Top Tips for Applying Mascara on Thinning Lashes

by Cathy Fletcher

As we get older a common struggle women in particular will notice is the thinning of their lashes.This is something many of us feel insecure about, however; with the right techniques your lashes can still look long and voluminous. This guide will give you several different tips and tricks to help you achieve those lashes you now only dream of, focusing on enhancing the natural lash whilst keeping them healthy. 

Start With Clean Lashes

Before you do anything, the first thing you should do is gently cleanse your eyes. Thinning lashes are usually more likely to stick together therefore even the smallest amount of leftover product can cause your lashes to clump together. A simple micellar water is perfect to cleanse your eye area without irritating sensitive areas. Once your eyes are clean you can also condition the lashes with a lash serum or even a primer to help the mascara last longer. Making sure your lashes are clean and prepped not only helps the mascara to go on smoother but also helps to maintain fuller lashes. 

Choose a Lightweight, Buildable Mascara Formula 

Choosing which type of mascara you use probably has one of the biggest impacts on creating that fuller look. Using a thick mascara can be too heavy on your lashes and cause them to droop and also clump together. You want a lightweight formula to keep the lift to your lashes and allows you to coat each lash evenly without any clumping. You can then build these coats to achieve a fuller look whilst lengthening and thickening more sparse areas. 

In addition, using a mascara which cares for your lashes is just as important as achieving the fuller look. Brands such as REFY Beauty, whose makeup is made up of gentle ingredients can make a real difference. Without the harsh additives it is less likely to cause further lash thinning and instead nourishes your lashes for long term lash health.  

Pick the Right Brush for Fine Lashes

The mascara brush you use is almost just as important as the formula when your lashes have become thinner. Narrow brushes tend to be the most effective as they are able to catch the finest hairs and give a full coating without piling too much mascara on them. Allowing you to get really close to the lash line which creates a fuller look from the base. 

Alternatively, you can use a curved wand to follow the natural eye shape so you can lift each lash as you put the mascara on. The separated bristles on a curved brush are perfect to give a fanned out look and prevent clumping. Choosing the right brush is essential to give your lashes the attention they need.

Master the Technique 

Now we know what kind of formula to use and what type of brush, now the technique. A personal favorite is the root wiggle technique. 

Step by step:

1. Place the wand right at the base of your lashes.
   
2. Gently wiggle it from side to side to deposit product at the roots.
   
3. Slowly pull the wand upward to coat the full length of each lash.

This technique deposits mascara along the lash line therefore creating a fuller look at the base without having to apply lots of layers.

Lightly Define Lower Lashes

Now the upper lashes are looking lovely and full, we can’t forget about the lower lashes. Using a really thin brush gently sweep the lower lashes, avoiding any smudging. Just a light layer can open the eyes straight away and create a balanced finish. 

Remove Mascara Carefully

Similarly to what we discussed at the beginning about prepping your lashes before you apply mascara, it is equally important to remove your mascara for the health of your lashes. The main point to take on board is to avoid any rubbing or tugging on your lashes as this can cause your lashes to thin further. Best practice is to use a gentle, oil based remover or you can use the same micellar water as you did for prepping to remove your mascara. It will only take a couple extra minutes at night but has a big impact on the health of your lashes over time. 

Conclusion 

When your lashes start to thin this doesn’t mean you can no longer have the long, luscious look you crave. With the right application techniques and formulas you can definitely achieve lashes that look filled and lifted. These tips not only protect lash health but also enhance any makeup look especially when paired with a soft smokey eye for added depth and dimension.