascara wand | Matches eyelid curve for even coating |
| Condition overnight | Castor oil, marula oil, or serum | Encourages healthy growth and prevents breakage |
| Remove gently | Cleansing pad, gentle remover | Swipe downward, never scrub side-to-side |
Must-Have Products for Great Lashes
- Heated Lash Curler: For effortless and long-lasting curl.
- Curved Mascara Wand: Ensures every lash is evenly coated.
- Waterproof Mascara: Holds shape against humidity and sweat.
- Castor Oil/Marula Oil: Daily conditioning for stronger, healthier lashes.
- Baby Powder: A quick volumizing trick between mascara coats.
- Gentle Makeup Remover: Keeps lashes nourished; prevents damage during cleansing.
Lash Extension Options
For those who want instant drama or volume, classic lash extensions are an option. These are lightweight, customized according to lash thickness and length, and require expert application for natural, non-damaging results. Regular touch-ups, gentle cleansing, and careful removal are essential for extension wearers.
Expert Insights: The Science Behind Healthy Lashes
- Lashes grow along the eyelid line, making curved application tools optimal.
- Conditioning with oils accelerates blood circulation at the root, supporting growth and hydration.
- Water-resistant products dry quickly, helping lashes keep their shape in humid environments.
- Proper removal prevents lash loss and maintains overall lash health.
Bonus Tips for Everyday Lash Excellence
- Trim lashes sparingly—never cut across, always follow natural length if trimming stray ends.
- Avoid rubbing eyes aggressively or using harsh makeup removers.
- Clean mascara wand occasionally to prevent product buildup and clumping.
- Layer mascaras with different formulas for tailored effects: length first, volume second.
Lash Myths Debunked
- Myth: Mascara weakens lashes.
Fact: Proper removal and conditioning prevent brittleness. - Myth: You should curl after mascara.
Fact: Curling after can break or pull out lashes; always curl first. - Myth: All lash serums grow new lashes.
Fact: Only FDA-approved options like Latisse stimulate new growth; most OTC serums offer conditioning. - Myth: More coats of mascara mean thicker lashes.
Fact: Layering with care (and occasional powder) builds volume without clumps.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency in daily lash care—curling, conditioning, careful application, and removal—results in visibly lush lashes.
- Expert tricks rely on the right tools: heated curlers, curved wands, waterproof formulas, and gentle removers.
- Healthy habits extend to how and when you clean your lashes—nightly routines matter for growth and thickness.
Related Questions
- Q: Do lash extensions damage natural lashes?
A: When professionally applied and properly cared for, extensions do not generally cause harm. Avoid excessive rubbing or tugging. - Q: Can mascara really help my lashes grow?
A: Most mascaras add color, shape, and volume but do not stimulate new growth. Some treatment mascaras may condition and strengthen over time.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/news/a47654/things-women-with-great-lashes-do/
- https://skinneymedspa.com/great-eyelashes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa5ZgRg51mU
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/21949-eyelashes
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a3915095/eyelash-extensions-for-beginners/
- https://www.saltcitylashes.com/blog/cosmopolitan-magazine-on-lash-extensions
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/318-i-wore-instagram-makeup-for-a-week-and-this-is-what-happened
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Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.
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