ince the time of the great Egyptian beauty Cleopatra, long dark thick eyelashes have signaled femininity in many cultures. Kohl, a mixture of soot and castor oil, was used to darken the eyelashes and eyelids to provide relief from the glare of the sun, and to enhance the wearer’s beauty. Today, thanks to the many options provided by improvements in the cosmetic industry, we no longer have to resort to soot to achieve the sultry look of luscious full lashes.

	A perm will curl the eyelashes up, giving the eye a larger, brighter appearance.

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are curved, synthetic eyelashes applied to give the appearance of longer, thicker, natural-looking eyelashes. Lash extensions are applied one eyelash as a time with a tweezer and a steady hand. It can take up to two hours to apply 30 lashes. Depending on the wearer, they may last up to two months. The treatments can be pricy, depending on in the prevailing rates in your area. Eyelash extensions eliminate the need for mascara, as the lashes will look lush, long, and thick without it, but water-based mascara can be used on them to accentuate the look. It’s safe to carry on with regular activities such as exercising and swimming while wearing extensions.

Eyelash Tinting

Eyelash tinting is a process that dyes the eyelashes to make them look darker. It is beneficial to those sensitive to cosmetics, contact lens wearers, and for anyone whose daily activity often results in running mascara. A patch test is done two days before the tinting appointment to test for allergic reactions to the dye. The tinting takes only 15 minutes and the results last approximately 4-6 weeks.

Eyelash Perms

An eyelash perm does not darken lashes or make them longer. A perm will curl the eyelashes up, giving the eye a larger, brighter appearance. The procedure is simple: while you recline a technician gently winds your eyelashes around a thin roller. A perming solution is applied and allowed to set. This process can take from 30 to 60 minutes, and the effect can last up to three months.

NOTE: Eyelash perms, tinting, and extensions should only be done in a salon by a certified professional.

Latisse

Latisse is a prescription treatment used to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. The product is made by Allergen, the makers of Botox. It affects the growth phase of the eyelash hair by stimulating more hairs to grow and lengthening the growth cycle. Latisse is applied once daily before bedtime. One drop of the clear liquid is bushed, much in the manner of liquid eyeliner, above the base of the eyelash on the upper lid only. Results are reported to show in about 8 weeks, but full results show between 12 and 16 weeks.

Side Effects of Latisse

Itching and redness may occur, but should last only for a several days to one or two weeks. There also may be skin hyperpigmentation—darkening of the skin—on the area the product is applied to. It may help those with hypotrichosis (having sparse or inadequate eyelashes), either by nature or by losing eyelashes from wearing and removing false eyelashes frequently. After discontinuation of the product, the eyelashes will return to their natural appearance within several weeks to several months.

Mascara

If you decide to go with good old-fashioned mascara, here are a few application tips:

• Do not pump the wand in the tube. This causes excess air inside and dries out the mascara.
• Powder your lashes prior to applying mascara, the product will cling better.
• To keep the eyelashes from clumping, blot the wand to remove excess product.
• Slightly warm your eyelash curler with a hair dryer, it will make the curl last a little longer.