Applying false eyelashes can take a lot of practice. But if you’re ever in a position to be able to have your makeup done at a counter that offers the service like MAC Cosmetics, it’s a good opportunity to have a set applied to amp up your evening look.
Keen to try false eyelashes at home?
Here are some key tips for making the process easier:
- Trim your lashes. Each set is generally larger than your lash line. Use a pair of tweezers to hold each lash near your eye and measure where you should trim them. Trimming from the outer edge, particularly if they are graduated and slightly longer there, gives a more natural look.
- Pay attention to the band! The thicker the band the heavier they are, and the more obvious it is when they lift at the corners. Brands like Ardell and MAC have variations with less prominent bands, that look more natural on.
- If you’re a beginner, a half set (or a set trimmed to 2/3rds in size) and applied to the outer corners is slightly easier. It still provides a pretty wide-eyed look. Makeup queen Huda Kattan goes one step further and suggests if you want to try a full lash but you’re finding it tough to get it on successfully, try cutting each full lash into 3 equal pieces before applying each piece from the outside in.
- Shape them by bending around a little finger. Some sets are slightly stiff. So to give them a more natural shape before applying, bend them around a brush handle or your little finger.
- Put a dab of glue on the back of your hand and run the strip through to give it an even coating , rather than trying to apply glue directly to the band.
- Wait a few seconds until the glue goes slightly tacky before applying, they’re stick instantly, rather than sliding around.
View this post on Instagram - Wearing a dark colour eyeliner, (particularly liquid liner but soft kohl liner also works), helps disguise the base of the lash band. Apply before you place lashes and touch up after they are in place.
- If you want reliable hold, use a professional brand eyelash glue like Duo Eyelash Adhesive, rather than the small vials that come with many sets. You’ll only use a tiny amount so each tube will lash through many applications. (FYI, white lash glue dries clear.)
- Apply with tweezers, coming straight at your eye and pressing the middle on first as close as you can to your lash line. Release and then use tweezer tips to push the outer and inner corners into place. After a minute use your fingers to squeeze the base of lashes together with your own.
- Most people apply mascara (and the rest of your eye makeup) before lashes, but it’s worth applying another light coat afterwards to help blend your lashes and false lashes together.
- To re-use, gently peel off your lashes and place between two cotton pads soaked with micellar water. Wait 30 seconds and then use a Q-tip to remove any excess glue and mascara. Store back in the case until you need them again.
