6 Ways to grow longer, fuller lashes

If there's one facial feature I love about myself it's my naturally long, thick eyelashes. I have to thank my Dominican mama for that one! Women ask me all the time, 'What's your secret?' Or 'What mascaras do you use?' But honestly, it wasn't until very recently that I actually started to take care of my lashes. I started reading articles on how lashes thin with age and it freaked me the hell out. Now I have a whole bunch of tips and tricks I use to maintain my full fringe!

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Just like the hair on your head, your lashes eventually start to thin with age. Hair follicles die so lashes start falling out. But that doesn't mean you can reverse the damage. You know how many women I know who weren't born with thick, long lashes that have them now just because they took care of them? It's pretty amazing actually! Want to go naturally longer, fuller lashes while also preventing them from falling out? Check out some of these amazing tricks and tips that really work!

Use castor oil: I've been hearing about castor oil for years but was hesitant to try it until a good friend of mine put me on it. My friend has a case of itty bitty lashes and after only a month of applying this stuff (on a daily basis of course) she already started to see noticeable results. Simply dip a Q-tip into the castor oil and apply from your lash lines to the ends. But be careful not to get it in your actual eye. Apply every night before bed.

Always wash your face: We've all fallen asleep with makeup on at some point. But here's the thing, when you sleep with eye makeup on it can cause your lashes to fall out and makes you more prone to eye infections to. I usually like to remove my makeup with a gentle eye cleanser like By Terry Cellularose Cleansing Oil ($68). But if you're feeling lazy I recommend Neutrogena Deep Clean Makeup Remover Wipes ($7). It gets all the gunk out in a second.

Chill with waterproof mascara: Sometimes waterproof mascara is absolutely necessary. Like if you're hitting up the beach or a wedding. But try to do without it as often as possible. Waterproof formulas tend to dry out lashes and makes them weaker and more prone to breakage. Look for one that's actually going to condition your fringe, like Tarte Lights, Camera, Lahes 4-in-1 Mascara ($10).

Relax with the eyelash curler: I'm definitely guilty of overdoing it with the eyelash curler. I'm obsessed with these things! Just try not to hold your eyelash curler too tightly over your lashes because it can lead to damage and thinning. I usually don't  hold it for more than 20 seconds either.

Check your diet: Not eating enough protein? That could be the reason why your lashes are shedding. Eat foods that are high in protein and fatty acids like beans, nuts or salmon.

Try a lash growth serum: There are a lot of lash-growth products out there these days that don't require a prescription from your doctor.  I've heard a lot of great things about Phyto-Medic LashFood Eyelash Enhancer ($78). Don't worry about crazy side effects either. This formula is made entirely of organic medicinal extracts.

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