Like a lot of women I know, I have a love-hate relationship with my eyelashes. I love ‘em when they’re smothered in five coats of Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara. But I hate ‘em when I wipe off all that mascara and am left with near-invisible, straight stubs. The worst.

For four years now I’ve been hunting for a product to help grow my lashes into longer, thicker, darker and curlier hairs. I think I’ve finally got the formula down pat! With these three items, I’m enjoying longer lashes than ever before. 

Here’s how you can grow yours, too:

1. Start using Boots’ No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum ($9.99).

Eyelash serums can be ridiculously expensive, so when I found No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum for only $9.99 at Target and discovered its stellar reviews on Boots.com, I pounced. After four weeks of nightly application, I noticed my lashes looking fuller and darker. You may never stop using this. Major pro: the formula is clear and non-irritating, and can be applied to brows as well.

2. Stop using an eyelash curler.

…and start using a toothbrush. Since I wanted to grow my lashes, I needed to find a gentler approach to curling. Now, I brush my lashes “up” using a soft, fluffy toothbrush that I’ve bought just for that purpose. The brushing motion helps you naturally lift your lashes into an upright, curled position.

3. Apply POND’S, liberally.

Treat yourself and your lashes to a tub of POND’S (only $4.49 at Walgreen’s). When you use a dollop of POND’S and a soft tissue to remove you eye makeup, you'll experience significantly less “eyelash suicide” than if you use a makeup wipe.