

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.
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.
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.
"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.
And just like that, you've got bat-worthy fringe the natural way.
Makeup by Miguel Lledo at Artlist NYC. Photography by Kathryn Wirsing.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Despite It All, King Charles Absolutely “Refuses” to Strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of Their Duke and Duchess of Sussex Titles
The reason is poignant.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry Will Miss Britain’s “Wedding of the Year” Because of Continued Rift With the Royal Family, Royal Expert Reports
The groom, the Duke of Westminster, is one of Prince Archie’s godparents.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate and Two of Her Kids Shake Off a Rough Week By Visiting the Set of Kate’s Favorite TV Show
As one does when one is the Princess of Wales!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender