Most of us are fixated by freakishly long lashes – but neglect to nourish those very hairs we’re hankering after. Now that, my friends, is irony at its finest.
Ladies, don’t turn a blind eye to this issue of eyelash maintenance. Here’s why. The inevitable ebb and flow of our follicular cycle causes these tiny hairs to thin out over time; indeed, it’s perfectly possible that some of these eyelashes will cease to exist entirely.
Want more bad news? The loss of these hairs can be compounded by the crimping and curling we subject them to, not to mention the tugging and tearing that comes with makeup removal.
Brows raised in consternation? Fret not. Here are two tips for looking after your eyelashes and three products we think are worth sussing out ...
TIP #1. CLEANSING
Easy does it when it comes to stripping off gunk and grease at the end of the day. Here’s what to do when you’re wearing waterproof mascara: Soak a soft cotton ball with your best cleansing oil, then press (never rub!) the wet wipe over your lids for about five seconds to loosen stubborn stains, then sweep off in one deft, decisive stroke. Prep another piece and repeat until the cotton balls come off clear.
TIP #2. STRENGTHENING
Investing in a dedicated eyelash serum may seem like overkill, but it’s not all that different from coughing up cash for conditioner to go with your shampoo.
Entirely welcome beauty bonus: Most lash treatments double up just fine as a brow booster, especially if they contain lock-loving ingredients like keratin or glycerin.
STUFF TO USE
Right then, on to product recommendations. What’s on my lust list?
I’m loving Vichy’s LiftActiv Serum 10 Anti-Aging Eyes & Lashes Concentrated Serum, which is both eye cream and eyelash restorative in one nifty little tube. Crammed with cuticle-comforting ceramides, a smidgen of the silky salve is all you need; simply massage gently into your lids and lashes with clean fingertips.
Or check out cheeky celeb fave Rodial’s follicle-fortifying Glamolash, which comes with volumising vitamins plus plumping peptides, and pretty much promises glossy lashes that live up to the serum’s name.
What else? Try Cosme Decorte’s AQMW Lash Revolution on for size, a gorgeous champagne gold tube with an incredibly intuitive brush applicator that you use as if you’re welding a conventional liquid eyeliner.
The formula is forged from all of the stuff you would expect from the posh J-Beauty brand: Lots of Oriental herbs the likes of peony root, mulberry root and silk extracts, all of which are said to buffer brittle lashes against damage from daily primping and prepping.
Quick recap: There’re two things you can do in order to thwart the loss of your lashes. Make a conscious effort not to yank your eyelashes when taking off your face paint; and get around to the idea of conditioning your lashes the same way you do the hair on your head. Easy peasy!
Cosme Decorte AQ MW Lash Revolution, $88, is available at Cosme Decorte counters at Takashimaya and Isetan Scotts. For more information, visit www.kose.com.sg/cosmedecorte and follow Cosme Decorte Singapore on Facebook.
Rodial Glamolash, $119, is available at selected Guardian Health & Beauty stores. For more information, visit www.rodial.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook and YouTube.
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Anti-Aging Eyes & Lashes Concentrated Serum, $69, is available at selected Guardian Health & Beauty, Unity and Watsons stores. For more information, visit www.vichy.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.