How to have thicker and fuller eyelashes? My lashes are thin and light in color.

Brighten and Lift your eyes with Long Lashes

There are multiple ways to have longer lashes. Whether you opt to have natural or synthetic lashes, it will instantly add definition and femininity to your eyes.

Before we dive into some common lash products and services, here are some

Fun Facts about our eyelashes:

One function of lashes is to protect our eyes from sun exposure and dust/filaments.
Lashes typically have a 60 to 90 days life cycle. We shed about 2 to 3 lashes per day.
There are multiple rows of lashes, so as we shed hair, we have additional rows of hair and in different growth phases.
Each lash may vary in characteristics: Long, short, thin, thick, light, or dark.
Hair growth direction varies: Hair grows upward, downward, or straight out.
As we age, the lash volume and color gradually fades.

If you have sensitive eyes, here are some lash tools you can use without any chemical ingredients. The images below are examples of popular lash curlers and heated curlers.

Lash curlers bend lashes in a uniform and upward direction. Be gentle with curlers. And it works best with one layer of mascara.

Lash curling iron- small heated pad to iron and shape eyelashes. Be careful of hot objects near your eyes.

Lash Curler

Heating Lash Curler

In addition to lash curling, there are ways to temporarily darken your lash color. It’s subtle but effective:

Castor Oil contains omega-6 fatty acids. It will not grow lashes, but it will hydrate the lash hairs and decrease lash breakage. Gently massage the lash line with oil. Over time, your lashes will appear fuller and darker.
Vaseline can be used in a pinch. However, with petroleum products, there is a chance of developing a stye or cysts around the eyes.
Caution when using Castor Oil or Vaseline around the eyes, it can cause temporary blurred vision, mild irritation, and reduce tear quality.

Lash Growing Serums

There are many Lash growth serums to choose from. Some require once a day application, while others require twice a day.

Pros

Most products will result in thicker and/or longer lashes within 30 to 40 days.
There are many products to choose from ranging from $8 to $100 per bottle.
Easy at home application

Cons

You have to continue to use the serum to maintain the result. Stopping the use of serum will eventually revert to original lash length and volume. Remember, all lashes have a 60 to 90 days life cycle.
Long term use can lead to light sensitivity, burning, itching, darkening or reddening of skin where serum is applied.

When choosing a Lash growth serum, check the product ingredient list and avoid hormones: Prostaglandins and Prostaglandin analogues. Please note, the majority of over the counter lash growth serum is not FDA approved. Even though the serum is used on the skin along the lash line, there is a probability of the product getting into the eyes. Each product should be researched thoroughly before use. Consult your physician and eye doctors prior to use.

People Magazine 2024 listed their top 8 lash growth products:

Elf Enhancing Lash and Brow Serum $8 (Most economic)
Maybelline Lash Sensational Eyelash Serum $11(Best Drug Store)
Revitalash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner $100 (Best Investment)
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLashMD $55 (Brows and Eyelash)
Lancome Cils Booster Lash Serum $49 (Sensitive Eyes)
Vichy LiftActiv Enhancing Serum $35 (Mature Skin)
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum $37 (Quick Results)
Borboleta Lash Serum $65 (Best Lengthening)
PrettyPleaseStudio (Permanent Makeup Artistry)

Professional Lash Services:

Lash Extension

Lash extension services are another great option to have longer and fuller lashes.

Pros

Individual or a cluster of lashes are professionally glued to the base of your own lashes.
Custom select length and volume for a natural or dramatic look.
Thin and short lashes can be transformed to look full and lushess

Cons:

The initial lash set extensions range from $180 to $250, then $75 to $100 every 2 to 3 weeks for a refill. Lash extensions are glued, therefore, lash fill maintenance is necessary.
Daily cleaning of lashes at the base of lashline is important so as to not harbor bacteria and dust mites.

Lash lift or Lash Perm

Since lashes grow in multiple directions (upward, downward, or straight out), Lash Lift or Lash Perm services is a way to shape the lashes to an upward direction. Most service providers will add a lash tint to darken the hair and a conditioner to add shine to the hair. The cost is roughly $80 to $150 per session. The Lash Lift lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Inexpensive Home Solutions: