An Expert's Guide to Thick, Luscious Lashes

It adds the finishing touch and ties all the elements together, including foundation, blush, contouring, and lip color. Good lashes and brows form an integral part of the overall look and accentuate the most attractive features of the face. While the transformative power of good lashes and brows is certainly no secret, the past few years have seen a resurgence in the attention given to these facial features. With services such as lash lifts and henna brow tints in high demand, your brows and lashes have never been so spoilt for choice.

Jaja Jones, Founder of The Den Salon Dubai says, "The eyelashes are incredibly delicate and to ensure they look their best and stay as healthy as possible, you need to care for them carefully. Lash serum is a must if you are not naturally blessed with long thick lashes. A lash serum such as Lilash or the recently launched Olaplex Lash Bond Building Serum will be your lashes’ best friend. Such products will sustain the natural growth cycle and promote longer, thicker, stronger, and fuller lashes".

She adds, "If you do get in-salon lash extensions, once they have been applied, leave them alone. Do not use oil-based eye make-up removers and do not brush them! Do blow dry them for a few seconds after getting them wet as this sets the adhesive and fluffs the lashes. A good set of lash extensions should last for two-three weeks, depending on the cycle of your lash growth, sometimes longer.

If, however, you do not want to use extensions but still achieve a curled lash effect then a lash lift is a terrific option as this treatment is designed to boost and lift the natural eyelash. But, be warned, not all lash lifts are created equal. The best on the market is Yumi Lash Lift as it is ammonia-free and being keratin-based it will add condition, length and curl whilst protecting the integrity of the hair for up to 12 weeks. Finally, avoid lash curlers and waterproof mascara as both are very damaging to the natural lashes."

For your home care routine, here are a few easy ways to help make your lashes grow long and healthy:

1. Comb your eyelashes daily

Using an eyelash comb, combing out your eyelashes is a great way to promote growth and provide the illusion of longer lashes. It will also improve blood flow and stimulate hair growth and regular maintenance will ensure that dirt and dust does not weigh the lashes down.

2. Use castor and coconut oil regularly 

Castor oil contains fatty acids that provide nutrition to your eyelashes, keeping them healthy. For the perfect application, dip a cotton swab into the oil and slowly run it along the top of your lash line. Be very careful not to get any oil into your eyes as this can cause extreme irritation. Virgin coconut oil is also safe for usage around the eye area and makes for a great eyelash moisturiser. Simply use your fingertips to pick up some oil and rub it in your fingers. Slowly massage your bare lashes to transfer the product and promote strong growth.

3. Gently massage your eyelids

Improving blood flow into your target area will stimulate eyelash growth. Each night before you sleep, gently massage your eyelids with clean fingertips for a few minutes. The motion stimulates hair follicles and over time you can achieve full and healthy eyelashes. Ensure you do this action lightly as the areas around your eyes are very sensitive.

4. Use conditioning mascaras

If your natural lashes are fine and short in length, opt for conditioning mascaras. As opposed to regular mascara, the formulas of conditioning mascaras are filled with nourishing ingredients like plant cell extracts, biotin, and amino acids. The ingredients help to strengthen and stimulate lash health over time, so your eyelashes benefit on each application.

5. Massage on aloe vera

Aloe vera is famous for its many natural beauty hacks and stimulating eyelash growth is one. Massaging aloe vera gel on eyelashes can enhance their growth as well as nourish and soften the individual hairs. Either with a clean mascara wand or a cotton bud, apply a light layer of natural aloe vera gel to your lashes before bed each night and wash off in the morning.