I began my quest for a solution to my short, blonde lashes when I was 12 years old. I remember going camping with my family and bringing a friend along. We swam in the lake, we washed in the fish sinks (until we got scolded by the park ranger) and we otherwise roughed it. But my trusty pink and green tube of mascara was my constant companion. My sister and our friend teased me incessantly, I just didn’t care: my lashes needed to be visible!

Here I am 40 years later (yes, I am 52), happy to say I have finally been able to end my search. As a wholisitc licensed master esthetician, I care about more than just beauty, I care about healthy beauty; I have compiled a list of tips and suggestions for you here. Whether you are all about natural lashes or fun falsies I’ve got you covered.

• For goodness sake girl, take off your makeup up! Mascara, eyeliner, and other eye makeup needs to be removed each night! I know that sounds basic, even insulting, but seriously, too many of us don’t do it. Ew. Leaving that stuff on your eyes makes it difficult, if not impossible for your lashes to breathe and your follicles to function. Depending on the type of mascara you are using, a micellar water, such as the one I have in my line, might be enough.

• Use a good eyelash serum. You condition your hair. You pamper your skin. Your eyelashes need nourishing, too. Some people are recommending straight castor oil to condition your lashes. This isn’t my favorite option, but it is better than nothing.

• Use a disposable lash wand to brush your lashes at least once a week. This will help them grow straighter (if you are like me, you have a few with minds of their own).

• Replace your mascara at least every three months. There is no way to keep bacteria out of that tube. Oh, and along those lines, never share your personal mascara, once that wand has been dipped back into the tube, sharing can result in cross-contamination.

• Not everyone is a candidate for eyelash extensions. I’m not. A few factors play in, such as sensitive eyes, being a side or stomach sleeper, or having an allergy to the glue (which you probably won’t know in advance.) Lash extensions also require special care and frequent maintenance. If you choose to go this route, make sure you fully trust your lash artist and check her training, certifications, sanitizing practices, and ask for before/after jobs she already did.

• Consider using a primer under your mascara. Apply, let dry, add mascara. Another option is to dust with corn or arrowroot powder between lashes. Do not use talcum powder, or scented powders for this.

• Choose the best mascara for you. Try to avoid using waterproof on a daily basis, choose water resistant instead. Like everything, some are better than others. I like lengthening fiber mascara and use #toribelle Siren 1-step fiber mascara. I tried all the others, and this won for me, hands down!

• Don’t like to be bothered with mascara? You still have options. Ask your esthetician to tint your lashes. She (or he) can tint them using a conditioning vegetal die, with a variety of colors from which to choose. I do this for my clients, and they love the results! Take it to the next level with a Keratin Lash Lift. OMG! This curls your lashes for up to 8 weeks, while strengthening and conditioning them. Over time, especially if you are using your lash serum, your lashes will grow longer and fuller. It’s a win-win!

• Last, but not least, my favorite: FALSE EYELASHES! I love them! But they are not all created equal. I do not care for adhesive glue, so that used to limit me from the start. I tried a variety of Then I found Tori Belle Cosmetics. The owner, invented and patented a unique magnetic eyeliner and eyelash system that is honestly amazing. They are a true game changer. Several styles allow you to mix it up to match your mood. Check them out here. (pssst… they are currently on sale right now at a huge savings.)

That’s it for now. Have fun winking with your new lashes!

Beautiful blessings, ~heather k.