Can Mascara Help You Get Long and Healthy Eyelashes After Chemo? Here are 5 Mascaras Rounded up For You
As an oncologist, having ten years of rich experience under my belt, I get tons of questions from my chemo patients who have lost their lashes to chemotherapy.
The most common question being- My eyelashes started to grow back. Can I use mascara?
And before I answer it, let’s have some real talk.
Losing eyelashes is like losing your identity.
I thought so earlier. But it’s deeper than that.
It’s deeper than the less-feminine, less-attractive feeling chemo-patients have to go through after chemo.
It’s even more serious than their struggle to maintain their self-confidence—especially when everyone is telling them how beautiful they think they are.
The reality is that the feeling of "not being right" can slow down the recovery after chemo.
This is the last thing any doctor would want for their patients.
The good news is that it is possible to get longer, fuller lashes and help them regain their lost confidence.
And mascara is a good start. In fact, there are some great mascaras that can help enhance thin lashes and fill out and elongate new lash growth.
But not all mascaras are created equal.
Therefore, I’ve tested some famous brands with my clients, and here are the results.
#1 Primelash Mascara by PrimePrometics
This mascara is a solid choice for those who want an all-natural option.
Its real secret lies in its wand and formula duo.
The wand is one that’s shaped so as to not stab you in the eyes (you know how it is). The ergonomic wand gives you a perfect finish, irrespective of any tremors or shakes.
The wand separates the tiniest lashes for zero clumps, and the formula coats each lash evenly with no flaking or smudging and delivers the perfect amount of product to each lash.
I was surprised to see how its buildable formula could elongate my client’s menopause lashes immediately.
What was even more surprising was that we noticed a 20% increase in the growth of her natural lashes.
Unlike other chemical-based mascaras that use synthetic dyes and aluminum powder (that kills your regrowing lashes and gives you pink eye), this mascara has vitamins and herb oils in its blend that nourishes from within and can be used as part of a daily treatment protocol to promote natural lash growth.
PrimeLash Mascara by PrimePrometics is a peptide-based formula that helps grow lashes faster, as well as nourish them. It provides the needed nourishment to the roots with every application. It contains Vitamins A, B, C, E, and H in a base of essential fatty acid-rich olive oil and avocado oil that provides strength and encourages growth.
If you're looking for something to help your lashes grow back after illness or chemotherapy, this could be the right product for you.
#1 PrimeLash Mascara by PrimePrometics
This mascara is a solid choice for those who want an all-natural option.
Its real secret lies in its wand and formula duo.
The wand is one that’s shaped so as to not stab you in the eyes (you know how it is). The ergonomic wand gives you a perfect finish, irrespective of any tremors or shakes.
The wand separates the tiniest lashes for zero clumps, and the formula coats each lash evenly with no flaking or smudging and delivers the perfect amount of product to each lash.
I was surprised to see how its buildable formula could elongate my client’s menopause lashes immediately.
What was even more surprising was that we noticed a 20% increase in the growth of her natural lashes.
Unlike other chemical-based mascaras that use synthetic dyes and aluminum powder (that kills your regrowing lashes and gives you pink eye), this mascara has vitamins and herb oils in its blend that nourishes from within and can be used as part of a daily treatment protocol to promote natural lash growth.
PrimeLash Mascara by PrimePrometics is a peptide-based formula that helps grow lashes faster, as well as nourish them. It provides the needed nourishment to the roots with every application. It contains Vitamins A, B, C, E, and H in a base of essential fatty acid-rich olive oil and avocado oil that provides strength and encourages growth.
If you're looking for something to help your lashes grow back after illness or chemotherapy, this could be the right product for you.
#2 Voluminous Lash Paradise by L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is a waterproof mascara with a curved brush that makes it easier to apply.
It's available in a variety of colors, and it's easy to remove.
However, there are some downsides—
It sheds literally everywhere when you put it on, and the little dots are impossible to remove without a makeup remover.
Moreover, it eventually clumps and falls off a couple of hours after the makeup.
If you have very thin or sparse lashes, this mascara might not be enough to give your eyelashes the volume and length that you want.
#2 Voluminous Lash Paradise by L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is a waterproof mascara with a curved brush that makes it easier to apply.
It's available in a variety of colors, and it's easy to remove.
However, there are some downsides—
- It sheds literally everywhere when you put it on, and the little dots are impossible to remove without a makeup remover.
- Moreover, it eventually clumps and falls off a couple of hours after the makeup.
- If you have very thin or sparse lashes, this mascara might not be enough to give your eyelashes the volume and length that you want.
#3 Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estée Lauder
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estée Lauder is, as you might expect from the name of this product, a mascara that promises to deliver volume.
This mascara comes in a tube that is larger than your average mascara and has a huge brush.
The brush is so large, it's impossible not to transfer some of the product to your upper lids when applying it.
But what really makes this mascara fall short of being good is its pigment—dark black makes for an odd contrast no matter how many coats you use or how well it applies.
It does come off after a couple of hours (especially if exposed to water) so if you are someone who likes to touch up their makeup throughout the day, then this may not be ideal for you because you need constant touch-ups (which isn't really necessary).
The brush itself is enormous and barely fits in my hand. But overall? Not worth it unless you’re looking for something quick and easy.
#3 Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estée Lauder
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estée Lauder is, as you might expect from the name of this product, a mascara that promises to deliver volume.
This mascara comes in a tube that is larger than your average mascara and has a huge brush.
The brush is so large, it's impossible not to transfer some of the product to your upper lids when applying it.
But what really makes this mascara fall short of being good is its pigment—dark black makes for an odd contrast no matter how many coats you use or how well it applies.
It does come off after a couple of hours (especially if exposed to water) so if you are someone who likes to touch up their makeup throughout the day, then this may not be ideal for you because you need constant touch-ups (which isn't really necessary).
The brush itself is enormous and barely fits in my hand. But overall? Not worth it unless you’re looking for something quick and easy.
#4 Worth The Hype Mascara by NYX
Well, if you are looking for a cheap and easily available mascara, this is the one (costs $8.9 at Walmart). However, it doesn’t live up to its hype!
This is the first product that I tried from NYX. I really wanted to like it because of its affordable price tag, but unfortunately, it did not work for me.
The mascara goes on smoothly with no clumping, which is nice if you're applying just one coat.
However, immediately after applying one layer of mascara, my lashes stuck together and looked like spider legs!
When it comes to lengthening your lashes, this product does not deliver either.
It creates clumps instead of separating each lash, so they end up looking shorter than they already are!
#4 Worth The Hype Mascara by NYX
Well, if you are looking for a cheap and easily available mascara, this is the one (costs $8.9 at Walmart). However, it doesn’t live up to its hype!
This is the first product that I tried from NYX. I really wanted to like it because of its affordable price tag, but unfortunately, it did not work for me.
The mascara goes on smoothly with no clumping, which is nice if you're applying just one coat.
However, immediately after applying one layer of mascara, my lashes stuck together and looked like spider legs!
When it comes to lengthening your lashes, this product does not deliver either.
It creates clumps instead of separating each lash, so they end up looking shorter than they already are!
#5 Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula by CLINIQUE
This mascara provides some volume and could be used if you’re in a hurry because it goes on so smoothly.
However, my patients with chemo lashes didn't like it because it's so thick and difficult to apply.
Moreover, some people find that their eyes become ‘watery’ after the treatment; if this is the case, this product isn't for you.
This is because once the mascara dries up (which happens pretty quickly), it causes your lashes to flake off, leaving tiny bits of black specks along your face that can wash over your face.
Moreover, compared to other products in the list, the price may seem high as well. Some users were not satisfied with how long one tube lasted and had to buy replacement tubes every month.
#5 Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula by CLINIQUE
This mascara provides some volume and could be used if you’re in a hurry because it goes on so smoothly.
However, my patients with chemo lashes didn't like it because it's so thick and difficult to apply.
Moreover, some people find that their eyes become ‘watery’ after the treatment; if this is the case, this product isn't for you.
This is because once the mascara dries up (which happens pretty quickly), it causes your lashes to flake off, leaving tiny bits of black specks along your face that can wash over your face.
Moreover, compared to other products in the list, the price may seem high as well. Some users were not satisfied with how long one tube lasted and had to buy replacement tubes every month.
PrimeLash Mascara is a good choice for chemo lashes. You can apply mascara without worrying about getting pink eyes or losing lashes to chemical-based products.
Remember, whether it's one of these products or another, do not despair! You're beautiful and you don't need any validation to feel good about yourself.