Coat, curl or extend: Your guide to longer, more defined lashes

Good lashes are the holy grail for every beauty lover. Once you have found your favourite lash enhancing technique, it will change your beauty routine forever.

For those with regular lashes, the transformation created by artfully applied lash extensions is nothing short of revolutionary. After the initial application they will need to be in-filled every two to three weeks and, as with all things beauty, finding the perfect practitioner is key.

At the recent Givenchy spring/summer shows in Paris, make-up director Lucia Pieroni channelled Y2K beauty trends with models sporting chunky top and bottom lashes.Credit: snapperimages.com

The stylists at Amy Jean, which has salons in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, are favoured by many a lash lover. They use an advanced single-strand technique, applying synthetic lashes one by one to individual natural lashes, and the whole process takes an hour. A full set starts at $160, with in-fills costing $80.

Amy Jean herself has a few salient tips about lash extensions: “The most common misconception is to not wet them. Wash daily with an oil-free gel cleanser such as Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel ($75) and flush them under the shower. Comb them daily with a spoolie brush to avoid tangling and never use waterproof mascara as you’ll need to rub aggressively to remove it and this damages the extensions.”

To keep your real lashes healthy beneath the extensions, apply a lash-growth serum (one with peptides, antioxidants or prostaglandins) as close to the lash line as possible. Try The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum ($24.60).

Also recommended is a collagen supplement for hair and skin; we love Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost ($49).

Another in-salon service which is a game-changer is the lash lift – it’s a bit like a curling perm for your lashes and can be combined with a lash tint for extra oomph. This treatment is perfect for those averse to the maintenance required by lash extensions.

For non-salon options, make-up artists swear by the eye-opening effects of curling lashes: our favourite is Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($33). Then reach for your favourite mascara; our current obsessions are Nars Climax ($21) and Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume ($11).

When applying mascara, always swipe directly up to your brows, not to the side. Coat the tops of your lashes first and then lift your brow to give best access to the roots of your upper lashes. And don’t forget the little feathery ones on the inner corner of your eye.

Ask Steph

What can I do about my very dry skin?
With winter on the horizon, focus on skincare that incorporates ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and rich emollients that can help prevent moisture loss. Our pick is Embryolisse Lait Crème ($36).

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