Can castor oil make lashes longer?

YES, it can, according to make-up artist ariane Poole. ‘this is not just an old wives’ tale. I swear by it,’ she says.

Castor oil is high in vitamin e, which can slow down shedding and prevent breakage, and rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that promotes hair growth.

ariane recommends applying the oil along the base to the mid-lengths of the lashes with a cotton bud. ‘Do a patch test first behind your ear using at least 97 per cent pure castor oil, otherwise it could cause an allergic reaction.’

try Pukka Herbs Organic Castor Oil (£7.49, hollandandbarrett.com).

a simpler, time-saving alternative is the castor oil-enriched L’Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara (right, £11.99, superdrug.com).