Eyelashes. They are so small and feather-like, yet they have the power to transform our faces from droopy to wide awake. We spend a lot of time and money making sure our lashes are long, perfect and lovely to behold. Yet somehow, they manage to fall out without any rhyme or reason. Is it us? Are we somehow sabotaging our long luscious lashes without even knowing it? The answer is yes, according to lash expert and esthetician Allison O'Connor of Zenii Spa in West Hollywood, California. The beauty pro sounds off on the common causes of lash loss and steps we can take to keep lashes where they belong - on our eyelids!


Faux Lash Faux Pas
While we totally understand the need for a little faux lash length via glue-on fake lashes, the removal process can be lethal to your natural ones, says O'Connor. "Girls can be pretty rough in removing their fake lashes," she explains. "They'll just yank them off without even thinking about it. What you should be doing is using an eye makeup remover or solution specifically designed to remove fake lashes. These products help soften the glue and dissolve the glue and allow for easier removal." SO the next time you're rocking your NYX Cosmetics Wicked Lashes, think before you yank them off!

The Non-Removal No-No
By now, you're well aware of the perils of sleeping with your makeup on. Well, we've got yet another reason for you to take the proper beauty precautions before hitting the hay: your lovely lashes! "When left on for too long, particles of your mascara and shadow can clog the hair follicle," says O'Connor. "This prevents the follicle from breathing and can eventually stop hair growth altogether overtime."

Be sure to fight for your lashes by removing any and all eye makeup at the end of the night (no matter how tired you are!). Try a gentle cleansing wipe like The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes.

Curling Crimes
You know that rubber lining on your eyelash curler? It's not there for decoration! That little strip was created to preserve your lashes. When left bare, eyelash curlers can do do some major damage to your peepers. "A bare curler can chop your lashes at the base," says O'Connor. Yikes! Be sure to keep that rubber lining in place, ladies!

Rub-a-Dub Disaster
We women often aren't aware of our own strength. Scrubbing or rubbing our faces, for example seems benign enough, but it's actually causing trauma to our lovely lashes. "Vigorous rubbing or scrubbing of the eye area -- even when removing makeup - can cause our lashes to fall out," explains O'Connor. "The hair is so fine and gentle and can be easily ripped from its follicle. Be gentle and delicate when applying creams or mascara!"

O'Connor notes that, despite myths and legends surrounding them, lash extensions can be helpful in growing and preserving your lashes (when applied properly by a trained professional). "Extensions don't call for any products or tools that can cause you to lose your lashes," she says. So, don't be afraid to go big with those extensions gals - your lashes will thank you!

Also, we should add that there are some health conditions that can cause your eyelashes to fall out - and they shouldn't be taken lightly. If you feel like your eyelash loss could be a result of something more serious than rubbing your eyes too vigorously or leaving on your eye makeup, always consult with a dermatologist. They can shed light on your situation and provide you with steps toward a solution!

Are you guilty of any of these lash crimes? 'Fess up in the comments below!

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