Eyelash Care
Your hair needs moisture and care, and that extends to your eyelashes, as well.
Time was when I wouldn’t bat an eye at anything that could make my beauty routine easier.
That recently included eyelash extensions for an upcoming trip with my entire family: sons, their spouses, my two three-year-old twin grandchildren, and hubby, of course, to celebrate my big milestone birthday.
I wanted a no-fuss way to look good as soon as I opened my eyes, so I could roll out of bed and go about my day without spending any time or energy applying the requisite mascara to make my light, sparse eyelashes shine.
I’d grown tired of applying mascara every day; that is, if I wanted to look the least bit presentable. To me, an eye without an eyelash fringe is like… a window without a pretty window treatment. I don’t expect much; not a full set of curtains but instead a nice decorative valance.
So I went ahead and laid on a table for close to two hours, without the benefit of anything other than my overactive mind and some background music to occupy those (interminably long) 120 minutes.) I hoped to be able to nap, but instead grew increasingly impatient and nudgy. And nervous that eventually I’d get poked in the eye with the sharp object. (Good news: I didn’t get poked in the eye. but I didn’t nap either).
Well, yes, the eyelashes looked great and I could, for once, say that “I woke up like this.” But after about a week, they began shedding, and shedding unevenly, at that, leaving me with a variety of lash-looks: some super-long and others super-short in comparison.
The idea of eyelash extensions (and to avoid this awful in-between weird-looking phase) is to return for regular “touch-ups” or “fills.” Alas, it becomes another beauty routine. But adding one more thing to my ever-growing list of beauty to-do’s to keep my body and spirit running was not appealing. Besides, I’ve read that as the lashes fall out, your natural lashes can be damaged, and I think this happened to me. Mine feel even more sparse than usual, dammit.
Mascara will remain in my arsenal until further notice or until I decide to:
Not care (Not there yet. Without it, my eyes sink into my skull, giving me a look reserved for Halloween costumes.)
Wear sunglasses to cover up my eyes (Not practical, especially at night).
Try false eyelashes instead of extensions (Doubtful).
And so, all of this ranting brings me here, to figure out the best ways to deal with what I, and many of you, might be dealing with: Sparse, dry eyelashes. All are part of menopause and the aging process. Eyelash follicles - those are the openings in our skin through which the lash grows - typically slow down or can stop altogether as time marches on.
Although we may not have the eyelashes of our youth, there are ways to both care for the ones we do have and promote their growth.
As tired as you might be, please don’t leave eye makeup on overnight, especially your mascara, which can stick to your lashes and cause irritation and dryness. This is simply bad for your lashes (and probably your pillow, too).
Make sure to remove makeup remnants from the base of your lashes, too, by gently running a cotton swab along the lash line.
Use gentle soap and water to wash your eyelids, and avoid tugging when removing makeup. (My ophthalmologist suggests regular good old baby shampoo). Vaseline works, too, and as a plus, it is lubricating.
Using a tubing mascara can help prevent pulling and tugging when removing your mascara, since this type of mascara slides off easily with water. I recently switched to tubing mascara and am surprised at how easy it is to remove, and how nicely it coats each lash.
Avoid waterproof mascaras. Yes, they may keep your mascara from running, but these types of mascaras are more difficult to remove and can be much more irritating and drying than non-waterproof types.
Replace your mascara after three months, at which time it can start to breed harmful bacteria.
Latisse is a prescription eyelash enhancer that can promote the growth of longer, fuller lashes. It’s the only FDA-approved product for this purpose, although many over-the-counter products are effective, too, like this one from Grande Lash (which I’ve used successfully). Some people might experience eyelid irritation or sensitivity, so you may need to experiment with a few different products.
And there you have it, in the blink of an eye, your eyelash tutorial.
Did I miss anything?
She wears “a pair of false eyelashes and a tube of cheap lipstick…” Isn’t Dolly great?
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