How to Get Perfect Eyelashes

Last Updated: May 8, 2022 References

Do you have dry, clumpy, short, straight, unhealthy lashes? From taking care of your eyelashes to making them look stunning on date night, having perfect eyelashes is, fortunately, not rocket science.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking Care of Your Lashes

1
Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can damage your lashes and irritate the follicles, causing hairs to bend or fall.
2
Wash your face daily, focusing on cleaning around your eyes. Use a gently face soap or moisturizing wipes to clear around your eyes and eye-lashes, removing gunk, dirt, and oil, for healthy and shiny lashes.

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3
Wear less mascara. If you wear mascara every day, your eyelashes won't grow as thick and full as they would otherwise because your hair needs to breathe. For best results, stop wearing mascara altogether or wear it occasionally. You can also purchase mascaras made of more gentle, less artificial ingredients that won't harm your eyelashes as much.
- Never use water-proof mascara, as it chokes out your hairs and is very difficult to safely remove.
- When you do wear mascara, always take it off before you go to bed. Use a gentle makeup remover or moisturizer with cotton pads to completely but gently remove all traces from your eyes.
- Don't pump your mascara frequently, as it can cause it to dry out. If it is crusty or past the expiration date, throw it out.
- Never share mascara, as it transfers oil and potentially bacteria from one eye to another.
4
Use an eyelash curler in place of mascara when possible. There are many different brands, and you can find them anywhere you can buy makeup. If you already have an eyelash curler, make sure that there the soft rubbery part is still in it and hasn't fallen out, as this can damage or pull out hairs.
- Hold the curler down gently for 15 seconds on each eye.
- Unclamp the curler slowly and carefully to prevent pulling out any hairs.
5
Gently massage petroleum jelly through your lashes every night before bed. If your eyelashes feel dry or you feel they aren't growing fast enough, you can try carefully moisturizing them with Vaseline before you go to bed. This helps heal any irritations and encourages growth.^{[1]
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6
Have your eyelashes dyed. If your lashes are very light colored or you just want the impression of mascara without wearing it, you can dye your lashes black or dark brown. You can buy home kits but it is best to have it done professionally at a salon since you are using harsh chemicals near sensitive eyeballs. It is usually not expensive. Beware though that the dye will damage the lashes a little and doing it too often will keep them from growing properly.
7
Try wearing fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions. They take some practice applying and getting used to, but many women wear them every day. Better brands will last longer, but ever cheaper ones can be fine for a few wears. You can find a range of fake lashes to suit your tastes -- from subtle, pretty lashes to outrageous large lashes in fluorescent colors.
- If you haven't worn them before it is best to practice putting cheap pairs first, as they can be tricky to get used to.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Applying Mascara

1
Curl your lashes carefully with the eyelash curler. Place the eyelash curler near the center of your lashes, and gently squeeze for 15 seconds. Repeat to your other eye.^{[2]
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2
Choose a mascara formula that will give you the result you want. When you're picking mascara, look at the formula, as well as the size and shape of the brush. For instance, you might opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara if you want your lashes to look thicker and longer, you might prefer a natural-looking mascara for a more understated look, or you might choose a long-lasting formula if you need your mascara to stay in place throughout a long day. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products, either—it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}
- In addition, look at the size and shape of the brush you're using. For instance, you'd need to use a smaller, thinner brush for your lower lashes, because using a big, thick brush will leave black marks under your eyes.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Frankie Sanderson
  Makeup Artist & Stylist
  Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}
3
Dip the mascara wand in the mascara and wipe off any excess. You don't want a big glob of make-up, as this will cake on your eyelashes unattractively. You only need a little bit on the bristles of the wand -- you can always add more later.^{[5]
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- Wipe off the excess on a tissue, leaving only a thin layer.
- If your mascara is clumpy, try adding 1-2 drops of saline solution to the tube to loosen it.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Frankie Sanderson
  Makeup Artist & Stylist
  Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.}
4
Start applying mascara at root of your eyelashes, then gently wiggle up towards the tips. Do this a couple of times. Make sure you get your bottom lashes too, even though they seem "less important."^{[7]
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5
Repeat to the other eye. Allow the first coat of mascara to dry.
6
Try layering on a second type of mascara. Layering 2 different mascaras together will really open your eyes, since they are both formulated differently. If you don't have more than one mascara, you can just use the same one for two layers.^{[8]
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- If you are using two mascaras, make sure each coat is lighter than you would normally use for one.
7
Try not to blink as the mascara dries. This won't take long, but keeping your eyes open will ensure the lashes stay open and separated.
8
Use a cotton swab and moisturizer to remove any mascara from around your eyes. Dab off any excess moisturizer on your hand, then gently swipe the areas around your eyes that have mascara marks.^{[9]
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9
Take an eyelash comb and comb through your eyelashes carefully to separate them. This will get rid of mascara clumps and also separate your eyelashes so they are not stuck together.
- Do not use a pin or toothpick to separate your eyelashes; it is incredibly dangerous. Even if you think you are not clumsy, there is no need to take the risk.
10
Remove the mascara at night with a make-up remover or cotton swab with gentle soap. Found in most pharmacies and make-up aisles, make-up remover is essential for healthy eyelashes.
- Squeeze a pea-sized amount of makeup remover on a cotton pad and gently press down on your eyelashes to remove the mascara. If you're not getting black marks on the pad, you're not taking it off thoroughly enough.
- If you want, use the eyelash comb to comb through your lashes again, to make sure there is not any remaining mascara
- If your makeup remover requires rinsing, carefully splash your eyes with clean water, then wipe them on a towel.
11
Finished.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are some common mistakes people make when they're putting on mascara?

Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys.

Frankie Sanderson

Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Answer

The biggest mistake is using the wrong formulation or brush for their lashes. For instance, you don't want to use a big teddy bear brush on the fine lashes under your eye, because you'll just end up with black marks under your eyes. There are also formulas that do different things, like giving the eyelash more texture, length, or curl.
Question

I sometimes pick off my mascara, so I don't have as many eyelashes anymore. I've stopped; what is the fastest way to make my eyelashes grow?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Your eyelashes won't grow back fully for a very long time; eyelashes don't grow very fast at all. The best way you could help them grow is by using castor oil, but you won't start seeing any real results for a month or two.
Question

I have very rough eyelashes and even when I comb them they are very rough and all over the place. What should I do?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

I would say that your eyelashes are very dry. Stay away from any and all makeup in the eye orbital area (foundation, powder, concealer, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, false lashes) because you'll have to remove it and that takes out some lashes. Try moisturizing your lashes with Vaseline or coconut oil every morning and night.