While eyelash transplants may be the newest cosmetic surgery trend, applying false eyelashes instead can create a variety of looks while saving you thousands of dollars. Try these tips to create a look ranging from natural to dramatic.
Choosing the right false eyelashes
The first thing to consider while choosing false eyelashes is the look that you want to achieve. A full set of false eyelashes can be perfect for a dramatic evening look, but might be too heavy for daytime use. If you are looking for a subtle look, it is easier to achieve with individual false eyelashes. Individual false eyelashes are also better for creating some dramatic looks as well, such as applying false eyelashes on the outer edge of the lid to create the cat eye look.
You should also consider the color of your false eyelashes before you make a purchase. Although black is the most common color, if you are blonde and routinely use brown mascara, you might want to consider brown eyelashes for a more subtle look. Conversely, if you want to make a statement with your lashes, try applying false eyelashes made of fur, feathers, and other attention grabbing materials in unusual colors.
The length of the lashes is also something to consider. It is best to buy false eyelashes as close to the length desired for the particular look you wish to create. Although it is possible to trim the false eyelashes with scissors, this affects the taper of each individual lash, making the ends look more blunt than natural lashes.
Finally, cost of the false eyelashes should be considered. False eyelashes can range in price from a few dollars a pair to a few hundred dollars a pair, depending on the brand and materials used to create the eyelashes. Most false eyelashes can be reused, provided they are kept clean, but eventually will have to be replaced.
Applying false eyelashes
Before applying false eyelashes, apply foundation and any eye makeup that you might want to use, with the exception of eyeliner. If you plan on wearing mascara in addition to your false eyelashes, now is the time to apply it, but do not bother to curl your lashes yet. Make sure that the mascara is dry before you continue.
If you are using eyelash bands, check the bands to make sure that they are the correct length for your eye. If they extend beyond your natural lash line, trim the end of the band with nail scissors. Next, apply the glue to the band of the false eyelashes, and wait a few moments for the glue to get tacky. Carefully apply the band starting from the inner corner of the eye and working your way to the outer corner. Press down gently on the band to ensure that the eyelashes are in place.
If you are applying individual lashes apply glue carefully and allow it to get tacky before apply the eyelashes. Start on the outer corner of the eye and work inward. Also, make sure that you will be creating a symmetrical look from eye to eye. It is important to work slowly and allow the false eyelashes time to adhere to the skin. You might only need a few lashes to make a big difference in the appearance of your eyes.
After applying false eyelashes, carefully curl your natural eyelashes and the false eyelashes together. If you are using particularly long eyelashes, you might want to curl once towards the bash of your lashes and once closer to the tips. Next, apply liquid eyeliner to hide the band or lash line. It is important not to apply mascara to your false eyelashes, but now is the time to determine if you would like to apply mascara to the lashes on your bottom lid.
Removing false eyelashes
Carefully apply a quality eye makeup remover to each eye and wait a few minutes for it to soften the glue. At this point you should be able to carefully pull off the false eyelashes. After you have removed the lashes, look at them closely and remove any glue or makeup on them. You should be able to gently do this with a toothbrush and some running water. After the false eyelashes are clean, carefully put them back on the platform of their original packaging so that they can be reused.
