Fake Eyelashes Are Outdated In 2024 - Our Tips To Maximize Your Natural Lashes

After a surge in popularity in the early 2020s, fake eyelashes have landed on the "not hot" list. This change may come as a rude shock to anyone who's finally found the perfect falsies for their eye shape, but when you consider the shift from heavy and dramatic makeup to the minimalist clean-girl craze throughout 2023, it makes sense. "I think we're going to see an influx of people ditching false lashes and sticking to brown and black mascara on their natural lash hair," LYS Beauty founder Tisha Thompson tells Who What Wear.

Indeed, 2024 is the year we learn how to make our natural lashes pop without strips, individuals, or extensions (and that goes for both classic and hybrid varieties). A barely there vibe may be in favor, but that doesn't mean long, healthy lashes have completely gone out the window. We're just swapping the artificial for the natural, because, as Thompson added, "It gives a refreshing, youthful look to the face for those wanting to lean into that effortless makeup look." 

Rather than relying on artificial means, you can emphasize your lashes by working with growth serums, committing to proper eye hygiene and makeup removal, and nourishing your lashes from the inside out. By encouraging eyelash growth, enhancing the lashes you already have, and abandoning elements that may cause unnecessary lash fall, you'll achieve the perfect breezy look to complement your no-makeup aesthetic.

Growing your lashes to their longest and thickest potential is the obvious answer to making them shine. Unfortunately, despite the long list of "growing hacks" online, there's only one tried, tested, and FDA-approved way to stimulate eyelash growth: an active ingredient known as bimatoprost, found in the prescription product Latisse. "It works by lengthening the time the follicle stays in the growth phase," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King explained to Byrdie.

That said, there are other lash serums that contain ingredients believed to work similarly to bimatoprost, but their side effects aren't fully understood. On this, assistant professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Ilyse Haberman, M.D., explained to Cosmopolitan, "Some nonprescription lash serums actually do contain similar growth ingredients, such as isopropyl cloprostenate, but these aren't FDA-regulated or approved."

Given its FDA certification, Latisse is the safest option when it comes to lash serums, but it can still have side effects. Temporary side effects include eye irritation and darkening of the eyelids, while one permanent side effect that has been noted, particularly when bimatoprost was used as a treatment for glaucoma in eye drop form, is blue and hazel irises turning brown. However, overall, it's considered a safe prescription product. 

Diet and supplements won't miraculously make your eyelashes grow long and thick like a prescription lash serum might, but nourishing your body from the inside out will ensure that your body hairs grow at a healthy rate. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids are important for steady hair and lash growth, so make sure you eat plenty of fatty fish, chia seeds, and walnuts. A sufficient amount of protein is also vital for hair growth, and you can get it from lentils, lean meats, eggs, and Greek yogurt.

A blood test can help you identify what nutrients you may be lacking, and if diet alone isn't allowing you to get the nutrition you need, you can add supplements to your routine. Biotin has been linked to hair growth — but only for those who already have a deficiency, per a 2017 study published in Skin Appendage Disorders. In other words, if you're already getting enough biotin — which can have some sneaky side effects, including an increased risk of acne breakouts — taking supplements won't impact your lashes. 

Other vitamins and nutrients that can promote hair growth include iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. But again, supplements will only make a difference if you're deficient. It's best to check with your doctor before adding hair growth supplements to your diet, as they may interact with any medications you take.

A huge part of making lashes look their best is looking after them like you would any other body part. Of course, that includes taking off your makeup properly. Eye makeup that's left on or not removed efficiently can lead to residue buildup, which can weaken your lashes. Best-case scenario, they'll look limp under the leftover makeup, but in the worst case, this can actually lead to your lashes falling out. There's still space for a light layer of neutral mascara in a clean-girl look, but steer clear of brands and products that irritate your eyes, as these can lead to premature lash shedding.

When giving your lashes the TLC they deserve, ensure you wash your face (and eyes) regularly even if you don't wear makeup, and frequently brush your lashes with a clean spoolie. This helps keep them from clumping or holding onto trapped dirt. You'll also want to be especially careful if using an eyelash curler since incorrect technique can tug on your natural lashes. To that end, try not to rub or tug at them when wiping off makeup or washing your face.

A lot of lash growth tips involve oils, including coconut oil. Unfortunately, there's little to no evidence that topical oils can stimulate lash growth on their own, so they won't be powerful enough to actually make your lashes longer or cause new lashes to sprout for a fuller lash line. But keeping your lashes moisturized with certain oils can make them appear longer and fuller. "Moisturizing your lashes gives them a healthier, thicker and stronger appearance," board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick told Shape.

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, enabling the lash to absorb it properly. So, it may help provide a barrier of protection for the lashes against dirt and other impurities that may irritate or weaken them. It's also thought to lessen protein loss. Along with coconut oil, castor oil is regularly recommended as an ingredient your lashes will love. Rich in fatty acids, it can hydrate the skin and lashes, and it's well-known for not clogging pores, too.

Life gets stressful sometimes, and sadly, no button on our bodies can magically switch stress off. But stress being inevitable doesn't change the fact that it has damaging effects on physical health, including compromising healthy hair and lash growth. "Stress can increase cortisol levels, inhibiting hair follicle growth and increasing shedding," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green explained to Shape. 

Stress can also lead you to miss out on sleep, which Dr. Green confirms is crucial for your body to recover and regenerate. One night of missed sleep or a stressful day in the office won't necessarily render your eyelids bald, but continued raised cortisol levels and a prolonged lack of sleep can lead to lash fall and prevent regular growth, destroying your natural lash dreams.

If stress is taking a toll on your body, it may be time to take up a hobby that can improve your mental health, like journaling or reading. There are also things you can do to relieve stress while simultaneously amping up your beauty routine, like a facial massage. "Once the stressors are managed, the hair will subsequently respond by not shedding further and eventually regrow," board-certified dermatologist Christine M. Shaver, M.D., revealed to MindBodyGreen. By eliminating as much stress as possible and prioritizing self-care, you can help your lashes reach their maximum potential and look as beautiful as nature intended.