They are around more than you think.
Today long eyelashes seem to be considered a sign of femininity in most cultures. Not all of us are blessed with this trait. Women go to far lengths to achieve this coveted look. Yes, we get our lashes extended, and buy every mascara on the market because we saw tarantula lashes on the model in the ad; not knowing that most, if not all, mascara models are wearing faux cils, duh. Fake lashes can cost between $2-$20 (USD) and it's an easy, affordable and fun way to summon your inner celebrity/femininity/vamp/(you fill in the blank.)
Examples of false lashes:
Lashes won't do any good without quality glue. Yes, quality. Not those mini vials of ill-smelling runny glue at the local stop 'n shop. I am confident to say that Duo glue is simply the best. It is a surgical adhesive so it will stay on strongly, unlike lash glues that may burn or irritate. However, Duo does contain latex so if you are allergic to latex, skip out on this glue. Instead, try Vincent Longo's non-latex adhesive glue.
There are two different types of false lashes. They will either come in strip or individual which will provide you with different effects.
a. The strip is the easier of the two to put on, instantly dramatizing your eye. Strips can vary in full length for the entire top lash line, corners for just the ends, and bottoms for your lower lash line.
b. The individuals are more difficult to apply but they are more natural. Great for wedding makeup or day, but these little devils take practice and patience. Individuals are wonderful for creating a natural, full look on any part of your lashes.
*Tip: Applying false lashes should be the very last step. Your eye makeup should be already be done. Be sure to curl and apply mascara BEFORE taking these next steps.
What you will need:
1. Lash strips
2. Lash glue (Duo)
3. Tweezers
4. Sharp scissors
5. Flat toothpick
6. A liquid or cream eyeliner
7. A black eye shadow
STEP one:
With the prep step already done, take out a lash strip and set it on top of your lashes. Most false lashes will need to be trimmed. While looking in the mirror, adjust accordingly keeping note how much of the strip you may have to cut for a perfect fit.
Take your sharp scissors and cut the excess. Repeat step for the other eye.
STEP two:
Now that you have your perfectly fit lashes, apply glue on a clean, disposable surface. The key to flawless lash application is the glue's consistency when it goes on the strip. You want it to be tacky, so let it sit on your surface for a minute.
STEP three:
With a stiff eye brush, apply black eye shadow on the clear, shiny part of your lash strip. This will matte down the clear strip to make it look more natural and realistic when applied.
STEP four:
Picking up one strip, holding the lash end, apply the glue with the flat end of the toothpick on the strip. Be careful to apply a thin layer of glue only on the strip. Hold both ends of your lash strip and bend in a "U" shape about 5-6 times.
STEP five:
Next, with your tweezers hold the center of the strip and match it up to the center of your eye. Remember, you want to rest them directly on top of where your lashes meet the skin. With your two hands, place the ends down to the corners of your eye. Hold down for about 30 seconds, limiting the times you blink. Repeat with the other eye.
*Tip: If you have trouble with this step don't feel discouraged. Applying false lashes definitely takes practice and patience.
STEP six:
With your false lashes now in place, apply liquid or cream eyeliner on top of the lash line to hide the strip. Repeat with the other eye.
You now have beautiful, full lashes. Optional: Bat, hither and stare.
