How to master false lashes (that look like the real thing)
False lashes have come a looooong way – once a dead giveaway (to anyone within a 5-kilometre radius at that), they’re now barely discernable from a fabulous set of the real thing.
The key is in selecting the right type, and applying them the right way, for your eye shape and desired effect. This is what you need to know.
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How to flatter what you’ve got
Downturned eyes: Place longer lashes on the outer edge.
Hooded eyes: stick to mostly short lashes.
Prominent eyes: natural lashes on the outer corner will enhance, not overpower.
Wide set eyes: slightly longer lashes in the center of the eye look best.
Close set eyes: try longer lashes on the outer corners.
What type to choose
1. Strip: “These give a full lash effect and look best with stronger make-up, like smoky eyes or heavy liner,” explains Manicare advisor Liz Kelsh.
2. Individual: The most versatile, but they do take a little time to master.
3. Half strip: Gives a natural or dramatic result, depending on thickness and length. “Use liner and mascara to blend with your lashes,” she says.
How to apply
- “Do your eye make-up, including curling lashes and mascara, before applying false lashes,” says Kelsh.
- “For natural-looking falsies, apply different lengths of individual lashes to mimic and enhance your natural fringe,” says Manicare’s Liz Kelsh.
- For individual lashes, place a dot of lash glue on the back of your hand and wait approximately 30 seconds for it to go tacky.
- Using tweezers, pick up a lash and gently dip the pointy tip in the glue. “Starting at the outer corner of the eye, place the lash at the base of your natural lashes and use the tweezers to tap the lash into place,” says Kelsh.
- Repeat the process until you get to roughly the centre of the eye, then switch to shorter lashes, continuing along to fill in the lash line.
- For strip lashes, “measure the lash up to your eye and trim accordingly”, explains Kelsh.
- Next, dot the glue along the strip lash, wait for it to go tacky, then apply and tap in place using tweezers.
- “As a final step, reapply mascara to blend your natural and false lashes,” says Kelsh.
Lift off!
When removing, never pluck your falsies; instead, “place a makeup remover-soaked cotton pad flat on your lid and slide downward,” says Kelsh. Repeat with extra remover for any stubborn lashes.
