General Eyelash Care:
How to care for the delicate lashes that protect the eyes

Also: Fake eyelashes? Why You Don't Need Them

Eyelashes, those fine pieces of hair that grow from both the upper and lower eyelid, serve more purpose than just framing the eyes or making them appear larger or more attractive. The eyelashes also do the all important job of helping to keep the eyes protected, keeping debris from reaching the delicate surface of the eye.

Although much like all of the other hairs that appear on other parts of the body, eyelashes do fall out and will grow back again, usually anywhere from six to eight weeks or so on average, but by taking a bit of extra care, you'll ensure you have a healthy set of beautiful eyelashes for as long as possible.

Gently Cleansing the Face Helps Eyelashes

All too often, women make the mistake of thinking they have to scrub the face to remove dirt, oils, or makeup. If you find yourself needing to rub the eyes in order to remove mascara or eye makeup at the end of the day, you're definitely not using the right type of product. Eye makeup should come off rather easily, with minimal effort on your part so as to protect both the skin and the eyes. Besides running the risk of tearing the thin and delicate skin that surrounds the eye and also increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you'll be pulling out and breaking the eyelashes if you rub the eyes too hard, either for cleaning purposes or due to irritations and discomfort.

Use a cleanser specifically intended for removing eye makeup along with a few cotton balls or pads to clean away the mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. Some people find that plain baby oil actually works best for them rather than expensive commercial products. Keeping the eyes closed, gently rub the cotton back and forth over the lids, never pulling or tugging, and then rinse away any residue with warm water.

Makeup and Eyelash Care

One of the best things you can do for your eyelashes, as well as the rest of your face, is to never go to bed with your makeup still on. Leaving mascara on overnight may not only cause the lashes to break, but it may also lead to eye irritation or infection.

If you plan on using eyelash extensions, be sure you're not allergic to the adhesives used, and take extra care while both applying and removing them to avoid pulling out your natural lashes. Instead of extensions, a simple eyelash curler and the right mascara can also help you to achieve the same glamorous effect.

One trick to help curl your lashes even more is to put the curler under the hair dryer for a few seconds, usually 10 to 20 will be enough as you don't want it to become too hot and burn your lids or lashes. Always curl lashes that are clean and free from all makeup to avoid breakage and use the curler as close to the lid as possible, hold for five seconds, and then release.

Caring for your eyelashes doesn't have to involve any lengthy regimens, as some gentle care and common sense are really all that's needed to keep yours looking their absolute best.

Also: Eyelash Makeup Tips, Mascara Tips