I constantly hear from women when applying their makeup, that they just can’t seem to put those pesky, but much needed and much wanted, fake eyelashes on. They really make such a huge difference in your look and enhance your eyes tremendously (what girl doesn’t want that?!). They show up better in pictures and add that extra pop of glamour. It can be very tricky though, and it is sometimes difficult for even me, a makeup artist that has used lashes for years now, to put them on myself. So I decided to help some of you out by giving you some pointers on how to put them on, which brands are my favorite, which mascaras will help you achieve that youthful, gorgeous look without the fake lashes, and other options for those long, full lashes!
How to Apply Fake Eyelashes
The first thing you are going to want to do, is apply all of your eyeshadow first. Once you are done with that, you will want to curl your lashes as much as you can especially if you have very straight lashes. Now get those lashes ready! When taking the lashes out of their plastic containers, it is good if you can grab some tweezers to do the job, but if you don’t have any handy, just be careful when removing them as sometimes you can end up kinking the lashes and once you do that, they’re ruined. Grab an end of the lash and peel it off slowly and gently from the plastic container. Now you will want to “measure” the lash to see if you will need to cut off some of the length. We don’t all have big eyes, so this is a very important step in the process. Putting an unmeasured strip on your eyes is going to be very, very uncomfortable if they don’t fit your eye. Look in the mirror, tilt your head and look downwards into the mirror. This will lower your eyelids but will allow you to see what you are doing. Now grab the lash and set it on your lash line to see how much you will need to cut off. If none of it is hanging over the length of you eye, then you’re good to go. If you do need to cut some off, grab some small scissors and cut the inner corner (the smaller lashes on the end) off. You don’t want to cut the outer corner (longer lashes) off as that is the whole point of getting the lashes in the first place (duh!)! Now with some lash glue apply a generous, but thin amount on a smooth surface (ie. Counter, back of you hand, the plastic container the lashes came in, etc.), and create a line that is about 2 inches long. Dip the lashes in the lash glue line you just made. Blow on it a little bit to speed up the drying process as you don’t want to put them on your eyes just yet. When the glue starts to fade into black or “disappear” you will want to put it on now. Close one eye and look in the mirror. Lay the lashes on top of your lashes and try to get the strip as close to the lash line as possible. Begin your focus with the outer corner of the eye and lying the lashes across your whole eye, making sure the end are connecting well as these will be the first things to come off if they’re applied correctly. The glue should be tackier in texture at this point, making it easier to maneuver the lashes. Keeping your eye closed, push up on the ends to make sure that they are connecting to the skin right on your lash line. Now open your eye and if you see any gapping in between your lashes and the fake lashes, squeeze them between your fingers to mesh them together. Also, if your lower lashes stick to the upper lashes, you used a little too much glue, but just open your eyes as wide as you can to pry them a part. Now repeat all of this again with the other side. Whew! It seems like a lot of work, but when you have done it multiple times, it will seem like no big deal. Once you have the lashes on, you will want to blend the lash line with liner so that the strip isn’t so obvious. Apply as much liner as you are comfortable with right above and along the lash strip. Next curl the lashes, gently, with a lash curler and apply a thin coat of mascara. You won’t need a whole lot since the lashes are much for dramatic than regular lashes and don’t need a whole lot more emphasis. I hope this guide helps you and you can start wearing the lashes whenever you want!
The first thing you are going to want to do, is apply all of your eyeshadow first. Once you are done with that, you will want to curl your lashes as much as you can especially if you have very straight lashes. Now get those lashes ready! When taking the lashes out of their plastic containers, it is good if you can grab some tweezers to do the job, but if you don’t have any handy, just be careful when removing them as sometimes you can end up kinking the lashes and once you do that, they’re ruined. Grab an end of the lash and peel it off slowly and gently from the plastic container. Now you will want to “measure” the lash to see if you will need to cut off some of the length. We don’t all have big eyes, so this is a very important step in the process. Putting an unmeasured strip on your eyes is going to be very, very uncomfortable if they don’t fit your eye. Look in the mirror, tilt your head and look downwards into the mirror. This will lower your eyelids but will allow you to see what you are doing. Now grab the lash and set it on your lash line to see how much you will need to cut off. If none of it is hanging over the length of you eye, then you’re good to go. If you do need to cut some off, grab some small scissors and cut the inner corner (the smaller lashes on the end) off. You don’t want to cut the outer corner (longer lashes) off as that is the whole point of getting the lashes in the first place (duh!)! Now with some lash glue apply a generous, but thin amount on a smooth surface (ie. Counter, back of you hand, the plastic container the lashes came in, etc.), and create a line that is about 2 inches long. Dip the lashes in the lash glue line you just made. Blow on it a little bit to speed up the drying process as you don’t want to put them on your eyes just yet. When the glue starts to fade into black or “disappear” you will want to put it on now. Close one eye and look in the mirror. Lay the lashes on top of your lashes and try to get the strip as close to the lash line as possible. Begin your focus with the outer corner of the eye and lying the lashes across your whole eye, making sure the end are connecting well as these will be the first things to come off if they’re applied correctly. The glue should be tackier in texture at this point, making it easier to maneuver the lashes. Keeping your eye closed, push up on the ends to make sure that they are connecting to the skin right on your lash line. Now open your eye and if you see any gapping in between your lashes and the fake lashes, squeeze them between your fingers to mesh them together. Also, if your lower lashes stick to the upper lashes, you used a little too much glue, but just open your eyes as wide as you can to pry them a part. Now repeat all of this again with the other side. Whew! It seems like a lot of work, but when you have done it multiple times, it will seem like no big deal. Once you have the lashes on, you will want to blend the lash line with liner so that the strip isn’t so obvious. Apply as much liner as you are comfortable with right above and along the lash strip. Next curl the lashes, gently, with a lash curler and apply a thin coat of mascara. You won’t need a whole lot since the lashes are much for dramatic than regular lashes and don’t need a whole lot more emphasis. I hope this guide helps you and you can start wearing the lashes whenever you want!
My Favorite Eyelash Brands
As for what brands and models I like to use, it depends on how I feel that day and what I’m wearing the lashes for. Going with something natural and cute is appropriate for an event such as a wedding or just to wear for the heck of it. Obviously the more glamorous you want to look, the longer and fuller the lashes are going to have to be. Also, you will want to consider your eye shape. For women with small eyes, something like Ardell’s 2010 will be suitable, or if you have larger, deep set eyes, you will want to use something like Ardell 120. For something feminine and natural looking for a wedding, and for someone on a low budget, your local drugstore or Target is a great place to go for some great lashes. Ardell, Model 110 or 116 (price $4; ww.ardelllashes.com), are my favorites for creating this look. They are full, flirty, and natural looking and are not overbearing at all. Perfect for someone who doesn’t normally wear fake lashes. If you want to spend a little more dough for good quality lashes, Ja’maal Buster, Lash Guru to the Stars(price $12; www.JamaalBuster.com) has some very cute, long, lashes, while also offering those vampy, very fashionista, crazy lashes too. My favorite models are “Second Date Guaranteed” and “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Ja’maal has a pair of mink lashes that run for $125 but I would guess most people probably won’t give in to that splurge unless you’re crazy or crazy rich. Some other great brands that are on the pricier side are MAC (price $14; www.maccosmetics.com), Shu uemura, which can be bought at any Sephora store (price $20; www.Sephora.com) and Smoke and Mirrors Beauty, which Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood wear (price $13.50-21.50; www.smokeandmirrorsbeauty.com). There are soooo many styles and looks that I honestly can’t tell you what my favorites are out of these three brands. You can save the lashes for up to at least 3- 4 wears. So save that little plastic container they come in to store them for multiple times.
As for what brands and models I like to use, it depends on how I feel that day and what I’m wearing the lashes for. Going with something natural and cute is appropriate for an event such as a wedding or just to wear for the heck of it. Obviously the more glamorous you want to look, the longer and fuller the lashes are going to have to be. Also, you will want to consider your eye shape. For women with small eyes, something like Ardell’s 2010 will be suitable, or if you have larger, deep set eyes, you will want to use something like Ardell 120. For something feminine and natural looking for a wedding, and for someone on a low budget, your local drugstore or Target is a great place to go for some great lashes. Ardell, Model 110 or 116 (price $4; ww.ardelllashes.com), are my favorites for creating this look. They are full, flirty, and natural looking and are not overbearing at all. Perfect for someone who doesn’t normally wear fake lashes. If you want to spend a little more dough for good quality lashes, Ja’maal Buster, Lash Guru to the Stars(price $12; www.JamaalBuster.com) has some very cute, long, lashes, while also offering those vampy, very fashionista, crazy lashes too. My favorite models are “Second Date Guaranteed” and “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Ja’maal has a pair of mink lashes that run for $125 but I would guess most people probably won’t give in to that splurge unless you’re crazy or crazy rich. Some other great brands that are on the pricier side are MAC (price $14; www.maccosmetics.com), Shu uemura, which can be bought at any Sephora store (price $20; www.Sephora.com) and Smoke and Mirrors Beauty, which Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood wear (price $13.50-21.50; www.smokeandmirrorsbeauty.com). There are soooo many styles and looks that I honestly can’t tell you what my favorites are out of these three brands. You can save the lashes for up to at least 3- 4 wears. So save that little plastic container they come in to store them for multiple times.
Eyelash Extensions
Another alternative to fake eyelashes, and a service that I actually offer to my clients, are eyelash extensions.
This is a semi-permanent solution to women who want to have longer, fuller, more youthful lashes, but don’t want to go through the day-to-day regimen of putting on fake, glue-on lashes, and in some cases, depending on how glamorous you have them applied, you can even go without mascara too! No one will know they are fake which is awesome! They are literally just an extension of your real lashes. Eyelash extensions are not something that you can do yourself. A certified technician must apply them with your eyes taped closed and with special medical grade glue. The downside is that some spas and salons will offer this service anywhere from $200-400+. The upside is that I charge $125 for a full set!!! I’m just putting it out there…. It’s definitely worth it though to get them, and I’m not just saying that to boost business. They are truly awesome!
Another alternative to fake eyelashes, and a service that I actually offer to my clients, are eyelash extensions.
This is a semi-permanent solution to women who want to have longer, fuller, more youthful lashes, but don’t want to go through the day-to-day regimen of putting on fake, glue-on lashes, and in some cases, depending on how glamorous you have them applied, you can even go without mascara too! No one will know they are fake which is awesome! They are literally just an extension of your real lashes. Eyelash extensions are not something that you can do yourself. A certified technician must apply them with your eyes taped closed and with special medical grade glue. The downside is that some spas and salons will offer this service anywhere from $200-400+. The upside is that I charge $125 for a full set!!! I’m just putting it out there…. It’s definitely worth it though to get them, and I’m not just saying that to boost business. They are truly awesome!
Another upside is that they last up to 4 weeks depending on your lash cycle and the level of after care you provide. It is just like getting highlights in your hair in the sense that you have to keep doing it if you want to keep up the look. The procedure takes about 1 ½- 2 hours, but once you have them on, you will be addicted!!
I use a brand called JB Cosmetics LashOut! (www.lashoutpro.com). To rewind back to why I ripped all my lashes out and why you should definitely be reading this section of my blog…. I had eyelash extensions applied about 4 months ago by a certified technician/friend of mine. Instead of being smart and having her remove them with a special removal solution, I used regular makeup remover and pulled them off…along with my real eyelashes. Did it hurt? Hell yes! And I was stuck looking like a weirdo for a month until the lashes grew back. I wore fake eyelashes every single day and hated it! So heed my advice, and do not take eyelash extensions into your own hands. Always go to a professional when having them applied and removed!
Big Lashes Without Being FakeIf all of this seems like way to much maintenance and money, but you still want to achieve a fabulous, big lash look, then I would tell you to invest in a really good eyelash curler, and grab some really great mascara. Don’t buy in to those mascaras that promise longer, full, lashes.
All I can tell you is, it’s not for real and a total joke. The only thing that works is Lattisse, which requires a prescription, and almost all of those other off the counter brands aren’t going to cut it. They might slow down the lash cycle so that it seems like your lashes are fuller, but they won’t do what they promise which is helping them to actually grow. A product that is alternative to Lattiss and costs about $85.00 @ Sephora is Talika Lipocils Eyelash Growth Stimulating Solution which I used when I ripped my eyelashes out.
Mascaras
One of my favorite mascaras can be found in Target or any drug store, and it’s honestly the best I’ve ever used. I’ve tried so many brands and high end mascaras, but always revert back to my good ‘ol reliable friends of Maybelline. Their newer lines, Volume Express Falsies and The Collassal Volume Express, are great for achieving length and volume! They both have a very black formula and the Falsies has a flexible wand for full application of those little tiny lashes that are hard to get to.
However, since I was 12 years old and was allowed to even wear makeup without getting yelled at, I’ve been using their [Maybelline] original Volume Express (with the curved wand) .
All I can tell you is, it’s not for real and a total joke. The only thing that works is Lattisse, which requires a prescription, and almost all of those other off the counter brands aren’t going to cut it. They might slow down the lash cycle so that it seems like your lashes are fuller, but they won’t do what they promise which is helping them to actually grow. A product that is alternative to Lattiss and costs about $85.00 @ Sephora is Talika Lipocils Eyelash Growth Stimulating Solution which I used when I ripped my eyelashes out.
Mascaras
One of my favorite mascaras can be found in Target or any drug store, and it’s honestly the best I’ve ever used. I’ve tried so many brands and high end mascaras, but always revert back to my good ‘ol reliable friends of Maybelline. Their newer lines, Volume Express Falsies and The Collassal Volume Express, are great for achieving length and volume! They both have a very black formula and the Falsies has a flexible wand for full application of those little tiny lashes that are hard to get to.
However, since I was 12 years old and was allowed to even wear makeup without getting yelled at, I’ve been using their [Maybelline] original Volume Express (with the curved wand) .
How to Apply Mascara
When applying mascara you will want to curl the lashes first, apply a coat of mascara, and then curl them again once the mascara dries. Place the wand at the base of the lash and wiggle it slightly to make sure each lash gets into the brush. Hold it there for 2 seconds and then sweep up. I like to apply the mascara to top of the lashes in addition to the traditional way of apply it under and up. Keep repeating these steps until you achieve the look you want. Careful not to do the lower lashes until the top ones are dry as this is going to create a mess on your lids (polka dots) when you look up to do the bottom lashes. Also beware of applying too much product as this will not only deflate the curled effect but also make you look like tarantulas are on your face or Tammy Faye, and that ain’t cute! LOL!!
When applying mascara you will want to curl the lashes first, apply a coat of mascara, and then curl them again once the mascara dries. Place the wand at the base of the lash and wiggle it slightly to make sure each lash gets into the brush. Hold it there for 2 seconds and then sweep up. I like to apply the mascara to top of the lashes in addition to the traditional way of apply it under and up. Keep repeating these steps until you achieve the look you want. Careful not to do the lower lashes until the top ones are dry as this is going to create a mess on your lids (polka dots) when you look up to do the bottom lashes. Also beware of applying too much product as this will not only deflate the curled effect but also make you look like tarantulas are on your face or Tammy Faye, and that ain’t cute! LOL!!
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