Want Fuller Lashes After 50? Two DIY Tricks That Make Eyes Look Bigger and Brighter Fast

Nobody warns you that your eyelashes shed and thin with age, just like the hair on your head. The reason? New lashes take longer to grow in and replace the ones you lose, leaving you with a sparser, shorter fringe that can make your eyes look tired even when you feel rested. Luckily, two makeup-artist-approved tricks can give you fuller lashes fast, without a pricy salon visit. The first is a viral layering technique called mascara cocktailing, and the second is an at-home lash lift that lasts for weeks. Here’s how to make them both work for you.

What is mascara cocktailing for fuller lashes?

Mascara cocktailing is exactly what it sounds like—a mix of multiple products. Instead of swiping on one formula and calling it a day, you layer two different mascaras to stack benefits you can’t get from a single tube. Most mascaras do one job well. They’re labeled lengthening, thickening, volumizing or curling, and very few deliver on more than one promise. Layering lets you cheat the system to fake fuller lashes fast.

“By layering different mascaras, you’re basically concocting the perfect recipe for your lashes that gives them more volume, extra length or even curls,” says makeup artist Amy Zdunowski-Roeder, who has worked with Kristen Wiig and Malin Akerman. “It’s like giving your lashes a little boost of confidence, sparkle and a dash of dazzle all at once!”

Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, whose clients include Diane Kruger and Jessica Biel, is also a fan. “I have been a huge fan of ‘cocktailing’ mascaras for a very long time because sometimes when you layer products on the eyes, you get a really gorgeous hybrid effect,” he says. “It helps create layers of texture in really beautiful ways to make my clients’ eyes pop.”

Which mascaras to pair for your lash type

Makeup artist David Maderich, who has worked with stars like Patti LaBelle and Kim Basinger, has a simple mascara cocktail formula based on what your lashes need most:

• Short, thin lashes: Start with a lengthening mascara to stretch lashes as far as they’ll go, then add a volumizing formula on top for depth and thickness.
• Long, thin lashes: Lead with a thickening mascara to add oomph from roots to tips. Follow with a thinner, non-clumping formula to separate and define.
• Short, thick lashes: Begin with a curling mascara for lift, then layer on a lengthening formula to stretch lashes sky-high.

One caution from Zdunowski-Roeder: “Ensure that the mascaras you choose are compatible with one another to avoid clumping or flaking when layered.” And skip fiber-based mascaras when cocktailing—Maderich says those lash-thickening fibers work best alone and tend to clump when mixed.

How to cocktail mascara for fuller lashes

These three steps couldn’t be easier:

1. Prep. Start with clean, dry lashes. For extra lift, curl them first or coat with a clear lash primer.
2. Layer one. Apply a thin, even coat of your first mascara. Let it dry for one to two minutes so it binds to lashes before you add more.
3. Layer two. Apply a thin coat of your second mascara. Use a clean wand or lash comb to separate any lashes that stick together, then let everything dry fully.

The longer-lasting trick to fuller lashes: a DIY lash lift

Mascara is great for fuller lashes in minutes, but at the end of the day, it washes off. A lash lift doesn’t—which is why it’s become a go-to for women who want fuller lashes without reaching for a tube every morning. A lash lift is a semi-permanent chemical treatment that curls lashes upward from the base, making eyes look bigger, brighter and more awake.

The process “changes the pH level of your lashes,” explains Christy Calafati, salon owner at The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, California. That opens the cuticle so lashes can hold a new, lifted shape. Lifts typically last six to eight weeks, until your natural lashes shed and new ones grow in.

They’re especially flattering on mature eyes. “Lash lifts are great for women in their 50s and above,” says Calafati. “This treatment provides lift and a refreshed look for tired eyes.” Claire Larsen, Global Master Educator for Revitalash Cosmetics, agrees: “Your lashes are more curled and lifted, darker, shinier and overall eye-popping and beautiful!”

Doing a lash lift safely at home

A salonlash  lift can run $50 to $120, while at-home kits cost around $40. That’s a real savings, but one that comes with risk if you rush it. Our experts recommend getting a professional lift first so you understand the process, then follow these steps at home:

1. Choose a quality kit from a reputable beauty source.
2. Patch test the solutions to check for sensitivities before applying anywhere near your eyes.
3. Cleanse lashes thoroughly with a gentle makeup remover wipe. Any leftover oil or makeup can throw off the results.
4. Read the instructions carefully and take your time applying solutions to avoid drips.
5. Set a timer. Leaving the chemicals on too long can dry lashes out and make them brittle enough to break.
6. Rinse and nourish. After the process, cleanse lashes and finish with a lash serum or oil to condition.

Done right, either trick—or both together—can take your lashes from thin to full fast, and give your whole face a lift in the process.

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