The eyes have it, and thick lashes certainly enhance them. If you have naturally thin eyelashes, wear contact lenses, or don't want to deal with smudged mascara during swimming or workouts, here are a few ways to thicken your lashes.
Cosmetic surgery
Micropigmentation is a somewhat permanent application. While many aestheticians in North America are licensed to perform this tattooing, it's better to let a trained medical professional do the job. First, a numbing cream is applied to the lids. Then the specialist uses tiny needles to apply the pigment between the lashes, making them look fuller and darker. The procedure takes about an hour. The lid may scab for about a week afterwards, just like when you get a tattoo. But you won't have to wear mascara again for months.
Cost: $350-$500
Non-surgical alternatives
Many spas perform lash tinting, but it's best for fair-haired people, since it's a colouring (not thickening) treatment and the effects aren't generally as noticeable on dark-haired clients. Vaseline is applied under the eye to prevent staining, and the dye is mixed with a low-dosage (about 3 percent) developer to activate it without risk of burning and left on the lashes for 15 minutes. The effects last about 3 to 4 weeks.
Cost: $25-$35 per session
Do-it-yourself
Semi-permanent lash tint
In Canada, Revlon is the first cosmetic company to create an alternative to tinting. The ColorStay Overtime Lash Tint contains silicone polymers, which form an invisible base that causes pigments to adhere to lashes for up to three days. You apply one coat to lashes, just like mascara, and let it dry for a few minutes. The tint will fade in approximately three days.
Cost: $10.95
