3 At-Home Treatments That Are Like Eyelash Extensions In a Bottle

So grab your mascara, serum, and curler, and scroll through for the pros best tips on how to trick the world into thinking you just got your lashes done—no actual trip to the salon required.

1. Find the right mascara

Shop now: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, $29

When extensions aren't an option, finding the right mascara is key. "Look for a full brush for a more fluttery effect which will give the look of having just had your lashes done," says celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas. She recommends L'Oréal Paris Voluminous ($10) for dramatic, sky scraper lashes, and Lune+Aster Stratosphere ($20) for a fuller fringe. To really up the oomph, start with a lash curler, then "apply the mascara in a back and forth motion to amp up the root and drag out to the tips of the lash to create lift and separation," says Thomas. This two-product combination is like a lash tint and lift all in one.

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2. Use a lash conditioner

Shop now: Grandelash-MD Eyelash Enhancing Serum Lash Growth Liquid, $30

Though products can do their part in helping you fake longer lashes, it's also important to keep your natural ones healthy. "We absolutely feel nourishing the lashes are important, just like our body needs certain vitamins," says Rochelle Magno, VaultBeauty member and owner of The Lash Gallery in NYC, who recommends looking for over-the-counter growth serums packed with biotin. Thomas is a fan of GrandeLash ($30), which works to amp up your natural lashes. Use it often enough, and you may not need extensions ever again.

3. Try some falsies on for size

Shop now: Loveseen Noor Black Lash, $22

If your natural lashes aren't quite giving you the drama you desire, it's time to just go for it. "Strip lashes are great alternatives to mascara, to provide the length a volume appearance," says Mago. And while it may be intimidating to apply them yourself, there are a few things you can do to ensure you're getting it right. "The key to applying false lashes at home is to stick with strips or clusters, use a small amount of glue and to make sure the glue is tacky from air-drying for about 15 to 20 seconds so that there is faster adhesion," says Thomas. "The easiest way to apply them is to tilt your chin up towards the mirror so that you’re looking down the bridge of your nose into the mirror. If you apply it while you’re looking down into the mirror you can see what you’re doing while you are doing it." And hard as it may be, try to keep your eyes open during the process because closing them will lead to "a pucker at the lash line which will cause pulling and pinching and an overall uncomfortable lash experience," says Thomas.

For more tips on getting pro-grade makeup at home, check out the video below. 

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