BY: KIZZY COURTNEY
Beautiful long eyelashes make eyes look bigger, fuller and more appealing. Sadly, not all of us are blessed with such lashes. Applying false lashes is an art that many of us have yet to master. And a bad application can literally leave you in tears, ruining your makeup in the process. When choosing false eyelashes; those with deep-set eyes should opt for fluffy, dramatic lashes, hooded eyes suit shorter pairs, and downturned eyes look best with natural styles that are slightly longer at the outer corner. Now, if you’re a beginner I’m not saying you should break out your falsies for work, school, or even day-to-day but for special occasions? They can really make your eyes pop. So, here is what you can do and the tools you’ll need.
- Magnifying Mirror: Since applying falsies is such an intricate process, using a magnifying mirror will be a major help.
- Scissors: When it comes to strip lashes, they are usually too long for most eye shapes and require a trim. Hold the lashes against your eyes and trim the part that extends beyond your natural lash line.
- Eyelash Glue: A high-quality glue is necessary for the long-lasting application. DUO is the Holy Grail lash glue, it will keep your falsies in place until you take them off, and it won’t leave any white residue. Squeeze out a bit of lash glue onto the back of your hand and using a Q-Tip, apply a thin layer of glue to the base of your falsies, concentrating more adhesive at the corners. Wait 30 seconds for the glue to get tacky before applying.
- Lash Curler: The goal is for your falsies to seamlessly mesh with your natural lashes. Use a curler to prep your natural lashes with your falsies!
- Tweezers: If you’re not comfortable using your fingers for application, use tweezers. With your fingers or tweezers start by applying the strip to the center of your lash line getting as close to your natural lash line as you can. Once you apply it to the center, use your tweezers to press down the inner and outer corners. As annoying as it is, try not to blink during this process (the glue’s not fully dry yet)! When the glue sets, gently press your natural lashes and falsies together to mesh them. Just be careful not to poke your eye!
- Black Eyeshadow/Black Eyeliner: Once your lashes are applied, check to see if there’s any visible skin between your lash line and falsies. If there is, go in with a matte black shadow or eyeliner to conceal it.
- Black Mascara: Just like a lash curler, you should use a black mascara to make sure your natural lashes and falsies blend well together.
- Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover: Patience is key. When you’re ready to take off your lashes, dab a little eye makeup remover on your falsies, let it sit for a minute, then gently slide the lashes off. Once you’ve removed your falsies with eye makeup remover, pick off any visible glue you see on the false lashes, then thoroughly clean it again with eye makeup remover (go with oil-free as oily removers will make it harder for the adhesive to stick to the falsies next time). Store your lashes in the container they originally came in, and they should be good to go for additional uses. Yes, falsies are reusable if you take proper care of them.
It is best to choose good quality false eyelashes, that doesn’t mean you should go out and buy the most expensive lashes on the market but descent lashes will look better and last longer. Walmart sells great lashes, the brands ‘Kiss’ and ‘Ardelle’ are great lashes to start with. False eyelashes can give any makeup look that extra ‘oomph’ needed to pull the look together. When it comes to lash application, as with most makeup techniques, it only takes practice!
