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10 ways to grow your eyelashes LONG without getting extensions
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This is how to get naturally gorgeous eyelashes. - photo by Lindsey Miller
There have been some pretty intense beauty trends over the years, but one thing hasnt changed the desire for long, voluminous eyelashes. As a teenager, I obsessed over what mascara would make my already lengthy eyelashes look longer, and now I see women everywhere sporting lash extensions and falsies.

While false lashes are a quick way to get the length and volume you desire, they can get very expensive. Even worse, they can cause serious damage to your existing lashes and in some cases, they can damage your actual eyeballs with serious infections.

So before you run to the salon to have lashes glued to your eyelids one by one, try these tips. Itll require a little time and patience, but itll be so worth it when you have your long, voluminous and healthy lashes.

1. Eat the right foods

It sounds crazy, but what you eat can have an impact on hair growth (eyelash growth included). If youre looking for longer, stronger lashes and hair, try eating more protein and biotin rich foods.

2. Ditch the mascara for a day or two

Give your poor lashes a break! I know its hard to ditch the mascara, especially if you never leave the house without makeup, but giving your lashes a little rest can do wonders.

3. Remove your makeup very gently

I always remove my makeup with a makeup-remover wipe or simply by washing my face, but you should be a little more gentle. Use a little bit of baby soap for an effective but gentle makeup remover and cleanser.

4. Use an eyelash serum

I was skeptical at first, but eyelash serums really do work if you get the right ones. I know a lot of people who use Babe Lash, and their lashes are unbelievably long. My sister has been using it for a couple of months, and I noticed her lashes were growing like crazy before I even knew she was using the serum. Its an awesome product, and its definitely worth giving a try.

Buy it here.

5. Use a little castor oil

Castor oil can do wonders when it comes to eyelash and eyebrow growth. To apply, just get a clean mascara wand, dip it in castor oil, and apply it to your lashes before bed. Wash it off in the morning and repeat until you get your desired results.

Buy it here.

6. Take biotin supplements

Biotin supplements are one of the most effective hair growth methods Ive ever used. Whenever Im taking biotin, my hair, eyelashes, brows, skin and nails are all in prime condition. Theyre super inexpensive, and they really work.

Buy it here.

7. Curl your lashes

Weve all seen the videos of lash-curler disasters, but if you keep your curler clean and you know how to use it, its a great way to get the best lashes ever. Start at the base for the most volume, then go up your lashes if you feel like you need to.

8. Know the best way to apply mascara

The way you put on mascara can have a huge impact on your lashes. I love to apply a coat of mascara to the top of my eyelashes first for intense volume, then I apply as usual. Its also important to wiggle your mascara wand at the base of your lashes to keep your curl perfect all day.

9. Use baby powder for volume

Add this to the list of baby powder uses, because its amazing. After you apply a coat of mascara, dust some baby powder over it. When you apply another coat of mascara, the baby powder will give you intense volume youll love.

Buy it here.

10. Use the right mascara wand

You should always know what type of mascara wand you need for the look youre going for. For example, a wand made for thin, short lashes wouldnt work for someone with thick, long lashes. Do your research, then pick what would work best for you.

When you follow these steps, youll have perfect (natural) lashes in no time.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.