Eyelashes

Eyelashes outline the edges of the eyes and contribute to their expression. Their visibility depends on their length, but also on their color, their number and the direction in which they grow. Naturally present eyelashes can enhance the look of a man without special makeup. Before trying to lengthen them, look at what makes them barely visible: their shape, their color or a real lack of density.

What changes their appearance

Length and density

The length corresponds to what protrudes from the eyelid; density, the number of eyelashes distributed on its edge. Long but spaced eyelashes therefore do not give the same result as a full line of shorter eyelashes. For a natural look, it is better to preserve the existing eyelashes than to seek maximum length or perfect symmetry between the two eyes.

Research on digitally altered faces has found a preference for intermediate lengths rather than extremes. This does not provide a measurement to reproduce on your face: the images studied, the shape of the eyes and the preferences of the observers matter. The third-party report sometimes cited in studies should not become a cutting instruction.

Curvature and color

A downward-facing eyelash may appear short from the front when it is not. A slight curvature makes it more visible, while a very pronounced curvature gives a more polished effect. Likewise, blonde eyelashes can be long without drawing a dark line. Styling can change their orientation, but it doesn't darken them or add new lashes.

Protection for the eyes

Air, dust and contact

Eyelashes help protect the surface of the eye. In particular, Amador and his colleagues' experiments show that they modify air flow and can reduce evaporation and particle deposition. This role does not mean that they must be artificially lengthened: their natural location already forms a useful border, which too aggressive maintenance can damage.

Renewal and fragility

Eyelashes are renewed from follicles located in the eyelid. Unusual shedding can have several causes, including local inflammation or repeated pulling. Cutting eyelashes does not remedy a lack of density. If an area suddenly becomes bald, or if eyelashes rub against the eye, you must first understand the cause rather than masking the problem with a growth product.

Choose a suitable approach

Put the eyelashes back in place

For lashes that cross over or descend, start with gentle styling and, if necessary, a slight curl. Eyelash grooming explains the gestures with a bottle brush and an eyelash curler. If their direction already suits you, there is nothing to correct: their natural length does not, in itself, make them feminine.

Grow eyelashes

Bimatoprost presents a drug capable of increasing the length and visibility of eyelashes. Its effectiveness is not enough to make it a routine treatment: access is medical and the adverse effects can affect the eyelids and eyes. We do not favor it for improving normal eyelashes. A serum sold as cosmetic should not automatically be considered harmless either.

Sources

  1. New research: Beauty is in the eye(lash) of the beholder - UBC Department of Psychology (new tab)
  2. amador.gatech.edu · rsif20141294.pdf (new tab)
  3. Madarosis - EyeWiki (new tab)
  4. LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% (new tab)
  5. health.ec.europa.eu · 55295a0e-1aa8-4380-a8db-84ecf85b711c_en (new tab)

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