Pre-lockdown times many of us would be planning for pre-Christmas gatherings in one form or another.

Makeup style is often glamorous and sparkly with Smokey eyes or red lipstick.

This year is very different, and many people will be just happy if we are able to see our close family or friends.

I have decided to write about ways to accentuate and condition our eyelashes and eyebrows, particularly as we are looking at the eyes more now for expression and communication while wearing face masks. That way when we are able to gather in numbers again you can be party ready.

A few weeks ago I did write about how to apply eyeshadow in order to accentuate the eyes, good eyelashes can open the eyes even when you are not wearing eyeshadow.

Start with the basics

Whether you have good eyelashes naturally or not, look after them and try and keep them in good condition, just like you would with your hair.

If you are guilty of neglecting your eyelashes, it may be time to show them a little TLC.

  • Start by eating a healthy and balanced diet, if you don’t put the right fuel in to your body, you cannot expect luscious hair and lashes.
  • If you are going to wear mascara every day find a mascara that is conditioning, you could wear a more dramatic finish mascara when you are going out.
  • For an everyday look use eyelash tint instead of wearing mascara, this is great if you find that your mascara ends up half way down your face after a long day.

Remember our lashes are there to help to protect our eyes from unwanted dust, debris and water from getting in to our eyes, so show them some love!

Other ways to keep your lashes healthy and happy

  • Always remove all traces of mascara by using an appropriate eye makeup remover.
  • Condition your lashes, there are a variety of lash conditioners available.
  • If you wear lash extensions then do not pull them out, have them removed professionally or use the recommended product to remove them.

Top Lash Conditioners

  • Revitalash Advanced – I love this eyelash conditioner, it really has worked for many of my clients and myself, this brand also sells an eyebrow treatment too. The only issue that I have found is sometimes it can make my eyes a little sensitive, so at times I only use every other day. This eyelash conditioner is a little pricey, but it works and lasts for ages. This product is cruelty free and vegan.
  • UKLash Eyelash Serum – I have this on my list to try, and the write ups about this product are good. The eye serum is a better price point than the Revitalash, the ingredients are reported to by hypoallergenic and kind to the skin. It is suitable for vegans and cruelty free.
  • LashFood – This lash serum has been recommended for more sensitive skin. This product is designed to support healthy hair growth from the root, it is also another cost effective option which is also vegan and cruelty free.

How to make the most out of your eye serum

I believe that the best time to apply your lash serum/conditioner is before you go to bed to allow the serum to work without makeup and pollution getting in the way.

Try and make sure that you apply the serum on to freshly cleansed eyes with no oily residue, you do not want a barrier to prevent the eyelash product from soaking in to the lashes.

You only need to apply a lash serum once a day, to use more is a waste of product and it could result in making the eyes sensitive.

When applying your lash serum make sure you cover the lashes at the root. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Northwich Guardian:

Faking it!

For special occasions you can try applying false lashes, strip lashes tend to be easier to apply than individual.

Experiment on a relaxed day so that on the day you need them, it will be easy for you. You must patch test the adhesive beforehand in case of a reaction. If you love this look you could always opt for eyelash extensions, which are done professionally in the salon. Lash extensions can look much more natural to the stick-on lashes. They can look fantastic if applied well, it is best to have regular top up treatments every two to three weeks, so it is a financial commitment unless having them on for a special occasion.

I don’t like the feeling of false lashes, if you feel the same, a lash lift or perm is another option. A lash lift, uses a solution to lift the lashes at the root giving more body and the illusion of length. An eyelash perm gives a more curled look to the lashes, so research which is preferable to you.

Top Tips for luscious lashes

  • Always try and keep your natural lashes healthy by eating a balanced diet and conditioning them with a suitable product.
  • Always patch test any new product before applying it near to the eyes and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • When wearing mascara, wear a primer underneath for extra volume and length. Choose a suitable mascara to suit your lash type to enhance your own natural lashes.
  • Use eyelash curlers to gain lift and curl to the lash, particularly when you have very straight lashes like mine.
  • Apply liner close to the lash line on the upper lids, this can give the illusion of longer lashes.
  • When possible get a regular eyelash tint or a lash lift.
  • Cleanse away your makeup fully every night, if you have extensions then use the product recommended by your therapist so as not to damage the extensions.