Lashing out

Sometimes nature needs a helping hand, particularly if your eyelashes are very short or pale to the point of invisibility. Here’s our round up of some of the latest products and local treatment options…

Scandinavian Biolabs, the natural hair growth experts, have an Eyelash Growth Serum which is 100% vegan. The plant-based serum with their proprietary, clinically tested Bio-Pilixin© formula helps to create fuller-looking lashes by stimulating the lash follicles to increase growth, while forming a nourishing, soothing and protective layer around each lash to increase strength and density. Ingredients include an amino acid complex and biotin – Vitamin B7 – which acts as a natural conditioning agent to maintain hydration, prevent breakage and improve hair quality. Amaranth adds gloss and shine while Capilia Longa is rich in plant growth factors, helps reactivate growth in dormant hair follicles while providing nourishment for optimal growth.

The serum is applied to clean skin, along the roots of the lashes, like an eyeliner. The eyes should be free of makeup or skincare products and the serum applied once or twice a day.  The best results are seen after four weeks or daily use.

It’s available from Sephora.co.uk and sacndinavianbiolabs.co.uk for £49. 

While a growth serum can enhance your lashes over a period of weeks and months, sometimes an instant result is required. Freeze Frame’s Instant Lash Extreme gives you the look of professional lash extensions with just the flick of your wrist. The heart shaped cushion fibres brush-on as easily as mascara, but the fibres attach themselves to your own lashes, lengthening and stretching outwards and upwards for your long, voluminous, fluffy lashes. You’ll find it at freeze-frame.co.uk for £38. 

If you’re confident and have a steady hand, you can do lash extensions at home with Velour’s DIY Lash Extension Kit. It’s a little fiddly at first, but with practice you can achieve salon quality lash extension results for five days, in less than 10 minutes. The lash extensions are water-resistant lash extensions are completely customisable so you get the look you want. Find the kit at Sephora.co.uk for £35. 

Fake lashes come in all shapes and sizes from wispy to Drag Race contestant, but if you’re for something that looks natural try Lilly Lashes Everyday Unveil Lashes, a reusable ultra-wispy light flare lash that gradually adds volume and length is perfect finishing touch for any daytime or soft glam look. They’re easy to apply, stay put and are simple to remove at the end of the day. You’ll find them at beautybay.com for £22.00.  

If you prefer to buy local, then Julia Stronach has her own range of faux lashes at jewelcosmetics.co.uk. She has some superb featherweight lashes and some striking reusable strip lashes that offer excellent quality for £7.25. She can also teach you how to apply them, as well as the rest of your makeup to flatter and rejuvenate. 

There are a number of effective salon treatments too. You’ll find LVL Lashes at Liana’s Beauty Company, Bloom Lifestyle and Treat Company in Inverallochy. Essentially, the lashes are set which curls them upwards, then tinted making them look longer and giving more emphasis to your eyes. All three also offer lash extension treatments where lash fibres are individually attached to your own lashes. The extensions will typically last for six to eight weeks, so it’s a great option for holiday and special events.