Batting those eyelashes has its perks: they can help us get what we want or signal we're ticked off. But you could be harming them on a daily basis without even knowing. Here are ways you're damaging your eyelashes and tips for keeping them youthful, full and beautiful–because you wouldn't be you without a healthy wink.
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Image via Corbis
Improper makeup removal
Rubbing your eye makeup away may be part of your nightly routine, but you may be doing it wrong. The trick is to gently rub your eye with eye makeup remover and be sure to take your time.
Type of mascara you use
Your mascara should be replaced every three to four months since using expired product could cause eye irritation. Be sure to wipe excess product from the wand before using to also avoid eyelash loss.
Use olive oil
Olive oil is a great natural eyelash conditioner. It's rich in vitamins E & K, and helps promote lash growth. Apply a small amount with eyes closed and rinse with warm water.
Using an eyelash curler
The trick here is to make sure you use an eyelash curler correctly. Be sure to use it on clean eyelashes to prevent lashes from falling out. Also, make sure you close the curler to the base of your lashes and not the center.
Use an eyelash primer
Eyelash primers promote length and lash separation. They also avoid the heavy spider eyelashes that causes lashes to fall out.
Watch out for the falsies
Applying false eyelashes is tedious and the adhesive glue used to keep them on can be harmful to your natural lashes. Avoid adding the glue too close to your natural lashes and be very careful when removing the falsies.
Go all natural
All of the tugging we do to the eye skin area when we apply makeup causes eyelashes to fall out. Try giving your skin a break and go all natural every once in a while.
Trimming your eyelashes
You trim your hair to keep your hair healthy, so why not do the same with your eyelashes? Trimming your eyelashes once every couple of months can help stimulate growth. While they won't grow more hair, it will make the hair follicles healthier. Just be mindful of only trimming a tiny amount.
Green tea helps
Green tea has a natural component called epigallocatechin gallate, which promotes hair growth. A great natural remedy to help eyelash growth is to soak green tea leaves in warm water and then apply to eye area for a few minutes.
Stop rubbing your eyes
Whether your skin is irritated due to seasonal allergies or you're having a restless night, rubbing at your eye area can cause your eyelashes to fall out. Just a few pulls and tugs will leave you with little to no lashes so avoid touching the eye area if you can.
