If the eyes are the window to the soul, then the drapes better be long, lush and beautiful – just saying. Though we all know mascara-ad status lashes are a gift bestowed upon very, very few (le sigh), that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything we can do to help the set nature gave us reach new heights. Applying falsies on a daily basis is out of the question (nor something that sounds like the best use of our time in the morning…we choose sleep!), so what’s a busy girl to do? Read on for our tips…

Pamper and Prep

The first step to longer lashes? Moisture. Just like the hair on your head can get weak and brittle without the proper care, your lashes need some extra love to help them reach their maximum potential. One of our favorite new lashes-pampering products is Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes, which contains ceramide, a moisturizing ingredient that also fortifies and nourishes lash fibers. Just smooth a drop of the product over your fingertips and swipe over your lashes. The lightweight consistency easily absorbs into your lashes and gives them an extra boost of moisture to grow long and healthy.

Up Your Mascara Game

Celebrity makeup artist Elle Leary suggests doubling up on mascara if you really want your lashes to stand out. “Use two different [mascara] formulas for volume and thickness,” she says. “Also, turn the brush vertical to get the bottom lashes and inner and outer ones on top. That way, they look fuller because every lash is coated.” If you just don’t have the time for two coats every day, just make sure you’re buying the right type of mascara that will do double duty; Leary suggests looking for “bristles that are thin and short, as well as spaced further apart.” We’re fans of Lancôme L'Extrême and Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara for an instant lengthening and volumizing effect. Here’s more advice on how to apply mascara the right way.

Be Gentle 

You wouldn’t scrub your hair so violently with shampoo that it starts falling out, would you? In the same way, your lashes need to be treated gently when you remove your makeup every night too. Though it can be satisfying to load up a cotton ball with makeup remover and scrub away, it’s important to use a gentle touch and avoid any extra tugging and pulling to prevent your lashes from falling out before their natural cycle. Instead, why not pull double-duty and find a cleanser that removes your makeup as well as deep cleans? Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a perfect everyday option that will clean your skin and remove your eye makeup in one pampering step.

What do you do when you want to step up your lash game? Tell us in the comments!

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