These days I’m fascinated by the commercials for the new lash growth product, Latisse. Maybe it’s because of how gorgeous Brooke Shields still is, or it’s because of the fact that they have found a way to make eye lashes to grow but still can’t give balding men back their hair. Or, maybe it’s because of the laughable way they so casually state the side effects, “May cause eyelid darkening which may be reversible. May cause increased iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent.” Errrrr seriously? I’m sure it’s a great invention and all, but I’m leaving my irises alone.

For those of you that are looking for ways to make their lashes appear thicker and longer but don’t wish to dabble in the potential destruction of your irises, there are plenty of other things you can do. My primary recommendation would be to try out the eyelash primer I swear by (CLICK HERE), but there is another secret practiced many celebrity makeup artists that uses a product you most likely already have at home – face powder. Yes, I said face powder.

.

Here’s what to do:

1) If you use an eyelash curler, curl your lashes. If you don’t, you can skip this step.

2) Apply a quick thin coat of mascara to your lids.

3) Dip a fluffy shadow brush into your face powder (loose vs. pressed doesn’t matter) and quickly brush onto the underside of your upper lashes and the topside of your lower lashes (i.e. the sides you put mascara on so the mascara covers the visible powder).

4) Put on a second coat of your mascara, which should stick to the powder. The extra coating of powder around each lash should result in thicker, longer lashes!

.

Some ladies apply the powder first before any mascara, but I feel the between coats method is best. This is because the powder adheres to the first coat and provides a better base for the second. Be sure not to get any powder in your eyes and you should be good to go. It’s cheap and simple, and doesn’t result in darkened lids from any growth serums.

Try it out and let us know how it goes!

Photo Credit: www.thebostonbazaar.com

I used to spend $65 on my mascara. Yes, you read that right. Sixty-Five Dollars. You’re probably wondering what was in this product, was it made of gold? Did it spill ruby powder on my lashes? Did the world fall at my feet with every blink? Yes. Yes. And Yes. It was all that and more. But, then, like many other love affairs, this one came to an abrupt end. I finally realized that I was spending more on a mascara than my monthly cell phone bill. So, I set out on the search for the ultimate mascara. It was then that I realized that it’s not the mascara that really matters (unless you pay 65 bucks of course – then it BETTER matter), but it’s actually what goes on underneath. Just like foundations and eye shadows look better with a primer and lipsticks last longer with a liner base, eyelashes look 5x better with a protective coating underneath the mascara.

Now, I know that most of you out there have mascaras that you absolutely love and are faithful to, and over the course of time I hope to discuss all of them with you, YSL Faux Cils, Lancôme’s Ôscillation (with the vibrating wand), etc etc. But, with the eyelash primer, you can use any drugstore brand mascara and end up with similar or even better results.

Why eyelash primers are so necessary:

Photo Credit: www.clinique.com

1)    Primers keep your eyelashes healthy – they protect and nourish with the moisturizers and vitamins they contain. This is very important if you’re a regular user of mascara which can dry out your lashes. The mascara adheres to the primer rather than your actual lashes.
2)    Primers build volume and length. You will need to curl your eyelashes less, and you will need less coats of mascara thanks to the base you apply before.
3)    Applying a primer causes your mascara to clump less and also helps prevent the dreaded raccoon look; you know the one I’m talking about – when your mascara ends up under your eyes. Be warned – it HELPS but it is not foolproof, especially in those with oily skin. If you are naturally oily, use waterproof mascara for best results.
4)    Your mascara will come off easier at night, which means less tugging at the eye area, i.e. preventing really bad future wrinkles.

Just like any other product, you have to find the primer that works for you. I used Smashbox’s primer and was less than impressed. It wasn’t thick enough and smelled like glue. I’ve had great results with Clinique’s Lash Building Primer and at $13 it’s affordable. In total (with my mascara) I spend less than $20 to make my lashes look more amazing than with DiorShow or MAC mascaras (which I think are just awful overall).

I personally love my primer so much I just use drugstore mascara on top and I get the same results as my $65 mascara. For those of you that want to stick to the brands you love most, try them out with the base, trust me, your lashes will pop like never before. The best way to apply primer is to brush on a thick coat, you should play with the thickness to make your lashes look as full as you personally like them to, you may prefer a more natural look than others. Some brands tell you to wait until it dries before applying the mascara, but with the Clinique I have had the best results applying the mascara right after the primer while it’s still wet.

Yes, I do miss my darling $65 mascara, but, in all honesty, it’s mostly because the packaging was so pretty. Other than that, my lashes look just as spectacular.

Photo Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk

**UPDATE** In a recent comment, user “jtm” brought up an important point which I wanted to share with all of you. “i knew but didnt believe this until the mac guy showed me…if you line the inside of your upper lid, what is it called, the upper waterline?, it really makes your lash line appear thicker, darker, fuller. a little uncomfortable to do, but hey, worth the illusion.”

This is VERY true and a step I never leave out of my makeup routine. Here’s what to do: if you use a pencil just slightly lift your lid and line the upper rim like you would your bottom waterline (if anyone is wondering, the waterline is the inner rim of the eye where liner never seems to stay!). Be careful not to line inside the actual lid, the waterline is the thick line of skin right under the upper lashes (or above the lower). Do the same if you use gel or shadow liners, i wouldn’t recommend liquid liner for this. Wait a few moments to dry and then let your lid go. Also, as mentioned in the Smudge Brush post, wiggle your liner between your eyelashes it’ll help with the fuller lash look and will look more polished as it will fill the  blank spaces in between.