The Eyes Have It
Last month I posted about the amazingness that is eyelash extensions. For those of you who aren’t ready to take the plunge and get the full set of Bambi like lashes, here’s my fave how-to guide on applying your own lashes from about.com.
Here’s How:
- You have several options when it comes to false lashes: A full set of false lashes or small clusters of individual lashes. If you buy a full set you can cut them into individual lashes.A full set will create lush, thick lashes, whereas individual lashes fill out your own sparse ones. No need to spend a lot of money on false lashes, you can get great ones in the drugstore beauty aisle and use them a couple times before throwing away.Shop for false eyelashes online.
- If the lashes you bought are too long, you can trim them by cutting them at an angle. Make sure to cut each individual lash at a different length so they look more natural. Always reserve the longest clusters for the outside corners of your eyes.
- To prep for the application, make sure your eyelid and lashes are clean of any makeup. Curl your real lashes with an eyelash curler. You can warm the curler under a blow dryer for about 3 seconds. Just make sure the metal isn’t too hot for your eye.
- Apply a liquid or pencil eyeliner to eyes to conceal the lash roots.
- If you are applying individual lashes, put a few drops of lash glue on a hard surface. Let it dry for a minute until it becomes tacky. Use a set of tweezers to pick up eyelashes and dip the root in the adhesive.If you are using a full set, apply a thin strip of glue along the base of the lashes using a toothpick or a super fine makeup brush. Avoid applying the glue with your fingers because it gets messy fast. Wait a few seconds for the glue to dry a bit.
- If applying individual lashes, start at the outer corner of the eyes. Take the tweezers and wedge the glued lash into your natural lashes. Hold it in place for a few seconds so it dries in place. Stay as close to the root of your real lashes as possible. You’ll want a couple clusters at the outer corner of the eye and one in the center of the eye or wherever your real lashes are sparse. Make sure to leave a natural space between lashes.The secret is to keep the clusters to five or fewer and stay away from the inside of the eye.
- If applying a strip, use your fingers to hold the lashes and apply on the lid as close to the roots as possible from the outer corner of the eye in. If you notice the lashes are too long, take them off and trim them.
- Use a Q-tip to press lashes in place.
- Once the false eyelashes are applied, let them dry for a couple minutes.Now you can do your eye makeup. You can create a cat eye by lining the upper lashes with a black liquid liner, drawing a wing at the outer corner of the eye and then working back from the outside in.For a less dramatic look, apply a dark eyeshadow along the upper lash line. This camouflages the false lashes.
- Apply mascara to lashes to blend them in with your real ones.
Tips:
- Tip: Just as you should throw away the little makeup sponges that come with eyeshadow, some experts suggest tossing the white glue that comes with false eyelashes. Instead, opt for dark eyelash adhesive, which is usually sold separately at drugstores, usually for about $5 or $6. (Check out your options here).
- To remove false eyelashes, use an eye makeup remover like Lancome’s famous Bi-Facil, applying with your fingers. Massage in the makeup remover. Your false eyelashes should slip right off. You can also try water to loosen the glue.
What You Need
- A full set or individual lashes
- Eyelash adhesive
- Tweezers
