Applying False Lashes

Take a close look at every celebrity photo taken on the red carpet. Most of those women have got falsies on, either a full strip, or single lash extensions. Even the girls in the mascara ads wear them, which kind of defeats the purpose. How many times have you applied four coats of the thickest mascara, only to find that on your short, thin lashes, it just looks like a daddy-long-legs got tangled up, or at worst, Barbara Cartland?

To get that full, lush, doe-eyed look, you’ve got to try false lashes.  There are two types – the full strip – or single lash. Don’t be afraid to try both – they give very different results.

The full strip is best for a big night out, giving maximum ooh-la-la. Here’s how to apply:

1.     Ensure your eyelid is clean and has no oily residue. Wash hands well.

2.     Measure the strip against your lash line. It may be too long. Cut the end off – from the LONG end – to fit ie, the outer part of the eye.

3.     Apply the glue along the lash strip. Wait 30 seconds for it to dry slightly.

4.     Here’s the hard part. If your hands are shaking, don’t bother. If you don’t like touching your eye, also don’t bother. The eye is a delicate area and any ripping of glue from eyelid will be very aggravating.

5.     With one hand holding the lash line tight, place the inner corner of the lashes right up against your lash line. Using your finger, or a cotton bud, line the rest of the lashes up along the lash line.  Work slowly but surely.

6.     Check in the mirror before the glue dries. If it looks wonky, take them off, using a water-soaked cotton wool pad. Start again from Step 1.

7.     If it looks good, lie still for 5 minutes to let dry. Then, do the other eye.

The effect of full lashes can be quite unnerving, especially with an un-madeup face and your trackpants on. Persevere however, because once you’ve got that special new party frock with the latest smoky eyeliner on, and a new up-do with some gorgeous earrings, the total look will be amazing.

However, if you just really don’t like your short lashes, and want to go for a more subtle look, you can try single lash extensions. These can be applied to last for up to eight weeks (not recommended if you wear contact lenses, or have trouble with eye irritations).  Cerise Makeup and Lash Bar in Grey Lynn, Auckland (09 361 6366) is the place to go for this – prices start from $90.  Or, you can try it at home yourself first, using single lashes bought from a chemist or department store, to make sure you like the look. Here’s how to apply:

1.     Again, ensure you have clean eyelids, and no oily residues. Wash those hands!

2.     Check the length of the lash against your own lashes. If it’s much longer than your own, you may want to trim them.

3.     Apply a dot of glue at the bottom of the lash. Wait for it to dry slightly.

4.     Place the lash anywhere you like along the lash line.

5.     Repeat steps 2 & 3, dotting the lashes in until you’re happy with the look.

6.     Again, lie still for 5 minutes to allow them to dry thoroughly. Then go and flutter those babies!

Along with all beauty products, the quality of false lashes varies. One-off sets can be purchased from chemists or department stores. At the other end of the scale, try She Uemura False Eyelashes Luxe – designed around those made from mink for celebrities. Available from www.mantrap.co.nz. Alternatively, head to your local MAC store, which not only sells beautiful lash sets, but will apply them for you as well. Win-win!

Tell us about your falsie experiments – successful or not?

Amy McDonald