If there is one thing the Egyptian women of 3400 BCE and I have in common, it’s the desire to have longer, thicker, darker lashes. Of course! They were doing it to ward off the evil eye (since eyes are windows to the soul, they need to be protected against the devil) and shield their peepers against sun, sweat and debris, while I simply want a stunning pair that will make my eyes look gorgeous.
Oh! And while those gorgeous Egyptians were zealous proponents of a “lash growth serum” made from honey, crocodile dung, ivory, bone and water, I would rather opt for something less… um… disgusting. Thank you very much.
But then there is the little caveat that I am paranoid about putting anything in or around my eyes unless it’s 300% safe. Which can’t be said with full confidence for the new lash growth formulations, like Latisse and Careprost, all of which have the potential of leading to dry eyes, eyelid skin darkening, redness and itchiness.
So, time to turn to an old and well established recipe that’s been around for about a century and, according to wise women wisdom, works every single time.
Eyelash serum: Longer, thicker, darker
2 tablespoons castor oil4 tablespoons vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 old mascara or nail polish container (washed well)
1 mascara wand (washed well)
First, blend both the oils together and then and add the aloe vera gel to this mix. Shake well and pour into the container. Apply a light layer to lashes (or brows!) with the mascara wand every night before going to bed. Follow up with a thin layer right at the lash line with a clean eye liner brush or cotton bud. Repeat daily for 6 weeks.
Does this recipe actually work? To track the results, I took “before” and “after” pix of my lashes over a course of 6 weeks. As you can see, I had very sparse, very light lashes a month-and-a-half back. Without mascara, they would seem almost invisible.
These have metamorphosed into long, dark and downright fluttery ones now… in fact, when I wear mascara it often ends up streaking my sunglasses. Seriously! My dermatologist does not find this at all surprising since it’s an established fact that castor oil thickens the lashes, while both aloe vera gel and vitamin E accelerate their length. Yay 🙂
Here are two more classic lash growth recipes for those who are interested. I haven’t tried these personally but have friends who vouch for them 100%.
Eyelash serum: Conditioning & lengthening blend
1 tablespoon aloe vera juice1 tablespoon jojoba or flaxseed oil
1 teaspoon strong chamomile tea
Apply this conditioning mixture to your lashes twice a day with an old mascara wand that has been washed well in warm, soapy water. If you wear mascara, rinse the blend off 15 minutes after application and then apply your mascara. This is a very nourishing recipe for your eyelashes and it will protect them from drying and brittleness while accelerating their length.
Eyelash serum: Lash dye
1/4 cup crushed black walnut husks1 tablespoon chopped sage
1 teaspoon strong chamomile tea
Strain the mixture and apply to your lashes twice a day with a cotton bud.
What’s your secret fluttery eyelash trick?
Tanveer says
I’m def gonna try this.. Btw where did you get aloe vera gel from? store bought or fresh extraction?
anubha says
I made 2 batches – the first one was with freshly extracted aloe vera juice. The 2nd one was with organic pre-extracted juice from a health store. Both seemed to work equally well.
Taylor says
Will hair on my face grow if doing this on my lash. Cuz that happened to me before
katie brown says
how long will a batch of this serum last or can I keep it until it’s used up
George says
nearly anywhere! I saw it at 5 below, kroer, Meijer, target, etc. I personally use fruit of the earth 100% aloe Vera gel, and it’s quite inexpensive. And if all else fails, there’s always Amazon!?
junoesque says
does this work for eyebrow hair too ? am sure i have lost hair off them – want luscious, thick brows 🙁
anubha says
I would think it should since they are effectively the same as lash hair. But haven’t tried it first-hand.
sarah says
coconut oil worked great on my eyebrows. I noticed a difference after the first use.
nisha menon says
wow!!…ur before and after pic has totally inspired me to try it out…:)
anubha says
Thank u 🙂 My own picture inspired me to go for more natural treatments!!!! Pls put up yours once the effects start showing!
Saroja says
How do I store the mix
Kristin says
Wow! I can’t believe how well this worked! I’ve been using Nutraluxe MD serum for several months now, and it does work, but in all honesty it does dry out the delicate skin around my eyes and has even caused some discoloration. Does anyone know how long this mixture “keeps” for? Is it good until it’s gone, assuming you use it every night?
anubha says
Hi Kristin, it normally keeps for a month or so but as with everything related to the eye area, I would recommend making smaller batches so everything remains fresh and unspoiled.
Kelly says
Is this mixture supposed to make your eyes water a little bit?
anubha says
Not really, unless it touches the eye. Then it might sting a bit.
Ania says
Where do you store the mixture?
cindredm says
Amazing! I can’t wait to try this. But I had to laugh about the crocodile dung- what’s worse putting crocodile dung on your lashes or harvesting said crocodile dung? I conjured amusing images of crocodile wranglers risking life and limb for the beauty of their queen.
anubha says
😉
AG says
I’m definitely going to try this. I’m all about the natural methods. Latisse scares me. I actually took Dr. Christopher’s complete bone and tissue oral supplement to help with a soft tissue injury about a year ago, and it made my lashes really grow. I wasn’t sure if it was something that I should be taking long term so I stopped once my injury was healed, and sure enough my lashes went back to normal shorties. I’m 6 months pregnant now, so I’m not going to be taking it now or while I’m nursing. I was just thinking about it this week and how it will be quite a while before I could try taking it again. This sounds great though! And I want to use it on my eyebrows. The other morning my husband looked at me and said, “Have you been tweezing your eyebrows or something?” I said, “I never tweeze. I don’t have anything extra to take out. I just always fill them in every day, and this is me with a washed face.” He thought I’d gone all crazy and plucked out all my eyebrows! In your picture it looks like it made your lashes darker as well. That would be awesome! I’m getting my supplies this weekend.
anubha says
huge congratulations on the coming baby 🙂 And you are so right… these products are scary when you are pregnant. Let me know if the natural recipes worked for you!
AG says
Thanks! This is baby #6 (and last). I bought my supplies on Saturday and started that night. If I remember I will take a picture tonight, though you may not be able to see anything. Mine look like your before picture, but blonde. Here’s hoping they get darker too!
anubha says
6? Hats off to you!!!! I can’t even manage one 🙁
AG says
I’m definitely noticing an improvement in my eyebrows. Another question: do you continue to do it everyday once you achieve desirable results? Or just intermittently?
anubha says
I use it every day for 4-5 weeks. What about you?
AG says
I think I’ve been doing it 3 weeks. Are you still doing it?
anubha says
I did it for about 5 weeks once and since the results seem to be permanent, didn’t have to repeat it.
Jennifer Bennett says
Thanks so much!! Looking forward to trying this out. 🙂
anubha says
let me know how it goes 🙂
Janet Gili says
Hey! Should I refrigerate mixture since aloe is in it. Or you mentioned making a small dose of it every few weeks? How long does aloe last outside fridge to be okay putting on eyelashes?
Jennifer Bennett says
Could you tell me what brand Vitamin E Oil and also what brand Aloe Vera Gel you use? I’m having a hard time finding pure versions of either of these. Thanks!
anubha says
Hi Jennifer, I normally use Colonial Dames Pure Vitamin E Oil and Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel… these have worked well for me in the past.
Amy says
Since you use Forever Living aloe vera gel, do you need to store the eyelash serum in the refrigerator?
anubha says
Always!
shwetaa kapoor says
Tell me the Brand Name – where can I buy it from –
Castor Oil –
Vitamin E Oil
Aloe Vera Gel.
Lynn says
Anubha
I am having a hard time finding pure Aloe Vera Gel. Most have additives like citric acid, carbomers, etc.
is the Forever Living that you use called GELLY?
I am concerned about putting certain ones close to my eye and most say
“Avoid eye contact”
Which Aloe do I get?
Thank you so much
Lizzie says
You have no idea how happy I am that this works for eyebrows too! About a year ago a had a pair of cute glasses(I’m farsighted) that kept plucking the hairs out of the center of my brows. I’ve since had them replaced, but the hairs there never grew back. I’ve never had a problem with my eyelashes, but I might try it on them too, just for fun.
anubha says
Tell me about it! I waxed off mine when I was 12 and half of them never grew back. Thankfully, this recipe helped. It was horrid going through life with half an eyebrow 🙁
Helen says
Well-those before and after pictures…WOW-i think that am going to mix together all the oils there is 😀 olive oil, castro oil, almond oil, e vitamin and aloe…and my eyelashes better be as gorgeous as yours 🙂 Thank you for inspiration!
anubha says
And then post your after pix… will wait for them 🙂
Helen says
Well, i will do this about 5 weeks…master plan is to see does this actually work in my lashes…i have been lash extention addict for years and my lashes are in good shape but now i just got tired of them…
Actually i will do 2 serum test. In the evening homemade oil-mix on the lashes and Placenta Active serum (kind of new stuff in our market) in the morning before eye makeup…
Lets seeee….:) and then i will share pictures:)
anubha says
ooooh… that sounds like a great study. Will wait to hear from you!
Amy says
Oh and how long did the amount last since you applied every night? 🙂
anubha says
It lasts a couple of weeks… I prefer to make a fresh batch after about 10 days.
Eva Zhang says
Hi! Is there any way that u can post the pictures of castor oil, Vitamin E Oil, and Aloe Vera Gel that u r using, and list their names? I found so many different products using the names u provided. Thank u!
anubha says
I will try and mail you the pic?
quirkysachi says
Could you please email them to me, too?
preeti says
ill try this 😀 .I hope my eyelashes grow longer 2!By the way which brand of castor oil did u use.I am from India.
anubha says
You can try Aloe Veda Distil Cold-Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil – it works really well!
sara says
tried today, got health aid aloe gel, it turned into a green liquid and complete concotion is a bit blotchy…is it suppose to be like that? it’s not crystal clear at all
anubha says
It does turn green and a bit cloudy but if you have any doubts would pass!!!!
Anthony(ya male) says
I am going to try this out, however I have SKEPTICAL that it actually grows your eyebrows FASTER, my guess, and that is all it is, is a GUESS. Is.. I am guessing that the oils will make it less prone to break or fall out..
If that is what it does, I would try it, if they don’t break or fall out, naturally your eyelashes will become thicker and longer..
As a male, I sometimes get compliments from females about my curly hair, being their “dream hair” If I could get girls to also compliment me on beautiful lashes, more power to me 😀
elliot says
When I was younger, i used to have really long and thick eyelashes. No longer 🙁 I was wondering, considering all this is about a year old, does this actually work?
maryam says
Hello Dear
Your eyelashes inspired me to try this out.
Can you please email me the name and the picture of the products you have used please??
i struggle finding them.
and can you please tell me about the storage of the mixture???
shall i store it in the room temperature on in the fridge???
many thanks
waiting for your reply
tee says
Lovely….please how are your eyes so white?i need yo!:(
cherie says
Hi! Will you send a pic of all 3 oils to me as well? not sure which brand of castor oil to use. Also, on the Garnier Miracle Cream for night time,…Only found the Garnier in the green bottle promising results in 5 days. Which is better? Thank you!
suzzette says
Is it ok to wear mascara or make up while using this treatment? I would use this at night before sleep
suzzy says
Is it ok to wear mascara or make up while using this treatment? I would use this at night before sleep and of course make up throughout the dag
anubha says
Absolutely… as long as you take off the makeup before you put this on!
Snow White says
If I use this morning and night will my lashes grow faster? Or is it probably not worth doing it twice a day?
Brittani says
Hi I was wondering if you could give me the brand and what castor oil you use? Would olive oil work just as good? I am just not sure which castor oil to use.
Natasha says
Hi! The results you posted have impressed me to the point that I’m trying my best to clean out my old mascara bottle. I really need to know two things, if you’re even reading this: 1. How often do you have to repeat this 6 week procedure? OR is this to become a before every night routine (that’s all to maintain a visible result). 2. Do I have to remove the dosing nozzle on the top of the bottle to get the most of the mixture out of the bottle? I REALLY hope you read this, because I’m not sure if anyone else could answer me these questions. Thank you)
Connie Oliver says
Amazson sells really nice empty bottles with a small brush that works great to line the eyes with the serum. Please everyone use organic oils when doing close to your eyes.
Sam says
Great article
Katherine says
I’ve bought Castor oil but its not cold pressed is it okay to use in eyelashes and hair???
Smridhi Sharma says
Hi,
I made my own mixture and have been using it since a month. It is showing results. I am so happy!!! I am using local drugstore aloe vera gel which is not like Forever living aloe vera gel. Mine is more like gelly types. Is it ok to uuse that? Also please tell me till how long this can be kept? Does it need any preservative to increase its shelf life??
Tricia Davis says
Can you please send a picture of the products you use and where to find them thank you and Jesus bless
Travis says
Sorry for the lame question,but how does one clean a mascara bottle !?
Djenner says
Does the serum itself make the lashes darker ( mine are naturally blonde yellowish so no darkness in it). I tint them but they grow out too fast, I wonder if the walnut solution isn’t too messy to use in staining everything. Hopefully it doesn’t wash off.
Iris says
Hi, thanks for this wonderful tip. I have a question though, where shoukd I store the mixture? Thank you 🙂
LilLai says
Hello.Do you need to store this recipe in the refrigerator? And for how long does one batch of this recipe last? Every how many days do you need to change this recipe for good? Thanks.
Marie says
How many IU of Vitamin E Oil? 5,000 IU? 45,000 IU?
MsR1 says
Firstly, thank u for such an incredible post ( <3 ), and secondly, I really need some extra advice as I want to whip this up soon, so here goes: –
* For the 4 tbsps Vit. E oil – I'm using Vit. E (1,000 IU) capsules and I'm wondering if there's any difference in both, or if I should just puncture them as usual and measure out the contents.
* Storage – I'm assuming that this concoction should be stored in the refrigerator, right?
* Applying a thin layer along the lash line – I'm assuming that u mean the OUTER lash lines for both top & bottom, and NOT the INNER water lines, right? Also, is this mixture safe, or will there be harmful repercussions if any were to accidentally leak into my eyes, especially as I'm a contact-lens wearer?
* Can I use this concoction both morning & evening, and under mascara?
* I read a reply where u said u never had to repeat the treatment as the results seemed permanent. Since that time, have u ever had to repeat it or is the effect still permanent?
I know I asked a lot, but I'll really appreciate your feedback…Thanks 🙂
Nadine says
I am so happy for your results. It’s a powerful mix indeed. I am replacing the castor oil with coconut oil as I like the smell better. In those periods when I have no time to prepare the mix, I am using Cherish Lash serum and it also makes my lashes more beautiful. I was told it’s rather natural (although not so 100% natural as your mixture). Thanks!!
Tilly says
It’s amazing!! I knew about the oils of course, but never heard of anything like this powder mixture!! I love experiments and will try this right tomorrow :)) I use Cherish Lash serum and mascara and I know it’s much less chemical than other famous brands, I love my long silky eyelashes after it. But your recipes are special. And they are definitely good for young girls so I will prepare it for my teen daughter. Thanks)))