With New Year’s eve soirées just around the corner, I’ve decided to reveal my secret weapon for quick glamour: false eyelashes (well they aren’t all that secret, they are false lashes after all, but they are glamourous). I naturally have stick-straight, medium-length, blonde lashes, and although I have found some great mascaras to enhance them, nothing can do it like a pair of well-done false eyelashes (then again, I haven’t tried Latisse yet). I’ll never forget the first time I wore them around my husband (who was just my boyfriend at the time)- he couldn’t pinpoint what I had done different but he kept complimenting me, telling me how gorgeous I looked. From that moment on I was hooked! I’ve worn them on my wedding day, to holiday parties and girls night out extravaganzas, and even on a Valentine’s Day or two. While false lashes are not for everyone and the glue along the lash line is something Paula doesn’t like (at least not on a regular basis), when done right the payoff can be fantastic. Of course, when done wrong you can be left looking like a mannequin. Allow me to spare you the false lash fiascos I have encountered by highlighting the tips and techniques I’ve mastered along the way.
Selecting the Right Pair
The point of wearing false lashes is to enhance what you naturally have, but there is a fine line to walk when determining how thick and long to go. It’s one thing if you are wearing a costume or going into theatrics, but if you want your faux lashes to look realistic avoid sets that are overly thick, strange-colored, or too long because they will just end up looking obviously fake or overpowering.
As with all cosmetics, when shopping for false eyelashes, spending more doesn’t necessarily equate to better a product. I’ve experimented with several brands and variations of lashes, and I always revert back to my personal favorite, Ardell Accents Lashes #305, which can be found in drugstores and run you about $3.50. Ardell’s eyelash adhesives also work quite well. Ardell Accents Lashes are great for beginners because they only cover your outer lash line, making them much easier to apply. If you do choose to go the more expensive route, self-proclaimed false eyelash experts Shu Uemura have an extraordinary selection of lashes and their boutiques offer “eyelash bars” where consultants will work with you to tailor a pair that suits your preferences.
Application Process
I find it best to apply my eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara first. You may have to re-touch up your makeup once you’re done, but applying the eyeliner first will fill in any gaps you may have if you don’t get the false lashes exactly on your lash line. You’ll also avoid getting loose powder on your false lashes if you apply your eye makeup first; getting eyeshadow off your false lashes is no easy task.
Next, remove the false lashes from the packaging and bend and flex the lash strip band. This will provide more flexibility when applying them to the curvature of your lash line and will result in a more natural look. Practice placing the false lashes as close to your lash line as possible and experiment to see what looks best. You may need to trim the lash strip to fit your eye.
Once you’ve got that down, place a thin layer of lash adhesive along the band, making sure to coat the ends. You can use a toothpick or the end of your tweezers to spread the adhesive. Allow about 15 seconds or so for the adhesive to become a bit more tacky and then apply the strip as close to your lash base as possible, going just to the outer corner without extending beyond your natural lash line. Depending on the type of adhesive you’ve selected there may be areas where you can see the glue. Don’t worry: this should dry to an unnoticeable clear state. Retouch your eye makeup if needed and voila, you are done!
Words to the Wise
Although I don’t recommend adding this step to your daily makeup routine, for special occasions it is an impressive way to enhance your features and add more pizzazz to your look. Chances are it’s going to take some trial and error so don’t wait until 10 minutes before your special event to try false lashes for the first time. The fact that it took an entire blog to explain the process may be enough to scare some of you away, but for the daring souls who want to give it try here’s to fabulous faux lashes in 2010!
