7 Tips to Make Mature Lashes Look Long and Lush

As we mature, our lashes can become thinner, shorter, and more fragile due to the slowing down of the growth process and loss of estrogen.

Help has arrived! Products are now available to keep your lashes looking long and lush. And, no, you don’t have to look as if spiders have overtaken your eyelids to do the trick!

1. Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
   The best mascara for mature eyes will both thicken and lengthen. Using a primer first on the eyelashes to create a great base for the mascara will keep flaking at bay. If you have sensitive eyes, consider choosing a mascara that is hypoallergenic. Try Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer at  honest.com. This award-winning, cruelty-free mascara is lengthening and volumizing, and comes with a primer.

NOTE: Before applying mascara, decide whether or not to use an eyelash curler. They can tug and pull at already fragile and thin lashes.

2. Faux Lashes
Choose lightweight false lashes instead of thick, heavy ones. They’re easier for your natural lashes to hold up than weighty wings, so opt for those with feathery fullness. Also, choose a style that flatters your eye shape. Mature women often develop hooded eyes over time because of the loss of skin elasticity. The false lash style that is great for all eye shapes is the C curl shape. The C curl is mostly used to achieve a more natural look. It gives an uplifted curl without being overly dramatic. One product to try is Sephora Weightless False Lashes at sephora.com.

3. Nano-Grip Lashes
Nano-Grip Lashes by MoxieLash is a new type of faux lash application that has no drying time, instant application, all-day hold, and is latex free. The product uses a Micro Clear Lashies Liner to instantly bond the lashes without glue or magnets. Available at moxielash.com.

4. Magnetic Lashes
For those who don’t like to fuss with glue, magnetic lashes are truly a game changer, especially for those who wear false lashes on a regular basis. Constantly applying glue can further weaken your natural lashes, so using magnetic lashes minimizes that risk. Simply apply the top pieces above your own lashes, on your eyelid, and the bottom piece below them. Your lashes will be securely nestled in between the magnets. Keep in mind that if you have metal allergies, magnetic lashes may not be for you. Try the 9 to 5 Magnetude Magnetic Lashes at toribellecosmetics.com.

NOTE: Wearing mascara on top of magnetic lashes is not recommended as its stickiness can tear your natural lashes.

5. Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are individual lashes made of semi-permanent fibers that are attached to your natural eyelashes by a salon professional. Usually made of synthetic, mink, faux mink or silk, they take about an hour to apply and last an average of 3-4 weeks. You can either choose to let them fall out naturally or have them removed by the same professional who applied them.

They’re comfortable even for contact lens wearers and provide “set it and forget it” convenience.

However, you now don’t have to go to the salon for lash extensions. Try Lashify’s lash extension beginner’s home kit at lashify.com.

NOTE: While other eye makeup, like eyeliner, may be worn with lash extensions, it is not recommended to use waterproof versions that need to be removed with an oil-based cleanser as this will dissolve the glue on the lash extensions.

6. Growth Serums
Growth serums like Latisse at latisse.com and Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes to Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer at sephora.com have been shown to thicken, lengthen and darken lashes over time.

NOTE: Latisse is a prescription, so ask your eye doctor if you are a good candidate for it. Just like any other prescription, it is not for everyone.

7. Eyelash Transplant Surgery
Yes, eyelashes can now be surgically transplanted! Unlike false lashes and extensions, this procedure usually offers lifetime results, if performed correctly by a board-certified surgeon.

The hair is removed from another part of the body, normally the back of your head, and relocated to your upper and lower lash area. The transplanted hairs start to fall out one to two weeks after surgery, triggering new hair shafts to grow over the course of four to six months, with full results usually seen after at least 12 months.

Beauty may be priceless but eyelash transplants are not! Cost can vary anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 based upon location, the surgeon, and the complication and time of the procedure.

To find out if you are a good candidate for eyelash transplant surgery, visit healthline.com/health/eyelash-transplant#how-long-do-they-last for information and, of course, ask your doctor.

NOTE: Since the transplanted lashes are now scalp hairs, they must be groomed and maintained as such. They will grow longer than regular lashes and may potentially sprout in different directions.

Where to Shop Locally:

• B Lash, Pepper Pike
• Blink Eyelash, Cleveland
• Deka Lash, Beachwood
• Elite Cryo & Day Spa, Strongsville
• Flawless Lashes, Lakewood
• Lotus Eyelash, South Euclid
• The Lash Lounge, Westlake and Rocky River

What are your must-have lash products? Tell us in the comments section below!