False eyelashes have come a long way since the 70’s when women wore huge and intentionally false looking lashes as part of a daily makeup routine (a look I openly admit to absolutely loving). These days we wear them to enhance or open up our eyes, as well as to achieve those over-the-top lash looks we love. You definitely don’t need to be an actress, model, a professional makeup artist or from the 70's to have fun with falsies. Here's how to apply false lashes so they look as natural as possible.
Difficulty: Average...but easy with a bit of practice
Time Required: 10 minutes tops
What You'll Need:
Ardell - Natural Lashes
$6.50
Ardell’s next-level Natural strip lashes provide the perfect “mine-but-better” looks for everyday wear. Invisiband® provides an undetectable seam and the most comfortable wear. Each option is available in black. #110 are rounded with light volume and short length, elongated in… read more
Ardell - Duo Striplash Adhesive
$7.99
Ardell’s best-selling, waterproof false lash adhesive, Duo Striplash holds false eyelashes securely in place for a look that is all drama in the best way. Vegan and cruelty-free; formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan. White/Clear… read more
How To Apply:
- You have several options when it comes to false lashes: A full set (strip) of false lashes or small clusters of individual lashes. If you like versatility and economy, buy a full set of strip lashes; you can cut them into individual lashes. A full set will create lush, thick lashes, whereas individual lashes fill out your own sparse ones. No need to spend a lot of money on false lashes, they come in dozens of styles, materials, and price ranges. You can get great lashes that are totally inexpensive and use them a couple times before throwing them away!
- If the lashes you bought are too long, you can trim them by cutting them at an angle. Make sure to cut each individual lash at a different length so they look more natural. Always reserve the longest clusters for the outside corners of your eyes. You will want to trip strip lashes lengthwise to match the size of your eyelid.
- To prep for the application, make sure your eyelid and your own lashes are completely clean. Curl your real lashes with an eyelash curler. Trick of the trade: You can warm the curler under a blow dryer for about 3 seconds, just make sure the metal isn't too hot for your eye.
- Apply a liquid or pencil eyeliner to eyes to conceal the lash roots.
- If you are applying individual lashes, put a few drops of lash glue on a hard surface. Let it dry for a minute until it becomes tacky. Use a set of tweezers to pick up eyelashes and dip the root in the adhesive. If you are using a full set, apply a thin strip of glue along the base of the lashes using a toothpick or a super fine makeup brush. Avoid applying the glue with your fingers (it gets messy fast). Wait a few seconds for the glue to dry a bit.
- If applying individual lashes, start at the outer corner of the eyes. Take the tweezers and wedge the glued lash into your natural lashes. Hold it in place for a few seconds so it dries in place. Stay as close to the root of your real lashes as possible. You'll want a couple clusters at the outer corner of the eye and one in the center of the eye or wherever your real lashes are sparse. Make sure to leave a natural space between lashes. The secret is to keep the clusters to five or fewer and stay away from the inside of the eye.
- If applying a strip, use your fingers to hold the lashes and apply on the lid as close to the roots as possible from the outer corner of the eye in. If you notice the lashes are too long, take them off and trim them.
- Use a Q-tip to press lashes in place.
- Once the false eyelashes are applied, let them dry for a couple minutes. Now you can do your eye makeup. You can create a cat eye by lining the upper lashes with a black liquid liner, drawing a wing at the outer corner of the eye and then working back from the outside in.
For a less dramatic look, apply a dark eyeshadow along the upper lash line. This camouflages the false lashes.
- Apply mascara to lashes to blend them in with your real ones.
- To remove false eyelashes, use an eye makeup remover, applying with your fingers. Massage in the makeup remover. Your false eyelashes should slip right off. You can also try water to loosen the glue.
