Do you ever find that no matter how much eye makeup you wear, it looks like you're going for the no-makeup makeup look in every photo? Do you want to step it up this season and go for a more dramatic look? Well, wearing false eyelashes will certainly make you stand out at any shindig and help you look like you actually have makeup on in photographs.
Having semi-traumatic, false-eyelash-application flash backs? Stay with me … OK, so you've had some bad experiences applying false eyelashes or bought a pair, but never had the patience or balls to try them out (join the club). Or perhaps you've had them done professionally by a makeup artist, but assumed that you could never recreate that fabulous false eyelash magic on your own.
Au contraire … all you need is this quick makeup tutorial and you'll quickly be rocking long, sexy lashes a la Kim Kardashian in no time. Heck, you might even be mistaken for one of the Dash sisters. Makeup mavens practically gave me a dissertation on how to apply false eyelashes and I boiled it down to CliffsNotes for you, which include steps, tips and product suggestions from the aforementioned pros.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Luckily, you don't need much (and often you can get it all in one package), but consider this your false lash shopping list:
1. False eyelashes
(Obvious, I know, but I had to say it.)
2. Glue
Typically your lashes will come with glue, however, I recommend MAC Duo Adhesive, £10, because it dries clear and quickly.
3. Tweezers or an applicator tool
They make things easier if you're applying them to someone else or using individual lashes. Eylure Easi-Lash Precision Eyelash Applicator Tweezers, £5.95 is shaped like your eye and not sharp so there's less risk of stabbing yourself in the eye (sounds kinda essential to me).
4. Cotton buds or tissue to wipe up any watery eyes
Step 2: Prep
My advice: "Coffee before applying your lashes is not a good idea. No shaky fingers, please."
Aside from staying away from caffeine, you'll also want to take everything out of the packaging and lay it out where you can easily grab it while perched in front of the mirror. And make sure to gently remove the lashes from the package, you don't want to destroy the arch they have or bend the lashes.
Also, I suggest doing all your other eye makeup first and saving lashes for last. So apply eye shadow, curl your (real) lashes and apply mascara before reaching for the false lashes.
Step 3: Take a deep breath and ... apply
OK, this is the critical part, you know, actually putting the lashes on. But it's really not so bad, just follow these steps:
Strip lashes:
1. Before using the glue, apply the lashes to your lids to see how they fit. The strips should be the same length as your natural lash line. If they're not, trim a bit off the ends to get the right length.
2. Hold out your false lash strip and apply a thin line of glue at the base.
3. Wait a few seconds for the glue to get tacky; it will keep your lashes from sliding around on your lids.
4. Use your fingers or tweezers/applicator to press the lashes into the base of your lash line. Start at your outer corners and work your way in. Gently press down to keep the glue from bubbling up.
5. Give the glue about two minutes to dry, then curl your lashes (real and fake together) with your eyelash curler. This will get the strip even closer to the lash line and help mesh your real lashes with the fake ones for a more natural look. Plus, it reduces the tension on your eyelids and makes them feel more comfy.
6. If you have light lashes or if you want to make your real lashes mesh with the fakes better, then apply a very natural-looking mascara. Try Clinique Lash Power Mascara, £16.
Individual lashes
While applying individual lashes are more time consuming, because you apply each small clump one at a time, they can actually be easier to put on. With a full strip you have to get it pressed on perfectly without any "bubbling" -- not the case with individuals.
Here I share how to apply them:
1. Hold each individual lash with tweezers and dip the teeny tip into the glue.
2. Wait a couple seconds for the glue to get tacky, then press the clump on to your lash line, wiggling them in between your natural lashes. Repeat with as many clumps as you like.
Tip: Make sure you apply mascara before putting individual lashes in, it will give the glue more to grip onto.
A few pro tips
Now that you've got the basics, here are a few expert tips:
1. Look down in the mirror while you apply, it will keep the glue from getting on your eyelids.
2. Use a cotton bud or tissue to blot your eyes if they start watering. If you know your eyes will water a lot, try cutting the lashes into sections (if working with strip lashes) and apply them individually. There will be less tension on your eyelids, which will help with irritation and tears. Plus, if your tears cause the glue to slide, it's only one small section you need to fix instead of the whole strip.
3. Use glue that starts out white and dries clear instead of glue that dries dark. That way if you get any on your lid it won't show up and ruin your eyeshadow.
Avoid these false lash pitfalls
Of course, even if you follow our little step-by-step you still might run into some problems. Here are some tips for evading them:
1. Pay attention to symmetry. You want your lashes on each eye to start and end at the same point on your lash line. Remember that you can always trim lashes if they're too big for your eyes.
2. Don't let your lashes droop, or you'll have the Paris Hilton, lazy-eye action going on. Curling them will help.
3. If you plan on reusing your strip of lashes (individual ones usually can't be reused), then don't apply mascara to them. Just use a more dramatic pair so you don't need additional mascara on the false lashes. If your lashes are light, just apply mascara to your natural lashes first.
4. Do not sleep in your false lashes, it's bad for your eyes and real lashes. Instead, at the end of the night, use a silicone eye makeup remover and a cotton bud to gently remove them. Start at the outer corners and roll them toward the inner corners.
5. Don't wash your false lashes -- it will ruin them.
Choose the right lashes for you
So I may have saved the hardest part for last (baby steps and all that). Choosing the right lashes from the thousands out there can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Just follow these guidelines:
1. Let your eye makeup be your guide. If you're going for a smoky eye, then you need a dark, dramatic set of lashes, otherwise they won't show up. Basically, the darker the eye makeup, the darker your lashes should be.
2. If you want to open up your eyes or have wide-set eyes, look for lashes that are longer in the center.
3. If you have close-set eyes, look for lashes that are longer at the outer corners to make the distance look wider.
4. If you want a more natural look with just some lift, try a half-strip of lashes and apply them on the outer half of your eyes.
5. Look for lashes that vary in length for a more natural look. Lashes that are all one length and stick straight up will give you a mod '60s look -- which is fine if that's what you're going for, otherwise it can look dated and fake.
And that is the full guide on your false lash look. So the best option really is to just enjoy the lashes and try different things. Have a fantastic wednesday!
