I couldn’t take note of something my good friend throughout the brunch desk was saying. I used to be too distracted by the lengthy, enviable, Bambi-like eyelashes fluttering earlier than me. “I hope that is OK to ask, however your eyelashes… are they”—however earlier than I may end she whispered it like a secret, “Latisse.” Since its FDA approval in 2008, the Allergan product has been the gold commonplace for find out how to get longer eyelashes. (I’ll always remember these Brook Shields commercials.)
“Latisse’s energetic ingredient is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, which has been proven in medical research to make eyelashes develop longer, thicker, and darker,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “It really works by lengthening the time the follicle stays within the development section.”
However even 15 years later, Latisse continues to be solely out there with a prescription. So for anybody in search of alternate options, we requested Dr. King find out how to get longer eyelashes. In return, she answered with all the ideas, secrets and techniques, merchandise, serums, therapies, and pure treatments.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.

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The Finest Lash Progress Serums
Palms down, the most suitable choice is Latisse. However when you’re seeking to strive one thing over-the-counter, eyelash serums from manufacturers like GrandeLASH and Dr. Lara Devgan repeatedly earn rave critiques.
One other Over-the-Counter Lash Progress Possibility
Although Dr. King usually warns towards over-the-counter cosmetics marketed as rising the size and fullness of eyebrows and lashes (their efficacy has not been critically evaluated), if you’re utilizing a product, remember to apply them to a very cleansed lash line with an equally clear brush.
“Latisse gives disposable single-use applicator brushes as a result of that is the most secure method to make sure minimal danger of bacterial or fungal contamination and an infection,” Dr. King notes.
The dermatologist does level out one other promising possibility, although the potential unintended effects might outweigh the features.
Primarily based on a 2012 Journal of Dermatology examine, “Rogaine seems to modestly enhance eyebrow development and is corresponding to Latisse,” says Dr. King, who notes that a subsequent examine concluded that Rogaine could be a protected and efficient therapy for brows.
“Nevertheless, Rogaine usually causes irritation when utilized to the scalp, and the eyelid pores and skin space is mostly extra delicate, so that is additionally doable when used for the eyelashes,” she provides. “Unwanted side effects from making use of Rogaine to the eyebrow space embody burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling.”
Go The All-Pure Route
Seeking to keep away from chemical compounds and the Sephora fuss altogether? A possible eyelash development help can probably be discovered someplace in your house. Vitamin-dense merchandise like aloe vera gels, olive oil, and inexperienced tea can reportedly assist develop robust, lengthy lashes, whereas moisturizing brokers like shea butter and coconut oil nourish strands and forestall breakage.
However essentially the most distinguished dwelling treatment for exciting eyelash development is castor oil. And whereas no research have been capable of show castor oil causes hair development, it actually can’t harm.
“Castor oil shouldn’t be damaging to the hair and might present some conditioning that improves the flexibleness of the hair fiber. Castor oil has additionally been proven in a examine to extend hair luster,” shares Dr. King.
Take into account a Lash Carry or Perm
The fashionable therapy has all of the permanence of eyelash extensions with out damaging adhesives. Plus, it cuts down on the usage of probably damaging curling gadgets. (Even Camille is a lash carry common.)
Shield Your Eyelashes
It doesn’t matter how a lot consideration and care (or cash) you place into your lashes when you aren’t taking preventative measures to maintain them wholesome.
- Take away mascara earlier than mattress so lashes don’t break off onto your pillow.
- Talking of pillows, take into account a silk pillowcase for much less lash-compromising friction.
- Restrict the usage of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions since adhesives might weaken lashes and trigger breakage.
- Usually brush out your eyelashes to distribute pure oils.
- Eat a nutritious diet with loads of protein, iron, and biotin.
- Attempt a stable hair development complement (that extends to brows and eyelashes). Nutrifol is nutritionist-approved.
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