A short time ago, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I saw a meme so on the money, I reflexively tagged my most beauty-obsessed friend. "That moment when you only have on mascara and some asks you if you're wearing fake lashes," read the text alongside an image of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Ashley Banks, gleefully clutching her chest in delight.
It instantaneously struck a chord with me as, in my mind, it was what many women would consider a compliment of the highest order. So, it's with these #lashgoals in mind that we sought out to, once and for all, determine how to get the longest, most lust-worthy lashes without having to pack on the falsies. All you need? An eyelash curler, primer, black (and possibly brown) mascara, and return compliments at the ready.
Step 1: Curl. Never skip the curl.
Using a classic eyelash curler, curl each set of lashes by *gently* bending at the base of the lash and holding for a few seconds.
Step 2: Primer is key.
Before you apply mascara, using a primer is key. The product will grab more of the mascara pigment for thicker lashes—AKA, more bang for your stroke.
Step 3: Apply *multiple* coats of mascara.
"To lengthen lashes, find a wand with lots of teeth bound close together," explains makeup artist Miguel Lledo. "This will reach the lash roots and extend the hair as much as possible to lengthen and separate lashes." Apply between 2-3 coats of mascara per eye, letting the layers dry to avoid clumping.
For extra oomph (and to further illusion of thicker lashes), you can apply a layer of brown mascara before applying black mascara, and use brown eyeliner to the upper inner rim of the eye.
The Finished Look
And just like that, you've got bat-worthy fringe the natural way.
Makeup by Miguel Lledo at Artlist NYC. Photography by Kathryn Wirsing.
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