Mascara is one of the most commonly used cosmetics products today. Whether you’re trying to look awake for an early morning meeting or achieve a smokey eye for a night out, a few swipes of mascara can make all the difference.
However, wearing mascara daily can take its toll on your lashes. From clumping and flaking to brittle and dry lashes, there are several ways that mascara can damage your lashes.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to minimize the damage and keep your lashes looking their best. Here are 10 simple tips for lash care:
1. Remove Your Makeup Every Night
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many women forget to remove their mascara before they go to bed. Sleeping in your makeup can cause all sorts of problems for your skin, including clogged pores and breakouts. But it can also cause problems for your lashes. Mascara can dry out your lashes and make them more susceptible to breakage. So, be sure to remove your makeup every night before you go to bed!
2. Consider Lash Extensions
If you’re looking for an easy way to achieve long, full lashes without having to put on mascara every day, consider lash extensions! Lash extensions last 6-8weeks before needing to be replaced—so they’re perfect for special occasions or everyday wear. Just be sure to find a reputable lash technician who uses high-quality products; otherwise, you could end up with damaged or falling-out lashes.
But can you put mascara on lash extensions? Most lash technicians will recommend that you avoid putting mascara on lash extensions, as this can clump up the lashes and even cause them to fall out. However, if you absolutely must use mascara on your lash extensions, be sure to opt for a water-based formula that won’t dry or damage your lashes. Just make sure you do it gently, and avoid layering it on too heavily.
3. Choose a Good Mascara
Not all mascaras are created equal. Some are better than others at lengthening, thickening, or adding volume to your lashes. And some are better at staying put throughout the day (no one wants raccoon eyes!). Do some research to find a mascara that’s right for you and will help your lashes look their best.
4. Be Gentle When Applying Mascara
When you’re putting on mascara, be gentle! Yanking and tugging at your lashes will make them more likely to break. Take your time and be careful not to pull too hard on your lashes when applying or removing mascara.
5. Don’t Pump Your Mascara Wand
You might have been told that pumping your mascara wand will help prevent clumping or that it helps get more product on the brush. While the latter is true, and pretty sure we’ve all done it at some point, pumping dries out your mascara and makes it more likely to clump when you apply it to your lashes. Instead of pumping your wand, just swirl it around in the tube for an even coat of mascara.
6. Replace Your Mascara Every 3 Months
Mascara has a shelf life of about three months—after that, it starts to dry out and become less effective. It is also a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to replace it regularly to avoid infection. Additionally, dried-out mascara can cause flakes and clumps, so, be sure to replace your mascara every few months.
7. Don’t Share Your Mascara Wand
A mascara wand is easily the most germ-infested cosmetic item there is, and when it comes to your eyes, you really don’t want any bacteria getting in there. Not only is it painful and irritating, but if you share your mascara wand with a friend or family member, you risk them catching something like pink eye from it. To avoid transmission of viruses, bacteria, and other nasties, keep your mascara wand to yourself.
8. Apply Mascara to Clean Lashes
This one is important! Make sure you remove any traces of makeup or dirt from your lashes before applying fresh mascara. Otherwise, you run the risk of trapping all that gunk underneath your new layer of mascara, which can lead to clumping and flaking.
9. Avoid Waterproof Formulas (if possible).
Waterproof mascaras are great for special occasions because they won’t budge, no matter what – but they’re not so great for everyday use. That’s because they’re typically much harder to remove than regular formulas and can end up doing more harm than good if left on for too long (see tip #1!). If you must use waterproof mascara daily, choose a gentle remover specifically designed for the task (we like coconut oil).
10. Use an Eyelash Conditioner
Just like your hair, your eyelashes need regular conditioning to stay healthy and strong. Look for an eyelash conditioner that contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or glycerin, and apply it nightly after removing your makeup.
So there you have it! Ten tips for taking care of your eyelashes and keeping them healthy. Follow these tips to keep your lashes looking their best, and you will be sure to have beautiful, long lashes for a long time to come!
José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
