You can lengthen eyelashes with the right kind of mascara and a strong technique. False eyelashes can help to make lashes look longer or to fill in gaps where eyelashes no longer grow. Over-the-counter and even prescription eyelash treatments claim to help thicken and lengthen eyelashes. Even applying almond oil, or another gentle moisturizer such as petroleum jelly, can help eyelashes grow longer and stronger.
Using mascara doesn't actually lengthen eyelashes, but it can make them appear drastically longer, thicker, and curlier. For a longer-lashed appearance, a lengthening mascara is ideal. Those who want thicker or curlier lashes as well are generally advised to layer different types of mascara on their lashes.
A good lengthening mascara should typically contain nylon or other fibers. These fibers can extend somewhat beyond the ends of your natural eyelashes, allowing the mascara to make your eyelashes appear longer. Tubing mascaras can help make lashes look longer. These mascaras harden around each individual lash, forming tubes that can help to lengthen lashes and make them look longer.
When shopping for lengthening mascara, look for a brush that has separated bristles, rather than one where the bristles are dense and packed closely together. A dark shade, such as black, is usually recommended, as it can bring color to the tips of the lashes, which are often pale. Adding color to the pale tips of the lashes can make the true length of your lashes visible.
Applying false eyelashes can help your lashes appear longer. Strip lashes cover the entire width of the eyelid, and individual lashes can stand in where your natural eyelashes may no longer grow. False eyelashes should generally be the same shade as your natural eyelashes and should typically be trimmed to the same length. It's usually recommended that false eyelashes be applied to the lash line, rather than to the lashes themselves. Eyelash adhesive is typically used for this purpose.
A number of products claim to help lengthen eyelashes. Some recommend applying almond oil, petroleum jelly, or another gentle moisturizer directly to the eyelashes each night to lengthen and thicken them. Over-the-counter eyelash serums typically contain vitamins, amino acids, and moisturizers that claim to help thicken and lengthen eyelashes. A prescription product, Latisse®, may help eyelashes grow thicker, longer, and darker in color.