When it comes to enhancing your feminine look, there’s a little detail that can make a huge difference – your eyelashes!
Long lashes make your eyes look bigger and brighter, which gives your face an overall more feminine and attractive look.
In other words, lashes are a girl’s best friend! This is especially true if you’re a crossdresser or transgender woman.
Sure, you already know about the basics like mascara and false lashes. But are you aware of all the latest ways to give your eyelashes serious sex appeal?
In this post, I’ll share 6 eyelash innovations that will transform your face as part of your MTF makeover. Let’s dive in!
1. Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions are a huge beauty trend right now and it’s easy to see why. Extensions can give you gorgeous, lush lashes without needing a drop of mascara.
When it comes to cost, an initial set of eyelash extensions can range from $100 to $500. After that, maintenance involves touch-ups or refills every 2-4 weeks, running you $75 or more.
While the treatment is pricey and time consuming (the lashes must be applied one-by-one), most lash lovers will tell you it’s worth the investment.
2. Lash Lift and Tint
As an alternative to eyelash extensions, you could consider a lash lift, also known as a lash perm. A lash lift involves using a semi-permanent chemical treatment to curl your lashes.
If you want even more noticeable effects, you can combine the lash lift with a tint for mascara-like results. This generally costs around $100 or more.
When compared to extensions, a lash lift and tint offers a more natural outcome and is considerable less expensive.
3. Latisse
Want long lashes without the hassle of extensions or false eyelashes? Latisse might be the option you’re looking for.
Latisse is an FDA-approved treatment for growing eyelashes. It increases the growth phase of your eyelashes, causing them to grow thicker, longer, and darker. Most people see dramatic results within 12 weeks. (Read reviews here.)
The Latisse kit costs around $130, but since it must be dispensed by a doctor, you also have to factor in the cost of the office visit.
4. Lash Growth Serum
Another option for enhancing your natural lashes is to use a non-prescription lash growth serum. These products contain ingredients that stimulate eyelash growth.
While the results might not be as dramatic as Latisse, the price is right. Here are some popular lash growth products to consider:
- Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum ($36)
- RapidLash Eyelash-Enhancing Serum ($35)
- RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner ($100)
5. Mascara Primer
Similar to other makeup primers, a mascara primer serves as a preparation step for your lashes before applying mascara.
It creates a smooth base for mascara application and also boosts lash volume and length, resulting in fuller, longer-looking lashes.
Ready to explore mascara primers? Here are a few you might want to try:
- Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer ($28)
- Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Mascara Primer ($24)
- L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer ($10.99)
6. Fiber Mascara
Finally, if you just want a quick and easy way to get big, sexy lashes, try a fiber mascara.
These are mascaras that contain special fibers that bind together to build out the lashes. It’s like having the effect of false eyelashes, all from the convenience of a mascara.
Here are some highly-rated and affordable fiber mascaras worth checking out:
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara ($13)
- Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ($5)
- COVERGIRL The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara ($7)
Don’t forget your lashes!
Eyelashes might be a small detail, but as you can see, they can be a big part of your MTF makeover.
Have you tried any of these eyelash innovations? If so, what did you think? Do you have any other lash recommendations to pass along?
I’d love to hear from you, so please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Want to master the basics before moving onto advanced eyelash techniques? Try The Makeup Magic Program!
Discover specialized male to female makeup techniques that will bring out the beauty and femininity of your face.
Don’t forget the eyebrows. Doing them well really enhances a feminine look
Hi Lucille,
Thanks for the eyelash tips and I agree that having beautiful lashes makes a girl look sensational. I’ve never used serum but I may check it out. My eye makeup routine consists of Loreal telescopic mascara and sometimes I use false eyelashes to add density to my pretty femminine lashes. Trying new things and seeing what works is always a good way to find your best look.
Thanks for the tips. I’m definitely going to try the Rimmel lash serum. I’ve always felt like my eyes are one of my best features so I make sure my lashes are as good as I can get them. I’ve been using Rimmel Scandal Eyes mascara for a couple of years and just picked up some Cover Girl Lash Blast volumizing mascara. Both are excellent, but I’m 65 and my lashes aren’t as full as they were when I was 15, so the lash serum sounds like it might help.
Thanks so much for your help to the TG community. I wish I could convince every trans woman to subscribe to your newsletter. My mother was a very elegant lady who was always well put together. I used to watch how she’d do her makeup and then try to duplicate it when I had “alone” time. When I was a teenager I could wear her clothes and developed a taste for classic styles. By the time I came out I already had most of the basics down, but your help has really made it possible for me to fine tune my look.
Thank you SO much!
Lovely article – eye lashes are something my sister hit on when she was first familiar with my fem side. She is OK with fixing eyelash extensions for me that I can leave on from Friday night until Monday morning. I sometimes get the odd look if I go out in male mode but what the hell. Eyelashes are an important part of my feminine psyche and I just love them.
The best way to go and there 3D mascara for 29.00 dollars
Lucille
Really intriguing advice and tips. I have not tried any eyelash innovations to date; however, I shall give the Fiber Mascara amongst other tips a definite “go”.
Love Richard
Hi Lucille
Great article very informative as usual in everything you post,
I been Lucky because my natural lashes are longer ,but now I that I getting older I try help my lashes by apply a mix of castor and avocado oil directly to my lashes with my fingers, every night before bed, just a little tap with a finger.
Love Joanna
I have read warnings from the manufacturer, and reports on Latisse and they say that one of the possible side effects of this product is that it may have a tendency to darken the color of the eyes! If you love your baby-blues as much as I do, it may not be the way to go!
That’s a great point, Katrina. I did more research into this and found that the medication in Latisse CAN darken the eyes if it’s applied directly to the cornea. However, this hasn’t been found to happen when applied to the lashes. (Latisse still has to warn of this as a potential side effect.) Here’s more info for anybody who is curious:
https://www.realself.com/question/latisse-eye-color-change
I agree with you, Katrina – if you love your eye color, I’d be cautious nonetheless!