How to Protect Your Eyelashes with Mascara

Big, bold lashes are in. Which means that piling on the mascara, opting for falsies and even getting eyelash extensions have all become the norm for eyelash-loving beauty junkies. But sometimes these methods of lash intensity don’t have the best effect on your eyelash health. That’s why picking the right mascara, and taking care of your lashes, is more important than ever.

Pick your mascara wisely

It happens to everyone: You go to take off your mascara and you see more lashes come off with it than you care to admit. It’s important to always be gentle with removal but also make sure you choose a mascara that isn’t going to damage your lashes any further. If you choose a mascara that includes a primer, you will not only nail the look (volume! length!) but also add another layer between your lashes and the mascara.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara includes a primer, which is black so you don’t have to worry about any two-toned lashes, plus, it’s going to give your lashes that extreme look—no falsies necessary. This is good news because falsies can damage your own natural lashes.

It’s also a great idea to pick a fibre mascara. You get that bold look thanks to fibres in the mascara that add length and volume to your lashes for a stunning bombshell look. The best mascara for volume is always a fibre mascara, because it literally adds lashlike volume to your own lashes.

Got the right mascara? Follow these tips to keep your lashes healthy.

1. Use eyelash curlers sparingly.

While eyelash curlers can give the appearance of longer lashes and make your mascara that much more impactful, if you’re not careful when using them, you can end up pulling out or even breaking your lashes. This happens if the curler itself is too sharp or if you don’t use it gently enough. If you don’t want to abandon your eyelash curler completely, make sure that you pick one with plenty of padding and that you have the curler completely open before pulling it away from your eye after curling—you’d be surprised how often people pull out their own lashes accidentally.

2. Avoid using false lashes.

False lashes are great for special occasions and when you need a quick and easy way to amp up your look. But they also require glue, and applying or removing them can sometimes damage your own lashes. If you are using false lashes, make sure to apply the glue to the lash band and then place it on your lash line—not on your lashes themselves. When removing them, make sure that you dissolve the glue with the right makeup remover and then tug on the false lashes gently until they come away from your lid easily. Never pull them off without doing this step or you could pull out a bunch of your own lashes too.

3. Condition your lashes.

The easiest way to ensure that your lashes grow long and strong is to treat them like you would any hair—with moisture and vitamins. It’s a little more difficult with your lashes being so close to your eyes, so the best way to condition them is by using a specific lash serum to condition and strengthen your fringe like L’Oréal Paris Lash Serum Solution.

4. Always remove your makeup before bed.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but there’s a very good reason to remove your makeup before bed when it comes to your lashes. If you go to bed with mascara on, the mascara itself could become flaky or even brittle—and when it inevitably flakes off (due to tugging from your pillow or your own tossing and turning), there’s a good chance that your lashes will go with it. So remember: Always remove your mascara.

5. Avoid touching or pulling your lashes.

Again, this one seems simple enough, but we’re often not even aware that we’re doing it. Rubbing your eyes, pulling at your lids and generally pulling or prodding your eye area can definitely impact your lashes. This could include fallout, breakage and general discomfort. Don’t touch your face, but really don’t mess with your eyes.