Lash Lush

Achieving long, luxurious lashes is not easy, even when you're using your favorite mascara. If you were born with lashes that make you say 'I look like a rat' when you don't have any product on, then welcome to the club! No need to worry, though, because there are plenty of ways to enhance what God gave you and create lashes that will make you say 'Wow, I look good!' when you look in the mirror.

Lash serums, falsies, and extensions are all options when trying to take your fringe to the next level. You may be asking yourself if these products actually work, but I'm here to tell you that they do! These are some of my favorite ways to boost my lashes and I want to let you in on my secrets.

Serums are great for increasing eyelash growth and thickness, but you'll have to wait a while for full results. If you're willing to wait, here are some products I recommend.

Latisse

Latisse is the only FDA-approved serum, and it's available with a prescription from your dermatologist. It requires daily applications along the lash line of the upper eyelid and should be used for at least two months to see full results. If you use it daily, you're sure to see your eyelashes grow and thicken. Although, once you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will return to their original appearance.

Rodan + Fields Lash Boost

If you use any Rodan + Fields products, you know they may be a little pricey, but oh are they worth it. Lash Boost is a lash conditioning serum that, when applied nightly, will result in longer, stronger, darker lashes. It also helps maintain moisture, enhances lash durability, and protects against breakage. For best results, apply on the upper lash line and use it for eight weeks. It can even be used on your eyebrows!

LashFood

If you're looking for a vegan option, LashFood is for you. LashFood is the world's first and only Ecocert natural eyelash enhancer, and 99% of its ingredients come from a natural origin. This product nourishes lashes to look longer, thicker, and stronger with Phyto-Medic Complex. If you're asking what the heck that is, don't worry, I've got you covered. Phyto-Medic Complex delivers nutrients to your lashes directly at the follicle with natural ingredients. With LashFood, you can expect full results after 16 weeks.

Another option to enhancing your lashes by yourself is at-home extensions. These take a little more time, effort, and patience than serums, but are great once you get the hang of applying them.

Lashify

Lashify is an award-winning patented lash system designed to provide a damage-free experience, relieving your natural lashes from weight and tension. First timers begin with Level 1 to get used to placement and bonding, and once that's mastered, you'll move on to Level 2. You can either purchase Lashify's Gossamer Lash Extensions individually, or you can invest in the Lashify Control Kit. The Control Kit includes multiple tools for perfect application and two pairs of Gossamer Lashes. Just need your lashes for one night? You can remove them daily or wear them for up to 10 days at a time!

KISS' Falscara Lash Extension Kit

Kiss' Falscara Lash Extension Kit is similar to Lashify, give or take a few tools. You apply the Falscara Wisps underneath your natural lashes, creating a more natural look than regular falsies. The Wisps are gentle, safe, and cause no damage to your lashes, so you can wear them for one day or ten days. You can even build upon them or stack them for a custom look that can be reworn up to three times.

Professional eyelash extensions result in less work for you and last longer than at-home extensions, about six to eight weeks. Extensions are semi-permanent lashes that are hand-glued on top of your natural lashes by a lash pro. Unlike strip lashes, these are glued individually to your natural hairs, so they're ultra customizable and look like real lashes.

Once you have extensions, there's no need to use mascara. It's actually recommended to stay away from mascara, as it can cause your extensions to break and clump them together, making them harder to clean. Speaking of cleaning, these require quite a bit every day. Professionals recommend cleaning them with a spoolie brush when you wake up, after you shower, and before you go to sleep on your silk pillowcase.

If you're looking for long lasting, little-work-involved lashes, I recommend you try out professional eyelash extensions. Hourglass Aesthetics & Salon and Gatwick Beaute Collective are just two fantastic options here in Lexington for this service.

On the other hand, if you're looking for natural growth and willing to wait, serums are a great choice to extend your lashes. At-home extensions are a nice middle ground as they don't require daily care, but can be popped on at a moment's notice.

This article was originally published in TOPS Magazine.