Those who know me well, know that I am obsessed with having BIG, gorgeous *borderline obnoxious* eyelashes. It’s just my thing. (Tammy Faye, I love ya.) What I’m NOT obsessed with? Trying to find the time or patience to glue anything to my eye, or the money to consistently let someone come at my eye area every few weeks with sharp objects. This means I have had to find ways to take matters into my own hands. I would venture to say one of the questions I am asked the most, especially when I’m out in person, is if my eyelashes are natural and how I got them to look the way they do. Here’s a couple of photos to illustrate what I’m talking about:
Let me be clear – God did NOT give me the lashes you see in these pictures. But, these are my natural lashes. No extensions, no falsies. So how do I do it? I’ve found an amazing mix of products that do.their.job. And now, I’m going to share all of my lash secrets, tips, and ride or die products with YOU. Because everyone deserves to live their full lash fantasy, right? Right.
It all starts with a lash growth serum. The problem with most serums is that they are freaking expensive. Even if they last a long time, it’s hard to convince me to pay that much for something so small. I gotcha covered, though. NutraLuxe Lash MD is where the magic starts and it’s far less expensive than many other serums out there (usually under $50). When you first start using it, you may experience a little irritation but it goes away. Pro tip – wipe the excess off the wand. Do thinner layers rather than going in hard. You’ll thank me later.
Once you’ve got those babies growing like bad weeds, you can’t leave the house without curling them up to the heavens. I know some were blessed with lashes that are naturally curled to perfection, but for the rest of us, a good curler is a must. I’ve tried several curlers over the years and the one that I continue to love and can always find in stock when I need it, is the Shiseido Lash Curler (I’m linking to Ulta because I don’t want you missing out on your rewards points, friends).
The next secret weapon in my arsenal is one that I only started using within the last 6 months or so, but it has made a world of difference. If they ever stop making it, I’ll cry. I’m talking about Estee Lauder’s Little Black Primer. What the hell is it? Well, it’s exactly what it says it is. You know how most primers are white? For me that always equals gray, clumpy lashes. This is the same concept but the formula is so much better and it’s black, just like mascara, so no crazy looking gray lashes EVER again. I apply it right after I curl my lashes and I’m never without it!
Next up, mascara. There are few things as satisfying as finding a damn good mascara. I’ve tried many over the years and to be honest, I’ll probably never be 100% loyal to just one because I love trying new ones. Even so, I do have some current favorites and they have been my jam for quite some time now. I’m going to link to my drugstore faves and my high end faves. If you’ve never treated yourself to a high end mascara, I suggest you do it sometime. It’s called self care, and it’s completely justified. In the meantime though, my drugstore picks are still amazing. Promise.
Pro tip #1: I use waterproof 99% of the time. I have allergies and weepy eyes so it helps with that, plus waterproof mascara actually holds a curl far better than regular formulas. #science
Pro tip #2: I always use two mascaras. One for length, one for volume. Is it extra AF? Probably, but it works.
Drugstore formula for length: Cover Girl The Super Sizer
Drugstore formula for volume: L’Oreal Lash Paradise
High end formula for length: Lancome Definicils High Definition
High end formula for volume: Too Faced Better Than Sex
So now your lashes are poppin’, you’re living your best life, and even Beyonce herself could get lost in your eyes. But you can’t go to bed with all of that on, Cinderella. The clock will strike twelve, your carriage will become a pumpkin, and your eyes will get an infection or at the very least, become irritated. When it’s time to take off lashes and lips, I love my Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It does a really nice job of melting down waterproof or longwear makeup of any kind, and this tub will last you for.ev.er.
So, there you have it. All my secret weapons are yours for the taking! I have been using these products for years now and they never fail me. If you decide to try them, let me know! I’d love to hear what you think. Are you a fan of big, fat lashes? Let me know if you have a product I should try!
(This post contains affiliate links. Although I may make a small commission, there is no additional cost to you.)
