If you’ve ever tried fake eyelashes, you may have discovered achieving Bambi eyes isn’t an entirely painless (or affordable) beauty trend. Lash extensions and lifts require maintenance and care, and the chemicals used along the way are rarely safe for you or the environment. This goes for the toxic glues used in single-use drugstore lashes, too.

The good news is, Mother Nature has us covered. Though we believe that each person is beautiful as they are, we also get that it can feel good to have thicker, longer, or just healthier lashes. And for that, we turn to plant-based oils and remedies.

Here are a few of our favorite natural methods—and then a couple of our favorite natural products for when we’re feeling less DIY. Top off with natural mascara and a few of our other favorite organic makeup products.

*When using oils, we recommend ones which are cold-pressed, fair trade, and/or organic. 

At-Home Methods For Lash Lifting

Application: Use a small mascara wand and apply a few drops at night after washing your face. You can also use a Q-Tip or your fingers to coat lashes gently. Apply faithfully for three to six months to begin seeing results!

1. Castor Oil

One of the most talked-about oils for lifting lashes is castor oil—a vegetable oil derived from seeds of a plant native to tropical areas in Africa and Asia. It’s a thick and glossy liquid with a yellowish tint, and it’s touted as one of nature’s best for healthier and longer lashes.

Castor oil is mostly ricinoleic acid, an omega fatty acid which nourishes brittle and fine hairs, spurring health and growth. The oil is also rich in vitamin E, which repairs damaged follicles and prevents further breakage. It also includes properties that moisturize and hydrate even the most delicate of lashes.

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2. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has been used for beauty, skin care, and natural health remedies for centuries. It’s made from leftover pressed grape seeds from winemaking, and many historians believe it was used for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece.

With its linoleic acid content (an omega 6 fatty acid to combat hair loss), this lightweight oil is ideal for long and luscious lashes. It also contains vitamin E, which is loved for its moisturizing and strengthening abilities.

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3. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a golden liquid extracted from Jojoba seeds; the shrubby plant is native to the dry, southern regions of Arizona and California and parts of northwestern Mexico. The oil is loved for its abundance of rich vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which, as mentioned above, is essential for healing damaged hair.

As an eyelash enhancer, jojoba oil is a favorite because it moisturizes, protects follicles, and encourages growth. It has regenerative properties as well, and, when used loyally, it is said to gift longer and thicker lashes.

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4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of those plants with a laundry list of health and skincare benefits, and it’s beloved for gifting lashes a natural shine. The gel even has antibacterial and antifungal properties to combat infections that may harm your hair and prevent growth. The best part is, many of us already have this lanky succulent growing in our homes. Here’s how to cut up and scoop the juice from the leaves.

For lash lifting, aloe vera gel is best used in conjunction with other oils—many DIY beauty bloggers recommend combining it with castor/jojoba oil, mixing one part oil with one part gel.

Our Picks

Natural & Eco-Friendly Products

1. Luna Nectar

Our Pick | Moon Boost Lash & Brow Serum
Price | $75 for 3 month supply

A Canadian brand specializing in natural and vegan skincare and wellness products, Luna Nectar has one of the most natural and ethical lash-boosts on the market: Moon Boost. Packaged in a fair trade bamboo tube and shipped in recycled paper boxes, this lash lifter is made with natural ingredients, including aloe vera juice, argan oil, red clover extract, and sweet almond oil.

All ingredients in Moon Boost are ethically sourced, and the product is free from parabens, sulfates, dyes, fragrances, or any of the other harmful chemicals often found in cosmetic products. Users attest to seeing results after only two weeks.

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2. LASHFOOD

Our Pick | Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Price | $78 for 3 month supply

LASHFOOD is “The World’s First & Only Ecocert Natural Eyelash Enhancer,” and it comes in a mascara-like tube made with Ecocert compliant and sustainable materials. Created in California by a mother-daughter team, this natural lash serum is packed with skin-loving ingredients such as lavender water, herbal extracts, arginine, and soy protein.

The formula is gluten- and irritation-free, as well as certified natural & organic. It’s also free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and GMOs. Check out the LASHFOOD diaries for application tips and to see real-life reviews.

Shop Shop LASHFOOD

2. Plume Science

Our Pick | Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum
Price | $95 for 3–4 month supply

Plume Science specializes in creating natural lash and brow serums that actually work. Reviewers claim dramatic results in as few as 17 days. With all natural ingredients, including aloe vera gel, castor oil, and vitamin e, this tiny tube is truly effective.

It lives up to the Credo Clean Standard as well; the product is fragrance-free so no irritated eyes over here! Simply longer, more luscious lashes. *Bats eyes repeatedly.*

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