eyelash growth

Whether you like your lashes long and natural or thick and glamorous, we’ve found the best product out there for you.

Long, luscious eyelashes are pretty, flirty and captivating at the same time. even the most simple make-up applications look more complete with full, defined lashes. whether you’re a natural beauty or a glamour girl, there is a mascara (and lash renewal product) out there for your eyelash needs. For best results, start with healthy lashes.

Eyelash Renewal

Some of us were born with amazing eyelash genes, but for those who were not so fortunate, there are eyelash-nourishing and -fortifying products. these products can actually improve the overall growth and volume of your fringes and are ideal (and safe) for those who have lost some or all of their eyelashes or have been through chemotherapy. If used correctly, as in every evening on clean skin (missing a day or two can actually interrupt the growth cycle, so commitment to the treatment is essential), you will begin to see the results in about four weeks. some may notice the results even sooner. (Frugalbits tip: the treatments can also work wonders on sparse eyebrows.)

MY PICKS FOR LASH GROWTH

Best: RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum, about $60

I was very impressed with this product. it may be a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth the splurge: I personally saw a difference within two weeks.RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum is available online at www.rapidlash.com and at many Shoppers Drug Mart Locations

Best On A Budget: L’Oreal Lash Serum, from $16

This product contains similar ingredients and is far less expensive. the results aren’t quite as incredible, but it is definitely a worthy substitute. L’Oreal also makes Double Extend Mascara, a mascara/primer duo which contains the lash serum.L’Oreal Lash Serum is available at London Drugs, Pharmasave, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart and Superstore

Mascara

Mascara is an extremely personal product, like fragrance and shoes, so it’s difficult to say that there is one above all the others. instead of providing a textbook answer, I have broken down the mascara into 2 categories: lengthening (long, feathery, soft but buildable lashes) and volumizing (full, thick, glamourous lashes). Lengthening mascaras are a thinner consistency and offer definition and separation. Volumizing mascaras are a thicker, more creamy consistency and coat each individual lash more densely giving a “false eyelash” effect.

If you tend to go for a more natural look, opt for a lengthening mascara. If you like provocative peepers, choose a volumizing mascara. If you have short, barely-there lashes, try a lengthening mascara because the brushes tend to be thinner and easier to get at those superfine hairs without making as much of a mess.

MY PICKS FOR LENGTH

Best: Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara, $31

This mascara has been ranked #1 for over a decade. I have personally used this mascara for almost 10 years on myself and many of my clients. (For those of us who want a great lengthening mascara as well as a lash treatment, Lancome makes Definicils Precious Cells Nourishing Mascara, $34.)Lancome Definition Mascara is available at Holt Renfrew, Sears, the Bay and at many London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart locations

Best On A Budget: L’Oreal Telescopic clean Definition Mascara, from $13

The synthetic brush may seem weird, but once it gets comfortable, you will see just how quickly and easily it lengthens and separates your lashes, saving you precious minutes on your morning routine.L’Oreal Telescopic clean Definition Mascara is available at London Drugs, Pharmasave, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart and Superstore

MY PICKS FOR VOLUME

Best: It’s a tie between Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara and Dior Diorshow Backstage Makeup Mascara, $31 each

Hypnose offers a thinner formula for superior coating in the moment or even hours later. Diorshow has a huge brush that acts like a giant roller to push the lashes up, and the formula is quite wet, which makes it easy to layer.Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara is available at Holt Renfrew, Sears, the Bay, and at many London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart Locations; Dior Diorshow Backstage Makeup Mascara is available at Holt Renfrew, Sephora, the Bay and at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations

For Hypnose Hotties On A Budget: Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Mascara, about $11

Great lash just got greater. the formula layers and wears wonderfully, and the thin but wide brush is ideal for lash sculpting. For an inexpensive mascara, I think it’s fabulous.Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Mascara is available at London Drugs, Pharmasave, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart and Superstore

For Diorshow Divas Counting their Cash: Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara, about $11

Revlon has never really been that well known for its mascaras, but I think this product is very comparable to Diorshow. the brush is nice and big, and there is a lash treatment in the formula.Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara is available at London Drugs, Pharmasave, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart and Superstore

And A Few More Things

There is one more mascara that I believe deserves some credit. We’ve all seen the advertisements for Cover Girl’s LashBlast franchise, and honestly both the LashBlast and LashBlast Length mascaras are affordable and decent—and they are eating up a huge chunk of the market share. their newest addition, LashBlast Fusion, is a new personal favourite.

Worth considering: Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, around $11

Cover Girl’s new genius innovation combines their flexible lengthening formula with their famous big synthetic brush. This revolutionary new hybrid combines the best of both worlds: a great choice for anyone, whether natural, glamourous or somewhere in between.Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion Mascara is available at London Drugs, Pharmasave, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart and Superstore

Frugalbits tip: For maximum volume and conditioning, use a mascara primer to bulk up the lashes and then you won’t have to apply as much mascara. and, just for the record, ANY mascara you choose will always give more volume in a waterproof formula. Also, for hygienic reasons, mascaras should be replaced every three months.

Photo: photoxpress.com

Best Mascaras For Every Taste And Budget