I couldn’t take note of something my good friend throughout the brunch table 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 might 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 lively 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 progress section.”
However even 15 years later, Latisse continues to be solely out there with a prescription. So for anybody in search of 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 cures.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.

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The Greatest Lash Progress Serums
Fingers down, the most suitable choice is Latisse. However in case you’re trying to strive one thing over-the-counter, eyelash serums from manufacturers like GrandeLASH and Dr. Lara Devgan commonly earn rave evaluations.
Another Over-the-Counter Lash Growth Option
Though Dr. King generally warns against over-the-counter cosmetics advertised as increasing the length and fullness of eyebrows and lashes (their efficacy has not been critically evaluated), if you are using a product, be sure to apply them to a completely cleansed lash line with an equally clean brush.
“Latisse provides disposable single-use applicator brushes because this is the safest way to ensure minimum risk of bacterial or fungal contamination and infection,” Dr. King notes.
The dermatologist does point out another promising option, though the potential side effects may outweigh the gains.
Based on a 2012 Journal of Dermatology study, “Rogaine seems to modestly improve eyebrow progress and is similar to Latisse,” says Dr. King, who notes that a subsequent study concluded that Rogaine generally is a protected and efficient therapy for brows.
“Nonetheless, Rogaine typically 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. “Negative effects from making use of Rogaine to the eyebrow space embody burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling.”
Go The All-Pure Route
Trying to keep away from chemical compounds and the Sephora fuss altogether? A possible eyelash progress assist can possible be discovered someplace in your house. Vitamin-dense merchandise like aloe vera gels, olive oil, and green tea can reportedly assist develop sturdy, lengthy lashes, whereas moisturizing brokers like shea butter and coconut oil nourish strands and forestall breakage.
However probably the most outstanding house treatment for exciting eyelash progress is castor oil. And whereas no research have been capable of show castor oil causes hair progress, it definitely can’t harm.
“Castor oil isn’t 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 research to extend hair luster,” shares Dr. King.
Think about a Lash Raise or Perm
The stylish therapy has all of the permanence of eyelash extensions with out damaging adhesives. Plus, it cuts down on using doubtlessly damaging curling gadgets. (Even Camille is a lash lift regular.)
Shield Your Eyelashes
It doesn’t matter how a lot consideration and care (or cash) you place into your lashes in case 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, contemplate a silk pillowcase for much less lash-compromising friction.
- Restrict using false eyelashes or eyelash extensions since adhesives could weaken lashes and trigger breakage.
- Often brush out your eyelashes to distribute pure oils.
- Eat a nutritious diet with loads of protein, iron, and biotin.
- Attempt a stable hair progress complement (that extends to brows and eyelashes). Nutrifol is nutritionist-approved.
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